The SSoouutthheerrnnCCrroossss November 26 to December 2, 2014 Reg No. 1920/002058/06 No 4901 www.scross.co.za R7,00 (incl VAT RSA)

Daswa pilgrim Fr Rolheiser: The centre site Why people are consecrated blessed leaving Church life explained Page 3 Page 12 Page 10 Parliament’s ‘circus’ a threat to democracy

BY STUART GRAHAM Mr Pothier said much of the problem stemmed from the “problematic fact” that Ms HE use of a police riot squad to deal with Mbete held the position of speaker while also a disagreement in Parliament is “highly acting as the chairwoman of the ANC. Tproblematic” and shows a deep misun - “The speaker must be non-partisan and derstanding of the Constitution, according to enjoy the respect of all MPs across the house,” an official of the Catholic Parliamentary Liai - said Mr Pothier. son Office. He noted that previous speakers such as Mike Pothier said the incident, which hap - Max Sisulu and Frene Ginwala held senior po - pened when an Economic Freedom Fighter sitions in the ANC but still enjoyed the respect (EFF) member of parliament refused an order of most MPs. Neither were seen as pursuing to leave the house after calling President Jacob ANC agendas as the speakers of Partliament. Zuma a “thief”, disregarded the right of parlia - “We can debate whether Baleka Mbete has mentarians’ to free speech. used or misused her position, but the percep - “Police don’t have the jurisdiction to just tion is there... You cannot wear both of those barge in where they like,” he said. “The respect hats. You cannot have an office bearer pursu - of freedom of speech and the respect of the ing interests of party. You would expect her to rights of MPs in the National Assembly is para - act even-handedly in a non-partisan way.” mount,” Mr Pothier said. “You do not call in a Mr Pothier said the conflict in the assembly riot squad to deal with a parliamentary issue. is likely to continue until Ms Mbete steps This shows a deep misunderstanding of the down. It would be better, he said, if she was re - Constitution.” placed by an MP who does enjoy the confi - This month’s chaos followed upheaval in dence and respect of the house. Parliament in August when EFF MPs heckled The EFF meanwhile, should also take a Mr Zuma on when he would reimburse tax - share of the blame for what has happened. payers for upgrades to his private homestead “Even if you don’t like the speaker, you in Nkandla in KwaZulu-Natal after Public Pro - cannot just ignore her rulings. The person tector Thuli Madonsela found Mr Zuma had who sits in the speaker's seat is like a judge in benefited unduly from the upgrades. President the court—there is a line you can’t really Zuma has not returned to the chamber since cross,” he said. the incident. Mechanisms exist for parties who are un - Mr Pothier said the regular fights in the Na - happy with the speaker, Mr Pothier noted. tional Assembly are bad for democracy because “You can stage a walkout as a sign of displeas - they undermine public respect for Parliament. ure. An opposition party could bring the place Redemptorist Father Sean Wales lifts the cup and the host during a Mass in the chapel (or “People already have a sceptical perception to a halt, even though you are in the minority. tabernacle) of Elijah in the church of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor during a pilgrimage about how hard MPs work and how seriously There are non-disruptive and non-disrespectful to the Holy Land, Jordan and Cairo this month. The pilgrimage was of Holy Redeemer parish they take their work,” said Mr Pothier. “This ways of registering your displeasure.” in Bergvliet, Cape Town, which Fr Wales is serving as parish priest before he takes up his kind of spectacle doesn’t enhance that reputa - The EFF, he said, used Parliament to whip position as newly-elected provincial of the Redemptorists. Members of the group noted that tion of Parliament. It is not good for democ - up emotions so that they can gain headlines Elijah and Fr Wales sported similar beards. (Photo: Gail Fowler) racy and it risks making Parliament look like a and exposure to “bolster their brand”. circus.” “The EFF has crossed the line in the way In this month’s incident, opposition parties they have refused to accept the rulings of the shouted down National Assembly speaker speaker. They are overly provocative and the Baleka Mbete when she tried to prevent them speaker and ANC have risen to that bait.” Pope confirms 2015 trip to US from bringing motions related to the spending Mr Pothier said the police should only be OPE Francis said he would attend the pected, since Pope Benedict XVI had said be - on security upgrades to Mr Zuma’s homestead. called in when a situation in the house is crit - World Meeting of Families in Philadel - fore his retirement that he hoped to attend Members of the riot police unit entered the ical. Pphia in September 2015, making it the the September 22-27 Philadelphia event. Assembly when EFF MP Ngwanamakwetle “Parliament has a sergeant-at-arms and its first confirmed stop on what is expected to Popes typically fulfill their predecessors’ Mashabela refused to obey an order for her to own security guards. If things are heated that be a more extensive papal visit to North publicly known travel plans, as Pope Francis leave the house. Ms Mashabela, who had security staff could be brought in. The police America. did in July 2013 when he attended World called Zuma a thief, was defended by opposi - should be involved only when all options have The announcement had been widely ex - Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro.—CNS tion MPs who scuffled with the police. been exhausted and the situation is critical.”

The SSoouutthheerrnn CCrroossss PILGRIMAGE 2015 For info HOLY LAND • ROME • TURIN phone Gail at 7 - 21 May 2015 076 35 2 3809 or 021 551 3923 See the Holy Land, the pope and the Shroud of [email protected] Turin with ARCHBISHOP WILLIAM SLATTERY fowlertours.co.za

Jerusalem | Bethlehem | Nazareth | Boatride on Sea of Gailee | River Jordan | Turin with reserved viewing of the Holy Shroud | Florence |Papal Audience in the Vatican |Catacombs | Ancient & Baroque Rome | Four Major Basilicas | and much more... 2 The Southern Cross, November 26 to December 2, 2014 LOCAL Kids clean bricks for new church BY STUART GRAHAM coming and going. The building Life that will start on November 29 site is busy the whole day,” she said. while serving at Mpophomeni. HE people of Mpophomeni, “This church will be beautiful The year will challenge all reli - 28km north-west of Pieter - when it is finished.” gious to revisit their call “which is Tmaritzburg, might not have Sr Mchunu says she and her fel - inherited from God”, she said. been happy when their old church low sisters are often seconded to “I think when we celebrate it, was demolished, but locals are now different parishes, such as St Anne’s, even the lay people will understand actively involved in the construc - as they are needed. what a consecrated life means,” she tion of a new church at St Anne’s parish with even the children col - “We help the sick people at said. lecting and cleaning old bricks. home,” she said. “We give home- “I can see them asking: ‘what is Sr Innocence Mchunu, a mem - based care. We care for children the meaning of this life?’ The an - ber of the Daughters of St Francis of who do not have parents and who swer is: working among people; an - Assisi order in Port Shepstone, said have been thrown in the fields. But swering the call from God. The year she and her fellow sisters arrived at now we are here to help the people will let people [become aware of] St Anne’s on January 19 this year at of Mpophomeni.” what religious life is.” the invitation of parish priest Fr Her colleague, Sr Francina Ml - Sr Mlitwa said the sisters have al - CIE Thabiso Skills Institute launched the Life Skills Manual, which was devel - Jude Fernando. itwa, said when the old St Anne’s ready started workshops looking at oped in conjunction with the Salesian Institute. The manual is used as part of “We are here to be among the was demolished weeks ago there life of St Francis of Assisi and what a Life Skills Programme which prepares learners for the world of work by pro - people, to teach catechism and to was great concern among the com - he tried to achieve through his spir - viding them with CV writing and interview skills and develops self-esteem help in any way we are needed,” munity. ituality. and self-image and gives learners skills to deal with social issues such as said Sr Mchunu. “People were saying, ‘where is “That love of nature that he had. substance abuse, rape, and HIV/Aids. (Left) Yvonne dos Santos of CIE, Sale - “There are many faithful in this our church? We want our church The looking at water, at trees and at sian Provincial Fr Francois Dufour, Fawzia Naidoo of CIE. (Right) Salesians area and many of them have been back!’ So now it is so nice to see human beings—because God is in Fr Jonathan Daniels, Br Clarence Watts and Fr Mikel Garmendia. helping to build the new church. people coming with small hammers them. People have forgotten that “Even the children are collecting and cleaning the bricks.” they are made by God. We are try - and cleaning old bricks so that we Sr Mlitwa said she has been con - ing to awaken that in them,” she Umzimkulu can use them again. People are templating the Year of Consecrated said. plans for YOCL Raffle winner sees Big Five!

STAFF REPORTER STAFF REPORTER ELIGIOUS Sisters and Broth - PRIEST who won the draw in ers of the Umzimkulu dio - the luxury safari raffle in sup - Rcese in KwaZulu-Natal met Aport of the Capuchin Sisters in with Bishop Stanislaw Dziuba in Umzumbe managed to see all of the Harding to discuss the prepara - Big Five and more in the Kruger Park. tions of the launching of the Year Fr Herman van Dijck MSC of Pre - of Consecrated Life. toria, who was joined by Steve, the Representatives of the Precious grandson of a former parish financial Blood Sisters, Daughters of St assistant, was hosted by Viva Safaris, Francis of Assisi, Little Servants of who sponsored part of the prize Mary Immaculate, Koinonia John worth R3 5 000. the Baptist and Order of St Paul The raffle was prominently adver - the 1st Hermit were present. tised in The Southern Cross . Fr van The religious received the Con - Dijck’s winning ticket was drawn live secrated Life year candle, prayer on air on Radio Veritas in August. cards, a copy of Pope Francis’ The raffle raised almost R11 0 000 apostolic exhortation The Joy of which is being used by the Capuchin the Gospel , his letter REJOICE! Sisters to make necessary renovations which was addressed to conse - to their convent in Umzumbe and to crated men and women, and the defray expenses. Fr Herman van Dijck MSC (right), friend Steven (left) and safari ranger booklet The Rosary of Parents to The theme of “Wake up the world!” Sr Maricela Morales, the convent’s Lorence from Viva Safaris, enjoy a refreshing beverage at Ezulwini Lodge, promote the family prayer in their is inspired by Pope Francis’ call to superior, said that part of the money before heading out on a game-viewing drive. Fr van Dijck won the luxury sa - parishes. action to men and women religious. has also been spent on settling all Celebrations will take place on outstanding bills, buying medicine fari raffle in aid of the Capuchin Sisters in Umzumbe. (Inset) A photograph taken by Fr Van Dijck of lions on his trip in the Kruger National Park. January 15 with the Pauline Fa - On February 14-15 a celebra - for some of the ailing sisters, and set - thers and Brothers Community tion will take place with the faith - ting up a vegetable garden. and sewing machines have been been retiled. The balance will be used and the feast of St Paul the 1st ful of Umzimkulu diocese at In addition, a new kitchen stove bought and the reception area has to maintain the property. Hermit. A braai will also be held. which vocations will be promoted On February 7, a consecrated among youth and pilgrims. life celebration will be held with From April 7-11 a retreat will be the religious of the KwaZulu-Natal held with the religious sisters and Edmund Rice Camps region at Emaus mission. brothers in Coolock House. celebrates children

