July 27 to August 2, 2011 www.scross.co.za r5,50 (incl VAT rSA) reg No. 1920/002058/06 No 4736

Who cares WYD: Madrid’s Meet Muhammad, for the trouble with prophet of prisoners? rosaries, bananas Muslims Page 9 Page 4 Page 10 Volunteer, priest tells SA youth

BY CLAIrE MATHIESON the building up,” said Fr Mabusela. The young international volunteers have HE spirit of volunteering needs to be already gained life lessons through the instilled in South African youth, experience, Fr Mabusela said. Taccording to Fr Sammy Mabusela CSS, “They’ve learnt about the challenges the national youth chaplain. that other people around the world experi - The priest is currently working with a ence. They’ve also learnt there are lots of group of Italian volunteers across the arch - things we all have in common.” diocese of Pretoria. He said the Italian youth have had their The group of 17- and 18-year-olds trav - “eyes opened” to the world. elled to South Africa from the city of Fr Mabusela wants to promote volun - Verona with their priest Fr Simone Pianti - teering by South African youth. ni. The two Stigmatine priests met during “I keep in touch with what’s important Fr Mabusela’s tenure in Tanzania where he to the youth and I try to inspire them,” ran a school. Part of the congregation’s said Fr Mabusela, who uses Facebook and charism is youth ministry and Fr Piantini Twitter to communicate with the nation’s said he would encourage youth from his youth. diocese to volunteer in Africa. He said he wants to inspire the youth to “The group has come to volunteer their make a difference in the country. “Charity time, their talents and to help our commu - begins at home. Why not do something nity,” explained Fr Mabusela. The students small in your own community that could will be spending their summer holidays in make a big difference?” he asked. Pretoria until returning to Italy in August. The benefits of volunteering go far “I dream of instilling the spirit of volun - beyond the physical action required. Both teering among our youth,” Fr Mabusela volunteer and those in need benefit. said. “Volunteering is a way of evangelising “There are great spiritual benefits and because we offer ourselves to a cause. I it’s educational for the volunteer,” Fr hope the South African youth will learn Mabusela said, adding that when some of from these Italian volunteers and be the volunteers first came to South Africa inspired to do the same in their own com - they were “terrified but because they took a munities.” Fr Sammy Mabusela, national youth chaplain, and a young Italian volunteer with a group of chil - leap of faith they have grown from the The national youth chaplain said many dren who are still warming up to the attention they are receiving. experience. It has widened their horizons”. youngsters in South Africa complain about Fr Mabusela said the volunteering acts the lack of employment but the situation, could be as small as walking young chil - he said, “will stay the same until they take experience and a job does open up, then the renovation and cleaning of parish out - dren to school in the morning, talking to some initiative”. these volunteers will be the first to be con - stations in the area. “We hope to convert senior citizens who may live far from their Fr Mabusela said people can learn skills sidered for the job.” some of the buildings to child-care facili - families or even offering one’s skills to a and benefit their communities through The Italian volunteers are currently ties, and this has been made possible only local organisation. volunteering. “And when they have some putting their painting skills to use through because we have helping hands to clean “Start small,” he said, “but start!”

Protest against human trafficking Napier to celebrate anniversaries BY THANDI BOSMAN women and indeed our children , especial - ly those who find themselves in vulnera - with big Mass at cricket stadium OUNTER-TRAFFICKING in Persons ble positions,” said Sr Melanie O’Connor, (CTIP) will hold a prayer service and of the SACBC’s Human Trafficking Desk. BY KuDzAI TAruONA 1980, at the age of 39. Cwalkathon on August 6 at the She said that the event is aimed at rais - In 1992, he succeeded Archbishop N July 31, Cardinal Wilfrid Napier of Sacred Heart cathedral in Pretoria in aid of ing awareness of “re-human trafficking, Denis Hurley in Durban, a position he still women and children affected by human Durban will be celebrate a series of holds. especially in South Africa, and to protect noteworthy anniversaries this year: trafficking. potential victims”. O He chose as his episcopal motto the his 70th birthday, 50 years as a Franciscan, The event is being organised in cooper - Sr O’Connor said that transactional sex greeting of St Francis, “Pax et bonum” his 30th anniversary as bishop and the ation with the Leadership Conference of “fuels human trafficking” and that Chris - (Peace and goodwill). tenth anniversary of becoming a cardinal. Consecrated Life and the Southern African tians should pray for an end to prostitu - Pope John Paul II named him a cardinal The celebration will be held at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC). tion and the exploitation of young chil - in 2001. He was given the titular church of Sahara Kingsmead Cricket Stadium in Dur - The prayer service will begin at 10:00 at dren. San Francesco d’Assisi ad Acilia. ban, beginning at 10:00am. Sacred Heart cathedral; from there the “At the same time we feel that many Cardinal Napier is a member of the Thousands of Catholics from through - walkathon will start and proceed to sex workers are treated very badly by Council for the African Synod, the Con - out the archdiocese as well as clergy and Church Square. The walkathon will end at police, and we are calling for an end to gregation for the Evangelisation of Peo - laity from other dioceses are expected to the cathedral. violence against sex workers and ask that ples, the Congregation for Consecrated The walkathon is timed to coincide they uphold the dignity of every human attend. No other Masses will be celebrated Life, the Pontifical Council for Culture and with Women’s Day. person at all times,” Sr O’Connor said. in the archdiocese after 8:30am to encour - the Council of Cardinals for the Study of “Women’s Day falls on August 9 each Those interested in attending the event age the faithful to attend. the Structural and Economic Affairs of the year, and while we celebrate the great are asked to call Sr O’Connor at 012 The celebration coincides roughly with Holy See. contribution of women to the upliftment 32 3 6458 as early as possible so that Cardinal Napier’s 41st anniversary of ordi - He was among the cardinal-electors of society around the world, we are only organisers can plan around the total num - nation to the priesthood on July 25. who participated in the 2005 papal con - too keenly aware of the continued vio - ber of people expected to take part in the Cardinal Napier was born on March 8, clave that selected Cardinal Joseph lence and abuse meted out to many of our walkathon. 1941 in Swartberg, East Griqualand. He Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, to suc - was appointed bishop of Kokstad in late ceed Pope John Paul II. Torn journalists union told to remove ‘Catholic’ from its name “Catholic” from its title, Catholic World from its title for the same reasons. African journalist Else Strivens, editor of Tre - AVING withdrawn support from the News reports. In a joint communiqué, the Pontifical foil magazine, as president. The current lead - International Catholic Journalists The Vatican explained that the move was Councils for the Laity and for Social Com - ership controversially blocked her election. HUnion (UCIP) over irregularities, the prompted by concerns about finances and munications said that UCIP “after decades of The Vatican noted that “the so-called Vatican has issued a statement opposing management of the group, and lack of valid service to evangelisation through the ICOM has unduly appropriated the intellec - moves by its controversial leadership to accountability in its leadership. press, in the last years has experienced a pro - tual, economic and historic patrimony of reconstitute it as the International Catholics At the time, UCIP leaders said that they gressive crisis of management”. UCIP, as well as its logo and its web page”. Organisation of the Media (ICOM). would respond to the Vatican’s concerns. UCIP’s general assemblies in 2007, 2008 UCIP was founded in 1930 to bring In April, the Pontifical Council for the The laity council has said that the new and 2010 were all invalidated. together journalists, publishers and acade - Laity said that UCIP should remove the word group should remove the word “Catholic” In 2007 UCIP members elected South mics in secular and religious journalism. 2 The Southern Cross, July 27 to August 2, 2011 LOCAL SVP launches new advertising campaign Jesuits chart STAFF rEPOrTEr to bring hope and joy,” said Ray - challenged by fellow students: mond James of the SVP. ‘You praise your Catholic Church HE huge growth of the des - He said involvement in the SVP as the benefactor of humanity but way forward perately poor in South Africa can take the form of joining the what do you do for people in Thas spurred the Society of St parish SVP, volunteering to distrib - need?’,” Mr James explained. Vincent de Paul National Counci ute food, donating greatly needed Choosing St Vincent de Paul as (SVP)l to develop the Society capa - money, clothing and household their patron, the students formed bilities to respond to their needs. goods, or “simply by telling family an organised group (a “confer - National Council President and friend of the society’s good ence” in French terminology). Clem Venter commissioned devel - works and praying for the society Today the SVP operates around opment officer Rex Glanville to in fulfilling its mission.” the world with more than 1,3 mil - construct a national development “Support for the society’s good lion members and volunteers programme which the Council has works means personally contribut - active in 147 countries. approved for action. ing to bringing hope and joy to In South Africa the society has The key goals are: to enhance people who desperately need us to over 200 parish conferences, with society’s spirituality, attract new see Christ in them, with hope they more than 2 500 members. conference members, grow the will see Christ in us,” he said. A main focus of the SVP is to youth membership, raise funds, The SVP has operated in South helps people acquire vocational extend among parish laity and Africa since 1836, just three years skills through initiatives such as clergy awareness of society activi - after the society was founded in the Tshepisong Sewing Project, ties inspired by the driving force of 1833 in Paris to serve impover - which has trained and provided its patron St Vincent de Paul: “let ished people living in the slums of unemployed women with equip - us go to the poor”. Paris. ment to produce bedding items. The SVP “works to provide our “The founders were a group of These are then sold and all the neighbours in desperate need with seven university students, led by proceeds retained by the women. material help, personal and family 20-year-old Frederic Ozanam, all n For more information on the SVP help, counsel and friendship, and committed Catholics, who were visit www.stvincentdepaul.co.za Taking part in the local Jesuits’ annual meeting at Coolock House in Kwazu - lu-Natal were (front from left) Frs David Dryden, rigobert Minani, David Smolira, Martin Badenhorst OP, Nigel Johnson; (middle row) rampe Hlobo, School safety conference empowers educators Terry Mutesha, Matsepane Morare, Gilbert Mardai, Graham Pugin, Thomas Plastow, David rowan and russell Pollitt; (back) Anthony Egan, Peter Knox, STAFF rEPOrTEr Mr Northmore said the confer - Schools can apply to join the Shaun Carls, Matthew Charlesworth, Chris Chatteris and Bruce Botha. ence was developed from a grass association by submitting their CONFERENCE on school roots level. “The programme was application to COALSAS@sacred BY ruSSELL POLLITT SJ man and the perennial message of safety held at Sacred Heart designed by practitioners in the heart.co.za . The application must the Gospel, here also there have ACollege in Observatory, industry, which made it more rele - be accompanied with a completed HE Jesuits working in South been, and there are, Jesuits.” Johannesburg, achieved its aim “to vant and directly addressed the HIRA (Hazard Identification Risk Africa met at Coolock House At the South African meeting, provide practical knowledge and needs of schools. Delegates left the Assessment). Once this has been Ton the south coast of KwaZu - Dominican F Martin Badenhorst resources on how to improve safe - conference with a sense of empow - submitted a certificate will be sent lu-Natal to explore how they can addressed some of the challenges ty at schools”, according to Colin erment; they left feeling that they indicating that the School is a better respond to their mission in that rapid secularisation poses to Northmore, head of the hosting now have the tools to make a dif - COALSAS member. the Church and the world as faith. school. ference in their schools.” “We want to break down the directed by the 35th Congregation He outlined different degrees of The conference was held over The conference also launched process of becoming safer for of the Society of Jesus in 2008. secularism and their varying per - two days and attended mostly by the Coalition of Safe Schools schools and make this a more Pope Benedict’s allocution at ceptions of religious belief. school leaders, principals and (COALSAS). Operating as a volun - manageable process so that even the Congregation encouraged the He also tried to specify the ways deputy principals from indepen - tary group of schools, the coalition schools with very little resources Society of Jesus to “reach those in which secularism challenges dent, township schools and rural was formed to help schools mea - are able to implement simple mea - physical and spiritual places which theology and, as a result, how schools from as far away as sure their progress in creating safe sures to make their school safer,” others do not reach or have diffi - important further rigorous theo - Lesotho. environments. said Mr Northmore. culty in reaching”. logical enquiry and dialogue with The pope at the time admitted science is needed. that this is one of the most diffi - He pointed out that theology is cult and demanding tasks, but said not static but dynamic and always that the Jesuits are to dialogue needs to respond to scientific ount dmund with very different social and cul - development. M E tural contexts and also the diverse The second part of the meeting mentalities of today’s world. began an ongoing reflection on Pope Benedict encouraged the the future ministries of the Jesuits CHrISTIAN BrOTHErS ’ C OLLEGE Society of Jesus in its mission by in South Africa. recalling the words of Pope Paul They have begun to look at a rETOrIA VI: “Wherever in the Church, even strategic plan for the region so that P in the most difficult and extreme they can live their charism, which PO Box 912-487 Silverton 0127•Tel: School (012) 804-1801, 804-1792, 804-8461• Fax: (021) 804-8781 fields, at the crossroads of ideolo - was reaffirmed at the General Con - Christian Brothers’ College is a Catholic Independent Day School for girls and gies, in social trenches, there has gregation, more deeply and in boys from Grade RRR to Grade 12 and committed to the ideas of a Gospel inspired been and there is confrontation doing so minister more effectively between the burning exigencies of in the country. education in the traditions of Edmund Rice.

APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FOR THE POST OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (HOD) TERM 1 2012

The incumbent will be expected to have: • the requisite academic and professional qualifications and SACE registration. • a strong personal commitment to the objectives and ethos of Catholic education • experience in a Catholic educational environment • a successful teaching record and involvement in extramural activities • a good understanding of current educational practice

The incumbent will be expected to: • be a practising Catholic • co-ordinate and lead the Religious Education programme of the College • teach Religious Education from Grade 8 to 12 • to be part of Ethos Committee of the Board of Governors • in addition to teach Life Orientation in accordance with qualifications in the High School section of the College • participate in extramural activities

Applications should be addressed to the Principal and should include certified copies of all relevant certificates as well as a motivation and names of two contactable references, which should include one from a Catholic priest. Applications should reach the College on or before the 31 July 2011, delivered by hand to the College or emailed to [email protected]

The College reserves the right not to proceed with filling the post. An application will not in itself entitle the applicant to an interview or appointment and failure to meet the requirements of the post will result in the applicants automatically disqualifying themselves for consideration.

Candidates not contacted before 5th August 2011 should consider their application unsuccessful. LOCAL The Southern Cross, July 27 to August 2, 2011 3 500 young people Winter Living Theology converge on Ngome kicks off in Pretoria STAFF rEPOrTEr beth from August 10-12; and at the Schoenstatt Centre in Cape Town RISH Jesuit Father Jim Corkery from August 16-18. BY SANDISIWE NGCONGO began his five-week, five-city Under the umbrella of the Itour of Winter Living Theology Hope&Joy Network, the lectures HE usually serene Ngome with a workshop on the Second build up to a climax on the subject Marian shrine in the diocese Vatican Council at Santa Sophia of the Second Vatican Council and Tof Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal, friary in Pretoria. the contemporary Church. was not so quiet when 500 young The day-time lecture series Evening workshops in each city people came to worship and pray began the following day with a help participants to explore how for the different intentions they packed house at the Pauline Sis - the major ecumenical Council has brought with them. ters’ Cultural Centre in Kensing - changed forever the way they The young people came from ton, Johannesburg. experience their faith and their Mpumalanga, Durban, Pietermar - About 80 people followed the Church. itzburg, Pretoria, Swaziland and three-day series entitled “The The annual Winter Living The - Eshowe. Church in the Modern World: ology programme, run by the In a show of seriousness in their From Trent to Benedict XVI”. Jesuit Institute on behalf of the pilgrimage, the youths surrendered The first 50 participants who bishops’ conference, was originally their cellphones for the whole registered enjoyed a lunch every conceived for the ongoing forma - weekend. From the church at day at Mario’s Italian restaurant a tion of priests. Over the years the Ngome, Fr Nkululeko Meyiwa OMI few blocks away. Others brought programme has proven so popular of Estcourt said: “For us to commit their own packed lunch. among laypeople and religious, as to this weekend, we will give up Fr Corkery’s first week was in well as members of other Christian our cellphones per groups and you 500 young people from all over Southern Africa made a pilgrimage at the Johannesburg. His second week of churches, that it is now open to will get them [back] on Sunday.” Ngome Marian shrine in Kwazulu-Natal where they were involved in various lectures was given at the cathedral any participant. The weekend was filled with activities and were joined by Bishop Xolelo Thaddeus Kumalo of Eshowe. in Bloemfontein. He will speak at n For more information about the activities right through. Food tick - (Photos: Sepanya Mahlangu) the Glenmore Pastoral Centre in Winter Living Theology, contact ets were counted and given to Durban from August 2-4; at St adm [email protected] or each group leader to control por - Luke’s Retreat Centre in Port Eliza - phone 011 482 4614. tions. days—to manoeuvre their way ery where it will remain for three During the eucharistic proces - through the pilgrimage of life. months and then rotate in the sion from the circle, which is 2km Sunday Mass was celebrated by four deaneries until 2012 when it away from the shrine, the youths Bishop Xolelo Thaddeus Khumalo will return to Ngome for the clos - were chanting praise songs as they of Eshowe who is also the episco - ing ceremony. left and the Marian songs as they pal vicar for youth. Among the Fr Meyiwa is implementing one returned with dignity and stillness. concelebrants was Fr Sammy of the focus areas of the Oblates of Fr Wayne Weldschidt OMI, rec - Mabusela, the national youth Mary Immaculate at Ngome: to tor of the shrine, led the adoration chaplain. emphasise the importance of the of the Blessed Sacrament and gave Fr Mabusela reiterated the mes - Eucharist in the Church. a talk on Ngome and apparitions. sage of hope, calling on the youth The youths also showed aware - He went on to encourage the to understand how special they ness of the Church’s media. When youth to use their “five stones”— are. Fr Moroti posed a question about reading the Bible, prayer (especial - To launch the diocesan the media, a pilgrim shouted: ly the rosary), confession, Mass Eucharistic Pilgrimage Year, the “Radio Veritas is here!” The (especially also on weekdays), and Blessed Sacrament was handed Catholic radio station covered the fasting on Wednesdays and Fri - over to Eshowe’s Inkamana dean - pilgrimage throughout. Fr Jim Corkery, a Jesuit from Ireland, launches Winter Living Theology at an evening seminar at Santa Sophia friary in Pretoria. 4 The Southern Cross, July 27 to August 2, 2011 INTERNATIONAL

