HUMANISTS want STONEWALL’S DUCHESS OF religious reps Ruth Hunt on CAMBRIDGE off education better links visits St committees. with Church. Catherine’s. Page 3 Page 8 Page 4

No 5662 VISIT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER ONLINE AT WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK Friday March 11 2016 | £1 Hope and healing in Dunblane I Holy Family Parish to mark 20th anniversary of tragic shooting in the town By Ian Dunn

ON SUNDAY, parishioners of the Holy Family parish in Dunblane will mark the 20th anniversary of the shooting that killed 16 young children and their teacher. Mgr Basil O’Sullivan was parish priest there when Thomas Hamilton took a gun and Pope Francis prepares to committed mass murder at Dunblane Primary School, and 20 years later he is still there. Canonise Blessed Teresa “As we have every year without fail, we’re having an anniversary Mass,” he said. “We POPE Francis is preparing the remarks after the Angelus pray for the injured, we pray for the bereaved to Canonise Blessed prayer, also expressed his and those who still suffer every day.” Mother Teresa, and said closeness to the congregation Many of those involved in the aftermath she would be joined in founded by Mother Teresa. of the shooting will attend. Mike Robbins, Heaven by the four The four nuns—Sr the Provost of Stirling, who helps represent sisters of her order who Anselm, Sr Reginette, Sr the Dunblane/ Bridge of Allan ward on Stirling were murdered in Yemen Judith and Sr Marguerite— Council, and who was chairman of the last weekend. were shot and killed by Dunblane Primary School Board at the time The Vatican announced extremists at the care home of the incident, will give a reading, as will that Pope Francis will they ran in Aden, Yemen’s Sally Kennedy, the current headteacher. preside over a consistory to capital, along with 12 residents approve the Canonisation of the home. Two of the nuns Memories of the Blessed Teresa of murdered were Rwandan, “Everyone has their own memories, Calcutta (above) on March one was Indian, and the their own ‘might-have-beens,’” 15, the final step in approving other was from Kenya. Mgr O’Sullivan (right) said. “All a new saint. It is widely The Pope said he prayed the sadness that’s still there.” believed he will then for those killed in the attack Despite the passage of time, he “Like the rest of the Tribute announce that Blessed and for their family members. can still recall moments of light community I was shattered He finds hope in the special stained glass Teresa’s Canonisation will “These are the martyrs of amid the horror. but I had a job to do,” he windows (above), which feature doves take place on September 4. today!” he said. “[They are] “Waiting in the school [after the said. “To preach the Love representing those lost rising towards Heaven. The good news came as not [on] the covers of shooting] we had no idea of what of God despite the fact “I hope it will be part of the healing members of the Blessed newspapers, [they] are not the was happening outside and how the that the community was process, and that we will have left behind us Teresa’s order—the news, they that give their school was being inundated with devastated.” for the future generations a monument that Missionaries of Charity— blood for the Church. These love and sympathy from people He said he can only is appropriate to the tragedy,” he said. were mourning loss. people are victims of the everywhere,” he told the SCO. hope he provided some Mgr O’Sullivan also believes that Dunblane’s The Pope told the Faithful attack, of those who killed “All Dunblane was being loved consolation. most famous son has done a lot to help gathered in St Peter’s Square them and of indifference, and prayed for by good people all “I hope so,” he said. “I people move on. “It was a wonderful thing on Sunday that the four sisters of this globalisation of over the world. People from the media would hope they found consolation in the Church Andy Murray came along,” he said. “He has killed by extremists in indifference, which doesn’t ask where God was that morning. The and God. That they found hope in the been a wonderful ambassador for the town. Yemen were victims of the care. May Mother Teresa strange thing was that no one on the ground, message of the Gospel and the Resurrection.” We are not just a place children got killed, ‘globalisation of indifference’ accompany her martyr daugh- the people I was dealing with, no one asked He expects he will preach an ordinary but the home of an international star. It’s a who had ‘[given] their ters of charity in Heaven, and me that question.” Lenten homily this time. “Of course I’ll better thing to be defined by.” blood for the Church.’ intercede for peace and sacred After the world moved on, the people of welcome those special visitors,” he said. The Holy Father, who made respect for human life.” Dunblane had to find a way to heal. “But after 20 years we’ve said it all already.” I [email protected]

SCO, 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6BT I tel 0141 221 4956 I fax 0141 221 4546 I e-mail [email protected] 2 WHAT’S ON SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY MARCH 11 2016 What’s On A weekly guide to upcoming Church-related events, more online at www.sconews.co.uk

FRIDAY MARCH 11 day for the rehearsal (12.30 - I The Beginning Experience: 2.30pm). There will then be a residential weekend for those break for lunch and the who are alone through performance will start at divorce, separation or widow- 3:30pm. Anyone who would hood. From 11th-13th March like to attend as a member at the Conforti Centre, of the audience should be Coatbridge. Contact Ros on seated by 3.30pm. 0131 669 0003 or email [email protected] SUNDAY MARCH 13 I All night Vigil. St Gerard’s I Concert by Paisley Philhar- and Sacred Heart in Bellshill. monic Choir An Evening of The Vigil will take place on Concert Classics at St Friday, March 11 from 8pm Mirin’s Cathedral, Paisley on with an opening Mass. Sunday 13th March at 7pm. Tickets £10. You are advised SATURDAY MARCH 12 to bring a cushion for com- I Mass of St Patrick, on Sat- fort. urday March 12, at 11.30am in St Andrew’s Cathedral, TUESDAY MARCH 15 Glasgow, celebrated by Mgr I Lauriston Jesuit Centre. In Paul Conroy, vicar general of association with SCIAF & the the archdiocese. The congre- Romero Trust, The Violence gation will be welcomed by of Peacemaking, Archbishop an Irish Piper followed by Romero and the Search for music and song from St Peace. Fr Francisco de Roux James the Great Musicians SJ. Tuesday 15th March. and the choir of the Gaelic 6.15pm Mass in the Church; League. Cantor: Claire 7.00pm Tea and Coffee; O’Neil. Please come early. 7.30pm Talk. Admission by donation. Contact: 0131 477 5788 WEDNESDAY MARCH 16 The 40th anniversary of a Glasgow primary school was celebrated in The Immaculate Conception in Maryhill on February 26. Pupils and staff from St Blane’s I Primary in Summerston were joined by Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow, parish priest Fr Jim Lawlor and former parish priest Fr Pat Currie for the celebration Year of Mercy Talks at of Mass. St Blane’s was born in 1975 out of a unique open-plan structure and in its early years shared space with non-demonational schooling.An inaugural Immaculate Conception. function took place in March 1976 and the school took the name St Blane’s in February of 1997.The current headteacher, Michele Stewart, is only the third in the Touching Mercy; an experi- schools history.To mark the anniversary, the school have been holding a number of events including concerts, a pantomime, and a fun day. ence of prayer. The Parish Depute headteacher Tracey Heaney said the Mass was beautiful and that the children’s singing on the day was fantastic PIC: PAUL McSHERRY Meditation Group will offer a led-prayer experience around God's mercy. At The Immac- Bishop Joseph Toal ulate Conception Hall, Mary- SPOTLIGHT ON presented the Bene hill Road, Glasgow, G20 I Merenti Medal to a The Crucifixion by John 0AA. All talks are free, open faithful servant of Stainer (above). Motherwell to all and begin at 7.00 pm. the Church during a Diocese in association with For further information please Mass of Celebration the Lanarkshire Society of contact: 0141 946 2071 or in Christ the King, Organists will host a Come- email: frjim- Holytown. Mary and-Sing performance of [email protected] Wilson, a cook at the Stainer's Crucifixion in Our pastoral centre, now Lady of Good Aid Cathedral, FRIDAY MARCH 18 joins a select group Motherwell, on Saturday I Grasping he Nettle Confer- of people in Scotland March 12. The conductor will nce, with Bishop Keenan of who have received be Des McLean and the Paisley. Woodhill Evangelical the papal award organist John Pitcathley. Any Church, Wester Cleddens which honours singers / parish choir mem- Road, Bishopbriggs. Friday service to the bers who would like to par- 18 March 7.00pm - 9.30pm, Church ticipate should report to the Saturday 19 March 9.30am - PIC: TOM EADIE cathedral at 12.30pm on the 4.30pm E-mail [email protected]

Workplace chaplaincy: FOLLOW THE Could YOU volunteer? SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER AT SCO_NEWS ON TWITTER. Free Introduction Sessions Be first to find out offer a no-obligation insight into the work, training and the latest news. hopesCharity of No: Work SC041857 Place Chaplaincy Scotland. Email: [email protected] INSIDE YOUR SCO INDEX TO NEWS, OPINION AND FEATURES THIS WEEK EWTN CATHOLIC TV IS ON SKY EPG 589 Sky Freesat £175 total cost , no monthly charges. NEWS pages 1-7 COMMENT pages 10-11 CHILDREN’S PAGE page 21 200 Free channels including EWTN TV & Radio. LOCAL NEWS pages 2,3,4 and 5 CENTRE SPREAD pages 12-13 INTIMATIONS pages 17-20 Call Sky on 08442411602 for installation. WHAT’S ON page 2 FR ROLHEISER page 14 BISHOPS’ ENGAGEMENTS page 20 Call EWTN on 020 83502542 or e-mail [email protected] WORLD/VATICAN NEWS pages 6-7 SPIRITUAL REFLECTION page 15 SPECIAL OCCASIONS page 23 for free monthly posted programme guide and LETTERS page 9 PUZZLES pages 16 and 21 CATHOLICISM & ISLAM page 24 visit www.ewtn.co.uk for more info.

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY MARCH 11 2016 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER NEWS 3 Church defends role of religious reps on education committees

By Daniel Harkins added that: “It was agreed that the Church would pass control of Catholic schools to the THE Church has defended the role of state in return for a commitment that the religious representatives on education schools would continue to be managed in the committees after an attack from a interests of the Church. secular group. “The presence of a single Church The Humanist Society Scotland has launched representative on the education committee of a new campaign calling for a change in the a local council helps to uphold this principle and law to rid local authority education committees is a sign of the historic origins of the schools. of religious representatives. Additionally, the Church representatives are The 1973 Local Government (Scotland) often experienced educationalists.” Act ensures that three places for religious The Church of Scotland has also defended representatives are reserved on council the statutory right for religious representation education committees, including one for the on education committees, with principal Catholic Church and one for the Church of clerk the Very Rev John Chalmers saying the Scotland. The 1918 Education (Scotland) Act ‘Church of Scotland regards its place at the gives the Catholic Church other statutory rights table as appropriate and would not agree that to influence education in Catholic schools. religious influence on education has grown Gordon MacRae, Humanist Society in recent years.’ Scotland chief executive, said the presence “It is measured and appropriate given that of ‘unelected’ religious representatives is churches and faith groups of every kind are ‘anti-democratic and out of step with invited to reflect the traditions and beliefs modern Scotland.’ (above), said that ultimately the people the which are a significant part of our common “Parents should not be left guessing who humanists have to convince are the parents culture through religious observance and has a right to make decisions over their who choose to send their children to a time for reflection. Repeated scrutiny of the children’s education,” he said. “Every full Catholic school. current arrangements through the Scottish voting member of local education committees “This is just another attempt by humanists Parliament in recent years has not found any should be accountable through the ballot box.” to strip religion out of society and attack the compelling need for change.” However, Michael McGrath, director of place of Catholic schools,” he added. the Scottish Catholic Education Service A spokesman for the Catholic Church I [email protected] Mary’s Meals raises £10 million thanks to government scheme

MARY’S Meals has doubled Mary’s Meals, named after start attending school every day secretary Justine Greening said: the £5 million it raised in a Our Lady, currently provides and children who were previously “The UK Government Aid Match campaign at the end of last more than 1.1 million of the in school but too hungry to learn funding means that donations year. world’s poorest children in 13 become able to concentrate in from the generous supporters of The Scottish charity’s Feed countries with a daily meal in class,” Magnus MacFarlane- Mary’s Meals will make even Our Future campaign was school. The additional funding Barrow, Mary’s Meals founder more of a difference. selected for the Department for will go towards a three-year and chief executive, said. “Mary’s Meals is an International Development’s project to expand and develop “Thanks to the overwhelming inspirational charity, helping to (DFID) UK Aid Match scheme, the charity’s existing school response to our campaign, we transform the lives of some of which matches public donations feeding programmes in Malawi will now receive £5 million in the world’s poorest children. Its pound for pound. and Zambia. This week the UK Government funding, so work shows the importance of The campaign originally charity also announced its first we are extending our project Scotland’s role in the UK’s hoped to raise £1.5m during the project in the Middle East, plans to ensure thousands more international development last three months of 2015, but reaching Lebanese children and children will benefit. We are so effort. Working together we are supporters across the UK Syria refugees in that country thankful to our quite amazing helping to build a safer, healthier, boosted its coffers to £5 with the help of Postcode supporters and to the UK more prosperous world.” million, which the UK Lottery funding. Government for matching those Government scheme doubled “Wherever we begin serving generous donations. I For more on the charity visit: by adding £5 million. Mary’s Meals, more children UK international development http://www.marysmeals.org.uk

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FIND AND LIKE THE SCOTTISH Bishop Keenan of Paisley said that 24 hours for the Lord in St Mirren’s Cathedral Paisley last Friday was a ‘spectacular success.’ It was just one of thousands of Churches around the world to take part in the Lenten initiative, organised by the Pontifical Council for the New Evangelisation. It is CATHOLIC OBSERVER intended also to be a time of reflection and prayer, an opportunity to speak with a priest, and a chance to rediscover—or perhaps discover for the first time—the great mercy at the heart of the Catholic Faith. “Thanks to all the priests who heard confessions and all Deacons and Sisters who led PAGE ON FACEBOOK devotions,” Bishop Keenan said. “God has had much mercy on all His people” PIC: PAUL McSHERRY

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 4 SCHOOLS/LOCAL NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY MARCH 11 2016

