Law Casts a Shadow Over Family

NUNS held US AUTHOR MSP MARGO hostage freed brings hope on MacDONALD from captivity abuse to Scots criticised over in Syria. Catholics. bill claims. Pages 6-7 Page 8 Page 3

No 5560 VISIT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER ONLINE AT WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK Friday March 14 2014 | £1

War is not worth it, Ukrainians in Scotland tell President Putin

By Ian Dunn

A UKRAINIAN Catholic community in Edinburgh is raising money for the victims of violence in Ukraine as they fear a wider war with Russia is inevitable, their parish priest told the SCO this week. Fr Vasyl Kren, parish priest of the Ukrainian Catholic Church of our Lady of Pochaiv and St Andrew in Edinburgh, said his parishioners had raised more than £700 through an auction of Ukrainian goods on Saturday. “We are sending that money to the family of a man who lost his leg during the recent protests in Kiev,” he said. Archbishop Leo Cushley (inset) has questioned “He is in the hospital and has a the Scottish Government over the Children and young family, and is known to peo- Young People (Scotland) Act, which he feels ple in the parish so we wanted to may intrude on the privacy of a family (main) help.” PIC: MICHAEL COGHLAN Fr Kren said he believed the people of Ukraine were fighting for their democratic rights but the conse- quences could be terrible. “We think it will be war, and not just with Ukraine and Russia,” he said. “Russia has sent its troops into Law casts a shadow over family Crimea and that is close to Poland, the Baltics, it will spread.” I He said he was constantly in touch Archbishop Leo Cushley questions new legislation and warns against state interference with his own family, back in Ukraine, and was using social media By Ian Dunn “We share the widely expressed reservations of funding the government will be ‘setting health visi- and online videos to see what was many who fear that some provisions of the Children tors up to fail,’ as there are not enough health visitors happening on the ground. ARCHBISHOP Leo Cushley of St Andrews and Young People (Scotland) Act could permit unwar- currently in place ‘to meet even the needs of their “Ukraine will try to stay peaceful,” and Edinburgh has said the Scottish Govern- ranted interference in family life due to the broad existing caseloads.’ he said. “We just have to hope [Presi- ment must not ‘interfere in the internal life of nature of the powers of ‘named persons service’ and dent] Putin will realise war is not the family.’ the low threshold set for triggering the sharing of Concerns worth it.” His intervention comes as fears grow over the information about children among state agencies,” he Dr Stuart Waiton, a sociology lecturer at Abertay In the Ukraine, the stand off inten- Children and Young People (Scotland) Act, which the said. “While recognising the good intentions behind University, has raised concerns that the appointed sified as Russian troops solidified Scottish Parliament passed last month, as reports sug- such efforts, we hope that the government will act in state guardians will inevitably be ‘less likely to focus their control of the Crimea before a gest the implementation of its plan to name a state a proportionate and focused manner with due respect on the very few serious cases of child abuse’ as these referendum on the Crimea leaving guardian for every child may cost tens of millions to the autonomy and privacy of the family.” will become ‘lost in the crowd’ of an expanded list Ukraine and joining Russia takes more than previously thought. The archbishop added that he hoped the Scottish of concerns. place on Sunday, as Ukraine and the Government would act on his and others’ concerns “Others have rightly noted that the creation of a West say it is illegal. Legislation as ‘many fears could be allayed and the legitimate guardian for every child, based on the suspicion that The US secretary of state has also Archbishop Cushley said that the ‘Bishops’ Confer- concerns of many could be addressed by ensuring every parent is a potential abuser, sends out a rejected a talks offer with Russian ence of Scotland is fully committed to ensuring the that ministerial guidance on implementation embeds depressing and inaccurate message about the nature President Vladimir Putin until wellbeing of children,’ but that this legislation was a threshold for intervening in family life only when of parents,” he said. “With the introduction of state Moscow engages with US proposals questionable. objective and significant cause is shown.’ guardians, the potential for further state intrusion into on Ukraine’s crisis. “We endorse attempts to ensure that excellent serv- parents’ behaviour will increase, as will the anxiety John Kerry told his Russian coun- ices are available to all children who require them Expense some parents feel about their own behaviour being terpart Sergei Lavrov that Moscow’s and have shown this commitment in implementing His warning comes amid concerns that implement- monitored.” military intervention in Crimea had rigorous safeguarding policies and collaborating with ing the bill could be ruinous and expensive. The leg- Aidan O’Neill QC, a leading human rights lawyer, made any negotiations extremely dif- the GIRFEC model of child wellbeing,” he said. islation instructs the NHS to appoint a health worker also warned that the named person would have pow- ficult. US officials say there will be “Support for children puts the wellbeing of children to be the ‘named person’ for every child up to the age ers that ‘cut across’ the rights of parents and warned little to talk about if the referendum at the heart of all policies and must be based on sup- of five, after which responsibility would pass to local that the plans may not be compatible with the Euro- on Crimea’s future goes ahead. port for the family. The common good of society councils, with teachers likely to take over the role. pean Convention on Human Rights, which says the depends on the stability of family life. The state must But the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has state should respect ‘private and family life.’ respect subsidiarity and should support not interfere warned that the scheme would require the recruit- The Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill in the internal life of the family.” ment and training of 450 new health visitors. was passed by 103 votes to 0, with 15 abstentions Archbishop Cushley said that he and his fellow bish- The cost of nursing training and annual salaries for after the final debate last month ops shared the fears of other groups like the Church of the extra health visitors could amount to well over Scotland that the bill would undermine the family. £30 million. The RCN said that without increased 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 14 2014

SCIAF launched its annual Wee Box, Big Change Lenten campaign PICTURE OF THE WEEK on Ash Wednesday as Scottish stars including Susan Boyle, What’s On Nicholas McDonald, Neil Lennon and Kaye Adams joined Scottish A weekly guide to upcoming Church events, Catholic school children in pledging to take part. more online at www.sconews.co.uk The 2014 campaign was launched by pupils from Holyrood SATURDAY MARCH 15 gow G3 6RJ. Admission free; Secondary in Glasgow’s Merchant I Jan Garbarek with The donations welcome. Square as well-known Scots from Hilliard Ensemble. A mixture music, sport and the media made of early and renaissance vocal WEDNESDAY MARCH 19 public their pledge to join music, with pure toned saxo- I Monthly Pro-Life Mass with thousands of Scots who will give phone melody and improvisa- the Sisters of the Gospel of something up for the 40 days of tion in St Mary’s Cathedral, Life (Govanhill). An opportu- Lent and donate the money saved to help the charity’s work in some Aberdeen. 4.00-5.30pm. Tick- nity to celebrate Mass and pray of the poorest countries in the ets £30 (£20 limited view), for the unborn and for all world. available from: 0845 111 0302 affected by abortion. Pope At the launch Mairi McLean, a or at www.aberdeenjazzfesti- Francis has told us to say ‘yes sixth year from Holyrood val.com. to life and not death’. This is I secondary in Glasgow, said it was Music Sacra (Day One). Part our chance. Exposition 6pm, great ‘to get the chance to support of LentFest. 10.30am – Rosary 7pm, Mass 7.30pm, the great work that SCIAF do’ and 5.30pm, St Peter’s Church, Our Lady of Consolation, 42 said she was giving up chocolate Hyndland St, Partick. Ingelfield Street, Glasgow G42 and donating the money saved to I Folk Session. Part of Lent- 7AT. Tea, coffee, biscuits and a SCIAF this Lent. Fest. 7.30pm. St Helen’s, natter in the hall afterwards. Global singing sensation Susan something to help people less will be giving up sugar for 40 days, The focus of this year’s appeal Langside. Boyle will go without chips for fortunate than ourselves this Lent. said she was taking part because is Colombia and the plight of the THURSDAY MARCH 20 Lent because ‘it makes me really What will you do?” ‘it’s crazy’ that ‘a third of the native American Emberá people Neil Lennon, Celtic FC manager world’s population is overweight whose very existence is under SUNDAY MARCH 16 I Poetry and Music Café sad to know that so many people I in the world today are still living in has committed to not eat and yet still more than ten percent threat as big business, guerrilla Musica Sacra (Day Two). chocolate during Lent. of people go hungry every single fighters, paramilitaries and others Part of LentFest. 1.30-7.00pm. Part of LentFest. St Paul’s terrible poverty and struggling to feed themselves.’ “Global poverty and hunger are day.’ take their land. Money raised from St Peter’s Church, Hyndland Church Hall, Whiteinch, just plain wrong,” he said.“They Last year, thousands of Scots in the appeal will help people in St, Partick. FRIDAY MARCH 21 “I know the money I save from giving up chips and donating it to are big challenges, but they can be schools, parishes and Colombia and in the 15 other I The Beginning Experience. MONDAY MARCH 17 SCIAF will help people in need to overcome, and we can all do our communities across the country countries where SCIAF works. A weekend for those who find bit to make this happen.” took action to raise more than I work their way out of a life of St Patrick’s Night Celebra- themselves alone through sepa- poverty,” she said.“We can all do Broadcaster Kaye Adams, who £860,000 for SCIAF’s work. PIC: PAUL McSHERRY tion. Celebration of Ireland’s ration, divorce or bereavement. patron saint, with an Irish Until March 23. St Mary's Mis- dance display, ceilidh dancing, sion and Renewal Centre, Hat- Our Lady of Good Aid music and songs. Tickets £6 ton Road, Kinnoul, Perth PH2 Cathedral, Motherwell, each, which includes a buffet 7BP. For details contact Ros on welcomed some newcomers with tea/coffee. Bar available. 0131 669 0003 or email to their parish recently as All proceeds to Sacred Heart [email protected] candidates to join the Church Church Organ Fund. 6.15- I Lesmahagow Male Voice underwent the rite of 9.00pm, Lauriston Hall, Lau- election. Choir in concert.Part of Lent- Candidates, including riston Street, Edinburgh. Call Fest. 7.30pm, Turnbull. I Michelle McCandless of 0131 337 3890. Bethany Sleepout for Home- Bellshill, gathered to be lessness. Spend a night under presented one by one to TUESDAY MARCH 18 the stars to help homeless peo- I Bishop Joseph Toal of Argyll A Personal and Episcopal ple in Aberdeen. Register at: and the Isles as they Reflection on Pope Francis' 0131 561 8956 or email: kim- prepared to sign the book of Address to the Nuncios. A talk rose@bethanychristiantrust. those who will receive the by Bishop Stephen Robson as com. sacraments of initiation. part of the Gonzaga Lectures I Station Mass. Station Mass Afterwards, candidates series,7.30pm, St Aloysius Col- at St Peter’s, Castlegate, joined with sponsors, lege Hall, 45 Hill Street, Glas- Aberdeen at 7.30pm Godparents, priests and deacons at Motherwell E-mail [email protected] Cathedral PIC: TOM EADIE

Members of the Circolo Religioso Italiano and Amici gathered in Perth on March 4 for their Annual Masked Ball to mark the Carnevale on Martedi Grasso, Shrove Tuesday.Archbishop Mario Conti was their guest of honour and the music was provided by Roberto Enzo. Norma Giulianotti (centre), the organiser, and circle president, accompanied Archbishop Conti, Mgr Charles Hendry, parish priest of St Mary Magdalene’s, Perth St Thomas Neilston Society of St Vincent de Paul celebrated its 150th anniversary recently and guests with a Mass attended by Bishop Elect John Keenan. Parishioners and invited guests attended the March 7 event that marked a century and a half of charitable work by the society “The Mass went very well; it was a beautiful ceremony and everyone enjoyed it,” Frank O’Kane, who has been a member and organiser of the SSVP for 11 INSIDE YOUR SCO THIS WEEK years, said:“It was a good evening and everything was lovely.” EWTN - THE CATHOLIC SATELLITE CHANNEL The Mass at St Thomas’ was presided over by Mgr James Cunningham and NEWS pages 1-7 CENTRE SPREAD pages 12-13 was followed by a meal with a birthday cake. The perfect Christian present LOCAL NEWS pages 2,3,4 and SPIRITUAL REFLECTION page The SSVP has went through many changes over the years, the most notable 5 14 being the admission of women into the organisation, something Mr O’Kane Tel: SAS 0141 774 5000 or 07971 514 703 WHAT’S ON page 2 PUZZLES pages 16 and 21 thinks has had a positive effect.“I think that was the biggest change in the WORLD NEWS pages 6-7 CHILDREN’S PAGE page 21 Society of St Vincent de Paul.We now have active women members which is a for our special offer VATICAN NEWS pages 6-7 INTIMATIONS pages 17-20 LETTERS page 9 BISHOPS’ ENGAGEMENTS page good thing obviously,” he said. Founded in 1864, the St Thomas Neilston SSVP COMMENT pages 110-11 20 will continue its anniversary celebrations throughout the year with a number of SAS - SCOTLAND’S CATHOLIC SATELLITE COMPANY events PIC: PAUL McSHERRY

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY MARCH 14 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER NEWS 3 Catholic schools defended Doubts over doctors’ suicide support during Coatbridge debate By Ian Dunn By Daniel Harkins Reilly, Labour MSPs Siobhán McMahon and Hugh Henry, MARGO MacDonald MSP has been THE positive role of and SNP MSP Joan McAlpine. criticised for claiming a majority of Catholic schools in Scotland Mr Boyle pointed out that a doctors back her plans to legalise was firmly defended during Scottish Government report assisted suicide in spite of the fact that a heated debate in Coat- from last year—from the all the major physician’s bodies are bridge last Sunday. Advisory Group on Tackling against it. During the debate—held in Sectarianism—stated that Ms MacDonald (right) said, despite the St Patrick’s Hall on March 9— Catholic schools are in no way official opposition of several professional Peter Kearney, director of the responsible for sectarianism in bodies, her own conversations led her to Catholic Media Office, criti- Scotland. believe there was widespread support cised local councils for using “We do not believe that sec- among medics for her bill. The MSP’s new shared campus to create ‘a tarianism stems from, or is the comments came after 11 senior clinicians lot of pressure to eradicate the responsibility of, denomina- signed a letter announcing their support identify of Catholic schools.’ tional schooling, or, specifi- for the proposed legislation and as her bill Mr Kearney was particularly cally, Catholic schools, nor that went back before a parliamentary com- critical of North Lanarkshire sectarianism would be eradi- mittee this week. Council, who oversee the town cated by closing such institu- “The Royal College of General Practi- in which the debate took place tions,” the report published in tioners (RCGP) has renewed its opposition and which has just announced December said. to assisted suicide last month and the plans for a number of new Mrs McAlpine, the SNP British Medical Association, Royal Col- shared campuses. member for the South of Scot- lege of Physicians, Association for Pallia- “This is an authority that has land, referred to positive tive Medicine, British Geriatric Society a particular policy of pushing changes in attitudes towards and World Medical Association have a the agenda of shared campuses, Catholic schools, saying that long record of opposition to any change in at times to the dismay of many ‘it’s a mark of tolerance if you the law,” a spokesman for Care Not parents whose children go to can accept people’s differ- Killing, the umbrella organisation backed Catholic schools,” Mr Kearney ences.’ Mrs McMahon, the by the Catholic Church spearheading said. “Attitudes, particularly in Labour MSP for Central Scot- opposition to the proposed bill, said. the media, towards Catholic land, countered, however, say- “After an extensive consultation, the schools ebb and flow. There ing: “I don’t want my Catholic RCGP found that the vast majority of its seems to be periods where schools to be tolerated.” members opposed a change in the law. It is there is great animosity and More than 100 people clear that the majority considered opinion The spokesman went on to say it was and fear of political repercussions. I know even aggression towards attended the debate, which was of doctors is strongly against assisted ‘reassuring that so many of our doctors there are GPs out there who support it but Catholic schools and at other held as part of Coatbridge’s suicide. and medical professionals want to focus they do not feel able to put their name times it lies dormant—but annual St Patrick’s Day Festival. “The RCGP gave a succinct presenta- on good, compassionate care and not to to a present publication because of possi- that’s all it does; it lies dormant Other topics discussed included tion of their reasons for opposing any open their profession up to the deliberate ble backlash from partners and the com- and I don’t think it completely the forthcoming independence change in the law. As it would be detri- ending of patients’ lives.’ munity.” goes away.” referendum, anti-Irish racism mental to the doctor-patient relationship, One of the 11 doctors who organised the The Scottish Parliament’s Health and In addition to Mr Kearney, in Scotland and plans for a put the most vulnerable groups in society public letter in support of the bill Dr Culture Committee discussed Ms Mac- the debate panel (below) memorial in Glasgow to the at risk, be impossible to implement with- Gillian MacDougall, a practising ear, nose Donald’s Bill on Tuesday in a move that included Irish community Great Hunger. out eliminating the possibility that patients and throat surgeon in Lothian, claimed marks the beginning of its journey through worker Danny Boyle, profes- may be in some way coerced into the deci- more doctors would have signed it parliament. sors Tom Devine and Patrick I [email protected] sion to die and instigate a ‘slippery slope’ but had been concerned about possible Ms MacDonald’s last attempt to legalise PIC: GERARD GOUGH whereby it would only be a matter of time repercussions. assisted suicide was defeated by 85 votes before assisted dying was extended to “It is really hard in the medical profes- to 16 with two abstentions in 2010. those who could not consent due to rea- sion to stand up and say you support this sons of incapacity and the severely as a practising doctor,” she said. “I think disabled.” there is a fear of being labelled ‘Dr Death’ I [email protected] Priests and parishioners need God’s forgiveness

BISHOP Stephen Robson, leadership par excellence as onciliation and once the people the newly ordained bishop priests, leading our people to realise that we need and cele- of Dunkeld, has advised his deeper renewal and a conver- brate the Sacrament of Recon- priests to encourage and sion back to the Gospel.’ ciliation ourselves they will support parishioners to avail “Let’s remember that we begin to appreciate an even themselves of the Sacrament priests, too, are in need of Rec- greater solidarity with us.” of Confession this Lent through leading by example. In a Lenten ad clerum message to Dunkeld clergy, Bishop Robson (right) asks priest to JOEJOE WALSHWWAALSH TTOURSOURS Mancunia spend time in the Confessional PILGRIMAGEPILGRIMAGE SSPECIALISTSPECIALISTS as opposed to saying Confes- Direct Flights from: sion is available on request. demand.’ My experience, for Edinburgh: 27th June - 4th & 11th July “My own experience of what its worth, is they don’t th being a parish priest is that, if come…. After decades of try- PILGRIMAGESPILGRIMAAGGES TO LOURDESLOURDES Glasgow: 18 July (Limited space only) we are there in the ‘box,’ the ing to create reconciliation Manchester: 25th July - 1st, 8th, 15th, people will come and, if we are rooms and face-to-face Confes- BYBY AIRAIR FROMFROM EDINBURGHEDINBURGH £ from £699 22nd & 29th August patient, they will see the won- sions, the majority of people 1111 July July 2014 2014 | 7 nightsnights pps inc derful value of Confession for still prefer the box and its Birmingham: 5th & 12th September

£ Lourdes the soul.” anonymity.” BOOK BYBYA AIRIRF FROMROM GLASGOWGLASGOW from £719 He added: “Please do not put The bishop said that ‘Lent is 1818 July July 2014 2014 | 7 nightsnights pps inc ONLINE & SAVE Rome & Assisi Krakow & Prague in your bulletins ‘available on a time when we exercise our £10 PER PERSON* 16th - 21st June - £559 pp plus 2nd - 10th June - £659 pp plus *T&C APPLY flight costs 5 nights in flight costs 5 nights in Krakow, WEEKLYWEEKLLYY DEPARTURESDEPPAARTURES WEEKLYWEEKLLYY DDEPARTURESEPPAARTURES Rome with a day trip to Assisi 3 nights in Prague TOTO FATIMAFATIMA TTOO MEMEDJUGORJEDJUGORJE The Holy Land Medjugorje 2014 FromFrom EdinburghEdinburgh | 7 nightsnights FromFrom EdinburghEdinburgh | 7 nightsnights 5 night experience pilgrimage June 22nd and September 10th £ £ 15th - 20th May - £999 per person (including from £584 from £559 flights from Luton) Staying in Tiberias, £544 excluding insurance pps inc pps inc Bethlehem & visiting Jerusalem. Departing from Edinburgh Joee WWalshalsh TToursours | wwww.joewalshtours.co.ukww.joewalshtours.co.uk www.mancunia.com contact [email protected]@joewalshtours.co.uk | 00141141 535300 50506060 [email protected] Roger Foster 114343 LowerLower BBaggotaggot SStreet,treet, DDublinublin 22,,I Irelandreland Telephone: 0161 883 1515 BondedBonded aandnd LLicensedicensed by by the the CCivilivil AAviationviation AAuthorityuthority in the UK | ATOL 5163 01475 793 987 5126 WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 4 SCHOOLS/LOCAL NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY MARCH 14 2014 Schools rally for education week; new award

By Daniel Harkins

SCHOOLS across the country united in celebration of Catholic Education Week. The annual event emphasises the unique and important role of Catholic schools in Scotland, and this year took the theme of Shining the Light of Faith, inspired by Pope Fran- cis’ Lumen Fidei encyclical. To mark the beginning of the important week of faith, St Francis of Assisi Primary, Glasgow, (below right) held an assembly to discuss how each pupil could use the talents given to them by God to make the world a better place. During the assembly—which was presented by P5 pupils, who led the school in prayer and read scripture—children from each class were asked to light candles as a symbol of how their ‘light can shine for others to see,’ and PIC: PAUL McSHERRY the event ended with a look at Pope Francis and how his actions are an example for schoolchildren to aspire to. Isobel Padden, headteacher of St Francis of Assisi’s, said the children kept their candles after the Mass and put them in their classrooms where they will stay for the rest of the year. “The children really enjoyed it because Volunteers help the candles were a really tangible sign of something important that they could take back to their classes,” Mrs Padden said. By Ian Dunn Holy Name, Glasgow, to try and At St Aidan’s High, Wishaw, sixth year provide help for people who are pupils spent two weekends visiting the A NEW initiative in Glas- struggling. school’s associated parishes and talking to gow aims to help Catholics “We have the financial parishioners about how they are enhancing facing financial difficulties. knowledge to help people who their faith experience. Members of the community of faith.’ at Blessed John Duns Scotus parish in the Michael Fox, who works with are struggling with debt,” he school’s Caritas Group volunteered to Also in Greenock, St Andrew’s Church Gorbals area of the city to mark the start of chartered accountants Wylie & said. “And I think if you com- address the Parish community, talking hosted a community Mass for pupils, par- Catholic Education Week. The pupils cre- Bisset, wants to meet with peo- bine that with the counseling about their role in actively living out their ents and staff of St Columba’s High ated an exhibit about their daily faith ple who are struggling with debt, skills priests have, it could faith, and St Aidan’s pupils throughout the School and St Andrew’s, St Joseph’s and actions and this was displayed at the and give them the financial really help people.” week joined together to pray during class St Ninian’s primaries, with more than 400 entrance of the church for all to see. advice to turn their situation Fr Burke said he been very times and at year group assemblies on the people in attendance, while pupil’s from Other Masses were held by schools all around. impressed by the idea. theme of Catholic schools. the town’s St Mary’s Primary were for- over the country, including a service by Fr “If you’re divorced, or “I know Michael well, and I St Laurence’s Church in Greenock mally enrolled in the Pope Francis Faith Stephen Baillie and Fr Frank Hannigan at bereaved or in many other back him all the way on this,” joined in the Catholic Education Week cel- Award. Three representatives from P6 St Charles’ in Paisley (top pic), were kinds of difficulty, the Church he said. “I think he has been ebrations, welcoming Notre Dame High addressed Bishop John Cunningham, schools from the Motherwell Diocese took is there for you,” Mr Fox said. motivated by talking to people School (bottom left) pupils and children parishioners, parents and pupils to explain part in the special celebrations. “But it struck me that’s who are struggling with money, from its associated primary school’s: All about the award and how it would help This year’s Catholic Education Week is maybe not so much the case if and wants to help them with Saints, St Patrick’s and St Mary’s. Fr Gerry them to prepare for receiving the Sacra- inspired by Pope Francis’ first encyclical, you’ve got serious problems advice, so hopefully this will be McNellis and Mgr Denis Canon Carlin ment of Confirmation next year. Bishop delivered on June 29, 2013, which called with debt, which also can be a success.” concelebrated Mass, with assistance from Cunningham celebrated the Mass and con- for the world to celebrate faith as some- very emotionally and psycho- Mr Fox hopes to set up a debt Deacon Don Keane. Pupils from the gratulated the children on their commit- thing that is ‘capable of illuminating every logically stressful.” drop in centre in Holy Name schools were actively involved in the Mass ment to their faith. aspect of human existence.’ Mr Fox then approached Fr Church hall but in the mean time and all concerned felt that it was a ‘won- In Glasgow, staff and children of St Noel Burke, his parish priest at those who are struggling with derful opportunity to come together as a Francis’ Primary joined Fr Eddie Highton I [email protected]

