Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. JUNE 7, 2020 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All TERHAD the saints greet you. PP 8460/11/2012(030939) ISSN: 1394-3294 Vol. 27 No. 22 THE CATHOLIC WEEKLY 2 Cor. 13:11-13 Racism a ‘spiritual’ virus, that must be wiped out ATICAN: Much like the coronavirus pandemic, Vracism is a “spiritual” vi- rus that has spread throughout the world and must be eradicated, said Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, pres- ident of the Pontifical Academy for Life. “I would compare (racism) to COVID-19, but it is a virus of the spirit, a cultural virus that, if not isolated, spreads quickly,” said Archbishop Paglia. The Italian archbishop commented on the May 25 death of George Floyd while in po- lice custody in Minneapolis and the subse- quent protests throughout the United States. Floyd, 46, was arrested by police on sus- picion of forgery. Once he was handcuffed, a white officer pinned him down on the street, putting his knee on Floyd’s neck for eight minutes. A now widely circulated vid- eo shows Floyd repeatedly saying, “I can’t breathe.” He appears to lose consciousness Politicians and family members gathered at the memorial of George Floyd on Thursday, June 4, 2020. (The Star via AP) or die and was later declared dead at the hos- racism from multiplying, those (who oppose of self-interest and intense competition that can ily of 7 billion people.” pital. racism) must also multiply.” even turn violent. The gap between concern “It’s not that I can say to my brother, ‘I don’t Archbishop Paglia said that just as people He said the United States has had a voca- with one’s own well-being and the prosperity care about you’ because he’s the ninth brother were called to self-isolate in order to care for tion of helping others, not just themselves, of the larger human family seems to be stretch- and I only like the first five siblings,” he said. one another, racism can only be defeated by but “I believe they have lost” that vocation. ing to the point of complete division,” the Pope Nevertheless, “I am convinced that there is a people caring for each other. Archbishop Paglia said he believed Pope wrote. great mission for American Catholicism” in the “Today we must start a revolution of Francis should consider writing a document Archbishop Paglia said that brotherhood country. — By Junno Arocho Esteves, CNS brotherhood. We are all brothers and sisters. that addresses the subject of racism, a prob- among peoples can only be possible “if the dis- Brotherhood is a promise that is lacking in lem “all over the world.” cussion passes to the fact that we are one fam- l Turn to Pages 9, 12 and 13 for more modern times,” he said. “In my opinion, the However, he also noted that the Pope’s true strength that supports us in our weak- 2019 letter marking the 25th anniversary of ness is brotherhood and solidarity. And just the Pontifical Academy for Life reflects on Letter from the as it defeats the coronavirus, it also defeats many of the same divisions that exist in the racism.” world today. The fight against racism, he added, is done In the letter, titled The Human Community, Prime Minister’s Department “not with violence but in the style of Martin the Pope said the sense of fraternity between Our ref: MHEA, 100-6/5/1 (64) people and nations has been weakened by Luther King, Jr.: with words, with culture, Date: May 12, 2020 19 Ramadhan 1441H with faith, with humanism. It is fought the the erosion of mutual trust and “remains the same way we fight against the coronavirus.” unkept promise of modernity.” The Most Reverend Julian Leow Beng Kim “It’s not enough to remain silent,” the Ital- “Mutual distrust between individuals and Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur ian archbishop said. “To prevent the virus of peoples is being fed by an inordinate pursuit May God Almighty always bless us and keep A prayer for our nation us in goodness, peace and prosperity. We are pleased to note that we have re- Leader: into the glorious liberty of the ceived a greeting letter dated April 23 2020 Let us proclaim the name of the Lord; children of God. and ascribe greatness to our God! from your goodself, together with the mes- Lord Jesus, send forth Your Spirit of Truth sage from the Pontifical Council for Interreli- All: and let this Spirit prove to ‘the powers that gious Dialogue, in conjunction with Ramad- Lord, your work is perfect. be’ how wrong they are about sin, han and Hari Raya Aidilfitri. And all your ways are just. righteousness and judgment. I would like to thank you for your warm Let Your voice be heard today O Lord, declare the power of your works to by all the nations! Your peoples and let us be filled with the greetings and am very pleased with the call O God, Judge of the nations, knowledge of Your glory as the waters from the Vatican. I would like to take this put fear into our hearts cover the sea. opportunity to call for sincere assistance for so that we may know that we are those who are in need throughout this Condi- only human. Gather us, O Lord, in Your Name tional Movement Control Order; which can and may all worship the One True God. be intensified regardless of religion and race. Best Regards Amen. Father, the whole of creation groans May the intimate relationship between the and labours to be delivered from the (A prayer composed from various Muslim community and the Christian com- Zulkifli Mohd Al Bakri bondage of corruption, Scripture verses of the Bible) munity grow stronger for universal harmony. Minister of Religious Affairs 2 Forum / Reflection HERALD June 7, 2020 We are all George Floyd! ost of us must have been troubled humanity and even choking the planet. by the news of what is happening “Mamma… I cannot breathe!” Min the US in the aftermath of the Sunday Observer It would be hard not to feel depressed by horrific death of George Floyd, who was By all this. killed by police officers. All this was happening around the time These must be worrying times for the Anil Netto we celebrated Pentecost, when we cele- people there — not just the pandemic and brate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. [email protected] the economy but now, the protests in re- More than ever, we need to rely on the sponse to the horrific police brutality and gifts of the Spirit — wisdom, understand- callousness in Minnesota. represented in the US COVID-19 death toll soul-searching. ing, knowledge, counsel and fortitude — These things happen all over the world, — perhaps almost twice compared to their But Trump and the fundamentalists are to make sense of what is happening in the from time to time, but to actually see share of the population. not alone. Politicians in many other coun- world, to discern our course of action and someone’s life being slowly snuffed out on So we cannot look at heavy-handed po- tries, faced with economic challenges, to summon our courage to press on against video, almost in slow motion, to hear him licing and racial inequality in isolation partly of their own doing before the coro- great odds. uttering “I can’t breathe” and to see him from structural problems: lack of access to navirus, have been courting support from Hopefully something good comes out of gasping for life was something else. healthcare for the poor, neoliberalism that exclusivist, fundamentalist religious or these traumatic times but at the moment, it This callous murder is not something concentrates wealth in fewer hands, lack right-wing nationalist groups. is hard to say what that could be. We need that happened overnight. Many others have of balanced nutrition, regressive taxation, They subtly channel domestic dissatis- reforms to policing (especially an inde- died, victims of police brutality. For many the casualisation of labour or labour “flex- faction of the economy among ethnic or pendent police complaints commission), African-Americans, this is the reality on ibility”, low wages and loss of job security. religious majorities towards imaginary en- people-oriented economic reforms, social the streets, especially in depressed neigh- As the economy slides and after decades emies of the state – whether minorities or and political reforms. And restoration of bourhoods. Many of them dread being of neoliberal policies, many ordinary peo- migrants. the ecology. stopped by a police officer for any reason. ple are feeling the economic pain. It then We don’t have to look very far to see how Faith means we have to go where we are There is a pattern here — the racism that becomes easier for unscrupulous politi- this game is played. We are all too familiar needed, even if it is to places we’d rather lies beneath the surface, which goes back cians, some manipulating social media, to with how race and religion are manipulated not go — even if we don’t know what the all the way to the slave trade. channel the people’s frustration towards for political gain. consequences will be — or sometimes de- We thought the civil rights movement of “the Others”, the minorities in our midst People might feel helpless when they spite knowing the consequences eg from the 1960s would have made more people — whether they are ethnic or religious mi- see what is happening in the US, which the Garden of Gethsemane to the Cross. more enlightened. Those who spoke up norities, the LGBT community, “liberals”, is struggling on many fronts, and in other During these troubling times, we must against the racial injustice too paid a heavy migrants, refugees … you get the drift. places around the world — the fallout from believe the protests and struggles — not price — Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr In this way, the political schemers can the coronavirus, poverty, racial injustice, just in the present but those of earlier dec- and Malcolm X come to mind — the latter safeguard their cushy positions while en- ethnic and religious bigotry, xenophobia ades — and the fervent hope for change, two with their lives. riching their cronies and families, all the and now a looming economic depression will eventually result in a great awakening. This racism is not something happen- time promoting themselves as the saviours, with so many job losses. Creation, which has been groaning and la- ing in isolation; it is also systemic. Afri- defenders or protectors of nationalistic or If that’s not enough, there is that ‘small bouring for so long, must be renewed and can Americans have been disproportion- conservative values. Which is precisely matter’ of climate change, looming water transformed. ately affected in many areas, especially what Donald Trump has been doing. shortages, the loss of biodiversity and the Say no to racism and injustice wherever in healthcare and the economy. Because The tragedy is that Trump has been us- threat of nuclear war. it may exist! We owe it to ourselves and to many of them live in crowded homes, lack ing Christian fundamentalist fervour for his In many ways, all of us, like George the global community we are connected to, access to healthcare and are in essential political gain. The churches in the US that Floyd, are finding it hard to breathe. These to make sure George Floyd’s death was not frontline work, they are disproportionately are backing him have to do some serious problems are collectively suffocating in vain. Solemnity of the Holy Trinity: Claimed in the Name of the Trinity

here are two cities relatively close to assault, particularly the assault of evil. Tus here on the West Coast of Florida But why were we baptised in the name of Reflecting on our Sunday Readings that have a tremendous historical signifi- the Father, Son and Holy Spirit? Why not cance, St Augustine, Florida and Savan- simply in the name of Jesus Christ? Why will love him, and we will come to him Trinity Sunday nah, Georgia. Each was the place where were we not baptised simply in the name and make our home with him.” He is not Readings: Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9; explorers landed and claimed the land for of God? We were baptised in the name of out there somewhere. He is in here, in the their King. the Trinity because we were claimed by all spiritual life that makes a human a child 2 Corinthians 13:11-13; On September 8, 1565, Don Pedro Me- that God is, the fullness of God, the Father, of God. Jesus promised us that He would Gospel: John 3:16-18 nendez de Avila landed on the northeast Son and Holy Spirit. never leave us alone, and we are not alone. coast of Florida and established the first Today’s celebration, the Solemnity of He is with us always, not just outside of us, if they have sat across from me, they will colony in the new world, St Augustine. the Holy Trinity, reminds us that we be- but within us. The ability to call upon the often look at me sheepishly, expecting a With banners flying and in full regalia, long to the fullness of God. The readings power of God and the ability to be vehicles scolding or something. I do not scold peo- Menendez planted the Spanish flag and each give a glance at one of the Persons of this power forever is the gift of Pente- ple. I simply mention to them, “You are claimed the land in the name of Philip II, of the Trinity. In the first reading from cost, the gift of the Holy Spirit. better than that, and you know that. That the King of Spain. Exodus, God came down from a cloud and Our dignity as sons and daughters of is why you are here. And I know also that Just a two and a half hour drive north proclaimed His Name, “Lord.” Or perhaps God is far more than a title. We have been I am better than the many times I have of St Augustine, another colony was estab- it was the angelic hosts that cried out, “The claimed by God. We belong to Him. He strayed from God.” By better I mean that lished for another king. On February 12, Lord, the Lord, a merciful and gracious belongs to us. We have to keep this in mind we are sons and daughters of God. We are 1733, 168 years after Menendez, General God, slow to anger and rich in kindness when others present as normal that where children of God. We are better than the James Oglethorpe landed in Savannah and and fidelity.” These are the attributes given God is not found. We need to ask our- forces of the world that are trying to de- claimed the land in the name of his king, to the first person of the Trinity, the Father. selves, “Is God in the room, in the house, at stroy us. George II of England. The colony was also The Gospel proclaims that God’s love is so the party?” If people are enjoying His gifts St Augustine was not just a remote col- named after the king and called Georgia. great that He gave his Son to us to save us while still honouring His Presence, then ony. It was part of the Spanish Empire. It Once a land was claimed for a king it from the assault of evil. The second read- we know He is there. If people are flaunt- could claim the King of Spain as its protec- was considered part of the Kingdom. Any ing from Second Corinthians presents Fa- ing the basic dictates of morality, then we tor. Savannah was not just a remote colony. assault on that colony would be treated as ther, Son and Spirit as St Paul prays that know He is not there. And we know that it It was part of the British Empire. It could an assault on the Kingdom, not on a re- we continue to enjoy the union with the is beneath our dignity as children of God claim the King of England as its protector. mote land. Holy Spirit, the Power of God working to be there ourselves. And we are not just members of a religion. When we were baptised, we were through us and uniting us into the Church. In the sacrament of Penance, good peo- We are part of the Kingdom of God. We claimed in the name of the Holy Trinity. The heart of the mystery is simply that ple come to a recognition that they have claim our God as our protector, our protec- The priest or deacon poured the water and God dwells within us. Sadly, some people not behaved as well as they should. Some- tor from the evil that is trying to destroy us. said, “I baptise you in the name of the continue the concept held by many dur- times people will have a huge laundry list Today we are reminded of both — Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” From that ing revolutionary times — that God is re- of serious sins they wish to confess. They who God is, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, point, the Kingdom of God was extended moved from us. That is not what God told will go on and on talking about sexual sin, and who we are, God’s children carry- to wherever we might be. We are under us. In John 14 Jesus said, “If anyone loves sins of hatred, sins of disrespecting them- ing His Presence into the world. — By the protection of the Kingdom against any me, he will keep my word, and my Father selves and others, etc. When they finish, Msgr Joseph A Pellegrino HERALD June 7, 2020 Home / Pastporal 3

Diocese of Keningau Coming together to pray for all priests he annual Global Rosary TRelay for the sanctification Trinity the source and of priests on the Feast of the Sa- cred Heart of Jesus is on June 19, 2020. This is the day when we encircle the world in prayer. Organised by globalpriest, reason for BECs it is in its eleventh year, with Dear brothers and sisters, stated that Catholics in Asia ought to live in titudes and cultures. Consequently, it is our more prayer locations than ever communion with other communities. own people and religion that bring injustice taking part in what is now rec- In conjunction with the Feast of the Holy Celebrating the Feast of the Holy Trinity and suffering to the rest of humanity. We ognised as a truly significant Trinity, we take this opportunity to give is an opportune time for us to evaluate the humans need to turn to God and put Him and powerful devotional initiative within the Catholic thanks to God, for he is in a natural rela- journey of our BECs. The Basic Ecclesial first in our lives. (Matt. 6:33). Church to recognise and bless the work of priests serving tionship shown by the Community be- Community (BEC) is the way we live as As Christians and members of a BEC, the faithful the world over. tween God the Father, the Son and the followers of Jesus no matter whether it is in we all must take this opportunity to ask Each of the participating prayer locations in the 85 plus Holy Spirit. the city or village. Families of five to eight ourselves whether we ourselves, our fami- countries prays a particular mystery of the Rosary at a The state of being in a relationship and are to come together to establish a BEC. lies and our communities are being imbued particular half hour on the day in thanksgiving to God in a community is very important to human BEC members should regularly gather with and empowered by the Holy Trinity for our priests and to implore the protection and loving nature. Being in relationship and commu- as a community to pray, to share the Bible, and by the examples of the early Christian care of Our Lady, Mother of all priests, for all her priestly nity is very much what God wants for us have fellowship etc. As BEC members, we Community (Acts 41-47). sons. humans. This has been so from the time of should be committed to worshipping God, As members of the BEC, we should With the coming of midnight on the June 19, 2020, the human creation, for “God has created us listening to the Word of God and working be channels of faith, hope and love of the entire world, by then, will have been encircled in prayer as man and woman and made us like him- together in seeking solutions for any com- Living Lord Jesus. For this reason, our ef- for our priests on this Annual Rosary Relay Day. self” (Gen 1:27) to be in relationship and mon need. The culture of worshipping forts must be focused on building a close It was the great Irish priest Fr Patrick Peyton who never community. God enriches and builds our faith, includ- relationship with Jesus by dedicating time tired of saying that: ‘The Family that prays together stays As humans, and as people of God, we ing our social responsibilities in mould- for prayer, by listening to and reflecting together.’ As the family of the Church, you are invited to need one another to live in a just commu- ing our BEC lifestyle. In this way, we are on the Word of God and participating in join your prayers to the prayers of millions throughout the nity. We need to learn and follow the way strengthened to become active participants the Eucharist and Adoration. In this way, world on June 19, 2020. of life of the first Christians (Acts 2:41-47) or members of the Church and develop a we will be able to deepen our communion It is an opportunity for us to raise our hearts to God who were one in heart and mind (Acts caring attitude towards the welfare of every and faithfulness to Jesus (John 15:4-5) and for all priests in the exercise of their ministry; that they 4:32). individual, family, community, Church and thus be proud of our identity as missionary will be blessed, through our prayers, with God’s grace Our Church, since the reformation of the God’s creation. disciples of Jesus Christ and become com- for their priesthood; that in this worldwide communion Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), has The world today is in great need of a mitted to our mission through our BECs. of prayer for them, they may experience our gratitude and strongly encouraged us Christians to live spirit of togetherness and concern for the support; and finally that they will persevere in unity with as a community. The Federation of Asian welfare of our fellow human beings and Christ and his Church and shepherd the Lord’s flock to Bishops Conferences (FABC) at a meeting God’s creation. Through the mass media, + Bishop Datuk Cornelius Piong the safe pastures of his Kingdom. in Bandung, Indonesia on July 27, 1990 we can see how selfish we are in our at- June 7, 2020 For more, go to: https://www.worldpriest.com WHO Manifesto for a healthy and green recovery from COVID-19 resonating with Laudato Si’