New bishop enjoys retreat with Mental health programme at St Catherine’s By Daniel Harkins The second day began with a morning offering before Bishop McGee spoke to the retreatants on Primary School gets royal seal of approval BISHOP Brian McGee spent one of his first the merciful love of God the Father and the weekends since his ordination as bishop with significance of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of By Daniel Harkins School in Castlemilk. Middleton met with headteachers young people from across Scotland who Mercy. The bishop used the paintings of the Prodigal Paul Hunter, headteacher at of schools who use the charity, gathered in Craig Lodge in Dalmally for a Son by Rembrandt and Caravaggio’s Calling of St CHILDREN at St Catherine’s St Catherine’s, said having and Mr Hunter said the recurring faith and fun retreat. Matthew to illustrate his points, mentioning how Primary School received a Place2Be as part of the school point made during the meeting The new Bishop of Argyll and the Isles, who was the paintings meant a lot to him personally. royal visitor recently as the is ‘absolutely amazing.’ was the desire for a broadening ordained on February 18, joined with the young The bishop later held a question and answer school’s mental health “The fact it works with the of Place2Be’s work. “One of teenagers last weekend for an exploration of faith. session and the young people posed several tough programme became the kids on a constant basis in the the things I said was that if we Craig Lodge organises regular retreats for young questions such as ‘how do you become a bishop,’ focus of national attention. school in a private and trusting cannot prepare our kids to be people of various ages, with a mixture of regulars and, ‘why do they wear pointy hats!’ The Duchess of Cambridge environment is amazing,” he emotionally literate then we and those new to the experience taking part last After discussions of the talk and lunch, the —know as the Countess of said. “You can put in a referral cannot expect them to be weekend. The youngsters gathered on the Friday teenagers went hill climbing, praying the Stations Strathearn in Scotland—visited to the NHS and the kids might educationally literate,” he said. were they split up into small groups. More than 30 of the Cross marked up the hillside (above right). the school in her role as patron not be seen for 4 or 5 months, “It was really heart-warming to people in total were in attendance, with one of the The group then split into two, boys and girls, of mental health charity whereas if we put it in here the hear someone so high profile highlights on the first day being a night walk in the and took part in some discussion on issues they are Place2Be (above). She spoke kids will be seen that day or taking such a keen interesting woods to a candlelit ‘oasis of peace,’ a clearing likely to face in the coming years. with pupils and took part in a that week. in what was going on. Within with a cross where the young people gathered for The boys group were given a talk on pornography, sing-a-long before meeting “We had a case where if it five minutes she had everybody some prayers. with Mathew Morgan from Craig Lodge explaining parents and teachers. wasn’t for Place2Be, the child at ease and was genuinely Place2Be began its work in would have been excluded interested and had lots of things Scotland in 2001 and operates from school, 100 per cent. The she wanted to ask.” Ethiopian visitors express their gratitude to in 28 schools in the Edinburgh child was able to engage with The Countess of Strathearn’s and Glasgow areas. It offers Place2Be and work in the visit to St Catherine’s coincided counselling and mental health therapy to overcome what for with the school’s 50th anniversary St Aidan’s knitting group for their hard craft support for pupils via one-on- him at the time was quite a year. Before she left, she was one services and talk and play profound family crisis. He was presented with flowers from the A KNITTING group in St causes. Since it began, the group has been able to fund the purchase therapy. Children can refer under severe stress in school pupils and a friendship quaich Aidan’s church in Wishaw has made and donated hundreds of a number of wells for deprived themselves to the service and and that was manifesting itself —a shallow drinking bowl— received a special visit last of blankets, clothes, hats, gloves villages abroad. can discuss anything that is in his behaviour. And Place2Be inscribed with the schools logo. week in recognition of their and scarves to many charities, Mr Challa and Mr Garse work bothering them, from disputes was the difference between him “It’s a fantastic day for work raising thousands of both local and international, with SCIAF in Ethiopia and with friends and small emotional finishing P7 and not.” Place2Be in Scotland,” Place2Be pounds for a Catholic charity. including Mary’s Meals, The were presented with hats knitted problems to serious issues Place2Be have a project Chief Executive Catherine Roche Two visitors from Ethiopia, Wayside Club, The Innocents, in Ethiopian colours and some arising from social deprivation manager in St Catherine’s who said. “It really helps to shine a Tsegaye Challa and Huka Garse, Women’s Aid and Wishaw Scottish homemade tablet by the or a problematic home life. runs the service, supported by spotlight on our work here and accompanied Rachel Lamb from General Hospital. Items from the St Aidan’s team. Amongst the schools Place2Be three volunteers from a clinical, highlight the importance of the Scottish Catholic International group have been sent as far as The group—which meets on operates in are St Benedict’s trained background. children’s mental health and the Aid Fund to the church hall, where Malawi, Liberia, and Uganda. Wednesday’s from 11.15am— Primary School in Easterhouse, Mr Hunter said the children role that it plays in underpinning they met with the CADALBA As well as providing social in St Aidan’s Church, is now St Bride’s Primary School in fully embrace the service, and a child’s ability to achieve, to parish group (right). opportunities for its members— hoping the recent visit will Govanhill, St Brigid’s Primary he stressed the importance of develop and flourish in life.” CADALBA is a group which of all faiths and none—and encourage more people to attend School in Rutherglen, and St helping children with their mental meets weekly in St Aidan’s to joining forces with the nearby St and join in with the much Margaret Mary’s Secondary health. During her visit, Kate I [email protected] knit, sew and crochet for good Aidan’s High School, the group needed fundraising.

Future of St John Ogilvie’s remains uncertain The artwork of a primary school pupil will soon go on Medjugorje 2016 By Peter Diamond view across Paisley Diocese as 19th June and 11th September the official logo of the diocesan THE future of St John synod. Josephine Young of St Departing from Glasgow Ogilvie’sChurch in Boutreehill Mary’s Primary in Greenock £539 is subject to speculation after won a competition to design a statement was read at a the logo to be used in banners Daytime flights and artwork throughout the recent Sunday Mass. synod. The synod will be the Book before Feb 15th for a £30 discount The Sacred Heart Fathers, who biggest event in the history of still have a base in Smithstone contact Roger Foster 01475 793 987 the diocese and has been House, Kilwinning, have ran the described by its organisers as parish since it opened in 1978, a ‘gathering of people, called EWTN - THE CATHOLIC SATELLITE CHANNEL where is was a vibrant and together… for the purpose of active parish for many years Sacred Heart Provincial at Mass in 80s, has ran the parish for many discussing particular themes The perfect Christian present under the much loved leadership St John Ogilvie’s at the weekend years but due to ill health has chosen by the Bishop.’ of Fr Jim Feeney. However, due said that they had given service sadly not been able to continue Josephine was joined by runner Tel: SAS 0141 774 5000 or 07463 683655 to a severe shortage of priests and and support to the parish for with his services. As of June, St up Ross Crighton from St Ninian’s an ageing population of priests it many years but could no longer John Ogilvie’s (above) will be run Primary School in Gourock for for our Special Offer seems that the running of the continue to sustain that due do a by Galloway Diocese and will be a presentation of certificates church will be handed back to shortage in numbers of readily subject to further speculation as from Bishop John Keenan SAS - SCOTLAND’S CATHOLIC SATELLITE COMPANY Galloway diocese in June 2015. available priests. a number of churches in the area PIC: PAUL McSHERRY A statement read out by the Fr Con Botter, who is in his have closed over the last 10 years. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY MARCH 11 2016 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER SCHOOLS/LOCAL NEWS 5 Sharing ideas about Catholic education

TEACHERS, parents, bishops and pupils came together in Dundee last Saturday to share ideas about Catholic education. The open forum—titled Schools Developing in Faith— (right) was organised by the Scottish Catholic Education Commission (SCES) and has been developed as part of the body’s new structure. Around 60 people participated in the event, which will be a regular occurrence, taking place around the country a few times a year and giving interested parties the PIC: EDDIE MAHONEY opportunity to give their input into Catholic education. understanding of what you Catholic schools and helping SCES resources for parents believe. Your experience as a them to address their mission. and teachers were discussed, with parent within the school It’s about giving parents more attendees given copies of a leaflet community will be all the richer information and helping parents young Catholics at Craig Lodge written by a parent for parents if you are able to participate fully to learn themselves so they can which discusses This Is Our Faith, in the faith-life of the school.” help children. the curriculum for religious Also discussed was a “The idea is that what comes how pornography can be addictive and destructive was an opportunity for some serious Catechesis education in Catholic schools. resource for schools aimed at out of these forums will help to to relationships. The teenagers were given a ‘battle but also to have a lot of fun. “There are two reasons for helping staff ensure their shape the kind of support that plan’ to combat pornography, based around “We hope they’ve had a really joyful and parents to be familiar with This school is ‘being faithful to the the Church can give through ‘means, motive an opportunities,’ with the S1-S3 positive experience and gained an understanding Is Our Faith,” the leaflet reads. mission of Catholic Education.’ SCES to schools but also parents pupils encouraged to be aware of the pitfalls of of their faith,” she said of the young retreatants. “The main reason is that it is an Michael McGrath, director and parishes,” he added. “There technology, and to seek out positive relationships “What we hope is that they experience the love of important part of what their of SCES, said the event was was a strong sense of affirmation and creative outlets. God. They come along for a number of reasons— children and young people will very affirming. but also a recognition that there The girls were given a talk on social media and maybe because they hear it was good Craic—but learn and experience at a Catholic “It is the kind of thing we’ve is a lot more that can be done self esteem, explaining how the ‘lie’of some social you see miracles every weekend when you see the school. However, another reason been focussing on for a few years and should be done.” media profiles can lead to people trying to measure difference between how they are on the Friday is that it can help you to grow now,” he said. “Helping schools The next open forum will take up to impossible standards. night and how they are on the Sunday. They have in your own faith and your own to proclaim their identity as place on June 18 in Glasgow. A reconciliation service, and testimony from the definitely received grace and encountered Jesus in Craig Lodge community followed, before everyone one way or another.” enjoyed an evening ceilidh. Denise Roberts, Argyll Youth Officer and a Diocesan clergy changes announced in Motherwell A final Mass (above left) was held on the Sunday, member of Craig Lodge Community, said it was a before the youths said their goodbyes and departed. ‘great privilege and a great blessing’ to have FR VINCENT Lockhart of St Motherwell Diocese. Lamb in St Joseph’s, Blantyre The Craig Lodge community celebrated its 25th Bishop McGee along and that it ‘meant a lot to all Monica’s in Coatbridge has The announcement was made and Fr Justin Isaac—who arrived anniversary last year and was created out of its of us and especially to the young people.” been appointed as Diocesan in clergy appointments released in the diocese from India in January founders’ visit to Medjugorje in Bosnia, Director of the Pontifical by the diocese last Saturday. Fr —is the new assistant priest at Our Ruth Black from Craig Lodge said the youth retreat I [email protected] Mission Aid Societies in Bill Bergin will assist Fr Joseph Lady of Lourdes, East Kilbride.

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How many invasions has Europe experienced in the course of its history? But it’s always been able to overcome them and move forward, finding itself complemented and improved by cultural exchange “ they brought about ”

Church in England and Wales is inviting non-Catholics to experience confession

Lord,’ which ran last weekend. Pope Francis urged Catholics to ‘cast THE Church in England aside all that prevents us from racing’ and Wales has invited non- Millions of Catholics around towards God, standing before Him Catholics to sample the the world took part in the initiative and being ‘forgiven and recreated’ experience of going to —part of the special Year of by Him, at a penitential liturgy in St confession. Mercy recently launched by Peter’s Basilica. After presiding at Churches in England and Pope Francis—attending their the service the Pope took the Wales are also encouraging local church to receive prayer and Sacrament of Reconciliation before non-Catholics to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, hearing confessions himself as part confessionals to speak in strict better known as confession. of the worldwide 24 Hours for the confidence to a priest about Launching the plans for Lord initiative. The initiative, which problems or issues in their own England and Wales, the bishop is in its third year, is intended to lives. Unlike confession itself said: “Confession continues to encourage people to return to they will not have to go through be a priceless treasure in my confession by having churches and cathedrals open through the night. Pope Francis welcomes the formal steps of expressing own life, and I hope every penitence for their sins. Nor will Catholic can avail of its gift In his address at the penitential Liturgy they be given formal absolution more deeply.” the Pope said sin ‘impoverishes us By Stephen Reilly faced by Europe should be seen from a wider at the end but will be offered a “Even if you are not and isolates us’ perspective ‘in time and impact’ as he insisted blessing. Senior clergy, however, Catholic, come and see. You POPE Francis has described the influx of that this continent will ‘go forward and find itself hope it will offer non-Catholics are welcome in our churches, migrants into Europe as an ‘Arab invasion,’ enhanced by the exchange among cultures.’’ a similar experience of there will be time and space for repeated and at the end we will but said it is one that could bring positive “How many invasions has Europe experienced unburdening themselves to a prayer, and you can approach also give them a blessing rather changes to the continent. in the course of its history!” the Pope said. “But listener duty-bound not divulge the priest and chat with him, than absolution, which is part The Pope was giving a speech to a French it’s always been able to overcome them and move what they have said. and receive a blessing. This of the sacramental process.” Christian group last week when he reflected on forward, finding itself complemented and improved The idea—which has been weekend, do come and join us “I think it would be fair to say Europe’s history of migration and the positive by cultural exchange they brought about.” trialled in Scotland by the and allow God to use the priest that Catholics who go to impact it has had on its culture today. He declared that the continent ‘can bring about Redemptorists in Edinburgh as an instrument of grace and confession go with a bit of a “Today we can talk of Arab invasion. It is a a certain unity to the world.’ during the Edinburgh Fringe blessing in your life, too.” knot in their stomach—but they social fact,” he told his audience. As of last year, the number of Syrians seeking Festival—was put forward by Fr Christopher Thomas, leave with a skip in their step,” He went on to explain that the arrival of asylum in Europe doubled to 362,800 while the the Bishop Mark O’Toole of general secretary of the Bishops’ he went on. “It will be a safe migrants (above), predominantly from Syria and number of Iraqis jumped to 121,500, the European Plymouth, who is also overseeing Conference of England and space to say what’s on their heart.” Iraq, will help Europe in the future by making it Commission said Friday. Huge numbers of plans in England and Wales, for Wales, said: “It will be a safe He added that confession more multi-cultural. migrants and asylum seekers mostly from Africa the special confession drive, space for them where they know should not be viewed as a The Holy Father added that the present situation are also entering Europe. known as ‘24 hours for the that what they say will not be ‘punishment.’ Pope pens letter of thanks and gratitude to Cardinal Pell’s promise to victims of abuse

Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church VATICAN treasurer Cardinal institutional systemic abuse across Child Sex Abuse that he did not George Pell has promised to the world that was covered up, act because the student did not POPE Francis has written a in Lviv, and caused decades of deep gratitude for the loyalty of help lower suicide rates it doesn’t change that.” ask him to do anything about letter of thanks and gratitude suffering for the pastors and Ukrainian Greek Catholics and among people who were The group initially refused to the complaint. to His Beatitude Sviatoslav the Faithful.’ encourages them to be ‘tireless abused by Catholic priests see the cardinal, but said they The cardinal also said it was Shevhchuk, MajorArchbishop “In sad memory of these witnesses of that hope which as children. met on a ‘level playing field’ a ‘disastrous coincidence’ that of Kiev and Head of the events, we bow our heads in makes our existence and the Cardinal Pell (right) met after some conditions surround- five paedophiles came to be at Ukrainian Greek Catholic deep gratitude before those, who existence of all of our brothers privately with a group of ing the discussion were the same school and parish in Church. at the cost of suffering and even and sisters more luminous.’ survivors who flew to Rome to removed. Cardinal Pell Ballarat in Victoria state the The archbishop, together with martyrdom, continued to witness Pope Francis also renewed his watch him testify to an Australian described the two-hour-long 1970s. The Catholic Church in other members of the Permanent the Faith in the course of time and feelings of solidarity with the Royal Commission into child meeting as ‘hard,’ ‘honest’ and Australia has already accepted Synod of the Ukrainian Greek to show dedication to the Church pastors and faithful for all they abuse. The cardinal gave his ‘occasionally emotional.’ He that there were hundreds of Catholic Church have been in union with the Successor of do in these difficult times ‘marked evidence from Rome via video told reporters he was committed cases of abuse by paedophile meeting in Rome and released a Peter,” he writes. by the hardships of war, to alleviate link due to ill health. to working with the group to priests over more than 80 years. statement in which they affirmed At the same time, the Pope the suffering of the population David Ridsdale, spokesman help stop suicides and end The cardinal later said that communion with the Catholic continues, ‘with eyes lit by the and to seek the ways of peace for for the survivors, said they suffering. he won’t resign from his role Church. They were received in same Faith, we look to the Lord the beloved Ukrainian land.’ had ‘an honest dialogue’ at “One suicide is too many,” in charge of reforming Vatican audience by the Pope on Saturday. Jesus Christ, to place in Him, “In the Lord is our courage Thursday’s meeting. he said. “And there have been finances. “No, I wouldn’t In his letter to Archbishop and not in human justice, all of and our joy,” he concludes. “It is “There were no formalities... many such tragic suicides.” resign,” he said, when asked by Shevhchuk, Pope Francis recalls our hope.’ to Him that I speak, through the it was extremely personal in terms On his fourth day of testimony journalist Andrew Bolt in a live that some 70 years ago, a particular “He is the true source of our intercession of the Blessed Virgin of what everyone was allowed on Thursday, Cardinal Pell interview with Sky News ideological and political context, trust in the present and the future, Mary and the martyrs of your to say and responded to,” he admitted that a student told him Australia. “That would be as well as the existence of ‘ideas as we are called to announce the Church, so that the divine said. “This has been a very long, a priest was ‘misbehaving with taken as an admission of guilt.” that were contrary to the very Gospel also in the midst of consolation may illuminate your long process and this is just boys’ in the 1970s. He told “I mean, if the Holy Father existence of your Church, led to suffering or difficulties,” he says. communities in Ukraine and another step in that it doesn’t the Royal Commission into asked me too, I’d point this out, the organisation of a pseudo-synod And the Pope goes on to express other parts of the world.’ change drastically the reality of Institutional Responses to but I’d do whatever he wanted.” WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY MARCH 11 2016 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER WORLD/VATICAN NEWS 7