Dundee pupils get bishop’s help with new award

CHILDREN at St Luke’s and St Matthew’s Primary, Dundee, had help from a special visitor recently as they enrolled in the Pope Francis Faith Award. Bishop Stephen Robson, Bishop of Dunkeld, spoke with Lourdes Secondary pupils used their culinary skills last week to children as he welcomed their celebrate Shrove Tuesday. S6 pupils from the Cardonald school made efforts to deepen their Faith. pancakes and raised money for SCIAF.The pancakes were sold to The school has 23 children teachers and fellow pupils with all proceeds going towards the enrolled to take part in the award, Scottish charity. Pictured with their pancakes are Claire Graham, and Bishop Robson’s attentive Francesca Woulfe, Connor Girvan and Ami Grant help was greatly appreciated by PIC: PAUL McSHERRY the school. “He was absolutely brilliant with the children,” Mrs Kathleen Quinn, the school’s headteacher said. “Very charismatic. Really, day. He even spoke to the primary “He spoke to them about the expected to show that they have EWTN CATHOLIC TV IS ON SKY EPG 589 really nice. I had to drag him out sevens about the holocaust and he gifts of the Holy Spirit and pre- used all the gifts of the Holy Spirit Sky Freesat £175 total cost , no monthly charges. of the school! He came at half ten had them in the palm of his hand.” sented them with a journal—that when showing love of God and 200 Free channels including EWTN TV & Radio. and he had an appointment at three Sarah Hendry, a teacher at St will last for the year—for them to love of others in their daily lives, o’clock and at a quarter to three he Luke’s and St Mathew’s, also had track any progress in the award.” that they, with the support of oth- Call Sky on 08442411602 for installation. was still talking to the last class. I high praise for Bishop Robson. The Pope Francis Faith Awards ers, have reflected on how their Call EWTN on 020 83502542 or e-mail [email protected] said if you want a lift you’ve got “He was fantastic,” she said. “The invites P6-7 pupils to learn, reflect actions have made an impact on for free monthly posted programme guide and to come now! children were really engaged and and act on different scripture pas- their journey of faith, and that visit www.ewtn.co.uk for more info. “He spoke right down at the were intensely listening to what sages based around the gifs of the they are playing their part in the children’s level, talking about their they had to say. Holy Spirit.Award entrants will be life of their parish. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY MARCH 14 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER SCHOOLS/LOCAL NEWS 5 Prayer movement in Dunkeld marks third anniversary with retreat days

THE John Paul Prayer Move- storms of life,” Mr McCrosson including half a dozen non- ment, based in Dunkeld Dio- said. “Unfortunately, there are Catholics in attendance, and all cese recently celebrated its too few channels available to came away ‘feeling refreshed, third anniversary with special provide those searching for more renewed, strengthened and retreat days. with the opportunity to do so. A inspired’ by what they heard and The movement is committed fifteen-minute homily once a what they received through to fostering ‘deeper personal week does not suffice in offering prayer and ministry. relationships with Christ in the people the steering they are look- One attendee said the day was power of the Holy Spirit’ and ing for. In short, the Faithful are ‘relaxed and easy going’ and that ‘moving forward prophetically, being starved and are in a state of ‘everyone felt like a friend.’ engaging ecumenically and malnourishment from a lack of “There were many highlights growing in stronger conviction knowledge of Scripture and of the day for me but in particu- of Catholic Faith.’ proper understanding of our lar I came away feeling spiritu- Organisers are holding three Faith. ally nourished and with a deeper retreat days throughout 2014 at “It is time for the clergy and understanding of the Mass after Kinnoull. The first, a Lenten the lay Faithful to find a new the talk by Fr Jim McManus,” retreat, took place on March 8 spirit of cooperation in being the retreatant said. with Fr Gerry Mulligan and was blessing to one another and Another commented that the attended by more than 50 peo- ensuring that no one is left hun- day was well-balanced, stimulat- ple. This will be followed by a gry or lost. The John Paul Prayer ing, and relaxing and that ‘the pre- Pentecost retreat day on June 7 Movement is recognising and sentations and insights shared by and an annual retreat day on the responding to the spiritual needs Fr McManus were really amazing first Saturday of November of its members and learning to and thought provoking and will, Chris McCrosson, speaking for move in greater response to the from now on, provide me with a the movement, said that the group will of God, to the mandate of much better understanding of the is arguably the fastest growing Christ and His Church and in the Eucharist and all that it means.’ the Faithful with finances prayer movement in the Dunkeld dynamism of the Holy Spirit.” Diocese, continuing to attract The group holds annual retreat I The movement’s prayer those hungry to further their days, celebrating its third in groups meet weekly in Dundee money can arrange a private often they’ve never really income dropped he had to take knowledge of Scripture and Faith. November at St Mary’s and Crieff and have an empha- meeting through Fr Burke. thought about it before. And if on a debt arrangement scheme “People are looking to explore Monastery, Perth, where Fr Jim sis on Faith building and knowl- David Tannock, also at Wylie after you’ve paid all the bills for ten years,” he said. “At the new depths to their Faith, to find McManus, the spiritual director edge. They are open to new & Bisset, said debt is a major you have a negative you need other end of the scale there was a answers and meaning to their dif- of the John Paul Prayer Move- members and to starting new issue in Scotland. “314,000 peo- to speak to CAB or someone woman who has gone through ficulties in life and how a greater ment, provided a revealing expos- groups in other parishes. For ple in 2012-2013 had some form like ourselves, and look at for- bankruptcy and is going to pay understanding of their Faith can itory on the Eucharist. There were more information phone Chris of legal action taken against them mal cases.” off £140 over three years and help them navigate through the 40 retreatants present for the day, McCrosson on: 07887 606807 for unpaid debts,” he said. In cases like that, advice will then be debt free, so there “That’s 16 per cent of the popu- would include would looking at are different options.” lation, so obviously there’s a lot bankruptcy proceedings or a Mr Fox said he believed that of people out there not getting the formal payment plan, for which their expertise combined with the help they need. So we have been they would charge a fee. Church’s ability to reach people talking to big employers and Mr Tannock said this initiative could make a real difference. doing things like this with the was also about ‘promoting our “The Church does such great Church to reach out to people, brand, and help educate people’ work in helping people, giving because they wouldn’t necessar- about debt. “Debt can be a prob- them someone to talk to in pri- ily think about going to a char- lem all across the social spec- vate who won’t judge,” he said. tered accountants for advice.” trum, he explained. “So we want to merge that sup- Mr Tannock said the one “I have a client who was a port with our debt expertise. By thing everyone could do if they consulting surgeon in the NHS, working together I think we can feel they are struggling is to sit who had a take home pay of take a lot of the stress out of the down and make a budget. £11,000 a month at one point, whole process.” “That is the first thing we do but he also had £100,000 of with a client,” he said. “And unsecured loans so when his I [email protected]

Changes at St Michael’s, Dumbarton ARCHBISHOP Philip years until he took ill last assured St Michael’s parish- Tartaglia announced the year, forcing him to step down ioners of Mgr Clancy’s love appointment of a new and go into care. He was for the parish and also thanked < !! priest at St Michael’s ordained in Rome in 1967 and Fr Alfie McKenzie and Fr Ned Church in Cardross Road, served in a number of Kelly for caring for the parish Dumbarton, during Sunday parishes, including St in Mgr Clancy’s absence. Fr $= " $ Mass at the parish last Kessog’s in Balloch, before Lyons will be replaced as '+908-73::61&*>6&-(>&818(:&*&>+- month. moving to St Michael’s where parish priest of Saint James’ 3::?+*+83&:*19*&))(:(>6/*(**/&>>1,4 The archbishop appointed his parents were parishioners. by Fr Gerald Walsh, assistant @,3*-+1'-81 &*8*(-A',:&>(-&'>&B&*'+(+',:3>(> Fr John Lyons (far right), “He took this decision as priest at Our Lady of Lourdes, &:4+'9813*&'>73::,13*+(*-(*B+,(+'13*>(- parish priest of St James,’ much for the parish as for Cardonald. Crookston, Glasgow, to take himself,” the archbishop said. over from Mgr James Clancy “It was a decision... which (right), who resigned as a emerged out of caring and UK support for Bishop Rifan of Campos, Brazil result of ill health. Fr Lyons, affectionate conversation with 58, was born in Cork, Ireland, his family... his priest friends, and was ordained in 1980 in and out of some meetings with British Friends the city’s cathedral. me in which we discussed the !" “I have appointed Fr John various options which began of Campos #" Lyons as your new parish to open up. But above all, I (founded 2002, registered $ % priest,” Archbishop Tartaglia believe this decision emerged charity no.1095044) said on February 28. “He has mostly out of Mgr Clancy’s We supportthework of Bishop Rifan in theApostolic $; ! already visited the parish and I own prayer and reflection. He know that he is looking for- had hoped... that he would be Administration of St John Vianney in the diocese of Campos, Brazil, founded by Pope Bl John Paul II to celebrate ward to serving you here. He able to return to St Michael’s, will take up office on March so it was a decision...which sacraments in the traditional Roman Rite. 7. I ask you to give him a for him was full of emotion.” Funds are urgently needed. &''()&*+(,&+*'-./&0112,1234 warm welcome and to support Mgr Clancy is at St Joseph’s Enquires and donations to: ()6(*1780(&--('9(* him in his ministry.” Residence in Glasgow to ‘con- +'&',+&:*18(,8+1',0()( BFOC, 3 Marder Road, London W13 9EN. Mgr Clancy, who is 69, had tinue his recovery.’ 5# 5$ been at St Michael’s for three Archbishop Tartaglia Email [email protected] WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 6 WORLD/VATICAN NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY MARCH 14 2014 Belgium passes controversial euthanasia law

By Daniel Harkins

BELGIUM has become the first in the world to abolish all age restrictions on euthanasia, prompting severe criticism from doctors and religious groups. The King of Belgium (right) signed a law last Thursday, abolishing age restrictions on euthanasia, making Belgium the first country in the world to extend the practice to termi- nally ill children below the age of 12. The controversial bill, passed last month by the Belgian Par- liament by 86 votes to 44 with 12 abstentions, has been met with heavy criticism, with more But the right of the child to Many disability campaigners than 160 Belgian paediatric demand his own death is a step also oppose the law. John doctors opposing the change. too far. It transgresses the prohibi- Haas, president of the National The Belgian Catholic Church tion of killing, which is the foun- Catholic Bioethics Centre in has described the law as a ‘step dation of our human society.” Philadelphia and a member too far,’ and different organisa- The bill allows for euthana- of the Vatican’s Pontifical tions of European Catholics sia without an age limit for Academy for Life, called the had petitioned the king to veto children who are in ‘a hopeless developments a ‘terrible the bill. A conservative Spanish medical situation of constant situation’ and said that children Kidnapped nuns in Syria lobby delivered a petition last and unbearable suffering’ as aren’t capable of making the month with more than 200,000 long as parent approval is choice to end their own life. signatures mainly gathered given. The signing of the bill “So what is really going to By John Newton in Beirut Syrian town of Maaloula. from other countries. by King Philippe is the last step happen is that… parents and “[The nuns] had to travel [80Km] from Yabroud “We are saddened and fearful in the passing of the new law. physicians are going to be mak- TWELVE nuns kidnapped by jihadists in [where they were being held] to the border of for the future after this law to Belgium is one of only three ing those decisions for chil- Syria last December were set free last Sunday. Lebanon and I don’t know where they will go this extend euthanasia to children countries where euthanasia is dren, to eliminate them because Patriarch Gregorios III, head of the Melkite evening,” Patriarch Gregorios said, although it is without any age limit,” the Bel- legal. Luxembourg and the they’ve become excessive bur- Greek Catholic Church, broke the news on the freed expected they will now settle in Lebanon. gian Catholic bishops’conference Netherlands also allow the dens on them and on the rest of nuns (above right) to a team fromAid to the Church His comments came as a Lebanese security said. “We totally uphold the rights practice, with the Dutch allow- society,” Mr Haas said. in Need, who had just arrived in Lebanon to visit source was reported as saying that the nuns were of the child, of which love and ing children aged 12 and over projects supporting refugees from Syria. being accompanied by the head of a Lebanese respect are the most important. the right to die. I [email protected] The Damascus-based Patriarch told members of security agency and a Qatari intelligence official. the Catholic charity for persecuted and other suf- According to media reports, the release of the fering Christians that the nuns had not been harmed nuns had been agreed as part of a deal in which the during their ordeal and that their release was ‘a sign government would free scores of women prisoners. of hope in this time of crisis.’ The Sisters were seized in December from the “I think they were not treated too badly as it is Greek Orthodox monastery of St Thecla in the pre- not in the interest of the kidnappers to do this,” dominantly Christian town of Maaloula, about 40 Gregorios III (above) said. miles north of Damascus. Later that month, the He went on to say that the freedom of the nuns nuns appeared in a video obtained by Al-Jazeera had been secured following the intervention of television. Soon after their capture, they were Greek Orthodox Patriarch John X. Patriarch Gre- reportedly moved 15 miles north to the rebel-held gorios added that the release had apparently been town of Yabroud. mediated by the secret services of Qatar and The British-based Syrian Observatory for Lebanon. Human Rights monitoring group identified the The nuns were seized from a monastery in the rebels who took the nuns as militants from the

SPOTLIGHT ON

Malaysian Government continues search for missing plane A girl stands next to a sign board THE Malaysian Government countries have joined in the made and written by the public at is continuing to probe the dis- search at sea for the plane, which Kuala Lumpur International Airport appearance of a Malaysia Air- disappeared two days ago. in Sepang, Malaysia lines jetliner that went missing Fr Lawrence Andrew, editor with 239 people on board. of Herald, a Catholic weekly in About two-thirds of the pas- Malaysia, said it remains a mystery. the early hours of Saturday sengers were Chinese and China “The is a lot of speculation morning, about an hour into its is sending security officials to and people are saying there is an flight from Kuala Lumpur. help with an investigation into oil slick somewhere and there The airline is the country’s the misuse of passports. was debris somewhere… but are national carrier, and covers some As the investigation continues all unverified,” he said. 80 destinations worldwide. into the disappearance of flight While family and friends of On Sunday,Vietnamese aircraft MH370 speculation is mounting those on board continue to await spotted what they suspected was about possible security lapses and news of their loved ones Fr one of the doors of the missing whether a bomb or attempted Lawrence says Catholic churches plane. Two ships from the mar- hijacking could have brought have been holding prayer services. itime police were headed to the site down the Beijing-bound plane. “Already from Sunday onwards about 60 miles south of Tho Chu Interpol confirmed at least in our Catholic Churches we have island in the Gulf of Thailand, the two passengers used stolen pass- been praying there,” he said. “A same area where oil slicks were Pope Francis tries on an alpine hat given by someone ports and said it was checking minutes silence respecting the spotted on Saturday, after in the crowd as he arrives to lead his general audi- whether others aboard used false people and praying for them.” searchers in a low-flying plane ence in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican on March 5 identity documents. The Malaysia airlines plane spotted an object that appeared Meanwhile, a number of vanished from radar screens in to be one of the plane’s doors. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY MARCH 14 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER WORLD/VATICAN NEWS 7

NEWS ROUNDUP one had left any flowers so left Child watchdog former and returned with a bouquet of THEhead former may head sue of a bishop child roses. As he was arranging protection watchdog in North- them, he noticed that the priest ACN open new offices, ern Ireland may sue a Catholic still held a rosary in his hand. bishop over a report that “And immediately there plans Malta conference praised safeguarding practices came to mind the thief we all By Reinhard Backes within the bishop's diocese. have inside ourselves and while Ian Elliott, who retired from I arranged the flowers I took CATHOLIC charity Aid to the Church in the National Board of Safe- the cross and with just a bit of Need will open new offices in Mexico and guarding Children (NBSC) last force I removed it,” he said. South Korea, a nationa Pope Francis is to July, is considering legal action “And in that moment I looked visist in August, later this year. against Bishop Noel Treanor. at him and I said ‘Give me half The preparations for the new ACN The bishop leads the Diocese your mercy.’” offices—which includes its first in Asia— of Down and Connor in the The Pope said he kept the are in full swing and both are scheduled to North of Ireland. token in his shirt pocket for years, open in the second half of 2014. This Mr Elliott disagrees with the but transferred it to a pouch when means the charity will have 19 national report and claims it omitted a he became Pope as his cassock offices dedicated to encouraging prayer for serious clerical child abuse does not have a pocket. suffering Christians, raising awareness of case. He is considering a law their plight and collecting donations in suit because he believes the support of the charity’s mostly pastoral diocese tried to link his name to Catholic university to projects around the world.The charity is the report’s findings after his SUPPORTERSopen in Ireland? of a new also strengthening its connections with retirement from the NBSC. Catholic university are scouting benefactors in Malta by staging a confer- “I wish to assure all and soci- for properties in Ireland, ence there on religious freedom. ety at large that in the matter of hoping that an US-style private Commenting on the new offices planned Cardinal Nichols safeguarding, the Diocese of college will counter what they for Mexico and South Korea, Baron CARDINALordains nine Vincent deacons Nichols, Down and Connor is fully regard as the rise of secularism. Johannes Heereman, the executive presi- Archbishop of Westminster, has open, transparent and engages Nick Healy, a former president of ACN, said: “Further countries can ordained nine Jesuits as deacons. fully with the National Board dent of Ave Maria University contribute to the expansion of ACN’s com- In one of the first major cere- and the statutory sector and (AMU), a Catholic institution are set free mitment to its service to the evangelising, monies since being made cardi- will continue to do so,” Bishop in Florida, is advising those needy and persecuted Church. nal by Pope Francis, he Treanor said. seeking to establish the college. “On the initiative and with the assis- presided at the Ordination Mass AMU was set up in 2003 fol- Nusra Front, Al-Qaeda’s affiliate in Syria. The tance of our office in Madrid, we have in Westminster Cathedral on lowing a £150 millon donation Nusra Front invaded Maaloula on September 4 decided to make a start in Mexico. Saturday March 1 2014. Pope carries Rosary from Tom Monaghan, the 2013. In the three days that they held the town, 12 “And, with the agreement of the local For the past three years, the POPECross Francis of confessor has admitted he founder and owner of people were killed, including three men who Bishops’ Conference, we have also new deacons have been study- took the Rosary Cross of his late Domino’s Pizza. refused to renounce their Christian faith. decided on South Korea because it is an ing at Heythrop College, Uni- confessor from the dead man’s Mr Healy said an anonymous The Patriarch described speaking to the nuns’ economically developed country in which versity of London, which this casket and still wears it in a fab- US donor had already given Mother Superior shortly after the town was taken. the Catholic Church is growing.” year is celebrating the 400th ric pouch under his cassock. $1m towards the new Irish Weeks later, the Islamists struck again and took the Pope Francis is to travel to South Korea anniversary of its foundation by The Holy Father was telling third-level institution. nuns. Children who fled Maaloula in September in August of this year in what will be his the Jesuits in Louvain. the story of the ‘great confes- Mr Healy is the chief are being supported and educated by the Church in first visit to Asia. The August 14-18 Papal The year 2014 also marks the sor’ of Buenos Aires, who had executive of Friends of Damascus. visit to the Asian country, the first in a 200th anniversary of the heard confessions from most of Catholic Education in Ireland, “Thanks to Aid to the Church in Need we have quarter of a century, coincides with the Restoration of the Society of his diocesan priests as well as a Florida-based non-profit been able to give help to 5000 children: 1000 in Sixth Asian Youth Day and the Beatifica- Jesus worldwide—another rea- from Pope John Paul II when organisation raising funds to Damascus, 2000 in Dina, and 2,000 in Homs,” tion of 124 Korean martyrs son why Cardinal Nichols he visited Argentina. found the college. He says he Patriarch Gregorios said. ACN’s UK office, based in Sutton, Sur- (above) had been invited to When the priest died, the was asked by a group of ‘Irish ACN has provided ongoing emergency help for rey, is supporting the charity’s develop- preside at the Ordinations to Pope went to pray at his open parents’ to help them develop a the victims of the violence and unrest in Syria— ment in Malta. An ACN congress on the Diaconate. casket and was shocked that no liberal arts college. including food, shelter and medicine. Up to nine international religious freedom will be million people are either internally displaced within held in Malta on May 12, 2014 in the pres- Syria or living as refugees abroad. Of Syria’s pre- ence of the President of ACN, Cardinal war Christian population of 1.75 million, it is now Mauro Piacenza. W h a t a r e p e o p l e s a y i n g a b o u t understood that 500,000 have fled their homes. Pope Benedict XVI named ACN a Pon- tifical Foundation in 2011. ‘ T ------y b u r n C o n v e n t G l o r i a D e o ’ ? I www.acnuk.org (The DVD on the Tyburn Nuns)