BY DYLAN APPOLIS Embassy of Japan brings DMUND Rice Camps (ERC) showed their grati - tude towards sponsors by inviting them to cele - comfort to Little Eden Ebrate an evening of investment. The “evening of investment” at the Christian Brothers Centre in Stellenbosch celebrated the lives BY DYLAN APPOLIS of children, youth and young adults. ESIDENTS and staff of Little Guests were greeted by ERC members and the Eden joined delegates from the sounds of a Marimba band, which had people danc - Rembassy of Japan during a ing as soon as they entered the event. small ceremony to open the recently “If we invest in the children, it will give them extended day rooms at the home in hope to do more in their lives and that is what ERC Bapsfontein, Johannesburg. does for the children,” said keynote speaker James Little Eden had approached the Albanie of the Western Cape government’s Social HOLY SITES Japanese embassy for funding to ex - Development and Youth Programme. tend the two day rooms for boys and ERC believes that each person has the right to be TRAVEL girls with profound intellectual dis - safe, to be loved, cared for and to be granted oppor - Priests and Group Leaders – ability. tunities to discover and realise their full potential in “Caring for our special people Travel to the Holy Land free of charge goes far beyond providing a meal life. Denzel Swartz, who was a “buddy” and leader at Have you ever considered leading a group on a and a bed to sleep in. We evaluate pilgrimage to the Holy Land? and monitor the service we provide the ERC said that in his 14 years with the organisa - tion, the camps had “given me the courage to do Become a “Holy Sites Travel” Pilgrimage Group for them daily through spiritual en - Leader and enrich the lives of others and renew richment and the values of respect, Hiroaki Fujiwara, minister of the em - more. They taught me that if you care for others, your own spirit! sanctity of life and love and care to bassy of Japan, unveiled a plaque at they will care for you. I was encouraged to think ensure that we continue to provide the extended day rooms of Little further and was given an opportunity to do what I It’s not just a tour – it is a life changing journey. Eden with Maurizio Galimberti, chair - the residents with quality care wanted to do with my life.” We know what it takes to organise a pilgrimage, and man of the home’s board of gover - The vision of ERC offers opportunities for mar - to make sure everything goes smoothly from which is important for them to nors. reach their full potential,” said Lucy ganilised children, youth and young adults to expe - beginning to end. Slaviero, Little Eden’s CEO. embassy of Japan, congratulated Lit - rience meaningful relationships and to facilitate life- With our support and help, you will be proud that The residents have already tle Eden on their work for people coping skills, empowering them to become agents you are the leader of your group. You will also be moved into their renovated rooms with intellectual disability. of change within in their communities. travelling free of charge as the spiritual director or and the impact of the renovations “From the heart of the people n For more information on how to volunteer or donate group leader [minimum 20 paying passengers] on the residents is already visible, and government of Japan, I hope the to ERC, contact Jennifer Fredricks at info@edmundrice glory to be with this home,” Mr Fu - camps.org.za or 07 3 40 4 6282, or go to www.ed said Mrs Slaviero. Prices from as little as R26, 200.00 per person shar - Hiroaki Fujiwara, minister of the jiwara said. mundricecamps.org.za . ing for 10 days.

For more information on how to become a group leader contact us at: [email protected] Visit us on facebook! Read and comment on our articles or 082 975 0034 www.facebook.com/thescross online www.scross.co.za LOCAL The Southern Cross, November 26 to December 2, 2014 3 Bishop blesses Daswa shrine site

BY STAFF REPORTER baptised on April 21, 1963, and re - ceived his first Holy Communion. ISHOP João Rodrigues of Tza - Three months later he was con - neen has blessed the land that firmed. Bwill house the shrine and pil - Being greatly influenced by his grimage site for the late Benedict catechist Benedict Risimati, who Daswa, who is being considered for later became a priest, he made his beatification as a martyr own the motto of St Benedict of The bishop led around 900 paris - Norcia: “Pray and Work”. honers in the celebration at a gath - Daswa made no secret of his ering at Tshitanini Village in the stance against the widespread prac - parish of Thohoyandou. tice of witchcraft, sorcery and ritual During a Mass Bishop Rodrigues murder. solemnly blessed the 10 hectare plot Accusations of witchcraft are fre - of land which the diocese has ac - quently made out of jealousy, fear quired for the future shrine and pil - and suspicion against those who are grimage centre in honour of seen to be more committed and suc - Benedict Daswa. cessful in their enterprises. Daswa Twelve miraculous medals realised that individuals must be brought especially from Paris were freed from these paralysing supersti - buried at the place where the future tions in order to take personal re - church is to be built, said Sr sponsibility and grow into mature (Left) Bishop João Rodrigues blesses the 10 hectare area of land obtained for Benedict Daswa’s shrine and pilgrim - Claudette Hiosan, promoter of the adults. age centre at at Tshitanini Village in Thohoyandou. (Right) Children of the parish join in the celebration . cause for Daswa’s sainthood. On February 2, 1990 he was “These twelve medals of the stoned and bludgeoned to death Mother of God symbolise the after speaking out against a witch ucation and also involving the par - is also positive, a Decree of Martyr - outspreading the Word of God, to church built on the foundation of hunt. ents as partners in the educative dom will be issued by the prefect of extract inhumanity from our peo - the twelve apostles.” Sr Hiosan said Benedict Daswa’s process. the sainthood congregation. This ple, and more importantly, to en - Before the final blessing two trees life and death have a very special “As a family man he was a gen - will be sent to the Holy Father for able the government to lead law were planted, one by Bishop Ro - relevance, not only for the Church, uine role-model as husband and fa - ratification. The pope then sets a abiding and ethical citizens,” she drigues, representing the Church, but also for the wider society. ther and totally committed to the date for the beatification. said. and the other by the mayor of the “After his baptism, Benedict be - ideal of the family as the domestic After beatification, the Servant of “Benedict Daswa has done what Thulamela municipality, Grace Ma - came deeply involved in various Church.” God will be referred to as “Blessed God called him to do, which is why hosi. areas of the local Church,” she said. Benedict Daswa”. we are here today, to celebrate his Those present at the celebration “He had a preferential love for ine theological consultors ap - If approved, the beatification cer - exemplary life, and also to encour - included heads of the local tribal young people and spent many Npointed by the Sacred Congre - emony will likely take place in age others to follow in his foot - and municipal authorities, members hours and weekends catechising gation for the Causes of Saints to South Africa, probably in 2015. steps,” the mayor said. of the Daswa family and representa - and guiding them.” examine the cause of Benedict For Benedict Daswa to be de - Mayor Mahosi added: “He even tives from some other Christian As a teacher, he was concerned Daswa unanimously voted in Octo - clared a “saint” a miracle attributa - went as far as standing up for what churches. not only about giving good educa - ber that he had died a martyr. ble solely to his intercession must be he believed in showing true reflec - Benedict Daswa, the eldest of five tion but also about imparting moral A commission of 22 bishops and formally recognised by the Church. tions of valiance, as he strongly de - children was born on June 16, 1946 values and character formation to cardinals will meet in Rome on Jan - Mayor Mahosi said in her speech tested witchcraft acts, which led to in the village of Mbahe near Tho - the learners. uary 13 to discuss and vote on the at the blessing event that Thulamela his merciless death.” hoyandou. He belonged to the He was also a very conscientious Positio and Report of the theological communities need moral generating n For further information about the Bakali clan of the Lemba tribe. school principal, moulding and mo - consultants. role models such as Daswa. Daswa cause please contact the Sr A convert to Catholicism, he was tivating his staff to provide good ed - If the result of their deliberations “We need them to play roles in Hiosan on 076 579 8843. PRIESTS OF THE SACRED HEART

