Society must New voices: ADVOCATES, tackle abuse, SR ROSEANN see says ANN REDDY; danger in WIDDECOMBE. McGRATH. marriage bill. Page 8 Page 11 Page 3

No 5534 YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER’S RE-LAUNCH EDITION Friday September 6 2013 | £1

Appeal for Syria to all Scottish parishioners By Ian Dunn

SCOTTISH Catholics have been asked ‘to pray, to fast and give what they can’ to the suf- fering people of Syria. As Francis called on Wednes- day for ‘a powerful cry for peace’ to ‘go up from every land!’ during the worldwide day of fasting and prayer for peace tomorrow, a letter from Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glas- gow and Emeritus Peter Moran of went out to all ’ Scottish parishes asking Catholics to also send whatever they can afford to help the millions suffering in Syria. MESSAGE TO Tomorrow night the Pope will lead thousands through a special vigil at St Peter’s Square, which millions more will join in special services around the world. That night and the next morning all Scot- His Holiness Pope Francis was pleased tish parishes will hear the appeal from the Scottish bishops ‘to give to learn that The Scottish Catholic what you can to help those in need.’ “You will have seen the terrible Observer is re-launching its weekly events unfolding on the news—peo- service to the country’s Catholics on ple fleeing for their lives in terror,” the bishops write. “Over 100,000 September 6. On this happy occasion, people have already died in Syria he sends his greetings to the editor and and 2 million people are now refugees in the tiny neighbouring staff as they endeavour to play a greater countries of Jordan and Lebanon. Living in crowded refugee camps part in the proclamation of the Good and with local hosts, there is not News in their beloved homeland. Joining enough food, clean water, shelter or medical care to go round and as all Scotland’s Catholics in their efforts to more and more people arrive, things rekindle the Faith and hope at this time, are only getting worse.” The bishops letter says that the the Holy Father commends The Catholic aid agency SCIAF has Scottish Catholic Observer and its staff already sent £75,000 to fund vital work being done by its sister Caritas to the powerful intercession of St Andrew agencies but more aid is desperately needed so they are asking all parishes and St Margaret, and upon all present at to hold a special collection for the aid the occasion he willingly invokes agency’s Syria Emergency Appeal. The two bishops also say Scottish God’s abundant blessings. Catholics must embrace the words of Pope Francis that ‘we cannot CARDINAL TARCISIO BERTONE sleep peacefully while babies are VATICAN SECRETARY OF STATE dying of hunger and the elderly are without medical assistance’ and urge them to ask ‘parishioners to join with their brothers and sisters across Scotland to pray, to fast and to give what we can for those who desper- ately need our help.’ I More on Syria, pages 6-7, 12-13 I http://www.sciaf.org.uk/emer- gencies/syria-emergency- appeal.html I [email protected]

I Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of ’s message, page 9

SCO, 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6BT I tel 0141 221 4956 I fax 0141 221 4546 I e-mail [email protected] 2 WHAT’S ON SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6 2013

PICTURE OF THE WEEK What’s On A weekly guide to upcoming Church events

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6 ary, at Craig Lodge House of I Ordination of Tom Gorman Prayer, Dalmally. to Permanent Diaconate, Marino will share his pow- Motherwell Cathedral, 7pm. erful testimony of how the I Official relaunch of The Lord has changed his life after Scottish Catholic Observer, undergoing a profound mysti- 6pm, Eyre Hall, Glasgow cal experience during a terri- Archdiocesan offices, with fying kidnapping ordeal. Archbishop Philip Tartaglia. Since then he has dedicated his life to spreading God’s SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 7 message of love and mercy. I Scottish Clergy Against For more information, visit Nuclear Arms Summer Wit- www.craiglodge.org. ness for Peace, gates of Faslane Nuclear Base, 12 SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 14 noon. I National event of ecumeni- There will be a short act of cal celebration of the Year of worship with singing, prayers Faith, St Mary’s Cathedral, for peace, followed by a pic- Aberdeen. There was delight at St Mary’s Church in Portree as Anne Morrison was awarded with a Papal Bene Merenti nic. Bring food to share. Tea, I Vatican astronomer Br Guy medal. Mrs Morrison of Uig was awarded the Bene Merenti medal, the highest award given to a member of the coffee and juice will be pro- Consolmagno SJ talks at Lau- non-clergy from the Vatican, in recognition of her outstanding service to her local parish church and community. vided. Speakers include Rev riston Jesuit Centre, Edin- The presentation was made on behalf of Pope Francis by Bishop Toal of Argyll and the Isles Diocese Sally Fulton (Church of Scot- burgh, at 7.30pm. Visit land) and Bishop Joseph Toal http://www.lauriston.org.uk/ (right). I The Fatima Devotion Team Short statements against Scotland is inviting all inter- nuclear weapons from a range ested parties to join them in of churches will be read out. praying for peace at St Music by the Wild Goose Joseph’s, Cardonald, the Welcome to your improved Resource Group. home of the Mill Hill mission- I Night Fever, evening of aries, between the hours of Adoration, music and prayer, 12noon and 4pm. 7.30pm, St Aloysius Church, The Fatima team’s day of Garnethill, Glasgow. prayer follows Pope Francis’ SCO: Here is what’s new... announcement that Saturday SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 8 September 7 would be a I FRIDAY SEPTEMB RIDAY SEPTEMBER 6 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER Scotland’s national pilgrim- worldwide day of fasting and CAL NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC age in honour of St John prayer for peace in Syria on Welcome to your relaunch edition of The Scot- w pupil1 at Oxford summer school f prayer2 and fasting for Syria Ho Ogilvie. Mass 3pm, Rosary September 7. POPE om St Aidan’s tish Catholic Observer. We hope you enjoy the w had her excel- named cs recognised Archbi ed to attend an Procession 5.30pm, Carfin The prayer service will be hool for girls at as his n t month. State, a upil at St Aidan’s, e UK’s most tal- describ athematicians for ‘prime Grotto. led by Fr Joseph McAuley fresh look and new content you will now find mme, which took 3. “It is w ttish girl chosen to place my mme, was invited to e ice to the and peace plants will be KMT) due to her and to Po ganisation’s annual follow-on rounds. bishop Pa WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 11 inthe SCO editions, starting this week. dance at the summer statement blessed during the event. e positively of the desire to k down in Oxford,” affectiona Holy Fath I I pending Mass of the Anointing of Notre Dame College university unmerited especially Lauren Muir (far left), an S4 pupil at St Aidan’s me, and to Please send your feedback to Relaunch, SCO, school for girls.’ High School,Wishaw, attended Oxford’s inaugural rch. I feel Ms Greenalgh highlighted that the focus summer school for girls. She is seen here with once again d a lot, but of the summer school—which is supported other students taking part in the course a challenge. complete a the Sick and Elderly, 10am, St reunion. To celebrate 40th by Oxford’s Balliol, Christ Church and with him a Somerville colleges—was on ‘enrichment.’ n Muir “Students are introduced to a number of schools is to deepen the students’ under- ance for th mathematical topics that they probably standing of mathematics and strengthen God, the go 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow, G2 6BT, or send an will not have met before, and the pro- their commitment to it. We hope to Centenary gramme allows important mathematical Aloysius’Church, Garnethill, anniversary of graduating as njoyed the experience achieve this both through the intellectual Church, an skills such as problem solving and proof ng time in the univer- content of these activities, and by enabling to be developed,” she said. students to get to know other students By Martin Dunlop peace of hu ially Christ Church. I “There are many opportunities for the lot, but it was also a with the same interest in mathematics as For the la students to work together and with mem- themselves. PARISHIONERS past and presen bers of staff. There is also time for relax- bishop Parol Glasgow. teachers from Turnbull Col- lgh, UKMT director, “Previous participants at UKMT sum- Anthony’s Church in Polmont up military intervention by foreign ation with evening events such as a boat ren on ‘her fabulous” mer schools have gone on to study math- evening of celebration last Friday Men search for survivors amid the rubble of collapsed as the Apost trip and a mathematical mélange, in which simply widen the war and increase the e-mail marked relaunch to [email protected] e UKMT maths chal- ematics at the highest level.” 100th anniversary. buildings at a site hit by what activists say was a car Venezuela, w students can display their musical, dra- Bishop Stephen Robson joined Mg erybody at the trust was Caritas Secretary General Michel Roy matic or even juggling ability! I [email protected] parish priest, and clergy from across bomb in Raqqa, Syria. Dialogue and negotiations are tussled with she was one of 40 stu- “The long-term aim of the summer last decade bears witness to the tragic lege in 1973, a Mass, fol- d our first ever summer Archdiocese and beyond to celebrate ‘the only option for putting an end to the conflict and ernment. Prio Faithful of the parish. es of military intervention in Iraq, Addressing those gathered, Bishop violence’ in Syria, Pope Francis and Jordan's King from 2002 to FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 13 100-year history, its connection with S Abdullah II said secretary for Falkirk, from which it is served, and lowed by lunch is being wider Church—can move forward. states, the num “The bishop spoke very well,” Mg he world needs decried calls for American military strikes in the Secreta day’s centenary Mass. “It was a very against Syria in response to the use of chemical and we had a great attendance for the see gestures of role, he often I It was not until 1913 that Polmont b weapons by the Assad regime. mally as the V Schools’pilgrimage for organised at Turnbull Hall, AS CATHOLICS, we know 4). You will also find prayer with Fr William Grant being appointe eace and hear “The US has no international authorisation for first to be built in the contact with th military action, and Americans should not act as mation was built in the village of Rum In the long- chapel school—used as a church on S ords of peace. ‘policemen of democracy,’ he said. “The conse- the week. In 1918, the church in R ment, Pope Fr school, with children in the parish att quences of new milit Motherwell Diocese. Mass Glasgow University Catholic that the Good News is the content (page 14), book i k on hi 11.30am, Carfin Grotto, chaplaincy. For more info, message of Christ that we reviews (page 24), our new Lanarkshire. email: maggiepowell50@hot- have been charged with cartoon (page 9) and much ” mail.com going and telling everyone more. 3 4 FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 13- about. To help with this task The SCO was established in SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 15 The national pilgrimage to your national Catholic 1885 and has been through I Weekend with Marino Carfin, (below) takes place on many changes and improve- Sunday September 8 newspaper uses every means Restrepo, Colombian mission- possible—from your weekly ments since then. Now more print edition, last revamped than ever we need an independ- in 2008 and available in ent Catholic newspaper here in parishes; to our website, Scotland to help redress the which we improved for the balance of how the Church is Papal visit in 2010; to our portrayed in the secular media. work in social media such as Now more than ever the SCO Twitter and Facebook and needs your support in parishes. our cross media presence on Our Universal Church has radio and television. been through many challenges Your new SCO brings you this year, from the resignation new archbishop, Mgr Leo events—in print, online and in more in-depth reporting on of Pope Benedict XVI to the Cushley, whose Episcopal ordi- social media—and in touch local (pages 4-5, pic 1), retirement of Cardinal Keith nation for St Andrews and with your Faith. national, international and Vati- O’Brien here in Scotland. Edinburgh takes place later The SCO team is working can news (ages 7-8, pic 2). It We have also seen the joy of this month. hard to serve the Catholic com- brings you fresh voices from the election of Pope Francis, Times are changing in Scot- munity. The new SCO is here E-mail [email protected] the Catholic community (Sr his triumph at World Youth Day land and globally, and you need for you, and brings you. on this Roseann, page 11, pic 3)) and in Rio, Brazil, this summer, and a Catholic newspaper that can page our. new What’s On sec- the religious life (page 15, pic the announcement of Scotland’s help you stay up-to date-with tion on Church events.