Ciao Rosalba, it’s Pope Francis here A WIDOW ‘adopted’ by Pope Francis after losing two of her four children has told how he moves her to tears every time he calls her. The Pope (right) revealed in an interview last week that he makes monthly phone calls to a grieving woman. As the Holy “Prepare to be Blown away.....” Father, he has less contact with ordinary people and it gives him “The most beautiful and visually compelling film I have ever seen. I didn’t want satisfaction to ‘act the role of it to end....” parish priest,’ he explained. Rosalba Ferri, 77, from Pesaro, Italy, lost her son Andrea Ferri “I strongly recommend it to those with anxiety, high blood pressure, when he was hit by six bullets, uresolved rage etc ...” during a robbery at the petrol station where he worked, in June “Be Transported to a place of beauty and peace....” last year. Mrs Ferri had already had a son die many years before - when he was a baby. She now mother should never have to “Michael Luke Davies - the producer - is a maestro....” ------cares for one son with Downs bury their child and he says that Syndrome and another who is in he thinks of me often.” Please sendAvailable me a copy for £15.00 of Tyburn including Convent P & Gloria P at Tyburn Deo. I Convent enclose a cheque for a wheelchair following a car The mother-of–four, who goes £15.00 payable to The Benedictine Monastery. accident. The heartbroken grand- to her son’s grave every week to To order online, please visit our website at www.tyburnconvent.org.uk. mother said that the unexpected talk to him, added: “We have phone calls move her to tears. never had such a good Pope. He is Name:______“He always surprises me,” she a humble person. He really cares Address ______said. “He says ‘Ciao Rosalba, for those in need.” ______it’s Pope Francis.’And I never Mrs Ferri says that she does know what to say. During the not tell many people outside the call I always end up crying. He family about the attentive phone Reply to: Mother Prioress, The Benedictine Monastery, 5 MackerstonPlace, Largs, asks me how I am and I say calls: “I told the parish priest Fr KA30 8BY Scotland Tel: 01475 687320 [email protected] ‘Terrible: I miss Andrea.’ He Mario and he said ‘but the Pope understands me. He says that a never calls me!’” she said. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 8 NEWS FEATURE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY MARCH 14 2014 We don’t talk about abuse, healing as the wound is so great

IAN DUNN meets with US writer Dawn Eden, an abuse survivor, who was invited by Bishop Hugh Gilbert to speak to Catholics in his diocese and who also spoke in Glasgow during her time in Scotland

S author Dawn Eden was visiting Scotland last week, on a very important mission. She was speaking in Aberdeen and Glasgow about her book My Peace I Give You: Healing Sexual Wounds with the Help of the Saints, which details how the lives of the saints have given her hopeU and aided her journey of spiritual healing after childhood sexual abuse. Her path to Catholi- cism is not a conventional one, having being raised as a Jew and being a former rock journalist, but as a victim of childhood abuse herself her book has helped thousands of people all over the world. On the invitation of Bishop Hugh Gilbert of Aberdeen, she spoke across the diocese including in Fort Augustus, where revelations of sexual abuse at a former Benedictine school there had left deep wounds. “This whole trip has been so blessed,” she said. “Everyone has been so friendly. Since writing My Peace I Give You, I have felt this is my missionary work, and it is a real joy to me.” he author’s desire to help people who had today grow up without a father at home.” separated,” she said. “I remember very clearly Ms Eden said that her talk in Fort Augustus had been victims of childhood sexual abuse Ms Eden said she realised that ‘if other people when I finally had the courage to say to my mother been particularly well attended, given the small- comes from her own experiences, and her could read stories of saints who suffered abuse like after it happened, ‘Al and I have a secret and I’m ness of the parish. Town experience of Faith. they have, how healing that could be.’ not supposed to tell you.’ Her first response was “I’ve spoken before in a parish where there had “In December 2010, I was beginning to experi- “Because the deepest wound is that of misplaced “Why did you let him do that to you?’ I was only been abuse, in Abbeville, Louisiana, and you ence a deeper level of personal healing from my guilt,” she said. “I’ve spent the last two years 5 years old, but my mother’s reaction left a sense might think people would be more talkative about own wounds, and I had it in the back of my mind speaking about My Peace I Give You, and have yet of guilt embedded in me that I somehow was abuse and the fallout from it, but that’s not what I to write something about recovering from child- to meet a victim who didn’t blame himself or her- responsible. Once I internalised that misplaced found,” she said. “In fact, people at such a parish hood sexual abuse,” she said. “But I was not com- self—wrongly—for the evil perpetrated upon him self-blame, that made me more vulnerable, so it tend to be less talkative about it, in my experi- fortable with how to do it. As a survivor myself, I in childhood.” was easy for other predators to note I was insecure ence—perhaps because the wound is so great. Peo- suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder—includ- and cause further abuse.” ple have different compensatory strategies, and ing occasional flashbacks and anxiety—which can he abuse of children also damages the Coming back from that trauma, she is hopeful sometimes they respond by internalising the pain. be triggered be reading about abuse, and I didn’t child’s ability to trust, which is a scar they that her experience can inspire others. But thankfully those who came to my Fort Augus- want to risk causing such triggers for anyone else. can carry through their whole life, Ms Eden “Even reading this article, some people might tus talk were very attentive and very interested, Since I was just beginning to find healing, I didn’t Tsaid—unless they actively seek help from a good realise that their problem is not that they’re merely and many of them chatted with me afterwards, have a method to offer that would be helpful for spiritual director and, if needed, a good therapist. neurotic or or depressed, but actually that they although for the most part they did not discuss any them and not just for me.” “God ordained that every child is supposed to have traumatic memories they haven’t yet abuse that they or their loved ones might have suf- What changed for her was when she read the grow up in a protective matrix of family, and abuse processed, and they need to seek help,” she said. fered. I did get a beautiful email the day after my story of the Blessed Laura Vicuña. ruptures that,” she said. “And that rupture can hap- “It’s important to know our wounds do not sepa- talk from a man who said he was a survivor of “My abuse took place after my parents’ divorce, pen even if the abuse is outside the home, by a rate us from Christ. Rather it is through our abuse at the Fort Augustus school. He said he was when my mother’s home had become a sexually teacher, or a priest or religious. Because if the wounds that we are able to draw closer to him. Our too shy to approach me at the talk but wanted to porous environment,” she explained. “I was not child, having suffered abuse, feels that misplaced Lord himself is wounded; he has chosen to retain thank me for what I had said.” shielded from adults’ nudity or graphic sex talk— guilt, it is going to affect their ability to have the his wounds in heaven, and they are now glorified. Ms Eden also said she had told everyone who which itself is a kind of sexual abuse when kind of vulnerability that is healthy—the kind that When I unite my own wounded heart to Jesus’ knew anyone who had been exposed to any form inflicted upon a child—and neither was I protected is necessary if we are to be open to the gift of wounded and glorified heart, then my wounds of abuse to contact the Church’s safeguarding from my mother’s boyfriend, who molested me. another person in friendship or marriage. And the become the cracks that let his light in.” office. Blessed Laura likewise was not safe in her own parent may have a hard time coming to terms with If there is one thing she hopes from someone “I met with Tina Campbell, the national safe- home: her abuser was the live-in boyfriend of her the abuse, which in turn can make things worse for who reads her book after being abused, it is that guarding officer [for the Scottish Church], who I widowed mother. That man was a violent drunk the child.” ‘they would know they are not alone, they are not was very impressed with,” she said. “So I was hon- who harassed Laura for years, beginning when she In her own life she experienced that at the age of forgotten and have more friends in heaven than estly able to say to people I was very confident that was eight years old. I didn’t know there was a five. they realise.’ the safeguarding offices could help connect them Blessed in the church with a story like that; it “My first experience of abuse was committed by with the help they need.” seemed so modern, given how many children a janitor at a Jewish temple, just after my parents I [email protected]

FIND AND LIKE THE Glasgow mourns loss of Fr Terence Friel

NEW SCOTTISH FR TERENCE Friel, retired He lived for the past 16 years miss him. He was a real Helens- priest of Glasgow Archdio- in Helensburgh where he burgh person; many of my CATHOLIC OBSERVER cese, has passed away after a was born and brought up and parishioners went to school with short illness. where he helped out at the local him and will miss him.” PAGE ON FACEBOOK Fr Friel, who was ordained at parish. Fr Friel was the younger St Andrew’s Cathedral, Glas- Fr Peter Lennon, priest at St brother of Fr Dan Friel of St gow, in 1959, died at Southern Joseph’s Church, Helensburgh, Patrick’s, Dumbarton, who died General Hospital on March 3. said Fr Friel always helped him in January 2013 at the age of 86. He served as a priest in Christ and would always cover for him A funeral was held on March FOLLOW THE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC the King from 1959-1975, when needed. “I was three years 7 at St Joseph’s, Helensburgh, OBSERVER AT SCO_NEWS ON TWITTER. Sacred Heart, Cumbernauld below him in college but he was and Fr Friel was then buried in from 1975-1979 and St Joseph’s, well respected,” Fr Lennon said. the priests plot at Dumbarton Be first to find out the latest news. Faifley from 1980-1997. “A lot of the parishioners will Cemetery. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY MARCH 14 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LETTERS 9

LETTER OF THE WEEK PICTURE OF THE WEEK Don’t move our schools to Ravenscraig site

THE proposal by the Learning and Leisure Committee of North Lanarkshire Council regarding the super school on the Ravenscraig site (SCO Feb 28) is of concern on many levels. There was an attempt a few years ago to amalgamate Dalzell High and Braidhurst High, but it was fought by both schools and never came to fruition, the Motherwell Times carried the story. Motherwell Football Club were offered a 10,000 seated Pope Francis arrived stadium but also turned it down. North by coach on Sunday Lanarkshire Council are trying to entice for a weeklong Lenten parents with the lure of a new super school retreat with senior fit for the 21st century and saying that both members of the Roman Curia in schools are not in a good enough state of Ariccia, near Rome, repair and that it will improve the quality continuing the trend of of education; Our Lady’s only completed a leading by example major building programme in December that he began on the and it was not a cosmetic job. That night of his election a combined with the glowing inspectorate year ago when he took report, as was also the case with Taylor, the bus from St Peter’s does not back up the councils case. with other memebrs of My major concerns are both the college of environmental and the the council’s cardinals. Pope Francis handling of the the situation. We are continues to earn a assured that the site is safe but so were reputataion as a Pope the people of Corby and sadly that has not for the poor by been the case. shunning the more Only yesterday the Northampton extravagents trapping Telegraph carried a story about the of his office as leader conclusion of the court case won by 19 of the world’s families, which the council are not Catholics appealing. As a result of the court settlement the council face a compensation bill of £14.6 million, payable at £730, 000 per year over 20 years as well as legal fees which I given, something which surely should be walk the same distance that many already think are around £1,400,000. independent. walk; poor or no pavements, very busy The council say that there will be nothing The previous local government structure road and roundabouts with cars in all on the school campus with any wanted an independent report but when directions and in a very confined space. ESTABLISHED IN 1885 contamination in a secured site at the side of North Lanarkshire took over that was The problem would be increased in the the school. Another worry is the council shelved ad the working group concerned darker winter nights; remember some statement that it is less of a risk putting a was disbanded, all on record. children will just be out of primary school. school on the site as although it would be Why if this was such a desirable I wouldn’t live in a house on that site, more of a strain on the site than houses. development were the builders not even if I was offered straight swap of a top The council states they are working with queuing? One other danger is the safety of of the range detached house with garden in SEPA and to their guidance but recent those who will have to walk to school: they place of my little terraced house which does Catholic values set an example changes in planning laws mean that the say there will be buses but that will still not even have a driveway. council will be doing the risk assessment mean some children walking to school and Concerned Wishaw resident HERE can be no doubts that Catholics, perhaps especially required before planning permission can be I would not be happy sending a child to ADDRESS SUPPLIED Catholics, would back every effort made to guard vulnerable or at risk children, but surely even the Scottish Government must Independence is best way to Government overlooks the realiseT that its guardian’s bill undermines the rights and responsibili- The UK’s shameful refusal to even ties of the family. get rid of Trident consider supporting a global ban on nuclear role of God Archbishop Leo Cushley of St Andrews and Edinburgh firmly weapons shows that it places its desire to defends the family this week in the face of the controversial, and YOUR anonymous contributor (Scotland retain these above humanity’s desire for an THE Scottish parliament seek to introduce increasingly cost-prohibitive, plans of the Scottish Government to not oppressed by UK) is obviously unaware international treaty banning them. If ever a child and young persons safety bill. appoint every child an independent guardian. that all parties supporting independence there were an overwhelming reason why As yet I have never read any reference to “Support for children puts the wellbeing of children at the heart of want a written constitution with a clause Scotland would be better off as an a long standing Catholic Christian all policies and must be based on support for the family,” he said. specifically banning nuclear weapons from independent country, this is it. A practice. “The common good of society depends on the stability of family life. Scottish lands and waters. And you cannot Trident-free Scotland could take a leading That of being a God Parent. Why this The state must respect subsidiarity and should support not interfere act against a constitution. His fears that role in this campaign. omission? in the internal life of the family.” Trident cannot be removed because of US The rest of this letter is the usual Tom Reilly On top of the rights and abilities of immediate families to raise their influence are therefore groundless. As self-loathing whine of ‘too poor, too wee, EDINBURGH children to modern standards AND in keeping with Church teaching Bruce Kent said “I am an Englishman but I and too stupid.’ Not one of the now with minimal interference from the state, a regular SCO letter writer support Scottish independence because it is independent countries once ruled by points out this week that Catholic children already have extended sup- the best way to get rid of Trident.” London wants to return. And we do have CORRECTION port in the God parents who promise at their Baptism to watch over Two weeks ago, a majority of the world’s vast natural resources of oil, fisheries, them and their faith journey. states came together in Mexico to discuss whiskey, and human talent. THE Scottish Catholic Observer would The secular ‘nanny-state’ culture it appears politicians would like to the humanitarian impact of nuclear The fastest growing economy in Europe like to apologise to Alice Sullivan for the adopt from the United Nations overlooks—as opposed to reinforcing weapons. 146 states took part, including is independent Latvia. Estonia has a mistakes in her letter published on —the support that is already in place for children. Perhaps looking closer nuclear weapons powers India and smaller population than Strathclyde region, February 7 defending the Sacrament of to home for examples of the way forward would be a step in the right Pakistan. But the UK refused to take part but is a proud independent state in the UN. Marriage. These mistakes were the fault of direction. In a lecture given at Kings College London last Thursday, because of growing support for a global Why shouldn’t Scotland do the same? the SCO and not the writer. We apologies Bishop Philip Egan of Portsmouth said that secularism is a totally inad- ban on nuclear weapons that threatens their Brian Quail for any embarrassment and confusion equate basis for British society in the 21st century. “Secularism is too plans to replace Trident. GLASGOW caused by the errors made. flimsy a basis for British culture. It cannot guarantee human flourishing nor sustain the advances the British people have achieved,” he said. reminding us that Scotland rejected the cur- to suggest that Scotland could not be a suc- Leading by example is something the Scottish Church continues Britain is for the rich, rent UK Government at the ballot box and cessful independent country’ and his Scottish to back. Bishop Stephen Robson’s Lenten message to the clergy in Scotland can be for us 90 per cent of our MPs voted against the Conservative leader said “I believe Scotland Dunkeld Diocese advocates just that when it comes to the Sacrament Bedroom Tax—Scotland opposed it, West- is big enough, rich enough and good enough of Reconciliation. The SCO heard this week that the bishop is encour- I WAS rather bemused whilst reading a Ren- minster imposed it. to be an independent country”—even the aging diocesan priests not only to regularly spend time in the Con- frewshire reader’s letter ‘Scotland is not The Renfrewshire reader’s attitude is one opponents of independence concede that fessional to aid their parishioners, but also to make it clear that priests being oppressed by the UK’ recently. of ‘Scotland is too wee, too poor and too Scotland would be successful if we vote Yes. too are in need of God’s forgiveness too. First of all, I agree: ‘Scotland is not being small’ and seems to be rather ignorant of the The Union is now the politics of griev- oppressed by the UK;’ Scotland is being debate. The debate is not IF Scotland could ance and the solidarity of poverty. Pope G SCO reserves the right to edit letters to conform with space or style requirements imposed upon by the UK. The UK Govern- be an independent country, the question we Francis said ‘The times talk to us of so G Letters are solely reader opinion and views expressed are not necessarily ment’s vicious welfare policies, and the iniq- will be asked is SHOULD Scotland be an much poverty in the world and this is a shared by SCO uitous Bedroom Tax that my family are independent country. scandal,’ and his holiness is correct. Britain G If you would like to share your opinion, send your correspondence to the below. victim to, are driving tens of thousands of The leaders of the No campaign agree that is for the rich, but Scotland can be for us. Drew McGowan G Whether you use e-mail or post, you must provide your full name, address, and Scots into destitution. The Bedroom Tax Scotland could be an independent country; phone number or your letter will not be used embodies the democratic deficit in Scotland, The Prime Minister said ‘it would be wrong PAISLEY WRITE TO LETTERS, SCO, 19 WATERLOO STREET, GLASGOW G2 6BT [email protected] 10 COMMENT SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY MARCH 14 2014 The Church, the Faithful are a family We must pull together as challenges for the Church often come at a time when cracks were showing

UST over a year ago, Catholics, and in particular, Scottish Catholics were engulfed in shock and disbelief at the revelations which were emerging. We still tend to struggle to find a summarising name for them and Jmany refer to them as ‘our troubles.’ Once, I heard them described as ‘a conflagration.’ Now, if that term fits, it has to be said that there seems to be a determination to rake over its embers, filling countless column inches in newspapers with speculation, rumour and attacks on the BY CATH DOHERTY Church in general. There is no surprise in that. Christianity itself has been under attack in this country for some that the ways of the Vatican seem considerable time. slow. As an organisation, the Church Now, a year on, the initial shock of is vast, and in its scope, is widely var- it all having subsided to some extent, ied. Its ‘machinery’ therefore might be there is talk of forgiveness. My expected to be slow and deliberate. thoughts turn instead to the people Will that change? I doubt it. There who have been hurt by it all. As it was have been renewed attacks on the pointed out to me recently, the priests Church, too, labelling it ‘secretive, who live their priestly lives beyond cold, lacking in compassion.’ Among recent writings by mentioning ‘priests age of priests to those brought about for disagreements among ourselves, reproach, who work tirelessly for peo- other things. If there is an element of who jealously guard what they con- by an increasing incursion of state for jostling for position. Perhaps we ple in their care, have been done a truth in any of these criticisms, Pope sider to be their free time.’ Enough of bureaucracy. This is a time when peo- could dispense with that strange term grave disservice by all of this. And Francis would seem to have begun to this attitude exists to make it damag- ple themselves could help with the lat- ‘a prominent Catholic’ and just be ‘the members of the laity who gave years counter them in a most positive way. ing to the Church. Added to excessive ter, with practical problems which are Faithful’ for a change. And while we of faithful service without question But nearer home, there are changes of use of modern technology by way of time-consuming. are thus engaged, we might encourage should not be forgotten. From these emphasis which form something of a communication with the people seems The Faithful need to be given a those who are unduly sycophantic people, through the supporting struc- paradox. A couple of generations ago, to me a real weakness in the fabric of voice which can be heard. I would towards our spiritual leaders to replace ture of the Catholic media to those it was considered necessary for the the Church. The Faithful themselves imagine that if that voice were clearly that with respectful frankness. If who offered obedience, deference... all Faithful to kneel and kiss the ring of a seek out the priests who are commit- heard, it would confirm that they want indeed ‘the Church is the people,’ let of them share that disservice in vary- bishop when being introduced to him. ted spiritual leaders, who communi- to practice their Faith without gim- the people help in the many practical ing degrees. And what of the damage A certain distance was created, a level cate directly with them. Does the micks, new initiatives, excessive lay ways for which they have the capabil- done to vocations? We will never of deference firmly established. That Church need to change? I think it participation, paraliturgies which ity, give them an open forum for dis- know the answer to that. Many ques- level of deference is no longer does. The world has changed in little many liken to the teaching by allegory cussion and listen to their views. tions remain, some of which can never required. But there is a weakness in over a generation. People in general required for young children. The Politicians have particular well-used be answered. And as a final judgement the distance which seems to have are more aware, more questioning, Church, the Faithful... together, we are expressions when trouble interrupts on the complaint which ignited all of opened up in many places between more demanding. These characteris- a family. And just as any family, in their upward trajectory, for example, this is awaited, the press fill their priests and people. tics can be constructive if properly times of trouble, turns inwards on ‘lessons must be learned from this’ or columns with criticism of the Vatican In extreme cases, the priesthood, the addressed. Lines of communication itself and draws on its strengths, we ‘we must move on.’ for its delays and with enough innu- vocation, would seem to have become between the hierarchy and the people need to do the same. To coin a phrase, Perhaps we should borrow them endo and insinuation to keep the inter- simply a job of work with attendant need to be opened up. We all know at a time like this, we should all be and give them real meaning now—and est of their particular public. terms and conditions. Pope Francis that the hierarchy are presently deal- singing from the same hymn sheet... stop dwelling on daily newspapers for Surely there should be little surprise makes passing reference to this in his ing with problems ranging from short- and singing loudly. There is no room a while!