KRUGER PARK WYD: Madrid ready, must VIVA SAFARIS (Member of SATSA) fix a few ‘small problems’ SCHEDULED DAILY SAFARIS TO KRUGER PARK BY CINDY WOODEN Fly-in and overland tours. See www.vivasafaris.com S half a million young Catholics are about to Adescend on Madrid, “there Viva Safaris is engaged with are an infinite number of small problems to solve”, said the 4 projects aimed at the upliftment executive director of World Youth Day 2011 from August of the Acornhoek community, 16-21. Yago de la Cierva said that he including the COMBONI had “seven tonnes of rosaries I have to bail out of customs. The MISSIONARIES’ OUTSTATION US-based Family Rosary Crusade had the rosaries made in Father Xico with partially Ecuador and sent to Madrid for www.volunteersafaris.co.za completed church building distribution to WYD partici - pants. But, Mr de la Cierva said, it is 082 450 9930 Trevor Reservations: a bit difficult to convince cus - 082 444 7654 Piero 082 506 9641 Anthony toms agents that seven tons of anything shipped international - Puerta de Alcala, the symbolic main entrance to the city of Madrid, is lit ly is meant as a gift and not a in blue in this evening view from Plaza de Cibeles in Madrid. Pope product to be sold and, there - Benedict will enter Madrid through the archways for an evening recep - fore, taxed. tion during World Youth Day. (Photo: Paul Haring, CNS) HOT POT PAINT A produce company had J.M.J promised to donate 2 5 000 labour for the stages and altar encing a boom in bookings. AND HARDWARE pounds of bananas, but if organ - platforms for papal events. In fact, Mr de la Cierva said, isers accept the fruit, “we have The Madrid headquarters is with more than 30 0 000 of the (PTY) LTD to find a way to dispose of all staffed with 250 people, “work - registered pilgrims requesting those peels”, he told a news ing 25 hours a day”, Mr de la housing, WYD has recruited conference in Madrid. Cierva said. About 200 of the host families and has found 46, 12th Street, Springs, 1559 More importantly, he said, staff members are volunteers schools, churches and sports Tel: (011) 362 3071, (011) 362 4682/3, (011) 8121655/6/7 the organisation was trying to from around the world. Many centres willing to host young select and get security clearance are housed, fed and transported people with sleeping bags. He BRANCHES: for the 50 young people who by World Youth Day, but none said the city has offered 643 personally will welcome the of them are paid. public buildings, mainly Springs (011) 362 3071 pope to Madrid on August 18, The original plan was to have schools, and the church and pri - and organisers were also decid - 23 000 volunteers helping, but vate groups are providing anoth - Vereeniging (016) 427 5525 ing which five young people now organisers are rallying er 790 venues that will be trans - will have the honour of asking 30 000 volunteers. Just the task formed into hostels, complete Alberton (011) 907 8676 Pope Benedict a question during of coordinating all those volun - with portable showers. Benoni (011) 422 2331 the vigil on August 20. teers is a major undertaking, he Fr Javier Cremades, coordina - Organisers estimate the event said. tor of the key large liturgies and Heidelberg (016) 349 5886 will cost more than $70 million David Martin Valles, vice- ceremonies, said that with Mass - (R500 million). However, they director of Madrid’s tourism es planned each day for specific Boksburg (011) 892 5186 said they expect to cover it all promotion office, said the language groups and the papal with registration fees and dona - demand for hotel rooms in the Mass planned for the last day, Randburg (011) 678 2436 tions, especially of supplies. The city this August is “150% higher his office expects to use between Lephalale (Ellisras) donated material includes the than normal for August”. In a 4 million and 5 million Com - bananas and other food for par - city that has about 7 0 000 hotel munion hosts. The altar linens Mike or Annette (014) 763 3147 ticipants, but also big-ticket rooms, the occupancy rate is have been made by volunteers items such as private security expected to be complete. Hotels around the world and mailed to STOCKISTS OF: Paint, Hardware, Geysers, Roll- officers and the materials and in towns nearby also are experi - Madrid.—CNS up garage doors, Sink tops, Bosch Power Tools. ALL AT THE VERY BEST PRICES! Law to break confessional seal? BY MICHAEL KELLY should not be broken even if a single issue, however serious penitent confesses to a crime. this one single issue is,” Fr Mad - Looking to open franchises in ALL areas. HE group that represents Fr Madden said he would den insisted. Ireland’s Catholic priests strongly urge and appeal to the The Irish government said it If interested please contact Tsays the secrecy of confes - penitent—whether a priest or would introduce legislation that sion must be protected, despite anyone else—to confess a crime makes it mandatory for priests Nero or Gerald on 083 4606650 government indications that to the police and have the civil to reveal details of child abuse, confessions would not be exempt from rules on mandato - aspect dealt with, but that he even if they become known in ry reporting of child abuse. did not approve of the idea of the confessional. “The point is, if there is a law reporting what was said. The announcement came in the land, it has to be followed “If I’m breaking the law then after a judicial commission by everybody. There are no somebody has to find a way to investigating the diocese of exceptions, there are no exemp - address that for me...but in my Cloyne revealed that allegations tions,” said Irish children’s min - own right as a priest what I of abuse were being mishandled ister Frances Fitzgerald. understand is the seal of confes - and withheld from the police as Fr P J Madden, spokesman for sion is above and beyond all recently as 2008. the Association of Catholic else,” he said. Irish Prime Minister Enda Priests, insisted that the sacra - “The seal of confession is a Kenny said that canon law mental seal of confession is very sacred seal for lots of differ - would not be allowed to super - “above and beyond all else” and ent reasons way beyond this one sede state law.—CNS Tunisia’s Catholics told to ‘rejoice’ BY CINDY WOODEN have towards the North African can be held to choose a legisla - country’s political and social ture and a president. The process UNISIA’S tiny Catholic changes. Tunisia’s authoritative is expected to take two years, community prays for the government was overthrown in which sounds like a long time, Tcountry’s transition to January and a process of democ - but “is nothing in the history of democracy and hopes that the ratisation began. a nation, especially when deal - nation will embrace full religious For Christians, Archbishop ing with such a radical change”, freedom, said Archbishop Maroun Lahham of Tunis. Lahham said, the first wish “is to he wrote. “We are certainly for the sep - see the country finally arrive at a Christians in Tunisia are aration of ‘mosque and state’, democratic regime. It is clear called to live their faith and to but we say clearly that a healthy that a revolution is one thing, “show with our lives the gift democratic society must have as and a successful democratic tran - God has given us in Jesus Christ, its foundation values that, what - sition is another.” but also to discover the life of ever anyone says, have a reli - Archbishop Lahham’s letter this nation and its cultural and gious root: freedom, respect, was dated July 24, the date origi - religious traditions,” he said. peace, equality, the preferential nally scheduled for elections to They should rejoice over the option for the poor, solidarity,” the committee to draft a new fact that Tunisians are acquiring the archbishop said. constitution. The elections now the rights and freedoms they The archbishop wrote a pas - are scheduled for October. were denied for decades and that toral letter on the attitude that The constitution must be there is greater space for good Tunisia’s 2 2 000 Catholics—all of drafted and approved in a refer - neighbourly relations between whom are foreigners—should endum before normal elections Muslims and Christians.—CNS INTERNATIONAL The Southern Cross, July 27 to August 2, 2011 5 Sudan’s bishops: Meet challenges by putting Christ first Kur of Khartoum and Coadjutor Dinka Ngok tribe, supporters of the communities in the diocese of “Like St Paul, Bishop Mazzolari IKE the early Christians who Bishop Michael Didi Mangoria of government of Southern Sudan. Rumbek, Sudan, died on July 16 spent his life at the service of the were challenged by social El-Obeid followed Sudan’s parti - The bishops also welcomed a while concelebrating Mass. Gospel, always assuring us that Lpressures and political forces, tion into two nations as South statement to the Sudanese Parlia - The bishop, 74, fell backward, God was journeying with the peo - Sudan’s Catholics face modern-day Sudan became the world’s newest ment from Sudan’s President Omar clutching his chest and gasping for ple of South Sudan,” said a state - challenges that can best be met by country this month. al-Bashir, who invited all segments air, at the beginning of the conse - ment released by diocesan “putting Christ at the centre of They also called for new pas - of society to help rewrite the coun - cration. He was pronounced dead Catholics. their life”, the bishops of Sudan toral initiatives to foster voca - try’s constitution. at a local hospital. Born in Brescia in 1937, Cesare said. tions, form new catechists and “This is a positive move and Catholics from the diocese Mazzolari was ordained a Com - They also called on their collab - provide faith education for fami - assurance from the president, a recalled Bishop Mazzolari as a zeal - boni priest in 1962. He spent 19 orators in various ministries to ini - lies, especially children. sign of reconciliation and an ous worker who re-opened mis - years working among African- tiate a period of spiritual renewal, The bishops urged a peaceful appeal to heal our wounds and an sions and negotiated humanitarian American and Mexican mine strengthen the spirit of coopera - outcome to the recent violence in effective request for every citizen assistance for the diocese which, in workers. tion, communion and mutual sup - Sudan’s South Kordofan state. Wit - to rise from the ashes of our past 2004, was home to tens of thou - In 1981, he moved to the port, share resources and person - nesses said a series of attacks by and recreate our future with peace, sands of refugees from the Sudanese diocese of Tombura-Yam - nel in an effort to better serve the government troops were aimed at dignity and equality for all,” the Sudanese region of Darfur. He also bio, in what is now South Sudan. Sudanese people. the ethnic Nuba people around bishops said. promoted education and health Pope John Paul II appointed him The statement from Cardinal Kadugli, South Kordofan’s capital. Meanwhile, Italian-born Bishop care and “passionately responded apostolic administrator of Rumbek Gabriel Zubeir Wako of Khartoum, Other attacks occurred in Abyei, Cesare Mazzolari, known for to human need at every level,” in 1990, and he was consecrated Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Adwok home primarily to members of the rebuilding church structures and they said. bishop in January 1999.—CNS Pope urges aid to Horn of Africa OPE Benedict has urged the international community Pto deliver urgent humani - tarian aid to the drought-strick - en Horn of Africa, especially Somalia, where tens of thou - sands have fled drought and famine. The pope, addressing pil - grims at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, said he had been following news of the region’s humanitarian catastro - phe with “deep concern”. Unit - ed Nations experts say the pro - longed drought, combined with a rise in food prices, have forced many families to make long and often deadly overland treks to reach refugee camps. A woman holds her baby outside a tent serving as a medical clinic “Innumerable people are established by the African union peacekeeping operation in Mogadishu, fleeing from that tremendous Somalia. Pope Benedict has urged the international community to deliv - famine in search of food and er urgent humanitarian aid to the drought-stricken region of eastern assistance. I hope the interna - Africa, especially Somalia. (Photo: Stuart Price/uN handout) tional community will increase its efforts to quickly send aid to camps in Ethiopia and Kenya, in 60 years, and UN officials say our sorely tested brothers and walking across a barren land - it has placed the lives of 11 mil - sisters, among them many chil - scape in journeys that have lion people at risk. dren,” the pope said. taken more than a month. UN secretary-general Ban Ki- “Our solidarity and the con - Many mothers arriving in the moon said that United Nations crete assistance of all people of camps have described losing agencies have requested $1,6 good will should not be lack - children along the way to dis - billion to pay for life-saving ing.” ease and malnutrition. programmes in the region, but Most of those fleeing Somalia The drought in eastern Africa so far have reached only half have headed towards refugee has been reported as the worst that amount.—CNS Another ‘bishop’ excommunicated BY JOHN THAVIS In the latest case, Fr Huang sources said many of the dioce - “had been informed some time san priests went into hiding HE Vatican said a Chinese ago that he could not be days before the ordination, but bishop ordained illegiti - approved by the Holy See as an that some were found by gov - Tmately in mid-July has episcopal candidate, inasmuch ernment officials and had to been automatically excommu - as the diocese of Shantou attend to the ceremony. nicated and lacks the authority already has a legitimate bish - The Vatican sees the right of to govern his diocese. op”. the pope to appoint bishops as At the same time, the Vati - The Asian Church news fundamental to Church unity can praised bishops loyal to agency UCA News reported that and as an essential element of Rome who resisted participation Vatican-approved Bishop Peter religious freedom. China’s civil in the ordination ceremony Zhuang Jianjian of Shantou, authorities consider it a foreign before being forced by authori - whom the government recog - interference. ties to do so. nises only as a priest, said he “The Holy See reaffirms the “The Holy Father, having would not recognise Fr Huang right of Chinese Catholics to be learned of these events, once again deplores the manner in as a bishop, because he violated able to act freely, following which the Church in China is Church law and principles. their consciences and remain - being treated and hopes that ing faithful to the successor of the present difficulties can be he Vatican statement said Peter and in communion with overcome as soon as possible,” a Tofficials in Rome had the universal Church,” the Vat - Vatican statement said. learned that some Chinese ican statement said. The Vatican was reacting to bishops, when contacted by China insists that key the ordination of Fr Joseph civil authorities, were unwilling Catholic leaders—including Huang Bingzhang at St Joseph’s to participate in the ordination bishops—and Church sites be Cathedral in Shantou, in south - and had offered “various forms registered with the government. ern China’s Guangdong of resistance” before being Some Catholic officials have province. Bishop Johan Fang obliged to take part. refused to do so because they Xingyao of Linyin, president of “With regard to this resis - feel the Chinese government the government-sanctioned tance, it should be noted that it tries to control the Church. Chinese Catholic Patriotic Asso - is meritorious before God and A Shantou priest who ciation, was reportedly the calls for appreciation on the attended the ordination said he main celebrant; he was one of part of the whole Church. hoped the new bishop could eight Vatican-approved bishops Equal appreciation is also due unite the priests for the good of at the ordination. to those priests, consecrated the local Church. It was the second ordination persons and members of the “Forgiveness, tolerance and of a Chinese bishop without faithful who have defended mutual support are more impor - papal mandate in the last their pastors, accompanying tant,” said the priest, speaking month. The Vatican has them by their prayers at this on condition of anonymity. emphasised that willing partici - difficult time and sharing in Even if the Holy See excom - pants in such ordinations face their deep suffering,” the Vati - municates Fr Huang, “I will severe penalties under Church can said. work with him, except for law, including automatic UCA News reported that sacramental Communion, and excommunication for the some bishops were accompa - continue to serve my parish - ordained bishop and the conse - nied to the ordination by gov - ioners, who are innocent in crating bishops. ernment officials. Church this incident,” he said.—CNS 6 The Southern Cross, July 27 to August 2, 2011 LEADER PAGE

The Editor reserves the right to shorten or edit published letters. Letters below 300 words receive LETTERS TO preference. Pseudonyms are acceptable only under special circumstances and at the Editor’s discre - THE EDITOR tion. Name and address of the writer must be supplied. No anonymous letter will be considered.