INSIDE YOUR NEW SCO INDEX TO NEWS, OPINION AND FEATURES THIS WEEK EWTN - THE CATHOLIC SATELLITE CHANNEL The perfect Christian present NEWS pages 1-7 LETTERS page 9 INTIMATIONS pages 17-20 Tel: SAS 0141 774 5000 or 07971 514 703 NEWS FEATURE page 8 COMMENT pages 9-11 BISHOPS’ ENGAGEMENTS page 20 LOCAL NEWS pages 2,3,4,5 CENTRE SPREAD pages 12-13 CHILDREN’S LITURGY page 21 for our special offer WORLD NEWS page 6-7 STRONG IN FAITH page 14 SPECIAL OCCASIONS pages 22-23 VATICAN NEWS pages 6-7 SPIRITUAL LIFE page 15 FR RON ROLHEISER page 24 SAS - SCOTLAND’S CATHOLIC SATELLITE COMPANY

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER NEWS 3 Scottish bishops name national Marriage bill threat to freedom of religion safeguarding officer for Church By Ian Dunn By Ian Dunn

THE Faculty of Advocates has warned THE Bishops’ Conference of that the Scottish Government’s same- Scotland has appointed a new sex ‘marriage’ bill threatens the free- national coordinator for safe- dom of religion in Scotland. guarding at a time when the The lawyers’ warning comes in their issue is a priority for the submission to the Holyrood committee Church and society. giving the bill its first reading and echoes Tina Campbell (right) brings concerns in the most recent submission a wealth of experience to the made by the Bishops’ Conference of Scot- role. She is currently head of land. In spite of these concerns, the SNP counselling services at Sandy- legalistion to redefine marriage is to be ford Greater Glasgow and Clyde fast tracked through parliament by First NHS, chairwoman of the British Minister Alex Salmond’s administration. Association for Counselling and In its written submissions on the Equal Psychotherapy Healthcare Divi- Opportunities Committee, the Faculty of rent framework of equality laws there will the sake of a totem of ‘equality,’ which has sion and the chief safeguarding Advocates notes that the Scottish bill does not be an impact on civic bodies which will arisen amongst some campaigners despite officer for Motherwell Diocese. contain provisions equivalent to those in the promote and enforce views on marriage the tiny percentage of same-sex couples Upon announcing Ms Camp- equivalent English and Welsh bill that says a which are contrary to the truth of human who avail themselves of marriage in juris- bell’s appointment on Tuesday, person may not be compelled by any means identity and the nature of sexual unions. dictions where it is available to them. Mgr Hugh Bradley, general sec- to a same-sex ‘marriage’(above right). “Parliament should not proceed to make retary of the Bishops’ Confer- “Religious celebrants who belong to a Religious celebrants such changes against so many strong rec- ence of Scotland, said she was religious or belief body which is in favour who belong to a ommendations to the contrary and an the ideal person for the role. every part of Scotland, we must of same-sex ‘marriage,’ but who have a religious or belief body overwhelming public rejection of the pro- “Together with the bishops, I am continue to ensure that we pro- conscientious objection to same-sex ‘mar- which is in favour of posals in unprecedented numbers during delighted that Tina is able to take vide a safe and secure environ- riage,’ might be open to pressure from same-sex ‘marriage,’ the consultation period.” up the post of national coordina- ment for everyone who their religious or belief body to solemnise but who have a The Scottish Government, however, is tor for safeguarding,” he said. encounters the Church in any such marriages,” the advocates say. “In conscientious objection set to ignore this opposition and has “Her extensive experience and way and to support those who effect, the pressures that have existed for to same-sex ‘marriage,’ instructed the committee examining the proven abilities in this field will have been harmed in the past.” civil registrars might come to be applied bill to hold double sessions starting early be of great value to the Church Ms Campbell also said she to such celebrants.” might be open to in Scotland. expected that her work would “ pressure from their in the day to try and to pass the legislation Their submission also suggests ‘there as quickly as possible. “I wish her every success and mean working closely with laity may be particular implications for persons religious or belief body John Deighan, the Scottish bishops’par- look forward to working with and clergy all over the country. employed in the public sphere, such as to solemnise such liamentary officer, warned that parliamen- her.” “I look forward to working hospital, prison and army chaplains.’ marriages tarians were acting with ‘undue haste.’ Reacting to the appointment, with the Bishops of Scotland, The Advocates’ concerns give extra “It looks like a bandwagon that no-one Ms Campbell said she was our clergy and the many dedi- weight to the fundamental objections of has been minded to take in the right direc- ‘delighted’ to take up her new cated people across the country the Bishops’Conference of Scotland about “In consequence, freedom of expression tion,” Mr Deighan said. “They ought to position, which she will do on who both implement and sup- the consequences of redefining marriage. will be undermined and the career remember that if you make law in haste December 1. port our national safeguarding In their submission on the bill, the bish- prospects of those asked to cooperate in you do not get the best legislation.” “I am determined to ensure policies and procedures in their ops warn that ‘there already are threats to this work will be jeopardised.” Holyrood’s Equal Opportunities Com- that the work carried out by parish communities,” she said. challenge churches in and Wales The Bishops of Scotland conclude by mittee was due to begin consideration of many experts and advisers over “The work of safeguarding is an which will not perform same-sex “mar- saying ‘that legislation for same-sex” ‘mar- the bill on Thursday and, if the bill pro- the past 15 years is developed important ministry in the Church riage” ceremonies.’ riage’ is wrong.’ ceeds smoothly, it could receive Royal and continues into the future,” and I am privileged to be “There is a right not to be compelled to “It will diminish rather than strengthen assent by spring of next year. she said. “Society, quite rightly, appointed to this role.” assert falsehood as truth,” the bishops warn. marriage and it will disadvantage chil- has a heightened awareness of Ms Campbell will succeed “However, due to the structuring of the cur- dren,” they say. “It will divide society for I [email protected] safeguarding matters today. Jackie McCaig, who was in the “As an organisation active in role for eight years. Group wins right to intervene in Catholic adoption society appeal FOLLOW THE SCOTTISH THE fight to save St Mar- iting and same-sex couples. “St Margaret’s remains con- some of Scotland’s most disad- CATHOLIC OBSERVER AT garet’s Children and Family St Margaret’s appealed that fident that the panel will, in due vantaged children.” Care Society suffered a set- decision to Scottish Charities course, act with prudence and The commission’s interven- SCO_NEWS ON TWITTER. back, a spokesman said this Appeal Panel however, the justice and allow the tion means they will be allowed Be first to find out the week, when a group pro- panel decided to accept an society to continue to provide to submit evidence to the appeal latest news. moting homosexual rights intervention from the Commis- its widely-recognised specialist hearing. The appeal is due to be was allowed to intervene in sion for Equality and Human skill in finding homes for heard thi month. its appeal to maintain its Rights. charitable status. A spokesman for St Mar- St Margaret’s in Glasgow is garet’s Children and Family facing a challenge to its exis- Care Society explained the situ- tence following an intervention ation. by the Scottish Charities Regu- “The Scottish Appeal Panel JOE WALSH TOURS Mancunia lator, OSCR. allowed a qualified intervention Earlier this year, OSCR ruled from the Commission for Equal- OFFICIAL TOUR OPERATOR OF GLASGOW, The Pilgrimage Specialists that St Margaret’s policy of hav- ity and Human Rights in the DUNKELD & GALLOWAY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGES TO LOURDES Lourdes Direct Flights on Saturdays from ing children placed preferen- appeal lodged by St Margaret’s Manchester,Manchester, 7 night full packages from tially with a mother and father against the Office of the Scottish PLAN YOUR 2014 GROUP OR PARISH PILGRIMAGE NOW within the stable union of mar- Charity Regulator,” he said. “St £674£674 per person riage, in accordance with the Margaret’s did not consider the LastLast date on our direct flightfl ight 14 - 21 September teaching of the Catholic Church, intervention necessary but has to has a negative impact on cohab- accept the panel’s decision. 8th December - Day trip Pilgrimage to Lourdes GROUPGROUP & PARISHPARISH PILGRIMAGESPILGRIMAGES by Air- £285 » )XOO\ ÀH[LEOH LWLQHUDULHV BoulevardOLIVER & DrumryʼS Taxis 6th - 8th December - 2 nights full board - £309 including fl ights » /RFDOO\ EDVHG RSHUDWLRQV LQ /RXUGHV )DWLPD ,WDO\ 0HGMXJRUMH Drumchapel Staying at the St Georges for the Feast of the 24 Hours Service - Cars for all occasions » Professional co-ordinators and guides Radio Controlled Cars - All Calls Monitored » Incentives for group organisers Holy Land SINGLE PASSENGERS TRAVEL SAFELY » 6SHFLDO FRQGLWLRQV IRU JURXS ERRNLQJV 7 nights departing Manchester from £1199 th Lourdes | Fatima | Medjugorje | Italy | Holy Land | of | Poland Limited space only: 30 September 0141-944 8111 0141-944 7374 Shrines of Europe | Santiago de Compostela | Shrines of Portugal | Ireland 0141-944 8222 0141-944 4079 Pilgrimage & Sun Holidays | School & College Tours

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WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 4 SCHOOLS/LOCAL NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6 2013 Wishaw pupil at Oxford summer school By Martin Dunlop

A YOUNG pupil from St Aidan’s High School in Wishaw had her excel- lence in mathematics recognised when she was invited to attend an inaugural summer school for girls at Oxford University last month. Lauren Muir, an S4 pupil at St Aidan’s, joined around 40 of the UK’s most tal- ented young female mathematicians for the week-long programme, which took place from August 18-23. Lauren, the only Scottish girl chosen to take part in the programme, was invited to attend the school by the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust (UKMT) due to her performance in the organisation’s annual maths challenges and follow-on rounds. Following her attendance at the summer school, Lauren spoke positively of the experience. “I had a great week down in Oxford,” I loved spending time in the university colleges, especially Christ Church. I feel school for girls.’ Lauren Muir (far left), an S4 pupil at St Aidan’s like I learned a lot, but Ms Greenalgh highlighted that the focus High School,Wishaw, attended Oxford’s inaugural it was also a challenge. of the summer school—which is supported summer school for girls. She is seen here with by Oxford’s Balliol, Christ Church and other students taking part in the course Somerville colleges—was on ‘enrichment.’ “ Lauren Muir “Students are introduced to a number of mathematical topics that they probably schools is to deepen the students’ under- will not have met before, and the pro- standing of mathematics and strengthen she said. “I really enjoyed the experience gramme allows important mathematical their commitment to it. We hope to and I loved spending time in the univer- skills such as problem solving and proof achieve this both through the intellectual Centenary Mass sity colleges, especially Christ Church. I to be developed,” she said. content of these activities, and by enabling feel like I learned a lot, but it was also a “There are many opportunities for the students to get to know other students challenge.” students to work together and with mem- with the same interest in mathematics as By Martin Dunlop Rachel Greenhalgh, UKMT director, bers of staff. There is also time for relax- themselves. congratulated Lauren on ‘her fabulous” ation with evening events such as a boat “Previous participants at UKMT sum- PARISHIONERS past and present, young and old, of St performance in the UKMT maths chal- trip and a mathematical mélange, in which mer schools have gone on to study math- Anthony’s Church in Polmont came together for an lenges’ and said everybody at the trust was students can display their musical, dra- ematics at the highest level.” evening of celebration last Friday as the parish marked its ‘really pleased that she was one of 40 stu- matic or even juggling ability! 100th anniversary. dents able to attend our first ever summer “The long-term aim of the summer I [email protected] Bishop Stephen Robson joined Mgr Philip Kerr, St Anthony’s parish priest, and clergy from across St Andrews and Edinburgh Archdiocese and beyond to celebrate the centenary Mass with the Faithful of the parish. Addressing those gathered, Bishop Robson spoke of the parish’s 100-year history, its connection with St ’s Church in Falkirk, from which it is served, and how St Anthony’s—and the wider Church—can move forward. “The bishop spoke very well,” Mgr Kerr said following last Fri- day’s centenary Mass. “It was a very good—prayerful—occasion and we had a great attendance for the celebrations.” It was not until 1913 that Polmont became a parish in its own right, with Fr William Grant being appointed as the first parish priest. The first Catholic church to be built in the Polmont area after the Refor- mation was built in the village of Rumford in 1898. It was built as a chapel school—used as a church on Sundays and as a school during the week. In 1918, the church in Rumford ceased to be a chapel school, with children in the parish attending St Francis Xavier’s Pri- mary School in Falkirk. Following the building of the church in Polmont, it was served by priests from Falkirk, who often arrived on Sundays on horseback.