What do you think of CATH DOHERTY’S comments on our Church? Send your points of view The views expressed in the opinion pages of the SCO are those of informed individuals and groups and to the SCO. Write to Letters, SCO, 19 Waterloo St, Glasgow G2 6BT or e-mail [email protected] not necessarily those of the newspaper or the Church Our journey in life, and Faith, takes both courage and conviction

WITH the whole world on the voyage to the moon was the need, with a sense of awe principally and his friends were from Galilee. safe to continue with the journey. edge of war in 1914, Sir not just to land astronauts, but to because we hade move out of They were country people. They What about you and me as we Ernest Shackleton led an get them home safely. The gravity and into space. We had were simple people unused to the move into the second week of expedition back to Antarctica. Fr Eddie resources at the disposal of those reached that mystical place that ways and sophistication of the Lent? What are the fear factors They would attempt to cross early astronauts were infinitely humankind had only previously great city. The friends of Jesus that inhibit us in our discipleship? the continent from sea to sea McGhee greater than those at the disposal gazed on with a sense of wonder. must also have had an inkling that The thing that we fear most is via the South Pole. of Shackleton. Whose was the Surrounding all of these journeys if Jesus did and said in Jerusalem public opinion! What will people His ship, Endurance was their Antarctic travails, some per- greater journey? This will always there had to be a little moment of the things that he did and said in thing of us if we make some sig- trapped and ultimately crushed in ished in the global madness that be a matter of speculation. What fear, of wondering what the conse- Galilee then they could be in seri- nificant change in our lives? the ice. The journey that subse- was The Great War. is certain is that underpinning quences might be. That is human. ous trouble. Most of us live lives of reasonable quently followed for Shackleton For our generation, who have every epic journey is the determi- That is what we do when con- The pause in their journey that social conformity. We don’t like and his crew is, quite literally, the come to live with global travel as nation to succeed and to win fronted by a difficult challenge. is recorded in the Gospel this to be seen as too different. Espe- stuff of which legends are made. a matter of fact, what Shackleton through regardless of adversity. Today we read in the Gospel of week, is as much a moment of cially, we don’t like to be seen as Having survived the loss of their and his crew endured is almost It was the Chinese philosopher the journey of Jesus and his challenge as it is a moment of to different in a society that is ship, the crew made it in small incomprehensible. There is now a Lao-tzu who reminded us that ‘A friends to Jerusalem. It is easy to affirmation. ‘It is good for us to be more secular now than it has ever boats to Elephant Island. With a permanent base at the South Pole. journey of a thousand miles begins be blasé about such a journey. here!’ The words of Peter are per- been. The Gospel this week few of his companions, Shackle- The Antarctic has lost some of its with a single step.’As we begin the Today, if I choose and if I can haps an invitation to stop for just a invites us to take the risk and to ton set sail from there on an 800 mystery. When Shackleton and season of Lent, this is a timely afford it and if I have the neces- little longer. If he, the leader of continue the journey to Jerusalem. mile voyage to South Georgia, a his crew set out in 1914 it was reminder. We are on a journey. It sary visa, I can jump on a plane the friends of Jesus is afraid, then Shackleton and his crew put fear whaling station, seeking rescue. still a journey akin to that of astro- may be a familiar journey but it is and be in Jerusalem in a few it is almost certain that so were behind then on their journey. The Against almost impossible odds nauts in the late 1960s and early still a journey of discovery. We hours. Potentially, I can get to the rest of them. Peter is unsure of astronauts put fear behind them they made the journey and ulti- 1970s going to the moon. Those make so many journeys in our Jerusalem more quickly and with the this particular journey. The on theirs. Our journey is not mately on their fourth attempt, of us of a certain age remember daily lives that the concept of ‘the significantly less effort than it presence of Moses and Elijah that nearly as epic as their but it is no rescued the remainder of the party the grainy black and white picture journey’ is easily lost. When took Jesus and his friends to get is recorded in the story, is the less important for us. Fear makes from Elephant Island. Not a life on our television screens as the Shackleton set out for Antarctica, there. I would also make this jour- moment of affirmation. This is the us catatonic. Not only do we get was lost on this incredible jour- first step onto the moon was his journey, if not quite incompre- ney without the sense of fear that moment that reassures the friends stuck, we look back. This week ney. Ironically, on their return to made. It was made in the glare of hensible, was challenging for most must have been present in the of Jesus that they are embarked we are invited to look forward to England many of the survivors publicity. ‘One small step for people who never traveled more minds and in the hearts of Jesus upon something that has it roots at a new kind of freedom. chose to enlist in the armed forces man...’ Underpinning the epic than a few miles from home. That and his followers. Again, it is the very core of their history so and having survived the horrors of first journey to the moon left us important to remember that Jesus they don’t need to be afraid. It is I [email protected] WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY MARCH 14 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER COMMENT 11

‘extraordinary’ burning sensa- WIR tion. Let’s hope next Ash Jesus used items to speak deeper truths ED Wednesday in Galway is alto- IN gether less hot to handle! ATHOLICISM known) take up the challenge GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG must be the of sorting out the mess - which world’s most sen- may be as much an image sual religion. And mess as a technical one. An SCO diary A SHOCKING story from so it is no surprise Those Scots who attended England, where, an 81-year- that the Church has commis- the Year of Faith Conference in old woman had her handbag sioned, hosted and inspired Glasgow on St Andrew’s Day AN ASH Wednesday mystery stolen after she stood up from Cworks of beauty. 2012, will have heard the was solved by a wise old Gal- her church pew to take Com- It was Jesus himself who Archbishop of Sydney inad- way priest last week after munion. Silvia Federicei- taught the value of using vertently prophesy his future sacred ashes burned parish- Palmieri, a Brazilian believed objects accessible to the senses calling. ioners’ foreheads in a number to be on a long holiday in the to teach deeper, spiritual When asked what he would of churches across Ireland. UK, was at a morning church truths. He did not need to change about the Church, he Mgr Malachy Hallinan, parish service on her birthday when apply a paste of spittle to heal replied that he could see no priest of Westside parish in a couple snatched her bag. the man born blind of his BY RONNIE good reason why the Vatican’s Galway city, was one of a Adrian Robertson, 40, was affliction, he could simply CONVERY financial affairs were spread number of priests who were sentenced to five months in have willed his cure; He could across three departments all shocked when members of jail on Tuesday for the theft. have been present among us headed by cardinals. Not any their church community Rebecca Mills, 32, pleaded without choosing the physical means of purifying ourselves Reformation). longer! reported the adverse reaction guilty last month and was appearance of bread; and He from those excesses which Church wealth has come We can expect a major after receiving the ashes on handed an eight-week sen- could have preached a change weigh us down, making us less under the spotlight again in change of approach in coming Wednesday morning. Blessed tence. The couple walked into of life without submitting to spiritually fit. recent days with the appoint- years as the Holy See blows ashes that burned the fore- a Sunday service at Our Lady the pouring of water in the Jor- The liturgy too undergoes a ment of Australian Cardinal away the cobwebs surrounding heads of some 30 parishioners Immaculate Church in Sur- dan. But He didn’t. In each kind of sensory slimming George Pell (above) to the new its finances and conforms to in County Cork are to be sent biton, Surrey, on January 19, case He used ‘things’ to speak down—the visual appeal of role of Prefect of the Vatican modern banking regulations. for analysis to a public health the court heard. Congregation deeper truths. flowers is removed, the musi- Secretariat for the Economy— There are likely to be savings laboratory. Mgr Hallinan said member Deborah Roberts said And so it is always a great cal and poetic magnificence of a totally new dicastery willed and cuts at head office level he had never experienced she saw Mills take the bag comfort to me to think that the the Gloria is set aside; and as by Pope Francis to sort out the and the scandals of the Vatican such a reaction in his 48 years from the pew. Churchgoers Catholic Church has followed we near the end of Lent, even Church’s money woes. bank will be put behind us. But as a priest. He had stored the including Sunday school this instinct to use the senses in the statues and icons which Despite the mythology of its those who confuse all of this palm from Palm Sunday last pupils chased the pair down its life through the centuries. move our hearts to devotion vast wealth, the Vatican does- with the auctioning off of year in his garage and spent the road but did not catch The early Christians are covered in penitential pur- n’t have huge cash reserves. Michelangelo’s Pietà, or flog- the weekend breaking it up. them. They were later arrested scratched primitive symbols of ple cloths. Its annual budget is just over ging the odd Raphael master- He then burned it in his stove by police. the fish—a secret symbol of In this way the Church uses £180 million, and its ‘patri- piece to collectors in the US, and let it rest before putting Sentencing Robertson, Dis- Christ—into the walls of the the senses to shock us into mony,’ what you might call its or even melting down of the water through it on Tuesday trict Judge Ken Grant Roman catacombs to remind going deeper—into reflection, endowment, is just under magnificent candlesticks of St night. He thought he heard a described the theft as a ‘joint each other of the Master’s self-examination and acknowl- £600m. Peter’s are destined to be dis- little fizz but paid no attention enterprise,’ adding that steal- presence. Beato Angelico edgement of the sorry state of As respected US Vaticanista appointed. to it. ing from an 81-year-old painted masterpieces in his our souls before the great John L Allen recently stated: Catholicism needs beauty. It “At the 10am Mass we woman in church made the convent of San Marco in Flo- silence of God. “Its art is glorious but pro- breathes beauty. It uses beauty began to give out the ashes, crime ‘particularly unpleas- rence—to draw his brethren’s I respond thus to those who duces limited revenue, mostly to touch the soul. three of us,” he said. “Then, at ant.’ Robertson, who stood hearts and souls heavenward; would charge the Catholic the roughly £60 million earned The world’s largest religion about half past ten word came trial at Wimbledon Magis- and Masses are sung in the Church with being scan- by the Vatican museums in is set to become more trans- back that people were suffer- trates’ Court, is already serv- purest plainchant of the ages dalously wealthy (a frequent ticket sales and licensing fees. parent, but not less sensual. ing a little burning in the fore- ing a 13-week sentence for an while incense billows heaven- refrain from modern commen- What money the Vatican does Because, paradoxically, to be head. About ten minutes later earlier theft, and in 2009 was wards—appeals to the senses tators, few of whom reside in have, however, often isn’t han- less sensual, would mean for a man came and the skin had jailed for two and a half years and through the senses to the mud huts themselves!) or dled especially well. That’s an the human person, being less broken, so I immediately took for robbing a partially-sighted soul. intoxicated by worldliness (the incubator for scandal, and the spiritual. And that is not part of all the ashes in from the musician in Epsom. I think we In Lent, paradoxically, we line of the original Protestant Vatican has seen more than its the plan. church and didn’t go to the can be sure that England foot- are called to sensory depriva- reformers whose obsession fair share.” school (with them).” It’s ball fans travelling to Brazil tion and denial as a means of with austerity in worship led to That’s why I was delighted I Ronnie Convery is thought the presence of chlo- for the World Cup this sum- reaching the divine. Fasting— the wanton destruction of so to see ‘Big George’ (as cardi- communications director for rine in holy water added to the mer will receive an altogether the denial of appetite—is a much beauty at the time of the nal Pell is affectionately Glasgow Archdiocese ashes may have caused the warmer welcome. Opposition to nuclear weapons goes beyond Scottish party politics

IN A recent televised debate Dr Glen Reynolds in NATO that seek not to have the US decided to charge what nificance it once had. According to not repeat itself in future. Pax (Sturgeon v Lamont), Nicola weapons of mass destruction on they wanted for them, Britain a US diplomatic telegram released Christi, Christian CND, the Move- Sturgeon let slip a profound truth their soil, the referendum provides would have to cough up for what is by WikiLeaks, President Barack ment for the Abolition of War, which had a human, and for her, least in times of austerity). a choice for people in Scotland to a system essentially controlled by Obama handed over the unique (MAW) the Campaign for Nuclear a seemingly personal significance As currently constituted, this decide to be free of nuclear them. If you really wanted to go serial numbers of the UK’s mis- Disarmament (CND), Columban often lost in the Scottish Yes-No nuclear deterrent has arguably weapons, and as Catholics, I sug- down the nuclear weapon route, siles to the Russian security agen- Justice, Peace and Integrity of Cre- referendum debate. The deputy become the price of the invite to gest that this resonates moreover what the French have in terms of cies as part of an arms reduction ation (JPIC) say in their petition First Minister stated almost as an the so called ‘top table’ of dishev- with us as a pertinent issue of faith. an independent deterrent is much deal (despite the strong objections statement: “We urge Her Majesty’s aside (and by way of speedy elled international diplomacy. As a For Catholics, it is an opportunity more like it. So given the complex- of Her Majesty’s Government). As Government to cancel present and response to a Lamont’s cynical remnant of Empire, Trident is like to demonstrate our evangelisation ities of the US designed electronics a result many regimes may now future spending on another Trident counter punch about post Scot- a Dickensian Mrs Havisham in the world, playing a full part and computer programmes embed- know exactly what we have got nuclear weapon system and to tish independence,Trident and perched in all its war torn regalia based on love and not fear. But it ded in every aspect of the Trident and what it can do. Foreign diplo- spend some of the money saved defence policy): “I was a member and coughing up ‘I could quite eas- goes deeper than that in terms of system, it seems unlikely that a macy is seemingly more important now and in the future on coastal of CND before I ever joined ily kill you but it would break my the politics involved—the value British prime minister or in an than the ‘independence’ of the protection and inland flooding the SNP.” heart.’The new Scotland hopes to system around the Trident debate independent Scotland, the First British deterrent. So even if you defences.” Investment could also This keystone of belief which follow a different path, aiming to encompasses what for me, is a pro- Minister, could launch them— accept the ‘just war’ theology of take place in education, jobs and can be couched in political and reli- rid itself of participation in illegal found change towards a different unless the US President gives his deterrence, this means that the sys- welfare in Scotland, and where it is gious contexts, is now found in the wars, and to rid itself of the cost of system of values and social policy own authorisation. Neither Scot- tem has little deterrent value, and needed most. Yes campaign where they argue Trident which is estimated at least to be found in the decision to opt land or the UK has or would have intelligence agencies all over the The Vatican has stated that the that: “Scotland has been home to £100 billion. for independence. It is about how control over the ultimate security globe must know this. policies of ‘those governments one of the largest concentrations of This made me think more about you engage with the world as of its own people. And therein lies the rub for which count on nuclear arms as a nuclear weapons anywhere in the how as a Roman Catholic and a your neighbour. In essence, Washington would Catholics. It does not protect us means of ensuring the security of world, despite consistent and clear person that lives in Scotland, Tri- Along with the referendum have the same control over West- now (even if it once did), its signif- their countries’ as ‘not only baneful opposition from across civic Scot- dent is an issue which is a power- debate, this defence policy minster as the Yes campaign seeks icance is disproportionate in terms but also completely fallacious.’ land, our churches, trade unions and ful representative symbol of so includes the word ‘independent,’ to free itself from, in terms of hot- of any Augustinian ‘just war’ con- The Church therefore has a mind a clear majority of our elected much that is at the heart of the ref- so what’s not to like in the context house decision making down text, plus Scotland could demon- on this issue, and ought—here and politicians...Trident is an affront to erendum debate, politically and of the independence debate? Well, south. It is about self determination strate its new social policies better, in the current political circum- basic decency with its indiscrimi- from a faith perspective. It is about the system is certainly not British: and being able to influence what is by spending this money wiser. Just stances—to give voice to it. Our nate and inhumane destructive taking the opportunity to make the the 58 Trident II D-5 ballistic mis- best for you and those that you as one example, Christian cam- bishops should give voice and power” (White Paper p.232) The profound and transforming choices siles operated by the Royal Navy love. paigners have set up a petition call- intervene in what is a profoundly idea is that the ‘peace dividend,’or that impact on what Scotland is, (from four Vanguard-class sub- Moreover, and up to date in the ing on the UK government to Christian issue and debate. money saved, would be allocated to how it is perceived in the world, marines) are as American as the current rapidly evolving context of abandon renewal of the Trident Scottish shipbuilding jobs on the and how it stands proud to strive stars and stripes. The US make the contemporary world inhabited nuclear weapons system, and I Dr Glen Reynolds OFS is acting Clyde, diversification between civil for social justice in the 21st cen- them, owns the software patents, by Messrs Assange, Snowden and instead use taxpayers’ money to minister of Christ the King Frater- and military defence projects away tury. It is about the practical evan- then licences and maintains them, GCHQ/ US National Security help flooded communities nity of Secular Franciscans, Ellon, from a nuclear focus, and social gelical witness it makes. and provides the satellite intelli- Agency debacle, Trident may not rebuild—and to develop flood Aberdeenshire, and is a member welfare projects as needs must (not Like many independent nations gence to target them. In essence, if have anything like the security sig- defences so that this disaster does of the SNP WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 12 SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER MARCH 14 2014 MARCH 14 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CATHOLIC MEN’S SOCIETY 13 Join the Catholic Men’s Society as it enters an exciting new era By Peter Lavery

THIS June, the branch of the Catholic Men’s Society in Our Lady Star of the Sea, Leith, will celebrate its 140th anniversary. This is a significant achievement indeed but still a bit behind St Joseph’s branch in Kilmarnock, which started in 1855. called Let the Children Live. The society was started, as This charity cares for street the Catholic Young Men’s Soci- children in Medellin in Colom- ety, in Limerick ten years earlier bia. Medellin has a population than that by Dean O’Brien who almost equal to Scotland’s and it believed that it was important has many street children. They that Catholic men should have are there for various reasons, as full a knowledge of their including drug gangs driving faith as possible. The CYMS rural families from their lands grew rapidly throughout Ireland by murdering the adults, and and then through parishes in further gang warfare in the England, Scotland and Wales, shanty towns around the city. often those with a large Irish These children who are strug- presence. This explains why the gling for survival by whatever Leith branch called their foot- means are in constant great dan- ball team Hibernian FC and it’s ger. We support the work of Fr good to see both the branch and Peter Walters who offers sup- their team still in good health. port and protection to these The society has grown and children. In recent years we changed in many ways over the have managed to raise over £1 years. Our country has changed million for this cause, but much dramatically over that time and more is needed. educational levels within the The CMS has always been Catholic communities have very appreciative of the work risen dramatically. Today most done by our chaplains, parish of us can access information clergy and the hierarchy. very quickly using internet Recently we joined with other search engines. This allows Catholic Lay organisations to some awareness of the great record our support for the vast changes in scientific knowledge majority of our priests and bish- and practice. It poses the chal- ops who are bearing the burden lenge, however, of dealing with of the misdeeds of a few who significant social changes. abused their positions of trust. Indeed the Christian life is Since our society is primarily probably more challenging now a training society our goal is to than then. The need for a well give our members the confi- informed laity is just as great. dence to play an active role in Having passed through two the Church and in society in World Wars and one Vatican general. One of our past Council, the CYMS decided national presidents, Dr Robert that we were no longer young Corrins, became the president men and became the Catholic of the European Lay Apostolate Men’s Society. But our princi- Commission. Another, Frank pal goals remain the same: to Cassidy, is almost unique in help our members grow in the being a lay chancellor of the knowledge of their Faith and Motherwell Diocese. Many oth- IRISH EYE ON SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE their spiritual life. In practice ers are active in other Church this means meeting—now about organisations, trade unions and JOSEPH BRADLEY gives an insight into the ethnic-Irish, Catholics and the potential explanations for those communities voting yes or no to Scottish independence once a month—to discuss professional organisations. aspects of our Faith. Unfortunately as members Keeping up-to-date with the have moved on to other areas, EOGRAPHY, gender, demography, class, Scotland, compared to the past it is more fragmented than Those who esteem and are conscious of their Irish eth- born Irish nationalists in Scotland in that the SNP has ing of course Ireland. For Irish nationalists opposing the riage legislation but also numerous other ways such as teachings of the Church can be replacing them has been diffi- ethnicity, religion, nationality, ideology and before. Many also see their former favoured Labour Party nic backgrounds in Scotland see themselves, broadly never demonstrated any solidarity or friendship towards British Empire a differing historical experience and nar- Britain’s extremely liberal abortion laws that have time-consuming and few man- cult in recent years and we are education help forecast voting intentions in as currently less concerned with the poor and marginalised, speaking, as retaining the Irish political identities of their Irish nationalists in Ireland or its supporters in Scotland. rative exists, but there remains a similarity in the con- destroyed the lives of millions of unborn children since age it effectively. It helps a lot, actively seeking new members many countries. Until relatively recently the has too many inferior quality careerists representing it, is forebears and of people they admire throughout Irish his- The SNP assiduously avoided substantial comment on the struction of the Empire as problematic, and for some, 1967. Another perspective of course might add that therefore, if the task is shared. and the establishment of new Catholic community of Irish descent in Scot- much less caring and is more self-serving than ever. tory—an Irish nationalist perspective, which in today’s northern ‘Troubles’ over the course of 25 years of con- embarrassing and shameful. Catholic influenced countries like Ireland and Poland are Last year we looked at Aspects branches. When a branch was land has been largely predictable in its voting behaviour. The Scottish National Party has reaped most of the ben- terms might be broadly viewed as an umbrella description flict, being viewed by many as simply supporting the Some of the main difficulties for the ethnic-Irish catching up: but that’s another conversation. of Faith joining the Church in re-established in Falkirk last Based mainly in the west-central belt, like many other Irish efits with the decline of the Catholic/ethnic-Irish attachment embracing Irish Nationalist, Republican, Fianna Fáil, British Government and military. This also in a context of Catholic community in Scotland in saying ‘No,’ as History shows us that since its foundation the SNP has celebrating the Year of Faith. year many former members and Gcommunities in Britain ethnic-Irish Catholics have had an to Labour.Added to change within the Irish-ethnic Catholic SDLP and Sinn Féin identities. Scottish/British imperialism’s central role in being the opposed to ‘Yes,’ to Scottish independence is complicated never been favoured by anywhere near a majority of vot- This year we are discussing the children of former members almost century long attachment to Labour. community, undoubtedly also the political strategies of SNP Something of a paradox to this scenario is of course that originators of this discord as well as Scottish Regiments in by a number of other historical links between being ers in Scotland. More recently, those supporting a ‘No’ challenge of the New Evangeli- expressed sadness that the soci- Despite much change within this community over the past leader Alex Salmond, including control of relevant public it is precisely in its translation that an Irish nationalist the British Army being among the most detested within British, the Union Flag and British Monarchy. The ‘No’ answer in the forthcoming referendum have long been— sation. This is a topic dear to the ety had lapsed in that area. 20-30 years, this traditional attachment to Labour held fairly discourses, support for Catholic schools, and his former mindset that has the potential for some ethnic-Irish vot- Irish nationalist communities there, over many centuries voters amongst Scotland’s ethnic-Irish are certainly not as polls reflect—in the majority in Scotland. In early 2013, hearts of our recent Popes, who We are sure that in many areas strong in the last UK General Election. However, the past close relationship with Cardinal Keith O’Brien, have been ing ‘Yes’for Scottish independence, seeing this as a logi- as well as in more recent times—alluded to by ex-SDLP persuaded by any continuing adherence or affinity with, or George Galloway resurrected a narrative familiar to many have been concerned about the there will be men who will recall two Scottish Parliamentary Elections have shaken conven- key to developing a less negative Catholic view of Scottish cal manifestation of traditional Irish political sympathies MP Seamus Mallon in 2013 as a rebuke to Alex Salmond. indeed the presence of, such symbols. Worst of all, a per- Catholics over the age of 40 regarding previous dominant need to re-establish the Faith the CMS playing a positive part tional images. For a variety of reasons the ethnic-Irish Nationalists. As studies show, previously for many and anti-British establishment and anti-British military A number of Irish community activists also note what ception of a ‘No’ vote might be construed by antagonists notions over perceived multiple threats to Catholics of among those who have moved in their lives and would encour- Catholic vote has become much less predictable than before. Catholics of Irish descent liking for the SNP was rare. identities. A number of such voters are not even SNP sup- they perceive as an absence of recognition and respect to represent some sort of agreement or affinity with the Irish descent in Scotland if the country was independent away from or rejected the age them to help us rebuild the Unlike in the past, as immigrant outsiders characterised porters, not seeing Scottish independence as necessarily shown towards the Scots-born Irish community in Scot- British military and, into the bargain, ‘Iraq, Afghanistan and thus less protected than currently perceived in a less Church through lethargy, disillu- society for the next century. largely by its working and manual class nature, disadvan- n light of the forthcoming independence referendum it tied to that party. For Labour and other British wide par- land on the part of the SNP today, reflecting much of and Ireland,’ to borrow a Green Brigade slogan. insular, less anti-Catholic British state (though how much sionment or misunderstanding. Anyone interested in finding out taged in numerous cultural, religious and economic terms, might be worth considering distinct conversations ties encouraging a ‘No’ vote might be viewed as prob- wider society per se as they would see it. This has been less is of course debatable). We accept the difficulty of evan- more about the society can find there is less to distinguish the Irish diaspora in Scotland within parts of the Catholic community of Irish descent lematic. Their task might be in trying to convince some manifest spectacularly in the recent Offensive Behaviour f course, there are other factors contributing to There are more serious referendum issues and debates gelisation, but realise that we details on our website at the end today than previously. These are some of the features that Iin Scotland that may not be getting discussed more widely. Scottish-born Irish nationalist minded voters that there is at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) what conscientious Catholics, Irish origin or oth- surrounding Scotland’s economic welfare and a range of must ask ourselves how we can of this article. Our celebration help explain Irish-descended Catholics’ adherence to In terms of the referendum, an issue for ethnic-Irish no contradiction in being Irish nationalist and not sup- legislation which many view as targeting Irish nationalist erwise, are concerned with in the referendum. other concerns that most of the population shares, over play our part. After all St Paul with Leith CMS this year will Labour—it was seen as the party of the oppressed and Catholics who have been traditional Labour supporters and porting Scottish independence. political identities in Scotland, making a mockery of the OFor many, there is an overriding widespread fear over the and above some of the specific Irish ethno-religious ones says: “Woe is me if I fail to include a guided tour of Rome marginalised and the one that cared. would prefer to vote ‘No,’ are the difficulties many find in Exemplifying this group within the broader Irish-ethnic government’s ‘One Scotland many cultures’ campaign. future of Catholic schools in a possible independent Scotland. pointed to here. However, as the referendum debate heats preach the Gospel.” and Assisi next summer and we However, this community is undoubtedly less Irish, less being seen as ‘unionist’for the first time in their lives. In the community is the likes of the Green Brigade section Despite all this, analysis shows that in recent years the Despite positive support fromAlex Salmond in the past many up, amongst the big economic issues there are some par- We believe that the study of will welcome others who wish working-class and less Catholic: sometimes dramatically minds of most in this community ‘unionist’is a description amongst the Celtic Football support. Finding the SNP an SNP has undoubtedly increased its support amongst some are of the belief his personal views are not widely held amongst ticular questions being discussed in Irish-ethnic Catholic our Faith must be accompanied to join us. Again details can be so. It is, in turn, more Scottish, more affluent and more sec- associated with Margaret Thatcher, Ian Paisley, the Con- anathema to much of what it stands for, sometimes even ethnic-Irish in Scotland. other SNP members or voters, even amongst Catholics in as well as wider Catholic circles in Scotland. Whether by making some effort to found on our website. ular. Many, of course, remain Irish in some shape or form servative Party, Rangers football supporters, the Loyalist chanting against that party, a single banner flies amongst One political position bringing together some Scots- the SNP. A question therefore arises: might Catholic they are key to any subsequent decision-making is yet to improve our spiritual life. So through consciousness of, and esteem in, their Irish eth- community of the north of Ireland, the British Empire, the them on match days proclaiming a ‘Yes-Saoirse 2014’(Free- born Irish nationalists and Scottish nationalists is a narra- schools be better protected in a wider British context? unfold. Nevertheless, it looks like there is a long and bit- prayer, commitment to an active I Peter Lavery is the president of nicity, aspiring to better things economically, seeing them- Orange Institution in Scotland and a host of organisations dom 2014), with regards the referendum, while simultane- tive that wishes psychological and emotional separation Many Catholics who exercise their Faith believe that ter debate ahead for anyone in Scotland that is socially participation in the celebration of the Catholic Men’s Society selves as part of Britain’s historic working class and and historical others they would hardly see themselves as ously proclaiming their Irish nationalist credentials that have from the joint partnership or project known as the British not only Scotland but Britain generally is swimming in a aware and politically conscious. the Mass and an annual retreat adhering to many or some of the mainstays of their having much or anything politically in common with and been part of the Celtic support since the club’s inception. Empire. For such Scots this relates to Scotland’s role with sea of moral chaos, seen in much of its practices, laws, are features of our branches. I www.catholicmensocietyscotland. Catholic Faith. Nevertheless, like other communities in many would actively disassociate themselves from. Other observers recognise a conundrum faced by Scots- England in at one time ruling a fifth of the globe, includ- cultural attributes: not least of all in recent same-sex mar- I Joseph Bradley is a senior lecturer at Stirling University We also support a small charity com WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 12 SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER MARCH 14 2014 MARCH 14 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CATHOLIC MEN’S SOCIETY 13 Join the Catholic Men’s Society as it enters an exciting new era By Peter Lavery