The pandemic is a reminder If we approach nature and the environment of the intimate and delicate without this openness to awe and wonder, if relationship between people and we no longer speak the language of fraternity the planet. Any efforts to make and beauty in our relationship with the world, our world safer are doomed to fail our attitude will be that of masters, consumers, unless they address the critical ruthless exploiters, unable to set limits on interface between people and their immediate needs. By contrast, if we feel pathogens, and the existential intimately united with all that exists, then threat of climate change, that is sobriety and care will well up spontaneously. making our Earth less habitable Pope Francis, Encyclical letter Laudato Si’ WHO Director-General Dr Tedros on the care for our common home, May 24th 2015 Adhanom Ghebreyesus, May 26th 2020

hile we are still reeling from sary year beginning May 24. Five Prescriptions for a healthy, Wthe greatest global shock in years ago Pope Francis published green recovery our time, we feel uncertain living the Encyclical Laudato Si’ on the 1) Protect and preserve the source in the world that has likely changed care for our common home and of human health: nature. inevitably and irrevocably. How now he invites all people of good- 2) Invest in essential services, from are we going to recover from the af- will “to take part, to care for our water and sanitation to clean en- termath of the unprecedented dev- common home and our most vul- ergy in healthcare facilities. astation caused by the COVID-19 nerable brothers and sisters.” The 3) Ensure a quick healthy energy Children and parent planting young seedlings in recycle fiber pots. (Shutterstock/A3pfamily) pandemic? Laudato Si’ has been a point of ref- transition. Pope Francis reminds us that “We Going back to normal is not good On May 26, 2020, the World erence not only for the Church but 4) Promote healthy, sustainable must regain the conviction that we enough. We need a renaissance! This Health Organisation (WHO) also for governments, international food systems. launched a very bold and much- organisations, and many environ- need one another, that we have a is an opportunity for us to build a 5) Build healthy, liveable cities. needed Manifesto for a healthy and mental groups worldwide. shared responsibility for others and new common home together with the green recovery post-COVID-19. The six WHO Manifesto key 6) Stop using taxpayers money to the world, and that being good and de- grace of God, to embrace solidarity Dr Tedros, who has been leading principles are called “prescrip- fund pollution. cent are worth it. We have had enough among ourselves to stop the cries of the whole world in battling against tions” for a healthy and green re- The COVID-19 pandemic has of immorality and the mockery of eth- the creation. the coronavirus, has a great appre- covery from COVID-19. It is just shown that people will support very ics, goodness, faith and honesty. It is Let us pray for a global conversion ciation for nature and human dig- like when we are sick we need to restrictive policies such as stay-at- time to acknowledge that light-heart- leading to a healthy, green and sus- nity. He recognises the right of eve- have a prescription of medicine for home for an extended period of time ed superficiality has done us no good. tainable renaissance. — By Christo- ryone to good health; the close links healing. The ‘prescriptions’ include if the decision-making process is When the foundations of social life pher Ng between people and our planet, and calls for the preservation of our transparent, evidence-based and com- are corroded, what ensues are battles the real threat of climate change natural resources, liveable cities, municated clearly to them. They are over conflicting interests, new forms To read the WHO Manifesto https:// and pollution. secure food systems, clean water, convinced of the need for the unam- of violence and brutality, and obsta- www.who.int/news-room/feature- This is most timely as we have renewable green energy, and an end biguous aim of protecting their health, cles to the growth of a genuine culture stories/detail/who-manifesto-for-a- just started the Laudato Si’ anniver- to biodiversity destruction. their families and their livelihoods. of care for the environment.” healthy-recovery-from-covid-19 4 Home HERALD June 7, 2020 CDM Penang celebrates Laudato Si’ week in a new way PENANG: This year, Friends of CDM celebrated the Laudato Si our ecology. We just need to put Creation Ministry (FoC) under the week from May 10 to 24 beginning in some effort and commitment to Church of the Divine Mercy (CDM) with the Sunday live stream morn- care for God’s Creation, which is had to think creatively about how ing Mass. Materials provided by perfectly simple and doable. It is to celebrate the fifth anniversary of GCCM were aligned and used as to echo the Vatican News May 22, Laudato Si’ amidst the Movement an introduction to inform the Cath- that featured Laudato Si’ where the Control Order (MCO). In the nor- olics that we were celebrating the “Gospel of Creation” explains that mal CDM parish calendar, the FoC Laudato Si’ week. A video message it is the key that unlocks the future had planned to celebrate this occa- by Pope Francis was shown invit- survival of our world. Cardinal sion with an Eco Fair. ing everyone to join the Laudato Turkson in that letter explained Initially, FoC was at a loss of Si’ week celebrations. This was fol- how the care for creation is con- what to do. However, hope came lowed by a video of the ‘Cultural nected with worship, and is in line when parish priest Fr Martin Ar- Dream’ that featured the struggle of with St Francis of Assisi’s vision of lando sent the video published by the Amazon Indigenous people. creation. GCCM (Global Catholic Climate On May 17, CDM played the Future green activities planned Movement) and requested that video clips of ‘CDM Pledged for the parish in the coming months some information be prepared as a Green Parish’ https://www. will be to carry out multiple mini about CDM’s achievement in be- facebook.com/cdmsgarapg/vid- projects in sequence, involving coming the first Green Parish in eos/245515976794815/ followed selected groups of parishioners. Malaysia. The intention of the in- by ‘Social Dream of the Amazon Each will need to cater to selected formation was basically to educate People’. age groups according to abilities. our own parishioners. But since On May 24, Fr Martin chose to Fr Martin Arlando celebrating Mass outdoors for the closing of Laudato Si’ This will necessitate better com- this was to be presented online, it close the celebrations of Laudato Week on May 24, 2020. munication and coordination with became suddenly apparent that it Si’ week by celebrating the Sun- ‘Common Prayer for the 5th An- We at CDM are blessed to be the other parish ministries. For a could actually reach more people day Morning Mass amid the natu- niversary of Laudato Si’. https:// able to be the instrument of God better world to live in, this is just than just CDM parishioners, and ral surroundings of flowing plants www.facebook.com/cdmsgarapg/ to inform Christians everywhere a small effort and sacrifice. — By with God’s will, the whole world. at the CDM Grotto and to pray the videos/382227699364071/ that we hold the important keys to Magdalene Chiang Pastors say that faith is not affected by lockdown KUALA LUMPUR: Community there were many stories of salva- present crisis of faith, during this Action Network’s second online tion and healing when the church pandemic”, as we are social be- series of Latte with Jesus featur- started their online services. ings that need a community where ing Fr Gerard Theraviam, Church Both agreed that faith could “we walk with one another, we of Divine Mercy, Shah Alam and be affected. Not only was it hard disciple one another”. There is a Pastor Shaun Isaacs, Kingdomcity for the members but it was also need to have people around us as Church, Petaling Jaya discussed “heart breaking” for the pastors “God saves us as a people”. Religion Quarantined: Faith Af- and priests as all of us missed There are also other ways to fected by COVID-19? our community and congrega- be a faith community like doing Moderator Faribel Fernandez tions, since coming together also services for the marginalised and set out the new challenges of be- provided for the emotional sup- others that are impacted. We need ing away from the physical church port and fellowship need for their to find new ways of doing this. In in this new-norm era and the lin- members. every crisis, God will show us a gering question of its impact on Pastor Sean emphatically said better and deeper way to strength- the faith of Christians. There were “Gatherings are quarantined but en our faith. As a community, let’s many questions from the public not our faith, as God is internal focus on the accompaniment and via Facebook live that enlivened and relational” with each one “be there” for each other in prayer the discussion. Latte with Jesus with Fr Gerard Theraviam from the Church of the Divine of us. In Matt 16: 13-20, Jesus life, family life and community Mercy and Pastor Shaun Isaacs of Kingdomcity Church, with moderator Fr Gerard said “Many are not Faribel Fernandez. is asking us “Who do you say I outreach. This pandemic has used to the disruption of not be- am?,” during this MCO season. taught us that the Church is more ing able to go to church for Mass other types of activities were be- attending physically”. Our response should be “You are than just a building. It consists of and Holy Communion during ginning to be conducted over so- Pastor Shaun spoke positively the Christ”, even during these dif- a community of believers on their the MCO which is central to the cial media too. Even funeral ser- of these, “The Sunday online ficult times. journey of faith. Catholic faith”. Many needed to vices were telecast live for close church services have reached in- Fr Gerard says “it’s not solely View this and other Latte With adapt, although it’s tough, to at- family and friends to participate dividuals who were previously not one dimension of a personal re- Jesus forums at: https://www. tending Masses online and soon as the MCO prevented them from attending church”. He added that lationship that determines the facebook.com/CANMalaysia/ Blood donation campaign records the highest turnout ever in spite of CMCO PENAMPANG: The blood dona- District, in collaboration with Aloysius thanked the Penampang tion campaign held in May at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH parish headed by parish priest Fr Church of St Michael recorded 2). Wilfred Atin, who is also a regular the highest turnout ever of 81 re- Parish KPI chairman George blood donor, for the continuous spondents, with an overwhelming Maison noted with gratitude that support of the parish for the blood collection of 63 pints. this year’s drive was very encour- donation program. He attributed The campaign, which is or- aging in spite of the CMCO. the high number of respondents ganised by Penampang Human “I want to take this opportuni- at the current campaign to people Development Committee (KPI) ty to thank all donors, as well as avoiding the hospital during the three times a year, was held at the the parish priests, for their over- CMCO. PPC hall from 9.30am to 3.30pm whelming and timely support YB Jennifer Lasimbang and her in strict compliance with the Con- when our hospitals are facing sud- staff donated food packages and ditional Movement Control Order den shortage of blood due to the face masks to the blood donors, (CMCO) enforced to break the COVID-19 and the fasting sea- while supply company SMASK, chain of the coronavirus pandem- son,” acknowledged Maison, who in collaboration with a non-profit ic. is also the Senior Medical Labora- organisation (NGO) JCI, Kota The campaign was co-organised tory Technologist, Department of Kinabalu, sponsored hand sanitiz- with the Malaysian Red Crescent Transfusion Medicines at QEH2. ers and provided SOP services. — Blood donation campaign in St Michael’s Church Penampang, parish priest Society (MRCS) of Penampang MRCS district chairman Adrian By Johannes Jimmy, CS Fr Wilfred Atin in black shirt. HERALD June 7, 2020 Home 5 Holy Spirit Cathedral parishioners have the Upper Room experience PENANG: Pentecost was special for the three days were: for I am with you”. Bishop Sebas- for everyone at the Cathedral of 1. “We are recognised by our tian’s message at the conclusion of the Holy Spirit (CHS) as they cel- fruits” (Mt. 7:16) his homily was, “We need not be ebrated their feastday in the “up- 2. “So we, though many, are one afraid. We need to come out of the per room” of their homes. As par- body in Christ” (Rom 12:15) upper room and, with the help of ish priest, Fr Joachim Robert so 3. “Cast your cares on to the the Holy Spirit, continue with the aptly mentioned in his message, Lord and He will sustain you” (Ps. mission right where we are. We “even though we are not able to be 55:22) need not wait for the MCO to end. present physically in the church, On Pentecost Vigil, the Novena We need to begin by evangelising we are all prayerfully united in to the Holy Spirit was recited by a ourselves by saying that Jesus is spirit and virtually in love. We are cross-section of 240 parishioners, Lord. Believe that you are under comforted by the assurance ‘Fear both young and old, from different the influence of the Holy Spirit.” not for I am with you’ (Isaiah language groups who all blend- Truly a powerful message! 41:10)”. This brought about the ed together as one, online. This Fr Joachim concluded his feast- Parish Vision – Unity in Diversity was followed by Bishop Bernard day message with these words, into reality. Paul who celebrated Mass from “these celebrations are particu- As preparation for the Feast Johor Baru and preached on the larly meaningful and definitely a of Pentecost, parishioners began theme: “All who call in the name memorable one for all. It has been reciting the Rosary to the Holy of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts a celebration that strengthens our Spirit as households/families for 2:21). This too was streamed live bonds, uniting all of us wherever three days from May 22, guided through our own YouTube chan- we are. Indeed, the Holy Spirit is by an online video prepared by nel. truly alive and active in every situ- the priests and flyers distributed Later, another first for CHS was ation”. He then thanked the organ- via WhatsApp and links posted on a Pentecost Vigil Taizé Prayer ses- ising committee for their work, CHS Facebook. sion as a Parish community, led the technical team for streaming For the next three days the No- by the parish priests and teams the Masses online and especially vena to the Holy Spirit preceded online from our Chapel where the the supporting workers who do so the Triduum Masses in English Blessed Sacrament was exposed. much in the background. “Terima by Fr Gerard Theraviam streamed The meditative chants, the read- Kasih!” live from Church of Divine Mer- ings of Scriptures and the prayers At the end of the Mass, a vir- cy, Shah Alam and broadcast created a truly prayerful environ- tual choir production of the through CHS YouTube channel. ment in our homes. To commemo- CHS Music Ministry consist- This year’s feastday celebration was a different experience for the parishioners Fr Ryan Innas Muthu (in Tamil) rate the Feastday and to assist the of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit. ing of members of various min- and Fr Louis Loi (in Mandarin) parishioners to follow the event, istries and apostolates, prayer celebrated and preached simulta- each household was given a “Par- Finally, on Pentecost morning, ebrated Mass from the chapel and groups sang Spirit Come — By neously from CHS. The themes ish Feastday candle” earlier. Bishop Sebastian Francis cel- preached on the theme: “Fear not Gregory Warrier Parishioners urged to move beyond Coming together to pray