PIC: TOM EADIE I Fr Michael Brown, parish CLERGY CHANGES priest of St Gerard’s, Bellshill to Bothwell primary’s 40th marked at St Bride’s Church be parish priest of St Brendan’s, BISHOP Joseph Toal, Apostolic Motherwell: replacing Fr King. FORTY years of Catholic Bishop Joseph Toal, adminis- teacher, was delighted to wel- of a great year for the school.’ administrator of Motherwell Dio- I Fr Brown will also become education at St Bride’s Pri- trator of Motherwell Diocese, come many guests to the Mass, The present St Bride’s Church cese announced the following chaplain to Wishaw General mary School, Bothwell, were was present for the celebration including Eileen Logan, Provost building, like the local school, appointments, which are effec- Hospital, effective from October recently marked at a special alongside Fr Thomas Doyle, St of South Lanarkshire Council, opened for the Catholic commu- tive from September 11, 2013. 11, 2013. Mass at the local church, Bride’s parish priest and clergy and a number of representatives nity of Bothwell 40 years ago. I Fr G Chromy, parish priest of I Fr Kevin McGoldrick, parish which is also celebrating its from Motherwell Diocese. from the local authority. “It was a The foundation of the parish St Patrick’s, Craigneuk to be priest of , Bellshill ruby anniversary. Denise Pacitti, St Bride’s head- fabulous day and we had a great dates back to 1910, and the St parish priest of St Leonard’s, to be, in addition, administrator turnout,” Mrs Pacitti said. “We Bride’s parishioners enjoyed a East Kilbride. of St Gerard’s, Bellshill. have had a lot of good feedback range of centenary celebrations I Fr K Garwolinski, interim I Fr McGoldrick ceases to be EWTN CATHOLIC TV IS ON SKY EPG 589 since the Mass.” in 2010. administrator of St Luke’s, Moth- chaplian to Taylor High School For those unable to attend the A number of religious orders erwell to be administrator of St after September 11, 2013. Sky Freesat £175 total cost , no monthly charges. Mass, Mrs Pacitti, her staff and in the community have also Patrick’s, Craigneuk and chaplain IMgr Thomas Canon Millar, 200 Free channels including EWTN TV & Radio. pupils hosted a coffee morning recently celebrated anniver- to Cardinal Newman High administrator of Our Lady of Call Sky on 08442411602 for installation. for parents, parishioners and saries, so Fr Doyle and his School. Good Aid Cathedral, Mother- Call EWTN on 020 83502542 or e-mail [email protected] friends of the school community. parishioners were, therefore, I Fr Garwolinski remains well and parish priest of St for free monthly posted programme guide and The headteacher added that more than happy to pass the responsible for the Polish com- Luke’s, Motherwell to visit www.ewtn.co.uk for more info. she hopes the anniversary cele- torch to the school to lead this munity within Motherwell administer St Luke’s, from the brations can mark ‘the beginning year’s celebrations. Diocese. cathedral. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LOCAL NEWS 5 Final Mass at Galloway’s St Conal’s in Kirkconnel BISHOP John Cunningham founded from St John’s, Cumnock, of Galloway was in atten- where the priests and people there dance as the final public made great efforts, in a time of Mass to be celebrated at St struggle and want, to raise the Conal’s Church, Kirkconnel, funds necessary to purchase and took place on Saturday build St Conal’s Chapel. August 31. It was blessed and opened by The small Kirkconnel parish Bishop James McCarthy on June was served from St Teresa’s 26, 1921. Between the years of Church in nearby Dumfries, but 1921 and 1985, a total of 13 res- when Fr Jim Hayes, St Teresa’s ident parish priests served St parish priest, was appointed to the Conal’s, and at one stage the pastoral care of Lockerbie and parish also had a resident assis- Moffat over and above his present tant, Fr Thomas McCann. In duties, it was decided that the cel- 1985, the local mining industry ebration of public Mass was no had begun to decline and as fam- longer a possibility at St Conal’s. ilies moved to follow the work Speaking at last Saturday’s the Catholic population suffered, final Mass, Bishop Cunningham coupled with the number of (below) said that parishioners and priests then available it was not priests, past and present, should possible to provide a resident be ‘proud of all that has been priest at St Conal’s any further. achieved’ over the 93 years since At this stage, the chapel came St Conal’s was founded and under the pastoral care of St asked those present ‘to live still Teresa’s. by the example and goodness we In that time it has been served remember from the many priests by a further three parish priests and good folks who served and and the assistants serving with worshipped here.’ them. On the appointment of Fr Fr Hayes and Deacon Willie Hayes, the community has Hiddleston, along with former formed a house group and will parish priest, Canon Pat McSor- continue to meet regularly to ley joined Bishop Cunningham reflect on the Sunday scripture PICS: PAUL McSHERRY in concelebrating the Mass. and offer intercessory prayer, thus The small St Conal’s commu- continuing to build on the bond nity was greatly supported by that exists in the small commu- parishioners of St Teresa’s and St nity. The Upper Nithsdale Valley Andrew’s in Dumfries who had continues to be served from the joy with Bishop Robson in Polmont made the effort to attend, swelling parish of St Teresa’s and parish- the normally small congregation of ioners requiring information or around 15 people to almost 50. the services of a priest are encour- St Anthony’s originally served a total of 12 villages, which, in the (Left) Bishop Stephen Robson of St Andrew and Edinburgh blesses the con- The mission in Kirkconnel was aged to contact Fr Hayes there. parish’s early years, were thriving mining communities, separated gregation at the cenetenary Mass celebrated to mark the anniversary of St from each other by open land. With the changes in industry, and due Andrew’s in Polmont. (Above) Bishop Robson will clergy and altar servers at the centeneary Mass to housing developments, the villages comprising StAnthony’s parish are now mostly conjoined and it is difficult to know where one ends and the