THIS June, the branch of the Catholic Men’s Society in Our Lady Star of the Sea, Leith, will celebrate its 140th anniversary. This is a significant achievement indeed but still a bit behind St Joseph’s branch in Kilmarnock, which started in 1855. called Let the Children Live. The society was started, as This charity cares for street the Catholic Young Men’s Soci- children in Medellin in Colom- ety, in Limerick ten years earlier bia. Medellin has a population than that by Dean O’Brien who almost equal to Scotland’s and it believed that it was important has many street children. They that Catholic men should have are there for various reasons, as full a knowledge of their including drug gangs driving faith as possible. The CYMS rural families from their lands grew rapidly throughout Ireland by murdering the adults, and and then through parishes in further gang warfare in the England, Scotland and Wales, shanty towns around the city. often those with a large Irish These children who are strug- presence. This explains why the gling for survival by whatever Leith branch called their foot- means are in constant great dan- ball team Hibernian FC and it’s ger. We support the work of Fr good to see both the branch and Peter Walters who offers sup- their team still in good health. port and protection to these The society has grown and children. In recent years we changed in many ways over the have managed to raise over £1 years. Our country has changed million for this cause, but much dramatically over that time and more is needed. educational levels within the The CMS has always been Catholic communities have very appreciative of the work risen dramatically. Today most done by our chaplains, parish of us can access information clergy and the hierarchy. very quickly using internet Recently we joined with other search engines. This allows Catholic Lay organisations to some awareness of the great record our support for the vast changes in scientific knowledge majority of our priests and bish- and practice. It poses the chal- ops who are bearing the burden lenge, however, of dealing with of the misdeeds of a few who significant social changes. abused their positions of trust. Indeed the Christian life is Since our society is primarily probably more challenging now a training society our goal is to than then. The need for a well give our members the confi- informed laity is just as great. dence to play an active role in Having passed through two the Church and in society in World Wars and one Vatican general. One of our past Council, the CYMS decided national presidents, Dr Robert that we were no longer young Corrins, became the president men and became the Catholic of the European Lay Apostolate Men’s Society. But our princi- Commission. Another, Frank pal goals remain the same: to Cassidy, is almost unique in help our members grow in the being a lay chancellor of the knowledge of their Faith and Motherwell Diocese. Many oth- IRISH EYE ON SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE their spiritual life. In practice ers are active in other Church this means meeting—now about organisations, trade unions and JOSEPH BRADLEY gives an insight into the ethnic-Irish, Catholics and the potential explanations for those communities voting yes or no to Scottish independence once a month—to discuss professional organisations. aspects of our Faith. Unfortunately as members Keeping up-to-date with the have moved on to other areas, EOGRAPHY, gender, demography, class, Scotland, compared to the past it is more fragmented than Those who esteem and are conscious of their Irish eth- born Irish nationalists in Scotland in that the SNP has ing of course Ireland. For Irish nationalists opposing the riage legislation but also numerous other ways such as teachings of the Church can be replacing them has been diffi- ethnicity, religion, nationality, ideology and before. Many also see their former favoured Labour Party nic backgrounds in Scotland see themselves, broadly never demonstrated any solidarity or friendship towards British Empire a differing historical experience and nar- Britain’s extremely liberal abortion laws that have time-consuming and few man- cult in recent years and we are education help forecast voting intentions in as currently less concerned with the poor and marginalised, speaking, as retaining the Irish political identities of their Irish nationalists in Ireland or its supporters in Scotland. rative exists, but there remains a similarity in the con- destroyed the lives of millions of unborn children since age it effectively. It helps a lot, actively seeking new members many countries. Until relatively recently the has too many inferior quality careerists representing it, is forebears and of people they admire throughout Irish his- The SNP assiduously avoided substantial comment on the struction of the Empire as problematic, and for some, 1967. Another perspective of course might add that therefore, if the task is shared. and the establishment of new Catholic community of Irish descent in Scot- much less caring and is more self-serving than ever. tory—an Irish nationalist perspective, which in today’s northern ‘Troubles’ over the course of 25 years of con- embarrassing and shameful. Catholic influenced countries like Ireland and Poland are Last year we looked at Aspects branches. When a branch was land has been largely predictable in its voting behaviour. The Scottish National Party has reaped most of the ben- terms might be broadly viewed as an umbrella description flict, being viewed by many as simply supporting the Some of the main difficulties for the ethnic-Irish catching up: but that’s another conversation. of Faith joining the Church in re-established in Falkirk last Based mainly in the west-central belt, like many other Irish efits with the decline of the Catholic/ethnic-Irish attachment embracing Irish Nationalist, Republican, Fianna Fáil, British Government and military. This also in a context of Catholic community in Scotland in saying ‘No,’ as History shows us that since its foundation the SNP has celebrating the Year of Faith. year many former members and Gcommunities in Britain ethnic-Irish Catholics have had an to Labour.Added to change within the Irish-ethnic Catholic SDLP and Sinn Féin identities. Scottish/British imperialism’s central role in being the opposed to ‘Yes,’ to Scottish independence is complicated never been favoured by anywhere near a majority of vot- This year we are discussing the children of former members almost century long attachment to Labour. community, undoubtedly also the political strategies of SNP Something of a paradox to this scenario is of course that originators of this discord as well as Scottish Regiments in by a number of other historical links between being ers in Scotland. More recently, those supporting a ‘No’ challenge of the New Evangeli- expressed sadness that the soci- Despite much change within this community over the past leader Alex Salmond, including control of relevant public it is precisely in its translation that an Irish nationalist the British Army being among the most detested within British, the Union Flag and British Monarchy. The ‘No’ answer in the forthcoming referendum have long been— sation. This is a topic dear to the ety had lapsed in that area. 20-30 years, this traditional attachment to Labour held fairly discourses, support for Catholic schools, and his former mindset that has the potential for some ethnic-Irish vot- Irish nationalist communities there, over many centuries voters amongst Scotland’s ethnic-Irish are certainly not as polls reflect—in the majority in Scotland. In early 2013, hearts of our recent Popes, who We are sure that in many areas strong in the last UK General Election. However, the past close relationship with Cardinal Keith O’Brien, have been ing ‘Yes’for Scottish independence, seeing this as a logi- as well as in more recent times—alluded to by ex-SDLP persuaded by any continuing adherence or affinity with, or George Galloway resurrected a narrative familiar to many have been concerned about the there will be men who will recall two Scottish Parliamentary Elections have shaken conven- key to developing a less negative Catholic view of Scottish cal manifestation of traditional Irish political sympathies MP Seamus Mallon in 2013 as a rebuke to Alex Salmond. indeed the presence of, such symbols. Worst of all, a per- Catholics over the age of 40 regarding previous dominant need to re-establish the Faith the CMS playing a positive part tional images. For a variety of reasons the ethnic-Irish Nationalists. As studies show, previously for many and anti-British establishment and anti-British military A number of Irish community activists also note what ception of a ‘No’ vote might be construed by antagonists notions over perceived multiple threats to Catholics of among those who have moved in their lives and would encour- Catholic vote has become much less predictable than before. Catholics of Irish descent liking for the SNP was rare. identities. A number of such voters are not even SNP sup- they perceive as an absence of recognition and respect to represent some sort of agreement or affinity with the Irish descent in Scotland if the country was independent away from or rejected the age them to help us rebuild the Unlike in the past, as immigrant outsiders characterised porters, not seeing Scottish independence as necessarily shown towards the Scots-born Irish community in Scot- British military and, into the bargain, ‘Iraq, Afghanistan and thus less protected than currently perceived in a less Church through lethargy, disillu- society for the next century. largely by its working and manual class nature, disadvan- n light of the forthcoming independence referendum it tied to that party. For Labour and other British wide par- land on the part of the SNP today, reflecting much of and Ireland,’ to borrow a Green Brigade slogan. insular, less anti-Catholic British state (though how much sionment or misunderstanding. Anyone interested in finding out taged in numerous cultural, religious and economic terms, might be worth considering distinct conversations ties encouraging a ‘No’ vote might be viewed as prob- wider society per se as they would see it. This has been less is of course debatable). We accept the difficulty of evan- more about the society can find there is less to distinguish the Irish diaspora in Scotland within parts of the Catholic community of Irish descent lematic. Their task might be in trying to convince some manifest spectacularly in the recent Offensive Behaviour f course, there are other factors contributing to There are more serious referendum issues and debates gelisation, but realise that we details on our website at the end today than previously. These are some of the features that Iin Scotland that may not be getting discussed more widely. Scottish-born Irish nationalist minded voters that there is at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) what conscientious Catholics, Irish origin or oth- surrounding Scotland’s economic welfare and a range of must ask ourselves how we can of this article. Our celebration help explain Irish-descended Catholics’ adherence to In terms of the referendum, an issue for ethnic-Irish no contradiction in being Irish nationalist and not sup- legislation which many view as targeting Irish nationalist erwise, are concerned with in the referendum. other concerns that most of the population shares, over play our part. After all St Paul with Leith CMS this year will Labour—it was seen as the party of the oppressed and Catholics who have been traditional Labour supporters and porting Scottish independence. political identities in Scotland, making a mockery of the OFor many, there is an overriding widespread fear over the and above some of the specific Irish ethno-religious ones says: “Woe is me if I fail to include a guided tour of Rome marginalised and the one that cared. would prefer to vote ‘No,’ are the difficulties many find in Exemplifying this group within the broader Irish-ethnic government’s ‘One Scotland many cultures’ campaign. future of Catholic schools in a possible independent Scotland. pointed to here. However, as the referendum debate heats preach the Gospel.” and Assisi next summer and we However, this community is undoubtedly less Irish, less being seen as ‘unionist’for the first time in their lives. In the community is the likes of the Green Brigade section Despite all this, analysis shows that in recent years the Despite positive support fromAlex Salmond in the past many up, amongst the big economic issues there are some par- We believe that the study of will welcome others who wish working-class and less Catholic: sometimes dramatically minds of most in this community ‘unionist’is a description amongst the Celtic Football support. Finding the SNP an SNP has undoubtedly increased its support amongst some are of the belief his personal views are not widely held amongst ticular questions being discussed in Irish-ethnic Catholic our Faith must be accompanied to join us. Again details can be so. It is, in turn, more Scottish, more affluent and more sec- associated with Margaret Thatcher, Ian Paisley, the Con- anathema to much of what it stands for, sometimes even ethnic-Irish in Scotland. other SNP members or voters, even amongst Catholics in as well as wider Catholic circles in Scotland. Whether by making some effort to found on our website. ular. Many, of course, remain Irish in some shape or form servative Party, Rangers football supporters, the Loyalist chanting against that party, a single banner flies amongst One political position bringing together some Scots- the SNP. A question therefore arises: might Catholic they are key to any subsequent decision-making is yet to improve our spiritual life. So through consciousness of, and esteem in, their Irish eth- community of the north of Ireland, the British Empire, the them on match days proclaiming a ‘Yes-Saoirse 2014’(Free- born Irish nationalists and Scottish nationalists is a narra- schools be better protected in a wider British context? unfold. Nevertheless, it looks like there is a long and bit- prayer, commitment to an active I Peter Lavery is the president of nicity, aspiring to better things economically, seeing them- Orange Institution in Scotland and a host of organisations dom 2014), with regards the referendum, while simultane- tive that wishes psychological and emotional separation Many Catholics who exercise their Faith believe that ter debate ahead for anyone in Scotland that is socially participation in the celebration of the Catholic Men’s Society selves as part of Britain’s historic working class and and historical others they would hardly see themselves as ously proclaiming their Irish nationalist credentials that have from the joint partnership or project known as the British not only Scotland but Britain generally is swimming in a aware and politically conscious. the Mass and an annual retreat adhering to many or some of the mainstays of their having much or anything politically in common with and been part of the Celtic support since the club’s inception. Empire. For such Scots this relates to Scotland’s role with sea of moral chaos, seen in much of its practices, laws, are features of our branches. I www.catholicmensocietyscotland. Catholic Faith. Nevertheless, like other communities in many would actively disassociate themselves from. Other observers recognise a conundrum faced by Scots- England in at one time ruling a fifth of the globe, includ- cultural attributes: not least of all in recent same-sex mar- I Joseph Bradley is a senior lecturer at Stirling University We also support a small charity com WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 14 REFLECTION SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY MARCH 14 2014 EWTN PROGRAMMES

SUN 16 MARCH TRIAL AT TARA 9AM WEDNESDAY MARCH 19 THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS 12.00 NOON WITH FR BERNARD MCGUCKIAN LIVE SOLEMN MASS OF ST SJ JOSEPH, HUSBAND OF THE 11AM VIRGIN MARY WITH THE MFVA LIVE ANGELUS WITH POPE FRIARS FRANCIS 9PM 11.30AM LET ME WALK THIS PATH LENTEN REFLECTIONS WITH THURSDAY MARCH 20 FR JOHN COOKE 12 NOON 12NOON LIVE DAILY MASS LIVE SUNDAY MASS 8PM 5PM EWTN LIVE EWTN BOOKMARK 9PM 8PM LET ME WALK THIS PATH THIRST FOR TRUTH: BATTLE 9.30PM FOR SOULS LENT AT EPHESUS 9PM FRIDAY MARCH 21 SUNDAY NIGHT PRIME 12 NOON 10AM LIVE DAILY MASS A LENTEN JOURNEY WITH FR. 8PM RICHARD HO LUNG LIVE THE WORLD OVER 1PM 9PM LIFE IS WORTH LIVING LET ME WALK THIS PATH Let God be your guide on MONDAY MARCH 17 9.30PM 12.00 NOON LIVE LIFE ON THE ROCK DAILY MASS SATURDAY MARCH 22 9PM 12 NOON your journey to happiness LIVES OF THE SAINTS LIVE DAILY MASS TUESDAY MARCH 18 7PM 12 NOON VISION OF FREEDOM In our series on spirituality, A BENEDICTINE MONK from PLUSCARDEN LIVE DAILY MASS 9PM 9PM EWTN THEOLOGY ROUNDTABLE ABBEY explains how God’s forgiveness can truly heal our souls

“Happy the man whose offence is forgiven, Strengthening our relationship with God can bring us true happiness whose sin is remitted. O happy the man.” A SPIRITUAL LAY READERS’ GUIDE HE first word of Psalm 32, REFLECTION word ‘You’ in the Hebrew of Verse 7 of our happy, is not only the first word Psalm, there is the punctuation of a vertical of our Psalm but of the whole line. This indicates a slight pause. It is not as Psalter, and in Hebrew the word much as what literary analysis would call a ashre begins with the first head-word, but there is some emphasis. It is SUNDAY MARCH 16 Hebrew letter, ‘aleph.’ Aleph is the opening as if the Psalmist is not only surrounded by Genesis 12:1-4a Response: May your love be of the lips in preparation to speak, but there forgiveness, mercy, escape, salvation, but the upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in Tis no sound. This Psalm begins with the sim- person of God Himself—You. you. 2 Timothy 1:8b-10. Matthew 17:1-9. plest of letters which needs no effort. It is an “To live as if the Invisible One is Visible” image of our lives. Human beings spend lots (Diadochus of Photike), “Persever[ing] as of energy in what the secular world calls though [w]e could see the one who is invisi- MONDAY negativity. Think of the physical effort to be “You are my hiding place, O Lord; you save ble” (Hebrews 11:27). The old religious sister Feast of St Patrick. Ecclesiasticus 39:6-10. angry. Yet to begin to bless, happy—ashre— me from distress. (You surround me with lay dying. She was lucid, and it was obvious Response: How can I repay the Lord for His takes no physical effort, is as easy as pie. cries of deliverance).” (Verse 7) to the others in the room that she could see goodness to me. 2 Timothy 4:1-8 Matthew Long may we remember this and not fall into someone in the room they could not. Her face 13:24-32. the trap which St Benedict calls murmuring. The Ravi Shahar translation reads: “You are expressed amazement and increasing joy. In Sanskrit ‘murmur’ means death. a shelter for me, You preserve me from dis- Then she said, “Hullo”, repeated, “Hullo, tress; You envelop me with glad song of res- Hullo;” and died. “You are… you save TUESDAY “I kept it secret and my frame was wasted. I cue, always.” I like the word always at the end me…You surround me…” Isaiah 1:10, 16-20. Response: I will show groaned all day long.” (Verse 3) of the line, but from where does it come? It is Godʼs salvation to the upright. Matthew 23:1-12. the mysterious selah transliterated from the Prayer To be closer to the Hebrew in English we Hebrew, which is sometimes put in the mar- Make us worthy, Lord God, of the life that you should hear: “Because I was silent my bones gins of English Bibles. No one knows what it have called us to live. By your power fulfill in WEDNESDAY grew old, while I groaned/roared all day means, though it may be a musical indication us every desire for goodness and every work Feast of St Joseph. 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, long.” This psalm teaches how to speak and or an interlude. Luther was of the opinion that of faith so that through us the name of our 16. Response: His dynasty will last forever. how to be silent. The Hebrew word for silent it indicates that one must be still and quickly Lord Jesus Christ will be glorified. Amen. here means be deaf, keep still, remain inac- think through the words of the Psalm. Early Romans 4:13,16-18,22 Matthew 1:16, 18- I The 2014 Pluscarden Pentecost Lectures 21,24a or Luke 2:41-51a. tive, become silent, make silent. It is stretch- Jewish versions, followed by some early ing things too far, but we could say we need Christian interpreters, took it to mean ‘for- will be given by Professor Carol Zaleski, to be deaf to many things before we can ever’ and that is why Shahar has ‘always.’ professor of World Religions at Smith THURSDAY become silent. Abba Antony says: “The one The idea of God’s rescue, deliverance, or College in Northampton, Massachusetts, Jeremiah 17:5-10. Response: Happy the man who sits in solitude and quiet has escaped salvation always surrounds us, even when US, from June 10-12 at Pluscarden Abbey from three wars: hearing, speaking, and see- we are in dire straits like the Psalmist, is very near Elgin, on the theme of Immortality in who has placed his trust in the Lord, Luke Question. The first lecture will take place 16:19-3. ing; yet against one thing shall he continu- heartening. For this Psalm, to be happy, ally battle: that is, his own heart.” blessed results specifically from breaking on Tuesday June 10 at 2.45 pm and is There is a whole theology of groaning in silence with God, confession, and forgive- entitled ‘The problem with immortality—we FRIDAY the Old Testament as there is in the monas- ness (Verses 1-5). Happiness is defined in don’t know how to think about it. The tic experience. The Hebrew word in the terms of forgiveness. At the beginning, the second lecture, taking place on Wednesday Genesis 37:3-4. 12-13a, 17b-28a, Response: June 11 at 10.15 am will look at ‘The problem Remember the wonders the Lord has done. psalm has a gamut of meanings: groan, Psalmist is enveloped by ‘offence,’ ‘sin,’ and moan, sigh, meditate, muse, chirp, mutter. ‘guilt’ (Verses 1-2, 5). By the end, ‘loving with Heaven—imagination can’t grasp it. Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46. You can groan or pray: the choice is yours. mercy surrounds him’ (Verse 10). St Augus- The third lecture, which takes place on The word translated groaned is used of a lion tine says: “If all the sins of the world were Wednesday June 11 at 2.45 pm focusses SATURDAY ‘roaring’ (see Job 4.10; Is 5.29); here it may compared to the mercy of God, they would on ‘The problem with hell—love can’t bear it. be weeping or else anguished prayer. Briggs be in comparison to it no more than a spark A final lecture will then be held on Thursday Micah 7:14-15, 18-20. Response: The Lord is June 12 at 10.15 am. All events are open to compassion and love. Luke 15:1-3, 11-12. has the magnificent comment: “[H]e lost his of fire in the great sea.” manhood and became a mere animal.” “You are my hiding place.” After the first all who wish to attend and are free WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY MARCH 14 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER STRONG IN FAITH 15