the rosary church building this Pentecost BUTTERWORTH: On May 29, in leading the people in a prayerful PENANG: “Always remember that News. in conjunction with the closing of session. They also felt happy see- we are the Church, a community “The role of the Holy Spirit in the Marian Month, the Church of ing Fr. Dom and other parishioners which is alive. Let us move beyond Christian life is to make us living the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin going live. It was a new and joy- the church building in reaching out temples of the faith, strengthen us Mary and Chastan and Imbert co- ful experience to be in prayer as a to others during this time of trial.” against temptation and help us bear ordinated the live streaming of the community. — By Sheila Rose This was the message from the witness to our faith,” he said. rosary on Facebook. Five families parish priest of City Parish, Msgr Parishioners were touched by the participated in reciting the rosary Aloysius Tan as he reflected on the gesture of the “doves” in the church while around 900 families joined solemnity of Pentecost which was sanctuary as it reminded them of the via FB. celebrated on May 31. community which they have sorely Parish priest Fr Dominic San- Empty pews which used to ac- missed for the past two months. thiyagu, in addressing the partici- commodate parishioners attending Rosalind Victor was moved by pants, said “the aim of this rosary Mass at the Church of Our Lady the symbols present during the Msgr Aloysius Tan was to bring the community to- of Sorrows (OLS) were beautifully Mass, and said that it was a unify- gether as one family in prayer. Let adorned with doves – a symbol of cipients of this Spirit, we are called ing sign of the Church being in soli- us bring our trials, tribulations and the Holy Spirit to remind all that the to be the spark to spread His fire, darity together. hopes to the feet of Mary. Let us Spirit is present among us. we must be alive and present in our “We look forward to the day ask her to intercede for us as we Msgr Tan and assistant parish communities today,” he said. where everything will be restored recite the rosary.” priest Fr Francis Anthony celebrat- He also urged parishioners not to so that we can see our priests and The intention of the rosary was ed the weekend Masses which were keep the Holy Spirit within them the congregation in Church, wor- for protection and healing of the broadcast live from the parish’s Fa- but to follow the direction of the shipping God and receiving the world. Those who participated in cebook page and YouTube channel. Spirit in going out to fulfill their Sacraments together,” said Jose- the rosary wanted to be instruments “If you are amazed at the spread mission and proclaim the Good phine Gilbert. — By Aaron Lim of forest fires, you should be- ex cited over the feast of Pentecost which we celebrate today as the Holy Spirit which descended as tongues of fire on the Apostles and spread fast and wide to the ends of the earth,” he said. Msgr Tan shared that the fire of the Holy Spirit symbolises power, peace, mission, truth and justice; and we should allow the Spirit to work through us just as the apostles were guided. “The church doors may have Doves adorned the empty pews to remind everyone that the Spirit is pesent Screenshots of Fr Dominic Santhiyagu and his parishioners praying the been closed since March; but as re- among us. rosary. 6 Asia HERALD June 7, 2020 Tribal woman becomes vice-chancellor of Indian university NEW DELHI: Church leaders and activ- great respect for her achievements. Dravidian language spoken by the Oraon. ists have hailed the appointment of a tribal “The maths teacher who was non-tribal “We welcome the appointment of Minz Christian as vice-chancellor of a university knew it was my strong subject, yet he told wholeheartedly because, being a woman in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand, me not to study maths for graduation. That and tribal, it will be easy for her to un- saying it will inspire many more women made me even more determined to study derstand the difficulties people face in the to study. the subject further,” Minz, an Oraon from state. She can handle the situation easily Sonajharia Minz, currently a professor at Gumla district, said. compared to someone from another com- New Delhi’s prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru “I couldn't get into an English-medium munity,” said Ratan Tirkey, a member of University (JNU), was appointed vice- school as I was an Adivasi [tribal]. But I the Jharkhand Tribal Advisory Council. chancellor of Sido Kanhu Murmu Univer- did well at a Hindi-medium school with “It is a privilege for the Christian com- sity in Jharkhand’s Dumka district on May mostly tribal students and teachers."” munity here because Minz comes from a 28. She is the second tribeswoman to be Her passion for mathematics led her to well-to-do, educated family as her father elected a vice-chancellor. graduate from the Women’s Christian Col- was a founder of Gossner College in the “It is indeed good news for the people lege in Chennai and pursue a master’s de- state capital." of Jharkhand, especially for tribal people, gree in science at Madras Christian Col- Shanti Beck, president of Chotanagpur because it will inspire many more girls to lege. She later changed her field and took working women’s forum, said there is no study who are otherwise neglected by soci- up computing science to “take on a new discrimination in educating girls in the ety. Girls are overlooked for studies com- challenge and to come to JNU in 1986.” tribal community “but girls are more en- pared to the boys,” said Fr Vincent Ekka, She returned to teach at JNU in 1992 couraged to do household work rather than who heads the department of tribal studies after short stints at universities in Bhopal pursue education, so Minz’s appointment Sonajharia Minz at the Jesuit-run Indian Social Institute in and Madurai. Staying at JNU ever since, will change that trend.” New Delhi. tions in Delhi such as president of JNU Minz was injured when right-wing activ- Jharkhand has some nine million tribal “It will be a morale booster for other teachers’ association. She was also on the ists went on the rampage across the cam- people who form 26 percent of the state’s women as well as for students in the state committee selecting professors and teach- pus in January. population. About 1.5 million people in the as Minz is very experienced and respected ers for reserve categories.” Minz is the daughter of Lutheran Bishop state are Christians, at least half of them as well as a learned educationist who has Fr Ekka, a former JNU scholar who has Emeritus Nirmal Minz, who founded Goss- Catholics. Christians account for more even worked closely with the UN on tribal worked with Minz, said she was neglected ner College in Ranchi. He won the Bhasha than 20 per cent of Gumla district’s one issues. when she was young but her determina- Samman award in 2016 for his contribu- million people. — By Bijay Kumar Minj, “Minz has held many important posi- tion made her what she is today and he has tion to the development of Kurukh, the ucanews.com Singaporean academic wants West to correct its Asian perception Isoux: The COVID-10 death toll Isoux: What could they learn from makes us feel Asia is doing better Singaporean academic and former diplomat Kishore Asians? than Europe. Why? Mahbubhani says the coronavirus pandemic may be a Mahbubhani: Their pragmatism and Mahbubhani: Let me insist: the crisis is signal that it is time the West learned from other people. flexibility. Take ASEAN [Association of far from over. We are not even halfway Mahbubhani, who specialises in relations between the Southeast Asian Nations], for example, through it yet, so we have to beware of snap West and Asia, believes that Asia's economic, technological in comparison with the European Union. judgments. However, the first figures of and cultural progress is significant in our times. Some decisions are taken unanimously, COVID-19 deaths — coming to us not just He was Singapore's permanent representative to the but often only a small group of countries from China but also from Vietnam, Korea United Nations and president of the United Nations Security are involved ... So we don’t find ourselves and Singapore — seem to be dramatically Council for 15 months until May 2002. He believes the in radical situations like Brexit ... With lower than European mortality rates. We do pandemic offers the West a chance to end its condescension Europe, you have to be completely in or not yet have a scientific explanation. But and correct its perception of Asians. The following are completely out, but there could be inter- we can assume that the political manage- excerpts from an interview Carol Isoux had with him. mediate paths. We had some exchanges ment of the crisis has been better in Asian between members of the European par- countries. in cultural self-confidence in the idea that governments is economic prosperity and a liament and Southeast Asians, but to be one can do as much as, or even better than, radical transformation of living standards frank the Europeans’ attitude was one of Isoux: We see practical measures the West. The West ceases to be a model. within two to three generations. The Chi- condescension. like free distribution of masks, and Another factor has been the confidence of nese have seen more improvements in their their compulsory wearing, even in people in their governments, which is fun- living conditions in the last 40 years than Isoux: China faces international so-called developing countries such damental for the rapid and practical appli- in the previous four millennia. They do not criticism over its lack of transpar- as Thailand or Vietnam. How could cation of public policies. This confidence fully understand why the West still wants to ency. Do you think this relates only such measures be implemented? is due, I believe, to more meritocratic give them lessons on the best model — of to the pandemic crisis or is it an ex- Mahbubhani: Of course, there is the ques- systems, where there is much more social liberal democracy and moral superiority — pression of a deeper anti-Chinese tion of mask manufacturing in Asia and mobility than in Europe. In China, only the when so many Europeans and Americans or even anti-Asian feeling in the industrial power, but not just that. For best people from the public universities — seem to be suffering. West? decades, we have seen governments in the and many of them from the scientific fields Mahbubhani: China has answers to of- United States and Europe delegitimising, in particular — are invited to join the Com- Isoux: Are you saying the pandemic fer, but we are still in the middle of the demoralising and underfunding public in- munist Party's governing bodies. It helps to has thus brutally exposed the depth fight against this virus, and this obsession stitutions. People in Asia have embraced ensure that, on the one hand, good brains of the West's economic and identity with pointing the finger at a guilty party the idea of a strong state and believe that are in government and, on the other hand, crisis? does not help us much. We should rather the invisible hand of the market should be citizens can still identify with members of Mahbubhani: Absolutely. When hospitals let the scientists talk among themselves guided by the visible hand of good govern- the government. Reports by American re- are stripped, when the impoverished middle to find a solution. I think that we are not ance. As revenues have increased in most searchers estimate the Chinese people’s classes come screaming their despair in the yet out of the “yellow peril” — the fear countries in Asia, public institutions have confidence rating in their government is at streets — as the Yellow Vests did in France of those little yellow men without scru- expanded. Not just the hospitals but all in- more than 80 per cent. — when two-thirds of American families ples who cannot be trusted. But as the stitutions that have a say in a health crisis. do not have US$500 set aside for emergen- European discourse does not tolerate any Therefore, health departments have been Isoux: Isn’t this due, at least in part, cies, the West can no longer claim to be a reference to race, we cannot talk about able to send teams into the field at an early to ideological brainwashing? model. For more than 200 years, Asia, led it. I would prefer that there be a space stage of virus infections. If there is any- Mahbubhani: That argument has not aged by China and India, has been learning from to freely discuss and rationally analyse thing to be learned from this crisis, it is the well. Perhaps in the USSR days, without the West — its medicine, its arts, its tech- these clichés to see if they still influence importance of well-funded, well-governed the internet and with a ban on travel, people nologies and its integrated systems — and the West’s perception of China and other public institutions that can react quickly. could have been brainwashed. Today, the adapted them. This has enabled their suc- Asians. Chinese have access to all the information cess today. Why shouldn't the West start Isoux: So you think Asian govern- they want. Some 150 million of them travel learning from others? If you want to export This is an adapted version of an interview ments are coming out of this first every year and return to China. The founda- your model, do so by being a shining exam- that first appeared in Eglises d’Asie part of the crisis stronger? tion of the confidence of East Asians (Chi- ple of success and harmony, not by throw- (Churches in Asia), a publication of the Mahbubhani: Absolutely. There is satis- nese, Taiwanese, Koreans, Singaporeans ing sanctions or bombs at countries that Paris-based Missions Etrangères de Paris faction among people as well as an increase and, to a lesser extent, Vietnamese) in their think differently. (MEP) or Paris Foreign Missions Society. HERALD June 7, 2020 Asia 7 Priest becomes fish vendor to keep poor people fed in Philippines BASILIAN: He sold fish to help parishioners lief packs,” said the priest. “But there seems to build their church a few years ago. Now, he’s be no end to the crisis yet,” he said. doing it again, this time to help the poorest of Fr Silagpo was worried that the parish the poor in his parish. might not be able to provide for the people. The pastor of San Antonio de Padua parish Then he saw that the stall he built outside in the village of Santa Clara in the southern the parish compound to sell fish a few years Philippine island of Basilan is selling fish. back was still standing. The poor people of Basilan, most of whom “Why not sell fish again?” he said to him- are Muslim fishermen and farmers, have been self. “I did it once. Why not do it again?” he badly affected by the lockdown in nearby ar- said. eas due to the coronavirus pandemic. In 2017, with only about US$2,000 on They could not sell goods and buy supplies hand, the priest dreamt of building a church in nearby Zamboanga City, across the sea. to replace the wooden structure that was built “If there are no goods flowing in from Zam- in 1980. boanga, how are we supposed to eat?” said Fr A new church, however, would cost the par- Joel Silagpo, a parish priest in the predomi- ish about US$180,000. nantly Muslim island. “It was next to impossible,” said the priest. Through the cooperation of residents, the The parish applied for a grant, but still it was Fr Joel Silagpo of the San Antonio de Padua parish in the village of Santa Clara in the southern parish of Santa Clara was able to provide re- not enough. Philippine island of Basilan sells fish to raise funds to help poor parishioners during the pandemic. lief goods to the poorest of the poor in town. Then the priest had an idea. Why not sell (LiCAS News photo) “We were able to give out two cycles of re- fish? People, including members of the parish fish vendors,” he said. him and told him that it was the first time that council, laughed