He received a personal reply, after the priest last year criticised NEWS ROUNDUP in which the Holy Father told a local politician’s assertion him that a ‘Holy Door to Mercy’ that Bavaria was being overrun A dozen sainthood would be opened at the juvenile by refugees. causes advance detention centre. POPE Francis approved the “I pray that as you and your Report on violence publication of decrees that fellow residents celebrate the in Nigeria advance a dozen sainthood causes opening of the Holy Door, you OPEN Doors, an organisation that in a March 3 audience with the may receive these gifts and be advocates on behalf of persecuted prefect of the Congregation for filled with peace and hope,” the Christians, has published a 47- the Causes of Saints. Pope wrote. page report on violence against In approving separate decrees Christians (below) in northern on miracles attributed to the Priest leaves amid Nigeria. intercession of Blessed Manuel abuse and threats “Not just radical Islam, Boko González García (1877-1940) and MUNICH Archdiocese says a Haram being the most notable Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity Congolese-born priest is stepping example, but also Muslim (1880-1906), the Pope has paved down from his job in a town Hausa-Fulani herdsmen and the the way for their Canonisations. outside Munich after receiving northern Muslim political and The former was bishop of racial abuse and death threats. religious elite are also major Palencia, Spain, and founder of A statement that Olivier actors of targeted violence the Eucharistic Missionaries of Ndjimbi-Tshiende will step down towards the Christian minority,” Nazareth; the latter was a French as parish priest in Zorneding, the report stated. “Moreover, Discalced Carmelite nun and southeast of the Bavarian capital, Christian communities in Sharia spiritual writer. on April 1. The statement said states especially but also in other Pope Francis also approved that it ‘very much regrets the parts of northern Nigeria face decrees on miracles attributed to decision,’ but accepts it and the challenge to withstand the two venerable servants of God, stands by Fr Ndjimbi-Tshiende. pressure of an environment that thus paving the way for their Fr Ndjimbi-Tshiende studied marginalises and discriminates.” Beatifications: Venerable Marie- and worked in Munich in the The report found that a Eugene of the Child Jesus 1990s and returned to work for ‘minimum of 9000-11,500 (1894-1967), a French Carmelite the archdiocese in 2005. He had Christians have been killed’, that priest who founded a secular held the job in Zorneding since 1.3 million Christians have fled institute, Our Lady of Life and 2012. He announced his departure their homes since 2000, and that Venerable María Antonia de la to his congregation on Sunday. 13,000 churches ‘have been Paz y Figueroa (1730-99), an The threats and abuse came closed or destroyed altogether.’ Argentine nun who founded the Daughters of the Divine Saviour. Pope sends prisoner message of hope THE latest surprised recipient of a personal message from Pope Francis is a young convict serving at a detention centre in LosAngeles. Carlos Adrian Vaquez, Jr, who is serving an 11-year sentence influx of migrants to Europe for involuntary manslaughter, wrote to the Pope seeking ‘forgiveness for what I did.’ The UK announced on Monday that it The vessels will identify smugglers taking will provide ‘vital military assets’ to help a migrants to Greece and pass the information to NATO mission tackling people smugglers in the the Turkish coastguard so they can intercept Aegean Sea. these boats. Prime Minister David Cameron announced the The UK’s civilian vessel VOS Grace is amphibious landing ship RFA Mounts Bay already in the Aegean. would be sent ahead of an emergency summit Mr Cameron said the migrant crisis was ‘the EU summit on the migrant crisis. The ship, greatest challenge facing Europe today.’ which carries a Wildcat helicopter, will be joined “We’ve got to break the business model of the Corresponding to the Jubilee Year of Mercy by two cutter boats and a civilian vessel. criminal smugglers and stop the desperate flow More than a million migrants entered the EU of people crammed into makeshift vessels from proclaimed by Pope Francis, the “Magnificat Year of illegally by boat travelling mainly from Turkey embarking on a fruitless and perilous journey,” to Greece last year. he said. “That’s why this Nato mission is so Mercy Companion” will help you accept the merciful RFA Mounts Bay and two border force patrol important. It’s an opportunity to stop the smugglers embrace of a loving God, and prepare you to extend boats, known as cutters, will join naval vessels and send out a clear message to migrants from Germany, Canada, Turkey and Greece as contemplating journeys to Europe that they will that mercy to your neighbour. part of Nato’s first intervention in the migrant crisis. be turned back.” Day by Day readingsby 30 different writers Poetry Medita"ons Profilesof saints Catechesis and witness Scripture Devo"onsand Prayers

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HE head of gay rights organisation Stonewall is not someone you would expect to find in the pages of The Scottish Catholic Observer. Current CEO Ruth Hunt is, however, a practicing Catholic and she Tis on a mission to break down barriers and foster better communication between religious groups and the gay community. Ms Hunt (right) spoke to the SCO to mark lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans- gender (LGBT) month, which this year had the theme of faith, religion and phi- losophy. “I think at Stonewall we have often seen the idea that the faith community and LGBT community have to come to blows as something artificially con- structed,” she said. ”There are many LGBT people of faith and many LGBT people have lots of friends and family in faith communi- ties. To think in terms of binaries and opposites is not helpful.”

s Hunt admitted she was surprised that people have been so interested in her own MCatholicism. “I was brought up Catholic, I believe in one Holy Roman Catholic Church,” she said. “I believe it is where Christ is most accurately reflected. I feel at home there, I maintain a good relationship with the Church, I am pleased to be part of it.” She said she ‘had my moments’ of doubt but the Church was ‘part and par- cel of my life growing up’ and when we had some difficult times in our family’s life, when I was 12, 13 the Church I never felt excluded from the Church I attended, which can’t have always been easy for them but never “ felt I wasn’t welcome. A lot can be achieved if you start on basis of love but it’s difficult when people are utterly determined not to hear each other became this very important thing that wrapped around us and supported us.” She said her study of medieval Eng- ‘I never felt the need to break lish at university and figures like Julian of Norwich had fascinated her and reaf- firmed her Faith. “I never felt the need break” away,” she said. “In the past, when I didn’t go I found I missed it, it provides commu- away [from the Church]’ nity and creates a space that is very pro- found and spiritual for me.” Like Stonewall as a whole, she is an IAN DUNN talks to Stonewall CEO RUTH HUNT, a Catholic, in search of ardent supporter of gay marriage though says her organisation will always accept ‘marriage within Churches is a matter common ground between religious groups and the gay community for faith communities.’ The Catholic Church wholly opposes same sex mar- riage, defining marriage as a union members of the gay community feel sexuality, who felt rejected by God,” she As a former head of Stonewall’s ingly less conflict between religious and between one man and one woman open hostility to organised religion, her expe- said. “That’s saddens me, and at work in Scotland, Ms Hunt says she gay communities. to bringing a family into the world. rience was quite different. Stonewall we often talk about the need for was impressed by the ‘generally greater “I think it’s over inflated, the per- As a Catholic Ms Hunt says that gay “Hearing the truth of people’s testa- ‘kind eyes,’ when we listen to people.” sense in Scotland of community and ceived conflict of freedom and gay marriage, like contraception, is some- ment is very important,” she said. “In loyalty that you get here.’ rights,” she said. thing that many Catholics struggle with all my experience, I never felt excluded hile increased awareness of “Just my outsider perspective, the In answer to the concerns by Church and that these are ‘live issues discussed from the Church I attended, which can’t gay rights in recent years has sense that ‘we might have a wee prob- clergy and spokesmen that legislative in Catholic communities.’ have always been easy for them but been a source of great joy to lem with him being a poof but if you concessions to the gay community “We respect religious freedom,” she never felt I wasn’t welcome. A lot can Stonewall,W Ms Hunt says ‘legal rights touch him we’ll have words,’” she said. impede and erode religious freedom, said. “It does concern me the way some be achieved if you start on basis of love only go so far’and there is ‘still much to “I come from Wales and it is the same Ms Hunt is emphatic. opposition is expressed. I don’t think it but it’s difficult when people are utterly be done.’ there. And perhaps within the Church “The rights of LGBT people don’t get is Christian to be harmfully offensive. I determined not to hear each other. “We need to reach deeper into com- there’s more scope for discussion than in the way of people of faith who prac- think there’s always room to disagree “I do meet people who have had differ- munities, to help people be accepted as is the case in England.” tice that faith,” she said. with compassion.” ent, difficult experiences though who’ve they live, work, socialise and pray,” She is also hopeful that, in Scotland She says that while she knows some been damaged by being told to deny their she said. and elsewhere, there will be increas- I [email protected] WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY MARCH 11 2016 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LETTERS 9

LETTER OF THE WEEK Scotland’s political party leaders joined PICTURE OF THE WEEK forces to support SCIAF’s Wee Box Lent Why wouldn’t a Catholic appeal, which this year is helping poor stand for election? cattle herders in Ethiopia to cope with drought and climate change. I WAS somewhat surprised to see the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and headline on Hugh Dougherty’s article in Labour, Liberal Democrat, Conservative the Scottish Catholic Observer of 26 Feb and Green Party leaders Kezia Dugdale, 16; it read “Why would a Catholic want to Willie Rennie, Ruth Davidson, and Patrick be an MSP?” Harvie respectively, posed with giant Wee The inference of this wording is that Boxes at the Scottish Parliament. there is some stigma involved in being an “SCIAF had a very humble beginning MSP, and that Catholics should avoid this back in 1965 but has now grown to be a like the plague. Scottish charity that we should all be I write from personal experience; I extremely proud of,” First Minister Nicola joined the SNP in 1966, and went on their Sturgeon said. Candidates’ List in 1973. I had no wish to Ms Dugdale said:“Times are tough here be a politician, but was ‘telt’ in no at home and lots of people are struggling to make ends meet.They need our sup- uncertain fashion by Winnie Ewing that port, but we also can’t forget about people I should. elsewhere in the world living in grinding Never even thought about being a poverty beyond our comprehension. Catholic; that had no bearing on my Mr Rennie added that ‘not everyone is decision, nor was there ever any question. lucky enough to live in such a peaceful The vetting was direct, but in a relatively country as Scotland’ and ‘that’s why I’m small party at that time, I knew all the supporting SCIAF’s Wee Box appeal.’ vetting panel and they all knew me. Mind Ms Davidson welcomed SCIAF visitors you, it was not a very good career move for from Ethiopia,Tsegaye Challa and Huka a man approaching 40, as my wife just Garsa, to the event.“SCIAF does important mentioned! work supporting vulnerable people right It was flattering to be asked to stand; my across the world and this year’s appeal,” reasons were that I wanted an Independent the MSP said. Scotland, and the movement toward social Mr Harvie added that ‘the Wee Box justice that would ensue; looking at the appeal is a good opportunity to support assaults on the poor and needy, progress work that will improve livelihoods in towards that end becomes more urgent day developing nations and make communi- by day; Labour is hopelessly split and is ties more resilient to climate change’ helpless against a rampaging Tory government. PIC: PAUL McSHERRY In any event I went on to stand for Westminster four times, and normally the only issue about Catholicism that ever came up in these elections was about abortion, which I opposed. I was never elected, but in those days very few SNP MPs were. Let us build bridge not Kingdom. This would appear to be I see that Mr Rannachan, whom the walls for our priests significant enough, that Our Lord extended article is about, intends to stand in his care to Peter’s relatives. Shettleston for Labour, where the current GERALD Warner is unkind and inaccurate That the bonds of family were present is ESTABLISHED IN 1885 SNP MSP is John Mason. Mr Mason is a in his musings on priestly celibacy (SCO evident. I wonder what is Mr Warner’s Baptist and a confirmed Christian; I esteem February 26). authority for his supposition that Peter was him very highly. St Peter the apostle was married a widower before Our Lord called him, and according to the accounts of Matthew and his assertion that Peter’s wife was Jim Lynch Mark, and the cure of his mother in law insignificant? One suspects he is surmising EDINBURGH appears early on in the proclamation of the to support his thesis for early celibacy in Christianity. He criticises Peter Stanford’s assertion that Beware Christian Zionism Christian Zionism is a keystone of his for the first millennium priests were married. Religious persecution, on social media ministry. His belief in Israel has led him This was indeed historically the case, and to visit frequently—he has met every remained so in the Eastern rites after the sad freedom and communication I WAS rather alarmed to find, uninvited, an prime minister since Menachem Begin separation of the Church into East and West. advert on my Facebook page for a and to pour millions of dollars into Jewish Both Eastern and Western traditions did Christians United for Israel conference in orphanages, hospitals, ambulances and strive towards celibacy, requesting celibacy OTHER Teresa Sisters of Charity are among those June in Westminster Hall. other worthy causes. He has also backed from (married) clergy at the Council of murdered by extremists in Yemen, modern-martyrs This organisation was founded by John Israel’s military actions against Elvira, and denying Holy Matrimony to according to Pope Francis and victims of religious Hagee, pastor of the 20,000-member Palestinians, whom he denies have any those already in Holy Orders. persecution today.And yet this week, although focus- Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas right to what he regards as Israeli This has been a disciplinary rule, not ing on their plight in the news (and their founder’s in the US. He has a world-wide TV territory; in the early days of Operation doctrine. Accordingly, the Catholic Church Canonisation), the SCO runs a feature on the CEO of a group accused ministry and is highly influential in Protective Edge, which devastated Gaza, has welcomed the conversion of married of actively attempting to curb religious freedom, and bring organised evangelical circles. He does not believe in he led a protest in Washington against the Anglican priests to Catholicism, while religionM to its knees, in this country. Coincidence? Yes. Thought pro- global warming and that the Kyoto climate Obama government, saying: “We’ve come continuing to respect their contracted voking. Certainly. Appropriate? change protocol was a conspiracy aimed at to Washington to ask our government to marriages. We are fortunate to have Ruth Hunt, CEO of Stonewall, is a renowned activist for equality undermining the United States' economy. stop demanding for Israel to show married priests ministering in the Catholic for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. As a gay woman, Israel will be invaded by Russia and restraint.” Church in the UK under the ordinariate of and a Catholic, she was uniquely positioned after LGBT month, Islamic states and that God will destroy In his book Jerusalem Countdown, he Our Lady of Walsingham. which this year had the theme of faith, religion and philosophy, to them. wrote that Hitler had been sent by God to Our priest ministers by their ordination discuss breaking down barriers between the community she repre- MrHagee has also been accused of ‘hunt’ the Jews into founding the State of are called to act in the person of Christ the sents and religious groups. anti-Catholicism (though he later Israel. true priest as head of the body of the She talks of religious freedom not being impeded by increased gay renounced these views) and being These fundamentalist Christian groups church, shepherd of Christ’s flock, priest of rights. She calls for a move away the ‘artificial constructed’ of these anti-Islam. He recently made headlines with their excruciatingly childish the sacrifice of our salvation, and Teacher groups coming to blows over their difference and speaks against for with a prediction that ‘four blood Theology, but plenty of money, have no of truth (Catechism 1548). polarisation on key issues such as marriage. moons’— lunar eclipses on Jewish feast place in British society and I hope that no Our ordained priest ministers act in the Terrorists abroad are killing people based on their religion, and sex- days over the last two years—were a sign real Christians will have anything to do person of Christ throughout their ecclesial uality, eschewing all communication and negotiations. That is both a that ‘something dramatic [will] happen in with this nonsense. ministry, not as Mr Warner would tragedy and a travesty, yet proof positive that keeping lines of com- the Middle East involving Israel that will have us believe ‘momentarily’ at the munication open between groups destined to go head-to-head at home change the course of history in the Middle B McKenna Consecration. is not only desirable but in fact vital. East and impact the whole world.’ DUMBARTON I imagine it is likely that we shall continue to debate the sacrifice that he SCO was recently lambasted on social media, and not for the celibacy may require from all humans first time, for retweeting a photograph of a high achieving Catholic G SCO reserves the right to edit letters to conform with space or style requirements entering religious life. I hope that as student with the First Minister as party politicking. By the same G This page is used solely for reader opinion and therefore views expressed are not Catholics we can be generous in hearing rationale,T the story this week of the Countess of Strathearn visiting a Edin- necessarily shared by SCO other views on celibacy within the body of burgh Catholic primary school is what? Promotion of royalty? G If you would like to share your opinion, send your correspondence to the address Christ on earth, present in all the Christian In an age of increasing secularisation, showing the Catholic below churches. Let us, as Pope Francis asks, community engaging with and being supported by secular society build bridges, not walls. reminds both our community and the wider world of our role G Whether you use e-mail or post, you must provide your full name, address, and phone Miriam McKernan number or your letter will not be used and our value. The SCO pays penance, during Lent and always, RUTHERGLEN alongside the rest of the community when we err. This is not one of those moments. WRITE TO LETTERS, SCO, 19 WATERLOO STREET, GLASGOW G2 6BT [email protected] 10 COMMENT SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY MARCH 11 2016 We must not be afraid of silence… … even if in that break from our lives we discover something that may lead us to a need for change