next begins. In 1975, the then Fr Hanlon had replaced the long-serving Fr Although a number of priests served St Anthony’s in its earliest McCann as St Anthony’s parish priest. Sadly, not long after the dia- years, the pattern changed with the arrival of Fr Thomas McCann in mond jubilee celebrations, StAnthony’s parishioners, friends and dig- 1936. Fr McCann spent almost 40 years as parish priest at St nitaries, once again, filled the church as Canon Hanlon’s requiem Mass Anthony’s prior to his death in 1975. Around was celebrated on September 3, 2012. Those this same time, it was becoming increasingly St Anthony’s is an gathered paid tribute to the man who had over- clear that the St Anthony’s building was too seen the construction of the church building in small to accommodate the numbers attending example of one of which they were present that day, and Mass on Sundays. At one stage, five Masses the Church’s great expressed their gratitude for the lasting legacy were being celebrated each weekend at the Pol- strengths… the he had helped to create. mont church. St Anthony’s could only accom- parish community Earlier this year, and in preparation for the modate a maximum of 120 parishioners and so centenary celebrations, SCO columnist Cath it was decided that a new and larger church with its own strongly Doherty fondly recalled the parish in which building was necessary. defined identity. she had grown up. The new church was opened on July 2, 1985 “ “As St Anthony’s reaches its centenary, it by the late Cardinal Gordon Gray of StAndrews typifies that which makes our parishes so &'()*% and Edinburgh. This was the cardinal’s final official engagement prior significant, so essential to the Faith in times where it would seem ('+*, to his retirement as Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh and the to be constantly threatened,” she said. “It is an example of one of last of 40 churches he opened in the archdiocese. the Church’s great strengths… the parish community with its own ()*/% &0* Among the significant events that have taken place in the new church strongly defined identity. May it grow and prosper in the Faith.”           building was the diamond jubilee Mass of CanonThomas Hanlon’sordi-  nation to the priesthood, which was celebrated on March 31, 2012. I [email protected] 5).65)0789: " ; ” 65)07889: " ; :%!'79 " ; /!*'%/.&)*-+2&%/'6<+('!*/%=()*/% I Fr James Grant is appointed #)%!*')!*(-*/&0%!*')/*'(* director of the Diocesan Perma- New leader for Knights of Holy Sepulchre nent Diaconate. *(6&0*#*(!*%',3 I Following his ordination to the KNIGHTS and dames of the ('(&*%+((,3 ('(&*6 Permanent Diaconate, Thomas Scottish lieutenancy of the #)%!*')./>)*%(.!*(-* Gorman is appointed to serve in Equestrian Order of the Holy /&0#'+*!)(*'(. Our Lady of Good Aid Cathedral. Sepulchre of Jerusalem wel- 222222222222222222 comed a new leader during a ()*/%62&0(+ ARCHBISHOP Philip Tartaglia special Mass in Bothwell last %!'/0()*/%./!*% has announced the following fur- Saturday. ('(&*/0!*%=()*/%?.4*% ther clerical changes in Glasgow Archbishop Emeritus Mario Archdiocese: Conti of Glasgow, the new grand -*()!(*-.%*% I Fr Gerry Barnes, currently prior of the Scottish lieutenancy, PIC: TOM EADIE '(*/!-*-%&0*./(+ parish priest of St /St and Bishop Joseph Toal of Argyll ()*/%1*(#'23.(32(. Mark’s, Shettleston is appointed and the Isles led the celebrations at !(./%.'-(2%.2%.-(4.. parish priest of St Benedict’s, St Bride’s Church as Ritchie Greig tenant, Mr Greig will lead more pied West Bank area of Israel. Drumchapel, vacant due to the (right) was installed as the Holy than 100 knights, dames and cler- The new lieutenant paid tribute  death of Fr Sabatino Tedeschi. Sepulchre’s new Lieutenant for ical members of the order from all to Mr Lunny (left) for ‘the guidance      I Fr Mathew Thottathimyalil is Scotland, taking over from Frank over Scotland in their work to sup- that the lieutenancy had received      ! "  appointed administrator of St Lunny, who had been Scottish port Christians in the Holy Land, from him over his time in office.’ #  $!   %    Barnabas/St Mark’s in Lieutenant since 2005. particularly the parish of Our Lady Mr Lunny was invested as a Lieu-   Shettleston. In his office as Scottish Lieu- of Sorrows in Aboud in the occu- tenant of Honour by his successor. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 6 WORLD/VATICAN NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6 2013 Confession boom attributed to the Pope Pope to lead worldwide day CATHOLIC priests in Eng- they attributed to a combination with Church even if sometimes land and Wales have seen of the impact of the new Pope they are not connected with the increasing numbers of people and the continuing impact of Eucharistic Mass community on By Stephen Reilly seeking the Sacrament of Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to the a Sunday,” he said. “But it is not Reconciliation since the elec- UK three years ago. just the young people. I think it POPE Francis has announced he will lead a tion of Pope Francis. Respondents spoke of having is also a new approach to the worldwide day of prayer and fasting tomor- A survey of clergy based in to make special arrangements to Sacrament of Reconciliation, or row for peace in the troubled nation of Syria. cathedrals in England and Wales accommodate extra demand for Confession, which is less of a Last Sunday, the Holy Father abandoned the found that two thirds of those confession this summer. mechanistic process. traditional religious theme of the Angelus in St questioned had noticed an upturn One respondent replied: He also said many Catholics Peter’s Square and instead spoke entirely, and in numbers taking part in Con- “Some people are coming in now approached Confession in a with anguish, about Syria. He condemned all use fession, something many of them saying ‘I don’t know what to say different way from their fore- of chemical weapons and also called for a nego- attributed to the inspirational or do,’ because they haven’t bears. “I think now people come tiated settlement of the civil war in Syria. character of the new Pope. been since they were at school or along less with that mechanistic “My heart is deeply wounded by what is hap- Bishop