Word, however it’s heard, if that Editor: Günther Simmermacher Parable of the sower’s relevance seed falls on an “arid heart”. knowledge of the kingdom of heav - Good farmers know that an WAS amazed at the relevance of abundant crop requires a fertile soil; the parable of the sower, which en; the seeds falling on differing Don’t shut the doors I ground, each yielding (or not!) a it needs watering, fertilising and till - we read recently at Sunday Mass, to ing. Thus the seed that falls outside contemporary Catholic society. It harvest as allowed by the fruitful - ments; but many more are need - ness of that ground. of fertile soil is fruitless, carried OME years ago The Southern speaks of our receptivity to the wis - away by the guile of those whose ed. dom and truths of God. Those who listen and take what’s Cross learned of an inmate purpose is worldly, choked on the Pope Benedict in 2007 called It begs the question: Have we said to heart are those who yield the Sin a South African prison the pastoral care of prisoners a fruits of the kingdom in abundance. “weeds” of worldly desires or with - “cultivated” that frame of mind in who decided to convert to “vital mission”. The pope—who We need to focus on the “soil of our ered by the lack of spiritual founda - Catholicism on account of the which we would be receptive to the has made it a point to visit pris - meaning of the Gospel—are we spir - soul” and ask the question—have tion—blossoming for a while but newspaper. oners, as his predecessors John we prepared ourselves sufficiently to inevitably fading away when faced Having read The Southern itually prepared? XXIII, Paul VI and John Paul II understand, to take up the good with any test. Cross (which is distributed to Do we really listen or is our mind did—said that correctional facil - news, the Gospel of Christ? Yet, he who yearns after the ways many prisons through the Asso - far off on some thought-safari? ities “must contribute to the Indeed many who appear to listen, I find this particular focal point of the kingdom, whose heart is ciates Campaign) and its cover - to be most poignant, especially in imperfect but open to God’s healing age of Catholic thought on a rehabilitation of offenders, facil - ask: “What was it I just heard?” To itating their transition from paraphrase the Lord: “Though see - light of his statement: “Whoever Word, will learn, understand and regular basis, the prisoner aimed has will be given more, and they grow spiritually, producing an to turn around his life by despair to hope, and from unre - ing, they do not see; though hear - will have an abundance. Whoever abundance of the love and charity embracing the faith. liability to dependability”. ing, they do not hear or under - does not have, even what they have which our Lord so eagerly desires. This is one example of how The Catholic prison aposto - stand.” late cannot, of course, accom - There are many ways of focusing will be taken from them.” Are you prepared for your next Catholic outreach to prisoners A definite responsibility on our plish all that on its own. Of the on this parable, but for me it is in encounter with the Word of God? can make a concrete difference part as followers of Christ is implied elements mentioned by Pope identifying the sower as Christ him - Anthony J Sturges , in their lives. It would seem like - here. It’s pointless listening to the ly that the odds of recidivism Benedict, the Catholic prison self, who sows the “seeds” of the Johannesburg among released prisoners ministry is best placed in help - decrease if they walk free as ing facilitate the transition from committed Christians. “despair to hope”. Those who provide spiritual Also in 2007, the then-presi - For much of the Church’s histo - care to prisoners—the most mar - dent of the Pontifical Council Mgr Kolbe’s plant Has the Vatican ry, people stood to receive Com - ginalised individuals in our soci - for Justice and Peace, Cardinal munion in the hands. To say that ety—are thereby performing an Renato Martino, warned that specimens sought got it wrong? the tongue is more “worthy” to important service not only to society could not “close its eyes, OULD any of your readers ERMIT me to respond to Hazel touch the species than our hands the people they minister to, but cannot be indifferent” to the liv - Cshed light on what has hap - PMacDonald’s letter “Church is nonsense. Jesus came to redeem also to the public in general. ing conditions, human rights pened to the herbarium (a collec - Traditions Explained”, (July 13). the entire person, not just parts of The faithful in Southern abuses and often-dim prospects tion of pressed plant specimens) of To maintain that the Mass is us. Have a look at James 3:5-12 Africa should take the Week of experienced by many prisoners. Mgr F C Kolbe (1854-1936)? available in one language, Latin, regarding what the Word of God Prayer for Prisoners and Victims The Church must continue to Two separate published sources throughout the world, is useful to has to say about the tongue, inci - of Crime from July 31 to August advocate for conditions that state that the collection of more Catholic globe-trotters, but does dentally. 7 very seriously. might more effectively encour - than 5 000 specimens was kept at not sit comfortably with me. Of One of the main aims of Vati - As its title implies, the prayer age the rehabilitation of the St Mary’s Dominican convent, what importance is that to can II was for the Mass to be cele - week calls on Catholics in our inmates in our overcrowded and Cape Town. Neither UCT’s Bolus Catholics when travelling abroad? brated in the vernacular. I am sure region to direct the focus of often anarchic prisons which are Herbarium nor the Kirstenbosch Surely the core of and the familiar - Jesus did not have his back to the apostles at the Last Supper—the their intentions to those who further congested with awaiting Herbarium, which includes that of ity with the Mass can be followed first Mass. Since the Mass is offered minister to prisoners, to prison - trialists, thanks to an overbur - the SA Museum, has the collec - fairly easily in whatever language? first and foremost to the Father, ers themselves (especially that dened judiciary system. tion. Anyone with information on Even though the Mass in the they may find the courage and this is asked to contact me at rod early centuries seemed to have who is omnipresent, and who is The state of many of South Spirit, why should the celebrant guidance to change their lives Africa’s correctional facilities, [email protected] or 073 499 moved to greater uniformity around), and to the victims of 5556. because of Latin, most worshippers have to face the east, or the taber - many of them run by gangs and nacle? crime. giving little protection to Prof Rodney Moffett, shared in “common incomprehen - sion”. Despite seminary reform, The correct location for the In our feature article this inmates who wish to reject the Free State neither the laity nor many of the tabernacle is in a place separate week, national prison chaplain gang system, can be dehumanis - clergy, for that matter, could from where the Mass is celebrated, Fr Russell Campbell says: “There ing. It should not surprise us Abortion: be plain is a great need for chaplains in understand Latin. according to the rubrics. In St when individuals, some already this ministry as they are the The original intention of altar- Peter’s basilica the Pope celebrates lacking in empathy, emerge and prickly ones through whom the sacra - rails was as a barricade for keeping the liturgy facing the people, and from jail with a pitiless charac - N 1997 the South African ments can continue to be made domestic animals out of the sanc - the tabernacle is halfway down the ter. parliament legalised abortion on available to people once they I tuary in earlier times, when people main body of that vast church. demand. are sentenced and while they Victims of crime—those brought them to Mass, not for the Has the Vatican got it wrong? Some years ago Peter Kreeft, pro - are cut off from society.” touched directly by crime and separation of the clergy from the Fasting and abstinence are fessor of philosophy at Boston Uni - He points out that many pris - their family and friends—may laity or for the reception of Holy indeed important (including meat - versity, stated in a thesis justifying oners are abandoned by their well point out that their anguish Communion. less Fridays) for our growth and the personhood of unborn human families and friends while they tends to be ignored, other than With the tearing of the temple strength as Christians, especially beings: “Abortion comes from hell, are locked up. in a general resentment of curtain in two (Mt 27:51), it is to overcome and combat the wiles and will lead us to hell if not Yet, to have a chance of crime. It is therefore commend - clear there is no longer separation of the evil one, which Jesus said repented; and in opposing it there is can only be cast out with “prayer reforming themselves, prisoners able that the bishops specifically of laity and clergy, or people from a time to be polite and scholarly, and fasting”. need contact with the outside include them in the intentions God. The baptised are all one in and a time to tell the truth, plain For 30 years devotees of the world. Indeed, it is Christ’s dem - for our week-long prayers. Christ. and prickly.” Medjugorje apparitions have been mand that prisoners be visited: The week is then not only a Does the Catholic Parliamentary fasting on bread and water on “I was...in prison and you visit - time for highlighting the prison Opinions expressed in The Southern Liaison Office constantly lodge Wednesdays and Fridays, out of ed me” (Mt 25:36). In doing so, ministry and the plight of pris - Cross , especially in Letters to the Editor, protests with the government about do not necessarily reflect the views of the love for the blessed Mother. those involved in prison min - oners, but also an opportunity the continued existence of the Editor or staff of the newspaper, or of the This is much more meritorious for the Church to review Catholic hierarchy. The letters page in par - istries give witness to Christ’s Choice on Termination of Pregnan - than being coerced, for fear of love in a very special way. whether enough pastoral care is ticular is a forum in which readers may cy Act, and it’s tragic consequences, exchange opinions on matters of debate. hell-fire, or to notch up good extended to the victims of There are many Catholics and if so, are they “polite and schol - Letters must not be understood to neces - marks to “celebrate” the pope’s who have taken up this uninvit - crime, and whether their stories sarily reflect the teachings, disciplines or arly” or “plain and prickly”? policies of the Church accurately. visit to Britain. ing mission in harsh environ - are being properly heard. Damian McLeish, Johannesburg John Lee, Johannesburg

URSULINE SISTERS OF THE ROMAN UNION “LEAD A NEW LIFE” “WHEREVER THEY ARE, THEY SHOULD SEEK TO SPREAD PEACE AND CONCORD.” FROM THE SECOND COUNCIL OF ST ANGELA MERICI.

“ALWAYS LET YOUR PRINCIPAL RECOURSE BE TOGETHER AT THE FEET OF JESUS CHRIST AND... JESUS CHRIST WILL BE IN YOUR MIDST.” FROM THE LAST LEGACY OF ST ANGELA MERICI.