at the idea. With the pandemic, however, Fr Silagpo a Christian “entered their world.” “A priest selling fish like an ordinary man?” was forced to go back to selling. “Frankly, we can’t deny Christian bias people said. “The crisis might bring about a culture of against Muslims on the island,” said Fr Silag- “But I told them, I can sacrifice for the dependence on donations, so I challenge the po. He said some Christians would not even church because our church is dilapidated,” Fr people to be resourceful,” he said. accept food offered by Muslims. Silagpo told the people. He said he had to do He started planting vegetables with resi- The priest said that with his fish vending ac- it or the workers would not get paid. dents, slowly filling vacant lots with plants. tivity, he was able to form a “special relation- The parish leaders allowed the priest to bor- And of course, he went back to becoming a ship” with the Muslim community. row about US$120 as capital for his fish busi- fish vendor. “We don’t talk about religion, about God, ness. “It is a decent job,” said Fr Silagpo. “The about heaven or hell. We play basketball and “I bought a large blue marlin and asked one smell and the hardship are nothing compared talk about life, our profits and occasional loss- of the parish personnel to take my photo and to the fulfilment of the cause,” he said. es,” he said. post it on social media,” recalled Fr Silagpo. For three days a week, the priest hires a “I am grateful for the friendship we have The photo went viral and people started motorised trike to travel 32km to a port on invested through fish vending. I think I have going to the church to buy fish and the priest the other side of the island to buy fish from more real Muslim friends than Christian started receiving donations even from outside his Muslim friend, Ali, who gives the priest a ones,” he said. the country. “good price.” In the fish market, the priest would buy cof- After a week, Fr Silagpo was able to pay “Ali does not know why I am selling fish. fee and bread for the vendors, and sometimes back the capital. He was already earning up I have yet to tell him. But whenever he gives would hand them relief packs. The Muslims to US$70 a day. After a month, he was able to me a special price for the fish, he is also help- would give the priest lunch in exchange. raise about US$400. ing other people,” he said. “Who would have known that through sell- Two years after, the faithful’s dream to have The priest admits he is enjoying what he is ing fish I would be able to break barriers and a new church became a reality. doing, including his friendship with the Mus- enter into inter-religious dialogue with the Fr Joel Silagpo with some of the fish that he “I then stopped selling fish. I felt that con- lims. Muslims,” said Fr Silagpo. — By Marielle sells. (LiCAS News photo) tinuing to do so would be unfair to the other One time, a Muslim woman approached Lucenio, LiCAS.News China makes preaching patriotism compulsory to reopen churches BEIJING: Catholics are upset about a direc- about plans to reopen religious places. tive from China’s communist government The other terms in the notice issued by Zhe- asking priests to “preach on patriotism” as a jiang authorities, however, are associated with condition for reopening liturgical services, preventive measures against the COVID-19 suspended five months ago because of the pandemic. COVID-19 pandemic. The notice asked churches to avoid non-es- The Chinese Catholic Patriotic Associa- sential religious activities, reduce the number tion and the Chinese Catholic educational ad- of participants and shorten religious activities. ministration committee of Zhejiang province In some provinces such as Sichuan, Chris- jointly issued a notice on May 29 on the re- tians were asked to seek authorities’ permis- sumption of liturgical activities. sion to resume religious classes. “Religious places that meet the conditions Philip, a Shanghai parishioner, said that lo- of epidemic prevention will resume services cal churches plan to reopen on June 13. from June 2,” it said while adding the patriot- Shanghai Diocese has issued a circular lim- ism requirement. iting the number of people attending services Fr Liu of Hebei said it is certainly a good and outlining preventive measures against the thing to resume church activities. “But the first pandemic. requirement in the notice is to teach a good Paul Fang from Wenzhou Diocese in Zhe- lesson on patriotism. It is wrong. As members jiang province said parishioners have been of the universal Catholic Church, we cannot looking forward to the resumption of Masses. accept and glorify what communists consider A bride and groom walk in front of St Joseph’s Church in Beijing on May 11. (UCANews Photo) His parish has already purchased temperature patriotic education,” he said. checkers, masks, disinfectant and other items. Jacob Chung, a Wenzhou parishioner, said Amid the ongoing trade war with other transform” the Church to sing the communist As the number of people is limited, the par- the government’s move “has seriously inter- countries and an economic slowdown at tune lest Christians criticise the regime. ish priest has decided to increase the frequen- fered in the internal affairs of religion.” home, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Religious activities have been gradually cy of daily Masses, Fang said. A church observer in China who sought “is afraid of a counter-revolution. So they resuming since June 2 in Sichuan province, Fr Joseph of Shaanxi province said the pos- anonymity said the government was forcing want to people to hold on to patriotism,” he Shaanxi province and Shanghai after the Joint sibility of people attending Mass “is better religious leaders to add patriotism and sinici- said. Conference of National Religious Organi- than them watching it online.” — ucanews. zation as part of religious teaching. He said the CCP wants to “suppress and sations held a video conference on May 30 com 8 World HERALD June 7, 2020 Lockdown deals a heavy blow to Catholic publishers: ‘It’s a pretty huge hit to take’ LONDON: Catholic publishers in ment in which the day to day is not Finaldi, who has been working the United Kingdom are turning to quite as pressing. We can start work- from home in a London flat that he social media and online sales in an ing on longer-term projects, sorting shares with “seven kids and a grey- effort to survive the impact of the out those problems that we’ve want- hound,” said he hoped the pandemic coronavirus pandemic on their busi- ed to for a while, and look after your would inspire Catholics to stock up nesses. staff as well.” on liturgical and devotional books. Pierpaolo Finaldi, CEO of the Grant said the lockdown had “People have seen how important Catholic Truth Society (CTS), said forced the team at Pauline Books it is to have a functioning domestic that many publishers had lost 60-70 and Media UK “to quickly make church. We’re not guaranteed that per cent of their normal income after decisions on our feet.” Book centre we’re going to be able to do eve- the government imposed a nation- employees were furloughed, which rything in church as we’ve always wide lockdown to contain the spread meant that the government paid 80 done. To have those minimum books of the disease. per cent of their wages. of liturgy and of devotion at home “It’s a pretty huge hit to take,” he Grant stressed that personnel has got to be a must for everybody,” said. continued to communicate with fur- he said. Finaldi explained that the CTS, Pierpaolo Finaldi, CEO of the Catholic Truth Society. Courtesy of CTS. loughed workers, seeking to help “It will be up to publishers like which has published Catholic lit- them feel part of the organisation, as us to make sure that there are good, to stock around the country. erature since 1868, faced a “double Finaldi noted that many publish- well as with customers. affordable, beautiful and engaging Sr Angela Grant, provincial of whammy” when restrictions were ers had decided to postpone major Book stores will be allowed to reo- books available for the whole family the Daughters of St Paul in the UK, imposed in March. Although the releases until next year. pen in England from June 15. Grant to be able to use.” which oversees Pauline Books and charity no longer has a store of its He said: “Everybody’s looking af- said the book centres would have re- Looking ahead, he said: “We’re Media UK, said the crisis had led the own, the two main selling points for ter their cash flow. Paying to print a stricted opening hours at first. OK for the moment. We will be very organization to rethink its approach. CTS publications — book stores and big, expensive book this year might “The future is online buying,” she happy — not only personally, but “We’re constantly asking our- churches — were forced to close. not be the best thing to do. So you said. “But we still have very much also in terms of our business —to see selves, how is this changing our He said: “We saw individuals or- just delay it. You live to fight another at heart that we want our centres to the churches reopen as soon as pos- outlook and our way of operating? dering through our website going up day.” be visible on the high street, because sible.” It’s energised us to be more present quite substantially. But it didn’t make When the UK was locked down, our centres are a witness to Chris- Grant emphasised that Pauline online and in social media,” she said. up for the loss of the other two big he decided not to furlough staff but to tianity and we want to continue in Books and Media UK remained The publishing ministry posts ones.” focus instead on long-term projects. the thought of our founder [James] committed to its book centres, even daily Scripture reflections on its Fa- Pauline Books and Media UK, “When you’re running a business, Alberione, who believed very much if they were unlikely to make a profit. cebook page and recently launched a meanwhile, had to shut the five book you’re often stuck in the day-to-day,” that the centre wasn’t only a retail “The financial future is obviously new title online. Grant said there had centres it operates. It continued to he said. “You’ve got a lot of things outlet; it was also a place of encoun- of concern as well. But we have to been “a great response” to the launch take orders through its website, but you’d like to do for the future, but ter where we could discuss our faith, keep optimistic. The Gospel has of Treasuring God’s Word by the experienced some difficulty fulfill- you just can’t because you’re run- nurture our faith, and find the truth to be sown. God will provide,” she popular spiritual writer Sr Gemma ing them because of restricted access ning after deadlines.” and love of Jesus Christ.” said. — CNA Simmonds, CJ. “Whereas now, we’ve got a mo- Nuns praying for looters after attack on Catholic bookstore WASHINGTON: On May 30, pro- the next day. Later on May 31 morning, the tests in Chicago over the death of Protesters took to the streets in sisters surveyed the damage down- George Floyd turned violent. As ri- Chicago and nationwide last week- stairs. The glass front doors to the oters targeted the city’s Magnificent end to protest the killing of George bookstore were broken, as well as Mile shopping district, shattering Floyd by a police officer in Minne- the glass front panel of the store. The glass and raiding stores, they picked apolis on May 25. Floyd was pinned cash drawers inside the bookstore an unlikely target: a bookstore run to the ground with an officer’s knee were detached and the contents had by nuns. on his neck for nearly nine minutes, been pilfered. As the Daughters of St Paul and several other officers apparently While one of the Daughters of St cleaned up the broken glass the next kneeling on the rest of his body. Paul tweeted that she “bet people day, they said they saw more clearly Demonstrations against Floyd’s were really disappointed when they their mission to evangelise a wound- killing and police brutality were held got home and found that all they ed culture. around the country for more than a had to show for it was a handful of Today “there is a lot of fear, there week. Chicago was the site of one of religious books,” Dugas said she is is a lot of confusion” and there are the larger protests. Earlier on May unsure what, if any, books were ac- “many conflicting messages,” said 31 featured participants peacefully tually taken. Of more concern to her Sr Tracey Matthia Dugas of the sitting down on Lake Shore Drive. was the chapel with the Blessed Sac- Daughters of St Paul. According to the Chicago Tribune, rament on the ground floor behind “How do you find your peace in protesters blocked traffic on the the bookstore, which survived the the midst of all of that?” she asked, street around 5:30pm. night unscathed. “We just are really “and now what we’re dealing with Around 10.00pm on the same day, grateful for that,” Dugas said. is this question of violence. How do Dugas said the nuns at the Michigan As tweets circulated about what you deal with that?” Ave bookstore were informed that happened to the bookstore, support “All we can do is bring them Jesus looters were targeting businesses in began pouring in for the nuns both and the Gospel, and His Word, and the area, and that a nearby building online and in the form of volunteer allow Him to speak to them. So what was on fire. The sisters remained up- help. Sisters and volunteers outside the Pauline bookstore in Chicago. Credit: Sr. we’re trying to do is foster every stairs above the bookstore, safely out “People are telling us what our Tracey Matthia Dugas person, every child of God, to know of range of the street-level riots. ministry has meant to them, and that if he can do anything to help us, the incident, Dugas said it empha- God as a good Father who will pro- Around 11.00pm the glass alarm what our presence means to them, to just let him know” Dugas said. sised the critical nature of the sisters’ vide,” Dugas said. for the bookstore sounded, Dugas and that they feel that having had One family helped the nuns clean mission of evangelising in the spirit The Daughters of St Paul run the said. The nuns knew that looters this happen was a violation and the broken glass outside the store, of St Paul. Pauline bookstore in downtown Chi- were hitting the glass, but they did should never happen to anyone,” and another group helped clean up “That’s what St Paul was all about, cago near Millennium Park. It lies not go down to the bookstore to Dugas said. inside. The front entrance and front meeting them where they really are,” just south of the Magnificent Mile of investigate. More alarms sounded A friend from Chicago Cathedral windows are now boarded up. Dugas said, noting that the pandem- upscale retail stores and fashion out- through the night, around every two reached out to check on the nuns, “Our main concern is fire. That’s ic had already pushed the nuns to lets, which were the targets of looters hours, Dugas said, before the last and Bishop Robert Barron of Los our main concern, if they managed “adapt” to new means of reaching on Saturday evening. Videos of the alarm sounded at around 4.30am. Angeles — the former rector of the to get some kind of flammable mis- minds and hearts. protests circulated online show loot- “It was very scary, because each of Chicago archdiocese’s Mundelein siles into the store,” Dugas said. “It “We really are meant to be a fam- ing of Nike and Saks Fifth Avenue those times we didn’t know if they Seminary — reached out to the sis- seems that they came with quite a lot ily that helps each other, that serves stores on Michigan Avenue. Some were inside, and how far they want- ters to say “that he really, really has of equipment.” one another, and that forgives,” she volunteers helped clean the area up ed to get into the store,” said Dugas. always valued our mission, and feels Despite the unsettling nature of said. — By Matt Hadro, CNA HERALD June 7, 2020 World 9 I can’t Pope calls El Paso bishop after breathe