“Here I am Lord” Vocation Office: P.O. Box 630 Hilton 3245 South Africa

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John Patrick Sauer, who has served on the altar in churches in Cape and of Our Lady and baby Jesus. Advent wreaths, vestments, Town and Oudtshoorn diocese for an unbroken 50 years, is seen with Pal - lottine Father Cosmas Onwukwe of George. Mr Sauer, known as JP, stoles, banners and altar linen for Christmas. began his long service at Our Lady Help of Christian church in Lans - downe under the instruction of the late Fr John Maggott. For 20 years he served in Our Lady Queen of Peace in Grassy Park. He also served in St Anne’s in Steenberg. While at Grassy Park his children also became altar servers. Later he served in St Theresa’s church in Knysna and now in St Order early to avoid Vincent Pallotti church in Pacaltsdorp, George. Mr Sauer, who celebrates his birthday on November 30, says that he has “been blessed with joyous and happy years in the altar service ministry”. disappointment He encourages “all juniors in our Church throughout our country to take up this worthy and inspiring ministry”, saying that it can become a spring - Tel: +27 11 782 3135, Fax: 086 263 7303 board for young men to join the priesthood. [email protected] 4 The Southern Cross, November 26 to December 2, 2014 INTERNATIONAL Pope calls for revolutionaries of traditional family BY FRANCIS X ROCCA Pope Francis said that “marriage Catholic culture—to recognise that that all the roles and relations of and the family are in crisis. We now our fragile social environments are the two sexes are fixed in a single, OPE Francis has called for pre - live in a culture of the temporary, in also at risk. It is therefore essential static pattern,” he said. “Comple - serving the family as an insti - which more and more people are that we foster a new human ecol - mentarity will take many forms as tution based on marriage P simply giving up on marriage as a ogy.” each man and woman brings his or between a man and a woman, public commitment. The revolution Pope Francis voiced hope that her distinctive contributions to which he said is not a political in mores and morals has often young people would be “revolu - their marriage and to the educa - cause but a matter of “human ecol - ogy”, and warned that the comple - flown the flag of freedom, but in tionaries with the courage to seek tion of their children.” mentarity between male and female fact it has brought spiritual and ma - true and lasting love, going against Pope Francis said Christians find should not insist on stereotypical terial devastation to countless the current”. But he also warned the meaning of complementarity gender roles. human beings, especially the poor - against falling into the “trap of in St Paul’s First Letter to the “The complementarity of man est and most vulnerable.” being swayed by ideological con - Corinthians, “where the apostle and woman... is at the root of mar - According to the pope, the “cri - cepts”. tells us that the Spirit has endowed riage and the family,” the pope said sis in the family has produced an “We cannot speak today of the each of us with different gifts so at the opening of a three-day inter - ecological crisis, for social environ - conservative family or the progres - that—just as the human body’s religious conference on traditional ments, like natural environments, sive family,” he said. “The family is members work together for the marriage. need protection”. the family.” good of the whole—everyone’s gifts “Children have the right to grow “Although the human race has The pope also stressed that the can work together for the benefit of up in a family with a father and come to understand the need to ad - complementarity between male each”. Pope Francis and Cardinal Gerhard Müller, prefect of the Vatican Con - mother capable of creating a suit - dress conditions that menace our and female does not necessarily en - “To reflect upon complementar - gregation for Doctrine, during the in - natural environments, we have tail stereotypical gender roles. ity is nothing less than to ponder able environment for the child’s de - terreligious conference on traditional velopment and emotional been slower—we have been slower “Let us not confuse [comple - the dynamic harmonies at the heart marriage. (Photo: Chris Warde- maturity,” he said. in our culture, and also in our mentarity] with the simplistic idea of all creation,” the pope said.—CNS Jones, courtesy Humanum.it) Vatican puts focus on autism UUrsulinesrsulines ooff tthehe B Blessedlessed VVirginirgin MMaryary BY LAURA IERACI Asperger’s syndrome and Rett from their families, and the syndrome, which create difficul - Church seeks to express its care, WWee a arere t hthee U Ursulinesrsulines ooff tthehe BBlessedlessed VirginVirgin Mary, Mary, ARING for people with ties for people in the areas of so - closeness and solidarity to them, autism spectrum disorders called to serve Christ through education of girls, cial interaction and Archbishop Zimowski said. called to serve Christ through education of girls, Cis to care for families, said communication, though with In addition to offering a women and servants, pastoral and social work. Archbishop Zygmunt Zimowski, varying degrees, ranging from forum for an exchange of infor - women and servants, pastoral and social work. president of the Pontifical Coun - mild to debilitating severity. mation and ideas, Archbishop DDoo yyouou ffeeleel GGod’sod’s ccall?all? JoinJoin us.us. cil for Health Care Ministry. The Vatican conference was Zimowski said conference organ - “Autism Spectrum Disorders designed to bring together inter - isers also wanted to offer a con - (ASD) affect families, not just national experts in the areas of text in which people who live the person who has the illness,” medicine, psychology, family and work with ASD, even the the archbishop told reporters at life and pastoral care. More than most difficult cases, can renew Contact Vocation the Vatican as he introduced an 700 participants from 57 coun - their hope. interdisciplinary conference for tries had registered. Organisers said they hoped directress: health care workers, caregivers The social impact of ASD is the conference would help to Ursuline Sisters and ministers. often isolation and marginalisa - raise awareness about ASD, PO Box 36 Coinciding with the confer - tion. But Camillian Father Au - whose incidence has increased Ngqeleni ence, Pope Francis had his first gusto Chendi, undersecretary of in recent years. Worldwide, official audience with people the council, said the conference about one child in every 110 is 5140 with ASD and their families. “intends to contribute to break - estimated to have ASD. Cell: 072 958 2111 The meeting with the pope ing the isolation and, in many While a wide range of studies was expected to include a mo - cases, the stigma that weigh on into the causes of ASD have ment of prayer, but also music OR people affected with Autism turned up numerous genetic and because, organisers said, the fes - Spectrum Disorders, and often environmental factors, none of tive spirit of the encounter on their families.” them independently “are either Box 212 would facilitate the participation Children and adults with ASD necessary or sufficient in deter - Libode of people with ASD. require an enormous commit - mining the pathology,” Arch - The disorders include autism, ment of time, resources and care bishop Zimowski said.—CNS 5160 Contact Vocation directress: Ursuline SistersTel: Mo 047unt N555icho 0018las PO Box 212 Libode, 5160, E Cape Tel 047 555 0018 Cell: 072 437 4244 or 078 354 2440 A papal Sunday afternoon

BY CINDY WOODEN OPE Francis spent a Sunday afternoon at the papal vil - Plas in Castel Gandolfo, hav - ing lunch at the papal farm and blessing two new statues by an Argentine artist. The pope recited the Angelus with visitors in St Peter’s Square at noon, ending with a blessing and by wishing the crowd a “good lunch”. Pope Francis had his lunch out at Castel Gandolfo’s “Fran - toio”, the building named after the olive press at the papal farm. He was joined, among others, by Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello, president of the commission governing Vatican City State; Osvaldo Gianoli, director of the Pope Francis prays in front of two new statues by Argentine artist Ale - papal villas, and his family; the jandro Marmo at the papal villa at Castel Gandolfo. The pope blessed Argentine artist Alejandro the statues, which are iron sculptures of the crucified Christ and Our Marmo and his family. Lady of Lujan. (Photo: L’Osservatore Romano/CNS) After lunch, Fr Lombardi said, “the pope walked to the knew from Argentina, and he the crucified Christ and of Our nearby heliport where he met a proceeded to bless the two Lady of Lujan—created by group of about 40 people he works of art”—iron sculptures of Marmo.—CNS Eastern Catholic priests’ marriages OK BY LAURA IERACI married men. In recent years, rite bishop in writing “in order however, some Eastern Catholic to have his opinion and any rel - HE Vatican has lifted its bishops went ahead with such evant information.” ban on the ordination of ordinations discreetly without The new legislation puts into Tmarried men to the priest - Vatican approval. universal law the possibility of hood in Eastern Catholic The new law says the pope Eastern Catholic married men churches outside their tradi - concedes to Eastern Catholic being ordained throughout the tional territories. bishops outside their traditional world. Pope Francis approved lifting territory the faculties to “allow Among the Orthodox, the the ban, also doing away with pastoral service of Eastern mar - ban had created a sense that the provision that, in excep - ried clergy” and “to ordain East - their tradition would not be re - tional cases, Eastern Catholic ern married candidates” in their spected in the event of full com - bishops in the diaspora could re - eparchies or dioceses, although munion between the two ceive Vatican approval to ordain they must inform the local Latin- churches, experts said.—CNS INTERNATIONAL The Southern Cross, November 26 to December 2, 2014 5 Seal of the confessional Demons: incubi and succubi absolute, even after death go to Google: sine-glossa.blogspot.com BY CINDY WOODEN that since the Fourth Lateran The seal, he said, is intended Council in 1215 spelled out the to protect the most intimate part HE secrecy of a confession penalties in Church law for vio - of the human person, “that is, to is maintained so seriously lating the secret of the confes - safeguard the presence of God Tand completely by the sional, “the discipline of the within each man”. The effect of Catholic Church that a priest Church in this matter has re - the secret, he said, is that it also would be excommunicated for mained substantially the same”, protects a person’s reputation revealing the contents of a con - with the exception of additional and right to privacy. fession when ordered to testify by a court or even after the pen - protections. The confessional seal, Mgr itent dies, Vatican officials have One of those additions, the Nykiel said, “is binding not only said. newspaper said, was a 1988 on the confessor, but also on the “No confessor can be dis - Church law explicitly stating interpreter, if present, and any - pensed from it, even if he would that using an “electronic appara - one who in any way, even casu - want to reveal the contents of a tus” to record, broadcast or oth - ally, comes to know of the sins confession in order to prevent a erwise share the contents of a confessed”. serious and imminent evil,” said confession also is an excommu - The Church, he said, takes the Mgr Krzysztof Nykiel, regent of nicable offence. seal so seriously that it forbids, the Apostolic Penitentiary, a Vat - Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, on the pain of excommunica - ican court dealing with matters head of the Apostolic Peniten - tion, a priest from testifying in of conscience. tiary, told conference partici - court about what he heard in the The penitentiary sponsored a pants it is important “to remove confessional, “even if the peni - conference at the Vatican on any suspicion” that the Church’s tent requests” he testify. “the confessional seal and pas - commitment to the confessional Not even the death of the toral privacy”. seal “is designed to cover in - penitent can absolve the confes - According to the Vatican trigues, plots or mysteries as peo - sor from the obligation to main - newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano , ple sometimes naively believe or, tain the secret, Mgr Nykiel conference participants heard more easily, are led to believe”. said.—CNS Shower facilities built for the homeless on Vatican streets Is the Holy Land safe for pilgrims? BY CINDY WOODEN HE archbishop who distrib - es, it is! Images on the TV news might create an idea that the Holy Land is utes charity on behalf of dangerous for vistors. But where pilgrims go, life goes on as it always does. TPope Francis has an - Y nounced that the public rest - So we can be sure that pilgrims are safe in the Holy Land? rooms in St Peter’s Square will Yes, we can. Our guides and drivers know the region intimately, and they know include showers where the exactly where possible troublespots might be – should there be any, they will homeless can wash. be easily bypassed. Working within a network, our guides and drivers of the The service will require volun - Holy Land are experts in keeping pilgrims well out of harm’s way . teers and donations of soap, tow - els and clean underwear, But is there a possibility that things go wrong for pilgrims? Archbishop Konrad Krajewski, Even in past times of unrest, not a single pilgrim among millions ever came to the papal almoner, said. “We harm. The Holy Land is always absolutely safe for pilgrims. have to be evangelical, but intel - And you can guarantee that? ligent, too.” Fowler Tours is so confident that owner Gail Fowler or a representative will Several people living on the personally accompany all tours to the Holy Land. What better guarantee can streets of Rome or in tents say it there be? is not difficult to find a parish or CONTACT FOWLER TOURS FOR PERFECTLY charity that will give them some - thing to eat, but finding a place SAFE HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGES! to wash is much more difficult. Barbara, a Polish woman who A homeless person sleeps outside the Vatican press office near St Phone Gail at 076 35 2 3809 or 021 55 1 3923 lives in a tent with her teenage Peter’s Square. Public restrooms in St Peter’s Square will be reno - son and a companion, said show - vated to include showers so the homeless can wash. Dozens of home - [email protected] www.fowlertours.co.za ers in the Vatican’s public rest - less people live within sight of the Vatican. (Photo: Paul Haring/CNS) rooms “would be good. We’d thank them if it works.” just behind the Vatican post of - and other organisations offer Her companion, who calls fice. shower facilities to the homeless himself Stefano, said: “I’m a The archbishop told Vatican in Rome, Barbara said, “but there mason without work. I’ll help Insider that in early October he are so many things you have to them build it. No problem.” was talking to a homeless man do. You have to get there at 4 in The news site Vatican Insider near the Vatican and discovered the morning to sign in. Then first reported the news that Arch - it was the man’s 50th birthday. only 15 people get in each day.” bishop Krajewski had asked the He invited the man to a restau - Archbishop Krajewski told office governing Vatican City rant for dinner, but the man de - Vatican Insider that he is visiting State to include showers in an al - clined, saying a restaurant would parishes in areas where homeless ready-approved project to re - not let him in because of his people gather and is encouraging model the public restrooms in St odour. them to install public showers if Peter’s Square. Sitting on the steps of the Vat - they have not already. His office The remodelling work and in - ican press office, Barbara and Ste - will help fund the building, he stallation of the showers began fano were discussing the plans said. in mid-November. The arch - with a small group of Polish “It is not simple,” he said. “It bishop said the three shower friends—and expressing some is easier to prepare sandwiches stalls would be located in the doubts about it to reporters. than to run a shower service— public restrooms a few steps The Rome diocesan Caritas, you need volunteers, towels, north of Bernini’s colonnade, the Community of Sant’Egidio clean underwear.”—CNS Ugandan priest in Mexican massacre grave BY DAVID AGREN the child of an alleged gangster. Multimedial reports seven priests Fr Ssenyondo was abducted by were murdered over the past two HE remains of a Ugandan armed assailants after celebrating years. Another two priests are missionary priest missing a wedding on April 30. His re - missing. for months were recovered T mains were identified using den - Investigators and private from a mass grave in the south - ern Mexican state of Guerrero, tal records. search parties have uncovered adding to the horror of the Fr Ssenyondo had been work - unmarked graves across Guerrero crimes and killings in a region ing in a small parish near the city state, where organised crime and now notorious for the disappear - of Chilapa, 160km north of Aca - drug cartels are accused of oper - ance and possible deaths of 43 pulco, since 2010. He reportedly ating with impunity and infiltrat - teacher trainees. had refused to pay extortion, ing municipal governments. Comboni Father John which was demanded because he Recently 43 teacher trainees in Ssenyondo was found in a grave was believed to be receiving for - Guerrero state went missing. Fed - with six other bodies in the Dio - eign funds. eral officials say police detained cese of Chilpancingo-Chilapa, ac - The death again demonstrated them and handed them over to cording to a source quoted by the risks run by priests working in gang members, who confessed to Reuters. The source said Fr regions rife with organised-crime burning the bodies in a garbage Ssenyondo had refused to baptise activities. The Centro Catolico dump. —CNS 6 The Southern Cross, November 26 to December 2, 2014 LEADER PAGE LETTERS TO The Editor reserves the right to shorten or edit published letters. Letters below 300 words receive pref - erence. Pseudonyms are acceptable only under special circumstances and at the Editor’s discretion. THE EDITOR Name and address of the writer must be supplied. No anonymous letter will be considered.