For more information: E-mail: [email protected] The Vocations Promoter Tel: 011 706 3520 PO Box 235 www.ursulines.org.za RANT-EN-DAL, 1751 Fax: 011 953 3406 PERSPECTIVES The Southern Cross, July 27 to August 2, 2011 7

Is the death of marriage near? Chris Chatteris SJ Pray with the Pope ready to take the blame; instead they HE headline in a Kenyan daily news - resorted to pointing fingers. Samuel paper a few months ago demanded: It was in that first family in which the T“Is the institution of marriage under first murder was committed: the jealous Francis IMC threat? Then let’s do away with it.” Cain turning against his younger brother WYD for everyone The writer was inspired by a case in Point of Family Abel; and when God called him to General Intention: That World Youth Day in which a husband had murdered his wife account, he bluntly said that he was not and two sons in cold blood before commit - Madrid may encourage young people throughout the his brother’s keeper. Ever since Cain, many world to have their lives rooted and built up in Christ. ting suicide by hanging himself with a families have faced similar tribulations. ed guest speakers who have shared with rope inside the same house. The world adores a love story and parishioners their personal life experiences OST young Catholics in the world won’t This was just one such case where hus - thirsts for narratives of hope in difficult of troubled marriages and how they man - be able to go to World Youth Day (WYD) bands and wives have turned against each times. This is what a wedding offers. As the aged to save their families from disintegra - Min the Spanish capital. But don’t despair if other and children against their own par - bride and the groom exchange their mari - tion. you’re one of them or if you feel too old to go to a ents. The writer went on to point out that tal vows, they envision a future full of love Marriage is not a contract, but a com - young people’s event! The official WYD website even in the western world, marriage has and happiness. mitment, a commitment where 1+1=1 and will enable those who have Internet access to make lost its meaning as men and women have Unfortunately, sometimes marriage not 2. a virtual, “home-based pilgrimage”. taken to sexually befriending and marrying bliss doesn’t last forever. Few marriages Becoming one flesh simply means that By logging on to virtualworldyouthday.org one each other in same sex unions. these days are free from tangled family the two people share everything they have; can share the experience of the real pilgrims The writer argued that marriage is the constellations. How can the Church help not only their bodies, not only their mate - online. On the virtual pilgrimage site you can, most peculiar, irrational, selfish and restric - couples to learn to forgo the many little rial possession, but also their thinking and through social networking, be in close contact tive institution ever invented, and con - liberties in marriage? their feelings, joys and sufferings, hopes with the place, the people and the event. cluded by stating his hope that future gen - St Martin de Porres parish in Wood - and fears, successes and failures. The site says that through it, “you can gather erations will have the moral courage to lands, Pietermaritzburg, is one community Through family ministry, the Church with the thousands who will be taking this pil - abolish it because the human race can con - that has found a way. can help couples realise that marriage is to grimage for a personal encounter with Christ”. tinue without it. The parish formed a family ministry be enjoyed, not endured. This is a modern-day application of the tradi - This year, May was declared “Family group whose goal is to spread the Good The family is the domestic church. tional Catholic practice of providing local places of Month” by the Southern African Catholic News of family life by rediscovering the Therefore, if we have healthy and stable pilgrimage for those who lacked the means to trav - Bishops’ Conference. Of course, the beauty of married and family life. Members families, then we will have healthy and el to Jerusalem or Rome. The local Church has always established pilgrimage destinations such as Church should not limit her focus on fam - of the group intend to renew and foster stable individuals, healthy and stable our own Shongweni or Ngome. And many a parish ily to one month only. family life and reach out to couples with parishes and a healthy and stable society. has its own Lourdes grotto. Even the first family, in the creation problems by offering them means of heal - May the spirit of God encourage hus - In this way the WYD organisers respond to the account in the book of Genesis, had its ing and reconciliation. bands and wives, mothers and fathers, pope’s intention which prays that young people share of tribulations; it did not take long Already they are networking with other brothers and sisters to learn to appreciate throughout the world may be encouraged to root before things began to fall apart. The ser - family life organisations, Church groups one another and to be grateful for the gift their lives in the Lord. pent drove a wedge between the first cou - and agencies promote a vision of greater of family. We pray that the Madrid gathering will be as ple and God. And when God sought an family focus in the Church, based on the n Samuel Francis studies at St Joseph's Theo - successful as the one in Sydney in 2008. This not explanation, neither Adam nor Eve was values of the holy family. They have invit - logical Institute in Cedara, KwaZulu-Natal. only had an impact on the participants but also deeply impressed the inhabitants of the host city. The pilgrim, whether on the road or online, is Mphuthumi always an ambassador of Christ. Our faith, stripped bare Ntabeni Christians in the West correspondence before he was given the Pushing Boundaries Missionary Intention: That Western Christians OFTEN feel frustrated by the lack of “unprecedented access” to the monastery may be open to the action of the Holy Spirit and redis - silence in my life because I delude of the Most Holy Trinity in London’s cover the freshness and enthusiasm of their faith. myself into believing that if I had I Notting Hill. The monastery of the Dis - reality of yourself—and most of us can’t T’S no secret that Pope Benedict is concerned more silence, I would be more contem - calced Order of Carmelite Nuns was stand that. This is why we invent all sorts Iabout the state of Christianity in the West. He’s plative and open to divine inspiration. founded in 1878. particularly concerned about Western Europe Most of the time prayer is a dry spell of of distractions. As most Catholics know, Carmelite The greatest trick the devil has where the Church is sometimes even said to be in presenting myself before God and wait - nuns lead a cloistered life dedicated to terminal decline. His choice of the name Benedict, ing to hear. achieved is to use god to avoid God. That prayer and contemplation, “rarely leav - is, to use pious distractions, like false the patron saint of Europe, proclaimed his concern Better prayers I have had came to me for Europe’s re-evangelisation. He has even appoint - ing the monastery except to visit a doctor prayer, empty piety, pompous devotion, without my volition, in unexpected ed a cardinal to oversee this initiative. or dentist. Silence is maintained through - unlived words, and so on. Maybe this is places; such as on the bus, at dusk when It’s also true that greater growth and enthusiasm out the day with the exception of two the danger in the cloistered life, and these going home after a long day. are often to be found in the Church of the develop - periods of recreation”, as Whyte put it. Carmelite nuns are well aware of it—I Lately have I discovered that the best No Greater Love gives a unique insight ing world. Thus this intention marks a striking and wondered how they could convey this way to pray is to offer your life to God as into the cloistered life of the Carmelites sobering role-reversal in which the countries which message clearer today with all the “born- a prayer. Often we think this means a by interweaving “a year in the life of the originally sent out missionaries are now being again” churches springing out everywhere cloistered life. But, as the English writer monastery with the daily rhythms of prayed for as mission territories themselves. Dorothy Sayers (1893-1957) taught us, a Divine Office and work”. One is shocked like mushrooms. I believe these are them - In purely human terms it seems as if the faith contemplative life is also possible for lay into reality at how mundane the making selves part of the movement of the Holy waxes and wanes under the influence of the forces life. of the Holy Bread for Communion is. Spirit, but the danger of the Pharisees of history. Spain, for example, was a Christian I am lucky enough to work close to a Like every other job, it follows a factory seems more prominent with them. country which fell under Muslim rule and was later cathedral, and so sometimes I’m able to line: dough-making, baking on steel It is humbling to see moments of re-conquered. Today, Christianity in the Middle attend midday Mass. Still my prayer at plates, cutting with perforating doubt even from the senior nuns. But East is in decline because of the current politico- that time is a crowded zoo of floating dis - machines, shipment packing, and so on. their belief in the power of prayer takes religious situation. tractions, personal concerns, the daily The film follows a year in the life of a them through everything. The decline in Europe is linked to a post-war grind and all. So more recently I learnt to novice who is professed and one of the Sr Mary of Saint Philip concludes by slowdown in the birth rate. However, in many offer my distractions as prayer, and senior nuns who dies. Though mainly an saying that “death is awesome, totally European countries, Catholic congregations are found peace. So it was rather consoling to observational film, there are several inter - unknown”. being bolstered by immigrants from Africa, Asia observe that even those who dedicate views which offer insights into the lives She says she sometimes thinks: “What and Eastern Europe. their whole lives to the life of prayer and of the nuns. One of them, Sr Christine if the atheists are right?” The simplicity How the Holy Spirit works in these movements silence suffer the same frustrations as Marie of John of the Cross, says: “Silence of her answer is amazing: “Then there is a mystery. However we have faith that the salva - myself. echoes the eternal word.” It acts to fulfil won’t be anyone to tell me so,” she tion promised to us in God’s involvement with our I recently watched a documentary film the unfailing power of God and is full of laughs softly, “but if I am right there will world in the Old Testament and the in the histori - called No Greater Love by Michael Whyte. life’s expectancies, and there’s redeeming be someone to meet me on the other cal event of Christ’s life, continues to unfold in and “You cannot put a value on prayer, like grace in it. side.” through these complex events. you can a product, it still remains a mys - You get to understand that a cloistered That’s faith stripped bare to its funda - And the Spirit blows where it wills, sometimes tery,” says its premise. life is not place of escape; in fact it is mentals. To quote St Paul: “If Jesus Christ in the most unpromising of circumstances. The Whyte says it took him ten years of where you come face to face with the is not risen, then we preach in vain.” revival of French Catholicism after the Revolution is a dramatic example of this. In our own day, despite the apparent triumph of a godless secular - ism, one recent book’s title proclaims: “God is The St Boniface Community Back”. Few people now believe that “God is dead” is presenting its annual or that faith is about to wither away It’s worth noting that as a percentage of the total CHURCH BAZAAR population of the country, the Catholic Church in on SUNDAY, 28 AUGUST South Africa is declining. Some commentators won - STARTING WITH OPEN-AIR MASS AT 9:30AM on DStv der whether this is because South Africa is the most at the St Boniface Community Church audio Westernised country on the continent. Again, the Cnr Puttick Avenue & Kowie Road reasons are difficult to discern. Sundowner Ext. 8, Randburg channel 170 What is certain is that any revival of the faith anywhere, always involves much prayer. Tel: (011) 795-3651 also streamed on radioveritas.co.za Listen on iPhone ST GERARD’S HOLY TOURS or Blackberry: An 11-day experience that will change your life! http://listenlive PILGRIMAGE TO c2p1.ndstream. net:8030 HOLy LAND/CAIRO - June 2012 All travel, visa, insurance etc will be arranged for you. Will also help u fund raise for your trip! Contact John Sheraton 021 705-5131 or 083 277-7999 Liz Lotters: 021 706-5217 or 082 319-7249 e-mail: [email protected] 8 The Southern Cross, July 27 to August 2, 2011 COMMUNITY

Lionel Samuel wins the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice papal medal, which was motivated by his students for his out - standing contribu - tion to the Catholic education ministry especially in Catholic schools in Kwazulu-Natal. (Submitted by Gre - gory Moonilal on Natalie Meerholz from Holy rosary behalf of the Stu - School in Edenvale, Johannesburg, was The Bosco Youth Ministry team runs a programme every Sunday at Sicelo dent Committee) awarded the first place in the category in Meyerton, Johannesburg. It provides young people with a place to be at “Extending Learning Beyond the Class - home while learning, praying and playing. Fr Ivo Pisacane SDB entertains room” at the Innovative Teachers the youngsters with magic tricks. (Submitted by Clarence Watts) Forum presented by Microsoft. Mrs Meerholz, who came second overall will join four other candidates to represent South Africa in Istanbul at the regional forum, and is currently the IT head of department at her primary school. Her winning project was to establish an E- Waste collection centre at her school in conjunction with a recycling company, involving the pupils who have done all the advertising, collection and manage - ment of the project. (Submitted by Berniece Eales)