He called out to his Mom who died two years ago on this prayerful demonstration same day TEXAS: Pope Francis on Wednes- utes of silent prayer in memory of Handcuffed. day called Bishop Mark Seitz of Floyd June 1. The bishop held a sign Face Down. the Diocese of El Paso, Texas, after reading “Black Lives Matter.” Knee on his neck. the bishop joined a demonstration The same day Pope Francis They did nothing. against racial discrimination to pray phoned Bishop Seitz, he also made He called the officer “Sir.” for George Floyd. a call to Los Angeles Archbishop They did nothing. Bishop Seitz said that he received José Gómez, the president of the US the two- to three-minute call from Bishops’ Conference. He begged for his life. Pope Francis on the morning of June Pope Francis called Gómez on He begged for water. 3. Wednesday, June 3 to convey his He begged for mercy. They spoke in Spanish, Seitz said, prayers for and solidarity with Amer- They did nothing. noting that Francis “said he wanted icans during the period of national His nose bled. to congratulate me.” unrest. His body trembled. “I expressed to the Holy Father “The Holy Father said he was Bishop Mark J. Seitz of the Diocese of El Paso, Texas, kneels at El Paso’s Me- He lost control of his bladder. that I felt it was imperative to show praying, especially for Archbishop morial Park holding a ‘Black Lives Matter” sign June 1, 2020. After “taking a They did nothing. our solidarity to those who are suf- knee” during that demonstration in solidarity with George Floyd, Bishop Seitz Bernard Hebda and the local Church fering,” the bishop added. received a call from Pope Francis. (CNS photo/Fernie Ceniceros, courtesy in Minneapolis-St Paul,” Gómez He cried out, “I can’t breathe.” Floyd was killed May 25 during Diocese of El Paso) wrote in a June 3 letter to bishops. They did nothing. an arrest by Minneapolis police. He “He thanked the bishops for the incident circulated widely on the and laying on his stomach, saying Twelve more times. was arrested for attempting to use a internet. It showed Floyd subdued repeatedly, “I cannot breathe,” and pastoral tone of the Church’s re- counterfeit $20 bill. Footage of the groaning as a police officer knelt on sponse to the demonstrations across “I can’t breathe.” his neck for almost eight minutes, the country in our statements and “I can’t breathe.” while other officers stood nearby and actions since the death of George “I can’t breathe.” watched. Floyd. He assured us of his contin- “I can’t breathe.” Floyd was taken to a local hospital, ued prayers and closeness in the days “I can’t breathe.” where he died. His death has spurred and weeks ahead,” Gómez added. “I can’t breathe.” widespread protests, which were fol- On June 3 morning, Pope Francis “I can’t breathe.” lowed by looting and riots in numer- addressed US Catholics via lives- “I can’t breathe.” ous cities. tream during his weekly general au- “I can’t breathe.” Seitz was the first US Catholic dience. “I can’t breathe.” The Pope said he was praying for bishop to join the protests and dem- They did nothing. onstrations against racial injustice the soul of George Floyd and for all and police brutality which spread victims of racism. He also said noth- One last time, he gasped, Catholic priests from the Archdiocese of St Paul and Minneapolis join Afri- across the country after Floyd’s ing was gained by violence. “I can’t breathe.” can American clergy June 2, 2020, to march and pray at the site where George death. “Let us pray for the comfort of They did nothing. families and friends who are heart- Floyd was pinned down May 25 and died. Pictured are Fr Joe Gillespie, Fr Along with a group of priests of He lost consciousness. Doug Ebert, Fr Kevin Finnegan, Fr Brian Park and Fr Peter Williams. (CNS his diocese, Seitz knelt for nine min- broken, and pray for national recon- photo/Dave Hrbacek, The Catholic Spirit) ciliation and the peace we yearn for,” They did nothing. A firefighter demanded they check his pulse. Bishops ‘sickened’ by Floyd’s death, They did nothing. Off duty medical personnel urge racism be met ‘head-on’ begged them to stop. WASHINGTON: The US Catholic colour, some interactions with police They did nothing. bishops said May 29 they “are bro- can be fraught with fear and even Deprived of oxygen. ken-hearted, sickened and outraged danger. People of good conscience His organs screaming. to watch another video of an African must never turn a blind eye when His brain frantic. American man being killed before citizens are being deprived of their They did nothing. our very eyes.” human dignity and even their lives.” “What’s more astounding is that In their May 29 statement, the They watched George Floyd die. this is happening within mere weeks committee chairmen called for an His life fading. of several other such occurrences. end to the violence taking place in A slow death. This is the latest wake-up call that the wake of the tragedy in Minneap- They did nothing. needs to be answered by each of olis but also said they “stand in pas- A lynching on the ground. us in a spirit of determined conver- sionate support of communities that They did nothing. sion,” they said in a statement about are understandably outraged.” the May 25 death of George Floyd They joined with Archbishop Ber- For eight agonising minutes. while in police custody in Minne- nard A. Hebda of St Paul and Min- Four officers watched. apolis. neapolis in praying for the repose In recent weeks, Ahmaud Arbery, of the soul of Floyd “and all others He cried out for his Mom... an unarmed 25-year-old African who have lost their lives in a similar A grown man... American man in Georgia, was fatal- manner.” Crying out for the woman ly shot and three white men were ar- Protesters in New Orleans gather May 30, 2020. Demonstrations continue In anticipation of the feast of Pen- who gave him life.... rested and are facing murder charges after a white police officer in Minneapolis was caught on a bystander's video tecost, May 31, they called on all As he feared joining her in in his death. In March, Breonna Tay- May 25 pressing his knee into the neck of George Floyd, an African American, Catholics “to pray and work toward death. lor, a 26-year-old African American who later died at a hospital. (CNS photo/Kathleen Flynn , Reuters) a new outpouring of the Holy Spir- And still they did nothing. woman, died at the hands of white said. “We cannot turn a blind eye turned to violent demonstrations and it” and pray “to rid ourselves of the A black man. police officers when they entered her to these atrocities and yet still try to lasted several days, prompting Gov. harm that bias and prejudice cause.” A gentle giant. apartment in Louisville, Kentucky. profess to respect every human life. Tim Walz to bring in the National “We call upon Catholics to pray to Murdered because he was black. “Racism is not a thing of the past We serve a God of love, mercy and Guard May 29. The protests sparked the Holy Spirit for the spirit of truth And still, they’ve done nothing.. or simply a throwaway political is- justice.” similar rioting in at least a dozen US to touch the hearts of all in the Unit- sue to be bandied about when con- “Indifference is not an option,” cities, including Los Angeles, Phoe- ed States and to come down upon The officers should be arrested. venient,” the bishops said. “It is a they emphasised and stated “un- nix, Denver, New York, Louisville, our criminal justice and law enforce- And still they’ve done nothing. real and present danger that must be equivocally” that “racism is a life and Columbus, Ohio. ment systems,” the bishops urged May justice be served met head-on.” issue.” The bishops in their statement every Catholic, regardless of ethnic- “As members of the Church, we The statement was issued by the pointed to their Open Wide Our ity, to “beg God to heal our deeply Black is human too, No human must stand for the more difficult chairmen of seven committees of the Hearts pastoral against racism ap- broken view of each other, as well as being is more human than right and just actions instead of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops: proved by the body of bishops in our deeply broken society.” — By another human. easy wrongs of indifference,” they Protests in Minneapolis have 2018. In it, they said: “For people of Julie Asher, CNS 10 Editorial HERALD June 7, 2020 HERALD Australian bishops’ report June 7, 2020 A promising roadmap advocates major changes for ecclesial reform n response to the Royal Commission Report, the Australian ICatholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) instituted the Govern- to Church governance ance Review Project Team (GRPT). This team was tasked with crafting, “in light of Catholic ecclesiology,” a comprehensive new report commissioned by Church’s hierarchy, for example, the in Australia is “underdeveloped,” and response to the Royal Commission's critique of church govern- Australia’s bishops and reli- authors state that “many Catholic suggests the local Church mandate ance. A gious orders recommends a women and men experience pain at that each diocese have one. After a year of study and reflection, that team delivered to the series of radical changes to the way the failure of the Church to enable the They envision a wider role for ACBC a potentially ground-breaking document, The Light from the Catholic Church operates across fuller participation of women.” councils than currently practiced in the Southern Cross: Promoting Co-Responsible Governance in the country, tackling issues as far- “The most visible indicator of the many places of the world, suggesting the Catholic Church in Australia. ranging as women’s inclusion in de- barriers to full participation is that they be consulted, for example, when The Light from the Southern Cross is perhaps surprising in cision-making roles and the Vatican’s the hierarchy of the Catholic Church a bishop wishes to erect or suppress a that it has received so much attention although it is a committee opaque process for making episcopal in Australia, as in the Church across parish, to approve the diocesan budg- report. appointments. the world, remains exclusively male,” et, and whenever a church building is In different times, and in a healthier Church, such a report The overarching theme for the they say. being sold. would have received little attention, mainly because it would report — written as part of the lo- “This robs the Church of the full The authors say that such councils have been unnecessary to begin with. But today we have a cal Church’s response to a five-year benefits of the feminine in dialogue, "should be inclusive and representa- Church wracked by scandal, yet led by a Pope with a bold vision government inquiry into institutional in celebration and in decision-mak- tive of the diversity of the lay faithful for ecclesial conversion. child sexual abuse — is how govern- ing,” they state. “The marginalisation within the diocese," and suggest that In this time of ecclesial crisis, The Light from the Southern ance in the Church can be more “co- of women in the Church discourages members could be drawn from local Cross report may offer a road map for key elements of what such responsible,” or better shared among the participation of younger women parish councils. a conversion would require. bishops, clergy and laypeople. and is an urgent issue that needs to Massimo Faggioli, a theologian at This report holds considerable promise. It is grounded in Revelations of clergy abuse and be heard, understood and redressed.” Villanova University, was one of the sound ecclesiology. It offers a frank admission of the failings cover-up, the authors state, showed On the Vatican’s process for the 18 authors of the report. In a May 19 of Church governance at every level, and it dares to offer very “the widespread failure of the selection of new bishops, the report article for National Catholic Report- specific recommendations for moving forward with substantive Church’s authorities to respond with says that while canon law specifies er, before the text was publicly avail- ecclesial reform. justice and compassion” and “give a that there be local consultation before able, Faggioli said their document The drafting team included persons experienced in corporate particular focus to the need for reform the appointment of a new prelate, “it “will be studied for many years to and ecclesial governance – clergy, lay pastoral ministers, Church in practices of governance within the is not readily apparent how it occurs come by theologians, Church histori- and school administrators, and leaders of Church reform groups. Catholic Church.” in practice.” ans, canon lawyers, and all those with It also included several respected theologians and experts in The report, which comprises seven “The absence of public consulta- an interest in connecting spiritual and canon law. chapters, four indices and a bibliogra- tion, together with the opaqueness of institutional reform in the Catholic This breadth of perspective and range of expertise paid divi- phy over its 208 pages, was originally the selection process, leaves all but Church.” dends in the overall quality of the text. delivered to the Australian bishops in the select few consulted in the dark, Other authors of the text included early May. It was kept confidential and calls into question its efficacy,” Justice Neville Owen, a former senior The path to decentralisation and synodality for some time to allow the prelates state the authors. judge of the Court of Appeal of the The document builds on important themes central to this pontifi- time to digest its contents. Current practice for the appoint- Supreme Court of the state of Western cate. Indeed, it represents the most thoroughgoing consideration The authors of the document were ment of bishops in dioceses across Australia; Pauline Connelly, chan- to date of what healthy Church governance ought to look like in 14 eminent lay Australian and global the world involves the Vatican’s am- cellor of the Adelaide Archdiocese; the light of Pope Francis’ dream for a synodal Church. Catholics and four clergy members. bassador in a country proposing a list Myriam Wijlens, a canon lawyer and Its frequent ecclesial application of the principle of subsidi- The report, titled The Light From of three possible candidates, known theologian at the University of Erfurt arity is particularly significant since both St John Paul II and the Southern Cross, makes 86 recom- by the Latin term terna, to fill any va- in Germany; and Richard Lennan, a Benedict XVI had questioned whether it was appropriate to ap- mendations for change in the gov- cancies. theologian at Boston College. ply this principle – first articulated in Catholic social teaching ernance of the Australian Catholic The Australian report suggests that Owen and Wijlens are also mem- – to matters of Church governance. Church. Among the major sugges- ambassadors/nuncios more transpar- bers of the Pontifical Council for the Yet Pope Francis’ repeated calls for the decentralization of tions: ently consult with the presidents of Protection of Minors. the local bishops’ conferences and The Australian government’s Royal Church authority suggest that he has fully embraced the prin- l Reshaping the process for the laypeople in the diocese in question Commission into the Institutional ciple. appointment of new bishops to “to gather a better idea of the future Responses to Child Sexual Abuse The Argentinian Pope has also insisted that synodality be en- “embrace genuine discernment needs of the diocese and create a re- (2013-17) highlighted decades of ma- acted at every level of Church life. This document offers a raft that includes clergy and a larger quired profile of the candidates to be jor failures in Catholic leadership in of concrete reforms that would go a long way toward making number of lay people”; that a reality. appointed bishop.” protecting children from abuse. It would be difficult to exaggerate the consequences for the l Accelerating the inclusion of On the wider issue of how bishops As it concluded its work, the com- pastoral life of the Church if the baptised members of a local women in “senior decision-mak- can share their responsibility for gov- mission recommended that the coun- Church were given genuine input into the appointment of bish- ing bodies”; ernance with laypeople, the report try’s bishops and religious conduct a notes that laypeople already serve thorough review of their governance ops and the assignment of parish priests, as the report proposes. l Mandating that all reports of frequently as diocesan financial offic- structures. How different would the pastoral life of a diocese look if dioc- alleged abuse or cover-up by esan pastoral councils reflected the diversity of the local Church ers, chancellors and notaries. It is unclear what the next steps for bishops be evaluated by inde- “Canon law … is not an impedi- the possible implementation of the and were regularly called upon for input before important pasto- pendent experts; ral decisions were made? ment to a true participative partner- new report might be. In a May 18 This would represent not only a check on unfettered episcopal l Creating a national centre for ship between laity and clergy in the statement acknowledging the bish- power, but it would also move the Church well along the path to- training in Catholic leadership governance processes that are inte- ops’ receipt of the then-confidential ward becoming a genuine community of ecclesial discernment. to better form future bishops, gral to the decision-making process- document, Brisbane Archbishop — By Richard R. Gaillardetz priests and lay leaders; es of the Church. Rather, it actually Mark Coleridge, the head of the na- enhances it,” it says. “If best prac- tional conference, said the bishops LCI (https://international.la-croix.com/ l Mandating that every Austral- l Richard R. Gaillardetz the Joseph Professor of Catholic tice in governance, which includes would study it and then discuss it at ian diocese have a pastoral coun- transparency, accountability and the their November plenary meeting. Systematic Theology at Boston College and the current staff cil of laypeople that is advised on of the BC Theology Department. critical notion of stewardship, is to Australia’s Catholic community major decisions being considered be utilised, there is room for the ul- is also preparing for a once-in-a- by the bishop; HERALD — The Catholic Weekly timate canonical responsibilities of generation assembly of the country’s Jointly published by the l Recommending that each dio- a bishop to co-exist in harmony with Church — a plenary council that has Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, cese hold a local synod at least the collaborative participation of the been in planning for two years. The Diocese of Malacca Johore, Diocese of Penang every 10 years. laity in a sense of partnership aimed first of the council's two assemblies and Diocese of Keningau at fulfilling the prophetic mission of had been set to be held in October, The report’s language is laced with the Church.” but has been delayed due to the on- Editor: Fr Lawrence Andrew, SJ references to complex theological HERALD, 5, Jalan Robertson, 50150, KL On the issue of pastoral councils, going coronavirus pandemic. — By Tel: 03-20268290/20268291; topics and specifics from the Church’s the report notes that canon law rec- Joshua J. McElwee, NCR Fax: 03-20268293 Code of Canon Law. But in places it ommends that dioceses create them Online: www.heraldmalaysia.com. is also direct and biting. “to the extent pastoral circumstances l Read full document: https://bit. E-mail: [email protected] On the all-male nature of the allow.” The report then says their use ly/3eR8btt HERALD June 7, 2020 Focus 11 Vatican Museums reopening unveils newly restored Raphael Rooms VATICAN: The Vatican Museums months due to Italy’s coronavirus process of the 16th century frescoes ing the conceptual sketches of the the Battle of Milvian Bridge, his bap- reopened June 1 revealing newly outbreak, the Vatican Museums in the Hall of Constantine, the largest Hall of Constantine, but he died be- tism in the Archbasilica of Saint John restored frescoes in the Raphael opened their doors June 1, allowing and most recent of the four Raphael fore their completion. The artists in Lateran, and the alleged Donation of Rooms depicting scenes from early only 1,600 visitors — under 10 per Rooms in the Vatican, technical and his studio, most notably Giulio Ro- Constantine in the old St Peter’s Ba- Church history to the public. cent of its usual tourist traffic — to scientific analysis revealed that two mano, continued the work after his silica. “Today is a way that we can in enter the museums, with additional figures in the scenes were distinct in death. Flanking these scenes are paint- some way share [beauty] with the safety measures. their brushstrokes and technique. The Hall of Constantine provides ings of canonised popes, including entire world ... thanks to Raphael,” These visitors to the museums Guido Cornini, the scientific -di a visual history of the Church in the St Peter, St Sylvester, St Gregory the said Vatican Museums Director Bar- were some of the first to see the rector of restoration of 15th and 16th fourth century. Great, St Damasus, St Urban and St bara Jatta. restoration of two paintings that art century works for the Vatican Mu- Its four walls depict scenes from Clement. “It is a joy, and it is, of course, a historians believe to be the last works seums, confirmed that two female the life of Constantine, who issued Surrounding the popes are alle- part of our work, but after the lock- of Raphael, the Renaissance painter figures in the scene, allegorical- fig the edict that legalised Christian- gorical female figures representing down — after the pandemic — it is responsible for The School of Athens ures for justice and friendship, were ity throughout the Roman Empire in virtues such as fortitude, innocence, more a joy,” Jatta said. and The Transfiguration. painted by Raphael’s hand. AD 313. The room contains frescoes prudence, friendship, justice, hon- After being closed for three During the five year restoration Raphael was instrumental in form- of Constantine’s vision of the cross, esty and peace.