Editor: Günther Simmermacher The way it might work: People with problems write their troubles We all need to be listened to on a piece of paper with their The woman priest debate E all need to play our part in stance abuse. When we see them reaching out and evangelis - in our homes and wonder how we name and telephone or cellphone W numbers and place these with a HE recent ordination in priest who has the confidence of ing. But how is this done? can bring them back to the It starts at Mass. We are un - Church. We pray and we pray and donation, for example R10 or R20, South Africa of a woman, Dr at least some in the Vatican, and in a box at the back of the church. Mary Ryan, to the Catholic whose views therefore cannot be aware of the problems facing the we pray, but time goes on. They T regulars at Sunday Mass. Week heed other calls. These are collected and sent to the priesthood—an illicit and invalid dismissed simply as those of a retired priests and nuns, the “Lis - act in Church law—has inevitably renegade. after week we attend Mass and are But they need us. They are on there with our own silent prob - the wrong side and need to be teners”. revived a long-running debate. The views of Fr d’Ors will not These “Listeners” would then Catholics will know that the change the Church’s teachings, of lems. We pray over problems at brought back. We are too silent home and for our families. praying. Prayer and action is the call the people who wrote the question of the ordination of course, but they might serve as an notes, and listen to their problems. women to the priesthood is an early signal that the proscriptions Within our families there are required combination. those who have made their first Here is my proposal, making No criticising, no condemning, no ultra-sensitive subject in the on the discussion of women complaining. Just offering a Church. priests may loosen, at least infor - and last confession, received their use of the vast resource of talent first and last Holy Communion, or and holiness in our retired priests Christ-like open ear. Pope John Paul II in his 1994 mally. Maybe we all need a “Listener”. apostolic letter Ordinatio Sacerdo - The sincere study into the per - were confirmed as Catholics and and nuns who would, I am sure, I know do. talis ruled that the Church does missibility of women in holy or - then disappeared. avail themselves in sharing in this not have the authority to ordain ders, and into alternatives such as Some are caught up in sub - project. C Roberts , Cape Town women to the priesthood, and ad - opening the permanent diaconate vised that his document was to be to women, might well benefit seen as closing the debate on the from this. But if so, then the de - Spirit. By doing all these things, like of Carmelite prayer. subject. Further he said that “this bate must be invested with cer - a priest, she will be serving God. Sr Marie Therese Kelly OCD , judgment is to be definitively held tain ground rules. GoAdRY ’sR yeany peok epd ohekr feind ger in Why does she insist on becoming Benoni by all the Church’s faithful”. For one, it should be fully un - MGods eye! a priest? This is beyond me. Some Ordinatio Sacerdotalis evidently derstood that the present teach - In the Eucharist only a male things, like this matter, are left delib - did not end the debate among the ing on the ordination of women priest can preside at the altar in per - erately unanswered by the Lord for faithful, and not all of the is valid and, indeed, prudent. The sona Christi and utter the words: a reason. IsElGaAmRD:IN GNGou sdhweefll eBnrocoke es’ Church’s faithful seem to hold its Church cannot change its ancient “This is my body, this is my blood”. Sylvia Weelson , Port Elizabeth judgment to be final, or consider tradition unless it is perfectly cer - Rarticle in defence of Islam (No - If a female should utter these words, vember 5), it must be pointed out themselves bound in conscience tain that it in fact does have the she will have to distance herself by the pope’s judgment that they authority to admit women to the that besides the more than 36 world - from Christ and act as a narrator, wide Islamic terrorist organisations, should. priesthood. In light of Ordinatio thereby distorting Scripture and re - BAeM wnaeirtheer: f oDr nyonr aagaminsti tthe e there are many Islamic governments In that way, John Paul’s appar - Sacerdotalis , this would require duce the Eucharist to a cultic prac - possible future ordination of fe - or states that persecute, discriminate ent attempt to forestall division more than the arguments tice. I and harass Christians. and disunity by closing the de - presently put forward. It seems that the feminists are ar - male priests. I leave it to those much The Qu’ran does advocate be - bate might have failed to achieve The discourse cannot be predi - rogant and will not humble them - wiser than me to weigh up the pros heading (sura 47:4) and crucifixion its objective. cated on the realities of social selves before God. They refuse reality and cons of the issue. (sura 5:33) and in sura 9:29, Muslims The bishops of Southern Africa change. The teaching is not in - for some distorted “calling”. The Sincerely, I respect the views of are told to fight the Jews and Chris - in their pastoral statement this trinsically sexist or misogynistic— Catholic Church did not invent the the many signatories to the letter tians “until they pay the Jizyah (Poll month on the subject point out though it is presented by some in male priesthood. God designed this “Excommunicating Dr Mary Ryan”, Tax) with willing submission and that it is “contrary to the spirit of just such unwelcome ways. At the sacrament. Our permission was not and I commend the approach of “a feel themselves subdued”. One could the Catholic Church to be in - same time, the history of gender asked for, neither did he ask our per - door is still a door and not a con - give many other similar quotations. volved in the promotion of politics is not irrelevant to the mission to create us male and fe - crete barrier wall, which can be In such critical time Christians women in the priestly ministry” study of the position of women in male—he just did it! slowly pushed open, with a little need to be supported, not Islam de - and warn that Catholics must the early Church. There is no evidence of priestesses rubbing of the hinges with holy oil”. fended, especially not in a Catholic avoid participating in invalid cel - If there is to be a debate, it in the history of the Church or in My idea of “holy oil” would be to ebrations of the Eucharist by illic - must be on the terms of the the Scriptures. The writer GK put one’s view forward in a reasoned newspaper. And please, Mr Brookes, itly ordained women. Church’s position: that Scripture Chesterton said: “If we don’t under - manner supported by constant read the Qu’ran, the Hadith, the The pastoral statement also records Christ as “choosing his stand the reason for some ancient prayer. The signatories’ way forward Sharia and the life of Muhammad called on the faithful to “give ‘a Apostles only from among men”; tradition, rule or institution, that is akin to using dynamite, the con - before writing such an article. religious submission of mind’ to that it is “the constant practice of should not be a reason for abolish - sequences of which are unpre - Dom Nardini , Knysna the definitive teaching of the the Church, which has imitated ing it until we do understand it”. dictable. supreme pontiff” and pointed out Christ in choosing only men”; The Church knows the reason, the Paddy Ross , Cape Town that in his 2013 apostolic exhor - and that it is the Church’s “living feminists don’t. tation Evangelii Gaudium , Pope teaching authority which has Colin Donovan, vice-president Boheo mkotsiv en foer meyd lettd er is to ask Francis reiterated that the female consistently held that the exclu - for theology at EWTN, has ex - Tfor a donation of books for spiri - priesthood is not up for discus - sion of women from the priest - plained: “Femininity reflects the re - CNahrism arteiclei t“Oeu rp joruarnyeye wr ith tual reading. sion. hood is in accordance with God’s ceptive character of the soul. Mary is Ithree great saints” (November 5), Books are a strong motivation in Whether this will close the de - plan for his Church”. the daughter of the Father, the Günther Simmemacher states that my spiritual life in the situation in bate on the theory of the ordina - There is nothing to lose for the mother of the Son and the spouse of the Carmelite Order places the which I find myself. If you can pro - tion of women remains to be Church in allowing further theo - the Holy Spirit as in the incarnation. rosary at the centre of its prayer life. vide me with books by Henri seen. logical inquest in the matter. If The Church is his bride. God tran - St Teresa certainly valued vocal Nouwen especially, I would most At the same time as the bish - the teaching is absolutely solid, as scends creation and all his missions prayer and she encouraged medita - appreciate it. ops’ pastoral statement was re - Ordinatio Sacerdotalis presents it to is reflected in masculinity.” tion on the life and mysteries of My address is Tswelopele Correc - leased, a Spanish priest who be, then no amount of study and Henry Sylvester , Cape Town Christ, but as far as I am aware, she tional Centre, Private Bag X 6008, serves as a consultor to the Vati - argument can weaken it. And if it does not mention the recitation of Kimberley. can’s Pontifical Council for Cul - isn’t, then truth demands further the rosary when writing for her sis - Luzuko Justice Cekiso , Kimberley ture said quite unambiguously study. ters. In her well-known definition of that he was “absolutely” in favour The question of women priests ThAeR Y aRlytaenr shnoauldt invoet bs e ex - prayer she says: “Mental prayer in of opening the priesthood to is an emotive issue, and positions communicated from the my opinion is nothing else than an women. on it tend to be expressed with an M Church, but she should have been intimate sharing between friends; it SaUnRBdAwN’S icnhew cDeenist rHe urley This is not insignificant. Fr antagonism and mistrust that told that in order to serve the means taking time frequently to be Centre (pictured on November Pablo d’Ors is advising the Vati - sometimes exhibits little Chris - D Almighty God and the community, alone with him who we know loves 5) is an excruciatingly ugly building. can on a report for its plenary as - tian charity. There must be a mid - that there are lots of things that she us.” It looks like a parking garage. With sembly on “Women’s Cultures: dle-ground that, even in strong can do: Become a nun, do charity It is this being alone in God’ pres - its sandwich shape, it will probably Equality and Difference”, and disagreement, can bridge division work or go to a place where people ence, in a loving and silent atten - be dubbed “The Sandwich”. therefore must be considered as a and heal disunity. need to be inspired by the Holy tiveness to him, which is at the heart Adrian Kettle , Cape Town