IN FOCUS Edited by: Lara Moses

Send photographs, with sender’s name and address on the back, and a SASE to: The Southern Cross, Community Pics, Newlands East Durban confirmation class of 2011 (Back from left): Leonard, Box 2372, Cape Town, 8000 Archbishop Stephen Brislin of Cape Town blesses children reached by the Kerwi, Brandon, Nelson (teacher), Fr Bill Lovett OFM, Naomi, Philetta, Tanya or email them to: [email protected] St Kizito movement, that takes care of orphaned children, at its annual and Kellin. (Front row): Bulent, Amy, Preeta, robyn, Tracy-Lee, Avesha, Thanksgiving Mass. (Submitted by Shirley Dunn) Fiona and Leo. (Submitted by Edwin Joseph) FEATURE The Southern Cross, July 27 to August 2, 2011 9 The Church behind bars lain, Fr Russell Campbell. off from society,” said Fr Camp - With the Week of Prayer for The Church works with the bell, adding that often the chap - Department of Correctional Ser - lain represents the only remaining Prisoners and Victims of Crime vices in three ways. Firstly, a bish - contact prisoners have with the taking place from July 31 to op takes on the responsibility of outside world as they are often the ministry. Archbishop William abandoned by friends and family. August 7, CLAIrE Slattery of Pretoria currently holds “The challenges of being a MATHIESON takes a closer this position and ensures the prison chaplain are very demand - smooth operation of the ministry ing as they are intimately involved look at ministry within prisons. across the country via Fr Campbell in the departmental policy of the and the national prison desk rehabilitation of prisoners—as which oversees administrative opposed to a purely punitive sys - work. tem—which involves demanding T may be one of the least glam - Secondly, the Church acts and draining relationships being orous ministries, but it is an through the secondment of priests established between them and Iapostolate that is active in or deacons to the Department of those for whom they are responsi - morezthan 200 facilities across the Correctional Services to act as full- ble”, said Fr Campbell. country. time chaplains in the state’s In addition, while those work - Prison ministry is often forgot - employ. ing in the ministry are primarily ten, but there is great need for this “Unfortunately, because of the responsible for Catholics in prison, ministry to be supported by the shortage of clergy we have only “this is not their sole responsibility A priest distributes Communion at a prison. Church services and prayer in Church and such an opportunity one such chaplain: Fr Jordan as they are appointed to minister prisons has become a regular ministry within South Africa prisons. (Photo: will occur during the Week of Ngondo, who is stationed at to all prisoners regardless of their Karen Callaway, CNS) Prayer for Prisoners and Victims of Leeuwkop prison in Johannes - denomination—which in view of Crime which takes place from July burg,” said Fr Campbell. the overcrowding in our prisons be forgiving but also cautious as it educated with regard to prisons 31 to August 7. “There is a great need for chap - leads to a huge workload being can be stressful and even danger - and prison life,” said Fr Ngondo. The whole Church will be asked lains in this ministry as they are placed upon them,” said Fr Camp - ous at times. “Prisoners don’t want He added community participa - “to keep in mind the work being the ones through whom the sacra - bell. to be told about hell and judg - tion, volunteers, rehabilitation done by so many committed and ments can continue to be made Ideally every prison should ment, because they are con - programmes, prisoners Sunday and dedicated volunteers in our pris - available to people once they are have a Catholic chaplain, said Fr demned already. They appreciate ministry to the families of the pris - ons,” said national prison chap - sentenced and while they are cut Campbell, “but it is not the policy the Good News,” Fr Ngondo said. oners’ were all activities that could of the department to appoint Fr Ngondo said while the min - be adopted on the local level. chaplains for every denomination istry is supported, there is a long Fr Campbell said that is why in every prison, nor is it possible way to go. “One of the challenges emphasis has been put on the for the Church to supply the man - is the coordination of this ministry Week of Prayer: it’s not just specif - power to meet the challenge”. from the local to the conference ically for chaplains but for the levels where all stakeholders broader ministry of prison out - his is the third and most should be united, the left hand reach. important role the Church must know what the right hand is “Moreover, people may consid - Tplays: seeking to meet the doing. What is clear is everyone er whether or not they are being challenge of catering for the spiri - sees and says that this ministry is called to share in this ministry by tual needs of Catholics in prison. very important ministry of the becoming spiritual workers them - This work is conducted by spiritual Church but practically one sees a selves and by offering their ser - workers—lay men and women, lot of gaps.” vices to the prison coordinators in male and female religious, as well Fr Campbell said great work was their diocese.” as priests and deacons, through being done in the dioceses of Pre - He added this kind of proactive permission granted by the depart - toria, Kokstad and Cape Town, action was the only way that “we ment and the consent of the dio - and to further this work and to put will begin to meet the huge chal - cese. The work may range from it on a more organised foundation lenges of caring for those in prison administering sacraments, preach - a consultation to set up a national and offering them hope and accep - ing, teaching, counselling or even umbrella body has been called by tance in the future”. Bible study. Archbishop Slattery. The consulta - The Southern Cross itself is Fr Ngondo said the ministry is tion is scheduled to take place in engaged in prison outreach. both challenging and fulfilling Johannesburg in September. Through its Associates’ Campaign, because one works with people “There is a lot that needs to be the newspaper is sent to all prison who have committed crime. He done, we need structures in the chaplains who request it for distri - said those in the ministry have to parishes, parishioners need to be bution among prisoners.

Inmates attend a Mass celebrated in Cook County Jail, Chicago.

Effective Education Today for a Successful Tomorrow St Thomas Aquinas School in Witbank seeks to appoint a dynamic DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – HIGH SCHOOL JANUARY 2012 This senior position requires a suitably qualified educator who is: • An innovative thinker with proven leadership, management and administrative skills • Knowledge about the FET curriculum and its requirements • Able to interact confidently with staff, learners and parents, a ‘people person’ • To be willing to contribute to the whole school ethos and accept the Catholic traditions of the school • Committed and available for all school functions and events

Please send your CV with your SACE registration and the names and contact details of two referees to: [email protected] by 19 August 2011.

The school reserves the right not to make an appointment. Submission of an application does not in itself entitle the applicant to an interview. Staying True to our Values 10 The Southern Cross, July 27 to August 2, 2011 RELIGION Meet Muhammad, the prophet of Islam

The work contains fragments of ed a successor (this would have Christians often misunder - earlier texts, and is therefore indis - serious implications for Islam), stand Islam’s prophet pensible for a serious study of Muhammad died and was buried Muhammad. in the city which had first wel - Muhammad. To coincide with The year 571 is the commonly comed him and the revelation he the month of Ramadan, Fr accepted date of Muhammad’s brought. birth. His father died before or very The almost immediate dispute CHrISTOPHEr CLOHESSY , soon after his birth, and his moth - over leadership has marked Islam an expert on Islam, provides er died during his early childhood: to this very day. His death also the combination of material pover - marked the beginning of a general a brief introduction to ty, orphan status and membership revolt in Arabia, with many regard - Muhammad and his life. (on his father’s side) of a clan ing the pacts they had signed as which had lost its prestigious status being nullified by his death. would provide a very definite con - But neither the disputes nor the T is difficult to write about the text to Muhammad’s life and per - revolts can negate the enormity of life of Muhammad: for one ceptions. Muhammad’s personality: his mili - thing, Muslims have a particular After the death of his mother, tary and diplomatic skill, his obvi - I the young Muhammad went to ous qualities of leadership, his abil - perception of him and of the faith he brought that non-Muslims, no live with his grandfather: two years ity in dealing with opposition. His matter how objective they try to later, after his grandfather’s death, own life and psychological compo - be, simply cannot emulate. the “doubly” orphaned Muham - sition forms part of the vital con - For a person who does not share mad was taken in by an uncle, Abû Muslim pilgrims gather to pray at the Mount of Mercy near Mecca, Saudi Ara - text into which Islam was born. the Islamic faith and legacy, it’s Tâlib. He was, tradition tells us, an bia, the holiest city in Islam. It is hard to know whether or hard to deal with this topic with - affectionate and devoted foster not Muhammad intended to start out being influenced by the her - father, and played an important a new religious movement: the itage of prejudice which we carry role in Muhammad’s life: never which were to continue in differ - moral and economic pressures, first message of Islam—strict with us. This, despite the fact that accepting Islam himself, he never - ent contexts until the end of his which were to grow in intensity, monotheism and a commitment now more than ever, “the barriers theless defended Muhammad in life, first began. and would lead the Meccans to to social justice—is hardly differ - of geographical distance, hostility the heat of later persecution. It is difficult to comprehend the institute a not altogether successful ent from that of Christianity or and fear, which once kept the reli - Hagiography aside, Muhammad trauma of this, and later moments, boycott of Muhammad’s clan. Judaism. gions in separate, watertight com - made a good impression on people, for Muhammad. His own doubts Eventually Muhammad and his Theologically, Islam does not partments, are beginning to fall” as despite the definite impoverish - are clearly alluded to in the Qur’ân, followers would emigrate to the purport to be a new religion: nor people begin to discover the riches ment in his beginnings and his sta - in the spiritual counsel and com - nearby city of Medina, where Islam has it come to supplant or nullify in the faith of “the other”, as tus. These qualities—reliability, fort he sought in Khadîja, and in would begin to thrive. They still the others with some innovative author Karen Armstrong notes. confidence, intelligence and bal - his reluctance to preach what he faced hostility, not only from the belief system or religious regimen. Considering the limited sources ance—caught the attention of had received. It was a message of Meccans, but also from elements Islam understands itself as humani - about his life, there has to be a Khadîja, a wealthy, twice married, monotheism linked, from the very within the Jewish tribes of Medi - ty’s only religion and thus the nor - continuous process of separating widow. It would be in her arms beginning, with social and eco - na—later Muhammad would turn mative expression of nature. facts from the countless myths that that Muhammad would take refuge nomic justice. As such, it was to be on these tribes for breaking their Islam sees itself as abrogating have grown up around his person. after the trauma of divine revela - met with increasing hostility treaties with him, punishing some Christianity, since Muhammad is About the early life of Muham - tion, and her role in his life is ines - among the residents of Mecca with expulsion and others with the “seal of prophets”, and the rev - mad, prior to his call to be the timable. whose very livelihood would be death. elation he received supersedes all Prophet of God, we have little reli - From being in her employ, threatened by it. that came before. able information. The Qur’ân, Muhammad became her husband, The first converts to this new number of clashes took place Nonetheless, Christianity has a which is certainly not a biography after she had proposed marriage. way of submission and justice were Abetween the Meccans and the vital role in Muslim consciousness. of Muhammad, together with the This was to bring a dramatic members of his own family. To this Muslims of Medina until 630 when Islamic scholars insist that Islam’s corpus of Islamic traditions, com - change of circumstance into the small circle was added, in the early Muhammad set out for Mecca with abrogation of Christianity parallels bine as the primary source of life of the poor orphan: an end to days, his friend Abû Bakr who was a vast following of about 1 0 000 the Christian surpassing of Judaism information about his life after his material difficulties, a change to play a key role in later years and men. Faced by scant resistance, (although Christian theology the revelations began. How objec - in his social status and good busi - brought numerous young men of Muhammad and his army entered understands itself not as conclud - tive they are is an entirely differ - ness opportunities. Mecca into the faith. the city. The idols in the sanctuary ing Judaism but completing it). ent question. As the converts increased, so did were destroyed, amnesty (with While Christianity persists in Notwithstanding some good orn into a period of Arab histo - the hostility, at first manifested by some exceptions) was proclaimed acknowledging its Judaic roots, contemporary biographies (includ - Bry that seemed characterised by a complacent tolerance. The cata - for past offences and the citizens Islam envisages itself as the re- ing one by Karen Armstrong), to malaise, by spiritual restlessness lyst for more serious opposition were invited to pay homage to establishment of what Judaism and know and understand the real and a hunger for something more, was the rejection by Muhammad Muhammad, acknowledging him Christianity would have been, had Muhammad we must go back to Muhammad appeared disatisfied of the other Arabian deities in 616 as Messenger of God. Nobody their sacred texts not become cor - the earliest Arabic sources about with Arab paganism and concerned in which he was not only calling appears to have been compelled to rupted. Muslims believe that these his life. A crucial source is the for justice and the future of for the abandonment of the “faith convert to Islam. earlier messages as originally pro - biography by Ibn Ishâq, who died humanity, driving him into period - of the fathers”, but also threaten - Around March 632 he returned claimed were perfectly consonant in the first century of Islam, edit - ic retirement and contemplation. It ing the heart and fabric of the Mec - to Medina, where two months later with the Qur’ân. ed by Ibn Hishâm, who died in was during one of his retreats, in can society. he became ill. In June of that year, n Fr Clohessy is a priest of the arch - the second. Ramadân 610, that the revelations, The result was a combination of ostensibly without having appoint - diocese of Cape Town.