BY SR ROSEANN REDDY

HAVE never been much of a dreamer, day or otherwise, but just recently I have been reflect- ing upon (or perhaps daydream- ing about) a time when I was a child and seemed to spend endless hours just sitting staring into space and thinking,I perhaps dreaming, about all sorts of things. My memory of grow- ing up in the late (very late) 1960s and 1970s is one of lots of free time. These were the days before wall-to-wall sound and vision distractions. We did- n’t have any ‘electronic’ devices. All I remember having was a baby doll called Mary (obviously) and loads of wonderful hand-knitted or sewn out- fits for her. I also had loads of colour- ing-in stuff, jigsaws and, best of all, a skipping rope. Even now, I am a dab hand at the old skipping, even if I can only handle about five minutes before calling on the paramedics. In my youth, I would play and sing away to reading or extra times of prayer, but I speaking to God and petitioning Him for real moments of grace, of that I am perhaps our own child—how can some- myself for hours. don’t often just sit down in silence help. I felt very strongly that this time sure. I recommend everyone try it, thing so perfect, so amazing, exist in As the only girl in a household with without any other purpose other than should be spent listening, not talking and maybe not every day but why not try it this world? all boys (I have three brothers), it seems to think. The most amazing things can remembering, and, as anyone who once a week, or at least once? It does- It’s a look of intense love. I spent a lot of time on my own and I happen if we just try to still ourselves knows me will confirm, the miracle n’t seem like much but I’d be very sur- When you come to loved it. The boys only ever seemed to and be at peace. And here is where my really did happen. Eventually I began to prised if you don’t gain something start your 15 min- play football, fight and cause general latest theory comes in: We often shy be able to be still for 15 minutes a day, from it. utes, imagine our mayhem. On rare occasions however, away from silence and thinking not speaking, not thinking just being – Lord just looking at they would settle down with a bucket of because we are afraid of what we being what? ll you need to do is be some- you with that gaze of Lego and build scary monsters, quite an might discover deep within ourselves; You know, my 15 minutes were just where away from distraction love. He made you in achievement considering most of the we are afraid too, that this discovery spent resting in the arms of our won- or fear of interruption, make love because He is love. Lego was bright yellow, red, green and may lead us to a need for change in derful Father of mercies and this time Asure you are comfortable and then The next step is just to blue, but somehow they managed it. I our lives and most of us, me included, did, in fact, become a time of real deep clear your mind of all chatter allow the Lord to love was never really encouraged to play hate change. and refreshing prayer. I just let the (this takes a bit of practise) and you—I know this is eas- with them unless, of course, they needed Very early Lord enve- then just breathe deeply and ier said than done but someone to be in goals (well more of a on in this mad Now stay calm: This was lope me in allow yourself to remember, on this goalpost really). Call me a woose, but it little experi- His arms and be filled with occasion, it’s not was never my idea of fun, standing there ment, I not a St Teresa of Avila in His love. I the presence of about you and your waiting for a whizzing ball or a bunch decided what got back to God; allow your- suitability to receive of boys to come hurtling towards me. my daily 15- ecstasy moment—more the real self to be embraced this love, it’s about Him minute think- basics, to by our merciful and and His desire to love you, o my mind now, life as a child ing time was an Eliza Doolittle strip away loving Father. It was so just let Him. seemed very happy, safe and not to be. I e v e r y t h i n g helpful for me at the Don’t fight it, just give in. secure, with lots of time to think, was deter- enormous-armchair else and just beginning to think before- There’s a time for sorrow, read,T ask questions and have them mined not to try to get to hand of what I was hoping repentance and forgiveness, answered, although not always the spend the time the heart of for in these moments of sur- but this is not it. answer you wanted. All of these going over moment or, to be more the most render and silence, and I found I am totally convinced thoughts have come upon me recently things in my i m p o r t a n t it helpful to give this love a that it we all took the because of Lent. One of the things I mind—it was- contemporary, an Olaf relationship human face and a human time for a few decided to do for Lent 2016 was to sit n’t a therapy there is—that feel. This then made it eas- moments every day perfectly still every day for 15 minutes session, I was- warm-hug moment. between crea- ier for me to accept it and to allow ourselves thinking time. No reading, no writing, n’t trying to ture and Cre- understand it at a spiritual to be loved by the no music, no distractions, not even a cup work out my anxieties or worries. Nei- ator. Now stay calm: This was not a St level. Lord, this world of tea and a biccie. It was quite an exper- ther was I going to use the time as a Teresa of Avila (above right) ecstasy So, to set the scene would be a far dif- iment. Why not try it sometime? mental tick-box list session, planning moment—more an Eliza Doolittle beforehand, think of an ferent, far better, I am used to silence. We have a ahead and sorting out the many ideas (above left) enormous-armchair occasion when you have place. silent Holy Hour every day before the that float about my brain constantly. moment or, to be more contemporary, simply stared at someone So give it a go and Blessed Sacrament. We often have Nor was I going to use the time to pray, an Olaf (right) warm-hug moment. with a gaze of wonder and awe. see how it can help to extra times of silence for spiritual at least in the conventional way of Whatever these moments are, they are Many of us will think of a baby, transform you.

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

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY MARCH 11 2016 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER COMMENT 11

In spite of the mild Scottish WI winter this year, those taking RE part in the pro-life vigil have D I still faced the bitter cold and N even more bitter criticism. Regardless of initial media reports of ‘outrage,’ however, An SCO diary that the vigil was to go ahead outside a hospital where HE WON’T be the first Scottish abortions are performed, the priest to gain a reputation— vigil itself seems to have been and a following—for his by-and-large a positive homilies, and he won’t be the exercise so far, bring together last, but we imagine Fr Ross pro-lifers from within and out Campbell at Glasgow with the Church and across University Chaplaincy, a newly the generations. appointed Missionary of A prayer vigil is not a Mercy, will take his recent protest, nor a demonstration. roasting on social media in It is largely silent witness for good humour. the protection of life, ‘What are we doing?’ a question beginning at conception. St Jude and St John Ogilvie Parish, Glasgow, (below) While this kind of witness may recently posted a photograph not be everyone’s cup of tea, on Facebook of a new the volunteers are to be for all within the Scottish Church lightning conducting rod being applauded for their endeavour fitted to the parish building and, quite frankly, their with the message ‘there's no endurance this Lent. truth in the rumours that It Since the legalisation of was worried Fr Ross abortion here in 1967, the Campbell's holy hour tonight killing of unborn children has would provoke any lightning been ‘normalised’ in our strikes from on high!’ society. It has become It might be Lent but no one increasingly difficult, even can accuse the Catholic counter-cultural, to stand up Church in Scotland of not and be seen to be pro-life, having a sense of humour! particularly for our young Let’s hope Fr Campbell, Catholics who can often be with his special role promoting labled as old-fashioned and the Sacrament of unprogressive by their peers reconciliation, can forgive the who have differing opinions BY RONNIE ready wit! on the issue. CONVERY GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

POPE Francis asked all I WAS one of the more dioceses to host 24 Hours for bizarre coincidences of the Lord last week on the recent weeks that on the Friday and Saturday before same night the film the fourth week of Lent ‘… Spotlight was winning to gaze even more attentively this year’s Oscar for best pic- on mercy so that we may ture (the film is based on the become a more effective sign exposeI of clerical child abuse of the Father's action in our in the Boston Archdiocese) lives.’ one of the Church’s most Here in Scotland Our Lady prominent cardinals was giv- of Good Aid Cathedral in ing evidence in Rome, via Motherwell and St Mirin’s video link, to an inquiry into Cathedral in Paisley lead the the Church’s handling of such way, with individual parishes abuse in Australia. also taking part in these and A few minutes separated the other diocese. Churches and film’s producer, Michael Sugar cathedrals taking part were calling for the message of the GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG open for Exposition and movie to ‘resonate all the way (Above) A scene from the selves Catholics. should see this film,” he said, Oscar-winning Spolight. (Top, left Adoration of the Eucharist and to the Vatican’ and the Vati- To my mind the real lesson “because they must understand to right) Recent films about THE 40 Days for life Vigil the opportunity for the can’s head of finance saying in of that film was that when the that it is reporting that will issues within the Catholic Church outside Queen Elizabeth Scarament of Reconciliation. Rome, “I’m not here to defend Church and the state get too save the Church, not omertà.'” include Doubt, The Magdalene University Hospital in Glasgow These kind of all-night vigils the indefensible… The Church closely intertwined (as was the Omertà is the Italian word for Sisters and Philomena passed the midway point last are not new to the Church nor has made enormous mistakes case in Ireland in the 1950s a code of silence. week with a fresh influx of to Scotland but what a simple and is working to remedy and 1960s) both institutions The archbishop, 56, is the volunteers, including students yet effective way of taking those, but the Church in many are compromised and the head of a board within the from Strathclyde University part in the Jubilee Year of places, certainly in Australia, results are painful. Congregation for the Doctrine do?” was for me the most pow- (below.) Mercy. has mucked things up, has let A decade on, I was heart- of the Faith that deals with erful in the film. Today the people down.” ened to see that the condemna- appeals filed by clergy accused question, ‘what are we doing?’ I saw the film in question tions that were made from of abuse. Before he was named is one that all within the several weeks ago, before its some Church quarters of The an auxiliary bishop in Malta in Church—at least here in Scot- Oscar triumph. I watched it Magdalene Sisters, were not 2012, Archbishop Scicluna land—ask themselves on a with a degree of trepidation. routinely repeated in the case spent 10 years as promoter of very regular basis. There is always a sense that a of Spotlight. Any such knee- justice at the doctrinal congre- And the reassuring news is dramatised representation of jerk reaction would surely gation, handling accusations of that we are doing a lot to such events can sensationalise, reveal a failure to understand clerical sex abuse. He told La ensure that the Catholic simplify and demonise. The the lessons of recent years. Repubblica that an important Church is the safest of places film Spotlight did none of the Indeed the man who has moment in the film, was a line for young people and vulnera- above. spearheaded the Church’s spoken by one of the lawyer ble people to be. Woeful tales As I left the cinema I was response to the plague of child protagonists, who said: “If it of past failure may continue to reminded of a similar moment abuse, Archbishop Charles takes a village to raise a child, emerge, but it is perhaps only 13 years ago, when the film Scicluna, of Malta, actively it takes a village to abuse one.” by confronting the past with The Magdalene Sisters was a encouraged people to view Similarly, towards the end sincerity and honesty and source of controversy. At the the film. of the film, one senior journal- humility that the safe future we time I wrote an article in a He told the Italian newspa- ist surprises his colleagues by all long for con be achieved. Sunday newspaper which per, La Repubblica, “The asking, “What did we do?” Meanwhile, may we never raised a few eyebrows, for in it movie shows how the For the truth is that much stop asking ourselves, “What I said that Peter Mullan’s film instinct—that unfortunately was known and not widely are we doing?” was not in any way an ‘anti- was present in the church—to reported before the expose that Catholic’ work, pointing out protect a reputation was com- finally led to Cardinal Law’s I Ronnie Convery is the that the ‘victims’ of the Mag- pletely wrong.” resignation. director of communications dalen laundries were them- “All bishops and cardinals That line, “What did we for Glasgow Archdiocese

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 12 LIFE MATTERS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY MARCH 11 2016 FRIDAY MARCH 11 2016 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LIFE MATTERS 13

EVENTFUL YEAR FOR HOSPICE MICHAEL McCARTNEY, communications officer at ST MARGARET OF SCOTLAND HOSPICE, outlines the many colourful events that it has planned as part of its annual fundraising calendar

T MARGARET of Scotland Hospice is set to way. And for others who would prefer to simply enjoy the Hospice Sports Dinner to buy online or call our fundraising June 11. It will follow a similar format to last year, when 26 what looks sure to be a fantastic day. We have been working hard to push our lottery subscriptions, carry on the legacy of our founder, the Venerable Mary embark on the first of our calendar of fundraising traditional music and dancing, we have also been selling department on 0141 435 7018 to purchase by phone. participants left the hospice early in the morning to head for Another outdoor activity follows and again it’s the turn which offer an opportunity to support the hospice while also Aikenhead. events for 2016. The Celtic Ceilidh Dinner and late-entry tickets for the ceilidh only. Just a couple of weeks later on Sunday May 22, it’s the the coast before returning in the evening after their 10-mile of the ladies, who will take part in the colourful and energetic being in with a chance of winning excellent cash prizes each And in the run-up to Make a Will Month, we are Dance on Friday March 11, offers guests a chance “The annual Celtic Ceilidh Dinner and Dance will get turn of the ladies. The Hospice Ladies’ Lunch, also at the circuit of the Isle of Cumbrae (above left). 5K Midnight Walk on Saturday, September 3 (above centre). month. Alongside this, we are also holding a Summer Draw encouraging those considering making a pledge to get in to enjoy a superb evening combining a formal this year’s programme under way and is always an Radisson Blu, is always a well-attended event that continues More than 400 women and girls participated last year, enjoying on Friday June 24 with each ticket at £1 and prizes of £3000, contact with one of our participating solicitors, who are meal with lively music—all against the stunning backdrop of enjoyable, upbeat occasion,” Sr Rita Dawson, hospice chief to grow in popularity every year. This year, we have given ow on to some exciting news for our supporters and live music and a keep-fit warm-up session before setting off £1000 and three prizes of £500 just in time for the summer offering their services over the duration of the promotional Glasgow’s Òran Mór venue. In the weeks that follow, we will executive said looking ahead to the event. it a vintage theme, which will have our guests combining the particularly those who enjoy a round of golf. This along the A82 and returning to enjoy a presentation ceremony holidays. Wewould be grateful for as much support as possible. month until May 3. Salso see annual favourites the Sports Dinner and the Ladies’ “Our work at the hospice never stops and we value your classy with the classic. The event will begin with a sparkling year, we are introducing a golf day to our fundraising and refreshments, including a barbecue. In addition to the loyal backing of our many friends and Please contact us on 0141 435 7018 or legacy@smh Lunch return as our events calendar gets into full swing. assistance as we meet new challenges and continue to provide reception and there will be an array of pop-up stalls selling calendarN with the inaugural event taking place on Friday Later in the year, we have our biggest event—the Annual supporters, we are also very grateful for the help we receive .org.uk to find out more, to obtain a list of solicitors—who Which brings us nicely to the subject of a new event on our the highest standards of care to our patients. We hope you clothing and handbags from well-known brands, together August 19 at Clober Golf Club, Milngavie. It is expected to Ball. Following on from the success of last year’s event— from the business and corporate community. We have will be offering Wills at a special rate and donating the fee list—a golf day in July—more on which this day will follow will be able to join us and thank you as ever for your support.” with hand-crafted Scottish products such as confectionery and feature up to 100 players in teams of four. There will be named the Sapphire Ball to mark our 65th anniversary—the recently been reviewing our corporate sponsorship packages to St Margaret of Scotland Hospice—or to receive a brochure later in the column. Moving ahead to the month of May, our Sports Dinner cosmetics. There will then be a three-course lunch, following some light-hearted competition on the day, with many prizes ball (above right) is attended by hundreds of guests and features and will soon have a number of offerings available to local, for the Venerable Mother Mary Aikenhead Appeal, which Now for more about the hospice Celtic Ceilidh Dinner will again take place at Glasgow’s Radisson Blue Hotel. which guests can enjoy a high-class catwalk, hosted by to be won, in addition to a meal and further games and social a superb meal followed by auctions and musical entertainment national or international companies to get involved with our will run before, during and beyond Make a Will Month. and Dance—tickets have been selling well for what has Compered by our popular host Peter Martin, the event, on Mark Heyes of GMTV with Lorraine fame. Covers band The activities in the clubhouse later in the day. from some of the top local names in the business. We return major events and ongoing fundraising. As you can see, we have a very busy time ahead. We are become a very popular event and well-established event. We Friday May 6, includes a sparkling reception and a fantastic Singer Swingers, who are regular favourites at many of our We would be very appreciative of the help of our supporters to the Radisson Blu again for this year’s event, which is yet to With Make a Will Month approaching, beginning on April sure you will join us in looking ahead to this year’s hospice are grateful for the support of our hosts on the evening, Òran four-course meal before guests are entertained by a raffle major events, have also been booked to perform. Tickets are in attending or spreading the word about this event. If you’d be given a theme and takes place on Saturday October 29. 4, we are also working on two important campaigns. events with great anticipation and thank you for your continued Mór, and would also like to thank those who are supporting and an auction—both featuring outstanding prizes—followed available at eventbrite.co.uk and can be accessed by searching be interested in taking part, please get in contact with our Our Venerable Mary Aikenhead Legacy Appeal offers support in these regular and new activities, as well as the the hospice by attending the event. Those guests attending for by top-class guest speakers. Tickets are available now for for St Margaret of Scotland Hospice Ladies’ Lunch. Tickets fundraising team and if you know of any keen golfers of any hile a good deal of the focus of our fundraising supporters the chance to become a founding member by many others taking place to assist us in raising vital funds. the full evening will enjoy a sparkling reception, followed by £55 or an early-bird offer of £500 for a table of 10. Please are £50 or an early-bird rate of £450 for a table of 10. ability in your work or social circles, please pass on the team has been on planning these events, we have making a pledge to the Hospice in their Will. A gift in your a delicious three-course meal before the dance gets under go to eventbrite.co.uk and search for St Margaret of Scotland Next up on the calendar is the Millport Cycle on Saturday, details and inform them they will be made very welcome on also been busy with some new and regular initiatives. will to the hospice is a gift to us to continue our work and to I www.smh.org.uk WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK W WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 12 LIFE MATTERS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY MARCH 11 2016 FRIDAY MARCH 11 2016 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LIFE MATTERS 13