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[email protected] Order from [email protected] or www.books.scross.co.za Contact Gail at 076 35 2 3809 or 021 55 1 3923 or call 021 465-5007 or buy at 10 Tuin Plein, Cape Town [email protected] • fowlertours.co.za PERSPECTIVES The Southern Cross, November 26 to December 2, 2014 7 Remembering our dead Raymond Perrier Chris Chatteris SJ OVEMBER has been a month of re - people of no formal faith. So we did not Faith and Society membrance. For Catholics, the “re - require baptismal certificates before we al - Pray with the Pope Nmembering” is tied to the feast of lowed names to be added to our cloth of All Souls and a whole month of praying remembrance. of the 11th month). So that date and time for those who have died. As someone who usually says, “I’ll pray have been used to mark the dead of all A Christmas prayer We might recall deceased loved ones on for him/her”, when told a person has died, wars, combatants and non-combatants. their birthdays or death anniversaries, but I used to be at a loss about what to say to Just as Catholics use candles and Mass General Intention: That the birth of the Redeemer November provides a useful month to the relative of a non-Catholic who had cards as physical symbols of the remem - may bring peace and hope to all people of good will. bring to mind all we miss, and to remem - died. But over the years, I have said to the bering, the tradition has built up in ber people we have perhaps forgotten. It is mourners: “In our tradition we offer Britain—and I saw some in South Africa— SN’T it fascinating that the pope has placed a defining characteristic of Catholic Chris - prayers for those who have died, so I hope of wearing an artificial poppy, a simple this intention under the “universal” heading? tians that we do this; through candles, that you find some comfort if I say that I bright red flower recollecting the red flow - II imagine this is because de facto Christmas is flowers, Mass offerings and prayer cards will pray for your loved one”. I have never ers that bloomed in the fields between an event celebrated in some way or other all over we have formal visible rituals for showing had anything other than a positive re - France and Germany and symbolic of the the world. our remembrance. sponse. red blood that was shed there. In Japan for, where only 1% of the people are Grief is so complex and subtle that such This year has seen the 100th anniver - Christian, Christmas is celebrated as a secular simple gestures can help with the process. nother form of remembrance associ - sary of the start of that “war to end all feast. There is an obvious commercial side to this: When I was working in a refugee camp, Aated with November—especially in wars”. I was impressed to hear that almost Christmas is a time for giving gifts and someone we created an easy ritual that we could Britain and former countries of the British everyone in Britain—including young has to produce the gifts for it, and so encouraging take from chapel to chapel: people would Empire—is remembering all those who people usually with no interest in his - non-Christians to celebrate this feast is rather as - write the names of loved ones who had have died in warfare. The reason for this tory—was wearing a poppy to show soli - tute marketing. died each on a small heart, and we would commemoration is that the “Armistice darity with the dead of 100 years ago and Christmas dinner often comprises fast-food pin the hearts to a beautiful Kitenge cloth. agreement” that ended the First World with those in the armed forces still sacri - chicken (a substitute for turkey, which is simply People often only heard about deaths War was on signed on November 11 (po - ficing their lives today. too expensive) and sponge cake with whipped many months after the event, and had lit - etically at the 11th hour of the 11th day A commemoration that really caught cream and strawberries. Streets and homes are tle chance of attending a funeral or visit - people’s imagination was the moat around decorated with Christmas lights, gifts are given ing a grave, so something practical like the Tower of London being filled with to children and people wish each other “Meri this became a way of focusing the prayer. 88 8 246 ceramic poppies. Each was about Kurisumasu”. We were soon asked though about that 60cm high and represented a WW1 mili - What we are praying for is that, perhaps phrase “the faithful departed”: should we tary casualty from Britain or the Com - through the good example of their Christian be praying only for Catholics who have monwealth. What was striking was not neighbours, non-Christians might be drawn to died? just the hundreds of thousands of poppies, enquire more deeply about the original signifi - The idea of “praying for the dead” is a but the tens of thousands of volunteers cance of what they are celebrating, and from this bit hard to get our heads round. We are who helped make each one by hand, and deeper understanding they may receive the certainly not praying that God will change the millions of people who travelled to see graces of the feast, particularly peace and hope. his mind and re-assign someone from one them personally as an act of remem - We should not be unhappy to share our feasts. form of after-life to a nicer one. Rather we brance. After all, other faiths are often very hospitable to us with theirs. A priest who studied in Egypt re - are hopeful that our prayers will “speed” But one of the most powerful acts of re - cently described how he and his colleagues used the soul’s journey to heaven, even if we membrance is also the most simple: a mo - to tuck into the street-feasts put on by wealthy are not sure what “speed” could mean in ment of silence. In fact the traditional Muslims at Eid after the end of Ramadan. the dimension of eternity. But whatever Armistice two minutes of silence—one That we can share in each others’ feasts is itself our understanding of the value of praying minute for those who died and the other Visitors look at the Tower of London’s a sign of hope and a gesture of peace in a frac - for the dead, it is one that would have for those who survived—was proposed to poppy installation this month. The ceramic King George V by a South African, Percy tured world. value for all the departed: Catholics, other poppies commemorated the end of World Christians, followers of other faiths, and War I. (Photo: Hannah McKay, EPA/CNS) Continued on Page 11

Going to the next level Toni Rowland OING to the next level: does that Family Friendly phrase irritate anyone else as much Gas it irritates me? It gets under your skin and yet has an impact, like that other Togetherness was the theme for the year irritant about levelling the playing field. 2014, and certainly going to the next level I remember seeing it at the Post Office is best done together—but at times it in - (remember them?), in an advertisement for volves being alone. responsible sexual behaviour. The couple I came across a poster while waiting to is seeing a health professional to get advice be attended to in a company’s reception before taking their relationship “to the area, a place where one does come across next level”, which does not appear to be these relationship nuggets too. “Coming marriage. together is a beginning, keeping together While they are irritating, these phrases is progress, working together is success. “ The cliché “taking it to the next level” can do have something to teach us by way of To continue the analogy, one could say becoming more and more family-friendly. have many applications. (Photo: morgue - file.com) that the feast of Christ the King celebrates Yes, teenage boys and girls or those prepar - Jesus’ moving to the next level—new glo - Parenting: Like fishing ing for marriage should be doing serious rified life for all eternity, which is the final Missionary Intention: That parents may be true consulting before they consider going to tioned in the Thoughts for the Day booklet’s destination we all hope for and which we evangelisers, passing on to their children the precious any kind of next level. introduction to the month, there is a qual - have dwelt on during November. gift of faith. There was a time when the levels possi - ity of permanence about family life but December’s family theme, “Healthy bly started at a different point, but maybe s a priest, one often hears parents’ anguished along with that there is the reality of Families, Hope for the Future”, brings the accounts of how their children have strayed there are still those wonderful innocent change. There is birth, there is life and togetherness theme to a close. Advent and A times when young “lovers” move from from the faith. there is death. There are gains and losses to Christmas are not only holiday time but They may not feel like it but these good peo - holding hands to kissing? What worried be worked through and accepted. Solidar - also a time for spiritual awareness of the us? Was kissing a sin, or how far you can ple are the “true evangelisers” of this intention. ity helps members to stand together as coming of Jesus and possibly doing some The fact that they suffer in this way indicates go before it is a sin? What does that all they move from level to level. Conscious special Advent activities while also being mean in today’s world, and is sin any kind that they have tried their utmost to pass on the preparation and openness to change make conscious of the needs of others. “precious gift of faith”, and that their efforts, for of deterrent? the transition smoother. Relationship growth and a call for re - some reason, seem to have failed. Relationships don’t remain on any one On a more literal level, the end of the sponsible behaviour are important or else If they did not feel this pain that would indi - level throughout life. One writer on mar - year for thousands of school learners and the next level may be unexpected and cate indifference. But in their sad stories one riage describes something like seven or other students is very much about moving traumatic. hears an echo of the words of Peter: “Master, we eleven different marriages to the same per - to the next level too. Exam time has been May this be a time of togetherness and have laboured all night and caught nothing.” son over a lifetime, which in essence stressful and awaiting results, especially for celebration, safety and harmony at home They know, of course, that they are dealing means continually moving to the next matrics, may be even more so. Let us hope and wherever families and their members with the mystery of human freedom and that in level. family solidarity assisted there and we offer are. the end their children have to decide for them - Greater closeness, deeper intimacy, our prayers for positive results. Finally it is appropriate to introduce the selves whether they believe or not and whether wider acceptance, stronger commitment 2015 family theme: “Marriage and Family, they practise or not. through all of life’s changes are levels that hose who have been taught well and Committed to Love and Life”. From to - Even the Lord had his disappointments, not can be seen as incremental. As we grow Tprepared well deserve to move to the getherness to commitment is also a form just with those who actively opposed his mission older, sometimes the next level is down - next level. The plight of those who have of moving to the next level. Commitment but even with his own disciples. Peter himself, hill, decreasing health and energy, some - not had the support needs to be addressed takes effort, sacrifices and determination to the prince of the apostles, frequently misunder - times a body wasting away over time. with more than talk and empty phrases meet the challenges faced. May God be stood him, and at the moment Jesus most We are still in November and as is men - about levelling the playing field. with families as we set out to do so. needed his support, Peter let him down horribly. ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ Jesus asked three times. This is one of the most mov - ing scenes in the gospel and it reminds us that if SAFE, SECURE, CATHOLIC RETIREMENT people let us down, it doesn’t necessarily mean ony Wyllie & Co. that they have ceased to love us. Nazareth House, Johannesburg T Nor does it mean that we cease to love them. is an oasis of peace and safety in Yeoville and has a variety of Catholic Funeral Home On the contrary, when a person fails us through accommodation available right now. Personal and Dignified human weakness we can sometimes be moved to From double rooms to a penthouse and flats in the love them even more deeply, knowing that we 24-hour service too have had our falls and failures and that our Larmenier Retirement Village, Nazareth House has 469 Voortrekker Rd, Maitland own faith has had its wobbles. everything you would wish for. Tel: 021 59 3 8820 And so, being an evangelist, like fishing, is Holy Mass twice daily, safe and spacious gardens, about patient perseverance. It is also about fre - free parking and many other amenities. 48 Main Rd, Muizenberg quently remembering that the Lord is with us, in Tel: 021 78 8 3728 the same boat, and that he knows exactly how For further information please contact The Social Worker: we feel. [email protected] Tel: 011 648 1002 Member of the NFDA 8 The Southern Cross, November 26 to December 2, 2014 COMMUNITY