FRANCISCAN NARDINI SISTERS

Blessed Paul Joseph Nardini

For more information, contact the Vocation Team at P/Bag X9309 PO Box 194 PO Box 12 Vryheid 3100 Wasbank 2920 Nkandla 3855

Tel: 03 4 98 1 6158 03 4 65 1 1444 03 5 83 3 0033 Fax: 03 4 98 3 2012 03 4 65 1 1096 03 5 83 3 0317

E-mail E-mail: E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] The Southern Cross, July 27 to August 2, 2011 11 Fr Vincent Ford SDB

be found in the past, and its CLASSIFIEDS ALESIAN Father Vincent Ford meaning for our own time. died peacefully on June 12, at A few years ago, Fr Ford cele - Births • First Communion • Confirmation • Engagement/Marriage • Wedding Sthe age of 82. brated his golden jubilee as a anniversary • Ordination jubilee • Congratulations • Deaths • In memoriam • Thanks • Prayers • Accommodation • Holiday Accommodation • Personal • Born in 1929, Fr Ford was a priest. In his homily he spoke Salesian of Don Bosco for nearly Services • Employment • Property • Others about the mystery of the priest - 63 years, and nearly 54 years of Please include payment (R1,15 a word) with small advertisements hood, the mixture of the divine these as a priest. Out of his 44 young people at school, seminari - for promptest publication. and the human in the vocation of years of ministry in South Africa, ans, colleagues, parishioners, he spent half of those in Cape the priest, and, in the Salesian members of sodalities, bible study DEATH [email protected] Town, and the rest in Johannes - priestly ministry to the young, the groups, legionaries, Salesian co- POLLITT— Valerie Joan. burg, as a history teacher in Sale - balance of doing very ordinary operators and so on HOLIDAY things in working with youth, and Beloved wife of Mervyn, sian schools, and then as parish After suffering a stroke 15 mother of Michael and Jen - ACCOMMODATION priest. also touching the divine, and the months ago, he accepted joy he experienced in the mystery. nifer, mother-in-law to Grant BALLITO: up-market pent - Fr Vincent is especially remem - inevitable suffering in love and and grandmother to Kyle, house on beach, self-cater - bered as a teacher and preacher. He was forever seeking to under - obedience. He had preached it elo - Vaughn and Chevonne. ing. 084 790 6562. stand at a deeper level. The official obituary paid trib - quently, even before he learned it Passed away on July 15 BETTY’S BAY: (Western ute to Fr Ford: “Reason and reli - He was a compassionate, by experience. He died surround - after a brave acceptance of Cape) Holiday home, sleeps gion were wonderfully brought understanding person who made ed by friends, Nazareth sisters and incurable cancer. Val will be six, three bathrooms, close together by this brilliant and holy deep, long-lasting friendships with Salesian confreres. greatly missed by her family wish we could have him back to beach, r800/night. 021 Salesian in the search for truth to the people he worked with— Francois Dufour SDB and friends. Safe in the arms again. Old times we recall of 794 4293, marialouise@ of Jesus we commit a coura - things he used to say and mweb.co.za geous Soul. Sr Lilly Lee Sun OP do. We miss your tender FISH HOEK: Self-catering WERNBERG —Denis voice, infectious laugh; your accommodation, sleeps 4. Jacques. 03/01/1926 - smile has gone forever and Secure parking. Tel: 021 785 Town, in 1963, trained for three 08/07/2011. Beloved hus - your hands we cannot touch. 1247. OMINICAN Sister Lily Lee years and was sent to Rhodesia band, father, grandfather and Looking back upon the path GORDON’S BAY: Beautiful Sun of King William’s Town great grandfather passed you trod we bless each hour Teachers Training College for en-suite rooms available at died on June 28 in East Lon - away peacefully on 8/7/2011. spent with you and thank D another three years. Sr Lily taught in reasonable rates. Magnifi - don. Our God. Treasure him dear Kliptown Chinese School for three A loving, gentle man of great cent views, breakfast on Sr Lily, formerly known as Sr integrity loved and respected Lord in your garden of rest years. Kuo Ting Chinese School for for on earth he was truly our request. Tel: 082 774 7140. Paul OP, was the ninth of ten chil - four years, Dominican Convent by all who were privileged to [email protected] know him. He will be sadly very best. We keep in our dren, born in South Africa of par - School, Belgravia, St Albert’s Con - heart the love of the past, KNYSNA: Self-catering ents who came from Moiyen, vent in Hinckley, England, and missed and his memory will land with two Belgian priests, five be cherished always by his there it was planted forever accommodation for 2 in Old China. Sr Lily could speak nine lan - Springs Convent. to last. rest in peace my women and 22 children from Tai - wife Connie and his children, Belvidere with wonderful guages which aided her greatly on In 2009, Sr Lily retired to the love until we meet again. Lagoon views. 044 387 wan. Mary Anne, Philip, David, her travels throughout the world. Dominican Convent in Brakpan. Yours always Maria, Joanna, 1052. Sr Lily was spiritual director for Kevin, Stephen, Libby and She entered the Dominican Sis - Sr Lily lived in Rome for seven Angelo, Eddie and all the the Catholic Chinese Welfare Asso - their families. MARIANELLA Guest ters of Siena in King William’s months, visited the Holy Land and family. House, Simon’s Town: with her sister ciation, was one of the foundation IN MEMORIAM SANVIDO —Tony. In loving “Come experience the peace Violet, travelled members of Hong Ning (The Chi - memory of my dear hus - and beauty of God with us.” Family Reflections to China, Tai - nese Community Old Age Home CERFONTYNE —In Loving band, our father and grand - Fully equipped with amazing wan, Canada, beside St Anne’s), a member of the Memory of our dear son and father who passed away sea views. Secure parking, July 31 18th Sunday. The Lord who feeds us. Like any San Francisco, Legion of Mary: Queen of China brother Michael who passed August 1, 1998. Forever in ideal for rest and relaxation. loving parent God feeds us because he loves us, even Presidium, a member of St Vincent away July 26, 2010. We will our hearts. Always remem - Special rates for pensioners making miracles happen to do so. Why not organise a Singapore and Mauritius. de Paul Society, and an extraordi - always love and keep you in bered with love by his wife and clergy. Tel: Malcolm Sal - special tea or meal for grandparents, or other older peo - our hearts. Mom, Dad, Heidi Nancy, his children and ple to express gratitude for their love and care. Older peo - She also nary minister of Holy Communion ida 082 784 5675 or mjsali ple too can take some time to give of themselves and toured South at Holy Angels, Bez Valley. & Carla grandchildren. rIP [email protected] share their wisdom with their grandchildren. Africa and Swazi - Submitted by Lily Loo. DU PLESSIS —Dion. 31 May SKIATOS: (Langebaan) Hol - 1975 – 27 July 2007. You PERSONAL iday home for hire, sleeps are always in our thoughts ABORTION WARNING: 10-12. Special rates for and prayers. Lovingly ‘The Pill’ can abort, undetect - Catholics. To book contact Liturgical Calendar remembered and deeply Jean on 072 243 1379 or Year A Communit y Calendar ed, soon after conception (a missed. Mom, Dad, Paige, medical fact). See website: 021 981 9816. Sunday, July 31, 18th Sunday To place your event, call Claire Allen at 021 46 5 5007 Neil and Charlotte. www.humanlife.org/abortion_ SOUTH COAST , uvongo: Isaiah 55:1-3, Psalm 145:8-9, 15-18, Romans 8:35:37-39, or e-mail [email protected], (publication subject to space) FR JIM McCAULEY —Fr Jim does_the_pill.php Secure holiday unit, with Matthew 14:13-21 is remembered with love and lock-up garage. Sleeps 6. In Monday, August 1, St Alphonsu Liguori CAPE TOWN : students are requested to MATURE lady seeks live-in Fundraiser Car Boot Sale contact union’s PrO & Chair - a big hug. Maureen Mayes position. Cape Town, Preto - complex. r350 per night. Numbers 11:4-15, Psalm 81:12-17, Matthew 14:22-36 and the family. 078 935 9128. Tuesday, August 2, Ss Eusebius of Vercelli, Peter Eymard and morning market at St man of the Board, Mos - ria or Johannesburg. 074 Numbers 12:1-13, Psalm 51:3-7,12-13, Matthew 15:1-2, Brendan’s church, Cnr Long - alashuping Morudi 073 768 GOUVEIA —Edwardo. 315 3381 UMHLANGA ROCKS: Fully 10-14 boat rd (off Ou Kaapseweg) 3653, John Siyoko 079 181 30.07.2010. Dear God, equipped self-catering 3 bed - Wednesday, August 3, feria and Corvette Street, Sunval - 5716 or Kagisho Mogamisi please take this message to ACCOMMODATION room, 2 bathroom house, Numbers 13:1-2, 25-14,1:26-29, Psalm 106:6-7, 13:-14, 21- ley, Fish Hoek, Last Saturday 082 451 5893 or sbonifa@ our precious Dad in heaven sleeps 6, sea view, 200 m every month. All welcome. OFFERED 23, Matthew 15:21-28 iafrica.com above. Tell him, how much from beach, DSTV. Tel: Holi - Thursday, August 4, St John Vianney Info and stall reservations: we miss him and give him CAPE TOWN , Cape Penin - day Division, 031 561 5838, Numbers 20:1-13, Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9, Matthew 16:13-23 Maggi-Mae 021 782 9263 or MAFIKENG: Annual dioce - our love. A year has passed sula: Beautiful homes to buy [email protected] Friday, August 5, Dedication of the basilica of St Mary 082 892 4502 san music festival, Septem - and our entire family is still or rent. Maggi-Mae 082 892 Deuteronomy 4:32-40, Psalm 77:12-16, 21, Matthew [email protected] ber 3, admission r350, clos - feeling the pain. We miss 4502. Colliers International 16:24-28 KIMBERLEY: ing date for booking August him in so many ways and False Bay, 021 782 9263, Saturday, August 6, Transfiguration of the Lord The St Boniface Past Stu - 27. Choirs throughout Kim - UPHOLSTERER Deuteronomy 7:9-10, 13-14, Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6,9, Matthew dents’ union is busy preparing berly Diocese are eligible to 17:1-9 to celebrate its 60th anniver - take part. Contact 072 569 More than 50 years of Sunday, August 7, 19th Sunday sary on September 24. Past 7531or 058 861 4411. experience guarantees 1Kings 19: 9,11-13, Psalm 85:9-14, 15-18, Romans 9:1-5, Tony Wyllie & Co. you satisfaction. Matthew 14:22-33 Catholic Funeral Home Ph 021 6371938 Word of the Personal and Dignified after hours 021 7012692. 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19th Sunday: August 7 Readings: 1 Kings 19: 9a, 11-13a; Psalm 85:9-14; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:22-23 Encounter the mystery of God in all things FRICAN people very often rub their eyes incredulously at the agnostic Gentiles (that is, most of us who read the with that mystery. After feeding the crowds, scepticism of Europe; for them the Southern Cross ) have access by faith to God’s Jesus, rather surprisingly, “forced the disci - A Nicholas King SJ plan for us. ples to go on board the boat, and to go reality of the mystery called God is very close indeed. Next Sunday’s readings may However that raises the question of what ahead of him to the other side, while he dis - Sunday reflections happens to the Jews, God’s chosen people. missed the crowds”. He however goes up give us pause if we too are inclined to brush Paul is absolutely clear that God has not “into the mountain privately to pray”. God aside. changed his mind; listen to the solemn Then, as if it were the most natural thing in The first reading gives us the lovely pic - tones with which Paul starts this part of the the world, when they are in difficulties with ture of Elijah, who is on the run from and went out and stood at the entrance of epistle: “I am speaking the truth in Christ, I the waves, “in the fourth watch of the night Jezebel, after his murderous triumph over the cave”. am not lying; my conscience bears witness he came to them, walking on the sea”. the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel; he is We must learn to encounter the mystery to me in the Holy Spirit”. Not surprisingly, they assumed it must be hidden in a cave and, frankly, sulking, but of God everywhere in God’s creation, and You could hardly get more emphatic a ghost. He reassured them, “Courage—it’s he has to be educated in the mystery of not just in the loud noises. than that. And what is he saying? He is me”; but Peter, impetuous as ever, is having God, who is not to be dictated to, even by The psalm ist knows that it takes a bit of speaking of his “immense pain and unceas - none of it, and demands a sign: “Tell me to very successful prophets like Elijah. effort to “listen to what the Lord God will ing agony” with regard to the people of come to you on the water.” He gets it, and So he is dragged out of his cave to meet say”, but that it is worth it, “for he shall God, and, astonishingly, says that he could starts out but then realises what he has God, and to be taught the lesson that God is speak peace”. And he is well aware that God wish himself “accursed from Christ for their done. not always how human beings imagine. is not remote, but “his salvation is near to sakes”, and insists that they are really In desperation he addresses the mystery: So the appearance of God is heralded, those who fear him, for his glory to dwell in “Israelites, children of God; they have the “Lord, save me!”, he bellows, and finds him - first, by “a great and mighty wind, splitting our land”. What is more, God has compan - glory and the covenants and the Law-giving, self taken by the hand, and rebuked: “You mountains and shattering rocks”, and you ions: “Love and integrity...righteousness and and the Temple worship, and the promises person of little faith—why were you afraid?” think, “Ah! That must be God, then”, but peace.” You may not be able to see God, nor and the ancestors. And the Messiah came Then, suddenly, they are back in the boat, “the Lord was not in the wind”, and similar - may God’s appearance be what we assume it from them!” and the wind has stopped (of course!); and ly with the equally impressive “earthquake” to be; but he is there, just beyond our Christians, as the present pope has the boat turns into the church as they wor - and “fire”. glance. Let us pray this week to attend to recently reminded us, have absolutely no ship him: “Truly you are the Son of God.” It is only when there is something like a the presence of God in our lives. justification for the condemnation of our That is the climax of this extraordinary “thin soft voice” (no one can agree on the In the second reading , Paul has complet - Jewish brothers and sisters in which we have story. translation, but it is clearly much less ed some of the more difficult argumentation too readily indulged, thereby ignoring the This week, let us allow the mystery of our impressive than the preceding phenomena) of the letter to the Romans, showing that profound mystery of God. very present God to capture our imagination that Elijah “wrapped his face in his mantle, because of what God has done in Jesus, the In the gospel we are brought face to face and transform our existence.