1. Constantine’s Vision of the Cross 3. The Donation of Constantine The images are based on the fourth century historian Eusebius’ “Life of Constantine” with a no- table exception: Raphael chose to paint Constantine’s vision of the cross as taking place on the Vatican hill. In the scene, Constantine is vic- torious. He rides triumphantly on his white horse leading the banners topped with crosses, while Maxen- tius drowns in Rome’s Tiber River. t Peter depicted to the left of whose likeness was based on Leo Raphael sketched the concept for t is not finished yet,” said the direc- Empire to Sylvester I and his successors. SConstantine’s vision of the cross. X’s face. this scene, along with Constantine’s “Itor of the Vatican Museums. The unveiling of the restoration of Raphael was commissioned to paint The Vision of the Cross fresco Vision of the Cross. However, ac- The restoration of the four Raphael three of the Hall of Constantine’s walls the hall in 1517, which was to serve depicts a key event said to have cording to art historian Philipp Rooms in the Vatican, a project that be- coincides with this year’s 500th anniver- as a state room where Leo X would been a step towards Constantine’s Fehl, Raphael originally intended gan in the 1980s, is still in progress. Only sary of Raphael’s death. receive his formal audiences. conversion to Christianity. The fres- the wall which became the Dona- one wall in the Hall of Constantine, the “We were supposed to open and un- Some scholars believe that the co depicts the emperor in a military tion of Constantine to be a different last room of the Raphael Rooms to be veil this important restoration project on throne of the pope sat directly be- camp looking towards a giant cross scene depicting Constantine’s vi- restored, remains. the 20th of April in an international con- neath the painting of Constantine’s in the sky that is surrounded by sion of Sts Peter and Paul instruct- Jatta said that the scaffolds should go ference on Raphael, but this was impos- vision of the cross between the im- Greek words saying, “In this sign, ing him to seek St Sylvestor to cure up in July to begin the restoration on the sible,” Jatta said. ages of St Peter and St Clement, conquer.” his leprosy. north wall, which contains a fresco of Restoration of the Raphael Rooms the Donation of Constantine, depicted as was suspended during Italy’s lockdown; 2. The Baptism of Constantine taking place inside of the old St Peter’s however, the restoration artists were able Basilica, which was demolished in 1505. to continue their work in May before the t the end of his life, Constantine was Once restored, this 16th-century fres- museums’ reopening. Abaptised by St Sylvester. Romano and co will provide an even clearer eyewit- The museum director expressed her the other artists in Raphael’s studio painted ness representation of the old basilica for gratitude to the American philanthro- the baptism as taking place in the Baptis- modern viewers who wish to see how pists, the Patrons of the Arts of the Vati- tery of the Archbasilica of St John Lateran. the original altar was placed over the can Museums, who funded the five year Pope Sylvester is painted with the likeness of tomb of St. Peter. restoration project. Clement VII, who was pope at the time of the The Donation of Constantine refers Raphael’s other famed works, includ- Hall of Constantine’s completion. to a document, now recognised to be a ing the Transfiguration, Madonna of Fo- The panel below the Baptism of Constan- medieval forgery, which recorded Con- ligno and the School of Athens, can also tine depicts the 16th century construction of stantine as granting temporal power over be viewed in the Vatican Museums. — what we now know as St Peter’s Basilica. Rome and the western part of the Roman By Courtney Mares, CNA Millennials share their encounter with Mary VATICAN: In this modern day and world,” she said. for her. age, how do millennials meet Mary? “The millennials in my book are “I am humbled and blessed. And, Considering the Mother of Jesus died those who are close to my heart, and it has only been very recently, in the more than 2,000 years ago, some en- include children I saw grow up right past few weeks of Lent and Easter counter her through prayers and de- in front of my very eyes. I have been that I really understood that Mother votions while others contemplate her fortunate to have a vast global net- Mary was actually leading me to her through art from museums around the work of wonderful friends and their SON! And I am filled with humility, world. families,” she added. wonderment and awe. My hope is “I wanted to tell the story of Mary Millennials in the group include that countless thousands, if not mil- unveiled through art and commented H.H Prince Aaryaman of Gwalior, lions of people, will find their way to on by millennials all over the world who also happens to be Mahony’s Jesus through his mother Mary – as I – 80 of them from 42 different coun- godson, actresses Raline Shah and did,” she said. tries. Hence the title which came to Karen Mok, Filipinio athletes Ricci Millennials Meet Mary is available Millenials Meet Mary was launched at the Vatican Musuem on May 30. Pix inset: me almost at the beginning when Author Joan Foo Mahony. Rivero, Pauline Lopes and John- for download at www.millennials- I started to write the book and put Vic de Guzman, Hong Kong pianist meetmary.com for free. The printed together the concept in my mind – grew up in the digital age. Church lies in young people. We need Rachel Cheung, Amenian violinist version will be published after the Mary, Art and Millennials,” said the She now divides her time between to move them back to the Church; to Astrid Poghosyan, Nathalie Biancheri pandemic. Translations in Chinese, author of Millennials Meet Mary, Hong Kong and KL. A parishioner of be interested in the Catholic faith the film director and many more. Spanish,Tagalog and Portuguese will Joan Foo Mahony. St John’s Cathedral, she belongs to St and what better way to do this than When Mahony started writing Mil- be available soon in hope that the Mahony, a former lawyer, had al- Mary’s BEC. to reveal the life of the Virgin Mary lenials Meet Mary, she was planning story of Mary will go global and re- ways wanted to write a biography of “I wanted the book to appeal par- through art – not just any art – but a typical biography but as time went new, inspire and bring comfort to all the historical Virgin Mary through the ticularly to YOUNG people – I be- magnificent, wondrous and sublime by, it changed, and became a tremen- the young people of the world. — By eyes of young men and women who lieve very much that the future of the art from great museums all over the dous learning and spiritual journey Lavinia Louis 12 Varia HERALD June 7, 2020 Some advice on prayer from an old master t the risk of being simplistic, my distractions and temptations are, or while praying the Office of Office of the Church, praying the I want to say something I am faithful to this: Once a day I the Church but at least sometime Our Father is your Eucharistic Aabout prayer in a very pray the Our Father as best I can during your day) when you’re prayer, your priestly prayer for simple way. from where I am at that moment. saying the Our Father, pray it with others. While doing doctoral studies, Inside of everything that’s going as much sincerity and focus as you And this is the consolation: none I had a professor, an elderly on inside me and around me that can muster at the moment (“as best of us is divine. We’re all incurably Augustine priest who, in his day, I pray the Our Father, asking you can”) and know that, no matter human which means that many demeanour, speech, and attitude, God to hear me from inside of all your distractions at the moment, it’s times, perhaps most times, when radiated wisdom and maturity. the distractions and temptations that what God is asking from you. And we’re trying to pray we’ll find Everything about him bespoke are besetting me. It’s the best I can it’s enough. ourselves beset with everything integrity. You immediately trusted do. Maybe it’s a bare minimum and His advice has stayed with me from tiredness, to boredom, to him, the wise old grandfather of I should do more and should try to through the years and though I say impatience, to planning tomorrow’s storybooks. concentrate harder, but at least I do a number of Our Fathers every day, agenda, to sorting through the hurts One day in class he spoke of his that. And sometimes it’s all I can do, I try, at least in one of them, to pray of the day, to stewing about who own prayer life. As with everything but I do it every day, as best I can. Fr Ron Rolheiser the Our Father as best I can, fully we’re angry at, to dealing with else he shared, there were no It’s the prayer Jesus told us to pray. conscious of how badly I am doing erotic fantasies. Our prayer seldom filters, only honesty and humility. His words might sound simplistic pray one sincere Our Father each it. What a challenge and what a issues forth from a pure heart but I don’t recall his exact words, but I and minimalistic. Indeed the Church day – as best we can? consolation! normally from a very earthy one. remember well the essence of what challenges us to make the Eucharist Well, none of this goes against The challenge is to pray an Our But, and this is the point, its very he said and it has stayed with me for the centre of our prayer lives and what he so humbly shared. He Father each day, as best we can. earthiness is also its real honesty. the nearly forty years since I had the to make a daily habit of meditation would be the first to agree that the As we know, that prayer is deeply Our restless, distracted heart is privilege of being in his class. and private prayer. As well, many Eucharist should be the centre of our communitarian. Every petition in also our existential heart and is the Here’s what he shared: prayer classical spiritual writers tell us that prayer lives, and he would agree as it is plural – “our”, “we”, “us” – existential heart of the world. When isn’t easy because we’re always we should set aside an hour every well with both the classical spiritual there’s no “I” in the Our Father. we pray from there, we are (as the tired, distracted, busy, bored, and day for private prayer, and many writers who advise an hour of private Moreover, all of us are priests from classical definition of prayer would caught up in so many things that it’s contemporary spiritual writers prayer a day, and the contemporary our baptism and inherent in the have it) lifting mind and heart to hard to find the time and energy to challenge us to daily practice authors who challenge us to do covenant we made then, we are God. centre ourselves on God for some centering prayer or some other form some form of contemplative prayer asked daily to pray for others, for Try, each day, to pray one sincere moments. So, this is what I do: no of contemplative prayer. Where daily, or at least habitually. But he the world. For those who cannot Our Father! As best you can!— matter what my day is like, no matter does that leave our old Augustinian would say this: at one of those times participate in the Eucharist daily By Fr Ron Rolheiser, all rights what’s on my mind, no matter what theologian and his counsel that we in the day (ideally at the Eucharist and for those who do not pray the reserved To fight racism, Catholics must hunger for justice like we do for the Eucharist he murder of yet another black American marching hand in hand with prominent civil Tat the hands of a police officer haunts the rights leaders. Today, when images and videos hearts and minds of the country. The protests of protests are shared more quickly and widely across the nation make clear the injustice of than ever, collars and habits have been sparse. George Floyd’s killing and its roots in a long Catholics, especially those whose presence national history of racism, including contem- and dress visibly symbolises the church, ought porary patterns of police brutality. The violence to attend protests in order to demonstrate the that has broken out around some of these pro- church’s commitment. tests underscores the depth of anger and resent- Formation: To ensure deep, lasting change, ment in our communities. Such violence must Catholics will need to examine the ways we be opposed and rejected. At a minimum, such form consciences, especially in the work of ed- acts detract from the important truth at the heart ucation. Those in charge of institutions of for- of these otherwise peaceful protests: Our coun- mation, from seminaries to grammar schools, try has not yet found — or built — the spiritual should examine curricula to see how the histo- and practical resources necessary for overcom- ry and present reality of racism are addressed. ing racism. Students formed by Catholic education should Catholics cannot be content to stand on the recognize racism both as an intrinsic evil and sidelines of this struggle. In the face of racism, A protester in Boston screams after being affected by a chemical agent used by metro police May as a primary manifestation of social sin. The 31, 2020. (CNS photo/Brian Snyder, Reuters) Catholics must hunger for justice as we hun- ability both to assess curricula and to educate ger for the Eucharist. The Gospel calls us, as among so many others — different from 2017 ing segregation to police brutality. This work of students regarding these issues necessarily in- we prepare for Communion, to “go first and or 2015 or 2014 or 1992 or 1968. The need for memory must continue, it must be public and volves the presence of people of colour in posi- be reconciled” (Mt 5:24) with our sisters and racial justice is not new, nor are the cries of it must not shrink from hard truths. In order to tions of responsibility and authority. brothers. At this moment, when the COVID-19 our black brothers and sisters, tired and angry. be the Body of Christ, the church must share in Prayer: Prayer is one of the most effective pandemic has shown us the depth of our need But perhaps the Holy Spirit is moving, in these both the suffering and the repentance of all its modes of public witness Catholics possess. for the sacraments and for community, this days of Pentecost, to give us the strength to stay members. Catholics are united for various causes by national outcry should lead Catholics, white the course and work for lasting change. Catho- Solidarity: Catholics do not need to invent novenas, processions, rosary campaigns and Catholics especially, to conversion, repentance lics should be held to account six months from new ways to fight racism. There is plenty of holy hours. It is no accident that these spiritual and reconciliation. now and a year from now — and for our part work already being done for racial justice. means, depending more on the grace of God Catholics are capable of mobilizing and at America, we ask to be—for what actions we Yet many Catholics seem too timid to listen than our own strength, bind us together and an- forming consciences on issues of national have taken in response. and collaborate with new movements, such nounce the Gospel of mercy and justice more concern. Examples of such efforts include the Here are five ways to begin. as Black Lives Matter, that are leading today’s effectively than proclamations of moral princi- Fortnight for Freedom and other campaigns Repentance: The Church in the United States charge for justice. Bishops, pastors and lay ples can alone. Catholic groups, starting with focused on religious liberty, the Catholic Day has been sadly complicit in the systemic injus- leaders ought to make overtures to anti-racist the bishops and national organising networks, of Action for Immigrant Children protesting tices of white racism. (As a Jesuit publication, activist groups present in their communities. In and continuing down to the local parish, should family separation policies at the border and the we must acknowledge our own part in this his- addition to showing solidarity in the work of promote a campaign of prayer for healing from many ways the church organises Catholics to tory: American Jesuits and their institutions organizing, Catholics can also show economic the sins of racism. work for the protection of the unborn. The re- owned and sometimes sold enslaved people solidarity by supporting black-owned busi- So let us pray: God of justice, give us the sources devoted and public attention given to until 1838.) White Catholics have often ig- nesses in their own communities and through courage to admit our sins and failings. Give us those efforts should be a yardstick for how far nored and marginalised the voices of Catholics giving alms to organisations working for racial the freedom to seek your mercy and reconcili- Catholics have to go in committing themselves of colour calling for the church to listen and justice and ministries directly serving black ation with our brothers and sisters. And give us to working against racism. respond to the needs of their communities. Catholics. the strength to continue crying out to you for We must also ask what will make this mo- Catholic institutions have only just begun to ac- the healing of our nation until it fulfils its com- ment — responding to the killings of Ahmaud Presence: A previous generation of clergy and knowledge our part in the history of American mitment to recognise that you have created all Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, religious left us with iconic images of Catholics racism, from slavery to Jim Crow, from hous- people equal. The Editors, America HERALD June 7, 2020 13 The Holy Spirit is moving us to act against racism s a Jesuit priest, I stand in solidarity with that some naturally belong in our public and famed, as we do when we see a police officer’s been killed by armed white men or by police Athe people lost to armed violence this cultural space and others have to justify be- knee being pressed upon a defenceless man, officers. Jesus stands with the protestors cry- year, including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, ing there. Further, it is the suspicion that those and when it is continued to press down on him ing out for justice, crying out that black lives Ahmaud Arbery and many others. I stand with ‘others’ are in ‘our’ space only because some- even when he says, “I can’t breathe.” must matter. those who stood with them in life and with one has made special allowances for them.” How can anyone fail to see the resonances What can Catholics do about these sins? those who now stand with them in death. “This,” writes Fr Massingale, “is the most with Jesus on the Cross? Two thousand years First, begin by listening to what our African- Racism, as St John Paul II said, is one of the uncomfortable truth we must face as Ameri- ago, Roman soldiers pressed down a wooden American brothers and sisters tell us. So I want most “persistent and destructive evils” in the cans about racism. Many want to believe that cross on Jesus’s body, as other soldiers stood to recommend a book, a speech and an article United States. It is also a social sin — that is, people of all races are equally guilty of racism; by, and as Jesus died, he cried out, “I thirst” (Jn that have all challenged me. First, Darnell L. a sin that is committed not only by individu- it is a way for the majority to let itself off the 19:28). Last month, a police officer pressed a Moore’s book No Ashes in the Fire: Coming als, but which is part of the social structure in hook. But the honest truth is that if it were up knee down on George Floyd’s body, as other of Age Black and Free in America. Second, Fr which all Americans live. And I have to ac- to people of colour, racism would have ended police officers stood by, and as George Floyd Bryan Massingale’s talk to a group of young knowledge my own participation in it: as an a long time ago. This is the deepest reason died, he cried out, “Water.” So if you weep people, The Magis and Justice, on the Catholic American who has benefited from white privi- why racism is so often avoided or only dealt for Jesus on the Cross, and do not weep for response to racism. And third Olga Segura’s lege and who lives with the legacy of slavery, with in very superficial ways: because naming George Floyd, then you are missing the point. recent article in America, How Can Catholics as a Catholic who lives with the legacy of a white supremacy makes white people uncom- This is what strikes my own heart the most: Help Lead the Fight Against Racism? You Church that has failed to give the sin of rac- fortable. And white comfort sets the limits of not simply the legacy of racism that I know can read and listen, and then encourage your ism the attention it demands in this country engagement.” and read about, but seeing it in action, and see- parish, especially if it is predominantly white, and as a Jesuit priest whose religious order in The killing of George Floyd, or more pre- ing a beloved child of God treated like that. to talk about racism, and start faith-sharing this country once owned men and women as cisely, the extrajudicial execution of George I can’t stand seeing people treated like that. I groups to discuss how to combat it. slaves. Floyd, preserved forever on film, again reveals can’t describe adequately how angry it makes May 31, Solemnity of Pentecost, when we Racism is, as the Rev Bryan Massingale, the culture of white supremacy, a culture ex- me, and why it moves me to tears. And I can- celebrated the Holy Spirit entering the com- a Catholic theologian, says, a sickness of the acerbated by our president, encouraged by his not imagine what a black person feels when munity of disciples, both personally and as a soul. This sickness has been spread since the dog-whistle appeals to racist ideas and egged they see that. And they see it a lot. group. So do you feel anger, sadness, frustra- first Africans were forcibly brought to Amer- on with his reprehensible comment last week, This moved Jesus too. Whenever he saw tion, confusion and rage over the deaths of ica and sold as slaves 400 years ago. Our na- “When the looting starts, the shooting starts.” people being mistreated, the Gospels tell us, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and so many tion is one founded and continuously shaped Mr Floyd’s murder is something that should his heart was “moved with pity.” The original others? That is your Pentecost: That’s the Holy by white supremacy. enrage everyone, but especially white Ameri- Greek is much stronger: Jesus felt it “in his Spirit moving through you. How else would “White supremacy,” writes Fr Massingale, cans. And make no mistake: the kind of right- guts.” This is one reason why he consistently God get you to move? “fundamentally is the assumption that this eous anger that is being felt is the same kind of sided with the poor, the outcast, the marginal- So listen to that Spirit moving within you; country, its political institutions, its cultural anger that Jesus felt when he saw the Temple ised. Because this is where Jesus stands. Jesus listen to what your African-American brothers heritage, its social policies and its public spac- being desecrated in Jerusalem and turned over stands with those who are beaten. Jesus stands and sisters have to say; and let the Spirit work- es belong to white people in a way that they do the tables of the moneychangers in a rage (Jn with those who are persecuted. Jesus stands ing through them teach you, and then act. — not belong to others. It is the basic assumption 2:13-16). Jesus saw something holy being de- with the black men and women who have By Fr James Martin, SJ, America. Black people are crying out for their breath. Why can’t we hear them? e are asking for breath. Discussing the police who ignored eleven “I can’t breathe!” cried Eric Gar- cries for breath from Eric Garner, the philoso- Wner before dying on July 10, 2014 pher George Yancy writes, “What were the at the hands of the police in Staten Island, distorted assumptions, affective rigidities, and New York. “I can’t breathe!” cried Freddy moral opacities that occluded the movement Gray before dying at the hands of the police necessary for those white police officers to see/ in April, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. “I can’t hear that Garner was in distress, struggling to breathe,” cried George Floyd before dying this breathe, to aspire?” Monday, May 25 in Minneapolis, Minnesota at We could ask the same about the suffocation the hands of the police. of George Floyd. We are crying for breath. Dr Yancy quotes Toni Morrison who locates In today’s America, one is never Black the problem, a white problem, “somewhere enough to be seen or heard. This is true even between retina and object, between object and when desperately begging for life, for breath. view.” Despite the stereotype that “Black people are Perhaps police academies need to hire ex- too loud,” when it comes time to cry for our perts who can better train the ears and eyes of lives, it seems we cannot be loud enough to be police officers so that they can actually hear heard by police. when Black people desperately cry, “I can’t Today, while many are protecting them- breathe.” Perhaps all white people need to find selves against COVID-19, a respiratory ill- Protesters in Long Beach, Calif., demonstrate May 31, 2020. (CNS photo/Patrick T. Fallon, Reuters) a way to better train their ears and eyes to ad- ness, Black people are reminded that we need truth of what happened. one of them lift a finger to do anything to help equately see and hear black people. to worry about both COVID-19 and the police Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said, “Every while he was begging for his life,” Floyd’s sis- Blacks are constantly begging for oxygen, restricting, or stopping, our ability to breathe. bit of what I saw was wrong.” Emotionally, he ter, Tara Brown, said. Unfortunately, surviv- a gift that God granted everyone. Centuries of George Floyd, a 46-year-old man, took his continued, “It was malicious. And it was unac- ing the police has become the daily prayer for systemic racism, such as redlining and gerry- last breaths under the knee of a white police ceptable. There is no gray there.” many black men in America. mandering, have rendered a long litany of re- officer to whom his cries were inaudible. One The video of George Floyd’s suffocation Research has shown that black people are sources unavailable to the Black community. can make assumptions about the intentions cues unhealed experiences with police in this more likely to be stopped by police. I have Air should not be added to the list. (subconscious or not) of a white police officer country and makes me less optimistic that been stopped arbitrarily by the police and now It is hard for Black people to have to ask for excruciatingly choking a Black man whose the fraught relationship between the Black get nervous each time I see them, wondering if their humanity to be recognised while also ask- nose was bleeding into the street until he is community and the police will soon change. it will be my cause of death. Until we can have ing for breath. But here we are: unconscious. The seeming lack of equality in Though the officers were fired and a new FBI an open and honest national dialogue about Crying out for an America where we can how compassion and human decency are met- case opened, this killing still triggers the trau- racism and racial bias, this legitimate fear will trust the police. ed out to black people in various altercations ma that so many of us have experienced. continue. Until white people, especially those Crying out for an America where our right with the police does not cease to be a national Being Black in America should not mean we charged with carrying weapons to protect and to life matters. disgrace. walk in fear of death. But it does. It should not serve are adequately converted from the power Crying out for an America where we can be Despite the videos circulating on social mean we have less access to breath. But it does. or denial of their own racial bias, black people seen and heard. media, the initial police report of the incident The job of the police is to protect and serve. will be panting for breath. Crying out for an America where we can en- failed to mention that the officer’s knee was on During George Floyd’s agony, however, we Floyd’s sister, Philonise Floyd, said, “They joy the same privileges of breath. Floyd’s neck and that he was jammed to the see officers stand by without assisting the dy- treated him worse than they treat animals.” Crying out for oxygen that is not pol- ground for over eight minutes. ing man. “They were supposed to be there to This is the reality of the Black community’s luted by the contagions of racism. — By Nevertheless, all of America is free to see the serve, and to protect, and I didn’t see a single experience with policing in the US. Patrick Saint-Jean, SJ, America 14 Inter faith & Cultural Dialogue HERALD June 7, 2020