DISCUSSION: Lent is a Church should be putting out A weekly special time for almsgiving, concrete advice (with actual discussion chaired by but do we do enough monetary amounts) about how to support the Church much people in different strong in faith young Catholics financially the rest of the income brackets should be giv- year? ing. I think there are lots of people who really don’t under- CHRIS McLAUGHLIN: Nope. stand they are out by factors of And this one cheeses me off— 10 or 20 as to what’s appropri- Time to put God before our own pleasures there are plenty of people out ate. We should also start mov- there who don’t pay their way. ing towards a direct debit By Aidan Michael Cook There are some people who for system as many people don’t absolutely valid reasons can’t carry cash these days. Also MONEY is at the source of many prob- contribute, or can only con- keeping cash on Church prem- lems, both in its presence as enabling tribute a little. That’s fine, but if ises is inefficient and attracts evil and in its absence as preventing you are in work and you aren’t criminality such as burglaries. good. How we choose to spend our poor then you have a responsi- money shows a great deal about the bility not only for your own JOE McGILL: No, probably not. application of our faith. contribution but to help make There seems to be the idea that In order to fulfil Her mission, the Church up for others. And incidentally whatever small change is in your requires certain resources. It is the duty of that means most of us: we pocket at the offertory is ok, and the Faithful to contribute to the Church’s haven’t been a poor, immigrant I am guilty of that too, but the needs as far as their own resources allow. Of community for quite a while idea of tithing 10 per cent of course, for some people this will not be very now. Let’s put it bluntly, a few your income is one that I would much in absolute terms, but relative to their coins a week just isn’t enough. love to see make a comeback. resources it might be a great deal indeed. We My parish is in one of Scot- can call to mind Jesus’ response upon seeing land’s wealthiest areas and we ANDREW McMANUS: I think the poor widow put a penny in the Temple average well under £2 per per- some sort of tithe is a good treasury: “Truly, I say to you, this poor son per week—a figure many idea. If all of our parishes were widow has put in more than all those who people wouldn’t think twice financially strong enough to are contributing to the treasury. For they all about spending on a cup of cof- employ a full-time administra- contributed out of their abundance; but she week on our own pleasures and the amount Church, then something has gone wrong. fee. People should ask them- tor then the priest would be bet- out of her poverty has put in everything she we give to the Church and to charities, most There is an explanation of time and selves how much they pay for ter able to focus on pastoral had, her whole living.” (Mark 12 43-44) of us would see that our contribution is resource management that is based around luxuries and compare that to issues. I’d say 10 per cent might The problem is when we only contribute a entirely inadequate. the idea that if you fill a container with small what they give to the Church. be pushing it though. National penny despite having much more. There is a When asked what the greatest command- stones (unimportant things), there will then The other thing to be said is Insurance, council and income great temptation when the collection bag ment was, Jesus said to love the Lord your be no space for big stones (the important how often do we increase our tax drain too much income out (above right) comes round—especially as a God with all your heart, and with all your things). But if you put the big stones in first, gift? I spoke to someone once of families as it is. It would student or young person without a substan- soul, and with all your mind, and a second is then the little stones will fit in around them. who gives £10 a week. That’s probably be best to take the tial regular income—to give only the loose like it—to love your neighbour as yourself. Too often we squander our resources on the great said I, but how much did common sense approach of set- change we have in our pocket. We reason Of course money is very far indeed from little things and then claim to have nothing you give 10 years ago? ting up a regular donation of that we don’t have enough money to give being the only indicator of love, but when left for the things that really matter. We need Answer: £10 a week. We all something that you can afford. any more. This might be true for some, but we spend disproportionately more on seek- to learn to put God and our neighbour before know costs have gone up how many of us then go out to the pub for a ing our own pleasures than we do on coming our own pleasures. We need to set our prior- hugely in the last few years, I Have your say on this and few drinks, or to a cafe for coffee and cake? to the aid of our neighbours or supporting ities straight, and put our money where our have our gifts gone up in step? upcoming topics at http://www. If we add up the amount we spend in one the worship of God and the needs of His mouth is. What better time to start than Lent? My own view is that the facebook.com/scostronginfaith

On Pilgrimage with St. Philomena ITALY £790 19th–26th Sept 2014 Glasgow to Naples Half-Board St Philomena Year of the Miracle 2 days in Rome with “Pray to Saint Philomena, whatever you ask from her, she will obtain for you.” Papal Audience, —Pope Gregory XVI Tour of Rome, You are invited to attend: Monte Cassino, St.Pio, St.Michael, Pompeii, St. Philomena Days of Prayer 2014 Our Lady Incoronata, 29th March at 1pm 14th June at 11am 6th September at 12pm St. Catherine Labouré Church St. Andrews Cathedral St. Philomena Church Sorrento, St. Gennaro, Glasgow G21 Dundee Winchburgh, West Lothian St Gerard Majella, Fr. Anthony Gallagher Fr. Michael J.Canon Milton Fr. Scott Deeley Bay of Naples 24th May at 1pm 16th August at 11.30am 18th October at 1pm St. Josephs Church Carfin Grotto St. Andrews Cathedral We pray you join us on Helensburgh Motherwell Glasgow Fr. Peter Lennon Fr. Francis McGachey this spiritual journey

Family of St. Philomena, For details Tel: 0141 772 8558 or email: [email protected] Scottish Charity Number SCO30253 WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 16 FAITH IN CULTURE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY MARCH 14 2014 Why St Patrick continues to inspire us FAITH IN CULTURE explains how St Patrick’s Day celebrations offer an opportunity to celebrate his life and faith

that appeared in The Pogues video for Fairytale of St Patrick used what was ordinary—the shamrock— New York! I had practically just landed when I could using it as metaphor for the Holy Trinity, giving this hear blethering Scottish accents that came into view familiar plant a prevailing and evocative meaning. sporting green, white and gold throughout the city. This creative expression of God in the world around Making my way through the crowds I watched us has made significant something that might have By Richard the clans march along 44th Street before tracking otherwise gone unnoticed or been taken for granted. down a gathering of New York’s Celtic Supporters As ordinary people we can all be used to offer Purden being led by an immense banner with the US Stars others a better understanding of faith. The absence and Stripes merging into an Irish Tricolour and a of snakes in Ireland created the legend that St Y FIRST memory of St Patrick’s Scottish Saltire, it was to say the least surreal hear- Patrick had banished them, while it has been Day was my gran pinning a sham- ing the familiar strains of It’sA Grand Old Team and proved there was no expulsion of any legless rep- rock to my old school blazer Willie Maley so far away from home. Poignantly hearts and minds reflected on a man that was truly tiles it’s a powerful fable, the snakes were said to freshly cut from a plant on the there were chants for Jimmy Johnstone who was loved by the Celtic support and beyond. It was a St be metaphors for druids, pagans and evil itself. kitchen window sill. It would be being laid to rest at home. As a mark of respect the Patrick’s day I’ll not forget. As we reflect on our lives during Lent, the image wrapped in silver foil and fastened with a wee sil- St Patrick’s Day committee in New York consider- of St Patrick chasing the snakes out of Ireland ver safety pin, then off I’d trot to school with this ately allowed Celtic supporters taking part to hold a his year we’ll have a family day out attend- offers us the opportunity to chase out any serpents Mhomemade recognition of the feast day. minute's silence in memory of ‘Jinky’ outside the ing a parade at Portobello, there are also a from our own lives as we prepare to focus on I’ve been fortunate enough to spend a few St city’s massive St Patrick’s Cathedral. Heads bowed number of thought proving talks in the capi- Christ’s sacrifice this coming Easter. The pain of Patrick’s Days in New York. I remember a march- and flags dipped as New York fell quiet and the hus- Ttal which suggests how important celebrating Irish exile and the suffering of homesickness are coming band playing on Time Square not unlike the one tle turned to hush. There was a stillness in the air as identity has become throughout Scotland. Today mon themes in Irish diaspora life and culture. St there are events around the country and that sense Patrick himself suffered with the condition while of visibility is heartening. Beyond the diaspora rela- in Ireland particularly after threats to his life when tionship it’s also relevant that St Patrick (above) converting clan chiefs, he wrote of longing to see was almost certainly born in Scotland. He was kid- his own people and homeland: “How I would have CROSSWORD Gordius No 134 napped by Irish pirates and kept there as a slave for loved to go to my country and my parents, and also six years, despite that he returned as a missionary. to Gaul in order to visit the brethren and to see the The experience is not unlike the story of Joseph face of the saints of my Lord! God knows it! That 123 4 5 6 7 in the Bible, after being sold as a slave he was also I much desired it; but I am bound by the Spirit.” able to fulfil God’s greater plan; Genesis 50:20: The celebrations on St Patrick’s Day are a fan- “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for tastic opportunity for Irish communities and 89 good to accomplish what is now being done, the friends around the world to come together, but saving of many lives.” Without God’s grace and beyond that the symbols of his life and story still love in our lives it would perhaps be an insuffer- has the power to inspire faith. able choice to ‘love our enemies’ as is asked of us. 10 11 12 I Richard Purden is a freelance journalist, the First entry out the hat next St Patrick was able to translate his Faith by cre- author of We are Celtic Supporters and Faithful 13 14 TUESDAY will be the winner ating symbols and an identity that weaved Ireland and Christianity together. Christ used stories of the every- Through and Through, an SCO feature writer and day involving shepherds, farmers and vines, similarly a married father of two Send your completed 15 16 17 crossword entries—along with 18 your full name address and daytime phone number—to 19 20 SUDOKU CROSSWORD CONTEST SCO 19 21 22 23 WATERLOO ST GLASGOW G2 6BT SIMPLE 24 25 The winner’s name will be 8964 2 printed next week 5139 5296 1 8734 7 36481 9 2 5 26 27 The editor’s decision is final 3 7 7 2 3 5 4 9 1 6 8 957 36 4 8 1 2 ACROSS LAST WEEK’S 6 451 8 2 3 7 9 1 Ocean (3) 6238 9 4 1 SOLUTION 893 241 7 6 5 3 Distinctive repeated statement about peach starch (11) 8 Wore away, as some deer do (6) 1 4 7 3 95 628 1 ACROSS 3 1 8 2 7 5 9 64 9 Beautiful avian sound (8) 1 Kew 3 Broad-minded 10 Exercised one’s franchise (5) 8 Catkin 9 Cold feet 2 964 8 1 5 37 11 A mathematical ‘given,’ found in the wax I omitted (5) 4 5 8 10 Siren 11 Sheen FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A WAY 13 Chopped peach is inexpensive (5) 13 Gloom 15 Rancher 15 Notice, keep an eye on (7) 16 Dragons 20 Dines 4 8 2 3 AS EVERY ROW AND COLUMN 16 Towards the centre, where you'll find nurses! (7) 21 Docks 23 Prong AND EVERY 3 BY 3 BOX CONTAINS 20 Firebrand found in parliament or church (5) 24 Vampires 25 Cuckoo 1 267 THE NUMBERS 1 TO 9. NO GUESS 21 Wounds with a knife (5) 26 Abide With Me 27 Rye WORK IS REQUIRED AND THERE 23 Slice a roast (5) IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVE 24 The ultimate contest in a sporting competition (3,5) 975 8 DOWN IS THE MAR 7 SIMPLE SOLUTION 25 For breakfast, give us lime squash (6) 1 Kick-started 26 Invaders eye up this persevering attitude (5,3,3) 2 Water hen 3 Brian 27 Lower limb (3) 4 Auction 5 Indus MODERATE 6 Diesel 7 Dot DOWN 9 2 12 Nursing home 8 15 3 9 2 7 46 1 What's written on the cover of the record—as written 13 Greed 14 Marks ‘off the cuff?’ (6,5) 17 Onlooker 18 Knesset 3 1 4 2936871 5 2&3 Prayer emanating from the Casserole Dept (8,5) 19 Scampi 22 Spire 987 621 534 4 Item of furniture used by the Government? (7) 23 Plume 24 Via 1 96 5 347 8 9 6 2 1 5 Many-headed Greek monster (5) 1 928 564 3 7 6 Nuclear (6) 7 In Physics, a unit of work (3) Last week’s winner was: 27 4 3 26 7 4 3 1 9 5 8 12 With so many attending, it must be a eucharistic Ann Sweeney, Livingston 6 1 2 79 5 8 4 3 gathering! (4-7) 6 3 1 3 4 256 1 8 79 13 Desire to be in company with a beastly doctor (5) 7 835 9 4 2 1 6 14 Nip (5) 3 41 2 17 Retribution (8) Scottish Catholic Observer: FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A WAY 18 Apple produced by realm reconstruction (7) Scotland’s only national AS EVERY ROW AND COLUMN 19 Anatoly was world chess champion from 1975 to Catholic weekly newspaper 5 6 7 AND EVERY 3 BY 3 BOX CONTAINS 1985 and 1993 to 1999 (6) printed by Trinity Mirror, Oldham. THE NUMBERS 1 TO 9. NO GUESS 22 Winter sports enthusiast (5) Registered at the Post Office 72 6 WORK IS REQUIRED AND THERE 23 Sounds like you put a bullet in the outlet (5) 24 Metal container (3) as a newspaper. IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVE IS 947 THE MAR 7 MODERATE SOLUTION WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY MARCH 14 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CHURCH NOTICES 17 CHURCH&PUBLICNOTICES

Scottish Catholic Charismatic Renewal The Sisters of the Gospelof Life National Service Team Catholic Charasmatic Renewal invite you to a OPEN MEETING Glasgow ( all welcome) Monthly Mass for Life Saturday 22nd March 2014 At Our Lady of Consolation Church 10am - 4pm Inglefield Street, Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7PZ Community of the Risen Christ Bellisle Street Glasgow Celebrant: Fr Michael Briody Priests wishing to concelebrate please bring Alb Speaker: Derek Williams C ontact: Wednesday March 19th Ged 01542 882116 Come and join us! Exposition 6pm, Rosary 7pm, Mass 7.30pm on Followed by tea, coffee & a chance to meet STALOYSIUS’ CHURCH up with pro-life friends 25 Rose Street Friday 21st March gospeloflifesisters.wordpress.com Glasgow G3 (off Sauchiehall Street) at 7pm LEGION OF MARY SUNDAY MASS: Saturday Vigil 5.45pm; 9am; 10.30am (Family Mass); For further information contact: 12noon (Sung); 9pm 07436114052 or 07800717949 ACIES WEEKDAY MASS: ALL WELCOME CEREMONY Monday - Friday: 8am; 12.30pm; 5.45pm Saturday: 10am; 12.30pm The LEGION OF MARY invite all ACTIVE and AUXILLIARY MEMBERS to the ANNUAL ACIES CONFESSIONS: CEREMONY - venues andtimes as shown Monday - Friday: 11.30am - 12.15pm; 5.15pm - 5.30pm ABERDEEN GLASGOW nd rd Saturday: 10.30am - 12.15pm; 2pm - 3.15pm; 4.15pm - 5.15pm Saturday 22 March 2pm Sunday 23 March 3pm St Peter’s ImmaculateHeartof Mary EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT: Chapel Court, Justice St Church, Broomfield Road Saturday: 2pm - 5.15pm Weddings permitting ABERDEEN BALORNOCK Sunday: 1.15pm - 8.30pm rd !"# $%&'()% Sunday 23 March 3pm GALLOWAY Our Lady and St George’s ROSARY: Sunday 23rd March 3pm Monday - Saturday 12.00pm before 12.30pm Mass Church, Sandwood Road St Winin’s Church PENILEE KILWINNING Sunday 23rd March 3pm University Catholic VOCATIONS DUNKELD Chaplaincy, Turnbull Hall, Sunday 23rd March 2.30pm 15 Southpark Terrace JERICHO St. Andrew’s Cathedral “The Nethergate, MOTHERWELLrd Compassion of DUNDEE Sunday 23 March 2.30pm Jesus.” St Francis Xavier’s Church, Taylor Avenue Drug & Alcohol Rehabs., EDINBURGH CARFIN Refuge for Victims of Saturday 29th March 2pm Domestic Violence, St Francis Xavier’s PAISLEY Supported Accommodation Church, Sunday 23rd March 3pm for the Destitute, the Hope Street St Laurence’s Church, Distressed, and all being FALKIRK Kilmacolm Road, ‘passed by on the other side.’ GREENOCK A COMMUNITY OF MEN OF PRAYER FOR OUR TIMES (founded 1970) Vocation info from Bro Patrick Mullen, The Jericho Society, Mater Salvatoris, Harelaw Farm, Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, PA10 2PY ScottishCharity SC016909 Website Directory Tel: 01505 614669 Email: www.jandmsewing.com www.pansionstephen.com [email protected] Top quality, reasonably priced Pansion Stephen offers holiday Church Robes (Bishops, Clergy, accommodation, B&B, HB and FB Deacons, Diocesan Vestments, facilities in Medjugorje for groups Choirs, Servers) all made to order of up to 30 people. Do you feel that in the UK. God is calling www.sconews.co.uk ADVERTISE you to the With a readership of 50,000, the Missionary Scottish Catholic Observer is YOUR Scotlandʼs only weekly Catholic Priesthood newspaper and is available in WEBSITE Then we 98% of parishes. can help you www.customartkids.co.uk HERE!! Made to measure, designed for life, personalised for you. Wall art, Personalised Christmas Childrens EMAIL gifts. Any Occassions gifts Contact: advertising@ The Vocations Director www.forevermaria.myflpbiz.com SMA FATHERS Aloe vera products for home, health and St Theresaʼs wellbeing. Specialist sports products. sconews.co.uk Clarendon Place, Dunblane Weight Management Program. Perthshire FK15 9HB 18 FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY MARCH 14 2014 FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

DEATHS RELIGIOUS MEMORIAM Treasured memories of our parents, John, who died February 13, 1987 and Liz, BARTLETT GIVENS who died March 16, 2007. Suddenly at home on March 8th Anniversary Loved and remembered 5, 2014, in his 76th year, Please pray for the repose of every day. Roy Bartlett, beloved hus- the soul of Rev John Francis band of Murdina McRury, Inserted by Mary, Liz, Tricia, Givens (Diocese of Mother- Jim and John. dear father to Shaun, Fiona well), who died on March 19, and the late Ian and Roy 2006. Mac, a much loved brother- CUSHLEY Our Lady and St Joseph, 21st Anniversary in-law and uncle. pray for him. Rest in peace. MATTHEWS In loving memory of my dear LOW, Robert McCLAFFERTY Inserted by Ellen and Trix. Please pray for the repose of wife, Agnes (Timmons), who In loving memory of my dear Treasured memories of my CAMPBELL the soul of Very Reverend died March 14, 1993. husband and our dear father, beloved husband, father and Peacefully surrounded by Charles Canon Matthews, May she rest in peace. Robert (Bobby) who died on granda, Anthony, who died March 17, 2013. her family, at Ospadal Uib- who died March 15, 1996. Our Lady of Good Aid, pray March 18, 2004. We hold you close within our He was a father so very rare, hist is Bharraigh, on Satur- Eternal rest grant unto him, for her. hearts, Content in his home and day, March 8, 2014, O Lord, John. Charlotte, beloved wife of And there you shall remain, always there, And let perpetual light shine the late Angus, much loved To walk with us throughout On earth he toiled, in upon him, mother of Donald and Ella our lives, Heaven he rests, and loving granny of her five May he rest in peace. Until we meet again. God Bless you Da, you were grandchildren. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray Eternal rest grant unto him O one of the best. Fortified by the rites of the for him. Lord, Gone from our lives but for- Holy Catholic Church. And let perpetual light shine ever in our hearts. May she rest in peace. upon him, St Anthony, pray for him. Fois shiorruidh thoir dhith a HEARTY MEMORIAM May he rest in peace. Inserted by his loving wife Thighearna. 17th Anniversary Inserted by loving wife Margaret and all the family. In loving memory of Very ARMSTRONG Frances and daughters Please pray for the souls of MULLEN, Michael Joseph Reverend Thomas Canon Veronica, Catherine and MacCORMICK At the Royal Alexandra Hos- Hearty, former Parish Priest our dear father, Thomas Pauline. 7th Anniversary pital, Paisley. Passed away of St John Bosco’s, Erskine, Armstrong, who died March Donald, died suddenly but February 12, 2014. 12, 1973, our dear mother, peacefully on March 16, who died March 17, 1997. DONNELLY Sorely missed. Jennie, died October 19, 2007. R.I.P. St Patrick, pray for him. 12th Anniversary Pat, Eunice, Tillie, Cavan, 1956, and our dear brother, St Joseph, pray for him. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray Please pray for the repose of Arthur and all the family. Joseph, died December 16, Inserted by MacVicar family, for him. the souls of our loving father Benbecula. BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE Sadly missed. 1984. and grandfather, Peter, who Our Lady of the Assumption died on March 18, 2002 and McPARTLIN and Our Lady of Lourdes, our loving mother and grand- BECK Fr Francis, died March 14, pray for them. mother, Kathie, who died on Remembering my dear son, 2009. January 30, 2011. John Patrick, who died Sep- Would those who think of Just a prayer from the family tember 15, 2007, and whose him today, to you, 54th birthday occurs on McCABE A little prayer to Jesus say. Just a memory fond and 21st Anniversary of Rose March 17. Forever in our thoughts and true, McCabe, who died March Nothing loved is ever lost prayers. In our hearts you will stay 17, 1993. and you were loved so very From Margaret. forever, The time in between seemed much. Because we thought the no time at all, St Patrick and St Joseph, world of you. Far too short by far, for us pray for him. MacDONALD Those who loved you both all, Mum, Jack, sisters and 10th Anniversary dearly, Forgive us our selfishness, brothers. Remembering Peggy Mac- Are the ones who can’t for- we won’t let go; Stay close, please help us Donald, who died on March SMITH get. BROLLY Our Lady, Queen of the Holy as the days go by, 12, 2004, aged 75. 25th Anniversary Remembering the fifteenth Rosary, pray for them. This day we remember till So greatly missed by all. Remembering with love, anniversary of our beloved Our Lady of the Isles, pray Paddy, who died May 30, Treasured memories keep the blood runs dry. Jim, a loving husband and for her. 1989, you both in our hearts. Happy Birthday. father, who died on March and whose birthday falls on Inserted by their loving fam- Thank you Sacred Heart of Forever in our thoughts. March 17. 12, 1999. ily. Jesus, St Francis, St Roch Inserted by her families in Thinking of you today as Hide me in the shadow of and St Teresa. Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inver- always. McPARTLIN Your wings. Her loving sons Ian and ness, Australia, Luton, Goodnight Paddy and God 5th Anniversary As for me, in my justice I Kenneth and grandchild Pennsylvania and South Bless. Remembering with love and shall see Your face and be Louise. Uist. Inserted by his daughter gratitude, Fr Francis filled, when I awake, with the McCLUSKEY Grace, London. McPartlin, former parish sight of Your glory. 5th Anniversary priest of St Gilda’s, Ros- Eternal rest grant unto him, neath, who died on March In loving memory of Norah, O Lord, loving ma and granny, who 14, 2009. And may perpetual light Riches I heed not or man’s died on March 15, 2009. shine upon him. There is a corner in our empty praise, May he rest in peace. hearts you visit every day, Thou my inheritance through From his loving wife Mary It gives us this warm feeling all my days, and family. that you’re never far away. Thou and Thou only, HIGGINS St Jude, pray for her. The first in my heart, 19th Anniversary of John, From Tricia, Joe, Joseph High King of Heaven, BROLLY who died March 16, 1995, Gerald, whose fourth and Pauline. My treasure Thou art. much loved husband, dad, Happy St Patrick’s Day Ma. Please pray to God for all anniversary occurs on March papa and brother. McGRANE 12, 2014. Also Joe and 2nd Anniversary priests that they may live Close to our hearts, you will MacCLUSKEY their lives in His service and Lawrence. All remembered always stay, In loving memory of James In loving memory of Finlay, depart them in His grace. with love and affection by Loved and remembered (Jim), loving father and who died on March 10, Our Blessed Lady, protect their sister-in-law Mary, every day. grandfather, who died March 2012, aged 41 years. them. nieces and nephews Maria, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray 10, 2002. Beloved brother of Michael St Joseph, protect them. Ann, Kevin and Vincent. for him. Loved and missed always. and nephew of Aunt Betty. M.M. BROWN His loving wife and family. Your loving family, St Anthony, pray for him. FRIDAY MARCH 14 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS 19 FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