Deacons Andrew Small, Charlie Parker and Peter Landsberg were ordained at Christ the King parish in Wentworth, Durban.

The youth of Maria Regina parish in Lyttelton, Pretoria, were confirmed by Archbishop William Slattery at Mass con - celebrated with parish priest Fr Karabo Baloyi.

A pilgrimage group of Our Lady of the Wayside parish in Maryvale, Johan - nesburg visited the Holy Land led by Fr Petrus Shiya. St Joseph the Worker parish in Pretoria West welcomed its new parish priest, Fr Boitumelo Simon Molefe. Fr Molefe is pictured with the altar servers who assisted him at Mass. Holy Rosary High Schoolin Edenvale, Johannesburg, held its decades’ reunions for its past matric pupils of 1974, 1984, 1994 and 2004. Class of 1984 members Anne Williamson, Tracy Fraser, Marisa Scott, Alex Richmond, Colleen Moura, Lynn Anne Fuchsloch, Anita Verhoogt, Rosslyn Orr, Lee-Anne Pursall and Anne Biccard, are pic - tured with former teacher Sr Brendan Rusell.

Send your pictures with a description of the event and names The extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion of St An - Alyssa Ashleigh Barth was baptised at St Mary’s cathedral in De Aar. Parents thony's parish in Sedgefield, Oudtshoorn diocese, at - of the people in the Ashley and Lanesse Barth and grandparents are pictured with Fr Douglas tended a retreat given by Bishop Frank de Gouveia and Sumali. Fr David Dettmer at Don Bosco Youth Camp in Dyssels - photo to dorp. (From left) Bernard Sheridan, Paddy Sheridan, Bishop de Gouveia, Bobbi Morgan-Smith, Joan de Jager, [email protected] Dawn McMaster and Fr Dettmer.

Everybody is called to live life to the fullest (John 10.10) Accept your brother or sister living with HIV Be non-judgmental St Dominic’s Priory in Port Elizabeth announced its head students for 2015. (From left) Lizo Vuke (head boy), Marcella Bekker (head Care for affected or infected people girl), Amber Jones (deputy head girl) and Sivuyile Mamanzi Don’t stigmatise (deputy head boy). and if you are living with HIV/Aids: Accept yourself Be sure God loves you unconditionally Care for your body and your soul Do know that there is a future for you

HOPE Cape TownTrust, P.O.Box 19145 Tygerberg 7505 www.hopecapetown.com PBO No 930024843, St Thomas parish in Mossel Bay, diocese of Oudtshoorn, unveiled 021 938 9930 and blessed a new noticeboard donated by parishioner Stacey NPO No 053-417 McGuinness and her late husband Dennis. Mrs McGuinness is offi[email protected] pictured with parish priest Fr Edward Alkaster. WORLD AIDS DAY The Southern Cross,November 26 to December 2, 2014 9 As Aids crisis eases, new problems arise Aids-related deaths a month at the centre,” she recalled. The Aids pandemic may be Today there are around five easing, but even that deaths in a month. The arrival of ARVs has been life-saving. creates new challenges, “But,” Ms Brouwer noted, “you as STUART GRAHAM sort out one problem and the next found at an Aids care pops up.” The current and most serious centre in Gauteng. challenge, she said, is that many people are defaulting on their ARV N 1992, Franciscan Father Stan medication. Brennan, who had dedicated “People take the medicine, and Ihis life to helping the poor in after some time they feel better the east of Johannesburg, was con - and stop taking it. This, the in fronted with the most devastating field of HIV/Aids, is the biggest illness he had ever seen. challenge. People who have been Information about HIV/Aids on medication for a long time sim - was still sketchy at the time, but Fr ply do not feel the need to take it Brennan knew that something had anymore,” Ms Brouwer explained. to be done to help the thousands “It is a huge challenge for the who were falling ill in his commu - professional to keep motivating nity in and around Reiger Park in them. People have to understand Boksburg. that when you have HIV/Aids you He got to work and raised the have to make a life-long commit - money to start a place of care for ment to take your medication people who had been infected every day.” with the disease. It was named the A devastating consequence of St Francis Care Centre. In the com - this is that often defaulters de - ing years, as the government velop tuberculosis, “so we are find - stalled on rolling out an HIV/Aids ing many TB/HIV co-infected treatment programme, it would be patients,” said Ms Brouwer. a place where the sick could seek “Some have developed a multi refuge. drug-resistant strain of TB. This is In 2004, when the government an enormous threat not only for began to roll out its HIV/Aids us, but for the entire country.” The St Francis Care Centre in Boksburg, Johannesburg archdiocese was started by Fr Stan Brennan OFM for people treatment plan, the situation The youth often go into rebel - debilitated by HIV/Aids. The centre has now broadened its mission to care for those suffering from all chronic dis - started to ease. The roll-out of the lion when they reach their teens eases. (Top left) The new wing and gate of the St Francis Care Centre. (Right) Orphans at the Rainbow Cottage of programme was a success, and by and stop taking their medication, the Care Centre enjoying a party. (Bottom left) Staff on duty at the Care Centre. the time Fr Brennan died in 2012, Ms Brouwer noted. the majority of those with the dis - “When children reach puberty, “Over the years St Francis was workers who visit families at home or are taken into a good family. ease were receiving treatment the often go into rebellion. They requested by the community to in Vosloorus and Katlehong to - The poverty which Fr Brennan through the government’s anti - have to start understanding why provide care for these conditions,” wards Germiston. fought against for so many years retroviral (ARV) programme . they are taking ARVs on a daily she said. “They do wonderful work. They remains as harsh as ever in the St Francis Care Centre contin - basis,” she said. “People have negative percep - are the eyes, ears and mouth of area. ues the work started by Fr Bren - “Counsellors have a challenge tions about hospices. They associ - community. They do door-to-door “We have picked up where Fr nan, but the success of the to motivate teenagers to not de - ate a hospice with a place where campaigns where they help people Brennan left off. Nothing goes by government programme has pre - fault on treatment. That is when they are going to die. We are trying [and] identify people who may be the wayside. We work even harder. sented it with new challenges. questions come from the young - to move from that and promote sick.” But the hardship remains,” Ms “When Fr Brennan started the sters. They want to know why they the concept of palliative care, Ms Brouwer said the workers Brouwer said. centre he focused on HIV/Aids, but have to take medication and how. which means we care for chronic will often pick up on someone “We have support groups going things have changed a lot with It’s a difficult topic to explain to a illness. When you reach hospice who is coughing and will immedi - out to do skills development and ARVs,” said Tilly Brouwer, the young teenager.” there is pain control management. ately motivate them to test for TB to grow vegetable gardens. There manager of the centre. Ms Brouwer said St Francis Care You are treated with compassion. and HIV/Aids. are also sewing groups and people “ARVs rescued thousands of Centre has moved its focus from Your medical, emotional and spir - “They will motivate those who are given good quality second- people. I have been here for more HIV/Aids to palliative care for all itual needs are taken care of,” she are on medication to adhere to hand clothes to sell. But you do than ten years. When I arrived in illnesses that are life-threatening explained. medication. They will also make one good thing and the next chal - 2004 no medication was available from TB to cancer, diabetes and The centre does home-based sure that all people who have con - lenge arises. With the gardens, for yet and there were around 35 to 40 hypertension. care work in communities, with 35 tact with TB patients are screened example, you’ll find rats chewing themselves. This is important in through the vegetables.” preventing the spread of the dis - A lack of money remains the ease.” centre’s biggest challenge. Foreign The children’s section of St donors no longer see HIV/Aids as a Francis Care Centre, the Rainbow major problem in South Africa and Cottage, is registered to care for 30 have moved their funds elsewhere. children. The Department of Social De - “The children have all been in - velopment subsidises the centre’s World AIDS Day 2014 fected with or are affected by HIV home-based care services in and Aids,” Ms Brouwer said. “Ei - Vosloorus and gives each child at Theme: An HIV-free ther their parents are HIV-positive the home a subsidy of around R73 or they have been orphaned and a day. The amount has to cover generation isn’t just a dream. abandoned in hospital after birth.” clothing, staff costs, transport to Ms Brouwer said she is “aller - hospitals for medical treatment Let’s make it a reality. gic” to children being in institu - and therapy. tions, so she and her team work “We have to do ongoing fund “The Church in Africa is Always Full of Hope” hard to make sure children are ei - raising,” said Ms Brouwer. “We Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Faith, CASA SERENA ther reunified with their families have to make up the short-falls.” We Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops of Africa and Madagascar greet The retirement home you in faith and with warm affection. We are close to you who are living with the Italian flair. with HIV and those affected by it. 7A Marais Road, 1. We are in solidarity: “for just as the body is one, and has many Bedfordview, Jhb. members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, Provides full board so it is with Christ”. (1Cor12:12) and lodging, medical 2. Let us be true to ourselves: As heads of our Christian communities, we services and transport. NAZARETH HOUSE commit ourselves to making available our Church’s resources, be they Senior citizens wishing educational and healthcare institutions or social services. In God’s name to retire in this beautiful we seek to respect and affirm human life which gets its value and Johannesburg Home, please phone dignity from the fact that it is the inviolable gift from our Father who The Sisters and staff of Nazareth House express our 011 284 2917 calls us to fullness of life. deep gratitude and appreciation to all our generous www.casaserena.co.za 3. Let us change behaviour: We want to educate appropriately and friends, benefactors and anonymous donors for assisting us in our promote those changes in attitude and behaviour which value ministry of care and support for our children and adults who are in - abstinence and self-control before marriage and fidelity within fected and affected by HIV and AIDS. marriage. Such education also contributes to promoting healthy and stable families, and these are the best prevention against AIDS. We ask our Heavenly Father: 4. Let us be responsible: Solidarity binds us to joint responsibility in the OMI STAMPS • To look on those whose lives are touched by AIDS tackling of global and complex challenges facing us: wars, conflicts, your used • To enlighten those who try to find a cure violence that is physically destructive through HIV/AIDS! “Let all parts of stamps • To bring strength and courage to those who are infected the one body feel the same concern for one another.” (1Cor 12:25). can help in the • To be with doctors and nurses caring for them Taken from the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and education • To give their families loving acceptance Madagascar (SECAM), 1 December 2003. of South Africans for the priesthood at • And to give us hearts of mercy, to do what we can to show your Sponsored by AIDS Ministry of the Archdiocese of Johannesburg St Joseph’s Scholasticate, compassion and love. Amen Cedara, KwaZulu-Natal. Please send them to: If not you – who? omI stamps, Box Tel: 011 648 1002, Cell: 084 838 3495 101352, scottsville, [email protected] If not now – when? 3209 . www.nazarethhousejohannesburg.org 10 The Southern Cross, November 26 to December 2, 2014 CHURCH What is the Consecrated Life?