EVENTFUL YEAR FOR HOSPICE MICHAEL McCARTNEY, communications officer at ST MARGARET OF SCOTLAND HOSPICE, outlines the many colourful events that it has planned as part of its annual fundraising calendar

T MARGARET of Scotland Hospice is set to way. And for others who would prefer to simply enjoy the Hospice Sports Dinner to buy online or call our fundraising June 11. It will follow a similar format to last year, when 26 what looks sure to be a fantastic day. We have been working hard to push our lottery subscriptions, carry on the legacy of our founder, the Venerable Mary embark on the first of our calendar of fundraising traditional music and dancing, we have also been selling department on 0141 435 7018 to purchase by phone. participants left the hospice early in the morning to head for Another outdoor activity follows and again it’s the turn which offer an opportunity to support the hospice while also Aikenhead. events for 2016. The Celtic Ceilidh Dinner and late-entry tickets for the ceilidh only. Just a couple of weeks later on Sunday May 22, it’s the the coast before returning in the evening after their 10-mile of the ladies, who will take part in the colourful and energetic being in with a chance of winning excellent cash prizes each And in the run-up to Make a Will Month, we are Dance on Friday March 11, offers guests a chance “The annual Celtic Ceilidh Dinner and Dance will get turn of the ladies. The Hospice Ladies’ Lunch, also at the circuit of the Isle of Cumbrae (above left). 5K Midnight Walk on Saturday, September 3 (above centre). month. Alongside this, we are also holding a Summer Draw encouraging those considering making a pledge to get in to enjoy a superb evening combining a formal this year’s programme under way and is always an Radisson Blu, is always a well-attended event that continues More than 400 women and girls participated last year, enjoying on Friday June 24 with each ticket at £1 and prizes of £3000, contact with one of our participating solicitors, who are meal with lively music—all against the stunning backdrop of enjoyable, upbeat occasion,” Sr Rita Dawson, hospice chief to grow in popularity every year. This year, we have given ow on to some exciting news for our supporters and live music and a keep-fit warm-up session before setting off £1000 and three prizes of £500 just in time for the summer offering their services over the duration of the promotional Glasgow’s Òran Mór venue. In the weeks that follow, we will executive said looking ahead to the event. it a vintage theme, which will have our guests combining the particularly those who enjoy a round of golf. This along the A82 and returning to enjoy a presentation ceremony holidays. Wewould be grateful for as much support as possible. month until May 3. Salso see annual favourites the Sports Dinner and the Ladies’ “Our work at the hospice never stops and we value your classy with the classic. The event will begin with a sparkling year, we are introducing a golf day to our fundraising and refreshments, including a barbecue. In addition to the loyal backing of our many friends and Please contact us on 0141 435 7018 or legacy@smh Lunch return as our events calendar gets into full swing. assistance as we meet new challenges and continue to provide reception and there will be an array of pop-up stalls selling calendarN with the inaugural event taking place on Friday Later in the year, we have our biggest event—the Annual supporters, we are also very grateful for the help we receive .org.uk to find out more, to obtain a list of solicitors—who Which brings us nicely to the subject of a new event on our the highest standards of care to our patients. We hope you clothing and handbags from well-known brands, together August 19 at Clober Golf Club, Milngavie. It is expected to Ball. Following on from the success of last year’s event— from the business and corporate community. We have will be offering Wills at a special rate and donating the fee list—a golf day in July—more on which this day will follow will be able to join us and thank you as ever for your support.” with hand-crafted Scottish products such as confectionery and feature up to 100 players in teams of four. There will be named the Sapphire Ball to mark our 65th anniversary—the recently been reviewing our corporate sponsorship packages to St Margaret of Scotland Hospice—or to receive a brochure later in the column. Moving ahead to the month of May, our Sports Dinner cosmetics. There will then be a three-course lunch, following some light-hearted competition on the day, with many prizes ball (above right) is attended by hundreds of guests and features and will soon have a number of offerings available to local, for the Venerable Mother Mary Aikenhead Appeal, which Now for more about the hospice Celtic Ceilidh Dinner will again take place at Glasgow’s Radisson Blue Hotel. which guests can enjoy a high-class catwalk, hosted by to be won, in addition to a meal and further games and social a superb meal followed by auctions and musical entertainment national or international companies to get involved with our will run before, during and beyond Make a Will Month. and Dance—tickets have been selling well for what has Compered by our popular host Peter Martin, the event, on Mark Heyes of GMTV with Lorraine fame. Covers band The activities in the clubhouse later in the day. from some of the top local names in the business. We return major events and ongoing fundraising. As you can see, we have a very busy time ahead. We are become a very popular event and well-established event. We Friday May 6, includes a sparkling reception and a fantastic Singer Swingers, who are regular favourites at many of our We would be very appreciative of the help of our supporters to the Radisson Blu again for this year’s event, which is yet to With Make a Will Month approaching, beginning on April sure you will join us in looking ahead to this year’s hospice are grateful for the support of our hosts on the evening, Òran four-course meal before guests are entertained by a raffle major events, have also been booked to perform. Tickets are in attending or spreading the word about this event. If you’d be given a theme and takes place on Saturday October 29. 4, we are also working on two important campaigns. events with great anticipation and thank you for your continued Mór, and would also like to thank those who are supporting and an auction—both featuring outstanding prizes—followed available at eventbrite.co.uk and can be accessed by searching be interested in taking part, please get in contact with our Our Venerable Mary Aikenhead Legacy Appeal offers support in these regular and new activities, as well as the the hospice by attending the event. Those guests attending for by top-class guest speakers. Tickets are available now for for St Margaret of Scotland Hospice Ladies’ Lunch. Tickets fundraising team and if you know of any keen golfers of any hile a good deal of the focus of our fundraising supporters the chance to become a founding member by many others taking place to assist us in raising vital funds. the full evening will enjoy a sparkling reception, followed by £55 or an early-bird offer of £500 for a table of 10. Please are £50 or an early-bird rate of £450 for a table of 10. ability in your work or social circles, please pass on the team has been on planning these events, we have making a pledge to the Hospice in their Will. A gift in your a delicious three-course meal before the dance gets under go to eventbrite.co.uk and search for St Margaret of Scotland Next up on the calendar is the Millport Cycle on Saturday, details and inform them they will be made very welcome on also been busy with some new and regular initiatives. will to the hospice is a gift to us to continue our work and to I www.smh.org.uk WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK W WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 14 FR ROLHEISER SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY MARCH 11 2016 God will get to us, one way or another

happens then is not comfortable, dignified, or serene. Rather there is a painful, sometimes excruciating, almost always humiliating, breakdown of the body. In that process we lose basically everything that is dear to us: our health, our natural bodily beauty, our dignity, and sometimes even our mind. Dying is rarely beautiful, save in another aesthetic.

o how is the process of dying calibrated to help ease our grip on this world and more gracefully BY FR RONALD Smove on to the next world? Dying matures the soul. How so? ROLHEISER Writing about ageing, James Hillman poses this question: Why have God and nature so constructed things that N A deeply insightful book, The as we age and mature and are finally Grace of Dying, Kathleen more in control of our lives, our bodies Dowling Singh shares insights begin to fall apart and we need a bevy she has gleaned as a health of doctors and medicines to keep professional from being present functioning. Is there some wisdom in to hundreds of people while they the very DNA of the life-process that are dying. Among other things, she mandates the breakdown of physical suggestsI that the dying process itself, health in late life? Hillman says, yes. in her words, ‘is exquisitely calibrated There’s an innate wisdom in the to automatically produce union with process of ageing and dying—the best necessary that the Christ should so on the contrary, which we do like to and meditation are meant to do for us Spirit.’ In essence, what she is saying wines have to be aged in cracked old suffer?” This is more a revelation of talk about, generally produce inflations exactly what the dying process does. is that what is experienced by someone barrels. The breakdown of our bodies truth than a question. The answer is in our lives. They too are exquisitely calibrated to in the final stages and moments of deepens, softens, and matures the soul. already clear: The road to depth The famed psychologist/philosopher, loosen our grip on this world and open dying, particularly if the death is not a Jesus teaches us this lesson, and it necessarily passes through pain and William James, submits that there are our awareness to another. As Ms Singh sudden one, is a purgation that is a truth He Himself had to accept, humiliation. Kathleen Dowling Singh realms of reality and consciousness puts it: “The path to the transpersonal naturally lessens the person’s grip on with considerable reluctance, in His and James Hillman simply format this that lie beyond what we presently realms, which the saints and sages of the things of this world as well as on own life. Facing His own death the positively: Pain and humiliation are experience. All religion, not least every age have known through the his or her own ego so as to be ready to night before He died, prostrate on the naturally calibrated to move us beyond Christianity, tells us the same thing. practice of meditation and prayer, enter into a new realm of life and ground in Gethsemane (above right), what is more superficial to what is But our normal consciousness and self- appears to be the same transformative meaning beyond our present realm of He begs His Father: “Let this cup pass deeper. Pain and humiliation, and there awareness literally set up boundaries path that each of us traverses in the consciousness. The dying process from me! Yet, not my will, but yours, is invariably a certain dying in these, that prevent us from going there. process of dying.” itself, she submits, midwifes us into a be done.” In essence, He is asking God help open us up to deeper consciousness. Normally, for us, there’s this world, That’s consoling: God is going to wider, deeper life. whether there is a road to glory and And we know this already from this reality, and that’s all! The dying get us, one way or the other. But that does not come without a vision of Easter Sunday without passing common sense. If we honestly assess process helps break open that contraction weighty price tag. The dying process through the pain and humiliation of our own experience we have to admit in our perception, awareness, and I Fr Ronald Rolheiser is a priest and is not a pleasant one. Most of us do not Good Friday. It seems there isn’t. that most of the things that have made consciousness. It is calibrated to open member of the Missionary Oblates of die peacefully in our sleep, comfortable, Humiliation and depth are inextricably us deep are things we would be us up to a reality and a consciousness Mary Immaculate. He is president of dignified, and serene. The norm rather linked. After His Resurrection, talking ashamed to talk about because they beyond what we presently deem as real. the Oblate School of Theology in San is the kind of death that comes about with His disciples on the road to were humiliating. Humiliation is what But there are other paths to this too, Antonio, Texas. Visit his website at by ageing or by terminal disease. What Emmaus, He says to them: “Wasn’t it humbles and deepens us. Our successes, outside the process of dying. Prayer www.ronrolheiser.com

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

IN AMSTERDAM, the capital has sold 25 million copies, and because of a dispute over which decided to take this literally of German-occupied Holland has been printed in over 50 country owned some land high and set about fundraising to in the Second World War, languages. in the Andes mountains that build a statue of Christ. On Anne Frank and her family This is an excerpt from separated the two countries. On March 13, 1904, representatives and four other Jews hid from Anne’s diary, dated Saturday Easter Sunday many people of both countries gathered the Nazis in concealed rooms July 15, 1944: “It’s really a gathered in the cathedral of around the huge statue that in what had been her father’s wonder that I haven’t dropped Buenos Aires, the capital of had been built on one of the offices. For more than two all my ideals because they Argentina. The bishop preached mountains of the Andes, years they were secure there, seem so absurd and impossible in his sermon about the need between both nations. This is unknown to those who worked to carry out. Yet I keep them, for peace. Many disagreed one of the prayers used: “That in the building, except for a because in spite of everything with him, but some supported these great mountains may friend who arranged to get I still believe that people are him—including a bishop in crumble into dust before the food to them. They were really good at heart. the opposing country of Chile peoples of Argentina and Chile betrayed in 1944, and all eight “I simply can’t build up my who went about his own country, break the peace which we were sent to the death camps. hopes on a foundation consisting also preaching peace. have promised to keep, here at Only Anne’s father—Otto of confusion, misery, and death. Such was the effect of the the feet of Christ.” Frank—survived and returned. I see the world gradually being two bishops on the people of The huge statue of ‘Christ Anne died of typhus in the turned into a wilderness. I hear their countries, that the two of the Andes’ is a great symbol concentration camp of Bergen- the ever approaching thunder, PRAYERS FOR THE WEEK governments felt they should and reminder of the need to Belsen on March 12, 1945, which will destroy us, too. I step back from war and talk work together for peace. aged 15. Only weeks later the can feel the suffering of Let us pause for a moment with us, day by day, in good with each other again. They camp was liberated. millions and yet, if I look up in silent prayer, thinking of all times and in bad. agreed to invite King Edward Lord, inspire us to act justly, Anne Frank’s story is now into the heavens, I think that it those who suffer prejudice and Empower us with your Spirit VII of Britain to make a love tenderly and walk humbly known to millions across the will all come right, that this persecution because of their that we may grow in character decision about who should with you, our God. world because of the diary that cruelty, too, will end, and that race, colour, religion or and develop a true sense of own the land over which they Breathe upon us your Spirit she kept about her innermost peace and tranquility will political views. values and ideals through were about to go to war. of peace that we may be bearers thoughts during those years in return again. following Jesus, your Son and The bishop from Argentina of reconciliation wherever you hiding. Her father discovered “In the meantime, I must God our Father, you call each our Brother. Amen. had said: “I would like to see place us. the diary on his return to their uphold my ideals, for perhaps of us by name and you know Christ standing between our May there be peace in our hiding-place, once the war the time will come when I the innermost thoughts that THE people of Argentina and two nations, guiding us and hearts, in our homes, in our land ended. The Diary of Anne Frank shall be able to carry them out.” we keep to ourselves. Stay Chile were preparing for war leading us.” Some people and between all people. Amen.

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY MARCH 11 2016 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER REFLECTION 15 EWTN PROGRAMMES

SUNDAY MARCH 13 THURSDAY MARCH 2016 11AM 1PM ANGELUS WITH POPE FRANCIS DAILY MASS 12.05PM 5.30PM ROME’S HIDDEN CHURCHES: A EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY LENTEN PILGRIMAGE 8PM 1PM EWTN LIVE LIVE SUNDAY MASS FROM 9PM EWTN HEART SPEAKS TO HEART 6PM FROM HEAVEN: THE NEWMAN THE WORLD OVER LIVE MIRACLE STORY 8PM 9.30PM THE CHURCH UNIVERSAL LENTEN REFLECTIONS 9PM FRIDAY MARCH 18 SUNDAY NIGHT PRIME 12.05PM 10PM ROME’S HIDDEN CHURCHES: A VATICANO LENTEN PILGRIMAGE MONDAY MARCH 14 1PM 12.05PM DAILY MASS ROME’S HIDDEN CHURCHES: A 5.30PM LENTEN PILGRIMAGE EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY 1PM 6PM DAILY MASS THE WORLD OVER LIVE 9PM 9PM NOTRE DAME DU CAP SHRINE TUESDAY MARCH 15 SHRINE OF THE HOLY FAMILY: 1PM PROVENCE, FRANCE LIVE DAILY MASS FROM EWTN 9.30PM 5.30PM LIFE ON THE ROCK EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY SATURDAY MARCH 19 9PM 1PM LIVES OF THE SAINTS LIVE SOLEMN MASS OF ST WEDNESDAY MARCH 16 JOSEPH, HUSBAND OF THE 12.05PM VIRGIN MARY WITH THE MFVA ROME’S HIDDEN CHURCHES: A FRIARS LENTEN PILGRIMAGE 5.30PM 1PM EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY DAILY MASS 7PM 5.30PM THIRST FOR TRUTH: BATTLE EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY FOR SOULS 9PM 9PM What is fasting? TRIAL AT TARA CONVERSATION WITH CARDINAL In our series on spirituality, ABBOT MARK CAIRA from NUNRAW ABBEY LAY READERS’ GUIDE says Lent is a chance for us to become better versions of ourselves