of Arun- for 30 years, and are asking for shopping list, they will talk pening in Syria and anguished by the dramatic del and Brighton said a more help with the words to say.” about issues which they want to developments on the horizon,” the Pope said, in informal approach to Confession Bishop Conry, who is respon- bring up,” he said. “It is not just an apparent reference to the US and France con- than in the past had also helped sible for outreach in the Catholic therapy and counselling it is in sidering a military strike to punish the Syrian draw younger people who often Church in England and Wales, the context of their relationship regime for a chemical weapons attack on civilians. use a range of special Confession said it seemed like an important with God and their relationship Pope Francis reiterated previous appeals for mobile phone apps to guide them development. with others. For many people all sides in the civil war to put down their arms through the process in preparation. “We have found significant now it is a much more signifi- and ‘listen to the voice of their conscience and The polling of cathedral deans numbers of young people have cant, meaningful, personal expe- with courage take up the way of negotiations.’ or priests-in-residence found come along to the Sacrament of rience rather than just a weekly With tens of thousands of people in the square that around a third had seen an Reconciliation which is a good ‘I’ve got to go to confession and applauding his words, the Pope delivered his increase in attendance, which sign, it means they are connected think of some sins.’” strongest remarks yet to express his horror at the use of chemical weapons. “With utmost firmness, I condemn the use of chemical weapons,” the Pope said. “I tell you vote on supporting in principle action against Syr- that those terrible images from recent days are ian President Bashar al-Assad’s government by 13 burned into my mind and heart. There is the votes. The US President Barack Obama has also judgement of God, and also the judgment of his- delayed any military action until September 9, tory, upon our actions from which there is no while he seeks approval from Congress. escaping. Catholic organisations and individuals from Usually soft-spoken, Francis raised his voice around the World have followed the Pope’s lead as he declared, ‘war brings on war! Violence in condemning the use of chemical weapons but brings on violence.’ have also called on the international community The deteriorating situation in Syria inspired not to intervene. Pope Francis to set aside September 7 as a day of The Church’s confederation of relief and (Left) Pope Francis hears the con- fasting and prayer for Syria. development agencies, Caritas Internationalis, fession of a young woman during The Holy Father invited Catholics, other World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro. condemned ‘the alleged use of chemical weapons (Above) Bishop Conry of Arundel Christians, those of other faiths and non-believ- in Damascus’and lamented the possibility of for- and Brighton attributes the increase ers who are ‘men of good will’ to join him that eign military intervention. in the uptake of the Sacarament to evening in St Peter’s Square to invoke the ‘gift’ “The use of chemical weapons is a horrific the Holy Father of peace for Syria, the rest of the Middle East crime,” it said in a statement. “Caritas condemns and where there is conflict worldwide. all attacks against civilians. The combatants “The world needs to see gestures of peace and have a duty under international law to protect hear words of hope and of peace,” Pope Francis civilian lives. Caritas says the international com- friends and members of the com- still beautiful to say: ‘I love you,’ said, adding the prayer vigil in the square will munity has an obligation to find an end to the NEWS ROUNDUP munity as well as those from the to say: ‘I’m not afraid of tomor- last from 7pm until midnight. suffering of the Syrian people, and that can only Knights gift of prayer world of arts, entertainment and row because I know you are Last week, the UK Government lost a Commons be achieved through broad dialogue.” for UK armed forces politics. there,’ and to say: ‘I’m not afraid “The hermit and the poet prob- of the years passing, because I THE Knights of St Columba are ably have much in common: the know you’ll be with me.” to gift tens of thousands of prayer need for solitude; the deep down mourns books to the men and women of awareness of things and the self death of cardinal A PHOTO of Pope Francis posing the UK armed forces. discipline to spend hours in obser- with young fans at the Vatican During Mass at the Roman vation,” Fr Kevin Doran, adminis- ZAMBIAN Cardinal Medardo has gone viral on social media. Catholic Garrison Cathedral of St trator of the Donnybrook parish, Mazombwe, retired archbishop Some have suggested it was the Michael and St George on Sep- told the assembled crowd. “The of Lusaka and a longtime first Papal ‘selfie,’ a slang term tember 15, celebrated by Bishop generosity of Seamus is such that campaigner for foreign-debt for a photo taken of oneself with , Ordinary of the he hands his poem over to us and reduction, died last Thursday. a smartphone. Catholic Chaplaincy to our armed allows us to make our own mind He was 81. The informal picture (right) services, 30,000 copies of a new up... The body of Seamus at the In a telegram to the people of was taken on a phone belonging Prayer Book for The Armed heart of our gathering this evening Lusaka Archdiocese, Pope to one of the youngsters, with Forces will be handed over. makes him in a sense the focus of Francis praised the late cardinal’s the camera held at arm’s length. Ron Lynch, Supreme Knight our gathering. But in another sense ‘unfailing commitment to the It was then posted on social of the order, will present the spe- the funeral is all about the family... spread of the Gospel in Africa media. cially commissioned prayer this is the time of mourning.” Mr and his tireless efforts on behalf Around 500 teenagers had book to a serving member of the Heaney is survived by his wife of the poor.’ travelled from Piacenza Diocese Armed Forces. Bearing in mind Marie, and their children. and