MacINNES MacINTYRE/MacAULAY McRAE WARD THANKSGIVING 14th Anniversary In loving memory of our dear 28th Anniversary 10th Anniversary Remembering Calum aunt, Mary MacIntyre, who In loving memory of Finlay Precious and loving memo- Ruaraidh MacInnes, who McRae, beloved husband of NOVENA TO ST CLARE died March 19, 1986, our ries of our dear mother and died suddenly on March 13, dear aunt, Seònaid the late Elizabeth, dearest Say nine Hail Mary’s for nine 2000, aged 50 years. MacAulay, died March 3, father of Betty and loving grandmother, Veronica, who days with a lighted candle; “O Lord, welcome his soul 2002 and our dear aunt, grandfather of Michael, who died on March 15, 2004. publication promised. – M.D. into Paradise and from there Catherine, died June 10, died March 17, 1986. We only wish that we could may he be together with the 1972. R.I.P. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I say, NOVENA TO ST CLARE Say nine Hail Mary’s for nine Risen Christ.” Our Lady of the Isles, pray place all my trust in Thee. We’re going to see our mum days with a lighted candle; So sadly missed from his for them. today, home at Ceannard, Bornish, Inserted by the family, publication promised. – C.G. MOORE TRAINER To hear her voice, to see her South Uist, by his wife, Mary, Smerclate, Kildonan and 38th Anniversary Remembering with love smile, HEARTFELT THANKS to daughters Jessica, Jane, Glasgow. In loving memory of our dear today and always, Madge Helen and Alana. mother, grandmother, great- To sit and talk with her the Sacred Heart, Our Lady, Trainer, who died March 18, St Jude, St Pio, St Anne, St The families from Bishop- MACKAY grandmother, Ellen Ross awhile, 1986. Anthony and St Peregrine briggs, Gerinish, Newton In loving memory of Peggy Moore, who died peacefully To be together in the same St Frances and St Anthony, for prayers answered. – E.B. Mearns, South Boisdale and Mackay (née MacIntyre), in Prestwick, at the home of pray for her. old way, Fr. Colin, Ecuador. who died on March 19, her daughter, Eileen, on Inserted by her loving family. Would be our dearest wish thanks to the 1995, and her husband, March 20, 1976. GRATEFUL today. Blessed Virgin Mary and St John Mackay, who died on Our Lady of Perpetual Suc- WILSON Anthony for several favours March 17, 2002. cour, help her to enjoy the Please God forgive a silent 7th Anniversary of Jack, lov- received. – E.P. Eternal rest grant unto them Kingdom of Your Son. ing father and grandfather, tear, O Lord, Inserted by all members of who died March 15, 2007. A constant wish that she DEAR HEART OF JESUS And let perpetual light shine her family. Each time we look at your was here, Dear Heart of Jesus in the upon them. picture, For the hardest thing in life past I Have asked you for May they rest in peace. MURPHY You seem to smile and say, to bear, many favours, this time I ask Inserted by Norman, Morag 13th Anniversary Don’t be sad but courage Is to need your mum, you for this special one Please pray for the repose Ann and family, Rutherglen. take, (mention favour), take it of the soul of Bridget Moffatt, And she’s not there. And love each other for my Dear Heart of Jesus, and who died March 11, 2001, Safe in the arms of Jesus. sake, place it within Your broken Our Lady of Lourdes, pray McINTOSH MacKAY and her husband, Anthony, Eternal rest grant unto him heart where your father sees In loving memory of our dear In loving memory of our dear who joined his sweetheart O lord, for her. it, then in his merciful eyes it mother, Nan (Myles) McIn- mum, granny and great- on November 15, 2009. And let perpetual light shine St Anthony, pray for her. will become Your favour, not upon him, tosh, who died on St granny, Morag, of Kildonan, No treasure on earth can Until we meet again mum. mine. Amen. Say for three Patrick’s Day, 2000; also our South Uist, who died so sud- replace you mum and dad. May he rest in peace. Your loving daughters Ann days, publication primised. - dear father, John, who died denly on March 19, 1999. Sleep tight … Take him in Thine arms O Marie and Josephine and Also thanks to Our Lady of on November 10, 1989, and R.I.P. Inserted by your loving Lord, Lourdes, St Anne and St grandchildren Bethany, our dear sister, Ann Du-Feu, To some you may be forgot- daughters Eileen, Brenda, And love him just for us. Pio, - A.B. who died on July 3, 2004. ten, grandson Damien and son- Your loving family. Sophie and Mark. xx Forever in our hearts. To others part of the past, in-law, Allan. R.I.P. But to those who truly love you, O’NEILL Your memory will always In loving memory of our dear last. mother, grandmother and All our love. great-grandmother, Peggy George, Annag and family, McConnell, who died March Corby and High Wycombe. 18, 1993, also our dear SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY SUBSCRIPTION OFFER father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Hugh, McKEOWN died May 13, 1990. 6 ISSUES FOR ONLY £4.50 Precious memories of our St Anthony, pray for them. We want you to experience the beneﬁts of having From Peggy, John, Anne, much loved mother, Cather- The Sco'sh Catholic Observer delivered to your door every week – and McINTYRE ine (O’Keefe), who died Clare, Mark, Mark Jnr, Paul Of your charity, please March 14, 1994; our dear and Martin. to show you how good our newspaper is. That is why we are making remember in your prayers, father, Patrick, died October you this excep&onal oﬀer, which has gone down a storm with readers the 22nd anniversary of 5, 1975; her brother, Patrick, PELOSI John A.H. McIntyre, beloved died March 14, 1975 and 1st Anniversary who are keento get anintroduc&onto Scotland’s husband and father, who Mary McKeown, much loved In loving memory of Eliza- na&onal Catholic weekly newspaper. died March 14, 1992. daughter, sister and aunt, beth (Corrance Garven) who Greatly missed. died November 10, 2008. died on March 16, 2013, Catherine and Kathleen. Also Matt Thomson, died aged 70. Loving wife of November 14, 2009. Much Joseph. MacINTYRE loved husband, father and Our Lady of Fatima, pray for 6th Anniversary grandfather, Matthew, died her. Treasured memories of our Jan 1, 2012 and Gary Thom- St Anthony, pray for her. dear mum, Mary, who died son, September 15, 2011, March 13, 2008. much loved sons, nephews SMITH Forever in our thoughts. and uncles. 14th Anniversary 6 ISSUES FOR ONLY £4.50 Our Lady, Star of the Sea, May they rest in peace. In loving memory of a dear pray for her. St Theresa, St Joseph and uncle and grand-uncle, Return with cheque to: Scosh Catholic Observer, Inserted by her loving family, St Patrick, pray for them. John, who died March 17, 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6BT or telephone home and away. From Morag and Catherine. 2000, on whose soul, sweet Bunessan Street, Glasgow. Jesus, have mercy. 0141 241 6112 to order and pay by card MANNION From the family at South MacINTYRE 12th Anniversary Boisdale and Glasgow. Name: 6th Anniversary of Joe, lov- In loving memory of my dear ing husband of Annie, dear wife and our dear mother SMYTH Address: dad and grandad. and grandmother, Mary Loving memories of Eternal rest grant unto him (Lena), who died March 18, Josephine, who died March O Lord, 2002. 11, 2005. And let perpetual light shine Sacred Heart of Jesus, have Loved and remembered by upon him, mercy on her. her family every day. Email Address: May he rest in peace. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray Our Lady of Lourdes, pray Love always from all the for her. for her. Telephone Number: family. Inserted by Joe and family. Rest in peace. 20 FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY MARCH 14 2014 MEMORIAMCARDS FUNERALDIRECTORY BISHOPS’ ENGAGEMENTS ARCHBISHOP TARTAGLIA Archbishop of Glasgow, www.rcag.org.uk REMEMBREMEMBER ER SAT 15 MAR 11.30AM Mass of St Patrick for the Irish A LOVED ONE Our caring staff are here to listen and advise you, Community in St Andrew’s Cathedral. SUN 16 11AM Memorial Keyrings, Bookmarks & Cards 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Mass in St Bartholomew’s, Castlemilk. MON 17 9.30AM Mass at St Patrick’s Anderston for St Patrick’s 53 Morrison Street Glasgow Primary School. All Day Individual meetings with priests. 7PM Lenten Station Mass for East End 0141 429 4433 Deanery at St Joseph’s Tollcross. TUE 18 10AM Mungo Foundation Board Meeting. 2.30PM SCIAF For a brochure and samples phone: 0161 873 7457 Board Meeting. WED 19 7PM Episcopal Consecration Email: [email protected] · www.catholicprint.co.uk of Bishop-Elect John Keenan as Bishop of Paisley at “Stay independent... St Mirin’s Cathedral. THU 20 Morning Individual family-owned... Organist Meetings with priests. 7PM Lenten Station Mass for South East Deanery at St Helen’s Langside FRI 21 offer a prompt and 11AM Meeting of the Archdiocesan Finance Council MEMORIAMCARDS personal service & SUN 23 12PM Mass in St Andrew’s Cathedral. 24 hours a day... ARCHBISHOP CUSHLEY designed & printed to your exact requirements make it affordable.” Cantor Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh we can produce order of service for Requiem Masses www.archdiocese-edinburgh.com Thomas Marin 1926 Available for weddings and also design and print jubilee cards, bookmarks, Four generations later, his words are just and acknowledgment/thank-you cards as important to our family business today. SAT 15 Mass for end of J & P Diocesan Lent Retreat please call for full details of the personalised service we can provide and funeral services St Catharine’s Convent, Lauriston Gardens, Edin- burgh. SUN 16 9.30AM Confirmations at St Paul’s, Listen online at: Milton of Campsie, Glasgow. 3PM Retirement Mass Thomas Marin for Sister Cecilia, Director of SPRED, Sacred Heart, INDEPENDENT FUNERAL DIRECTORS www.paulcarrollmusic.co.uk Lauriston, Edinburgh. MON 17 12PM St Patrick’s Day 0141 569 4724 • 07818 645 863 mobile 62-64 St Mary's Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SX Tel: 0131 556 7192 or 0131 556 6874 (24 hrs) Mass, St Margaret of Scotland, Stirling. TUE 18 2.30PM www.thomasmarin.co.uk SCIAF meeting, Park Circus, Glasgow. 7PM Lenten T. 01698 325 493 Station Mass, Our Lady of Loretto & St Michael’s, Musselburgh. WED 19 11AM Mass for 90th Anniver- EXPERTSERVICES sary of St Joseph’s, Rosewell at St Matthew’s Church, Rosewell. 7PM Episcopal Ordination of the Reverend TO FIND OUT ABOUT OUR FUNERAL Fr John Keenan as Bishop of Paisley, St Mirin’s DIRECTORY OFFERS AND ADVERTISING Cathedral, Paisley. THU 20 7PM Confirmations at Our SCOT-COVER Lady of Lourdes, Blackburn. FRI 21 10AM, Mass at CONTACT St Kentigern’s High School, Blackburn. 3.30PM Meet- RE-UPHOLSTERY MAUREEN COX ing with Students for Permanent Diaconate. 6PM Freephone: 0800 389 8084 Reception in honour of H.H. Pope Francis. Suites and church kneelers re-covered. [email protected] BISHOP GILBERT For quality and expertise, all types of Aberdeen, www.dioceseofaberdeen.com upholstery work undertaken - SUN 16 11.15AM Mass St Mary’s Cathedral. 6.30PM contract, commercial and domestic. Mass King’s College Chapel. TUE 18-Fri 21 www.scotcover.co.uk COMECE meeting in Brussels. ADVERTISING TERMS BISHOP TOAL ANDCONDITIONS HM Decorators Argyll and the Isles, www.rcdai.org.uk Interior & Exterior SUN 16 Mass St Columba’s Cathedral, Oban. TUE 18 Painting and Decorating Advertisements submitted must contain 2.30PM SCIAF Board Meeting, SCIAF Offices Confir- Paper Hanging Tel: complete and accurate information and mations St Benedict’s, Easterhouse. WED 19 11AM Over 25 years experience comply with requirements of all relevant Motherwell Finance Committee 2PM Fabric & Planning For free estimates call 0141 legislation, the British Code of Advertising 7PM Episcopal Ordination of Mgr John Keenan, Paisley Practice, and the Advertising Standards 07786518399 241 6105 Authority. BISHOP ROBSON 0141 316 6491 The publisher has the right, at its Dunkeld, www.rcdod.org.uk discretion, to refuse, omit, suspend, or SAT 15 7PM St Patrick’s Night Dance, St Thomas’, change the position of advertisements, or Arbroath. SUN 16 3PM Gillis Centre, Edinburgh. Mass require artwork or copy to be amended to to celebrate the work done by Sr Cecilia O’Dowd DC Bespoke Design Rosary Beads, bracelets and Chaplets of comply with any moral or legal obligations. for the work of SPRED in the Archdiocese of Saint the Saints. For all occassions The publisher will not be liable for any loss Andrew’s and Edinburgh over almost 20 years. TUE 18 Rosary Beads Repaired of revenue to the advertiser incurred as a 2PM SCIAF Headquarters, Glasgow, board meeting of consequence of non-publication or SCIAF. 7PM Gonzaga Lecture, St Aloysius’ School, Contact [email protected] incorrect reproduction of an advertisement. Glasgow. WED 19 MAR 10AM Meeting of the Dunkeld Rosary beads repaired Advertisements may be cancelled within 14 Cathedral Chapter, St Andrew’s Cathedral, Dundee. Scotlands *ONLY *Catholic wire wrap specialist 6PM Meeting of Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory 07925337894 days of an order being received and not less Group, Pastoral Centre, Dundee. THU 20 MAR www.beadswithfaith.com than a minimum of 24 hours before deadline 9.30AM Onwards Whole day School Visit to St John’s for entry. Academy, Perth (P1-S6). 7PM Meeting of Lourdes Any cancellations outside this period will Team, Pastroal Centre, Dundee. not affect the buyer’s liability for payment FIND AND LIKE THE for the advertisement. Payment for BISHOP CUNNINGHAM SCOTTISH CATHOLIC advertisements must be received within 30 Galloway, www.gallowaydiocese.org.uk days. Any order, verbal or written, which is OBSERVER PAGE ON placed for the insertion of an advertisement SAT 15 11AM Diocesan Safeguarding Team Meeting, FACEBOOK amounts to an acceptance of these Diocesan Office WED 19 7PM Episcopal Ordination conditions. of Fr John Keenan as Bishop of Paisley, St Mirin’s Cathedral, Paisley FRIDAY MARCH 14 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CHILDREN’S PAGE 21

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

I Tak e a refreshing shower, bath or swim and Verse before the Gospel welcome the water to playfully splash John 2:42, 15. CHILDREN’S upon your face and body—the blessing of (R) Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. God’s Holy Water. Lord, you are truly the Saviour of the world; give I Pl ace your hands into the fountain of the me living water, that I may never thirst again. CROSSWORD 22 living waters of Baptism and bless yourself (R) Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. to remember that you belong to God, that you are a follower of Jesus, and that you Gospel 1 2 3 4 5 6 are guided by the Spirit of God—God’s Holy The water that I shall give will become a spring of 7 Water. eternal life. A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John 4:5-15, 19b-26, 39a, 40-42. Activity On His way to Galilee, Jesus came to the town G Place several small bowls of water on a of Sychar. It was near the field that Jacob had 8 9 table. Have paper towels ready for spills and long ago given to his son Joseph. The well that cleanup. Jacob had dug was still there and Jesus sat down 10 11 G Precu t small rectangular sponges—the kind beside it because He was tired from travelling. that are flat and then puff up when placed in It was noon and after Jesus’ disciples had 12 13 14 15 water—into the shape of the cross. Distribute gone into town to buy some food, a Samaritan Third Sunday of Lent one sponge cross to each child. woman came to draw water from the well. Jesus 16 17 18 G Talk about the hardness and dryness of the asked her: “Would you please give me a drink 19 Reflection sponge. Then let each child dip their sponge in of water?” water. “You are a Jew,” she replied. “And I am a 20 The readings today centre on one thing— G Wh at does it do? Talk about how the sponge Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a water. Water is used several times in the changes. Compare this to their lives and their drink of water when Jews and Samaritans won’t Bible. Water is very powerful and often relationship with God. have anything to do with each other?” destructive. Water is important to our G Ask the children to take the sponge home Jesus answered: “You don’t know what God 21 earth, to our health, to the foods we eat, and put it in a small bowl of water—if wants to give you and you don’t know who is and very important for the human person possible, Holy Water. When the family comes asking you for a drink. If you did, you would for life. People need water to stay alive. together for a meal, ask everyone to ask Him for the water that gives life.” ACROSS Remember the ashes? Without water we touch the sponge cross before making the sign “Sir, you don’t even have a bucket, and the well 1 Movie stars (6) turn to dust. Our bodies have a large of the cross. This is an at-home reminder is deep,” the woman said. Where are you going to 7 Market (4) amount of water inside. Water gives us life. that our Baptism with the water of life has get this life-giving water? Our ancestor Jacob dug 8 This person will treat your sick pet (3) Water is Life! made us followers of Jesus. this well for us, and his family and animals got 9 In history, a raider from Scandinavia (6) The water from the rock gave life to the water from it. Are you greater than Jacob?” 12 It’s usually the best card (3) First Reading 14 Pain (4) people in the dessert. They begged God for Jesus answered: “Everyone who drinks this 16 ‘Harry Potter and the ______of Give us water to drink (Exodus 17:2). A reading from water—for life. We are told again that we water will get thirsty again. But no one who Secrets’ (7) belong to God. We need water for life. God the book of Exodus 17:3-7. drinks the water I give will ever be thirsty again. 19 The nut of an oak tree (5) provides the water of life. We need God. The people of Israel were thirsty and kept on The water I give is like a flowing fountain that 20 Green jewel (7) Jesus invites us to have water that brings us complaining. They said: “Moses, did you bring gives eternal life.” 21 Stand on this while you travel on the to a deeper life with God. The water Jesus us out of Egypt just to let us and our families The woman replied: “Sir, please give me a wheels underneath (10) wants to give us is more powerful than a and our animals die of thirst?” drink of that water! Then I won’t get thirsty and cold drink of water on a hot summer day. Then Moses prayed: “Lord, what am I going have to come to this well again.” DOWN 2 The top sprinter of the cat family (7) The life giving water Jesus wants to give us to do with these people? They are about to She also told him: “Sir, I can see that you are 3 Ancient (3) is a ‘living water!’ stone me to death.” a prophet. My ancestors worshipped on this 4 City in Spain famous for its oranges (7) Jesus describes this water as a bubbling The Lord answered: “Take some of the lead- mountain, but you Jews say Jerusalem is the 5 Tunisia and Zimbabwe are in this fountain. A fountain of water that is ers with you and go on ahead of the rest of the only place to worship.” continent (6) constantly moving, it has life. Some people. Take along the walking stick that you Jesus said to her: “Believe me, the time is 6 Male ruler (4) fountains provide cool, playful and used to strike the Nile River, and when you get coming when you won’t worship God either on 10 Jewel (3) refreshing water. Such as a drinking to the rock at Sinai, I will be there with you. this mountain or in Jerusalem. You Samaritans 11 Hit the ball over the net in this sport (6) fountain, a water fountain in the park, a Strike the rock with the stick, and water will don’t really know the one you worship. But we 13 Use it to take photographs (6) 15 Plant that looks a bit like a shamrock (6) local swimming pool. Some fountains are pour out for the people to drink.” Jews do know the God we worship and by using 16 Board game involving pawns and breath-taking, beautiful and powerful; such Moses did this while the leaders of the peo- us God will save the world. But a time is bishops (5) as Niagara Falls, a bursting geyser, or a ple watched. He named that place Massah and coming, and it is already here! Even now the 17 Heroic (5) destructive flood or tsunami. In many Meribah. This was because the people com- true worshippers are being led by the Spirit to 18 You watch TV, you listen to this (5) parish churches a fountain of flowing water plained and tested the Lord by asking: “Is the worship the Father according to the truth. These can be found. This is the ‘living water’ of Lord really with us?” are the ones the Father is seeking to worship LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION Baptism. The water of life! The Word of the Lord Him. God is Spirit and those who worship God must be led by the Spirit to worship Him ACROSS Invitation to action Responsorial Psalm according to the truth.” 1 Second 3 Lake 6 Ponytail 8 Cat 10 Guess I As babies, many of us received the waters 95:1-2, 7e-9c. The woman said: “I know that the Messiah 13 Cocoa 14 Pea 16 Teeth 17 Titanic 18 Homer of Baptism. Jesus received Baptism as an (R) If today you hear God’s voice, harden not will come. He is the one we call Christ. When DOWN adult. The awesome power in the waters of your hearts. he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 1 Singing 2 Octopus 3 Lava 4 Koala 5 Eyes our Baptism is the life giving Spirit of God. Sing joyful songs to the Lord! Praise the mighty “I am that one,” Jesus told her. “And I am 7 Ice-cream 9 Teacher 11 Earth 12 Spend 13 Catch This is when we began our walk with Jesus. rock where we are safe. speaking to you now.” 15 Sty The Spirit of God guides us along the path to Come to worship Him with thankful hearts A lot of Samaritans in that town put their faith be refreshed by the life giving waters that and songs of praise. in Jesus. They came and asked Him to stay in leads us home to God. (R) If today you hear God’s voice, harden not their town and He stayed on for two days. Many The Children’s Liturgy page is published I Find a fountain and playfully welcome the your hearts. more Samaritans put their faith in Jesus because one week in advance to allow RE teachers flowing waters—the blessing of God’s Listen to God’s voice today! Don’t be stubborn of what they heard Him say. They told the Holy Water. and rebel as your ancestors did at Meribah and woman: “We no longer have faith in Jesus just and those taking the Children’s Liturgy at I Take a walk along the edges of a pond, loch, at Massah out in the desert. because of what you told us. We have heard weekly Masses to use, if they wish, this river or ocean, playfully welcome the They tested God and saw the things he did. Him ourselves and we are certain that He is the page as an accompaniment to their water to tickle your feet—the blessing of (R) If today you hear God’s voice, harden not Saviour of the world!” God’s Holy Water. your hearts. The Gospel of the Lord teaching materials