ASTING is deeper than doing others, treating them with the respect and SUNDAY MARCH 13 without things, giving in charity, A SPIRITUAL care that they deserve as fellow human Isaiah 43:16-21. Response: What marvels the and saying more prayers. It is beings. Each of us stands shoulder to shoulder Lord worked for us! Indeed we are glad. Philippians doing these things with a deeper REFLECTION before God. That basic understanding of a 3:8-14. John 8:1-11. OR reading from Year A. intent. The fasting that we find common humanity was enshrined in the laws Ezekiel 37:12-14, Response: With the Lord there spoken of by Jesus in the Gospels and by of the desert people who later became the is mercy and fullness of redemption. others in the scriptures generally is one that Chosen People of God. Their rules may look Romans 8:8-11. John 11:1-45 doesF not cling to our own selfish interests. It severe to us as at times, but there was a built- does not look to see what people think of us, in protection for those who were destitute, MONDAY or to hold tightly to our possessions. for those who were the victims of unforeseen Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62. Response: If I There are times when we have all risen to tragedy or other calamity. There were even the challenge of giving away a lot of our laws that gave the poor their property back should walk in the valley of darkness, no evil would clothing and other accumulated possessions after a certain number of years. The people I fear. John 8:12-20. at moments of crisis, like the sorrowful plight were not to be victims of their unfortunate of the homeless and penniless immigrants celebrate when the opportunity arises. loss forever. TUESDAY we are so conscious of today. But true fasting However, life is not one long feast. There are Numbers 21:4-9. Response: O Lord, listen to my directs us to changing our general attitude so times when we should do without. Lent is ur lives as Christians are meant to prayer and let my cry for help reach you. John that we become much more aware of the one of them. It has been said that we cannot make a difference to how we act and 8:21-30 5-16. needy at home and in other parts of the truly feast unless we have learnt to prepare behave with others. Lent is a good world. There are many who are doing that for it with fasting. Fasting is good for us opportunityO to check how well we are sticking WEDNESDAY already. They don’t see this as something good physically but also for our inner selves. We to that commitment. We can look to see where they are doing but as something that needs can feast better when the body and the heart we have fallen away from our awareness of Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95. Response: To you glory to be done to help those who are so much have been restrained before the celebration. the gifts God has given us and how we use and praise for evermore. John 8:31-42. less able to fend for themselves than we are. them to benefit others. We may find that we At the beginning of Lent we have this t Benedict says in his Rule that the life are being called to do more with our lives. THURSDAY pointed out to us in the Liturgy. On Ash of a monk should be Lenten in character. We may have come to a time in our lives Feast of St Patrick. Amos 7:12-15, Response: If I Wednesday (above), for example, we read Jesus’ That may sound a bit like a killjoy when we feel drawn to go deeper or to uproot dwell at the seaʼs furthest end even there you words in the Gospel from Matthew, chapter Sattitude. However, Benedict was concerned ourselves to meet challenges elsewhere. The watch over me. Thessalonians 2:2-8, Luke 5:1-1. 6, about not parading our good works to about his monks truly seeking God. There must choices are endless. attract attention, about praying in private to always be honesty in the monk’s intention. Lent is all about taking our lives seriously. FRIDAY Our Father in secret; and about doing without That surely is what Lent is about. It is to be We can do that by going aside from some of Jeremiah 20:10-13. Response: In my anguish I food or drink. We are to do that and not let truly open to God in all of life, in season and our normal activities. We can make time, not people know that we are depriving ourselves out of season, in the daily living of community necessarily to fast in the normal sense but to called to the Lord, and He heard my voice. but to appear happy and cheerful. Our minds life and in our prayer alone before God. We actually feed our hearts and minds with the John 10:31-42. should be on the reason we are doing these don’t have to be joyless in Lent or at any good food the scriptures or other inspiring things—our love of God who loves us and other time of our lives. But we do always writings offer us. Thus energised, we will be SATURDAY who has our own wellbeing and care in His own have to try and be honest with ourselves. more fully capable of doing God’s work. Solemnity of St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed heart. We are not only to appear happy, but to That applies to us whoever and whatever we Others will see that we have become better Virgin Mary. 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16. be cheerful and happy in doing these things. are, in Lent as well as in the rest of our lives. persons. They will see what we do because Response: His dynasty shall last forever. Romans Jean Vanier, the founder of the L’Arche What does honesty mean? In Lent as well we believe it to be true and right and not just 4:13, 16-18, 22. Matthew 1:16, 18-21,24a. communities, says that we should always as at other times, it means dealing justly with to attract attention WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 16 THAT’S LIFE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY MARCH 11 2016 I know nothing about child-rearing today THAT’S LIFE realises tending to a baby ‘was very different’ in grandparents’ days but family ties still bind us all close

old granny is their mortification for Lent. baby’s life. We were limited to our mini-library of If you are happily anticipating the birth of a baby manuals, and a few trusted and more experi- grandchild, my top tip is, don’t bother about it all enced mothers or, if we were sufficiently con- coming back to you. None of it is relevant any- cerned, our family doctor. This generation of more. For instance, in our day, babies were put parents grew up with the internet and the informa- By Mary to sleep on their side and fed four hourly. Now they tion they seek is accessed as quickly as the click of sleep on their backs and feeding is on more the return key on their iPad. McGinty of a whim. My babies thrived on their routines and this lit- thought of doing my own little bit of research to VERY dog has its day, so they say. And, tle fella is flourishing as his develops, so I can only find out when my two-week old grandson will clearly, I’ve had mine. I feel like Fawlty conclude that babies are robust enough to prosper know me. But why spoil the happy delusion? I Towers’ Manuel (far right)—’I know in spite of the dictates of the time. Ducks to water, Iknow better, but I like to think he knows it’s me nothing.’ For the first week I was say- best describes the mammy and daddy who are set- when I sing Guardian Angel. I plan to keep on ing ‘it was different in my day’ with tling in to parenthood no trouble at all. Fair play crooning into his ear until he forms his first such frequency I was beginning to bore myself, to the boy, himself. So far, he is incredibly easy sentence which, given my complete lack of pitch never mind what it was doing to the new parents. going. And that’s not just a proud gran talking, and tone, is most likely to be ‘gonnae give it a EIt was only ever met with a smile from the new honest. rest, Gran.’ parents so I have to hope they were in such a One major difference from my day is the ease His birth was well-timed for Mothers’ Day and cocoon of happiness with their boy that it all went with which today’s parents can find answers to the pushing him in his pram to Mass made my day. It over their heads. Perhaps not, and visits from the many questions that pepper the first weeks of their was always going to be a milestone, but as it turned out, it had an unexpected poignancy. Even revelling in the sight of Benedict in his mother’s arms, my thoughts were never far from another mother—very dear to me—whose heart CROSSWORD Gordius No 237 was broken forever earlier in the week. My aunt in South Africa—the last remaining sibling in my mother’s family—had to bear the terrible news that nature. Only a mother who has lost a child can 123 4 5 6 7 her middle son, Francis, had been killed in a road truly appreciate my aunt’s grief. The rest of us can accident. On Mother’s Day there can be no mother only imagine, and that is painful enough. Of the more deserving of prayers than the mother who has five South African cousins, Francis was the 89 had to give her child back to God. only one I had never met. Somehow that doesn’t Living a five-hour drive away, Francis was not matter. We shared the bonds of blood and the ties an everyday physical presence in her life, but he of family was ever-present in her heart. Francis and his wife Informing cousins, and passing the awful news 10 11 12 First entry out the hat on had recently become grandparents for the first around was a sad duty. Like so many families, as FRIDAY MARCH 18 will be the 13 14 time, experiencing the elation that we are still the years go on, death is the most likely unifier. It’s winner enjoying. a melancholy thought. We won’t be at his funeral Outliving a child seems to contradict the laws of but across the seas we will be united in prayer. 15 16 17 Send your completed crossword entries—along with 18 your full name address and 19 20 daytime phone number—to SUDOKU CROSSWORD CONTEST SCO 19 21 22 23 WATERLOO ST GLASGOW G2 6BT SIMPLE 24 25 6 5 The winner’s name will be printed below. 1 32 4 9 7629 3 48 5 1 643 1 5 9 8 2 7 26 27 The editor’s decision is final 6 9 8 158 6 7 2 9 3 4 8 9 7 23 5614 ACROSS 5 36971 2 4 8 1 A Toothed wheel (3) MARCH 4 9 7 3 Will this piece of meat satisfy a space invader? (6,5) SOLUTION 412 8 65 3 7 9 8&16a Must this group meet to make a calico ship 8 673 2 671 9 5 84 3 run off? (6,7) ACROSS 3 8 5 64 1 7 9 2 9 Passé (8) 1 Ivy 3 Haberdasher 7 49 2 83 15 6 10 Submolecular particles (5) 8 Seeing is believing 2 8 11 Informal language, jargon (5) 9 Replaced 10 Fudge FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A WAY 13 Sweet, sticky liquid (5) 11 Tutti frutti 13 Stoop AS EVERY ROW AND COLUMN 15 Bearing in mind; aware (7) 5 13 15 Ragwort 16 Resolve AND EVERY 3 BY 3 BOX CONTAINS 16 See 8 across 20 Wrens 21 Pared 20 Cads can be such hot, slippery types! (5) 91254 THE NUMBERS 1 TO 9. NO GUESS 21 See 13 down 23 Value 24 Jettison WORK IS REQUIRED AND THERE 23 How can the cardinal aid a pup? (5) 25 Delphi 26 Bridesmaids 27 Tag 6 2 IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVE 24 One showed appreciation where a clergyman IS THE MAR 4 SIMPLE SOLUTION wandered (8) 25 Rock travelling through space (6) DOWN 26 Offensively destroying all tests? Yes (11) 1 It’s a fair cop MODERATE 27 The cunning end of 26 across (3) 2 Yielding 3 Hinge 4 Eardrop 7 Rod 4 7 DOWN 13 Straw 14 Peeks 4 9 5 8 7 1 2 6 3 1 Peter Pan's archenemy (7,4) 17 Lilliput 18 Veranda 3 4 1 7 3 29416 8 5 2 A hideous carving is the undoing of the grey gaol (8) 22 Drive 23 Views 1 6 8 5 2 3 9 7 4 3 A fireman initially avails of circuit-breakers (5) 24 Job 2 4 9 6 5 8 7 3 1 4 Garment worn by gymnasts and dancers (7) 6 8 5 Teams (5) 8 1 3 9 4 7 5 2 6 6 Lure into a snare (6) FEBRUARY 26’s crossword 1 6 8 5 7 6 1 3 2 8 4 9 7 Young goat (3) competition winner was: 9 5 7 83 6 4 1 2 12 Is it the hooley at the prosecutor’s office after a M Mackintosh, Fort William 3 894 2 1 5 6 7 person is identified as this? (6,5) 9 8 4 13&21a Asian country, capital Seoul (5,5) 6 281 7 9 4 3 5 14 Very religious (5) 3 4 5 17 Negligent (8) Scottish Catholic Observer: FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A WAY 18 Perhaps a rose-red altar screen (7) Scotland’s only national 8 3 AS EVERY ROW AND COLUMN 19 The fruit of wrath? (6) Catholic weekly newspaper AND EVERY 3 BY 3 BOX CONTAINS 22 Make amends (5) printed by Trinity Mirror, Oldham. THE NUMBERS 1 TO 9. NO GUESS 23 Looks like its dy, and not DY that is in such a Registered at the Post Office 5 9 7 WORK IS REQUIRED AND THERE neglected state! (5) 24 Perform a role in a play or film (3) as a newspaper. IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVE IS 2 6 THE MAR 4 MODERATE SOLUTION WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY MARCH 11 2016 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CHURCH NOTICES 17 CHURCH&PUBLICNOTICES

MOTHERWELL DIOCESAN CHOIR St Augustine’s Directed by John Pitcathley Choir present Coatbridge To A advertise “The Music of Mercy” A Holy Week reflection for LENTEN the Year of Mercy Recruitment CHORAL or an in Expert Service The Cathedral, Motherwell REFLECTION Tuesday 22nd March at 7.30pm Choral music, readings and hymns of reflection for ALL WELCOME the Season of Lent and towards the days of the contact Sacred Triduum and Easter Maire Élise Khoo KNOCK& LOUGH DERG / DONEGAL Monday 21 March @ 7.30p.m. PILGRIMAGE 2016 St Augustine’s Church, Dundyvan Rd, Coatbridge Monday 4th July - Friday 8th July 2016 email: Cost: Knock/ Lough Derg - £250 (next to The Time Capsule) – admission free Knock/ Donegal - £320 advertising@ To book or for further information contact: sconews.co.uk Anne 07901873259 / [email protected] www.staugustinescoatbridge.com or Liam 0141 569 1928 / [email protected] Invitation www.facebook.com/saintaugustines There will be a Reunion/ Information meeting in Eyre Hall, Diocesan Offices, Clyde St, Glasgow At 2pm, on First Saturday, 2nd April, after 1pm 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST PATRICK’S SHIELDMUIR Mass in St. Andrewʼs Cathedral AND The Sisters of the Gospel of Life 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF POLISH CHAPLAINCY IN invite you to a FirstSaturdayDevotionsbegin at12 noon. MOTHERWELL DIOCESE Monthly Mass for Life Tea, coffee and entertainment after for all past pilgrims At Blessed John Duns Scotus Church and to welcome new ones. 270 Ballater Street, Glasgow, G5 0YT All Welcome Celebrant: Mgr James Ryan Wednesday March 16th Glasgow Catholic Charismatic Renewal Exposition 6pm, Rosary 7pm, Mass 7.30pm Followed by tea, coffee & a chance to meet up with pro-life friends DAY OF RENEWAL on gospeloflifesisters.wordpress.com 18th and 19th March Friday: 7pm-9pm THURSDAY 17TH MARCH Saturday: 10.30am-4pm 7PM SOLEMN MASS St. Michael’s, Moodiesburn Guest speaker: Ged Farrell MAIN CELEBRANT RIGHT REVEREND (Glenmanor Ave, G69 0DL) BP JOSEPH TOAL National Coordinator of the SCCR ST. PATRICK’S, SHIELDMUIR announces 71 SHIELDMUIR STREET WISHAW, ML2 7TH A Day of Confessions Catholic Charismatic Renewal On Monday of Holy Week St. Andrews and Edinburgh Archdiocese Getting there: buses number 60A or 7; train Maryhill Station Day of Renewal From after 10.00am Mass until 8.00pm. Please bring a packed lunch.Teas and coffees provided. A different priest each hour. ALL WELCOME VENUE: St John Ogilvie’s Church, Wester Hailes, Edinburgh EH11 4PY For more information contact: Teresa 07800 717949 or email [email protected] Saturday 19 March, starting at 11.30am All are welcome. (not our normal 10.30 start) Let Glasgow flourish through the preaching of thy word Fr Stefan Park and praising of thy name. Theme: “Why are you asleep?” Lk 22:46 WHY NOT BOOK AN ADVERT FOR YOUR UPCOMING EASTER AND DIVINE MERCY EVENTS? Join us for a day of prayer and praise, healing & Holy Mass DEADLINE FOR THE EASTER EDITION IS THE 18TH OF MARCH 18 FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY MARCH 11 2016 RECRUITMENT FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