human drives; by the vow/promise of poverty you give up control Advent Sunday begins the over your physical environment. Church’s year. This Advent it This is taking at face value Jesus’ also marks the start of the sayings like “None of you can be of attitudes in the society in which my disciple without giving up all we live. For many people life is “Year of Consecrated Life”. that he owns” (Lk 14:31); “eat about making money and spend - BONAVENTURE HINWOOD what is set before you” (Lk 10:8); ing it on yourself and your family. OFM looks at what the “So do not worry; do not say: Sexual indulgence is quite accept - ‘What are we to eat? What are we able in much of our permissive so - Church means by the “con - to drink? What are we to wear?’ ciety. Doing “you own thing” is secrated life”. Your heavenly Father knows you many people’s norm of behaviour. need them all” (Mt 6:31-32). Then why do some people enter Chastity means that the love of HE “consecrated life” may for “religious life”? the love community of Father, Son The basic reason is that they ex - some people be an unfamil - and Holy Spirit becomes the sole iar, fancy term. People are perience God wanting a special T centre of your emotional life’ to love relationship with them. This more used to talking of nuns, which all other relationships are is often by an appeal made brothers and certain priests who subordinate. through the God-man, Jesus. belong to orders and congrega - This vow/promise is the under - But it is also a call to freedom, tions as “religious”, and their life taking to love the Trinity “with all freedom from preoccupation with as “religious life”. your heart, with all your soul, with self and self-centred relationships, So this “Year of Consecrated all your mind, and with all your in order to love, without special Life”, which Pope Francis has strength” (Mk 12:30) directly, and ties and without limit. As Jesus called from November 30 this year not partly mediated through the taught us: to love God is also to to February 2, 2016, is set aside for love of spouse and children. It in - love people, whom God loves. To us to think about and pray for cludes total continence—not to love God means also to want other those Catholics who live under share in physical sex. people to love God too. vows and promises as their partic - Again it is taking at face value To use one of Pope Francis’ ular way to live out Jesus’ call to all words of Jesus like “some are born favourite words, it is being avail - of us to imitate him and be holy as eunuchs, some are made eunuchs able for “mission”: to be sent to our heavenly Father is holy. This by people, and some make them - bring the love community of the means to live a life of love under selves eunuchs for the sake of the Trinity to other people. The pur - the influence of the Holy Spirit. Kingdom of heaven” (Mt 19:12); pose is that people should respond But it is a way of life in com - and his promise to those who give to the divine love which is offered plete contradiction to what for up family and property for his sake to everyone. many people in our society is (Mt 19:29; Lk 10:29; 14:26). So, like Jesus, “religious” sisters, “normal”. brothers and priests should be a This can be easily seen if we just bedience means to give en - “sign of contradiction” (Lk 2:34) take the three vows or promises of Otirely to the Trinity that which to the world around them, a world poverty, chastity and obedience makes you the person that you are, so often ruled by self-centredness, which “religious” men and women namely, your freedom. selfishness, self-interest, and self- make. You hand over as a gift of love indulgence. Poverty means that you person - that which is most precious to This is the special role of fol - ally own nothing. Anything you you: control over your life. From lowers of the “consecrated life” in may have when you come to the now on religious superiors de - the community of the Church. religious institute you are joining, cide—not without consultation Hence, like many other Church immediately belongs to that insti - Sr Blanche Theresa of Divine Love, who was born as Blanche Jaftha, renews however—where and how you are her vows as a simply professed Sister of Providence at St Nicholas church in documents, those of Vatican II tute and you have no control over to live, where and when you go, Bridgton, where the diocese of Oudtshoorn launched the Year of the Conse - speak of the three components of it. The same is true of anything and what you do. Such obedience crated Life. In his article to mark the launch of the Church’s Year for the Con - the Catholic community: lay peo - you may earn by your work, any is possible only if you believe that secrated Life, Franciscan Father Bonaventure Hinwood explains the three ple, priests and deacons, and reli - gifts you receive, anything people you know God’s will for you vows which religious make: of poverty, chastity and obedience. gious. may leave you in their wills. through the decisions of your su - We have had a Year of the You have the use of anything periors. Priest, we have just finished the your superior considers you need, Obedience, doing God’s will, is 4:34). Jesus was “obedient unto the Father to fulfil his will in a sin - Year of the Family, and now we not necessarily everything you the gift of yourself at the deepest death, even death on a cross” (Phil ful world opposed to God, which have a year to pray especially for would like to have. What you re - core of your personality. This is 2:8). crucified him. We are saved by the members of religious orders quire is provided: board and lodg - why Jesus’ whole life was doing It is not by his physical suffer - Jesus’ loving surrender to the Fa - and congregations, as well as for ing, clothes, transport, recreation, the Father’s will: “My food is to do ing and mental torture on the ther’s will (Rm 5:19). an increase of vocations to the holidays. the will of the One who sent me cross that we are saved, but by the From all this it is easy to see “consecrated life” for the enrich - Control is one of the most basic and to complete his work” (Jn total giving of himself in love to how this way of life is the opposite ing of the Church.

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HOLY LAND - Israel, Jordan, Cairo ROME, ASSISI, LOURDES, PARIS AND NEVERS 20-30 June 2015 28 September–9 October 2015 RESERVATIONS: ALICE 071 842-5547 Spiritual directors: Fr Herman Giraldo & Fr Boniface Spiritual Director: Fr Brian Reid or PIERO 082 444-7654 or e-mail Contact Diane Aaron, Cell: 082 395 9629, www.vivasafaris.com Tel: 031 266 6469, [email protected] for options, photos and videos [email protected] CLASSIFIEDS The Southern Cross, November 26 to December 2, 2014 11 Remembering our dead Births • FirsCt ComLmuAnionS • CoSnfirmIaFtionI • EEngDagemS ent/Marriage • Continued from Page 7 The second was more moving Silence was requested as a Wedding anniversary • Ordination jubilee • Congratulations • Deaths • FitzPatrick, author of Jock of the because it was so unexpected. It mark of respect. 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NOAH OLD Christmas donations AGE HOMES NEW FOR 2015 Share Christmas with the underprivileged Word of the Week We can use your old 12 to 25 Sep children supported by Titular sees: Dioceses where the Church once clothing, bric-a-brac, flourished but which later died out. Bishops furniture and books for ST MARTIN DE PORRES Childhood Roads without a territorial or residential diocese of our 2nd hand shop. BLESSINGS PILGRIMAGE their own, for example, auxiliary bishops, are Help us to create an Visiting Old Constantinople, the Vatican, Rome, Institute avenue to generate much given titular sees. San Giovanni Rotondo, Medjugorje, the by donating food stuff, toys, clothes, IHS: In Greek, the first three letters of the needed funds for our work with the elderly. Eucharist Miracle at Lanciano. name of Jesus. shoes or cash. Organised and led by Rev Fr Shaun Mary Please contact admin during working hours at Intercommunion: The agreement or practice Contact Ian Veary on Cost from R28777 of two ecclesial communities by which each 021 447 6334 011 850-1211 or 071 958-6639. admits members of the other communion to www.noah.org.za Tel: (031) 26 6 7702 Fax: (031) 26 6 8982 www. childhoodroadsinstitute.org Email: [email protected] its sacraments. A non-profit organisation (reg: 074-633 NPO) REMEMBERING MONK? OUR DEAD “It is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from their sins” (II Macc XII,46) Holy Mass is celebrated on the first Sun - day of each month in the All Souls’ chapel, Maitland, Cape Town at 2:30pm for all souls in purgatory and for all those buried YES! in the Woltemade cemetery. SOubsUcribRe n oGw tIoF thTe d igTitaOl or pYrinOt edUitio! n, For further information, please contact for yourself or for someone you love, If you are seeking God and we will send you a beautiful …And you desire to live a life of prayer St Jude Society, Box 22230, OLIVE-WOOD and personal transformation Fish Hoek, 7975, …And you are able to live the common life… Telephone (021 ) 551-1747, HOLY LAND ROSARY Perhaps you have the vocation to do so as a Benedictine Monk [email protected] The Southern Cross made in Bethlehem by Christians is a member of the . For more information contact: Audit Bureau of in the land of Christ To advertise call Circulations of South *Offer valid while stocks last *For new subscribers only The Abbot The Prior Africa. Printed by Elizabeth Paarl Coldset (Pty) Inkamana Abbey Benedictine Abbey Hutton on Ltd, 10 Freedom Subiaco Way, Milnerton. P/Bag X9333 OR 021 465 5007 Published by the PO Box 2189 proprietors, The Vryheid or e-mail Catholic Newspaper Pietersburg & Publishing Co Ltd, 3100 advertising at the company’s registered office, 10 Tuin 0700 @scross.co.za Plein, Cape Town, 8001.