How to count your blessings Southern Cross word #455 1 2 3 4 5

6 people in the world. HIS is one of the nicest e-mails of its “If you can attend a church without 7 8 9 kind I have ever received. It starts the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or Toff with the introduction: “I dreamt Chris Moerdyk death you are envied by, and more that I went to heaven and an angel was blessed than, three billion people in the showing me around.” From there, the The Last Word world. 10 narrator continues: “If your parents are still alive and still We walked side-by-side inside a large married, then you are very rare. workroom filled with angels. My angel “How is it that there is no work going “If you can hold your head up and 11 12 13 guide stopped in front of the first section on here?” I asked. “So sad,” the angel smile, you are not the norm, but unique and said: “This is the Receiving Section. sighed. “After people receive the blessings to all those in doubt and despair.” 14 Here, all petitions to God said in prayer that they asked for, very few send back “Ok,” I said, “what now? How can I 16 are received.” acknowledgments.” start?” 15 I looked around in this area, and it was “How does one acknowledge God’s “Count your blessings, and if you care terribly busy with so many angels sorting blessings?” I asked. “Simple,” the angel to, pass this along to remind everyone out petitions written on voluminous answered. “Just say: ‘Thank you, Lord’.” else how blessed we all are,” the angel 17 18 paper sheets and scraps from people all “What blessings should they acknowl - said. over the world. edge?” I asked. “And perhaps send the following mes - Then we moved on down a long corri - The angel replied: “If you have food in sage up to Heaven: ‘ATTN: Acknowledge dor until we reached the second section. the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a Dept. Thank you Lord, for giving me the 19 20 roof overhead and a place to sleep, then ability to share this message and for giv - The angel then said to me: “This is the ACROSS DOWN Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the you are richer than 75% of people in this ing me so many wonderful people with 1. Incensed thurible may do it 1. Twelve such periods for the graces and blessings the people asked for world. If you have money in the bank, in whom to share it’.” (4) holy hour (4,7) are processed and delivered to the living your wallet, and spare change in a dish, The e-mail then poses a challenge: “If 3. Likely (8) 2. Affected by mania (5) persons who asked for them.” then you are among the top 8% of the you have read this far and are thankful 7. They deliberately damage 4. Reigns only to abdicate (6) I noticed again how busy it was there. world’s wealthiest. for all that you have been blessed with, church property (7) 5. Kind of obligatory duty (7) There were many angels working hard at “If you get this on your own comput - how can you not send it on?” 8. He was lost and is ... (Lk 15) 6. You will hear it in the old that station, since so many blessings had er, you are part of the 1% in the world Quite right, how can one resist not (5) sung Mass (5,5) 10. Creature that ridicules you been requested and were being packaged who has that opportunity. passing this on? I just did, right here. 8. How to keep your belief (10) “If you woke up this morning with in flight? (11) 9. Said scourge makes you lose for delivery to Earth. Now for something else to do with 11. She’s in the convent but not more health than illness, then you are prayers. A bar is suing a church in Mt heart (11) Finally at the farthest end of the long yet professed (6) 12. They’re given off by the corridor we stopped at the door of a very more blessed than the many who will not Vernon, Texas. 13. Japanese religion (6) thurible (7) small station. To my great surprise, only even survive this day. It all started when Drummond’s Bar 15. It identifies the order of 14. The thurible does it swing - one angel was seated there, idly doing “If you have never experienced fear in decided to expand in order to increase King David’s songs (5,6) ingly (6) nothing. “This is the Acknowledgment battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, their business. In response, the local Bap - 17. Sudden burst of speed (5) 16. ... all ye dear-bought the agony of torture, or the pangs of star - tist church started a campaign to block 18. Doing so will break a com - nations (hymn) (5) Section,” my angel friend quietly admit - mandment (7) ted to me. He seemed embarrassed. vation, then you are ahead of 700 million the bar from expanding with petitions and prayers. Work progressed right up 19. Sid rests having extreme anxiety (8) Conrad until the week before the grand reopen - 20. Rock of ... (hymn) (4) ing when lightning struck the bar and it Solutions on page 11 burned to the ground. The church folk were rather smug in their outlook, bragging about the power of prayer, until the bar owner sued the CHURCH CHUCKLE church on the grounds that it “was ulti - mately responsible for the demise of his NE Sunday after Mass, a Mom asked her building, either through direct or indirect very young daughter what the lesson was actions or means”. Oabout. In its reply to the court, the church The daughter answered: “Don’t be scared, vehemently denied all responsibility or you’ll get your quilt.” any connection to the fire. Needless to say, the Mom was perplexed. Later The judge opened the proceedings by in the day, the priest stopped by for tea and the saying: “I don’t know how I’m going to Mom asked him what that morning’s Sunday decide this, but it appears that we have a school lesson was about. bar owner who believes in the power of He said: “Be not afraid, thy comforter is prayer, and a church congregation that coming.” does not.” Send us your favourite Catholic joke, preferably clean and brief, to Makes you think doesn’t it? The Southern Cross, Church Chuckle, PO Box 2372, Cape Town, 8000.