DEATHS RELIGIOUS MEMORIAM BOYLE The Scottish Catholic Observer seeks to appoint a 12th Anniversary of our dad and papa, Benny. We also Circulation Sales Executive BURGESS remember our dear mum Torquil Iain died suddenly at and nana, Betty, and our You will have responsibility for circulation of the home on February 29, special sister Betty. Scottish Catholic Observer & Magnificat (in 2016, aged 65 years. We hold you deep within Loving brother of Flora and Scotland) including: our hearts. brother-in-law to Duncan Until we meet again. • Parish sales and promotion and much loved uncle to Your loving family. • Subscription sales and promotions Calum and Stuart. Our Lady of the Isles, pray • Distribution logistics for him. LOW, Robert May he rest in peace. In loving memory of my Reporting to the SCOʼs Commercial Director HEARTY dear husband and our dear you will help develop new marketing and sales 19th Anniversary father, Robert (Bobby) who strategies to increase the current circulation of In loving memory of Very died on March 17, 2013. both publications. Reverend Thomas Canon We hold you close within Hearty, former Parish Priest our hearts, The successful candidate will be motivated and of St John Bosco’s, Erskine, And there you shall remain, who died March 17, 1997. To walk with us throughout well-organised, preferably with experience in St Patrick, pray for him. our lives, sales and marketing. Good communication and Our Lady of Lourdes, pray Until we meet again. IT skills are essential. A knowledge of and for him. BROLLY Sadly missed. Remembering the Eternal rest grant unto him interest in the Scottish Catholic Church is highly seventeenth anniversary of O Lord, desirable. our beloved Jim, a loving And let perpetual light shine MILLIGAN husband and father, who Peacefully on March 1, 2016, upon him, died on March 12, 1999. • Salary £18,000 + commission surrounded by her family, May he rest in peace. Also please remember following a short illness at Inserted by loving wife • Location Glasgow City Centre Mary, his loving wife and Crosshouse Hospital, Frances and daughters Kilmarnock, Frances Milligan our beautiful mother, who A covering letter and CV should be sent to: died February 18, 2015. Veronica, Catherine and (née Whittaker) beloved Pauline. Rebecca Rigg, Commercial Director, wife of the late Michael, Hide me in the shadow of Scottish Catholic Observer, 19 Waterloo Street, much loved mother of John, Your wings. Rosella, Michael, Francis As for me, in my justice I Glasgow G2 6BT, shall see Your face and be or email: [email protected] and Anne. A treasured gran, great-gran, filled, when I awake, with Call Rebecca Rigg on 0141 241 6102 for further info. sister and aunt. MATTHEWS the sight of Your glory. Please pray for the repose Frances is sadly missed by Eternal rest grant unto of the soul of Very Reverend all family and friends. them, O Lord, Charles Canon Matthews, Fortified by the Rites of the And may perpetual light who died March 15, 1996. Holy Church. shine upon them. Eternal rest grant unto him, Eternal rest grant unto her, May they rest in peace. O Lord, O Lord, From their loving children. And let perpetual light shine And let perpetual light shine upon him, EXPERTSERVICES upon her. BROLLY May he rest in peace. McCABE Requiescat in Pace. Gerald, whose sixth Our Lady of Lourdes, pray 23rd Anniversary of Rose St Francis of Assisi and St anniversary occurs on for him. McCabe, who died March Patrick, pray for her. March 12, 2016. Also Joe and DalyFamily Business Garage With Over 30 years Doors Experience Lawrence. All remembered 17, 1993. BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE MEMORIAM with love and affection by The time in between INSTALLATIONS, REPAIRS & their nieces and nephews seemed no time at all, ARBUCKLE Maria,Ann, Kevin and Vincent. MAINTENANCE OF ALL GARAGE DOORS In loving memory of our Far too short by far, for us dear parents, grandparents all, Free estimates & advice 24 Hour BROWN Forgive us our selfishness, and great-grandparents, Treasured memories of our Call Out we won’t let go; TEL: 01355 261601 Catherine (Kate), who died parents, John, who died March 14, 1988, and February 13, 1987 and Liz, Stay close, please help us George who died September who died March 16, 2007. as the days go by, G EORGE P. R EILLY 28, 1988. Loved and remembered This day we remember till May they rest in peace. every day. the blood runs dry. Painter and Decorator Inserted by the family. Inserted by Mary, Liz, Tricia, Happy Birthday. Jim and John. Thank you Sacred Heart of 30 Years of Experience ARMSTRONG Jesus, St Francis, St Roch GALLAGHER , Cathie Free Estimates Happy Birthday Andrea on Please pray for the souls of CASSIDY and St Teresa. 8th Anniversary your 35th birthday on our dear father, Thomas Her loving sons Ian and In loving memory of my dear March 12. Armstrong, who died March Kenneth and grandchild 07974379811 mother, Cathie Cassidy, As thoughts go back to the 12, 1973, our dear mother, died March 11, 2008. Louise. day you were born, Jennie, died October 19, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray We treasure the memories 1956, and our dear brother, 01698822215 for her. we have of you. Joseph, died December 16, John, Moira. Love you always. 1984. Mum, Dad and all the Our Lady of the Assumption family. xx HUTCHESON and Our Lady of Lourdes, 26th Anniversary pray for them. In loving memory of my SMITH daughter and our sister, 27th Anniversary Place Your Intimation Catherine, who died March Remembering with love, Announcing, 16, 1990, in the U.S.A; also Paddy, who died May 30, Remembering, her father William, died June 1989, and whose birthday Thanking Births, Marriages, 2, 1970, brother, Robert, died Births, falls on March 17. Deaths,Anniversaries July 2, 2007 and her sister, Thinking of you today as Maureen, November 19, 2007. Engagements, always. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray Marriages, Goodnight Paddy and God for them. Anniversaries and Bless. Inserted by a loving mother, Congratulations Inserted by his daughter To place a Family Announcement Contact wife and family, home and Grace, London. Patricia Cairney: 0141 241 6106 abroad. FRIDAY MARCH 11 2016 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS 19 FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

McCARRON, Joan MacINNES MEEHAN, Jean O’NEILL GRATEFUL thanks to St Loving memories of our 16th Anniversary In loving memory of our In loving memory of our Joseph of Cupertino for dear mother, Joan, who Remembering Calum dear mother, Jean, who dear mother, Mary answering exam prayers. – died March 7, 2005. Ruaraidh MacInnes, who died February 27, 2015. (Chisholm), died March 17, A.K. Always in our thoughts. died suddenly on March 13, Always in our thoughts. 2007 and our father, Bert, Siobhan, Brendan and 2000, aged 50 years. died March 24, 1959. Also GRATEFUL thanks to St Frank, Janet, Margaret, Theresa, St Clare, St Noreen. “O Lord, welcome his soul our brother, John, died April Charles, Paul and Anthony and St Joseph for into Paradise and from 8, 1996 and our sister, Kathleen. prayers answered and there may he be together Pauline, died on September ongoing prayers. – A.F. with the Risen Christ.” 30, 2013. So sadly missed from his MOORE Eternal rest grant unto 28th Anniversary BLESSED VIRGIN MARY home at Ceannard, McINTYRE them, O Lord. In loving memory of our you who can find a way Bornish, South Uist, by his Of your charity, please Inserted by the families. when there is no way. wife, Mary, daughters remember in your prayers, dear mother and gran, Please help. Repeat six Jessica, Jane, Helen and the 24th anniversary of Agnes (née Kelly), who ACKNOWLEDGEMENT times. Grateful thanks to Alana. John A.H. McIntyre, died March 11, 1988, also Holy Spirit, Saints Anthony, BURGESS The families from Glasgow, beloved husband and our dear father and pa, Martin, Clare, Jude, Child of The family of the late Gerinish, South Boisdale father, who died March 14, Paddy, died November 10, Prague, Blessed Mother and Fr. Colin, Ecuador. 1976, and our beloved Torquil Iain Burgess would Teresa, all saints. Still 1992. like to thank family, friends sister and aunt, Frances praying. – A.T.M. MacDONALD Greatly missed. and neighbours for all their MacINNES Conway, died March 2, 12th Anniversary Catherine and Kathleen. kindness and generosity. In fond and loving memory NOVENA PRAYER TO ST Remembering Peggy 1991. We would also like to thank of John (Iain), a dearly JUDE MacDonald, who died on McKEOWN “We have loved them in life, sincerely Fr Michael May the Sacred Heart of loved husband and dad, March 12, 2004, aged 75. Precious memories of our Let us not forget them in MacDonald, Ardkenneth for Jesus be praised, adored, died so suddenly on March So greatly missed by all. much loved mother, death.” spiritual comfort, Neil glorified and loved 11, 1995. R.I.P. Our Lady of the Isles, pray Catherine (O’Keefe), who Inserted by their loving MacIntyre for funeral throughout the world now for her. Sorely missed. died March 14, 1994; our family. arrangements and all those and forever more. Sacred Forever in our thoughts. Sacred Heart of Jesus, dear father, Patrick, died who assisted at the Heart of Jesus have mercy grant him eternal rest. Inserted by her families in October 5, 1975; her MURPHY graveside. Thanks to the on us. St Jude helper of the Edinburgh, Glasgow, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray brother, Patrick, died March Please pray for the soul of Borrodale Hotel for catering. hopeless, pray for us. St Jude, Inverness, Australia, Luton, for him. 14, 1975 and Mary our dear sister, Kathleen, Holy Mass will be offered great miracle worker, pray Pennsylvania and South Chrissie and family. McKeown, much loved who died March 12, 1982, for their intentions. for us. Say nine times daily. Uist. daughter, sister and aunt, beloved daughter of the late - F.M. THANKSGIVING died November 10, 2008. Thomas and Margaret MacDONALD Also Matt Thomson, died DEAR FATHER in heaven, Murphy. to Our Lady, St please send all healing and In loving memory of my November 14, 2009. Much THANKS Our Lady of Lourdes and St Philomena and Little Flower love to your special child, dear husband, Andrew, who loved husband, father and John Ogilvie, pray for her. for petitions answered. – Through the Lord Jesus died on March 7, 2010. grandfather, Matthew, died Inserted by her family. E.C. Christ. Amen. R.I.P. Jan 1, 2012 and Gary Quietly today your memory Thomson, September 15, I treasure, 2011, much loved sons, Missing you always, nephews and uncles. forgetting you never. May they rest in peace. Our Lady of the Isles, pray McINTOSH St Theresa, St Joseph and for him. In loving memory of our St Patrick, pray for them. Inserted by his loving wife dear mother, Nan (Myles) From Morag and Catherine. Mary Ann. McIntosh, who died on St Patrick’s Day, 2000; also MacKINNON our dear father, John, who 21st Anniversary died on November 10, In loving memory of my 1989, and our dear sister, dear husband, our dear Ann Du-Feu, who died on father and grandfather, July 3, 2004. Calum, who died March 14, Forever in our hearts. 1995. R.I.P. Fois shiorruidh thoir dha A MacINTYRE Thighearna, 8th Anniversary Agus solus nach dibir Treasured memories of our dearrsadh air. Inserted by his loving wife McGRANE dear mum, Mary, who died Hughina and family. 4th Anniversary March 13, 2008. In loving memory of Finlay, Forever in our thoughts. who died on March 10, Our Lady, Star of the Sea, McLAUGHLIN 4th Anniversary 2012, aged 41 years. pray for her. In loving memory of a dear Beloved brother of Michael Inserted by her loving mum and granny, Moira and nephew of Aunt Betty. family, home and away. (Devlin) who died March St Anthony, pray for him. Bunessan Street, Glasgow. 16, 2012. St Anthony, pray for her. Cherished Memories Inserted by Moira, Richie, Isabella and Francesca.

Of YourLoved Ones McRAE 30th Anniversary To place yourintimation In loving memory of Finlay McRae, beloved husband Call: 0141 241 6106 of the late Elizabeth, dearest father of Betty and or loving grandfather of Email: [email protected] Michael, who died March 17, 1986. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in Thee. 20 FUNERAL DIRECTORY SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY MARCH 11 2016 FUNERAL DIRECTORY BISHOPS ENGAGEMENTS ARCHBISHOP TARTAGLIA Archbishop of Glasgow, www.rcag.org.uk

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Our weekly series on Children’s Liturgy has lesson plans and activity suggestions for use with young people who are on the path to Christ Each week, Catechists will find readings and Psalm responses, complemented by prayer, reflection, FAITH discussion questions, and activities. Please feel free to use them as you wish The lessons are created by Adorer-theologians using the lens of the spirituality of St Maria de Mattias, which also embraces precious blood spirituality FIRST While this is the starting point for the lessons, readers are invited to approach them however the spirit moves you The Church is concerned with the availability and understanding of scripture for children who have their rightful place in the Church. In light of this SCO aims to provide a useful tool in drawing children closer to KIDS the Catholic Faith Passion Sunday Some Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus: questioned Him here in front of you and I have not “Teacher, make your disciples stop shouting!” found Him guilty of anything that you say He has CHILDREN’S But Jesus answered: “If they keep quiet, these done. Herod didn’t find Him guilty either and sent Reflection and Discussion stones will start shouting.” Him back. This man doesn’t deserve to be put to TODAY is a special day, when we hear two readings The Gospel of the Lord death! I will just have Him beaten with a whip and set CROSSWORD 122 from St Luke’s Gospel. The second Gospel reading free.” is called the Passion and tells the story of how Jesus First Reading Pilate said this, because at every Passover he was was arrested, tried, Crucified and buried. But we I did not cover my face against insult and I know I will not be supposed to set one prisoner free for the Jewish 1 2 3 4 5 6 also heard another Gospel story at the beginning of ashamed (third oracle of the Servant of the Lord). A reading people. But the whole crowd shouted, “Kill Jesus! Mass. Can you remember what happened in that from the book of the prophet Isaiah 50:6-7. Give us Barabbas!” 7 reading? I let them beat my back and pull out my beard. I didn’t Now Barabbas was in jail because he had started a We heard how Jesus sent His disciples off to turn aside when they made fun of me and spit in my face. riot in the city and had murdered someone. Pilate wanted 8 borrow a donkey, and to say to people when asked But the Lord God keeps me from being embarrassed. to set Jesus free, so he spoke again to the crowds. where they were taking it: “The Master needs it.” And I refuse to give up, because I know I will never But they kept shouting, “Nail Him to a cross! Nail How do you think the disciples felt when everything be ashamed. Him to a cross!” happened just as Jesus said it would? The Word of the Lord Pilate spoke to them a third time: “But what crime 9 10 11 Then Jesus entered into Jerusalem on this has He done? I have not found Him guilty of anything donkey, while the people shouted their praises to Responsorial Psalm for which He should be put to death. I will have Him God. How do you think Jesus must have felt to hear 22:7-8, 16c-17a and 18, 19 and 22. beaten with a whip and set free.” the people shouting His praises and welcoming Him (R) My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? The people kept on shouting as loud as they could 12 13 14 into the city? Why do you think the disciples were so Everyone who sees me makes fun and sneers. for Jesus to be put to death. Finally, Pilate gave in. He 15 16 happy and joyful? They shake their heads and say: “Trust the Lord! If you freed the man who was in jail for rioting and murder, Can you think of a time when someone important are His favourite, let Him protect you and keep you safe.” because he was the one the crowd wanted to be set 17 18 or special came to visit you at home or at school? (R) My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? free. Then Pilate handed Jesus over for them to do How did you welcome them? What would you do to My enemies have tied up my hands and my feet. what they wanted with Him. welcome Jesus if he arrived here today? I can count all my bones! As Jesus was being led away, some soldiers Jesus is in all of us, so every time we meet They took my clothes and gambled for them. grabbed hold of a man from Cyrene named Simon. 19 someone and welcome them, we are welcoming (R) My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? He was coming in from the fields, but they put the Jesus. We are asked by God to treat all people as we Don’t stay far away, Lord! My strength comes from cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. would like to be treated. Can you think of a time you, so hurry and help. A large crowd was following Jesus and in the ACROSS when you have not treated someone as you would And when your people meet, I will praise you, Lord. crowd a lot of women were crying and weeping for 2 A man might grow one on his face (5) like to be treated? Have you ever stopped people (R) My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Him. Jesus turned to the women and said: “Women of 5 The Creator, Who lives in Heaven (3) 7 Hot drink (3) from joining in your game, or sharing in yourtoys or Jerusalem, don’t cry for me! Cry for yourselves and 8 A practice session before staging a play (9) in your group? Is that very welcoming? Verse before the Gospel for your children. Someday people will say: ‘Women 9 Wear it round your neck when it’s cold (5) This week how do you think we can make all the Phillippians 2:8-9. who never had children are really fortunate!’ At that 11 Someone who has been invited (5) people we spend time with at home, at school and (R) Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. time everyone will say to the mountains: ‘Fall on us!’ 12 Fancy feast (7) 15 Part of a teapot (5) elsewhere feel welcome? And because Jesus is part Christ became obedient for us even to death, dying on They will say to the hills: ‘Hide us!’If this can happen 17 Here you might see a lot of old and of every person, we need to also welcome people all the cross. Therefore God raised Him on high and gave when the wood is green, what do you think will happen historic things (6) over the world with love, kindness and respect. Him a name above all other names. when it is dry?” 19 In the story, she met seven dwarfs (4,5) (R) Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. Two criminals were led out to be put to death with Activities Jesus. When the soldiers came to a place called ‘The G Gospel DOWN Get the children to act out Jesus’ triumphant arrival Skull,’ they nailed Jesus to a cross. They also nailed 1 Book of maps (5) and/or the Passion story. The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Passion of Our Lord the two criminals to crosses, one on each side of Jesus. 2 Something you buy at a really low price (7) G Ask the children to do a role play to show how they Jesus Christ according to Luke 23:1-49 . Jesus said: “Father, forgive these people! They don’t 3 Fine dust left after a fire (3) can welcome and respect all people. Everyone in the council led Jesus off to Pilate. They know what they’re doing.” 4 Game played on the same board as chess (8) started accusing Him and said: “We caught this man While the people stood there watching Jesus, the 5 It was written by Matthew, Mark, Luke or Prayer trying to get our people to riot and stop paying taxes soldiers gambled for His clothes. The leaders insulted John (6) Jesus, Son of God, you have a lot of courage. Show us to the Emperor. He also claims that He is the Messiah, Him by saying: “He saved others. Now he should save 6 Water down (6) how to be strong when things are hard. Help us to our king.” Himself, if He really is God’s chosen Messiah!” The 10 This disease is worse than a cold (3) soldiers made fun of Jesus and brought him some wine. 12 Deer in a Disney film (5) follow you and learn your ways of love. In your name Pilate asked Jesus: “Are you the king of the Jews?” 13 Female ruler (5) we pray. Amen. “Those are your words,” Jesus answered. They said, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 14 Silent (5) Pilate told the chief priests and the crowd: “I don’t Above him was a sign that said: “This is the King 16 Shove (4) Gospel (Procession with Palms) find Him guilty of anything.” of the Jews.” One of the criminals hanging there also 18 Cut the grass (3) Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. A But they all kept on saying: “He has been teaching insulted Jesus by saying: “Aren’t you the Messiah? reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke 19:28-40. and causing trouble all over Judea. He started in Save yourself and save us!” LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION Jesus went toward Jerusalem. As He was getting near Galilee and has now come all the way here.” But the other criminal told the first one off: “Don’t ACROSS to Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, When Pilate heard this, he asked: “Is this man from you fear God? Aren’t you getting the same punishment 1 Snowman 7 Ozone 8 Ace 9 Sandals 11 Leave He sent two of His disciples on ahead. He told them: Galilee?” as this man? We got what was coming to us, but he 12 Cycle 14 Whistle 16 Local 18 Conceal 20 Altar “Go into the next village, where you will find a young After Pilate learned that Jesus came from the region didn’t do anything wrong.” Then he said to Jesus: 21 Sob donkey that has never been ridden. Untie the donkey ruled by Herod, he sent Him to Herod, who was in “Remember me when you come into power!” DOWN and bring it here. If anyone asks why you are doing Jerusalem at that time. For a long time Herod had Jesus replied: “I promise that today you will be 1 Swallow 2 Operation 3 Mouse 4 Noon 5 Sofa that, just say: ‘The Lord needs it.’” wanted to see Jesus and was very happy because he with me in paradise.” 6 Beds 10 Day 12 Cellar 13 Cactus 15 Their They went off and found everything just as Jesus finally had this chance. He had heard many things Around noon the sky turned dark and stayed that 17 Lamb 19 Oil had said. While they were untying the donkey, its about Jesus and hoped to see Him work a miracle. way until the middle of the afternoon. The sun owners asked: “Why are you doing that?” Herod asked Him a lot of questions, but Jesus did not stopped shining and the curtain in the temple split They answered, “The Lord needs it.” answer. Then the chief priests and the teachers of the down the middle. Jesus shouted, “Father, I put myself The Children’s Liturgy page is Then they led the donkey to Jesus. They put some Law of Moses stood up and accused Him of all kinds in your hands!” Then He died. published one week in advance to of their clothes on its back and helped Jesus get on. of bad things. Herod and his soldiers made fun of When the Roman officer saw what had happened, And as He rode along, the people spread clothes on Jesus and insulted Him. They put a fine robe on Him He praised God and said: “Jesus must really have allow RE teachers and those taking the road in front of Him. and sent Him back to Pilate. That same day Herod and been a good man!” the Children’s Liturgy at weekly When Jesus was starting down the Mount of Pilate became friends, even though they had been A crowd had gathered to see the terrible sight. After Olives, His large crowd of disciples were happy and enemies before this. they saw it, they felt brokenhearted and went home. All Masses to use, if they wish, this praised God because of all the miracles they had seen. Pilate called together the chief priests, the leaders, of Jesus’ close friends and the women who had come page as an accompaniment to their They shouted: “Blessed is the king who comes in the and the people. He told them: “You brought Jesus to with Him from Galilee stood at a distance and watched. name of the Lord! Peace in Heaven and glory to God.” me and said he was a troublemaker. But I have The Gospel of the Lord teaching materials