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 22 CELEBRATING LIFE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY MARCH 14 2014 St Luke’s SSVP pay tribute to Fr Garwolinski

PIC: TOM KNIGHT A MUCH-LOVED priest was honoured by the St Vin- cent de Paul Society of St Luke’s, Motherwell as they held their annual dance. Held in St Bernadette’s Church Hall, the dance gave parishioners the chance to show their appreciation to Fr Krzysztof Garwolinski, honouring him with a presentation in recognition of the period he spent as their parish administrator. Though he has now moved to St Patrick’s Church, Shieldmuir, the lasting impression ‘Fr Kris’ made on the congregation of St Luke’s meant he was welcomed back to his old parish with open arms, and the oldest parishioner Cathy Douglas, was on hand to make the presentation (right). Mgr Thomas Miller, the vicar general of Motherwell Diocese, spoke warmly of Fr Garwolinski’s time at Mother- well’s cathedral before moving to St Luke’s, as well as his efforts as chaplain to the large Polish community in the area. Despite the various roles he has filled in his time in the diocese, Fr Garwolinski has kept a special place in his heart for St Luke’s. A return to Rome for Archbishop Cushley Archbishop of Minsk’s visit aims to strengthen ARCHBISHOP Cushley of St Andrew’s and Edinburgh ties between Church in UK, Ireland and Belarus returned to Rome as he was welcomed to the Pontifical By Dan McGinty Church in Belarus and Britain The Archbishop of Minsk (top) Scots College, where he cel- and Ireland. with Bishop Terence Drainey of Middlesbrough and (bottom) talking ebrated Acolyte Mass. CHURCH relations between Archbishop Kondrusiewicz with children Having left Rome to take up the UK and Ireland and was accompanied by Seán PIC: JIM HOEY his new position as archbishop, Belarus received a boost as O’Donnell, an advisor working the visit gave him the chance to the Archbishop of Minsk with the Archbishop in Belarus, return to his former home city, visited Britian. for the visit, and was with him as nity in Driffield, before they as well as meeting students at Archbishop Tadeusz Kon- they were hosted by the parish of continued their visit with a the college. drusiewicz, the Metropolitan Our Lady and St Edward in meeting with Bishop Terence He is pictured (right) after Archbishop of Minsk-Mohilev, Driffield, East Yorkshire. Drainey of Middlesbrough Acolyte Mass in the college chapel visited recently to take part in a The delegation from Belarus and at the Maryale Institute in with former SCO staff member series of meetings aimed at received a warm welcome from Birmingham. Paul Denney and Bernard Mourn- establishing and developing a both the parish priest Fr David ian, of Motherwell diocese, and closer relationship between the White and the Catholic commu- I [email protected] Jonathan Whitworth of Paisley.

AN ARTICLE FROM THE SCO ARCHIVES SPOTLIGHT ON .....1950s.....1960s.....1970s.....1980s.....1990s.....2000s..... A church open all hours in the heart of Glasgow THIS week in through the rounded the church building. but also other Christians,” Fr archives we delve back to But the traffic still races by the Nugent said. the year 2004, where there front door, this time on the busy This attitude was a real was a special St Patrick’s motorway, while the local com- breath of fresh air for the sur- Day edition of The Scottish munity still has that migrant rounding community. St Catholic Observer. presence, in the form of many Patrick’s reached out to many The top story in the newspa- people staying in nearby hotels of the excluded and disenfran- per this week was a heart- and asylum seekers living in the chised in their surrounds while warming story of St Patrick’s high rise flats.” also remaining a Catholic hub Church in the centre of Glas- In over 150 years that the of worship in the centre of gow that was providing a wel- Parish has been founded the Glasgow. The Church has coming Christian presence in make up of the Church has opened itself up to both tradi- the heart of the city. changed. There once were seven tional Catholic groups, like the “Situated in the heart of Glas- priests at the Parish, but in 2004 SSVP, and they operate along gow’s Anderston area, this there was only one. Fr Gerry with other parish groups with a urban parish has been a pres- Nugent was the parish priest for broader secular appeal, for ence in the city since 1850 St Patrick’s. He said that his example an Alcoholics Anony- when the priests who lived main goal since being appointed mous that hold meetings within there would walk down the road was to regain Christ’s presence the church, and a kids club is to the Clydeside to meet in the City. He felt that the only also held within the grounds of migrants arriving by boat from way to make this a success St Patrick’s. Invited guests joined members and staff of the St Mungo’s Old Folks Centre for Wellbeing as they marked Derry, Belfast and Dublin. would be to open the doors. St Patrick’s parish in Ander- their 50th anniversary with a civic reception in Glasgow City Chambers. The golden jubilee celebrations provided the chance for those involved with the centre to relax and look back on half a century of work with Times have changed drastically “The doors of church are open ston is a shining example of a elderly people in Glasgow, giving thanks for the positive impact it has had on the lives of ordinary people. since then. Gone is the daily here from early morning until church embracing its community, Pictured are Annmarie Gallagher, Chairman Felix Porter, Isobel McCarron, Chrissie Bray—longest serving traffic and life of the River night. This is so the church is a with the principles that Glas- member—and Anne Marie Marks as they cut the celebration cake PIC: PAUL McSHERRY Clyde and the long rows of ten- place where not only Catholics gow’s patron saint, St Mungo ement blocks that once sur- can come in and pray and reflect, would have been proud of. E-MAIL CELEBRATING LIFE EVENTS TO DAN MCGINTY AT [email protected] FRIDAY MARCH 14 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER VOCATIONS 23 Are you being called to the religious life? Pope Francis has called on young people to engage more fully with their Faith ahead of World Day of Prayer for Vocations

SCATHOLICS espite the noise that can found not the medical books she across the world drown out the call to reli- was expecting, but instead books Diocese of Motherwell prepare for Easter gious life, Pope Francis on Catholicism and theology. through Lenten himselfD heard his own call and Fearful that study for the PERMANENT DIACONATE penance, Pope Fran- was ordained in 1969. This year, priesthood would mean he cis has called on young people to with the World Day of Prayer for would leave home, his mother ‘COME AND SEE’ ENQUIRY NIGHTS re-evaluate their relationship with Vocations taking place on called on him, saying, “Jorge, their Faith, challenging what he Mother’s Day, he will surely come here! You told me that you A • Do you feel called to the permanent diaconate? says is an unhealthy attachment reflect on his own experiences in were going to study medicine. to worldly things. discerning his vocation. Why did you lie to me?” • Are you interested in finding out more about the As he spoke of the relation- Having announced his intention Pope Francis’ answer eventu- ship young people have with themselves to pursue their Faith. to study medicine, then as Jorge ally led the family to embrace permanent diaconate? Christ today, and the way in “We must pray so that the Mario Bergoglio, his mother his departure for the seminary. which Catholics are called to hearts of these young people may cleared space in the family home “I did not lie to you mother,” Then come along to the above ‘Enquiry Night’ without fear of follow Jesus, the Holy Father be emptied, emptied of other for his to study in peace. However, he said. “I am going to study the any commitment to take things further. This is simply an referred to the story of the rich interests and other sentiments, so when she cleaned his room she medicine of the soul.” informal evening to share informaon about the permanent young man in Mark’s Gospel that they may become free,” he diaconate and the present programme of formaon leading to and the message it could send to said. “‘Lord, send us nuns and ordinaon as a permanent deacon. those considering a vocation. send us priests, defend them from “He was a good man, a man idolatry, the idolatry of vanity, the • Tuesday 25th March 7.00pm: who had observed the com- idolatry of pride, the idolatry of mandments from his youth,” power, the idolatry of money.’ Holy Family Parish Centre, Mossend Pope Francis said. “However, This is the prayer for vocations. • Tuesday 1st April 7.00pm: this was not enough for him, he This prayer of ours is to prepare St. Bride’s Parish Centre, Cambuslang wanted more. The Holy Spirit these hearts so that they are able Short-term volunteering opportunities with the was pushing him further.” to follow Jesus closely.” • Tuesday 8th April 7.00pm: Recalling how the young man MILL HILL MISSIONARIES St. Patrick’s Hall, Coatbridge went away sad after Jesus told he Pope was speaking in Asia or Africa. him to sell his possessions, and ahead of the World Day of [The permanent diaconate is open to all males over 25 yrs of age.] give to the poor then come and Prayer for Vocations, follow Him, Pope Francis con- Twhich takes place this year on Aged between 20 and 60? tinued: “He made his choice: May 11, for the 51st time. It sees money. His heart was full of Catholics across the world pray In a good state of health? money. He was not a thief, or a for those people discerning a call Willingto travel abroad for between 3 months and criminal: No, no, no! He was a to the religious life (above), and one year? FRANCISCAN good man: he had never stolen! those who may not yet have He had never cheated anyone: his heard such a call. Able to work as part of a team? MISSIONARIES money had been earned honestly. The missed call to a vocation, Are you ready to share your gifts and talents? “But his heart was impris- or to a life of prayer, Pope Fran- OF ST. JOSEPH oned, it was attached to money cis said, is the result of a youth Does your Christian faith motivate you to help your and he lacked the freedom to who are good, but ‘so sad’ neighbour? Are you called like Francis of Assisi choose. Money chose for him.” because of the temptations and Such an attitude is present material possessions which are to live the Gospel radically? today, says the Pope, in putting everywhere for them, making If youcan answer “Yes to the above, up a barrier to vocations and a them slaves to the material world. please contact: Want to know more? fuller engagement with the He urged Catholics to pray for Fr. Paul Mooney MHM God to help ‘these young people, Catholic Faith. E-Mail: [email protected] Email Sister Noel – Many young people, he said, so that they may be free, not ‘are not ashamed to kneel before slaves, so that their hearts be for Tel: 01704 875833 [email protected] Jesus and to publicly show their You only. That the call of the Lord Website: www.millhillmissionaries.com Faith in Him, but when their can be heard and can bear fruit, www.fmsj.co.uk hearts are full of something else this is the prayer for vocations. Reg. Charity no. 1135474 and they lack the courage to We must pray a lot. But we must empty their hearts, they turn back be careful—there are vocations.’ and their joy becomes sadness.’ “We must help them to grow, He called on Catholics to pray so that the Lord can enter into for those young people discern- those hearts and give this inde- ing a vocation, that they may be scribable and glorious joy that able to disregard those things belongs to every person who fol- only of material value and free lows Jesus closely,” he said. DO YOU FEEL THAT GOD IS CALLING YOU TO THE MISSIONARYPRIESTHOOD? THEN WE CAN HELP YOU The next JERICHO The Society of African Missionaries (SMA Fathers) “The is an international group of Missionary Priests. Compassion of Today we are active in Liberia, vocations Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, Zambia, Jesus.” Tanzania, South Africa and other African countries working as feature will Drug & Alcohol Rehabs., partners in the rapidly growing Church. be in our April Refuge for Victims of Domestic Violence, WILL YOU 11 edition. 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PATRICK McGUIRE co.uk Email: Website: http://www.nunraw.com.uk (Scottish Charity No. SC 022611) SMA, St Theresaʼs, Clarendon Place [email protected] Dunblane, Perthshire FK15 9HB WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 24 LENTEN SERVICE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY MARCH 14 2014 The Mungo Foundation makes a real difference DR HARRY SCHNITKER continues his series looking at the service that many LENTEN SERVICE groups and individuals provide to a variety of people in need during Lent

HIS week, our Lenten focus falls on a sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham. It is here that the veritable ‘empire’ of social care, based assistance given by the Mungo Foundation is so cru- in Glasgow—the Mungo Foundation. cial. It allows carers to get their breath back, to Its name reveals the cradle into which receive instead of to give. We do well in Lent to this immensely important organisation recall this central tenet of our Faith, for charity and was born. St Mungo is, of course, the patron saint giving can only be sustained by an exchange of love. of Glasgow, and the foundation which carries his Another essential plank of our Faith is the Tname originated in the social work activities of the empowerment of people. It is recalled time and archdiocese. Its roots are in the Glasgow of the late again in Scripture, but nowhere more poignantly 1970s, a period of particular hardship and depra- than in the Magnificat, Mary’s great canticle of vation as the British economy went into free-fall, praise: “The Almighty works marvels for me. Holy and Glasgow’s traditional industries were going His name! His mercy is from age to age, on those into terminal decline. who fear Him. He puts forth His arm in strength It was in reaction to this situation that the then and scatters the proud-hearted. He casts the mighty Archbishop—later Cardinal Winning—initiated the from their thrones and raises the lowly. He fills the social work of the archdiocese. He followed in a starving with good things, sends the rich away long tradition of the Church providing social care, empty.” [Luke 1:46-55] but it was believed that this had come to an end Through the Incarnation, God quite literally lifted with the advent of the cradle-to-grave welfare state. up the lowly Jewish girl and turned Her into the After the 1940s, Catholic social work had become Mother of God. It is a model that we do well to emu- confined to a few specialised areas. In hospitals, late, and emulate they do at the Mungo Foundation. schools and in the service of the vulnerable and Here I am thinking in particular of the vital work weak, the state had assumed responsibility. carried out on behalf of those with learning disabil- By the late 1970s, the Glasgow Archdiocese Carers at the Mungo Foundation such as Helen provide so the argument goes, and thus we ought to ities. In an age that marks a person’s worth either in realised that this was no longer the case, and in much needed relief and support to people like John severely restrict paying them anything. terms of money or mental ability, those with learn- 1977 the Community Social Services Department Of course, there has been abuse of the system ing disabilities are regarded as the ‘lowly.’ To lift (CSSD) was erected. Cardinal Winning’s was a cation of Rerum Novarum. What matters is the over the years, but there are far fewer ‘Rab C Nes- them up is a work of love that mirrors the service of prophetic voice in this respect, well ahead of his human person, and the maintenance of the dignity bitts’ than the press or politicians would like you Mary. To the 840-odd staff at the foundation, how- time. As the 1980s progressed, the welfare state of the human person. This is intertwined with the to believe. Actually, they are dwarfed by large ever, this is no mere slogan, but daily reality. To was rolled back further, and the industrial collapse need of such a person to be part of a living com- numbers of ordinary people who have been hit by walk with people so that they can walk themselves proceeded apace. More recently, the UK Govern- munity, and of the community to have committed misfortune or illness, and who although they are is perhaps the most difficult task of all, but one done ment has reduced the security platform for the vul- members. ‘hard-working’ simply cannot cope. The Church with great grace at the foundation. nerable even more. This has given back to the Poverty is the main enemy, and with their holis- teaches us that poverty is a blight, that we have a Church the duty and the chance to re-occupy the tic approach this means poverty of every kind. moral obligation to assist those who cannot assist hat is truly wonderful about the founda- place she has long held. Indeed, it is believed that Effectively, the foundation, and its predecessor, themselves. Frequently these people can be found tion is that this is not ‘merely’ a collec- the early Church’s success was in part due to its implemented one of the key components of Pope on our very doorsteps. It is there that the Mungo tive of professionals. It operates prominent role in providing social care. Francis’s message: mercy. It is mercy that allows Foundation may be found, too. frequentlyW through volunteers, and here our Lenten As so often, the Church reached where nobody else the foundation to work with ex-prisoners, mercy observance as Catholics may be both deeply spir- ventured. The CSSD worked with the homeless, a that allows it to act on behalf of the mentally ill, lthough one would be loath to elevate cer- itual, practical and lasting. There is nothing wrong group that grew exponentially once ‘care in the com- mercy that spurs it on to provide residential care tain activities of the Mungo Foundation with giving up coffee, but much more is achieved munity’ was introduced, with the steadily increasing to all in need and mercy that makes it open to any above others, space dictates that I do select closer to home by offering up time. In Isaiah we numbers of elderly suffering from mental afflictions, request for help. oneA or two. Perhaps the one that appeals most to read: “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: and with vulnerable youth. It worked in those parts of This kind of close attention to the needs of the indi- me is the provision of temporary relief to carers. to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords the archdiocese where there were almost no resources, vidual does not come cheap, either in terms of money This is an issue of which I have seen close up, with of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break and frequently became the only point of contact for or manpower. The foundation employs some 840 my mother-in-law looking after a range of elderly every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the those desperate for some help. By 2003, the CSSD people to look after 1500 clients. This is a staggering relatives. In her case, this was of a non-residential hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with had grown into a very large organisation. The then ratio of slightly under two patients per employee. kind, and that was sometimes difficult enough. I shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them.” Archbishop, Mario Conti, decided that it should have This brings me to the crux of the matter: care like this cannot begin to imagine what it must be like to [Isaiah 58:6-7] Look at the Mungo Foundation, the liberty to work under its own steam, without los- is time-consuming and expensive—just the sort of have full-time care of another. What I can imagine and this no longer seems an impractical injunction. ing its sense of Christian mission—the Mungo Foun- thing the modern state wishes to avoid. There has is just what the strain must be like; the relentless dation was born. been a veritable tidal wave of vicious criticism of the giving of oneself. As Catholics, we are called to I For more information visit: The Mungo poor in recent years, which may be summed up do this, giving of oneself. However, we are Foundation’s Head Office, 196 Clyde Street, ts mission statement could come straight from under the heading of ‘scroungers.’ These are con- reminded that love is a two-way traffic: “For God Glasgow, G1 4JY. You can also call: 0141 any of the Papal pronouncements on the foun- trasted with another favourite, the ‘hard-working so loved the world that He gave His one and only 226 1610 (Free) or e-mail: headoffice@ Idation stone of Catholic action since the publi- family.’The latter are the victims of the former, or Son,” [John 3:16] of course a reverse action to the themungofoundation.org.uk Sr Marie Tighe for Lent: The God of Angels Review And you, angels of the Lord, lection with Fr Tom and Sr Mag- Angel in human form, who like O bless the Lord, dalen. The theme of the day was Our Lady’s Angel was also To him be highest glory and centred on the Angel Gabriel’s named Gabriel! I have met so praise for ever Annunciation to Our Lady. With many Angels’ in my life but per- THE HOUR OF THE LYNX Frederik Christian Johansen— fusion by the attitude of the my limited vision I was able to haps did not recognise them as Glasgow Film Festival and his cat Valde, proves more institution and struggles to MY favourite hymn when I was see the wonderful Fra Angelico’s such. Yesterday my eyes were February 23-24 than a stressful experience not gain an understanding of the a little girl was the hymn to the pictures of the Annunciation as opened in a new way as I pon- UK premiere only on a physical level but situations, not only of the Guardian Angels. I loved the they were shown in a large Power dered on all the ‘Angels’ who emotionally too. patient, but also of the staff of lines: Fold thy wings round me. Point presentation. Perhaps it is befriend me now, keeping my IN THE film starring The The priest’s role in talking the institution itself. Oh guard me with love. Softly the child in me that loved the feet from stumbling as I bumble Killing’s Sofie Gråbøl and to Drengen highlights the dif- There are some disturbing sing songs to me of heaven very simplest of Fra Angelico’s along! The Angel wings that Borgen’s Signe Egholm ferent approaches and the scenes involving the animals above. depiction of Mary and the Angel enfolded me in love as a little girl Olsen, the opening is a boundaries of where conver- in this film, but the flashbacks I can still see in my mind’s eye Gabriel. are very real and concrete now in poetic and yet haunting sation can lead us. are moving and an integral the picture in a book we had at At the break after the first ses- the warmth of the hugs and love portrait of things to come. At the heart of this film are focus, which makes up for home of an Angel with beautiful sion, I tried to be very independ- of so many human ‘Angels’ who God is in this film is a very not only the decisions we some of the darker scenes wings guiding a child to safety ent and return to the room that are so good to me. real presence, not just in the make, but the decisions of within the film. over a bridge. Looking back now, had been given to me for my use people but in the landscape. others that impact on our lives Particularly moving are the nearly seventy years since that that day. For you has he commanded his The scenes in the psychiatric but also on our mental and scenes involving the grandfa- child’s image of an Angel meant As I blundered along the angels to keep you in all your hospital are disturbing yet emotional health. ther of Drengen, how he so much to me, I feel that as I wrong corridor, Sr Gabriel came ways. emotive. The researcher is try- The researcher’s focus is impacts on the boy’s future grew up I forgot about my to my rescue and let me sit qui- They shall bear you upon their ing to establish the response purely on the continuation of religious understanding and Guardian Angel. Recently we etly with her in her room. As I sat hands lest you strike your foot of animals on the patients; and her research—that her work how he interprets where God were invited to the Birkdale there it dawned on me that I was against a stone. this bond between one of the can be shown to help people. is on earth. Community for a Day of Recol- sitting in the presence of a dear Psalm 90 verses 11 & 12 patients, Drengen—played by The priest is only led to con- CHRISTINE GLEN