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2nd Sunday of Advent: December 7 Readings: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11, Psalm 85: 9- 14, 2 Peter 3:8-14, Mark 1:1-8 We are called to listen carefully EXT Sunday, we continue our Advent journey with a lovely invitation from appeared, baptising in the desert, and pro - Nthe Lord; but can we hear God’s claiming a baptism of conversion for the voice? That may be our challenge during Nicholas King SJ forgiveness of sins.” this season of waiting for the coming. We listen, therefore, all the more atten - The lovely invitation in the opening first Sunday Reflections tively; and we watch as “the whole Judean reading is of the message to the Israelite ex - region and all the Jerusalemites went out to iles in Babylon, that they are to go home at him, and they were being baptised by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.” last: “Be comforted, be comforted, my peo - The second reading is a lovely passage Then we get John’s attire (“clothed in ple…speak to the heart of Jerusalem, and from 2 Peter, in particular reminding us to camel-hair”) and his unattractive diet (“he call out to her that her service is filled up.” keep listening, for “one day for the Lord is was eating grasshoppers and wild honey”). Then we are invited to listen to the Lord’s like a thousand years…the Lord of the And we ask if Mark is ever going to mention voice, “crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the promise is not slow”. Jesus; but then we get a hint: “He was pro - way of the Lord; make straight in the desert, We have to keep our attention firmly on claiming, saying, ‘The-Stronger-One-Than- a highway for our God’.” the Lord: “waiting and eager for the coming Me is coming after me; I am not worthy to There are various building-constructions of the Day of the Lord”; this coming will The Jordan River, site of next week’s gospel (Photo: Günther Simmermacher) bend down and undo the thong of his san - to take place, but the great thing is that “the have a remarkable effect: “Let us wait for dals’.” glory of the Lord shall be revealed”; and we new heavens and new earth in accordance siah”, followed (in some manuscripts) by Whoever it is, we are clearly intended to must learn to see God in a different way: with his promise.” “Son of God”, which is certainly what Mark realise that the person far outweighs the “Like a shepherd he is going to feed his And we have to encourage one another meant, even if he did not write it here. Baptist in importance: “I baptised you peo - flock, gather the lambs in his arm.” And we to keep listening: “As you wait for these Then comes an oddity, which should cer - ple with water —but he is going to baptise must listen. things, be eager to be found spotless and tainly have us listening carefully, for Mark you with the Holy Spirit.” That is how our psalm for next Sunday stainless in peace in his presence.” says, “as it is written in Isaiah the prophet”, And that is the end of the gospel for next starts: “I shall listen to what the Lord God is The gospel for next Sunday is likewise an and then gives us a quotation from either Sunday; at that point you will say (if you are saying; for he will speak peace to his people” invitation to listen, for it is the remarkable Malachi or Exodus: “Look! I am sending my paying attention): “Praise to you, Lord Jesus (so there is no reason for us to be fearful). opening of the first of all the gospels, that messenger before your face.” Christ.” And you might ask yourself why And God expresses himself in “steadfast love of Mark, which we shall be following Only after that does he get back to Isaiah, you are doing that; it is not good enough to and integrity”. In a lovely image, the poet throughout the coming year. citing the opening verses of our first read - say: “Well, everyone else is doing it.” sees that “integrity will spring up from the It starts with that solemn opening, echo - ing. So we should be paying attention, and We are invited to listen very attentively earth…righteousness shall make a path for ing the very first words of the Bible: “The hoping to hear something about Jesus. Not indeed to the voice of God in this coming his steps”. But we must learn to listen. beginning of the good news of Jesus Mes - a bit of it, however, for instead we get: “John week. Why people stop going to church Southern Cross word #630

T’S no secret that today there’s been a because of the splendour of the past; massive drop-off in church attendance Fr Ron when faith becomes an heirloom rather Iin many parts of the world. than a living fountain; when religion Moreover, that drop-off in church- Rolheiser OMI speaks only in the name of authority going is not paralleled by the same wide - rather than the voice of compassion—its spread growth in atheism and Final Reflection message becomes meaningless.” agnosticism. Rather, more and more peo - The Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist ple are claiming to be “spiritual but not Marilynne Robinson—who has both a religious”, faith-filled but not church- deep sympathy for and a commitment to goers. Why this exodus from our l Why are so many people who are the Church—echoes Rabbi Heschel. churches? seeking spirituality not interested in look - For her, as churches today, we are not The temptation inside religious circles ing at what the Church offers? radiating the immensity of God and the is to blame what’s happening on secular - l Why, instead, are they turning to larger mystery of Christ. Rather, despite ity. Secular culture, many people argue, is everything except the Church? our good will, we are too much subordi - perhaps the most powerful narcotic ever l Why, indeed, do so many people nating the mystery of Christ to tribalism, perpetrated on this planet, both for good have the attitude: “The Church has noth - resentment, fear and self-protection. and for bad. It swallows most of us whole ing to offer me: I find it boring, irrele - This is one of the major reasons for our with its seductive promises of heaven on vant, caught up inside its own petty marginalisation. Christianity, Robinson this side of eternity. issues, hopelessly out of step with my submits, “is too great a narrative to be re - Within our secularised world, the pur - life.” duced to serving any parochial interest or suit of the good life simply squeezes out Secularity is, no doubt, partly to to be underwritten by any lesser tale”. almost all deeper religious desire. Inter - blame, but so too are the churches them - It is our narrow attitudes, she believes, ACROSS DOWN estingly, this is also the major criticism selves. There’s an axiom that says: “Athe - that denigrate the Christian message and 3. A fat life I enjoy with asso - 1. Indication that the infant that Islamic extremists make of Western ism is invariably a parasite that feeds off leave the churches, for good reason, mar - ciate (9) is due (9) culture. For them it’s a drug which, once bad theism.” That logic also holds regard - ginalised: “Undignified, obscurantist and 8. Drops from heaven (4) 2. Ted’s soul I can see is in - ingested, has no cure. That’s why they ing attitudes towards the Church: Bad at - xenophobic Christianity closes the path 9. God’s words are sweeter temperate (9) want to block their youth from Western titudes towards the Church feed off bad for many” to enter the Church.” than this (Ps 19) (9) 4. He says there is no God influences. Church practices. Blaming the world for our problems, 10. Truth found in the New (Ps 14) (4) But is this true? Is secular culture the she argues, does nothing to enhance the Testament (6) 5. Inactive (5) enemy? Are we, church-goers, the last he great Jewish scholar Rabbi Abra - respect the world has for religion or for 11. Put your foot down at the 6. Kind of tax entry? (6) ham Joshua Heschel (1907-72) would Christianity. The drop-off in church at - post office (5) 7. Jesus left it empty (4) true remnant of God and truth left stand - T 14. More competent (5) 9. Pricked up your ears (5) ing, prophetic and marginalised in a so - agree. In his book, God In Search of Man , tendance is very much our own fault be - 15. Nobleman (4) 11. Another steak for burn - ciety that’s shallow, irreligious and he wrote: cause far too often we are not radiating a 16. Attracts around the wards ing (5) godless? “It is customary to blame secular sci - Church with a compassionate embrace, (5) 12. Athenians look up to it Many, including myself, would argue ence and anti-religious philosophy for and we are not in fact addressing the real 18. Pretty shrewd (4) (9) that this conclusion is far, far too simple. the eclipse of religion in modern society. energies that are burning inside people. 20. I leave waiter a glass of it 13. He’s taken orders (9) Secular society can be shallow, irreligious, It would be more honest to blame reli - For Robinson, the secular world isn’t, (5) 17. It was drawn by Jesus’ and godless, there’s more than sufficient gion for its own defeats. Religion declined per se , irreligious. Rather it sees our 21. Ooze out (5) follower (Mt 26) (5) evidence for that; but, beneath its shal - not because it was refuted, but because it churches as self-absorbed, non-under - 24. How marital consent must 19. Bishop in the Orthodox lowness and its congenital allergy to our became irrelevant, dull, oppressive, in - standing and non-empathetic to its de - be given (6) Church (6) churches, real religious desire still burns. sipid. sires, its wounds, and its needs. 25. The Magi’s side of the ship 22. Quaintly amusing (5) (9) 23. Don’t move! (4) The churches must ask themselves: “When faith is completely replaced by And so her challenge to us, church- goers, is this: “It behooves anyone who 26. Plato gave some away for 24. One in the second l Why aren’t more people turning to creed, worship by discipline, love by a Roman robe (4) plague (Ex 8) (4) us to deal with their religious desires? habit; when the crisis of today is ignored calls himself or herself a Christian, any 27. Got my holy move to folk - institution that calls itself a church, to lore (9) Solutions on page 11 bring credit to the faith, at very least not to embarrass or disgrace it. Making God a Classic Conrad tribal deity, our local Baal, is embarrass - ing and disgraceful.” Some years ago, I heard an Evangelical CHURCH CHUCKLE minister state the problem this way: “As he priest at a harvest festival had aranged all the Christian churches we have the living Tvegetables in front of the altar. water, the water Christ promised would He asked the children if they could name them. quench all fires and all thirsts. But, this is The replies were: potatoes, cabbage, carrots, beans the problem—we aren’t getting the living broccoli, cauliflower... water to where the fires are! Instead we So he asked if they could use one word to cover are spraying water everywhere, except them all. A little boy held his hand up and replied: where it’s burning!” “Gravy!” He’s right. The answer to the mass ex - odus from our churches is not to blame Send us your favourite Catholic joke, preferably clean and brief, to the culture; it’s to make better churches! The Southern Cross, Church Chuckle, PO Box 2372, Cape Town, 8000.