BEC Family (1976) (1996) DIALOGUE Formation (1976) (1976) INTEGRAL Need to affirm the unity EVANGELISATION Poor Unity (1976) (1976)

Social Communication Youth (1986) (1996) in diversityof every nation n the fifteenth of March 2020, Owhile travelling in a taxi, the A common prayer for driver enticed me into a conver- sation on the recently-promulgat- ed Citizenship Amendment Act Christians and Muslims (CAA). I told him, quoting Teesta Setalvad, a committed human Muslims have great respect for Mary, the mother of Je- rights’ defender, that the CAA will sus. There is a sûra (chapter) of the Qur’an that bears her bring untold suffering to people name, sûra 19, sûrat Maryam, the sûra of Mary. The An- across the country. It will damage, fundamentally and irreparably, the nunciation, when the Angel Gabriel comes to tell Mary that nature of the Indian republic. This she will give birth to a son, is recounted in chapter 1 of the is why I, along with all citizens of Gospel of Luke, and in sûra 3 (The Family of ‘Imran) and conscience, demand that the gov- also in sûra 19 (Maryam) of the Qur’an. ernment not betray the country’s About ten years ago in Lebanon, the Feast of the Annun- Constitution. I told him that I af- ciation, March 25, was declared a national holiday for all firm the unity in diversity of our country. But the man branded peo- Iraqi Christians and Muslims in prayer with the Pope and the imam on May the citizens of the country. Christians and Muslims have ple who oppose CAA as traitors. 14, 2020. (AsiaNews photo) formed the habit of coming together to pray on this day. He used the word ‘ghaddar’ (trai- CAA protesters. Within days, they survivors generally complained This year a group of Christians and Muslims composed a tor) with such ease! were burning down Muslim hous- that: special prayer in view of the Coronavirus pandemic. Here I turned the conversation gen- es, shops and mosques. At least (1) Police did not come to their is the text. tly towards seeking to know the 53 people were killed, including rescue; taxi-driver better. He was from a a policeman. It must be noted that (2) the police forces were them- humble background and struggled in the violence that spread, some selves instrumental in killing; O God, Our Lord, when confronted with distress to make ends meet. He seemed to Hindus, too, were attacked and (3) they led the mob in looting Lord of Creation and of the and suffering. be a mild-mannered person. But their houses burnt. Our friends and and burning; whole human race, he raised the pitch mercurially dialogue partners Ms Naaz Khair (4) they arrested innocent per- You chose Mary, choosing her May we trust in Providence, on the topic of citizenship. I was and Mr Muhammad Ali Ansari sons and tortured them inside above all women, rather than resign ourselves forced to think that he had been who surveyed riot hit North-East prisons and put false charges Sending to her the Angel to fear and pride, thoroughly brainwashed with prej- Delhi found the most affected against the arrested persons, and Gabriel to announce to her So that we, like Mary, may udices against a particular com- were Muslims who belong to mar- (5) encouraged the culprits to do the good news show solidarity and munity. It became obvious to me ginalised castes like Telis, Bhishtis whatever they liked by prevent- Which we celebrate together give generous service. while reacting on the conversation and Mansooris. ing the members of one com- as Christians and Muslims. that the bearers of right-wing po- Further, what pains my heart and munity to come out during the Lord, You who are the litical ideology have succeeded mind is the power of prejudices curfew and allowing members Our Lord, You are the All-Hearing, the Granter of in destroying social harmony by that provoke violence against in- of another community to do so Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Security, fanning prejudices and intolerance nocent and helpless people and the with impunity. Mercy, the One who loves all Give your help to Carers, in the hearts and minds of a large way in which the law-enforcing While we are struggling against human beings. Nurses and Doctors, section of people who otherwise agencies often side with the per- the communal virus, we are con- You have blessed us with life, Heal the sick and console the co-existed peacefully. petrators of violence. This is not a fronted with a Coronavirus disease save us from the danger affected, The violence that engulfed parts one-off event. In a well researched (COVID-19) outbreak. I pray for of this pandemic. Give to those in need their of the Indian capital Delhi in the essay, Asghar Ali Engineer argued freedom from all viruses that de- Our Lord, may the Virgin daily bread and all they require. last week of February 2020 was that police together with law en- stroy our soul and body. I wish you Mary be a model for us We implore your help so that targeted violence against Mus- forcement machinery, such as the peaceful summer months ahead. I in our lives, we may remain devoted to You lims, led by mobs steeped in local administration and judiciary, wish that in the season of Easter, May her example motivate and faithful to one another. Hindutva ideology. Gangs armed play a crucial role in communal ri- your hearts and minds are filled us to preserve unity amongst us Amen to the teeth started attacking anti- ots. He wrote that riot victims and with Joy, Love, Peace and Hope. Vatican urges OSCE to promote religious freedom amid rising intolerance VATICAN: Msgr. Janusz the human race. Urbańczyk took part in an Organi- He said these two principles sation for Security and Co-opera- form the basis of all truly demo- tion in Europe (OSCE) conference cratic societies. National minori- aimed at raising awareness about ties, he added, should be free to intolerance and discrimination. profess and practice their religion. The Holy See’s Permanent Rep- Lockdowns to stem the COV- resentative to the OSCE focused ID-19 pandemic have contributed his remarks at the May 25-26 to rising inequalities and “de facto event on the impact that intoler- discriminatory treatment”. ance has on Christians. “Rights and fundamental free- The OSCE is an intergovern- doms,” said Msgr Urbańczyk, mental organisation whose mem- “have been limited or derogated bers include most countries of the throughout the whole OSCE Northern Hemisphere and is con- area.” These include the closure of cerned with conflict prevention churches and restrictions on reli- and crisis management. gious services. Hate crimes against Christians A woman at Mass in Milan’s Duomo. (Vatican News) In response to these threats, the and members of other religions, pressed “great concern” about a tions are a private matter that have during lockdowns. Holy See’s representative urged said, Msgr Urbańczyk, negatively divide between religious belief no place in the public sphere. Discrimination on social media, OSCE member states to promote impact the enjoyment of human and religious practice. The internet and social media, he noted, can lead to violence, both tolerance and fundamental rights and fundamental freedoms. “The false idea that religions said Msgr Urbańczyk, often be- the final step in a “slippery slope freedoms, which include religious “These include threats, violent at- could have a negative impact or come a place to put others down or which starts with mockery and so- liberty. tacks, murders and profanation of represent a threat to the well-be- incite hatred of cultural, national, cial intolerance.” “Tolerance,” said Msgr churches and places of worship, ing of our societies is growing,” and religious groups. Msgr Urbańczyk also urged Urbańczyk, “cannot be an alibi cemeteries and other religious he warned. The COVID-19 pandemic has OSCE member states to promote for denying or guaranteeing fun- properties,” he said. Believers are frequently told worsened the trend, since people the inherent dignity of every per- damental human rights.” — By The Vatican representative ex- that prayer and religious convic- are spending more time online son and the fundamental unity of Devin Watkins, Vatican News HERALD June 7, 2020 Children 15 LLittleittle CCatholicsatholics’ CornerCorner

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16) The Colour the Blessed picture Trinity

Dear children, So the Father is not greater than the Today, we are cel- Son or the Holy Spir- ebrating the feast it, they are all equal! of the Holy Spir- Sometimes we can it. "Trinity" means understand the Holy "three" and tells us Trinity like a family. that there are three Each of the persons Persons in God. is different, but the There is only one family would not ex- God, but God is a ist if any one of them relationship of the were missing. Father and the Son, The Holy Trinity is Jesus and the Holy also a relationship of Spirit. love. Because God is Each of the Persons so full of love, He in the Holy Trin- wanted to share it ity is really God, so with others, so that the Father is really is why He sent us His God, and Jesus is re- only Son! ally God and the Holy When we live the Spirit is really God. way God wants us to But they are not all we are joining in the the same Person. life of the Holy Spir- Each of the Persons it. Isn't that amaz- in the Holy Trinity is ing? also equal to all the others. Aunty Eliz

Here is a puzzle that might help you understand the Holy Trinity a little better. Use the letter code at the bottom to

fill in the blanks. Answer: Each person IS NOT any other Person, but each Person IS GOD GOD IS Person each but Person, other any NOT IS person Each Answer: HERALD YYOOUTHUTH June 7, 2020 TakingTaking stepssteps towardstowards anti-racism acism still profoundly affects our culture, “Rand it has no place in the Christian heart. This evil causes great harm to its victims, and it corrupts the souls of those who harbour racist or prejudi- cial thoughts. The persistence of the evil of racism is why we are writing this letter now.” (Open Wide Our Hearts, p. 6-7) The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops wrote that letter to the faithful in 2018. It is disheartening and challenging to confront the reality that our culture was still affected by racism then and continues to still be affected by it today. The murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Different races hold together. We are family (Shutterstock/Yuda Chen) Taylor have made it tremendously clear that the evil of racism persists, not only have failed due to corrupt systems of power but such voices to be the prominent voice in this work. also because of the silence of people as the civil rights movement and other that inform our lives and the voic- Our lives have to conform themselves to who would rather not have the race struggles for justice. Anti-racism is de- es that we trust. Look at your friends, the will of the Father in such a way that conversation — people who would say fined as the policy or practice of oppos- your mentors, the books you read, the we will become prominent voices in this that they’re not racist but aren’t actively ing racism and promoting racial toler- accounts you follow; are the voices you work if we want the Kingdom of God to anti-racist. There is a difference and the ance. hear there primarily white? A step in be made manifest here on Earth. faithful have a duty to do the work to be If this sounds like something that becoming a listening Church is to actu- In order to actively oppose the evil of the latter. should have always been happening, ally listen to the voices of those who are racism, the Body of Christ has to active- Racism is an institutional and systemic that’s because it should have. But it victims of racism. ly engage in the work at hand. This starts reality all over the world despite efforts hasn’t. The Church and her members with taking an intentional look at the Source: LifeTeen

Here is a list of resource that can help you centre these voices:

l Open Wide our Hearts: https://bit.ly/376sJLU l Jesus, MLK, and the Ongoing Cry for Justice https://bit.ly/3dMV50h l Getting Honest and Uncomfortable About Race and Discrimination https://bit.ly/3eW9RSb l The Lie https://vimeo.com/182020903 HERALD June 7, 2020 Youth 17 Worshipping Learning from the together in spite young at heart of the distance SHAH ALAM: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to a halt many activities in our young people’s lives today. While it re- mains a struggle to maintain so- cial connections, this has, how- ever, not stopped the youths of the Church of the Divine Mercy (CDM). For their ninth Online Youth Hangout, they were blessed to have Sr Stella Asirvatham (FMM). Sr Stella, who will be turning 79 this year, has spent A cover of “Oh Wondrous Love” by the choir group St Augustine, Kinarut her life serving the Lord in Af- and Chapel St. Anne, Punson. rica. Her 26 years of mission were based in five different ar- KINARUT, Sabah: The youth of church. Let us continue to work eas; two years of Mission in Online Youth Hangouts with Sr Stella Asirvatham, FMM St Augustine, Kinarut came to- faithfully in His field and contin- the North East, two years in the gether to sing and worship Him ue to minister to one another be- North West of Kenya among the having to keep up with the very in taking care of his people even who gives us Life. cause through His Love we have Nomadic Tribes, and the last of much youthful nun. As Sr Stel- during this quarantine. While they could not be physi- been saved. her term in Nairobi, Kenya. Now, la shared her stories with the At the end of her sharing, to cally together, it did not prevent “I’m resting in the everlasting she spends her time in Kuantan, youths, we couldn’t help but be our surprise, Sr Stella recom- them from continuing to praise arms, In the ever faithful heart, Pahang, keeping close to Jesus in awe of the confidence and mended watching a TV series and glorify God. With this new The Shepherd of my life.. You’ll The Chosen in prayer, and having video calls faith that radiated from her. called that is cur- norm, we are grateful to be given carry me on Your mighty wings of with her nieces and nephews. One of the many things she rently available free to watch on the opportunity to be united in grace, Keeping me until the day, And what a blessing she was! shared was her hobby of garden- YouTube. Noting that in these their ministry as a choir in the I look into Your eyes” While some may think that it ing, and how her green thumb times, Digital Evangelisation would be hard for a group of has become a way of appreciat- does play an important role, Follow Tim Pelayanan Belia (TPBZ Kinarut) on she told the youths to spread young people to converse with ing God’s wonders in our lives. Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/kbpkinarut a retired nun, the tables were To her, the small garden that she the Gospel by telling others — By Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tpbzkinarut/ turned as we found ourselves tends represents the miracle of about “The Chosen”. life, as well as God’s faithfulness Ian John Asir D’cruz Seminarians — can they leave now? KUALA LUMPUR: A Zoom ses- sion was organised May 29 by Move youth with Bro Michel Dass and Bro George Vaithynathan, who are currently based at St Peter’s College, Kuching. Another two seminarians, Bro Fabian Anand and Bro Leon Gautier, based in Petaling Jaya, joined in as well. They first shared on what a semi- nary is — basically a house of for- mation which leads to ultimate self- formation. The identity of a seminarian is one who is in search of truth and discernment. He is free to do any- thing, he makes the choice, to love deeply, to live as a brother in com- munity life while having his own personal space and time. Seminary formation is growing in the habits of Jesus. Jesus is the ultimate goal; the heart of the shep- A videoclip of the seminarians’ journey in the seminary. herd. At the end of the session, all four mature, well- balanced men who spiritual director to help him grow to be shepherds with the heart chology test (sound mind), Health of them reiterated that they have are capable of relating to all differ- spiritually. of Jesus, with compassion for all (medical report), lifestyle and pas- no plans of leaving the seminary. ent kinds of people and displaying Dimensions 3 – Academic people, especially for the most sion for Christ Below are some of the points that good personal qualities such as sen- Formation vulnerable, broken and needy. they shared. sitivity, patience, responsibility and This intellectual component Seminarians gain experience in How long does it take organisational skills. involves studying philosophy, pastoral work and ministry in and what do you Why is formation Dimensions 2 – Spiritual Formation theology, scripture and other different environments such as graduate with? necessary? This guides the seminarians in culti- humanities, which equips semi- parishes, hospitals and schools. It normally takes eight years but We need to learn the philosophy, vating a deep personal relationship narians to preach the Gospel, Seminarians are also encouraged sometimes it depends on the indi- theology and the whole school of with the Blessed Trinity and our communicate Church teaching, to further their studies before join- vidual too. Seminarians graduate Christianity. The explanation below Mother, Mary, through a commit- pass on the truth of our faith ing the seminary so that they have with a Degree in Theology might help in understanding what ted life of prayer, and in interpret- and evangelise. something to fall back on. we learn in the seminary. Who pays for the cost? ing the movements of the Holy Dimensions 4 – Pastoral What are the entry Lodging and food is paid for by the Dimensions 1 – Human Formation Spirit which should guide their Formation requirements? seminarians’ respective Bishops. — This helps seminarians to grow into decisions. Each seminarian has a This helps seminarians learn how SPM credits, Muet band 4, Psy- By Sabrina Smith Evangelisation: The Way of the Heart We pray that all those who suffer may find their way in life, allowing themselves to be touched by the Heart of Jesus.

Download the Click To Pray updates now. THE CATHOLIC WEEKLY June 7, 2020 Pope asks Mary to intercede for end to pandemic during rosary with world’s shrines VATICAN: Pope Francis asked the “Accompany their fatigue and event, Archbishop Rino Fisichella Virgin Mary to intercede for an end give them strength, goodness and said: “I think we have discovered to “this terrible pandemic” as he re- health. Be close to those who night two main things during this special cited the rosary with Marian shrines and day care for the sick, to priests moment. First of all, the importance worldwide via videolink May 30. and consecrated persons who, with of the media for the new evangelisa- The Pope was joined by faithful at pastoral solicitude and evangelical tion, and second, the importance of 50 shrines in Europe, the Americas, commitment, seek to help and sup- media for the prayer.” the Middle East and Africa as he im- port everyone.” The rosary was recited in the Vat- plored God’s help amid the corona- The Pope prayed for scientists ican Gardens by men and women virus pandemic, which has claimed and world leaders, and that money affected by the coronavirus crisis. more than 365,000 lives so far. spent on weapons would be given They included a doctor, a nurse, a During the rosary, the Pope was instead to those studying how to hospital chaplain, and a woman who seated before the Lourdes Grotto in avoid future catastrophes. had lost her mother to COVID-19. the Vatican Gardens. The grotto’s He implored Mary to help the In a May 30 interview, Archbish- altar is the original altar from the Pope Francis leads the recitation of the rosary during a prayer service at the world grow in solidarity, firmness op Fisichella noted that a baby born Grotto at the Sanctuary of Our Lady Lourdes grotto in the Vatican Gardens May 30, 2020. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) in faith, and perseverance in service during the pandemic would also be of Lourdes in France. and prayer. present at the event with his family. Sitting behind Pope Francis were “Support those who are distressed Archbishop Rino Fisichella, “O Mary, comforter of the af- He said: “Last but not least, I rows of people wearing medical for the sick people to whom, to pre- president of the Pontifical Council flicted, embrace all your troubled would like to remind you that there masks spaced apart to avoid spread- vent contagion, they cannot stay for Promoting the New Evangelisa- children and ask that the Merciful will also be Jacopo, a child just one ing the virus. near. Instil confidence in those who tion, continued: “As at Cana, come Father intervene with his omnipo- month old, whom we have chosen At the conclusion of the rosary, are anxious about the uncertain fu- to your Son Jesus, asking him to tent hand to free us from this terrible with his parents, because he was the Pope rose to pray, saying: “O ture and the consequences for the comfort the families of the sick and pandemic, so that life may take its born during this dramatic period. Virgin Mary, turn your merciful economy and work.” victims and to open their hearts to daily course in serenity,” he prayed. “Jacopo is the one who gives eyes to us in this pandemic of coro- “Mother of God and our Mother, trust. Protect the doctors, nurses, “We entrust ourselves to You, hope, he is the one who makes us navirus, and comfort those who are implore for us from God, Father of healthcare workers, volunteers who who shine on our journey as a sign understand that life continues and lost and weeping for their dearly de- mercy, that this hard trial ends and in this time of emergency are in the of salvation and hope, O merciful, O will always go on, because man is parted, sometimes buried in a way that a horizon of hope and peace re- front line and put their lives at risk to pious, O sweet Virgin Mary. Amen.” made for life, he is made to live.” — that hurts the soul.” turns.” save other lives.” In an interview ahead of the CNA Vatican to collaborate with new Msgr Philip Heng SJ completes video-streaming platform tenure as VG and Rector SINGAPORE: Msgr Philip Heng VATICAN: Vatican officials -ex SJ will relinquish his office as Vic- pressed their support for a new ar-General (Administration and video-on-demand service aimed at Religious Affairs) and also as Rec- adding religious programming and tor of the Cathedral on June 30, content to the already jam-packed 2020 as per a May 30 notice from field of video-streaming services. Archbishop William Goh’s office. During a news conference June “We want to express our heartfelt 4 announcing the launch of Vati- thanks to Msgr Philip Heng who Vision, the new streaming site, Paolo has served with total dedication Ruffini, prefect of the Dicastery for not just as the Vicar-General for Communication, said the platform Administration and Interreligious will allow people to “access content affairs for seven years, but as the of quality and value that would be Rector of the Cathedral of the otherwise unobtainable, lost or for- Good Shepherd (five years) and ing online services, spiritual talks, gotten.” also of St Joseph Church, Victoria and perpetual adoration. He is a “For this reason, I am happy that Street (three years). pastor who works tirelessly for the VatiVision will also distribute some A screenshot of the “VatiVision” website, a new video-streaming service launching in Italy June 8, 2020, that will feature movies, documentaries and series available “He has been a selfless, devoted, love of God and the flock under his content made in collaboration with for rent or purchase. (CNS photo/Junno Arocho Esteves) energetic, zealous, passionate and charge. As a Vicar-General, he has Vatican Media,” he said. responsible pastor. He is much always put the needs of the arch- Despite its name, Ruffini said that “We are before a gift from God, form will not have a monthly pay- loved as a pastor, and is appreci- diocese before his own interests. VatiVision is an independent ini- that is, a resource that can bring good ment plan for its service. Instead, it ated for the programmes he initi- “His leaving is indeed a very tiative and that the Vatican is neither fruits,” Msgr Vigano said. adopted a video-on-demand struc- ated, especially the RCIA sessions, big loss to the archdiocese. We are funding the service nor does it have The video-streaming site, which ture akin to Apple iTunes and Goog- and healing services. He has re- greatly indebted to him for his ex- any say in what content will be made was developed by the Italian media le Play where users can either rent or established the Cathedral as the emplary leadership in the archdio- available. distribution company Vetrya and purchase programs. mother church of the archdiocese cese and as rector of the Cathedral. VatiVision also received praise production company Officina della VatiVision will launch in Italy June welcoming everyone, Catholics, We are sad that he has to leave us. from Msgr Dario Vigano, vice chan- Communicazione, features reli- 8 and will eventually expand to other lapsed Catholics, those seeking We wish him well in his next as- cellor of the Pontifical Academy of gious-themed programming as well countries in Europe and Asia, as well God, visitors and strangers, rich signment. Sciences and Ruffini’s predecessor. as movies, documentaries and series as North and South America. It will and poor; all find a place in the “Lastly, we thank the Society The new platform, he said, is an ex- related to art and culture. be available as an app on Apple, Cathedral. During this COVID-19, of Jesus for allowing Msgr Philip ample of Pope Francis’ observation Unlike other video-streaming Google Android and Samsung for he had shown himself to be a great Heng to serve at the Cathedral and about “the great potential that new sites, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime smartphones, tablets and smart TVs. pastor in his initiatives by arrang- as our Vicar General.” technologies offer us.” or HBO Max, the VatiVision plat- — By Junno Arocho Esteves, CNS HERALD June 7, 2020 Remembering Tiananmen 23 Xi Jinping and the West: How to remember Tiananmen

A man standing in front of the tanker at Tiananmen Square. (AsiaNews photo) Some of the victims of the Tiananmen massacre. (AsiaNews Photo)

ROME: For 31 years, the Chinese Commu- Yet democracy entered China with the in prison. people, just as Xi Jinping and his Party are nist Party has been using the most sophis- advent of modernity, supported by the May Even in these months of the pandemic, doing, intoxicating them with nationalism, ticated and cruel weapons to erase all trace 4 Movement that wanted to end the fall- after the Party’s silences and complaints but condemning them to the chains of ram- and memory of the massacre that took place ing imperial culture. Post-empire China, about the spread of the virus, the need for pant economic development without rights. in Tiananmen Square on the night between despite all its approximations, is marked democracy has emerged, demanded loudly The West, despite being indebted to Tian- June 3 and 4 1989. by democracy. This initial experience was by doctors, intellectuals, academics and ac- anmen, has forgotten it just as the Chinese However, the control of information, aborted with the advent of Mao Zedong, tivists. find themselves in a new season of demands censorship, expulsion of dissidents, prison, who imposed the Chinese Communist Par- The economic modernisations desired by for democracy and an end to corruption. physical and psychological torture, execu- ty empire, while claiming the legacy of the Deng Xiaoping in the 1990s were aimed The battle that Hong Kong is offering tions and deaths have been unable to stifle May 4th Movement. at making the Chinese wealthy and, in the in recent months on this line: full democ- or destroy the demands of students and The naive demands of the Tiananmen stu- name of well-being, make them forget Tian- racy, an end to corruption and violence of workers of the time, which are still relevant dents were prepared by countless Chinese anmen. But, the West has benefitted: China the government and law enforcement. The today: democracy and an end to corruption. scholars and academics who, in dialogue became the world’s factory and the West security law against “subversion, seces- The fight against corruption has been with the West, revisiting their history, and has been able to exploit the cheap labor that sion, terrorism and collaboration with for- challenged by the Party and Xi, who made remembering the massacres of Maoism, was served up on the plate of globalization eign forces” serves to demonstrate that the it a weapon of his domination to target all wanted to shape a modern China that Mao in their millions. “virus” of democracy can also spread from of his political enemies. Democracy has had once again rolled back to a pre-modern Now that China has become a very attrac- Hong Kong to the continent, rekindling been branded as Western pollution, foreign level. tive market and its middle class the target of fires already lit. to Chinese culture. In an attempt to save After the Tiananmen massacre, there were every company, the West has become very If the West, at least out of gratitude, the one-party dictatorship, Xi decreed that attempts in the 1990s to found a democratic shy about human rights and in unison with wants to remember Tiananmen, it must “Western values” should not be studied in party, whose advocates were all arrested Xi Jinping proclaims the good of economic ask Beijing for transparency on the num- Chinese universities. Even in national Cath- and sentenced to years of imprisonment. globalization, but in which dialogue be- ber of those who died crushed beneath the olic seminaries, the Church's social doctrine In the 2000s, intellectuals and dissidents tween cultures — and therefore democracy tanks then and under the coronavirus now; is obviously censored, with the passages created the luminous proposal for Charter and human dignity — is excluded. But if and it must find ways to guarantee full de- relating to human dignity, family, civil so- 08. They included the great Nobel laureate true dialogue does not happen, then globali- mocracy in Hong Kong. — By Bernardo ciety, subsidiarity, democracy all removed. Liu Xiaobo, who was left to die of cancer sation only serves to enslave the Chinese Cervellera, AsiaNews

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Download the Click To Pray updates now. THE CATHOLIC WEEKLY June 7, 2020 Pope asks Mary to intercede for end to pandemic during rosary with world’s shrines VATICAN: Pope Francis asked the “Accompany their fatigue and event, Archbishop Rino Fisichella Virgin Mary to intercede for an end give them strength, goodness and said: “I think we have discovered to “this terrible pandemic” as he re- health. Be close to those who night two main things during this special cited the rosary with Marian shrines and day care for the sick, to priests moment. First of all, the importance worldwide via videolink May 30. and consecrated persons who, with of the media for the new evangelisa- The Pope was joined by faithful at pastoral solicitude and evangelical tion, and second, the importance of 50 shrines in Europe, the Americas, commitment, seek to help and sup- media for the prayer.” the Middle East and Africa as he im- port everyone.” The rosary was recited in the Vat- plored God’s help amid the corona- The Pope prayed for scientists ican Gardens by men and women virus pandemic, which has claimed and world leaders, and that money affected by the coronavirus crisis. more than 365,000 lives so far. spent on weapons would be given They included a doctor, a nurse, a During the rosary, the Pope was instead to those studying how to hospital chaplain, and a woman who seated before the Lourdes Grotto in avoid future catastrophes. had lost her mother to COVID-19. the Vatican Gardens. The grotto’s He implored Mary to help the In a May 30 interview, Archbish- altar is the original altar from the Pope Francis leads the recitation of the rosary during a prayer service at the world grow in solidarity, firmness op Fisichella noted that a baby born Grotto at the Sanctuary of Our Lady Lourdes grotto in the Vatican Gardens May 30, 2020. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) in faith, and perseverance in service during the pandemic would also be of Lourdes in France. and prayer. present at the event with his family. Sitting behind Pope Francis were “Support those who are distressed Archbishop Rino Fisichella, “O Mary, comforter of the af- He said: “Last but not least, I rows of people wearing medical for the sick people to whom, to pre- president of the Pontifical Council flicted, embrace all your troubled would like to remind you that there masks spaced apart to avoid spread- vent contagion, they cannot stay for Promoting the New Evangelisa- children and ask that the Merciful will also be Jacopo, a child just one ing the virus. near. Instil confidence in those who tion, continued: “As at Cana, come Father intervene with his omnipo- month old, whom we have chosen At the conclusion of the rosary, are anxious about the uncertain fu- to your Son Jesus, asking him to tent hand to free us from this terrible with his parents, because he was the Pope rose to pray, saying: “O ture and the consequences for the comfort the families of the sick and pandemic, so that life may take its born during this dramatic period. Virgin Mary, turn your merciful economy and work.” victims and to open their hearts to daily course in serenity,” he prayed. “Jacopo is the one who gives eyes to us in this pandemic of coro- “Mother of God and our Mother, trust. Protect the doctors, nurses, “We entrust ourselves to You, hope, he is the one who makes us navirus, and comfort those who are implore for us from God, Father of healthcare workers, volunteers who who shine on our journey as a sign understand that life continues and lost and weeping for their dearly de- mercy, that this hard trial ends and in this time of emergency are in the of salvation and hope, O merciful, O will always go on, because man is parted, sometimes buried in a way that a horizon of hope and peace re- front line and put their lives at risk to pious, O sweet Virgin Mary. Amen.” made for life, he is made to live.” — that hurts the soul.” turns.” save other lives.” In an interview ahead of the CNA Vatican to collaborate with new Msgr Philip Heng SJ completes video-streaming platform tenure as VG and Rector SINGAPORE: Msgr Philip Heng VATICAN: Vatican officials -ex SJ will relinquish his office as Vic- pressed their support for a new ar-General (Administration and video-on-demand service aimed at Religious Affairs) and also as Rec- adding religious programming and tor of the Cathedral on June 30, content to the already jam-packed 2020 as per a May 30 notice from field of video-streaming services. Archbishop William Goh’s office. During a news conference June “We want to express our heartfelt 4 announcing the launch of Vati- thanks to Msgr Philip Heng who Vision, the new streaming site, Paolo has served with total dedication Ruffini, prefect of the Dicastery for not just as the Vicar-General for Communication, said the platform Administration and Interreligious will allow people to “access content affairs for seven years, but as the of quality and value that would be Rector of the Cathedral of the otherwise unobtainable, lost or for- Good Shepherd (five years) and ing online services, spiritual talks, gotten.” also of St Joseph Church, Victoria and perpetual adoration. He is a “For this reason, I am happy that Street (three years). pastor who works tirelessly for the VatiVision will also distribute some A screenshot of the “VatiVision” website, a new video-streaming service launching in Italy June 8, 2020, that will feature movies, documentaries and series available “He has been a selfless, devoted, love of God and the flock under his content made in collaboration with for rent or purchase. (CNS photo/Junno Arocho Esteves) energetic, zealous, passionate and charge. As a Vicar-General, he has Vatican Media,” he said. responsible pastor. He is much always put the needs of the arch- Despite its name, Ruffini said that “We are before a gift from God, form will not have a monthly pay- loved as a pastor, and is appreci- diocese before his own interests. VatiVision is an independent ini- that is, a resource that can bring good ment plan for its service. Instead, it ated for the programmes he initi- “His leaving is indeed a very tiative and that the Vatican is neither fruits,” Msgr Vigano said. adopted a video-on-demand struc- ated, especially the RCIA sessions, big loss to the archdiocese. We are funding the service nor does it have The video-streaming site, which ture akin to Apple iTunes and Goog- and healing services. He has re- greatly indebted to him for his ex- any say in what content will be made was developed by the Italian media le Play where users can either rent or established the Cathedral as the emplary leadership in the archdio- available. distribution company Vetrya and purchase programs. mother church of the archdiocese cese and as rector of the Cathedral. VatiVision also received praise production company Officina della VatiVision will launch in Italy June welcoming everyone, Catholics, We are sad that he has to leave us. from Msgr Dario Vigano, vice chan- Communicazione, features reli- 8 and will eventually expand to other lapsed Catholics, those seeking We wish him well in his next as- cellor of the Pontifical Academy of gious-themed programming as well countries in Europe and Asia, as well God, visitors and strangers, rich signment. Sciences and Ruffini’s predecessor. as movies, documentaries and series as North and South America. It will and poor; all find a place in the “Lastly, we thank the Society The new platform, he said, is an ex- related to art and culture. be available as an app on Apple, Cathedral. During this COVID-19, of Jesus for allowing Msgr Philip ample of Pope Francis’ observation Unlike other video-streaming Google Android and Samsung for he had shown himself to be a great Heng to serve at the Cathedral and about “the great potential that new sites, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime smartphones, tablets and smart TVs. pastor in his initiatives by arrang- as our Vicar General.” technologies offer us.” or HBO Max, the VatiVision plat- — By Junno Arocho Esteves, CNS