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 22 VOCATIONS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY MARCH 11 2016 Just a thought or something more? First discernment step in the process ROBERT WILSON marks Good Shepherd Sunday with thoughful insight on discerning vocations as a natural part of adulthood

AVE you ever had that feeling, some- Last Sunday, March 6, was the fourth Sunday of thing you couldn’t completely put into Lent and also known as Good Shepard Sunday. In words but could still feel its presence? each year of the Liturgical cycle on this Sunday, the Perhaps God is ‘calling you’ to some- Gospel is always taken from the10th chapter of John thing bigger than yourself, perhaps you where Jesus speaks of himself as the ‘good shepherd.’ are being called to a vocation within the Church? It also considered vocations Sunday as Jesus was Having this question in your mind is the first speaking of himself as the shepherd looking after his stepH in what is called the vocational discernment. It flock directly parallels the role of a priest with his can be a daunting process and it can take years for parish. It is a time of deep prayer for many on the path an individual to discern what has been asked of of discernment. them. This is part of becoming an adult, something This discernment process isn’t something you do we all go through whether our calling is to the reli- just yourself, finding your vocation is also about being gious life or to something else. given support with spiritual directors, friends, family Perhaps you have a calling to be a diocesan and spending time in prayer with the Lord. It is vital priesthood or it may be that your role within life is to reach out and discover for yourself what God is ask- that of marriage life? ing of you, everyone has a role to play and through Just as Jesus tested himself in the desert preparing God we shall discover where our journey takes us. It for his adult ministry, the vocational discernment is a is up to us to make that first step not merely into a time to prepare and consider. It is the start of a journey career but into a life of total purpose. of seeking what God is calling you to do. Do not be Orders and organisations such as the Cistercian afraid. monks at Nunraw, the SMA Fathers, the Franciscan Pope Francis proclaims vocations as ‘a treasure that Missionaries of St Joseph and the Jericho Society God places in the hearts of some men, chosen by Him (details below) are among some of those who could and called to follow Him in this special state of life.’ help you discern if you have a religious vocations, The The Holy Father also revels that this treasure is not to vocations director in your diocese, and you own parish be discovered as a way to ‘enrich’ ones own life but priest, can also help you. instead to be discerned as ministrator of a gift that God Every journey begins with a single step. Our Faith has entrusted to him for the good of his flock. journeys are ongoing throughout our lives.

Cistercian Monks THE JERICHO COMMUNITY (A Private Association of thr Lay Faithful) DO YOU FEEL THAT GOD IS CALLING YOU TO THE A Community of Men (founded 1974) MISSIONARYPRIESTHOOD? Do you feel called to seek God as a Cistercian monk within a following the Rule of St. Benedict THEN WE CAN HELP YOU Community, living in prayer and work, in a spirit of silence? andwitnessing to The Society of African Missionaries (SMA Fathers) is an international group of Missionary Priests. Write: Novice Director, Sancta Maria Abbey, Nunraw, The Compassion of Jesus Today we are active in Liberia, Haddington, EH41 4LW Scotland Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, Zambia, Email: [email protected] Tel: 01620 830 223 among the homeless, the drug and Tanzania, South Africa and other African countries working as Website: http://www.nunraw.com.uk (Scottish Charity No. SC 022611) alcohol addicted and others being partners in the rapidly growing Church. ‘passed by on the other side’. WILL YOU The community directs Jericho Houses in JOIN US? Scotland, England & India Send the FRANCISCAN coupon for Vocation information from: more details MISSIONARIES Fr. James or Bro. Patrick, Monastery of Jesus I wish to know more about our about the work of the lifestyle OF ST. JOSEPH Harelaw Farm, Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire Society of African Missions Are you called like Francis of Assisi PA10 2PY Tel 01505 614669 Scot. Charity No. SC016909 to live the Gospel radically? NAME...... AGE...... ADDRESS...... Want to know more? ...... Email Sister Noel – The next Vocations Feature will POSTCODE...... Please print clearly and send to: be in our April 8 editon. FR. PATRICK McGUIRE [email protected] To book a space contact: SMA, St Theresaʼs, Clarendon Place www.fmsj.co.uk Dunblane, Perthshire FK15 9HB Reg. Charity no. 1135474 [email protected] WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY MARCH 11 2016 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CELEBRATING LIFE 23

SPOTLIGHT ON

40 Days for Life reaches milestone Fr Kieran Fletcher welcomed dozens of young Catholics to Craig Lodge as he led a retreat tailored especially for By Dan McGinty children. Around 30 children from primary seven and S1 took part in the Faith and Fun retreat with the Craig motorists—with one bus even pulling in to allow Lodge Community, combining prayer and understanding of their Faith with the opportunity to enjoy fun and its passengers to step off and pass on their games and the great outdoors. Fr Fletcher helped the young retreatants enter into a spirit of prayer and GLASGOW’S peaceful and prayerful protest encouragement—and upon reaching the middle of adoration, and participated with them as they enjoyed the many fun activities on offer. In addition to the retreat marking 40 Days for Life saw participants their efforts the participants were able to look back the children also took part in a reconciliation service and took to the hills as they donned their outdoor gear and bring up an important milestone as the vigil on a successful first 20 days. made the Way of the Cross hill climb passed its mid-point. Among those marking the mid-point of the vigil Pro-life activists have been gathering at were Claire Deighan and Louise Grant, who each Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital spoke of the feeling upon reaching the 20-day mark. daily (above) where they have stood for 12-hour “It’s such a positive experience and you’re really vigils ‘taking a positive and upbeat pro-life message encouraged by all the people there,” said Claire Keep up-to-date with all the latest, local, national, to all parts of the community.’ Deighan. “When you look up and see the hospital Vatican and international news via our Facebook The efforts match those taking place in other in front of you, you just feel so encouraged. It’s a parts of the UK, with similar prayerful protests taking good thing to come to in order to do something page or by following us on Twitter @SCO_NEWS place in Cardiff, Birmingham, Leamington Spa, productive and it’s great to be able to put our pro- Doncaster, Manchester and Nottingham. life beliefs into practise. It’s a great witness to others So far, organisers estimate that this Lent the vigils who see you standing there.” have seen four women changing their mind about Her words were echoed by Louise Grant, who their decision to have an abortion, while another said: “It can actually be quite an emotional experience decided not to go ahead with hers. Last year it was standing there when you see the amount of public estimated that over the course of the 40 Days for support you receive, especially when big burly bus Life between 20 and 30 women decided not to proceed drivers are driving past with a bus full of passengers with abortions. giving you the thumbs up or when workmen drive To mark the half-way point of their vigil, several past tooting their horns. of the participants joined together for some food “It just shows you that there are more people out and entertainment, taking the rare opportunity to there that agree with you and support you than you share some social time together during their busty think, despite the media's best efforts to wrongly efforts to raise awareness for the pro-life cause. portray this as a negative thing.” Throughout the vigil the pro-life activists have enjoyed the support of passing pedestrians and I [email protected]

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T IS time to draw this series to a close. For almost a year, we have followed the ups and downs of the relationship between Catholicism and Islam and the way both faiths have reacted to major historical changes. As we have seen, the relationship has fluctuated markedly over the centuries. Islam’s position vis-à-vis CatholicismI and the Church has often been one of tolerance, and even an acceptance that Catholics can go to Heaven. Yet at other times the Church and the Faithful have been subject to intense Jihad and persecution. The Catholic view of Islam has always been more complex. For centuries, it was considered not so much a distinct religion, but a heresy. Bouts of intense conflict, as, for example, during the Crusades, the Iberian Reconquista and the conflict on the Balkans and in the eastern Mediterranean, were interspersed with periods of tranquil co-existence and even peaceful co-operation. Three trends upset what had been a normative fluctuating relationship as described above— secularism, nationalism and globalisation. The first two originated in Europe, more specifically in France. They were exported to the Islamic world, and deeply affected the Catholic Church, through a process of increased global intertwining. That process began as long ago as the 16th century, but gathered velocity from the 1780s onwards. Both Catholic Church and Islam have struggled deeply with these processes, although Islam has certainly found it more difficult to incorporate the rule of the secular state into its thought world. This is not to say that the Church has found it easy, far from it. However, a strong hierarchy, singularly lacking in Islam outside the Shi’a world, and strong visionary leadership from Popes from Leo XIII to today have managed to at least give direction to a Catholic view of modernity. Sadly, for some in Islam, the answer has been the most brutal violence. Whereas we as Catholics may understand why Muslims may be upset with a deep secularisation process, none of us can even begin to comprehend how that can lead to the barbarity of IS or similar so-called revivalist or political Islamic groups. The impact on Catholic-Islamic understanding of this has been profound. It seems to have confirmed in the mind of many Catholics an ancient view of Islam as necessarily anti-Catholic. Again, we have seen that this could be the case in the past, but was not always so. In the Islamic world, it has led to something unheard of altogether, namely the rejection of tradition in the name of restoration. Tolerance towards Christians has been one of the vital pillars of Islamic social organisation, n the face of it, these are dark days, indeed. Increasingly sophisticated research into Europe’s leaders in their region, people such as the Kings of from the earliest Caliphate to the Ottoman Empire. I would like to end this series on a brighter Muslim communities is clearly showing that the Jordan and Morocco, the new President of Egypt The survival of Christian groups, churches and note, however. I hope that this series has ‘Islamic tide’ is a rather too strong interpretation or the ruling families in the Emirates and Qatar, monasteries for 1400 years under Islamic rule givenO lie to the notion that there is such a thing as of Islamic migration into the continent. The majority who have funded the building of churches. Those illustrates this well. Now, nihilistic Jihadi fighters ‘Islam.’ Just as there is no such thing as a single of Europe’s Muslims are highly secularised. Indeed, leaders will be easier persuaded to grant Christians are wiping them out, as well as all traces of a pre- Christianity, so Islam is divided, not only into most European Jihadi come from such backgrounds their rights if we grant Muslims in Europe theirs. Christian and pre-Islamic past. In addition, almost Sunni and Shi’a, but into an infinitely greater and are reacting to it. Second and especially third- In our own region, we share a great deal of ethical all cultural legacies of 14th centuries of Muslim number of factions than Christianity. To date, generation Muslim immigrants do not have concerns with our Muslim neighbours, and culture, including shrines of Muslim Sufi saints, although forming sizeable minorities in some substantially larger families from indigenous people, together we are able to make a stronger stance Shi’a mosques and more secular expressions of countries like Pakistan, the Jihadi movement indeed, the average of both is the same in every against ever-increasing secular pressure on what Islam, are all being destroyed. remains a smallish group within the world of European country when examined through the lens we hold sacred. Most shocking of all, Catholic religious sisters, Islam. Whole regions of the Islamic world have of the third generation migrants. I am not a Muslim. I will never become a Muslim. frequently adored by Muslim neighbours for their been barely touched by them. Traditional Muslim- True, there may be a substantial group of cultural I know where I differ from Islam: I believe that I patent love for humanity, have been targeted. They Catholic cordiality on the ground continues to exist Muslims, but then the group of cultural Christians am the child of a Creator-God, a notion Muslims have been kidnapped for ransom, beaten and even, in countries like Morocco, in the Gulf Emirates, in is much larger (Muslims rarely make up more than would reject (they would think of themselves as as with Mother Teresa’s four martyred Missionaries Egypt, Indonesia, India and vast swathes of 8 per cent of the population). In addition, and the subjects of God). I believe that that Creator-God of Charity in Yemen recently, killed. It is very French-speaking West Africa. risks and hurt to families notwithstanding, there is is Trinitarian, and that the Trinity’s love for us was difficult under these kinds of assaults to maintain Every Pope since Paul VI, including importantly a steady trickle of conversion by Muslims to so great that we can celebrate the Resurrection a balanced view of Muslims and of Islam as a Pope St John Paul II, have worked to increase the Christianity across Europe, which is substantially every year at Easter, every week on Sunday. I faith. When under attack, one’s ability to treat the mutual understanding between Catholicism and larger than that of Christians embracing Islam. know Jesus to have been far more than a prophet, other side fairly slips somewhat. In addition to this Islam. They have also emphasised the shared Europe, all the research shows, is definitely not Our Lady to have been the Mother of God. That are the scare stories of Muslim migration to Abrahamic notion of the Creator-God, even if we becoming Islamic any time soon; I would hazard a does not, and should not, stop me or any other Europe, which, at least according to some, will interpret that God in a vastly different way. Praying guess and say not any time at all. Catholic from wishing to understand Islam and lead to vast swathes of the European continent side-by-side in mosques in—amongst others— Is a dialogue useful, or, indeed, necessary? In Muslims; I sincerely hope that it does not stop becoming Islamic, not least because Catholicism, Istanbul (above), Popes have made potent statements my personal opinion, yes. We owe it to those Muslims from trying to understand us. I hope and and all of Christianity, seem to be beating such a that we are united by some things, just as we are Christians of the Islamic world who are seeking pray that this series will have contributed a little hasty retreat. divided by others. protection from the more enlightened political to deepening that understanding. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK