Because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators OCTOBER 25, 2020 of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy TERHAD PP 8460/11/2012(030939) of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an ISSN: 1394-3294 example to all the believers in Macedonia Vol. 27 No. 42 THE CATHOLIC WEEKLY and in Achaia. 1 Thes. 1:5c-7

A Special Supplement Bishops in Francesco on Tan Sri Archbishop Kerala on Youth Ministers has made Emeritus Murphy hunger strike meet, to Reboot global Pakiam will be for Catholic themselves and headlines published on education the ministry 27th October 2020. P8 P11 — P13 P16 Vatican renews pact with China for two more years ONG KONG: The Vatican into two groups – the open Church managed has renewed its secret deal by the state and the underground church, which refuses to accept the state control. with China on bishops’ ap- Many believe the agreement could lead the H Vatican to start diplomatic ties with Beijing, pointments for another two years, with an aim to unify the divided severed seven decades ago. However, Cardinal Parolin brushed aside Catholic Church in China. such speculations. “For now, we are not talking The two parties have “agreed to extend the about diplomatic relations,” the cardinal said. experimental implementation phase of the He said the Vatican is not meant to address Provisional Agreement for another two years,” political issues. Chinese Catholics’ pastoral said an official communique from the Vatican needs are the agreement’s prime concern. “We on Oct 22. are concentrating on the Church,” he said. The agreement, pieced together two years Cardinal Parolin said the content of the ago, primarily aims to end China’s communist agreement would remain secret. But it is a “rel- government directly appointing Catholic bish- ative secret” because “much of the content is ops without papal recognition. already known,” he said. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of The Vatican officials “are pleased” about state, said on Oct 21 that the pact would be- Pope Francis meets a group of faithful from China at the end of his weekly general audience in St the agreement’s outcome in the past two years. come live without any new signatures because Peter’s Square at the Vatican on April 18, 2018, file photo. (Crux/Gregorio Borgi via APz) “We hope that there will be improvements it was a provisional deal. deal. The agreement only helped the Chinese that through this unity it can become an instru- regarding the functioning of the terms of the The details of the pact continue to remain se- government further oppress the underground ment to spread the gospel in Chinese society Agreement,” he said. cret, but the Vatican said the agreement wants church, they say. and work to help see authentic development for The agreement was renewed without any to empower the Pope to have the final say over But Cardinal Parolin, who has been pushing all the country’s people,” Cardinal Parolin said. “any changes or additions” to the text, a Vati- Chinese bishops’ appointment. the deal, denied such allegations while speak- “As far as the accord is concerned, we are can source said. The Vatican has been criticised by conserva- ing at a function at Pontifical Antonianum Uni- content. There are still many other problems, The agreement does not demand the Vati- tive Catholics in China, who alleged that the versity on Oct 21. but we never expected the accord to resolve all can to remain silent on ongoing human rights Vatican had sold out to the communist gov- “We hope that the Church in China can re- the problems,” he said. issues in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, he added. ernment for renewing the highly secretive discover, thanks to this accord, its unity and China’s Catholic community remains split — ucanews.com World Mission Sunday: number of Catholics continues to rise worldwide VATICAN: The number of Catholics world- 177,000 in Oceania. The figures indicated that the number of marginally to 50,941, while the number of fe- wide increased by almost 16 million in a year Fides noted that this was the third succes- priests worldwide fell in 2018 to 414,065, male religious fell by 7,249 to 641,661. to 1.33 billion, according to statistics high- sive year that the number of Catholics in Eu- with Europe registering the largest decrease, The number of young men attending a mi- lighted by the Vatican. rope had risen. followed by the Americas. Africa, Asia, and nor seminary decreased for the third consecu- The figures, shared by the Fides News But the percentage of Catholics in the world Oceania all reported higher numbers of priests. tive year, to 100,164. But the number attend- Service Oct 16, showed that there were population remained unchanged at 17.73 per Overall, there was a modest increase in the ing major seminaries rose to 115,880. 15,716,000 more Catholics at the end of 2018 cent, meaning that the number of Catholics is number of diocesan priests and a drop in the Fides also reported that the Catholic — the most recent year where numbers are increasing in line with broader global popula- number of religious priests. The number of Church worldwide runs 73,164 kindergartens, available — compared to 2017. tion growth. Catholics per priest increased slightly, with a 103,146 primary schools, and 49,541 second- This took the overall number of Catholics Fides, which has been the information ser- global average of 3,210. ary schools. to 1,328,993,000, compared to 1,313,278,000 vice of the Pontifical Mission Societies since Meanwhile, the number of bishops in the The Church oversees 5,192 hospitals, the year before. 1927, presents the statistics annually ahead of world fell year on year to 5,377. Permanent 15,481 dispensaries, 577 centres for people The growth was spread across all inhab- World Mission Sunday. The figures are taken deacons continued to increase, reaching a total with Hansen’s disease (also known as lepro- ited continents, with an increase of 94,000 from the Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae, or of 47,504, with the biggest rises recorded in sy), 9,295 orphanages, and 15,423 homes for in Europe, 9.2 million in Africa, 4.5 million Statistical Yearbook of the Church, which was America and Europe. the elderly, the chronically ill, and people with in the Americas, 1.8 million in Asia, and published March 25. The number of male religious decreased a disability. — CNA 2 Forum / Reflection HERALD October 25, 2020 Social solidarity vs the right to private property have often struggled with the disturbing New Instead, “the principle of the common use of Testament passage where two early followers Sunday Observer created goods is the ‘first principle of the whole Iof Jesus were supernaturally struck dead after ethical and social order’; it is a natural and inher- it was discovered they had not handed over all By ent right that takes priority over others.” their wealth to the community. This means “the right to private property can Ananias and Sapphira had sold their land but Anil Netto only be considered a secondary natural right, de- then Ananias withheld part of the proceeds before rived from the principle of the universal destina- [email protected] presenting the remainder to Peter as their donation tion of created goods.” to the community (Acts 5: 1-11). Both were struck in ensuring the wellbeing of the community. lives. We should not exclude anyone, whether the So, yes, people should have the right to own dead by the supernatural after Peter accused them Anyone entering the early Christian commu- elderly, persons with disabilities, or the foreigners property to live a life of dignity. But all created of lying not just to human beings but to God. nity would surely know that many were going in our land. goods ultimately belong to God who created them How to explain this harsh punishment without through hard times. So the needs of the commu- Unfortunately, a society governed by “market for the common good. We hold them as stewards. any room for repentance? Peter himself suggested nity took precedence over the “secondary right” freedom” and “efficiency” often has no place for If we hoard or degrade property in a way that that, as the couple had disposed of their property, to private property. marginalised groups. It is not enough to provide affects society’s wellbeing — or that of the eco- they could have done as they pleased with the In the case of Ananias and Sapphira, which “opportunities” for everyone. We have to ensure system — then we are allowing the right to prop- proceeds. Francis does not mention, they failed to look be- there is solidarity with the slow, the weak and the erty — a secondary right – to override the main But the early Christians did not consider their yond their own needs to the larger interests of the less talented. principle — that created goods to secure society’s possessions to be their own; rather they handed it community. If they had heeded the call to solidar- It is “only when our economic and social sys- overall wellbeing. over for the benefit of the community. ity, fraternity and love, they would have realised tem no longer produces even a single victim, a Moving further, Francis points out that “the Does God really expect the followers of Jesus how jarring it would have been for them to hoard single person cast aside, will we be able to cel- right of some to free enterprise or market freedom to surrender all their property and wealth to the such wealth at a time when so many around them ebrate the feast of universal fraternity”. cannot supersede the rights of peoples and the community? How do we square this with the were in dire need. That obviously includes the foreigners, mi- dignity of the poor, or, for that matter, respect for Church’s recognition of the right to private prop- In Chapter Three of his encyclical letter Fra- grants and refugees in our midst. “If every human the natural environment.” erty? telli Tutti (Brothers and Sisters All), the Bishop of being possesses an inalienable dignity, if all peo- Indeed, “if we make something our own, it is Ananias and Sapphira had made a commit- Rome develops the theme of fraternity, love and ple are my brothers and sisters, and if the world only to administer it for the good of all.” ment to the fledgling community. Back then, the solidarity which he had explored earlier in the truly belongs to everyone, then it matters little The same principle applies at the national, re- apostles were probably struggling to cope with an Parable of the Good Samaritan. whether my neighbour was born in my country or gional and international levels. influx of new followers living in desperate con- Francis writes of the importance of bonding, elsewhere,” Francis writes. “My own country also For example, if the wealth of a nation is accu- ditions. Many in the community were probably communion and fraternity in life. The beauty in shares responsibility for his or her development.” mulated in urban areas to the neglect of rural, out- poor. But because the early Christian shared what life lies in relating to others. We are not called Francis’ teaching on the role of private prop- lying or interior communities or states, it means they had in common, no one was in need – a mira- to live as islands in our own circles of friends or erty develops the teachings of earlier bishops of our social solidarity is weak. cle of sorts. family, where we only share common personal Rome, and takes it to a new level. Every person, Ultimately, it is all about love translated to Remember the little boy with the loaves and or group interests. Rather, we are challenged to every family has a right to live in dignity, and they social solidarity to uphold human dignity. This fish who surrendered them to Jesus? That was a move beyond to find a fuller existence in others need some private possessions for this. should prompt us to envision “a new humanity” generous gesture of profound solidarity, which outside our circle. But the concept of the common or universal built on interdependence and shared responsibil- sparked another miracle – the feeding of the mul- The greatest danger is failing to love. But love destination of created goods implies that if some- ity. titude. is more than just benevolent action. Our love and one lacks what is necessary to live in dignity, it is “We can aspire to a world that provides land, Both miracles took place when personal pos- affection for others should make us seek their because someone else has it. housing and work for all. This is the true path of sessions were surrendered for the greater good of good and recognise their value, Francis says. Francis observes that “the Christian tradition peace, not the senseless and myopic strategy of the community – so that others might not go hun- Then they become dear and pleasing to us, and has never recognised the right to private property sowing fear and mistrust in the face of outside gry. They show us that social solidarity is crucial that makes us want to seek what is best for their as absolute”. threats,” Francis writes. Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Teach the children to love eople always say that it is more difficult to dren and teens can learn to withstand hatred if Pbe a child or teen these days than back when they are taught to ask themselves, “Are people Reflecting on our Sunday Readings they were young. People said that way back loving God when they say such horrible things when I was young and drugs started dominat- about other people?” Teach your children that the love that they expe- 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time ing lives. They said that when birth control and I also suggest that parents educate their chil- rience from Mom and Dad and the love that they Readings: Exodus 22:20-26; abortion led many to think that they now had a dren by absolutely refusing to allow the word have for Mom and Dad are just small reflections 1 Thessalonians 1:5c-10; green light to unbridled sex. They said that a few “hate” to be used in their house, by anyone, chil- of the love that God has for them, and that they Gospel: Matthew 22:34-40 years later when VCR’s brought porn into many dren or adults. Even if a child says, “I hate brus- must have for God. God created us to love us. homes. And they say that now as we are fac- sels sprouts,” parents should say, “We don’t say He fills us with His love. Rich or poor, healthy particularly to those who need their help. We ing three epidemics that have become national that word here. You can say ‘I can’t stand brus- or sick, in a crowd or alone, every one of us has need to teach them to fight against hatred with health crises, addition to opiods, addiction to sels sprouts,’ but the word hate is not allowed received the infinite gift of God’s love. “Know the one weapon that destroys hatred. That weap- porn, and, of course, the COVID pandemic. in this house.” And if the child asks, “Why?,” that I am with you always,” Jesus said to the on is love. It is the weapon that Jesus used when With all this stated, I want to shock you by respond, “Because this is not just a house, it is disciples before He ascended into heaven. He is from the cross He destroyed the devil’s hold on telling you that it was easier to be a parent five a home. A home is where Jesus is present. He is here. He is with us. He is loving us. And He is the world. years ago than it is now. What has changed in here uniting us into a family.” And if your pre- waiting for our response. Our response is our I am convinced that it is more difficult to be the last five years? Anger and hate have become teen or teen asks, “So, is it OK to use the word love for Him, a love that is all embracing, a love a parent now than it was five years ago because acceptable to some in our society. You see, five hate outside our house?,” you could respond, that emanates from our whole life, our whole hatred is now acceptable in some areas of our years ago parents did not have to be that con- “No it is not OK. Remember, we each have heart, our whole mind and our whole soul. Every society. But, there is this wonderful positive: cerned with their children being caught up in Jesus dwelling inside of us. He will not remain action of our lives must display the love of God. parents are being forced by all this to become anger and in hate. Five years ago, parents did within us if we turn from His Love and turn to We are people of God. We are people of love. If even greater lovers of God, of their family, and not have to be concerned that their children hate.” we are ever anywhere or involved in anything of each other. We can beat the devil at his own would be exposed to large numbers of influential We might not be able to protect our children where the love of God is not evident, then we game. He provides hatred. We counter with love. adults who point at whole groups of people and from exposure to those elements of society driv- have no business being there. When we come upon hatred, we can use this as call them criminals and rapists. Five years ago, en by hate, but we can teach them why they need Teach your children that we love God because an occasion to grow in love. By fighting against parents did not have to be concerned that their to fight against being caught up in the hatred. We He first loved us, and teach your children the hatred, from banning the use of the word hate children would be immersed in a society that has cannot allow our children to become haters. second part of today’s Gospel, love your neigh- in our homes to reaching out to the victims of posited hatred as a valid reason for action. Begin with that teaching of the Lord in today’s bour as yourself. Perhaps this is clearer to us in hatred in our society, we become more loving. Our children are our treasures. We need to Gospel. Loving God with our whole heart, our an earlier part of Matthew, Matthew 7:12. We We beat the devil at his own game. protect them from the terrors of this fallen world. whole soul and our whole mind means that our call this passage the Golden Rule, “Do to oth- Parents have the wonderful responsibility of We need to teach them that as followers of Jesus lives must revolve around God. We must love ers what you would have them do to you. This raising children for God. But you parents are Christ, they cannot participate in the work of the him with every part of our lives. Children and is the law and the prophets.” Many ancient phi- not alone in this battle for the Kingdom. We the devil, the work of hatred. teens may not be able to define love, but they losophers stated a negative law, “Don’t do to Christian community, all share in your responsi- The basis of our education in Christ must be understand it. They know that their parents love others what you don’t want them to do to you.” bility. We are gathered here this morning to pray the fundamental teachings of the Lord as ex- them with every part of their being. They also Only Jesus was positive, “Do to others what you for our parents and to pray that we all might have pressed in today’s Gospel: Love God with your know that they love their parents with every fi- want them to do to you.” We need to teach our the courage to withstand evil. We pray that we whole heart, your whole mind and your whole bre of their being, even when they are upset with children to be active lovers of other people. We might have the courage to be people of love. — soul, and love your neighbour as yourself. Chil- Mom or Dad when they don’t get their way. need to teach them to reach out to others in love, By Msgr Joseph A Pellegrino HERALD October 25, 2020 Home / Pastoral 3 Blessing of graves in Penang Diocese PENANG: In view of the COV- IPOH: Below is the schedule of are encouraged to pray for the ID-19 pandemic, several Catho- blessing of graves on All Souls souls at the Marian Shrine, with lic cemeteries in Penang Island Day. physical distancing. have announced additional Our Mother of Perpetual Envelopes for Mass offerings standard operating procedures Help Church Ipoh (RIP) are provided at the reg- (SOPs) as a preventive measure There will be no Mass at the Tam- istration counter, at the old fu- against the spread of the virus. bun cemetery but the blessing of neral parlour and these petition All parishioners are advised graves will be at 8.00am. envelopes (when filled) may be to offer Masses for the dearly The blessing of OMPH niches dropped into the box placed in departed and attend the Eucha- at 11.00am. front of the Marian Shrine. All ristic celebrations at church or Check in using the MySejahtera these intentions will be offered up via live streaming from home to Kelawei Road Catholic Cemetery bless the cemetery without the App, and follow the SOPs. during the All Souls’ Day Mass avoid crowding in the cemetery. on Nov 2. Following the SOPs of the Church of usual presence of the public gath- Below is a compilation of the SMC Flower group will sell the Immaculate Conception (CIC), ering. St Michael’s Church Ipoh various measures by the respec- flowers from Oct 30 till Nov 2, Pulau Tikus. Blessing of graves at Tambun tive cemeteries: and all proceeds will go to St ● Normal day visits are allowed Penang Road Heritage Cemetery Cemetery without Mass on Nov Michael’s Church. The flower from 8.00am to 12.30pm Following the SOP of City Parish 2. group will be stationed in the Western Road Christian ● Opening hours on Oct 31 to Nov ● Opens on Nov 2 from 8.00am to SMC parishioners are urged front porch of the Repose chapel. Cemetery 2 are from 8.00am to 6.00pm (last 12.30pm to visit and pray at the graves at Those needing special floral -ar Following the SOP of the entry at 5.00pm) ● Limit of 20 persons in the cem- SMC before Oct 31. rangements should contact Hel- Penang Island City Council ● Limit of 150 persons in the cem- etery grounds There will be restriction on en- len at 016-4113797. (MBPP) etery grounds ● Check-in using the MySejahtera tering the SMC cemetery/colum- No one is allowed to enter the ● Open from Nov 1 to 2 from ● No vehicles will be allowed into QR code barium and Helping Hands are SMC cemetery and columbarium 7.00am to 5.00pm (last en- the cemetery from Oct 31 to Nov ● There will be enforcement of around to ensure that the neces- during the blessing on All Souls’ try at 4.30pm) 2, parking is available at the physical distancing, wearing of sary SOPs are followed. day. ● Limit of 500 persons in the church compound face masks and temperature taking Two slots for visiting are per- Fr Anthony Liew will have a cemetery grounds ● Check-in using the MySejahtera ● The parish priest of City Parish mitted: 7.30pm till 12 noon, and short prayer in front of the Mar- ● Check-in using the MySe- QR code will bless the cemetery without the 4.00pm to 6.30pm. ian Shrine before the blessing of jahtera QR code ● There will be enforcement of phys- usual presence of the public gath- All must first go to the OLD niches and cemetery at 6.30pm. ● There will be enforcement ical distancing, wearing of face ering. FUNERAL PARLOUR for SOP This is followed by 7.30pm of physical distancing, masks and temperature taking.The (Scanning of QR code, etc) be- Mass at St Michael’s Church (Bi- wearing of face masks and ● faithful are advised to leave the Balik Pulau Catholic fore entering the cemetery or lingual). temperature taking cemetery immediately after paying Cemetery columbarium. Those wishing to come for ● The priests of Penang Is- respects to the dearly departed to Only ONE family member as Following the SOP of the Church of Mass, must pre-register as usual land will bless the cemetery avoid congregating and breaching a representative is ALLOWED the Holy Name of Jesus, Balik Pulau: as for weekend Masses. This without the usual presence SOPs to enter the cemetery and colum- ● There will be no prayer and bless- Mass will be broadcast ONLINE of the public gathering. ● The priests of Penang Island will ing of the graves at the cemetery. barium to light candles and place flowers for the deceased. for those who can’t join in the Mass in person at SMC. St Anne’s Memorial Park, Bukit Mertajam The rest of the family members BUKIT MERTAJAM: Mass in and sprinkle Holy Water on the to avoid crowded conditions at the etery are advised to park their cars Christ The King, Sungai church (E) 9.00am followed by graves/niches of their loved ones. cemetery. in the church car park to avoid Petani, Kedah blessing of graves and niches at St Holy Water can be obtained from ii. Follow SOP – register with congestion/obstruction and com- Anne’s Memorial Park. Each fam- the church during normal office Mysejahtera app / book provid- plaints from nearby residents. If The blessing of graves will take ily visiting the graves/niches of hours but kindly bring your own ed, wear face mask, practice so- there are elderly passengers in place after the 8.00am Mass in the their dearly departed are encour- containers. cial distancing and sanitise your your car you may drop them off at church. aged to gather at their respective i. Spread out your visit – visits hands. the cemetery first before parking graves/niches to perform prayers can be made from Oct 31 onwards iii. Parking – visitors to the cem- your car in the church compound. Blessing of Diocese of Malacca Johore MJD News Update #13 graves in Greetings and Peace of the Lord loved by God, we realise we have people must maintain physical COVID-19 will continue to be a Malacca Jesus Christ be with you, dear been created, and everything we distancing, wear face masks and ‘clear and present danger’. People of God. have has been given to us. In let- be registered as required. Think Secondly, politics, econom- ting ourselves belong to Him, we safe. Be safe. Stay safe. The pan- ics and the public services have Johore Diocese A Thought for the Week: find love and fulfilment for which demic is not over. changed. Our lifestyles, attitudes “Personally, I am perfectly our hearts were made. Cardinal and values have shifted. Our Catholic Cemetery, Sg calm, steadfastly facing what is O’Connor often repeated: “What- 3. The Deliverance Exorcism Churches, ministries and attitudes Tiram to come. When one has really ever you own, owns you.” Office (DEO) of the MJD will be to Mass-going are different. So- No Mass at the cemetery. achieved complete surrender to conducting a “Training of Trainee cial and communal activities and Mass will be celebrated at the the will of God, there is a mar- Announcements for the Week: Exorcists” from Nov 16-19, for gatherings, the mark of Christian Church of the Holy Family on vellous feeling of peace and a 1. On Oct 24, MJPT or Diocesan eight members of the clergy and living and witness, have suffered. Nov 2 at 8.00am. sense of absolute security. I am Pastoral Teams will gather for 15 lay helpers, to serve the three What is certain is that a VUCA The blessing of the graves in a joyous mood and filled with their discernment and for their Vicariates. The DEO is headed situation calls for a VUCA re- will then follow. great anticipation.” These are the 2021 planning. Most diocesan by Fr Benedict Yee. Slowly and sponse of a Volatile, Uncertain, words written by a man, before and parish ministries had to slow- systematically, the diocese in- Complex and Ambiguous times, North Central Johore he was executed by the Nazis down or remain locked down tends to complement the other we have to respond with Vision, Vicariate for an unknown crime. He had during these days. The time has already existing ministries like Understanding, Clarity and Agili- Blessing will be at 7.30am on lost everything-family, friends, come to assess the impact of the counselling, spiritual direction ty. Both Church and governments Nov 2. Not open to public. reputation, status, and his very pandemic on pastoral care and and reconciliation, to build up the must be versatile to respond in life. In the midst of his profound ministry, to re-invent or respond healing dimension of the church. these unpredictable times. Bukit Serindit and experience of poverty, he discov- accordingly to the signs of the More info as we go along. Let us together continue Build- Jelutong cemeteries ered that he actually possessed time. Either we change or we will ing His Kingdom. God bless you everything that was essential. He be changed. Questions & Queries? Will all. In view of the COVID-19, was completely convinced of the this pandemic end? Have things there will be no Mass at the unconditional love of God. This 2. The parishes are responsible changed? Bukit Serindit and Jelutong man experienced the profound for setting the times of the All Firstly, it will take some time. cemeteries. peace and joy that comes with to- Souls Day blessings or Masses. Like some of the earlier pan- However, there will be tal reliance on God and living the Contact your parishes for more demics e.g. the Spanish Flu or Bishop Bernard Paul blessing of the graves at the truth that the poorer we become, information. All liturgical ser- Smallpox, they continued over October 23, 2020 Bukit Serindit cemetery and the more we can experience His vices or masses at parishes or many years bringing death. With Jelutong cemetery at 9.00am love. If we allow ourselves to be cemeteries must be small, and the no tested and certain vaccines, Click here to watch the video on Nov 2. 4 Home HERALD October 25, 2020 Crowdfunding to fund Sabah’s first mobile negative pressure room KOTA KINABALU: In a situation where per unit. the COVID-19 pandemic remains uncertain “There is no need to thank Osimal Foun- and cases rising, generous Sabahans came dation. We thank the donors because they together to help fund the state’s first mobile have been very kind. With the spirit of negative pressure room. ‘rakyat jaga rakyat’ (community looking Donations were collected via Osimal after each other), we received plenty of as- Foundation led by former Chief Justice Tan sistance (from the people).” Sri Richard Malanjum, who handed over “We are looking at getting another (mo- the RM130,000 airborne infection isolation bile) isolation room unit for Queen Eliza- room to the Likas Women and Children’s beth Hospital,” Malanjum said. Hospital Oct 17 morning. During the first wave of the COVID-19 The foundation also helped to raise mon- outbreak, he said Osimal Foundation col- ey to fund 20 units of powered air-purify- lected and spent about RM1 million to fund ing respirator suits. The suits, he said, was personal protective equipment and reagent handed over on Oct 19 and cost RM8,000 testing kits. Donations were collected via Osimal Foundation led by former Chief Justice Tan Sri Richard Malanjum (2nd from right), who handed over the RM130,000 airborne infection isolation room to the Likas Women and Children’s Hospital. (NSTP/Malai Rosmah Tuah) Meanwhile, Likas Women and Children’s germs will be purified and released as clean Hospital director Dr Marcus Netto said the air, so the surrounding area is isolated from mobile isolation room was useful in view of Covid-19 infection,” he explained. the increasing COVID-19 cases in the state. Dr Netto extended appreciation to Osimal He said the current healthcare needed Foundation for helping with funding, add- more of this to help isolate COVID-19 posi- ing the equipment was arranged by the Ma- tive patients from the people around them laysian Medical Association. to prevent further infection. Those interested in helping can send “We have a permanent (isolation) room their donations to Maybank account: in this hospital, but this is the first mobile 560148701926. negative pressure room we received. It’s On Oct 16, the Health Ministry revealed quite a new invention. 70 per cent of the 122 ICU beds allocated “Once a Covid-19 positive patient en- for COVID-19 cases in nine hospitals have The newly arrived mobile negative pressure isolation chamber. (CS photo) ters the (mobile) room, the air that contains been filled.— By Avila Geraldine, NST Learning to be effective leaders for the growth of the diocese JOHOR BAHRU: A Critical Leadership lectures and practical activities after each ses- Other aspects of thinking were also looked Thinking Skills programme for the clergy, reli- sion to familiarise themselves with the tools into, like empathy, using the Design Thinking Comments from gious, pastoral workers and administrative staff that Ramesh was presenting. Among the top- Process Empathy model which is user-centric. was held at the MAJODI Centre from Octo- ics discussed were Creative Thinking, Strategic Ramesh reminded the participants that what- the participants ber 12 to 15. The thinking, strategy planning Thinking, Design Thinking, Logical Thinking ever programmes, strategies or initiative that Daryl Tan, a Youth and execution programme was facilitated by and Complex Problem Solving, and Execu- are to be undertaken should have the user in Officer with the- Ma Ramesh Victor. Forty-four participants from tion Thinking. At first, these topics and models mind – to address the needs and concerns of lavcca Johore Diocese all over the diocese came for the four days to seemed intimidating, but the action-based ap- the people being reached out to. Ramesh also Young People Network be equipped with tools and mental processes; proach of the facilitator managed to ease eve- noted that there was a deficiency in commu- (MJDYPN) noted after doing team-building activities, logic centred ryone into the pragmatic use of the tools that he nication in many Church communities and so the seminar: “I have exercises and strategic brainstorming schemes had presented. he introduced the Stakeholder Communication learned new tools that to upgrade and update themselves in pursuit of Among the tools presented by Ramesh method which dealt with how to communicate I can apply with my better serving the people of God in the Diocese. were the McKinsey’s Three Horizon Plan- change to the people who are affected by it. team to constantly All SOPs and guidelines such as physical ning which demands an in-depth analysis of Brainstorming and logical thinking models improve what we are distancing, wearing face masks and registra- programmes and ventures that are currently were also introduced in order to keep ideas currently doing as well tions were adhered to throughout the pro- being undertaken and how they can be im- flowing while being able to logically assess and always be open to explore creative ways gramme. proved while looking at the current political, any particular idea to discern if they were feasi- to reach out to the people we are serving.” Ramesh has more than 26 years of experi- economic, social, technological, ecological ble and viable in the long run or if they are truly Sr Susan Dulang ence in training, consulting and operational and legislative trends (PESTEL Trends Model) addressing a particular need. The Brainwriting SSFS from the Bahasa management. He has worked with numerous going around in the immediate environment. 6-3-5 model for example allows everyone in a Malaysia Apostolate companies, organisations and individuals by The Three Horizon Planning allows its users brainstorming group to provide their ideas by (BMA) said that she will providing them hands-on training on the dif- to make educated predictions of future trends writing – a group of six people, writing three introduce the Hoshin ferent tools and methods for critical thinking and so build programmes on those trends while ideas each within five minutes and passing it Kanri Method to the and strategy planning in the corporate world. also looking at the unpredictable future to see if to the next person and repeating the process, Bahasa Malaysia speak- Throughout the four days, he managed to bring the strategy continues to work or not. Also in- if this is done for six rounds, the total number ing leaders for plans and the participants on a journey of appropriating troduced were the Hoshin Kanri and X-Matrix of ideas collected would be 108, thus mak- programmes execution. and appreciating these organisational tools in Execution Thinking model which provide a de- ing it an excellent tool for getting ideas even the Church’s context. tailed and precise strategy execution of plans from members who are shy or quiet. — B y At the end of the Participants were engaged with a series of and ideas. Francisco Overee programme, Bishop Bernard Paul, thanked Ramesh for taking the time to facilitate the four-day programme. Bishop Bernard also reminded all the partici- pants the goal of the pro- gramme is to help them update, upgrade and continually excel and become more effective leaders in the Diocese. Having said this, he also encouraged the participants to build a creative diocese that builds upon the work of the predecessor, ensuring continuity, which is a weakness in the Church. Be like Paul who said: some sow, some water, others till and Clergy, religious, pastoral workers and administrative staff at the Critical Leadership Thinking Skills programme. still others some others reaps. HERALD October 25, 2020 Home 5 Catholics, Protestants working together to help the poor PENAMPANG: If it is true that parish human development com- tans”, handed over the rations to love has no divide, then a group mittee, headed by George Maison, Maison Oct 17, in the presence of of “brothers and sisters” from the thirteen families were identified as Sr Anita James at the Sacred Heart Basel Church is living proof. in dire need. These families were Cathedral, for onward distribution The recent flash floods that hit already hit hard by the pandemic, to the affected parish families. many parts of Penampang caused the destruction caused by the flood Even in times of social distanc- untold misery and difficulties to added salt to the wound, to say the ing, we can safely reach out in residents in devastated areas of least. Added to the loss of person- mercy and love. God is calling the district. al and household items, were their his people to be a blessing and, Though the floods came fast, need for food and other daily es- most importantly, to provide hope love came close on the heels. Pas- sentials. to those who are in need. Though tor Simon Chong lost no time in Food items such as rice, eggs, there are many inconveniences, getting touch with his Catholic cooking oil, dried noodles, cream- challenges, and frustrations in priest-friend, Fr Paul Lo, to see er, beverages, sugar, etc were times like these, God grants us a how they could help alleviate the packed for each family. Basel spirit to see these as avenues of plight of the flood victims. Church member Jenny Ho, who service to others. God is at work in Jenny Ho handing over food items to George Maison with Sr Anita With the help of St Michael’s represented the “good Samari- each of us. — By Agnes Chai, CS James looking on. (CS photo) Holy Rosary Church now has a Fr Lucas Ng CDD now based in Kuching Archdiocese shrine to Our Lady KUCHING: The Archdiocese of KUALA LUMPUR: The Church find a company which could make He said further that whilst pray- Kuching recently welcomed a of the Holy Rosary blessed the a statue of Our Lady of the Holy ing one day, his eye was drawn priest from the Congregation of Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. to a picture of Our Lady from his the Disciples of the Lord (CDD) Rosary on Oct 7. The blessing “I prayed quite hard because Legionnaire’s Prayer Book and he to Kuching. The former Provin- was conducted by Parish Priest the construction of the Shrine was tabled it for approval. Fr Tan liked cial of CDD Malaysia, Fr Lucas Fr Joachim Tan, witnessed by not about to be completed but we had it and approved this to be used for Ng (pic), arrived on October 2 to more than 20 parishioners in view no statue,” said John. the Shrine. begin his pastoral mission. of the constraints imposed by “We had reached out to compa- Fr Tan preferred to use natural The completion of Fr Lucas governmental SOP during these nies in Italy, Thailand, Philippines stone and so the statue was carved Ng’s term in office and the con- COVID-19 times. and Vietnam and finally decided in marble instead of using fibre- tinued collaboration between the Parishioner John Tan was en- to use a Company in China since glass or other material. new CDD Provincial Fr Andrew trusted with the task of managing this was recommended by Mon- Due to Fr Tan’s concern for the Wong and Kuching Archbishop the project of building the Shrine. signor Michael Cheah from the differently abled, a wheelchair Simon Poh has enabled the Con- His biggest difficulty was to Penang Diocese.” ramp has been incorporated that gregation of the Disciples of the goes right up to the Shrine. Fr Tan Lord to open up in Kuching. The also goes green whenever there is Archdiocese of Kuching has also an opportunity. This meant there offered one of her sons, who has Church, Kota Sentosa as Assis- are no candles or candle stands for joined the CDD Congregation. tant Priest to Fr John Chong, Fr the Shrine. He is Fr Martin Then from Bau. Lucas Ng is no stranger to some John feels grateful that the pro- The arrival of Fr Ng to Kuch- of our priests as Fr John Chong ject is finally completed. He gives ing stems from an invitation to and Archbishop Simon Poh actu- his personal thanks for encour- CDD Priests to serve in Kuching ally met Fr Ng when they were agement and project approval to by Archbishop Emeritus Peter all studying in Rome. Fr Joachim Tan and to the Parish Chung many years ago, during Fr Ng and Archbishop Poh Finance Committee. A big thank his term in office. Archbishop Si- were coursemates for the licen- you too should be given to spon- mon was able to follow up with tiate in Missiology from 1994- sors and benefactors, designer and the discussion when Fr Lucas Ng, 1996. Fr Ng then continued to contractor. The total cost of the as CDD Provincial in Malaysia, complete his doctorate in Missi- Shrine was fully funded by parish- visited with his Council last year. ology. — By Ivy Chai, Today’s Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. ioners. — By Janet Ang Currently based at Sacred Heart Catholic Sandakan Diocese launches campaign to protect the environment SANDAKAN: Bishop Julius Du- Electricity. The campaign was sin Gitom has called all the faithful conducted by Creation Justice to hear “the cry of the earth and the Commission of Sandakan, led by cry of the poor” to guard and save Deacon Stephen Esguerra. our planet. The prelate said man has During his speech, Esguerra damaged the earth gradually over earnestly called upon all parishes the years and this damage is next to and all the faithful to support, im- impossible to reverse, but it is still plement and promote the recom- important to stop more damage be- mended practices to save all life on ing caused to the environment.” Earth. To care for the earth is a call One of the programmes to save for each of us. But it is hard to keep the earth by Sandakan Diocese is the environment from degrading if through PROTEC Campaign (Pro- we are not changing our attitude tect Our Earth, Protect Our Chil- and way of life. To preserve the dren). It was launched on October environment, we must take the ini- 4 in conjunction with the Feast Bishop Julius Dusin handing out the campaign material to the clergy. tiative to help the earth thrive. Let of St Francis of Assisi, the Patron over the campaign material to this is for our future generations. lowed by Earth Hour. During Earth us use less electricity, educate our- Saint of the Animals and the envi- all the parish priests. Before the Although it is a small move, such a Hour, the audience was encouraged selves on green alternatives etc.” ronment. launch, the clergy from Sandakan move could make a significant im- to switch off the lights for an hour. The Commission also called vol- Due to CMCO, the launching Diocese had gathered for their pact as far as environmental preser- The PROTEC Campaign is a five unteers to join the PROTEC Cam- was broadcasted live from the Re- meeting. vation is concerned.” year programme with different paign. For those who are interested, treat Centre St John of the Cross, Bishop Gitom added, “It takes The launch began with Adoration themes for each year. kindly contact your respective par- Ulu Dusun. Bishop Gitom handed courage to change our lifestyle but and Benediction at 6.00pm, fol- This year, the theme is Use Less ish. 6 Asia HERALD October 25, 2020 India’s COVID-19 strategy helps poverty spiral NEW DELHI: The COVID-19 pandemic cri- assess the damage, either in health or in eco- sis and the economic collapse are causing In- nomic terms, because official figures are not dia’s poverty to spiral up. The numbers speak easily available. for themselves. India’s gross domestic product Despite the situation, the Prime Minister’s fell by 23.9 per cent between April and June, popularity does not appear to be waning. Modi in the first quarter of the Indian fiscal year. was elected in 2014 for his economic prom- India is facing its worst economic down- ises. In the face of the epidemic, he praises turn since 1996, when the current model of himself for making “the right decisions at the growth statistics was implemented. Even be- right time.” fore the arrival of the coronavirus, the Indian Moreover, Modi has exploited the pandem- economy was struggling. Economic growth ic crisis for his benefit. The creation of a colos- fell from 8.2 per cent in 2016-2017 to 4.2 per sal aid fund dedicated to the coronavirus cri- cent in 2019-2020, reaching its lowest rate in sis, the “PM Cares,” has been criticised for its 20 years. lack of transparency. The crisis has also been Last year, even before the pandemic, ex- A woman with her children waits for the health workers to collect their swab samples to test for the conducive to pushing worrying laws, which perts warned that not enough jobs were be- Covid-19 coronavirus at a sample collection centre in Hyderabad on Oct 13, 2020. (Noah Seelam/ AFP) weaken workers’ rights, environmental pro- ing created to absorb young people entering leap backward is unprecedented. had not been observed since the partition of tections, and farmers’ rights. The heightened the labour market. Then, the pandemic dealt a Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was India in 1947. military tensions on the India-China border severe blow to the economic health of Asia’s re-elected last year under his Hindu national- Prime Minister Modi waited until May to are another dark cloud over India. third-largest power. ist party’s banner, gave 1.3 billion Indians four announce a stimulus of US$287 billion to pre- The immediate economic forecasts for In- Among the measures imposed to contain hours to prepare for the lockdown. For nearly vent the economy from failing. His critics then dia are not positive. According to the Interna- the epidemic was a three-month lockdown 70 days, India was completely paralysed, with judged it late and unsuitable, given what is at tional Monetary Fund (IMF), India’s growth that started on March 25. The lockdown, one transportation suspended, state borders closed stake. is expected to contract by 10.3 per cent for the of the strictest in the world, weakened and im- and activity virtually halted. This shock hit the The migrant day-labourers were only one current fiscal year, more than the 4.5 per cent poverished the economy. poorest first and hardest. group affected by the lockdown. The shock forecast in June or the 9.5 per cent projected It did not, however, slow the spread of the The lockdown has cost millions of jobs. waves have spread to all sectors, from indus- by the Indian Central Bank earlier this month. epidemic. Today, India is the second most Overnight, daily labourers were deprived try to tourism, except the agricultural sector, According to the IMF, the fall would be COVID-19 affected country globally, with of their source of employment in a country which benefited this year from good weather larger than that experienced by Bangladesh, more than 7 million cases. India has also sur- where the informal sector is king. The authori- conditions. The loss of livelihoods has left for example. However, the IMF is forecasting passed the 100,000 mark of deaths related to ties have neglected the fate of these vulner- many Indian families limiting their household a strong rebound of 8.8 per cent in 2021 for the COVID-19, after the United States and Brazil. able Indians. For several weeks, India was consumption, the engine of growth. Indian economy, larger than that estimated for In the past few months, unemployment and the scene of a real humanitarian crisis, with Today, the consequences of the coronavi- China. In the immediate term, the pandemic is poverty have also increased. With several mil- hundreds of migrants seeking to return to their rus epidemic continue to weaken the country. hitting India hard and undermining decades of lion people at risk of falling into poverty, the native villages. Such population movements Inequalities have increased. It is not easy to progress. — By Eglises Dasie, ucanews.com Myanmar’s election fever raises risks of COVID-19 infections MANDALAY: While healthcare workers deal in polling stations under health care guidelines with rising cases of COVID-19’s second wave in Naypyitaw, the remote capital of Myanmar. at the front line, thousands of supporters of She acknowledged the country is facing ma- Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for De- jor challenges but said the election is an oppor- mocracy (NLD) party are going around towns tunity for the people in the country. defying restrictions related to the virus. Myanmar is considered among the most vul- The 24 opposition parties have called for a nerable countries in Southeast Asia along with postponement but officials from the UEC insist Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, that the election will go ahead on Nov 8. and Timor-Leste, according to a UN report. The line-up of cars, which have stickers of Myanmar reported 1,150 new cases on Oct Suu Kyi’s picture, “vote NLD” and red flags, 18, bringing the total to 36,125 with 880 deaths as in which some people who don’t wear face and 17,076 recoveries. masks, as seen going around Mandalay, the According to the latest data, more than second-largest city of Myanmar, on Oct 17. 1,113,000 people have died out of nearly 40 On the same day, thousands of supporters million confirmed cases worldwide. on motorcycles, three-wheeled rickshaws, and Human Rights Watch (HRW) said My- cars went around Pathein in the Irrawaddy divi- anmar’s electoral process is undermined by sion to show support for the ruling party. systemic problems and rights abuses that will The Union Election Commission (UEC) or- deprive people of their right to fairly elect their dered restrictions on election campaigns includ- government. ing banning rallies and mass meetings, and the Brad Adams, Asia director of HRW, said it’s NLD has urged the public to stay at home and a milestone for Myanmar to be holding a sec- Supporters of Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy campaign in Patheingyi obey guidelines from health officials. ond multiparty election, but however long the township on the outskirts of Mandalay, on Oct 15. (UCA News Photo) Thousands of people, however, are still lines are to vote, this election will be fundamen- At least six Rohingya candidates have been sands being displaced. showing their support on the streets in several tally flawed. prevented by the election commission from Last week, three candidates from the NLD cities in one of the poorest countries in the “The election can’t be free and fair so long taking part in Nov 8 polls on the ground that were abducted in Rakhine while they were world, where health care is overwhelmed. as a quarter of the seats are reserved for the their parents were not citizens when they were campaigning. Healthcare workers have raised concerns military, access to state media isn’t equal, gov- born. Five ethnic-based political parties from about the so-called election fever as the nation ernment critics face censorship or arrest, and Election officials announced on Oct 16 that Kachin, Kayah, Karen, Chin and Mon states has yet to contain the outbreak since locally Rohingya are denied participation in the vote,” several townships in Rakhine, Kachin, Karen, have called for reconsideration of the cancella- transmitted cases were reported in mid-August. Adams said in an Oct 5 statement. Shan and Bago regions will not be included in tion of voting as it undermines equality and the Dr Zaw Wai Soe, the vice-chair of the Yan- HRW said the government is using the dis- the vote on security grounds. voting rights of ethnic people. gon Region Coordination on Disease Control criminatory 1982 Citizenship Law and the Among the disenfranchised areas, most “It questions the credibility and fairness of and Treatment Committed, said they are wag- Election Law to disenfranchise Rohingya and townships in conflict-torn Rakhine are included the Nov 8 election and also raises questions ing a war against the second wave of the con- prevent them from running for office, even where the Arakan National Party has wide sup- about the independence, transparency and dig- tagion. though most Rohingya families have lived in port. nity of the Union Election Commission,” the “Waving flags with different colours on the Myanmar for generations. The election commission said some areas parties said in a statement on Oct 18. streets makes healthcare workers wave ‘white’ The authorities have barred most Rohingya “are not in a position to hold a free and fair Some 92 parties are vying for 1,171 seats in flags,” said Dr Myint Myint Sein, a frontline remaining in Myanmar, estimated at 600,000, election.” the upper and lower houses of the national par- medical worker who was also infected with from registering to vote in the election includ- Rakhine has been beset by renewed conflict liament and in state and regional legislatures in COVID-19. ing around 130,000 Rohingya people, who between Myanmar’s military and the Arakan the Nov 8 polls that observers see as a test of State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi has twice have been confined in camps in central Rakhine Army since December 2018 which has led to Myanmar’s democratic reforms. — By John commented about the practice of casting ballots since 2012. civilian casualties including children and thou- Zaw, ucanews.com HERALD October 25, 2020 Asia 7 Xi Jinping is afraid, so repression is intensifying BEIJING: Outside resistance, After she attacked Xi in public, to deal with the “silent majority” in Change is more likely to come which has intensified since the Cai was expelled from the CCP last the Party, who are opposed to the from an internal rebellion: an at- pandemic outbreak, has frightened August and lost her pension rights. excessive concentration of power tempted invasion of Taiwan or Xi Jinping, who has responded by She said that the Chinese leader in Xi's hands, but afraid that they military action in the South China intensifying the repression against wants to turn 90 million Party might personally suffer reprisals. Sea that backfires against the lead- his opponents inside and outside members into “political zombies’. According to Cai, who now lives ership and triggers a coup. the Chinese Communist Party Cai is a “hereditary [second gen- in the United States, external forc- In dealing with China, Cai sug- (CCP). eration] red,” i.e. descendants of es, like Washington, can play an gests the United States should China President Xi Jinping Fearing loss of power, the Chi- the revolutionaries who founded important role in fostering China’s distinguish between Xi and his nese president and party secretary Communist China, which is also democratic transition. To change acolytes and the CCP as a whole, ster nature of the CCP. has also begun to distance himself Xi’s power base. the country, the scholar thinks that thereby depriving the president of Cai warns that if China does not from early allies such as Wang She argues that many members foreign and domestic actors could his power to hold 90 million mem- abandon totalitarianism, achieving Qishan, considered by many in the of this age cohort, including dis- work together, especially the pro- bers hostage. political transformation through CCP to be the most capable figure sident tycoon Ren Zhiqiang, now gressive forces in the CCP. With Xi in power, she points reforms, it will not enjoy a peace- of the regime. under arrest for attacking the presi- She believes that the crisis in out, relations with Washington will ful rise; instead, the regime will This is what Cai Xia, a retired dent, want to change the country’s Hong Kong will not be the straw only get worse. She notes that with seek global domination by 2049, professor at the Central Party system of government along more that breaks the camel’s back, spark- the COVID-19 crisis, the United the centenary of the birth of the School, said in an interview pub- democratic lines. ing an uprising that will overthrow States and other Western countries People’s Republic of China. — lished Oct 21 by Radio Free Asia. However, the “reformers” have the Party’s power. have begun to understand the gang- AsiaNews Violence flares as Indonesian Sharing God’s love with land dispute hots up Indonesia’s mentally ill JAKARTA: Shouting hysterically, Bungtilu Laiskodat visited them to to life resolved fairly,” Manao said. several women from a Besipae in- try and persuade them to vacate the The indigenous community is be- digenous group in Indonesia’s Cath- land. ing backed in their fight by various olic majority East Nusa Tenggara They also refused to leave when groups and activists. province tried to block police, sol- their homes were demolished in “The government must take no- diers, and thugs who came to evict August, choosing instead to live in tice of these people’s claims and them from land they said had been tents. stop using authoritarian methods to theirs for decades. The dispute over the land started get rid of them,” said Umbu Wulang They were beaten, kicked, and in 1982 when it became a cattle Tanaamahu Paranggi, director of the dragged until some of them were left ranch, part of a partnership between local branch of the Indonesian Fo- unconscious on the ground. the provincial government and the rum for the Environment. The violence on Oct 15 was cap- Australian government. He said they had written to the tured in a 2.5-minute video which Besipae people claimed that more authorities following the recent vio- This file photo shows the feet of an Indonesian mentally ill man resting later went viral. than half the total 6,000 hectares of lence calling on them to respect in- while shackled to a wooden bed. (UCA News photo/Adek Berry via AFP) Nikodemus Manao, a spokesman the ranch land was theirs and they digenous people’s rights. JAKARTA: Running two Indonesian ing them,” he says. of the more than 100-strong indig- moved in to occupy the land when Beka Ulung Hapsara, from the rehabilitation centres he co-founded Their first two patients came from enous community, said that the clash the agreement between local author- National Human Rights Commis- for people with mental illnesses is a hospital in neighbouring Yogya- was inevitable because the authori- ities and Australia ended in 1987. sion, also condemned the violence how Bro Ferdinandus Harun reflects karta province. ties insisted on taking the disputed However, in 2012, the central and called on the provincial govern- the inspiration his congregation gave “Both are still receiving treatment land in South Central Timor district government secretly issued a land ment to “stop and prevent violence him. at the centre. One patient lost contact to rear livestock. title certificate for 3,780 hectares by state officials against community The Brothers of Charity congrega- with his family, while the other’s “The violence they resorted to to the provincial government and groups.” tion exudes the charism of charity, a family want us to take care of him,” was excessive,” he said. claimed that the leaders of the indig- Philip Situmorang, from the Com- common thread throughout its his- he says. “Some women were half-stran- enous community had handed the munion of Churches in Indonesia, tory since its foundation in 1807. Others now at the centre were ei- gled and are still feeling the effects,” land over in 1985. said “punishments need to be meted Founder Peter Joseph Triest epito- ther found wandering the streets of he said, adding that they had lodged Marius Ardu Jelamu, a provincial out against the thugs who attacked mised this charity in the motto that the city or were sent there by families an official complaint against those government spokesman, claimed the the Besipae people and against the he gave the congregation: “God is unable to cope. who tried to evict them. land belonged to the local authority officials who ignored them.” love.” With 10 therapists, the centre can It was the latest in a series of re- which “wanted it to be optimised to “We hope the provincial govern- With God’s love, its members accommodate about 30 patients and cent incidents between the Besipae overcome poverty.” ment and related agencies can re- have taken their place in the world has taken care of nearly 200 men and local authorities. The Besipae, however, refuse to solve the problem in a more digni- and let God’s love shine, particularly since it was founded. In May, the women protested by give up. fied manner, under the applicable in the lives of those who experience In September 2014, nine years stripping off their clothes when East “There will be no surrender. We law,” he said. — By Ryan Dagur, very little love because of illness, dis- after Sahabat Kita opened, Bro Nusa Tenggara Governor Victor want the issue concerning our right ucanews.com ability, poverty or marginalisation. Harun co-founded another rehabili- “Many people living with mental tation centre called Renceng Mose in illnesses are not taken care of prop- Manggarai district in predominantly erly. With our congregation as an Catholic East Nusa Tenggara prov- inspiration, I and some fellow broth- ince. ers set up the rehabilitation centres,” “Renceng means being together in says Bro Harun, 55, who joined the harmony. Mose means living life. We congregation in 1992. wanted to live together with mentally In October 2005, about a year after ill people in harmony. We wanted to completing a four-year psychiatric support each other,” he says. nursing course at the International Unlike Central Java, East Nusa Institute Canon Triest in Belgium, Tenggara had very limited health fa- the Floresnese religious brother co- cilities that could offer treatment to founded the first centre called- Sa people living with mental illnesses. habat Kita in Purworejo in Central The only psychiatric hospital was Java province. established just three years ago in “We named the rehabilitation cen- Kupang, the provincial capital. tre Sahabat Kita [our friends] be- “Renceng Mose was the first cause we wanted to be close friends health facility offering treatment of people living with mental illness- to mentally ill people on Flores is- The Besipae indigenous community in East Nusa Tenggara province is living under tarpaulins or in tents after their es. We wanted to embrace them and land,” he says. — By Katharina R. houses were demolished by the government. (UCA News photo) treat them properly instead of ignor- Lestari, ucanews.com 8 World HERALD October 25, 2020 Bishops in Kerala on hunger strike for Catholic education KERALA, India: Several bishops Kerala’s 13,000 schools. The gov- and Catholic teachers in Kerala ernment is required to provide held a day-long hunger strike Oct financial aid to over half of these 20 to protest the state government’s schools to support teachers’ sala- withholding of funds from Catho- ries. lic schools. Archbishop Soosa Pakiam said The hunger strike was held in that in the last five years, over front of the Kerala state secretari- 3,000 teachers in Catholic schools at. The prelates participating were have not been paid because the Bishops Joshuah Kizhakkeveettil government has not distributed its of the Syro-Malankara Eparchy promised aid. Since May 2016, the of Mavelikara, chair of the Kerala Kerala government has been led bishops’ education commission; by the Communist Party of India Paul Mullassery of Quilon, the (Marxist). vice chair; and Thomas Tharayil, The archbishop said it was an an auxiliary of the Syro-Malabar “act of cruelty” to deny these em- Archeparchy of Changanacherry. ployees’ salaries during the corona- Archbishop Maria Callist Soosa virus pandemic. Pakiam of Trivandrum said the Archbishop Soosa Pakiam said Bishop Alex Vadakumthala of Kannur addressing a protest meeting before the Kannur district administration office on state government “curtails our the hunger strike is not seeking to Oct 20, as part of a state-wide strike launched by the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council to protect their rights to manage rights as a religious minority to run solicit “special favours from the educational institutions. (UCA News photo) education institutions through arbi- state. It is to ensure our constitu- sion, said that “it is an indefinite ment tried “to meddle in the ap- to appoint their own teachers, but trary orders and amendments to the tional rights.” protest.” Protests were held in each pointment of teachers in the state- the state government has stalled in existing laws.” Fr Charles Leon, secretary of the of Kerala’s 14 districts. aided schools.” approving the appointments in the Christians run about 5,000 of Kerala bishops’ education commis- He also said the state govern- Minority schools have the right last five years.— CNA US bishops launch novena for Election Day WASHINGTON: The bishops of bishops, do not endorse specific can- said the letter. the United States are encouraging didates for election. “For all Catholics, including those Catholics to pray a novena to help Earlier this year, the US Bishops’ seeking public office, our partici- form their consciences ahead of Conference re-issued its document pation in political parties or other Election Day on Nov 3. Forming Consciences for Faith- groups to which we may belong “For nine consecutive days, from ful Citizenship which aims to assist should be influenced by our faith, Monday, October 26 through Tues- Catholics in deciding for whom to not the other way around.” day, Nov 3, participants will be en- vote. “Pope Francis has continued to couraged to pray one Our Father, A new introductory letter to the draw attention to important issues Hail Mary, and Glory Be for the document approved by the bishops such as migration, xenophobia, rac- day’s intention,” says the USCCB’s in November 2019, reminds Catho- ism, abortion, global conflict, and webpage for the 2020 Election No- lics that they are called to “bring the care for creation,” wrote the bishops. vena. richness of our faith to the public “In the United States and around A closing prayer for elected square.” the world, many challenges demand leaders will be offered on day 10, “We draw from both faith and rea- our attention. The threat of abortion Wednesday, November 4. son as we seek to affirm the dignity remains our preeminent priority be- The closing prayer asks that “the of the human person and the com- cause it directly attacks life itself, leaders elected this week be guided Woman praying in the church. (CNA photo/Roman Zaiets via Shutterstock) mon good of all,” the bishops wrote, because it takes place within the by the Holy Spirit as they fulfil their provided on the novena’s webpage, emphasis on the importance of reli- saying that “everyone living in this sanctuary of the family, and because positions.” along with graphics for social me- gious freedom. country is called to participate in of the number of lives destroyed,” Due to the prevalence of mail-in dia. The intention for Election Day public life and contribute to the they said. voting this election, it is possible None of the daily intentions are reads “Today, as we approach the common good.” “At the same time, we cannot dis- that the results of some elections partisan in nature, and most are re- polls, may we understand & em- “Our approach to contemporary miss or ignore other serious threats may not be known for several days. minders of various facets of Catho- brace the principles of our Faith that issues is first and foremost rooted in to human life and dignity such as The USCCB will write a new in- lic teaching, including a plea for dia- should guide our political engage- our identity as followers of Christ racism, the environmental crisis, tention each day of the novena, and logue, a reminder of the importance ment.” and as brothers and sisters to all poverty and the death penalty.” — a signup link for email reminders is of the dignity of human life, and an The USCCB, as well as individual who are made in God’s image,” CNA Zimbabwe’s bishops encourage return to Mass in new guidelines HARARE, Zimbabwe: In a state- ZCBC added. ment announcing directives to guide The bishops also said that all the expansion of public worship in Church gatherings must be conduct- Zimbabwe last week, the nation’s ed “while adhering to the stipulated bishops encouraged the people of numbers given by the government.” God to attend Mass. In places of worship where appro- “We now discourage live-stream- priate distancing may not be possi- ing of Holy Masses and other rel- ble, the faithful must be encouraged evant pastoral programmes except to congregate in an open space, the for the spiritual nourishment of the bishops said. faithful who may be physically im- Zimbabwe’s bishops also directed peded in attending Holy Mass,” the that Confirmations and Ordinations members of the Zimbabwe Catholic are permissible. Meetings of parish Bishops’ Conference said in their A file photo of Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops. (aciafrica.org) councils, associations, and catechu- Oct 12 statement The Joy of Coming warding than live-streaming.” March. must only be received on the hand... mens have also been allowed at the Together for Public Worship. Public worship resumed in Zim- In September, the number of wor- the reception of the blood of Christ parish and deanery levels. They added that Catholics have babwe in June under a revised guid- shippers was revised upward to 100. by concelebrants and members of However, diocesan meetings “the obligation to attend Holy Mass ance that allowed a 50-person con- In their Oct 12 statement, the bish- the congregation remains suspend- and national congresses remain if there is no major reason to absent gregation after President Emmerson ops recalled some of the guidelines ed.” suspended until the situation in oneself”, and emphasised that “phys- Mnangagwa eased COVID-19 re- issued when public Masses resumed “The sign of peace during Mass is the country normalises. — By ical attendance together is more re- strictions that had been in place since in June, saying, “Holy communion also suspended,” the members of the Magdalene Kahiu, CNA HERALD October 25, 2020 World 9 It is practical atheism to deny the divine image that is in every human being VATICAN: Prayer is “the fundamental reality happening in the hall, he praised a mother who sister, becomes important. An ancient saying love his brother whom he sees cannot love God of life”, it is “the centre of life. If there is prayer, was breastfeeding a baby to keep the infant of the first Christian monks says: “Blessed is whom he does not see. If you pray many Rosa- even the brother, the sister, becomes important. from crying, saying it was good and “never the monk who, after God, considers all men as ries a day, but then gossip, you have a grudge, God cannot bear the ‘atheism’ of those who make a baby cry in church”. God” (Evagrio Pontico, Treatise on prayer, n. that is not praying. And this is the command- deny the divine image that is imprinted in eve- Speaking of the Psalms, Francis stressed that 123). Whoever worships God loves his chil- ment we have from him: whoever loves God ry human being. This is practical atheism. Not “a negative figure often appears, that of the dren. Whoever respects God respects human must also love his brother” (1 Jn 4: 19-21). recognising it is a sacrilege, it is an abomina- wicked”, he or she who lives as if God did not beings. For this reason, prayer is not a sedative In his greetings, the Pope repeatedly recalled tion”. exist. It is the person without any reference to to alleviate the anxieties of life; or, in any case, that October is the missionary month. Speak- The figure of the “wicked”, the one who the transcendent, without any restraint on their such a prayer is certainly not Christian. Rather, ing to German faithful he said the month “re- lives as if God did not exist, was at the centre of arrogance, who is not afraid of judgments on prayer makes each of us responsible “because” minds us that the world must always be pre- Pope Francis’ last general audience dedicated what they think and what they do. Prayer, on the reference to the absolute and the transcend- sent in prayer. The first mission is prayer, our to the Psalms, which he described as a “school the other hand, “is the salvation of the human ent is what makes us fully human, it is the limit relationship with the Lord, which makes the of encounter with God and of responsibility being. Of course, there is also a bogus prayer, a that saves us from ourselves, preventing us commitment to the Gospel and the salvation of alongside the poor and weak”. prayer made only to be admired by others. Like from pouncing on this life in a predatory and human persons, especially the poor, fruitful”. Again at the beginning of the audience, those who go to Mass to show that they are voracious way. The missionary month, he told the Italian- Francis “apologised” to the thousands of peo- Catholics, or the latest purchase they made“. “In short, where there is God, there must speaking faithful, “represents an urgent invi- ple present in the Paul VI hall, “because of the “When we pray, everything gains ‘weight’. also be man. Sacred Scripture is categorical: tation for Christians to all feel responsible for coronavirus I am a bit distant and I cannot get The worst service that can be rendered, to God ‘We love because He first loved us. He always spreading the Kingdom of God. Be coura- close to you as I always do”. He explained, “if and also to man, is to pray wearily, in a habit- goes before us. He is always waiting for us’. geous in proclaiming the Gospel message with I do as I always do, you hug me. It is danger- ual way. Like parrots. No. Prayer is the centre If someone says: ‘I love God’ and hates his words and example, in every environment”. ous for you.” Then, taking a cue from what was of life. If there is prayer, even the brother, the brother, he is a liar. Indeed, whoever does not — AsiaNews Bartholomew I says it’s time to act, it’s time for ‘subversion’ ROME: Bartholomew I, Patriarch of Constan- the world only as an object and not as a” com- is time to see the world and humans together as on the same level as the four elements since it tinople, spoke at the International Meeting of mon home “of which humans are the custodi- God's creatures. It is necessary to rediscover the is through it alone that the salvation of mankind Prayer for Peace No one is saved alone. Peace ans”. religious dimension of commitment to society and all creation is possible”. and Fraternity in Piazza del Campidoglio, Speaking to the assembly, which was small and nature. This is why it is necessary “to sub- Finally, it is important to look at nature and Rome, where representatives of various reli- because of coronavirus-related health restric- vert the secular socio-cultural order and perceive human beings as a “mirror” of God’s image. For gions gathered after each performed its own tions, Bartholomew stressed two points. the divine fragment that is in it.” the patriarch, “The common home is like a house prayer for peace. The first one was that “the time of -ecologi Quoting the philosopher Anaximenes, Bartho- of mirrors, a mirror in which we see our own im- In his address, the ecumenical patriarch said cal fashion, of its idealisation or, worse still, its lomew stated that it is necessary to overcome a age reflected, like that of every fellow human be- that “The great challenges of the moment, which ideologisation is over. The time for action has purely scientific (or materialistic) view of reality ing and with us every element of creation. concern all life in our wonderful home, the begun. “In short, it is necessary to overcome and the cosmos. “Created in God’s image and likeness, we see world, and not only some peoples or nations,” ecology as only an affective, sociological issue, It is also necessary to look at the elements of our fellow human being’s image in ourselves require decisions that cannot be postponed. The idolising a pure world with no room for humans the cosmos as part of the “common home”, a and the divine fragment in every human being. “time to act has come, and so has the time to” seen as a polluting threat”. place inhabited by the community of human be- Looking at what is around us, we see divine subvert a secular socio-cultural order “that sees The second one, linked to the first, is that it ings. It is necessary “to place the common home work contained therein.” — AsiaNews Blessed Carlo Acutis: 41,000 people visited Italian teen’s tomb amid beatification ROME: More than 41,000 people visited Bl. on Christ. There are many aspects that make his Carlo Acutis’ tomb during the 19-day celebra- figure fascinating.” tion of the Italian teen’s beatification, according Photos released after the opening of Acutis’ to the Diocese of Assisi. tomb on Oct 1 caused some confusion online A daily average of 2,170 people visited Bl. as to whether the teen might have been incor- Carlo’s tomb, in the Sanctuary of the Spoliation rupt, which led the bishop of Assisi, Domenico in Assisi’s Church of St Mary Major, from Oct 1 Sorrentino, to clarify that the boy’s body, though to Oct 19, despite tight restrictions relating to the intact, “was found in the normal state of trans- coronavirus pandemic. There they saw a young formation typical of the cadaveric condition.” person on the path to sainthood, lying in repose In a Mass at the Basilica of St Francis of As- in jeans and a pair of Nike tennis shoes. sisi, Acutis became the first millennial to be be- During these 19 days, a glass allowed Acutis’ atified by the Catholic Church. intact body to be viewed for veneration. On the Growing up in Milan in the 1990s and early Bishop Marcello Semeraro presides over the closing of the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis in Assisi, evening of Oct 19, a Mass was celebrated and 2000s, he played video games and taught him- Italy, Oct 19. 2020. (CNA photo/Diocese of Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gualdo Tadino) the glass covered by a piece of marble, marking self C++ and other computer programming lan- the end of the official beatification celebrations. guages. But many have testified that the centre During the covering of the tomb, Bishop Mar- of the teen’s life was his strong devotion to the cello Semeraro, the new prefect of the Congre- Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. gation for the Causes of Saints, indicated that the From a young age, Acutis expressed a special glass may be uncovered again in the future, and love for God, even though his parents weren’t the body displayed. especially devout. As he grew older, he started “In the meantime, the sanctuary remains open attending daily Mass, often making Holy Hours for the ordinary attendance of the faithful,” he before or after Mass, and went to confession said. At the sanctuary, visitors will still be able to weekly. pray before Acutis’ closed tomb. He built websites to inform others about Bishop Semeraro gave thanks to the Lord for Eucharistic miracles and Marian apparitions the previous weeks filled with “wonderful days around the world. On his site, he told people, that are truly unimaginable, incredible, truly “the more often we receive the Eucharist, the beautiful.” more we will become like Jesus, so that on this “What we have lived is truly a time of grace earth we will have a foretaste of heaven.” which will bring flowers and fruits in the future,” Acutis died of leukaemia in 2006 at the age he added. “The large participation of the faithful of 15. He offered his sufferings for Pope Ben- is the sign that Carlo is the saint among us.” edict XVI and for the Church, saying: “I offer In his homily at the Oct 19 Mass, Semeraro, all the suffering I will have to suffer for the Lord, said “today we have before our eyes the image for the pope, and the Church.” — By Hannah of a young man who risked his life by focusing Brockhaus, CNA 10 Editorial HERALD October 25, 2020 HERALD Pope Francis’ social October 25, 2020 Pope’s comments on civil teaching inspires a unions are momentous ope Francis often has expressed openness to the idea of Plaws recognising civil unions, including for gay couples, to protect their rights. Church “going out” The Pope’s comments in a brief passage in the documentary film,Francesco , are similar to the position he took while arch- n Pope Francis’s teachings, we Fratelli Tutti – individualism, growth bishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and echo remarks he has must recognise the wisdom and without integral development, and an made in several interviews during his pontificate: ‘Marriage’ is courage of having focused on economy of exclusion and inequality, only between a man and a woman, but civil union laws could “I the contextual aspect of the truth. Giv- among others – can be surmounted by provide legal protection for couples in long-term, committed ing new prominence to the ‘signs of the charity which is the “essence of Chris- relationships. times’ and the ‘strength of the real’ in the tianity.” Speaking in Spanish in the film, Pope Francis says, “Homo- proclamation of the Gospel is allowing sexual people have a right to be in a family. They are children the Church to move towards rethinking Care of our common home of God and have a right to a family. Nobody should be thrown the “magisterial form.” These were the Safeguarding creation, the Cardinal re- out or be made miserable over it. What we have to create is a words of Cardinal Michael Czerny, dur- marked, was already treated during the civil union law. That way they are legally covered.” ing a lecture organised by the Bishop A. Vatican II Council when it focused on Pope Francis repeatedly has said publicly that parents should Lanza Higher Institute of Political-Social the environmental question in Gaudium not and must not disown a child who is gay, and, on several Training (ISFPS) of the Archdiocese of et spes §3 and denounced the modern occasions, he has spoken about the rights all people have to Reggio Calabria – Bova in Italy. human for an inconsiderate use of na- have a family. The Cardinal, who is also the Under- ture to the extent of changing its bal- In a 2019 interview on Mexican television, he was asked secretary of the Migrants and Refugees ance. about his opposition to gay marriage in Argentina and his open- Section of the Dicastery for Promoting This third example, the care of our ness to LGBT people as Pope. Integral Human Development, presented common home, was brought even more “I have always defended doctrine,” he said. “It is a contradic- a brief profile of Pope Francis’ pontifi- to the fore with Pope Francis’ 2015 tion to speak of homosexual marriage.” cate, highlighting the distinguishing so- Cardinal Michael Czerny Laudato Si’ Encyclical. Pope Francis, But he also told the interviewer, “Homosexual persons have cial aspects of his teachings. Cardinal Czerny pointed out, gave this a right to be in the family; persons with a homosexual orienta- The lecture, themed The Church ‘go- The Church “going out” and issue an unavoidable relevance by rais- tion have a right to be in the family and parents have the right to ing out’ of Pope Francis is part of a pro- Vatican II ing “a cry of alarm” about the “spiral of recognize a son or daughter as homosexual; you cannot throw gramme titled The world we want: be- Cardinal Czerny went on to illustrate self-destruction which currently engulfs anyone out of the family, nor make life impossible for them.” yond the crisis. Starting over creatively. four examples from Pope Francis’ us.” In A Future of Faith: The Path of Change in Politics and The Cardinal gave the lecture virtually Teaching which not only find their roots He added that in this regard, the prin- Society, a book-length series of conversations with the French via Zoom on Oct 21. in the transformation initiated by the ciples of solidarity and subsidiarity – sociologist Dominique Wolton, the two spoke about gay mar- Vatican II Council, but are also authen- both fundamental concepts of the Social riage and civil unions in the context of a discussion about tradi- Gestures and words tic lines of interpretation of the Council Doctrine of the Church – should be read tion, modernity and truth. Cardinal Czerny based his lecture on itself. as an evangelical interpretation of re- “‘Marriage’ is a historical word,” the Pope said, in the book two sources: The Vatican Council’s 1965 spect for creation. published in French in 2017. “Forever, throughout human- Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Rev- Pastoral ministry In light of this, Pope Francis calls for ity and not only in the Church, it’s been between a man and elation, Dei Verbum §2, and the Church’s The first, he notes, is pastoral ministry a common project and the establishment a woman. You can’t change it just like that. It’s the nature of reception of the pronouncements from its as an internal moment – not a consecu- of a trajectory on the steps to be taken things. That’s how they are. So, let’s call them ‘civil unions.'” twenty-one councils. tive one - to doctrinal elaboration. He towards the common good. Besides, his In a 2014 interview published in the Italian newspaper Cor- He explained that in Dei Verbum, the explains that contrary to seeing pastoral appeals for universal fraternity in Fra- riere della Sera, Pope Francis was asked about moves across Council Fathers stated that God spoke life as a moment following doctrinal telli Tutti go beyond the limits imposed Europe to legalise gay marriage or adopt civil union laws. to humankind through “gestures and formulation, Pope Francis, adopting the by “ideological particularisms and eco- “Marriage is between a man and a woman,” he said. “Secu- words”, emphasising the circularity idea of Pope John XXIII, prefers the nomic interests” and continue what was lar states want to validate civil unions to regulate different situ- and intimate connection between God’s perspective of the good of souls and the already outlined in the Laudato Si’ En- ations of cohabitation, driven by the need to regulate economic words and what He accomplishes. Ap- necessity of responding to the needs of cyclical. aspects between people, such as ensuring health care. These are plying this to Pope Francis’ pontificate, the present hour. cohabitation pacts of various kinds, of which I could not list the he said that to understand the Pope’s In this regard, Pope Francis has of- Dialogue and collaboration different forms.” Teaching, it is not enough to refer to ten highlighted the need to overcome The fourth example Cardinal Czerny “It is necessary to see the different cases and evaluate them speeches or documents alone, rather we the separation between theology and illustrates is “dialogue as a way, col- in their variety,” he said, implying that some forms of civil un- should also look at the Pope’s “gestures”. pastoral ministry, faith and life. For this laboration as a method.” ions would be acceptable. Some of these include Pope Francis’ in- reason, the Pope, in the first months of He said that following the guidelines Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster vitation to all Christians to pray for him his pontificate, encouraged the Church traced in Unitatis redintegratio and and President of the Bishops’ Conference of England and on the evening of his election as Pope, to come out as it is only through “going Nostra Aetate, Pope Francis gives a new Wales, took a similar position ahead of the UK’s introduction and his visit to the migrants who came by out and risking” that we have a concrete impulse to the ecumenical movement of a same-sex marriage law in 2011, pointing out that that civil boat to Lampedusa. experience of being called to proclaim. by encouraging dialogue, recognising unions offered gay couples “protection and legal provision”. These “signs” and “actions”, said the in it, the opportunity for growth. Following the Pope’s latest interview, the Church appears to Cardinal, “illuminate the words which he Church, People of God In addition, “when it comes to interre- be moving closer to what was articulated in Westminster and has addressed to Catholics and people of The second, Cardinal Czerny stated, is ligious and inter-confessional dialogue, Buenos Aires almost a decade ago which is to stress that mar- good will during these years.” the Church as “People of God” on the it is Pope Francis’ gestures that precede riage remains between a man and a woman, but to support – or The second premise for his affirma- road to salvation. and inform the words,” Cardinal Czerny not to oppose – the civil recognition of gay unions. tion, stated Cardinal Czerny, finds its rel- Pope Francis, the Cardinal said, uses notes, adding, that the Pope has also Some will say this is a new departure given the Vatican’s past evance from observing a certain “theo- this image of “People of God” taken made many visits, often informal and opposition to civil unions, but the Pope has stressed that on the logical-pastoral” custom of a “selective” from Lumen Gentium, to mean that his- unplanned to other religious leaders. LGBT question he is following the Church’s Catechism which interpretation of Vatican II in the past tory represents for the Church, a further For the Pope, he added, “it is not only states that gay people be treated with “respect, compassion and fifty years, adding that much work still criterion of verification for believing. a matter of getting to know others better, sensitivity”. His shift has been in tone, language and emphasis. needs to be done on this front. The Church, he continued, “must allow but of reaping what the Spirit has sown — By Cindy Wooden, CNS and Christopher Lamb, Tablet In light of this, explained the Cardi- herself to be challenged by present facts in them as a gift for us too,” he said. nal, some basic choices of Pope Francis’ and by the trials to which she is sub- Concluding, Cardinal Czerny said HERALD — The Catholic Weekly teaching and his insistence on certain jected, continually renewing herself and that the teaching of Pope Francis finds Jointly published by the points of the Council’s teaching can be expressing her commitment to Christ in strength in its ability to look to the fu- Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, explained as an attempt to implement every age.” ture and at humanity, constantly draw- Diocese of Malacca Johore, Diocese of what remains unfinished and what has The Cardinal added that only a ing attention to the plight of the poor, Penang and Diocese of Keningau not been fully assimilated by the Church. Church that recognises itself as “peo- the migrants, and all who suffer. Editor: Fr Lawrence Andrew, SJ Some of these include Pope Francis’s ple”, unique, and of God, can mature its The Pope is firmly convinced that “in HERALD, 5, Jalan Robertson, 50150, KL calls for a fuller collegiality among Bish- vocation to universality and become the the evening of life, we will be judged on Tel: 03-20268290/20268291; ops, a greater involvement of national “Father’s house” and a “Mother with an love,” said Cardinal Czerny. “To recog- Fax: 03-20268293 Episcopal Conferences, highlighting the open heart” for all. nise Christ in the face of the poor is to Online: www.heraldmalaysia.com. From this, the challenges faced by the E-mail: [email protected] role of women and an insistence on a wait for the encounter with him face to preferential option for the poor. world listed in Evangelii gaudium and face.” — Vatican News HERALD October 25, 2020 Focus 11 Francesco has made global headlines “Francesco,” a newly released documentary on the life and min- istry of Pope Francis, has made global headlines, because the film contains a scene in which Pope Francis calls for the passage of civil union laws for same-sex cou- ples. Some activists and media re- ports have suggested that Pope Francis has changed Catholic teaching by his remarks. Among many Catholics, the Pope’s com- ments have raised questions about what the Pope really said, what it means, and what the Church teaches about civil un- ions and marriage. CNA looks at those questions.

What did Pope Francis say about civil unions? During a segment of Francesco which dis- cussed Pope Francis’ pastoral care of Cath- olics who identify as LGBT, the Pope made two distinct comments. He said first that “Homosexuals have a right to be a part of the family. They’re children of God and have a right to a fam- ily. Nobody should be thrown out, or be made miserable because of it.” A poster for the new film, “Francesco,” by documentary filmmaker Evgeny Afineevsky, shows Pope Francis walking in St Peter’s Square at the While the Pope did not elaborate on the Vatican. (CNS photo/Afineevsky-Tolmar Production) meaning of those remarks in the video, Pope Francis has spoken before to encour- Why are the Pope’s comments Some people have said what usually a bridge to same-sex marriage age parents and relatives not to ostracise about civil unions a big deal? the Pope taught is heresy. Is legislation, and marriage campaigners in or shun children who have identified as While Pope Francis has previously dis- that true? some countries have said they are con- LGBT. This seems to be the sense in which cussed civil unions, he has not explicitly No. The Pope’s remarks did not deny or cerned that LGBT lobbyists will use the the Pope spoke about the right of people to endorsed the idea in public before. While call into question any doctrinal truth that Pope’s words in the documentary to ad- be a part of the family. the context of his quotes in the documen- Catholics must hold or believe. In fact, vance a pathway to same-sex marriage. Some have suggested that when Pope tary is not fully revealed, and it is possi- the has frequently affirmed the Church’s Francis spoke about a “right to a family,” ble the Pope added qualifications not seen doctrinal teaching regarding marriage. What does the Church teach he was offering a kind of tacit endorsement on camera, an endorsement of civil unions The Pope’s apparent call for civil union about homosexuality? of adoption by same-sex couples. But the for same-sex couples is a very different legislation, which seems to be different The Catechism of the Catholic Church Pope has previously spoken against such approach for a pope, one that represents a from the position expressed by the CDF teaches that those who identify as LGBT adoptions, saying that through them chil- departure from the position of his two im- in 2003, has been taken to represent a de- “must be accepted with respect, compas- dren are “deprived of their human develop- mediate predecessors on the issue. parture from a long-standing moral judg- sion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust ment given by a father and a mother and In 2003, in a document approved by Pope ment that Church leaders have taught, discrimination in their regard should be willed by God,” and saying that “every John Paul II and written by Cardinal Joseph supports and upholds the truth. The CDF avoided. These persons are called to ful- person needs a male father and a female Ratzinger, who became Pope Benedict document said that civil union laws give fill God’s will in their lives and, if they mother that can help them shape their iden- XVI, the Congregation for the Doctrine of tacit consent to homosexual behaviour; are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of tity.” the Faith taught that “respect for homosex- while the Pope expressed support for the Lord’s Cross the difficulties they may On civil unions, the Pope said that: ual persons cannot lead in any way to ap- civil unions, he has also spoken in his encounter from their condition.” #2358 “What we have to create is a civil union proval of homosexual behaviour or to legal pontificate about the immorality -of ho The Catechism elaborates that homo- law. That way they are legally covered.” recognition of homosexual unions.” mosexual acts. sexual inclinations are “objectively dis- “I stood up for that,” Pope Francis add- Even if civil unions might be chosen by It is also important to note that a docu- ordered,” homosexual acts are “contrary ed, apparently in reference to his proposal people other than same-sex couples, like mentary interview is not a forum for of- to the natural law,” (#2357) and those to brother bishops, during a 2010 debate in siblings or committed friends, the CDF ficial papal teaching. The Pope’s remarks who identify as lesbian and gay, like all Argentina over gay marriage, that accept- said that homosexual relationships would were not presented in their fullness, and people, are called to the virtue of chas- ing civil unions might be a way to prevent be “foreseen and approved by the law,” and no transcript has been presented, so un- tity. the passage of same-sex marriage laws in that civil unions “would obscure certain ba- less the Vatican offers additional clarity, the country. sic moral values and cause a devaluation of they need to be taken in light of the lim- Are Catholics bound to agree the institution of marriage.” ited information available about them. with the Pope on civil unions? What did Pope Francis say about “Legal recognition of homosexual unions Pope Francis’ statements in Francesco gay marriage? or placing them on the same level as mar- do not constitute formal papal teaching. Nothing. The topic of gay marriage was riage would mean not only the approval of In some countries there are While the Pope’s affirmation of the dig- not discussed in the documentary. In his deviant behaviour, with the consequence of same-sex marriages. Why is nity of all people and his call for respect ministry, Pope Francis has frequently af- making it a model in present-day society, anyone talking about civil un- of all people are rooted in Catholic teach- firmed the doctrinal teaching of the Catho- but would also obscure basic values which ions? ing, Catholics are not obliged to support lic Church that marriage is a lifelong part- belong to the common inheritance of hu- There are 29 countries in the world that a legislative or policy position because of nership between one man and one woman. manity,” the document concluded. legally recognise same-sex “marriage.” the Pope’s comments in a documentary. While Pope Francis has frequently en- The 2003 CDF document contains doc- Most of them are in Europe, North Amer- Some bishops have expressed that they couraged a welcoming disposition to trinal truth, and the positions of John Paul ica, or South America. But in other parts are awaiting further clarity on the Pope’s Catholics who identify as LGBT, he has II and Benedict XVI on how best to apply of the world, the debate over the defini- comments from the Vatican, while one also said that “marriage is between a man the Church’s doctrinal teaching to policy tion of marriage is just getting started. In explained that “While Church teaching and a woman,” and said that “the family is questions regarding the civil oversight and parts of Latin America, for example, the on marriage is clear and irreformable, threatened by growing efforts on the part regulation of marriage. While those posi- redefinition of marriage is not a settled the conversation must continue about of some to redefine the very institution of tions are consistent with the long-standing political topic, and Catholic political ac- the best ways to reverence the dignity of marriage,” and that efforts to redefine mar- discipline of the Church on the issue, they tivists there have opposed moves to nor- those in same–sex relationships so that riage “threaten to disfigure God’s plan for are not themselves regarded as articles of malize civil union legislation. they are not subject to any unjust dis- creation.” faith. Opponents of civil unions say they are crimination.” — By JD Flynn, CNA 12 Varia HERALD October 25, 2020 The Prince of Lies …

ooking at our world today, danger. It lies at the root of what endurance, fidelity, mildness, and and the Holy Spirit. When we lie what frightens and unsettles Jesus calls the “unforgiveable sin chastity) as false, as being against we’re not only playing fast and Lme more than the threat of against the Holy Spirit”. What’s life, as a malevolent naiveté. And loose with God, we’re also play- the COVID virus, more than the this sin and why is it unforgive- the first step in moving towards ing fast and loose with our own growing inequality between the able? this condition is lying, refusing to sanity. Our sanity is contingent rich and the poor, more than the Here’s the context within which acknowledge the truth. The sub- on what classical theology terms dangers of climate change, and Jesus warns us about this sin: He sequent steps also are lying, that the “Oneness” of God. What this even more than the bitter hatred had just cast out a demon. The is, the continued refusal to accept means in lay terms is that God is that now separates us from each religious leaders of the time be- the truth so that eventually we be- consistent. There are no contradic- other, is our loss of any sense of lieved as a dogma in their faith lieve our own lies and we see them tions inside of God and because of truth, our facile denial of what- that only someone who came from as the truth and the truth as a lie. that, reality can also be trusted to ever truths we judge to be incon- God could cast out a demon. Je- Bluntly put, that’s what constitutes be consistent. Our sanity depends venient, and our slogans of “fake sus had just cast out a demon, but hell. on that trust. For instance, should news”, “alternative facts”, and their hatred of him made this a Hell isn’t a place where one is we ever arrive at a day where two phantom conspiracies. Social me- very inconvenient truth for them Fr Ron Rolheiser sorrowful, repentant, and begging plus two no longer equals four, dia, for all the good it has brought, to swallow. So they chose to deny God for just one more chance to then the very underpinnings of our has also created a platform for what they knew to be true, to deny believe it and this so warps our make things right. Nor is hell ever sanity will be gone; we’ll literally anyone to make up his or her own reality. They chose to lie, affirm- conscience that we begin to see a nasty surprise waiting for an es- be unmoored. Our personal sanity truth and then work at eroding the ing (even as they knew better) that truth as falsehood and falsehood sentially honest person. If there’s and our social sanity depend upon truths that bind us together and an- Jesus had done it by the power of as truth. The sin then becomes un- anyone in hell, that person is there the truth, upon us acknowledging chor our sanity. We now live in a Beelzebub. Initially Jesus tried to forgiveable because we no longer in arrogance, pitying people in the truth, upon us telling the truth, world where two plus two often no point out the illogic of their posi- want to be forgiven nor indeed heaven, seeing heaven as hell, and upon two plus two forever longer equals four. This plays on tion, but they persisted. It’s then will accept forgiveness. God is darkness as light, falsehood as equalling four. our very sanity and has created a that he issued his warning about willing to forgive the sin but we truth, evil as goodness, hatred as Martin Luther once said: sin certain social insanity. The truths the unforgiveable sin against the are unwilling to accept forgive- love, empathy as weakness, arro- boldly! He meant a lot of things which anchor our common life are Holy Spirit. At that time he’s not ness because we see sin as good gance as strength, sanity as insan- by that, but one thing he certainly becoming unmoored. accusing them of committing that and goodness as sin. Why would ity, and God as the devil. did mean is that the ultimate spir- This is evil, clearly, and Jesus sin, but he’s warning them that the we want forgiveness? One of the central lessons in the itual and moral danger is to cover alerts us to that by telling us that path they are on, if not corrected, It’s possible to end up in this gospels is this: lying is dangerous, our weaknesses with lies because Satan is preeminently the Prince can lead to that sin. In essence, state, a state wherein we judge the most dangerous of all sins. Satan is the Prince of Lies! — of Lies. Lying is the ultimate spir- he’s saying this: if we tell a lie the gifts of the Holy Spirit (char- And this doesn’t just play out in By Fr Ron Rolheiser, all rights itual, moral, and psychological long enough, eventually we will ity, joy, peace, patience, goodness, terms of our relationship with God reserved What Pope Francis actually said about civil unions — and why it matters n a new documentary that premiered in “civil union.” Rome Oct 21, Pope Francis appeared to The Argentinian journalist Elisabetta Pi- Iendorse civil unions for same-sex cou- qué said in an interview that the two terms ples for the first time as Pope. are often used interchangeably in Argen- According to the documentary, the Pope tina when speaking about laws. says: “Homosexual people have the right The archbishop of La Plata, Argentina, to be in a family. They are children of said likewise in an interview Oct 22. God and have a right to a family. Nobody should be thrown out or be made miserable Is this “old news”? over it. What we have to have is a civil un- Pope Francis has indeed spoken about le- ion law — that way they are legally cov- gal protections for same-sex couples living ered. I supported that.” together before. After the film’s release, questions arose As America’s Michael J. O’Loughlin re- about the quote’s origin, whether the ported Oct 21, before he was elected pope, Pope’s words had been manipulated either Francis served as archbishop of Buenos through video editing or a mistranslation, Aires, and in that role, he advocated same- if they were new or simply a repetition of sex civil unions in an attempt to block a what he had said before and whether this same-sex marriage law. Argentina legal- statement signified a change in Church ized same-sex marriage in 2010, which teaching. then-Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio called a Pope Francis greets filmmaker Evgeny Afineevsky and others involved with the production of the “destructive attack on God’s plan.” But documentary, “Francesco,” before the papal general audience at the Vatican Oct 21, 2020. (CNS Did the Pope “endorse” civil in meetings with other Argentine bishops, photo/Vatican Media) unions? Cardinal Bergoglio urged them to support “Marriage is between a man and a wom- to “marriage.” He continued, “We do not The Pope has often said, that civil union civil unions as a way to keep marriage dis- an,” drawing his usual distinction between joke around with truth.” does not mean that he believes same-sex tinctly heterosexual. The bishops rejected a marriage and a civil union. He explained Some commentators, including the Na- couples should be allowed to marry. On a the idea, but an LGBT activist in Argentina that states “want to justify civil unions to tional Catholic Reporter’s Joshua McEl- number of occasions, Francis has warned said the cardinal called him to say he per- regulate different situations of coexistence, wee, have taken these quotes to mean that against threats to the institution of mar- sonally supported the idea of civil unions. driven by the need to regulate economic the Pope’s support expressed in the new riage and described marriage as “between When Francis was elected Pope in 2013, aspects between people, such as ensuring documentary is “not news.” However, in a man and a woman.” Accepting gay fam- the director of Argentina’s Catholic News healthcare. These are coexistence agree- those previous interviews, the Pope’s com- ily members or accommodating same-sex Agency denied that the Pope had supported ments of various kinds, of which I cannot ments could be interpreted as merely ex- partnerships in civil law, he said, “does not civil unions; however, the Pope’s statement list the different forms.” His response on plaining how the Church might respond to mean approving of homosexual acts.” “I supported that” in the new documentary the Church’s perspective on such agree- the legal reality of civil unions. This new seems to affirm that he had, indeed, sup- ments? “We need to see the different cases footage shows the Pope explicitly express- Was the Pope mistranslated? ported these protections. and evaluate them in their variety.” ing support for giving same-sex couples Some commentators have argued that the The Pope also spoke about civil unions A Vatican communications advisor said the legal protections that civil unions pro- subtitles in Afineevsky’s film, which were for same-sex couples in interviews in 2014 after the 2014 interview that the Pope had vide, consistent with his previous support the translation most English-language and 2017, but neither is as explicit in its not intended his comments as an endorse- for such a law as bishop of Buenos Aires. journalists used in their reporting, were not support as the Pope’s reported statement ment of civil unions. The comments in the new documentary faithful to what Pope Francis said in the in the new documentary. In a 2014 inter- In 2017, the Pope gave a book-length in- are the Pope’s first explicitly stated support clip. The discrepancy comes down to Pope view with Italy’s Corriere della Sera, Pope terview to French sociologist Dominique for civil union protections: “What we have Francis referring to a law of “convivencia Francis was asked if the Church could un- Walton, in which Walton asked him about to create is a civil union law. That way they civil,” or “civil coexistence,” which critics derstand the approach of legalising civil same-sex marriage. The Pope replied, are legally covered.” — By Colleen Dulle, argue is different from the subtitles’ use of unions. Francis responded by saying, “Let’s call this ‘civil unions,’” as opposed America HERALD October 25, 2020 13 Argentine archbishop and Pope Francis advisor says ‘civil union’ not mistranslated in documentary ROME: Archbishop Victor Manuel Fernan- tially equivalent to the phrase “civil union.” dez, a long-time theological advisor to Pope Fernández, Archbishop of La Plata, Argen- Francis, has weighed tina, said that the Pope’s term connotes a civil in on the meaning of a union as the term is commonly understood. phrase used by the Pope The archbishop posted on Facebook that be- in a video clip in Franc- fore he became pope, then-Cardinal Bergoglio esco, a documentary re- “always recognised that, without calling it leased Oct 21 in Rome. ‘marriage,’ in fact there are very close unions The phrase, which is between people of the same sex, which do not translated as “civil un- in themselves imply sexual relations, but a ions,” is at the centre of Archbishop Victor very intense and stable alliance.” a series of controversies Manuel Fernandez “They know each other thoroughly, they about the documentary. share the same roof for many years, they take Francesco, a newly released documentary care of each other, they sacrifice for each other. on the life and ministry of Pope Francis, made Then it may happen that they prefer that in an global headlines this week, because the Pope extreme case or illness they do not consult their appears to call for civil union legislation, in relatives, but instead consult that person who contrast to the positions of his predecessors. knows their intentions in depth. And for the “What we have to create is a civil union law. same reason they prefer that it be that person Pope Francis greets Evgeny Afineevsky, a documentary filmmaker, at his general audience at the That way they are legally covered,” the Pope is who inherits all their assets, etc.” Vatican in this Aug 28, 2019, photo. (CNS photo/Vatican Media via Evgeny Afineevsky) seen to say in the documentary, during a scene “This can be contemplated in the law and in which Pope Francis talks about pastoral care is called ‘civil union’ [unión civil] or ‘law of union between a man and a woman open to ing civil unions might be a way to prevent for those who identify as LGBT. civil coexistence’ [ley de convivencia civil], communicating life…there is a word, ‘mar- the passage of same-sex marriage laws in the The Pope is seen to use the Spanish-language not marriage.” riage,’ that only applies to that reality. Any country. phrase “convivencia civil,” which is translated “What the Pope has said on this subject other similar union requires another name,” the The Vatican has not responded to questions in the film’s subtitles as “civil union.” After is what he also maintained when he was the archbishop explained. about the documentary, or whether the Pope’s some Spanish-speaking priests said the trans- Archbishop of Buenos Aires,” Fernández add- Fernandez said this view reflects the Pope’s comments represent his view on civil unions, lation was inaccurate, Archbishop Fernandez, ed. stance as a bishop in Argentina, when he pro- but the prefect of the Vatican’s communica- a theologian who has long been close to the “For him, the expression ‘marriage’ has a posed to brother bishops, during a 2010 debate tions office, Paolo Ruffini, has seen the docu- Pope, said that the Pope’s phrase is substan- precise meaning and only applies to a stable over gay marriage in the country, that accept- mentary and praised it. — CNA The world has a profound thirst for peace Franciscan university ROME: Pope Francis affirmed the signal im- honours patriarch for portance of peace at an interreligious gather- ing on Rome’s Capitoline Hill. theological work on ecology “We need peace. More peace. We cannot remain indifferent. Today the world has a pro- ROME: Paying tribute found thirst for peace. In many countries, peo- to Ecumenical Patriarch ple are suffering due to wars which, though Bartholomew of Con- often forgotten, are always the cause of suf- stantinople (pic) for his fering and poverty,” Pope Francis said Oct 20. contributions to the the- “To put an end to war is a solemn duty ology and spirituality before God incumbent on all those holding of care for the environ- political responsibilities. Peace is the prior- ment, the Franciscan- ity of all politics. God will ask an account- run Pontifical University ing of those who failed to seek peace, or who Antonianum awarded fomented tensions and conflicts. He will call him an honorary doctor- them to account for all the days, months and ate. years of war endured by the world’s peoples,” “Today we want to express our gratitude for the Pope said. your inspired commitment on behalf of the en- Pope Francis was joined by representatives Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople pray for peace at the vironment, that environment that, with the eyes of the world’s major religions in his appeal for Basilica of Santa Maria in Ara Coeli in Rome Oct 20, 2020. (CNS photo/Stefano Dal Pozzolo, pool) of faith, we recognise as the work of the omnip- peace in the Campidoglio Square, designed violence throughout Central America, the with the poor, who are those most like Jesus,” otence of God, friend of humanity,” said Fr Mi- by Michelangelo. The Christian, Muslim, persecution of Christians in Burkina Faso, the Pope said. chael Perry, minister general of the Franciscans. Jewish, Sikh, and Buddhist representatives attacks in northern Mozambique, violence in The “Appeal for Peace” signed by each of While Perry handed the award to Patriarch each gave speeches, lit a candle in a candela- Venezuela, the conflict in Mali, the violence the religious leaders at the event said: “On this Bartholomew at the Oct 21 ceremony in Rome, brum, and signed a scroll containing an “Ap- perpetrated by the drug gangs in Mexico, and Capitoline Hill, in the wake of the greatest the Orthodox leader was first lauded by Cardi- peal for Peace.” instability in Lebanon. conflict in history, the nations that had been nals Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state; Immediately before this interreligious The Christian leaders also prayed for an end at war made a pact based on a dream of unity Peter Turkson, prefect of the Dicastery for meeting, the Pope prayed with other Christian to tensions in Belarus, on the Korean peninsu- that later came true: the dream of a united Eu- Promoting Integral Human Development; and leaders in the neighbouring Basilica of Santa la, in the Caucasus region, and between India rope. Today, in these uncertain times, as we Kurt Koch, president of the Pontifical Council Maria in Aracoeli on the Capitoline Hill. and Pakistan, as well as for the peace agree- feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic for Promoting Christian Unity. “From the cross forgiveness poured forth ments signed in Colombia and South Sudan. that threatens peace by aggravating inequali- Bartholomew, Parolin said, has a “complete- and fraternal love was reborn: the cross makes Concurrent gatherings to pray for peace ties and fear, we firmly state that no one can be ly unique” relationship of “synchronicity” with us brothers and sisters,” Pope Francis said in were held by Muslims, Jews, and Buddhists, saved alone: no people, no single individual!” Pope Francis as seen both in their writings and his message at the ecumenical prayer service. before everyone came together for the inter- “Wars and peace, pandemics and health also from their visits together to the Holy Land “Let us ask the crucified God to grant us religious event on the Capitoline Hill. care, hunger and access to food, global warm- in 2014, to the refugee camps on the Greek is- the grace to be more united and more frater- The theme of the event, organised by the ing and sustainable development, the dis- land of Lesbos in 2016 and to Egypt in 2017. nal. When we are tempted to follow the way Sant’Egidio lay Catholic community, was No placement of populations, the elimination of Accepting the honour, Bartholomew said that of this world, may we be reminded of Jesus’ one is saved alone, a phrase that comes from nuclear threats and the reduction of inequali- as part of a Christian’s duty to safeguard and words: ‘Whoever would save his life will lose Pope Francis’ most recent encyclical, Fratelli ties: these are not matters that concern indi- spread the faith, “our Church was a pioneer in it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and Tutti. Pope Francis expanded upon this line in vidual nations alone. initiatives on critical global questions like the the Gospel’s, will save it,’” he said. his message at an ecumenical prayer in the ba- “Let us pray to the Most High that, after care of creation and social justice. In the last Candles were lit in the basilica as the Chris- silica before the ceremony: this time of trial, there may no longer be ‘oth- decade, the world has seen alarming environ- tians prayed together for peace in Afghani- “The closer we become to the Lord Jesus, ers,’ but rather, a great ‘we,’ rich in diversity. mental degradation with climate change. stan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, the more we will be open and ‘universal,’ The time has come to boldly dream anew that “The loss of biodiversity and the polluting of Libya, Nigeria, Central African Republic, So- since we will feel responsible for others. And peace is possible, that it is necessary, that a natural resources together with a growing gap malia, Syria, Ukraine, Yemen, and the Holy others will become the means of our own sal- world without war is not utopian. This is why between rich and poor,” he said, are “signs of Land. vation: all others, every human person, what- we want to say once more: ‘No more war.’” the time,” requiring the world’s attention and Prayer candles were also lit for an end to ever his or her history and beliefs. Beginning — By Courtney Mares, CNA concrete action. — By Cindy Wooden, CNS 14 HERALD October 25, 2020 Religious Dialogue and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals hristianity has to be a religion that is de- claim that God is the Creator of all, and, there- onstration of what that philosophy shared with lieve, but also to build the kingdom of justice, voted to dialogue with other religions fore, there is no creaturely reality that cannot Christians, while in return to provide a frame- peace and love that was inaugurated with the Cand with those who profess to adhere to be the starting point in the journey of return to work to express in a shared language what coming of Christ. no religion at all. the Creator that is the most intimate vocation faith in the God of Israel holds dear. Where should we seek out such common For some Catholics this is seen as little more of all finite being. This process of dialogue is older than Chris- ground in the sphere of doing today? A very than a policy change inaugurated by the Sec- Moreover, throughout history Christians tianity. Philo of Alexandria, in the first century obvious answer would be in the 17 Sustainable ond Vatican Council in 1965 with the declara- have sought the common ground of dialogue CE, is only the most eminent in a long line of Development Goals of the United Nations. tion Nostra Aetate. with the cultures in which they’ve found them- Jewish theologians who sought to find this The very fact that they are proposed by the Consequently, those who have rejected or selves. common ground in philosophy or morality. UN – which in its most basic role is a promoter who question the council have found the no- The manner in which Luke imaged the ar- But the Christians took it up with gusto as of human dialogue – should make them a mat- tion of dialogue a repugnant novelty, while rival of the Paul in Athens and found a com- Justin (second century), Augustine (fourth / ter of specific interest for Christians. less stringent critics on the conservative wing mon starting point for dialogue in the presence fifth century), Aquinas (thirteenth century), That they have been so widely adopted by of the Church often vitiate any real dialogue of an altar to ‘the unknown god’ is the para- and any number of other bear witness. The countries makes them a common language of with other religions, or with cultures, by kind digmatic reference point in our memory (Acts task continues. morality uniting countries, cultures and people of partisan warfare. 17, 16-34). So, for example, in the last 100 years prob- across the world. The suggestion in 2019 – expressed in van- However, while some claiming the name ably no one has sought out a philosophical They are a language that Christians should dalism rather than reasoned argument – that Christian might argue about the notion of dia- common ground for dialogue with more dedi- take seriously – and see how in that language the presence of Amazonian wooden statues in logue, the great challenge has always been to cation than the German theologian Karl Rah- about the world they can express their vision a church building could be idolatry is a recent find the common ground, the shared starting ner (1904-84). that it is not just “a world” but also “a creation” instance of this notion that Christianity stands points for a dialogue. The abiding challenge has been how do we – and a creation loved by the Creator. in radical disconnection with every other re- This commonality, this language of dialogue speak meaningfully of the joy of the gospel in In setting out on this dialogue, Christians are ligion. is what facilitates an expression of the great this moment, in this situation and in this world collaborating in the missio Dei – the realiza- In fact, the notion that dialogue is a novelty Christian vision of God’s plan as located in the in which we find ourselves. tion among humanity of God’s call to each and is as historically and theologically silly as the heart of the creation. But parallel with seeking an intellectual every creature. suggestion that prior to colour TV people lived The most frequent common ground has common ground, Christians need a moral It is worth listing those 17 UN goals and lives in black-and-white. been to seek out a common philosophical bed- common ground. We need a shared basis in noting how they overlap with the work that The basis for dialogue lies in Christianity’s rock which could be seen to provide a dem- action, for disciples are called not only to be- Christian faith calls upon us to do. Some of the UN goals and how they overlap with Christianity 1. No Poverty cannot ascribe to Goal 1 and not subscribe to That removing poverty is a funda- Goal 7. mental task of disciples can be seen Likewise, we cannot claim to care for the in the great trio of Christian action: creation and not want that energy to be sustain- almsgiving goes with prayer and fasting as ba- able. We could see this Goal as a particular and sic Christian activity (Matt 6:3). specific expression of an aspect of our vocation In a small-scale society, almsgiving is often as Christians in the world. the most an individual can do. But in our more 8. Decent Work and complex world, seeking to end poverty is a task conomic rowth for believers. E G Work is essential to human dignity Not to respond to poverty as a call to action and we Christians see it as a way in which we is to reject the call for prophetic action that is as collaborate in God’s on-going creative work. old as the Prophet Isaiah (Isa 58, 7). We bless God for his goodness “and the work 2. Zero Hunger of human hands” and we know that if people Hunger is inseparable from poverty, are unemployed then they not only suffer but and food security is the only way to also become prey for other forms of suffering. ensure that hunger and famine are not Likewise, we know that work can be used as recurring. And, as we all know, an unsustaina- a means of enslaving and degrading humans. ble agriculture means that famine is just around Just as it is a moral issue that we should not the corner. build our fortunes on the backs of the poor; so, That opposing hunger is a basic of Christian conversely, we must be working towards this action is too obvious to need comment. tory. This has sometimes been imagined in a until recently does not mean that it is not a real Goal. However, the fact that some Christians do narrow way, as catechism or basic literacy. area where we have grown in our understand- To those who want a “spiritual religion” not see working for this goal as inseparable But the larger tradition is that learning is a ing of human dignity. which looks away from these socio-economic from being welcomed into the Kingdom means way of discovering “the footprints of God” in This growth in awareness parallels the man- questions, we should recall the words of the that it is worth recalling: “When Lord did we the creation. ner in which it took centuries for most Church- Prophet Zechariah: see you hungry and feed you?” … “Truly … in We are not merely passive receivers of a di- es, including Catholicism, to recognize the evil “Do not oppress the widow, the orphan, the doing it to the least … you did it to me” (Matt vine code, but beings who grow in wisdom and of slavery. alien, or the poor” (7, 10). 25, 31-46). knowledge. Our vision of wisdom is far more If we value all humans, then we must see Justice in the workplace is part and parcel of all embracing than the UN’s goal, but that goal each human’s growth and empowerment as a the Christian vision. 3. Good health and Well- is a pre-condition of our vision. value regardless of gender. 9. Industry, Innovation and Being Down the centuries teaching has been a basic We need to remind ourselves of Paul’s state- It is the will of God that we should Christian vocation and we need always to re- ment: “There is no longer … male and female, Infrastructure have life and have it to the full (Jn call that Jesus was addressed as “rabbi” and he for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:28). One cannot hold to the previous Goals 10, 10) and this supposes health, which itself is invited his students (“disciples”) to be involved However, the Catholic Church should be go- and not see this as another desirable outcome in seen as a gift of God and a blessing. in life-long learning. ing further and becoming a model of gender the creation where each human being has equal The image of caring for the sick has ani- We need to make common cause with every equality in its structures of ministry. dignity as a child of God. mated the Churches’ action from the story of group that promote education. 10. Reduce Inequalities 6. Clean Water and the Good Samaritan to Pope Francis’s image Pope Paul VI famously said that de- of the Church as a field hospital – and it has 5. Gender Equality Sanitation velopment is another word for peace. inspired Christians in every age to set up hos- Gender equality is not something “When did we see you thirsty and We cannot proclaim our vision of pitals, clinics, and to see working in health care that would spring to mind as a Chris- give you to drink?” (Matt 25, 37). God – and that every human being is created as a vocation. tian ideal for many Christians. And Could one claim to be a follower of Jesus in God’s image and likeness – and not want to This UN goal chimes perfectly with our Catholics have been far less willing to embrace and not make this goal one’s own? reduce inequality within and among countries. Christian vision. the implications of gender equality than many 7. Affordable and Clean Energy This was a Christian goal (even if one we other Christians. often forgot) long before it was an UN goal. — 4. Quality Education This is an area where we Catholics need to Energy poverty is a particular and Education has been a constant activ- modern form of poverty that destroys By Thomas O’Loughlin, LCI (international. ask ourselves searching and hard questions. la-croix.com) ity of Christians throughout their his- Just because this was not on the human agenda human solidarity and equality. We HERALD October 25, 2020 Children 15 LittleLittle CCatholicsatholics’ CornerCorner

Dear children, and mind! It means that we must do will do everything for Him today much as we love ourselves. everything we do for love of God and every night before you go to If we really love God then we will What does Jesus say the greatest and live our whole life completely bed, thank God for all that He has want to love other people too be- commandment is? for Him. But how can we love God done for you and tell Him you're cause God loves them! Many people thought that the most so much? sorry for the bad things you did If you don't love others, it shows important thing would be not to kill Well, we can practise little by lit- that day. that you don’t really love God as anyone. tle, loving Him more each day. Say- Then try to think about God much as you should. What can you But that's not what He says! The ing a prayer every day would be a through the day. The second great- do today to start loving God more? very most important thing is to love good start. est commandment that Jesus tells God with our whole heart and soul Every morning tell God that you us is that we should love others as Aunt Eliz

Cut out the word cards, and put them in the right order to make the Golden Rule (Matt 7:12)

How did Jesus say we should love God?

Put the letters in order by their numbers to fill in the spaces and find out! answer: heart, soul and mind mind and soul heart, answer:

Help Joseph find his eleven brothers by completing the maze below.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself (Mat 22:37-39) HERALD

Social BEC Communication (1976) (1996)

Dialogue Formation (1976) (1976) INTEGRAL EVANGELISATION Poor Unity (1976) (1976)

Family (1996) Youth (1986) YOUTH YOUTHOctober 25, 2020 Youth ministers meet, to reboot themselves and the ministry he Malaysian Catholic member of the Forest Stewardship Council Youth Ministers Commit- of Malaysia, shared with the youth minis- tee (MCYMC) held their ters on “ways to deal with issues and with T ourselves in the context of the new normal.” first virtual Annual General Meet- From his perspective as an ecologist, it is ing and Retreat October 5-7. necessary to analyse the issue before ap- As per tradition, Catholic youth ministers proaching it directly. Analysing helps us from all the nine archdioceses/dioceses in to connect with the roots of the issue, re- Malaysia were supposed to gather in Miri vealing information that may be useful to for the annual meeting and retreat. Due to effectively deal with the issue. Sebastian’s the COVID-19 pandemic, they met virtu- sharing affirmed the message of ‘being both ally via ZOOM instead. Thirty delegates Mary and Martha’ by emphasising that we together with Archbishop Simon Poh, the have to ‘make space’ in this new normal, to bishop in-charge met virtually. contemplate on the best way to deal with Amidst the many updates and plans pre- issues both from within and from outside of sented, the topic concerning the challenges us. He also highlighted the need for a com- facing our young people, in the midst of mitment from our young people to heed the new normal and current pandemic, Pope Francis’ strong and pressing invitation was highlighted the most. Archbishop Poh in his encyclical ‘Laudato Si’ which calls said, “We had a lot of events planned for for the healing of our Mother Earth. our youth this year, but because of the Youth Ministers meet for their annual meeting via Zoom. Aside from topics related to minister- COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of these have relate with them need ‘rebooting’ too.” on their experiences and reflections based ing to the young in the context of the new no longer become possible. The pandemic In line with Archbishop Poh’s statement, on Luke 10:38-42, they felt that youth min- normal, MCYMC also raised further dis- has given us and our youth ministry a ‘re- the retreat which took place on the second isters are all not only called to an active cussion on having a Malaysian Youth Day boot’. We also find it very challenging to day touched on the need of ‘rebooting’ life of service to others but also to place (MYD), the first in our country, and on the do ministry to this present and new genera- themselves as youth ministers. Especially the same emphasis on times of silence and preparation and celebration of the upcom- tion of youth. It is more difficult for us to in this time when virtual communication solitude. Choosing to be like Mary, who sat ing World Youth Day (WYD) in Lisbon, engage with them now. Many of them are is becoming more pertinent as compared to at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said, Portugal, come 2023. so exposed, even addicted, to the ‘internet’, physical meetups. helps a lot in rebooting the youth ministry To conclude, it was decided that the Dio- to social media, to the cyber space and the Through prayer, reflection and sharing of with the necessary skills and approaches cese of Miri would be the host for the next like. It seems that their social skills in the the Word of God, the youth ministers felt to shepherd our young people today to em- MCYMC Annual General Meeting and real world are deteriorating. And our skills that becoming both ‘Mary’ and ‘Martha’ is brace their faith more deeply and dearly. Retreat in October 2021… hopefully in a as youth ministers to effectively engage and a real necessity in their ministry. Reflecting During the retreat, Anthony Sebastian, a physical meeting. — By Crietel Eviany World Youth Day Lisbon 2023 unveils Marian logo ROME: World Youth Day Lisbon launched its web- said on finding out that her logo had been selected. that it would be postponed to August 2023, as the site and unveiled its logo Oct 16 as Portugal pre- The Marian logo was designed to communicate World Meeting of Families in Rome was postponed pares to host the world’s largest gathering of Catho- the World Youth Day theme selected by Pope Fran- from June 2021 to 2022 due to the coronavirus pan- lic young people in August 2023. cis: Mary arose and went with haste, from St Luke’s demic. The logo, featuring the Blessed Virgin account of the Virgin Mary’s visitation to her cousin Both events usually include the presence of the Mary in front of a cross, was selected in Elizabeth after the Annunciation. Pope and gather at least tens of thousands of people. an international contest with hundreds The Pope announced that the Portuguese capital A delegation from Panama is now scheduled to of participants from 30 countries by the would host the global Catholic gathering of young pass the cross and icon to young people from Portu- Vatican Dicastery for Laity, Family, and people at the closing Mass of the last international gal Nov 22, the Feast of Christ the King. But Bishop Life. World Youth Day in Panama City in January 2019. Américo Aguiar, the president of the WYD Lisbon It was designed by Beatriz Lisbon, a city of 505,000 people, is around 75 Foundation, said this date might be subject to change Roque Antunes, a 24-year-old miles from Fatima, one of the most visited Marian due to the pandemic. who works at a communication pilgrimage sites in the world. The 2018 report “Euro- World Youth Day, which is typically held on a dif- agency in Lisbon. pean Young Adults and Religion” found that Portugal ferent continent every three years, was started by St “It means a lot to me. It’s not has one of the highest levels of weekly Mass attend- Pope John Paul II in 1985. The Lisbon organizing every day that one has the op- ance among young people in Europe. committee said that it decided to release the logo on portunity to offer their gifts to the World Youth Day Lisbon was initially scheduled Oct 16 in honour of the anniversary of the election of faith and the Church,” Antunes for August 2022, but the Vatican announced last April St John Paul II. — By Courtney Mares, CNA HERALD October 25, 2020 Youth 17 Parish youth leading prayer initiative for Sabah and frontliners KARAMUNSING: The alarming increase in into the boats of our lives. Let us hand over our the number of positive COVID-19 cases, the fears to him so that he can conquer them. exhausted and fatigued medical frontliners, the “Like the disciples, we will experience that cries of fears and uncertainties for the future with him on board there will be no shipwreck. for Sabah; these have become the headlines in Because this is God’s strength: turning to the recent days, and thus became the objective of a good everything that happens to us, even the prayer night initiative. bad things. He brings serenity into our storms, The idea was initiated by Fr Paul Lo, parish because with God life never dies.” priest of Sacred Heart Cathedral (SHC), who She also highlighted Pope Francis’ words was genuinely concerned and burdened by the during his general audience last Wednesday, cries of the people. He saw the urgency of it that the purpose of crying out to the Lord in and called a few youth for a meeting to discuss prayer is not to get used to suffering, but to the matter, resulting in the decision to have this remember that it is God, not humankind, who prayer night on Mission Sunday Oct 18. is the only source of salvation and consolation. Our mission at the parish was to gather as Fr Lo translated the reflection in Bahasa many people as possible, via live broadcast, to Malaysia and Mandarin, which was followed pray for Sabah, especially for our frontliners by a 10-minute silence, and the recitation of the and all who are affected by COVID-19. Fr Paul Lo, parish priest of Sacred Heart Cathedral, at the Vigil Prayer on Oct 18, 2020. Rosary led by the youth. The live broadcast, which attracted more than coronavirus did not put the fear there, but it ourselves in this story. Petitions were offered up for the COVID-19 10,000 views, began with a brief introduction is revealing a fear that has always been there; “What is harder to understand is Jesus’ and political situation in Sabah, for the by Fr Joshua Liew, who outlined the purpose a fear of loss, of death, of uncertainty, of attitude. While the disciples are naturally frontliners, especially those in the medical of the prayer night. insecurity, and arriving at the ultimate question: alarmed and desperate, He is sound asleep, field, for those who contracted the virus, for In the span of a few days prior to the ‘Is there still trusting in the all families, for our priest, and for all Catholics prayer night, our priests managed to invite hope?’” she offered Father in the middle to cease being complacent, but to strive for two doctors who are COVID-19 frontliners, for reflection. Like the disciples, we will of the tempest holiness in this challenging time. to share their experiences while dealing with She quoted Pope experience that with him threatening to sink The night concluded with a final blessing by this unprecedented pandemic. They shared Francis’ homily on board there will be no the boat. When he Fr Russell Lawrine and a classic hymn Be Not the challenges of working long hours in their during his ubi et shipwreck. Because this is wakes up, He turns Afraid. PPEs and of missing their loved ones. They orbi blessing earlier to His disciples The feedback was encouraging and positive. encouraged everyone to follow the government in March this year, God’s strength: turning saying, ‘Why are Some felt a sense of unity and solidarity as given SOPs, and to continue to pray for the “Like the disciples to the good everything you terrified, oh we gathered virtually to pray, while others felt flattening of the COVID-19 curve. in the Gospel, we that happens to us, even you of little faith?’ moved by the prayers offered. One of our youth, Jennifer, shared a reflection are all caught in the bad things. He brings “Faith begins For the parish youth, this was the least we based on the proclamation of the readings from an unexpected and serenity into our storms, when we realise could do. While we might feel helpless and Lamentations 3:17-26, the Psalms, and the turbulent storm. because with God life we are in need of disheartened by everything that is going on, Gospel of Matthew 8:23-27. All of us, fragile never dies. salvation. We are we must continue to pray because it is our “We are asking questions like ‘When can I and disoriented, not self-sufficient; only weapon at this time. We must hang on go out again? When can I go for Mass again?’” were just like those by ourselves we to hope and to the words of our Lord, “What suggested Jennifer. disciples who spoke anxiously saying, ‘We flounder: we need the Lord, like ancient is impossible for man, is possible for God.” “The coronavirus is revealing a fear. The are perishing!’ It is easy for us to recognise navigators needed the stars. Let us invite Jesus (Luke 18:27). — By Aline Lim, CS Young Filipino lawyer works for environment to express faith PHILIPPINES: People have been asking her she said. De Torres said she understands how difficult have very little knowledge about the various why she chose to work for an organisation of The teachings of the Catholic Church have and complicated it is for a law firm or a private legal remedies to assert our rights for a safe and pro-environment activists instead of working always been about service, about feeding the practicing lawyer in the Philippines to handle clean environment,” said Fr Puno. for a big law firm. hungry, visiting the sick, and accompanying corporate clients and environmental cases at Aside from technical assistance, “the the poor. the same time. most important element is the courage and For De Torres, “lawyering for His creation” She said that most of the time corporations confidence that [De Torres and her team] give — literally and figuratively — is her way of and big businesses are the defendants to poor communities,” said the priest. serving the Creator and the Church. or respondents of cases concerning the For a young lawyer who has been in the The 28-year-old lawyer had her first environment or public interests. practice for only three years, De Torres has exposure to environmental advocacy when “The works of environmental lawyers, like an overwhelming pipeline of litigation and she worked as an intern in a non-government what [De Torres] is doing, give us a fighting research studies in her hands. group in 2011. chance in the courts against influential and “[There are just] too many things to be done, After her internship, she joined the wealthy corporations,” said Fr Warren Francis but there are just too few lawyers engaged in organisation as a research and paralegal Puno, head of the ecology ministry of the environmental law,” she said. volunteer while studying law at the Jesuit-run Diocese of Lucena. “It is a sad reality that many lawyers in the Ateneo de Manila University. The priest admitted that without the help country have less interest in this field,” she said. “During those years, I noticed that there of organisations like De Torres’, “we would The need for more environmental lawyers is Avril de Torres attributes her decision to work were very few lawyers who work and handle remain ignorant of how to pursue legal battles greatly felt in many communities affected by as an environmental counsel to her faith. cases that focus on environmental protection,” against projects that threaten our communities.” mining activities. — By Mark Saludes, LiCas she said. “We, the priests and the common people, News The answer is simple for Avril de Torres: Her work as a public interest and environmental lawyer is her way of expressing her faith. “Lawyering for the environment and the community adversely affected by ecological destruction is how I express my faith,” she said. De Torres said she feels the presence of God every time she sees a beautiful scenery or when she hikes up the mountain or swims in the river or the sea. “How can you not believe in God after seeing all these beautiful creations? And how can you just allow its destruction?” said De Torres. “If you believe in God, you must do Lawyer Avril De Torres (centre) facilitates a consultation with community leaders during a conference on Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment something to protect the things He created,” Laudato Si’ in the central Philippines in February. (LiCas News/Mark Saludes) 18 HERALD October 25, 2020 Financial aid to families of shipwreck victims VATICAN: The Vatican announced Oct 21 that Pope Fran- called off Sept. 10, but the families continue to hope that cis will be sending financial aid to families whose loved they will be found through privately funded search opera- ones went missing when their ship, the Gulf Livestock 1 tions. sank in September. The Vatican dicastery noted that members of the seafar- The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Develop- ers’ charity Stella Maris had been offering support to fami- ment said that the Pope would send an “economic contribu- lies in the Philippines since the disaster. The support was tion” to all the families of the 43 seafarers who were ship- given via Internet platforms because of restrictions relating wrecked Sept 2 during a typhoon. to the coronavirus pandemic. The vessel, Gulf Livestock 1, sank 100 nautical miles west “The economic aid, in collaboration with the apostolic of Amami Ōshima Island in southwest Japan amid Typhoon nunciatures and the Stella Maris chapters of the Philippines, Maysak. The ship was travelling between New Zealand and Australia, and New Zealand, will be delivered personally to China with a cargo of 5,867 cattle. The crew consisted of 39 the families of the missing persons and the two survivors, Filipinos, two Australians, and two New Zealanders. together with a small personal gift from Pope Francis, to A Filipino crew member of the Gulf Livestock 1 cargo ship is pictured in this Japan’s coast guard rescued three survivors, one of whom demonstrate his closeness and solidarity,” the dicastery said. still image taken from video Sept 4, 2020, as he is rescued by the Japan Coast Guard in the East China Sea. (CNS photo/Japan Coast Guard handout via died. A dedicated search for the 40 remaining men was — CNA Reuters)

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11th Anniversary 22nd Anniversary 8th Anniversary Many are In Loving Memory of In Loving Memory of In Loving Memory of saying to me, “There is no help Your Life Was A Blessing, for you in God.” Mr Arokiasamy But you, O LORD , Your Memory s/o Gnanapragasam A Treasure ... are a shield From the Lord: You Are Loved around me, 17-08-1939 Beyond Words my glory, and the To the Lord: And Missed one who lifts up 28-10-2009 Beyond Measure. my head. I cry aloud LOVING YOU Thomas Pereira DEARLY, to the LORD Dad Thinking of you always. Departed: 30-10-1998 Wife : Victoria and he answers me You are our life, Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual Daughter : Helen Rita from his holy hill. heart and soul forever. light shine upon him. May his soul rest in peace. Mathalaimuthu s/o Son : Eric Steven Arokiasamy Deeply missed and forever remembered by: Dearly missed but lovingly remembered by: Daughter-in-law : Nantyniy Psalm 3:2-4 Wife: Madam A. Mangalamary, Wife - Francina, Children, Daughter-in-law, Departed: Grandchildren : Rishwariya and all at home. Grandchildren, Relatives and Friends. 30 Oct 2012 : Vasunddra HERALD October 25, 2020 Saints of the Week & Short Readings 19 St Jude Thaddeus Daily Short egend has it that St Jude was born into a converted to Christianity along with most of the Reading Jewish family in Paneas, a town in the people under his rule. L Sunday, October 25 Galilee region of ancient Palestine, the same In addition to the image of Christ, St Jude is (Ezekiel 36:25-27) area that Jesus grew up in. He probably spoke often shown in paintings with a flame around Greek and Aramaic, like many people in that his head. This represents his presence at Pente- I shall pour clean water over you area, and he was a farmer by trade. Jude was cost, when he received the Holy Spirit with the and you will be cleansed; I shall described by St Matthew (13:55) as being one other apostles. cleanse you of all your defilement of the “brethren” of Jesus, probably meaning a St Jude died a martyr of God in Persia or Syr- and all your idols. I shall give you a new heart, and put a new spirit cousin since the Hebrew word for “brethren” ia around 65 AD. After his death, his body was in you; I shall remove the heart of indicates a blood relationship. His mother, brought back to Rome and was placed in a crypt stone from your bodies and give Mary, was referred to as a cousin of Jesus’ beneath St Peter’s Basilica. His last mortal re- you a heart of flesh instead. I shall mother Mary, while his father, Cleophas, was mains still lie there today. After his martyrdom, put my spirit in you, and make you the brother of St Joseph. pilgrims came to his grave to pray, and many keep my laws and sincerely re- Jude had several brothers, including St of them experienced the powerful intercessions spect my observances. James, who was another of the original Apos- of St Jude. This is how he got the title, “The Monday, October 26 tles. His own first name, “Jude”, means giver Saint for the Hopeless and the Despaired”. St (Jeremiah 15:16) of joy, while “Thaddeus”, another name he was Bridget of Sweden and St Bernard had visions called, means generous and kind. from God asking each to accept St Jude as “The When your words came, I de- voured them: your word was my Jude was called to be one of the twelve Apos- Patron Saint of the Impossible”. St Jude Shrine delight and the joy of my heart; for tles of Jesus Christ. He began preaching the in Baltimore has arranged for a daily Mass to I was called by your name, Lord, Good News of Jesus to Jews throughout Gali- be celebrated on the altar above the tomb for God of hosts.. lee, Samaria, and Judea. Around 37 AD, St Jude Feastday: October 28 the intentions of those whose names are reg- Tuesday, October 27 went to Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq) and circumstances they were in, just as their forefa- istered at the Shrine. Pope Paul III, in a brief (1 Thessalonians 5:4-5) became a leader of the Church of The East that thers had done before them. He exhorted them dated September 22, 1543, granted a plenary St Thomas established there. St Jude travelled to keep their faith and to stay in the love of God indulgence to all who would visit his tomb on It is not as if you live in the dark, my brothers, for that Day to over- throughout Mesopotamia, Libya, Turkey, and as they had been taught. His inspirational sup- the day commemorating his death, October 28, Persia with St Simon, preaching and converting the day of his feast. take you like a thief. No, you are all port of these early believers led to him becom- sons of light and sons of the day: many people to Christianity. He was credited ing the patron saint of desperate causes. Today, more than ever before, the merit of we do not belong to the night or to with helping the early creation of the Armenian St Jude is traditionally depicted carrying Jude Thaddeus is being revived in people’s darkness. Church and other places beyond the borders of the image of Jesus in his hand. This depiction minds and hearts. In return, he is proving him- the Roman Empire. self to be more than an ordinary advocate, Wednesday, October 28 comes from a Biblical story in which King (Ephesians 2:19-22) Around the year 60 AD, St Jude wrote a Gos- Abgar of Edessa (a city located in what is now taking special delight in coming to the aid of pel letter to recent Christian converts in Eastern southeast Turkey) asked Jesus to cure him of persons in desperate need. No petition seems You are no longer aliens or foreign churches who were under persecution. In it, he leprosy and sent an artist to bring him a draw- too great for him. In response to the many re- visitors: you are citizens like all the warned them against the pseudo-teachers of ing of Jesus. Impressed with Abgar’s great quests and petitions received, the Pallottines of- saints, and part of God’s house- hold. You are part of a building that the day who were spreading false ideas about faith, Jesus pressed his face into a cloth and fer daily prayers and bear witness to the many the early Christian faith. He encouraged them favours received through St Jude’s intercession. has the apostles and prophets for gave it to St Jude to take to Abgar. Upon see- its foundations, and Christ Jesus to persevere in the face of the harsh, difficult ing Jesus’ image, The King was cured and he — stjudeshrine.org himself for its main cornerstone. As every structure is aligned on him, all grow into one holy temple St Simon the Zealot in the Lord; and you too, in him, are t Simon is represented in art with a saw, loved of My Father: and I will love him being built into a house where God lives, in the Spirit. Sthe instrument of his martyrdom. St. and will manifest Myself to him.” Then Jude's square points him out as an architect Jude asked Him: “Lord, how is it, that Thou Thursday, October 29 of the house of God. St. Paul called himself wilt manifest Thyself to us, and not to the (Romans 14:17-19) by this name; and St. Jude, by his Catholic world?” And he received from Jesus this re- The kingdom of God does not Epistle, has also a special right to be reck- ply: “If any one love Me, he will keep My mean eating or drinking this or that, oned among our Lord’s principal workmen. word, and My Father will love him, and We it means righteousness and peace But our apostle had another nobility, far will come to him, and will make Our abode and joy brought by the Holy Spirit. surpassing all earthly titles: being nephew, with him. He that loveth Me not keepeth not If you serve Christ in this way you by his father Cleophas or Alpheus, to St My word. And the word which you have will please God and be respected Joseph, and legal cousin to the Lord, Jude heard is not Mine, but the Word of the Fa- by men. So let us adopt any cus- was one of those called by their compatri- ther who sent Me.” tom that leads to peace and our mutual improvement. ots the brethren of the carpenter’s Son. We The churches of St Peter in Rome and may gather from St John’s Gospel another Saint-Sernin at Toulouse dispute the honour Friday, October 30 precious detail concerning him. In the dis- of possessing the greater part of their holy (Ephesians 2:13-16) course at the close of the last Supper, our remains. — Excerpted from The Liturgical Now in Christ Jesus, you that used Lord said: “He that loveth Me, shall be Year, Abbot Gueranger OSB Feastday: October 28 to be so far apart from us have been brought very close, by the the Church of Jerusalem, making him the 30th The sinners maintained they were telling the blood of Christ. For he is the peace St Narcissus bishop of that see. truth by adding additional security into their between us, and has made the two In 195, he and Theophilus, bishop of Cae- claims. If they were not speaking the truth, one into one and broken down the bar- sarea in Palestine, presided together in a coun- wished he might perish by fire, another, that he rier which used to keep them apart, cil of the bishops of Palestine held at Caesarea might be struck with a leprosy, and the third, actually destroying in his own per- regarding the time Easter is celebrated. It was that he might lose his sight. son the hostility caused by the then decreed that the feast of Easter is to be kept Nevertheless, their accusations were found rules and decrees of the Law. This always on a Sunday. to be false and Divine Retribution was called was to create one single New Man in himself out of the two of them Bishop and historian, Eusebius says this par- upon them. and by restoring peace through the ticular Easter miracle can be attributed to Nar- The first was burnt in his house, along with cross, to unite them both in a sin- cissus “One year on Easter-eve the deacons did his whole family, by an accidental fire in the gle Body and reconcile them with not have any oil for the lamps in the church, night. The second was struck with a universal God: in his own person he killed which was necessary at the solemn divine of- leprosy; and the third, terrified by these exam- the hostility. fice on that day. Narcissus ordered those who ples, confessed the conspiracy and slander, and Saturday, October 31 had care of the lamps to bring him some water by the abundance of tears which he continually (Apocalypse 12:1 from the neighbouring wells. This being done, shed for his sins, lost his sight before his death. he pronounced a devout prayer over the water. Soon after, Narcissus decided to leave Je- That we are waiting for is what he Then he bade them pour it into the lamps; which rusalem for a life of solitude. His reasons for promised: the new heavens and new earth, the place where right- they did. The water was immediately converted doing so weren’t clear. Some believed he left eousness will be at home. So then, into oil, to the great surprise of all the faithful.” because he could not bear the shock of the bold my friends, while you are waiting, However, not even the veneration of all good slander, and others believed leaving had always do your best to live lives without Feastday: October 29 men could shelter Narcissus from the malice of been a wish of his. spot or stain so that he will find the wicked. He spent several years undiscovered in his you at peace. Think of our Lord's t. Narcissus was born towards the end of Three persistent sinners, fearing Narcissus’ retreat, where he enjoyed all the happiness and patience as your opportunity to be Sthe first century in AD 99. He was almost severity in the observance of religious disci- advantage which a close conversation with God saved. 80-years-old when he was placed at the head of pline, accused him of an unimaginable crime. can bestow. — catholic.org Evangelisation: The Laity’s Mission in the Church We pray that by the virtue of baptism, the laity, especially women, may participate more in area of responsibility in the Church.

Download the Click To Pray updates now. THE CATHOLIC WEEKLY October 25, 2020 New Vatican coin Priests protest for release depicts ‘mother carrying the earth in her womb’ of 83-year-old imprisoned VATICAN: A new coin minted by the Vatican City State depicts a woman carrying the earth in her Fr Stan Swamy SJ womb. The artist LONDON: Jesuit Priests and lay associ- who designed ates working for the Jesuits in Britain de- the coin, which manded the release of Fr Stan Swamy SJ commemorates from prison at a protest outside the High Earth Day, has Commission of India in central London said the design Oct 21 afternoon. was his response to Fr Stan Swamy is a well-known human the ecological theme rights activist. He was arrested and de- he was commissioned to tained Oct 8 by the National Investigation portray. Agency of India. They accused Fr Swamy The Vatican City State Mint released a new series of having links with terrorist organisations. of coins Oct 16, with themes on migrants, Earth Day, According to the BBC, “He is now the old- the painter Raphael, and the Acts of the Apostles. est person to be accused of terrorism in The 10 euro silver coin marks the 50th anniver- India.” sary of World Earth Day. The front of the coin is the Fr Damian Howard SJ, the Provincial image of a pregnant woman embracing her round of the Jesuits in Britain, attempted to hand belly, which looks like a globe. Stalks of wheat are a letter to the Indian High Commissioner, in her hair. Ms Gaitri Issar Kumar, calling upon the Luigi Oldiani, an Italian sculptor and Catholic Indian government to guarantee Fr Stan Jesuit Priests and their lay associates protest outside the High Commission of India, who designed the coin, said that he wanted to im- Swamy’s well-being and to obtain his re- London. (photo/jesuit.org.uk) Inset: Fr Stan Swamy SJ. agine “the earth as a young, pregnant woman who lease from prison. entirely false charges runs counter to the Worldwide, the Catholic community protects the earth — a young mother.” Fr Howard said: “Fr Swamy is a fellow tradition of tolerance which has character- and social rights activists are calling for Fr The mint’s website says the coin depicts “a mother Jesuit who has given his life to solidarity ised India’s secular democracy. It is uncon- Stan Swamy’s immediate release. Many carrying the earth in her womb, to whom we owe with a group of marginalised people. Now scionable that he should be held in prison protests have already taken place in major care and love as if it were a daughter, with long ears he is the one who is suffering and it is our at this time of grave threat to elderly people cities across India, including Ranchi, in the of wheat in her hair, in a reference between past and duty to stand in solidarity with him.” from coronavirus especially in India. We state of Jharkhand where Fr Swamy has future that becomes timeless, and therefore eternal.” The High Commission refused to meet demand he is released immediately.” spent the last five decades fighting for the The image on the coin has been compared to anyone from the delegation or to accept the The Metropolitan police were present rights of Dalits and Adivasi people. carved wooden figures of a pregnant woman that letter in person. The letter was posted to the throughout the demonstration to ensure it Fr Stan Swamy is currently being held in were on display in churches and at events during the High Commissioner after the protest took was a safe and socially distanced event. custody in Mumbai awaiting trial. Vatican’s 2019 Synod of Bishops on the Amazon. place. Jesuit Missions, the international mis- The protest was approved by Westmin- Those figures, referred to by Pope Francis and oth- Paul Chitnis, Director of Jesuit Missions, sion and development office of the Jesuits ster Council and all participants complied ers as “Pachamama,” were said by some to depict said “Fr Stan Swamy is an 83-year-old in Britain, is encouraging supporters to with current coronavirus regulations in- an Andean fertility goddess, while Vatican spokes- Jesuit priest who has spent his life work- write to their MP urging the Foreign Sec- cluding wearing masks and maintain- men characterized them more vaguely as symbols ing for peace and justice. He is a man of retary to raise Fr Swamy’s imprisonment ing the correct social distance. — By of “life.” prayer and principle. His imprisonment on with the Indian government. Zoe Carruthers, ICN Two such “Pachamama” figures were eventually taken from a church near the Vatican and thrown into the Tiber River, and were later recovered. Oldiani, the artist, said he was commissioned by Polish court declares abortion in cases the mint to design a coin expressing the theme of Earth Day, and the idea of the woman bearing the earth was his own approach to that theme. of foetal abnormalities unconstitutional The image of the young woman “is just something WARSAW: Poland’s constitutional court The court’s verdict will be welcomed by by today’s decision of the Constitutional that came to me,” said Oldiani. ruled that a law permitting abortion for Catholics across Poland who prayed a no- Tribunal – and their families should be The artist said that he was inspired by differ- foetal abnormalities is unconstitutional. vena ahead of the ruling. surrounded with special kindness and real ent messages of Pope Francis on the protection of In the highly anticipated ruling Oct 22, The ruling will also be applauded by the care on the part of the state, society, and the earth and he imagined a “fragile earth” and a the Constitutional Tribunal in Warsaw de- hundreds of thousands of Poles who sup- the Church.” “young, fertile woman.” clared that the law introduced in 1993 was ported a citizen-initiated bill to ban abor- Dunja Mijatović, the Council of Eu- Oldiani noted that he did not want to “make a incompatible with Poland’s constitution. tion in cases of foetal abnormality earlier rope’s Commissioner for Human Rights, woman of a certain ethnicity,” representing a certain The ruling, which cannot be appealed, this year. criticized the ruling, describing it on Twit- continent over another. could lead to a significant reduction in the Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki, presi- ter as “a sad day for women’s rights.” “I wanted to make a universal woman,” he com- number of abortions in the country. dent of the Polish bishops’ conference, ex- The constitutional court was asked to mented. Until now, Polish law had permitted pressed delight at the outcome. examine the law last year by a group of Mauro Olivieri, the head of the Vatican’s numis- abortion only in cases of rape or incest, “With this decision, it was found that the 119 MPs belonging to the ruling Law and matic office, who is responsible for the issuance of risk to the mother’s life, or foetal abnor- concept of ‘life not worth living’ is in sharp Justice Party (PiS), as well the smaller par- the coins, said that the idea behind the 10 euro coin mality. contradiction to the principle of a demo- ties Konfederacja and PSL-Kukiz’15. was “to give a message that care of the earth is lov- Approximately 1,000 legal abortions cratic state ruled by law. The life of every Abortion will continue to remain legal ing like the care of a mother for her child.” take place in Poland each year. The ma- human being from conception to natural in cases of rape or incest and risk to the The theme of the 50th anniversary of World Earth jority are carried out in cases where the death is of equal value to God and should mother’s life. Day “seemed the right choice,” for the coin, he said, unborn child has a severe and irreversible be equally protected by the state,” he said. Oct 22 is the feastday of the Polish Pope given Pope Francis’ many messages on the care for disability or a life-threatening incurable He added: “While rejoicing in this ep- St John Paul II, who led the Church from creation, including his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’. disease. Polish pro-life campaigners de- ochal change of law, let us now remember 1978 to 2005 and galvanised the pro-life “This is the message we wanted to give,” he said. scribe the legal provision as “eugenic.” that children – who are directly affected movement around the world. — CNA —By Hannah Brockhaus, CNA