Bobbio, 50 miles south of the rugged conditions of life in Romanians celebrate Milan, for a pilgrimage, and shared a private audience with the armed services, particularly Year of Faith event prince’s will be a celebration the Holy Father. in combat conditions, the prayer THOUSANDS of Catholics The Pope told the young book has a water resistant cover AN INTERNATIONAL gather- gathered in last Satur- crowd he wanted to meet with and is of a size to fit into a stan- ing of families in to mark day for the Beatification of a them ‘for selfish reasons ... dard shirt pocket. This project the Year of Faith will be a cele- Romanian prince who spent because you have in your heart has taken two years to reach bration and not a protest against decades travelling around the a promise of hope. ‘ fruition and the entire cost of any policy or trend, Archbishop world helping the sick and the “You are bearers of hope,” producing the new prayer book, Vincenzo Paglia, president of poor and died after being tor- the Pope told the pilgrims. “You, some £18,000, was borne by the the Pontifical Council for the tured in a Communist prison. in fact, live in the present, but Knights of St Columba. Family, has said. Thousands of Pope Francis approved the are looking at the future. You are people are expected to attend the Beatification in March of Mgr the protagonists of the future, Hundreds pay final international pilgrimage of fam- Vladimir Ghika who was artisans of the future. Make the respects to Irish poet ilies on October 26-27. declared a martyr for his Chris- future with beauty, with good- HUNDREDS of people gathered “The time has come to set aside tian faith. He spent his life help- ness and truth. Have courage. to attend the funeral of the late conflicts,” Archbishop Paglia ing others and was ordained a Go forward. Make noise.” Nobel poet laureate Seamus said, and ‘hit the streets’ simply priest in in 1923. When the Before the image appeared Heaney at his funeral at the with the joy and happiness of Communists came to power, Mgr on computers around the globe, Church of the Sacred Heart in being part of a loving family. Ghika refused to leave . the teens presented the Pope with the gift of a wooden- Donnybrook, Dublin on Monday. Obviously, the archbishop said, He was arrested in 1952 and con- framed illustration of Jesus The service was packed to building a family and keeping it victed of treason. He died in wearing a crown of thorns. capacity with a mix of family, strong requires sacrifices, ‘but it’s Jilava Communist prison in 1954.

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER WORLD/VATICAN NEWS 7 Holy Father names new Secretary of State of prayer and fasting for Syria POPE Francis on Sunday named 58-year-old Italian Archbishop Pietro Parolin as his new Secretary of State, a role that is often described as the Vatican’s ‘prime minister.’ “It is with trepidation that I place myself in this new serv- ice to the Gospel, to the Church and to Pope Francis,” Arch- bishop Parolin (right) said in a statement. “At this moment I desire to express deep and affectionate gratitude to the “Many observers believe that The Vatican also announced Holy Father, Francis, for the Parolin simply has the right that Pope Francis has also con- unmerited trust he is showing stuff,” he said. “Over the years, firmed Archbishop Giovanni me, and to make known to him the former number three offi- Angleo Becciu as Subsitute for once again my willingness and cial in the Vatican’s diplomatic General Affairs; Archbishop complete availability to work service has come to be seen as Dominique Mamberti, Secre- with him and under his guid- one of the ‘best and brightest’ tary for Relations with States; ance for the greater glory of of his generation of ecclesiasti- Archbishop George Ganswein, God, the good of the Holy cal leaders. Admirers regard Prefect of the Papal Household; Church, and the progress and Parolin as hard-working, well Mgr Peter Wells, Assessor for peace of humanity.” informed, and gifted with the General Affairs; and Mgr For the last four years, Arch- capacity to see issues from Antoine Camilleri, Under-Sec- bishop Parolin has been serving multiple points of view.” retary for Relations with States. as the Apostolic to Venezuela, where he has often “Scaling up military intervention by foreign Men search for survivors amid the rubble of collapsed tussled with its communist gov- powers will simply widen the war and increase the buildings at a site hit by what activists say was a car bomb in Raqqa, Syria. Dialogue and negotiations are ernment. Prior to that he served suffering,” Caritas Secretary General Michel Roy ‘the only option for putting an end to the conflict and from 2002 to 2009 as the under- added. “The last decade bears witness to the tragic violence’ in Syria, Pope Francis and Jordan's King secretary for relations with consequences of military intervention in Iraq, Abdullah II said states, the number three position in the Secretariat of State. In that decried calls for American military strikes role, he often functioned infor- The world needs against Syria in response to the use of chemical mally as the Vatican’s primary St Aloysius’ College weapons by the Assad regime. contact with the outside world. to see gestures of “The US has no international authorisation for In the long-awaited appoint- peace and hear military action, and Americans should not act as ment, Pope Francis has called ‘policemen of democracy,’ he said. “The conse- on him to replace current secre- words of peace. quences of new military action could escalate the tary of state, 78-year-old Cardi- bloodshed in Syria, adding to the suffering of nal Tarcisio Bertone, appointed Centre for Social & innocent civilians. And any countries involved in 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI. Pope Francis in the military action might experience reprisals Cardinal Bertone, a canon “ against their enemies, or terror attacks on their lawyer and theologian by train- Environmental Justice civilians.” ing, has continued to serve Introductory Lecture Series 2013 Afghanistan, and Libya. Caritas believes that the The Syrian government has been fighting Pope Francis since his March only humanitarian solution is a negotiated one.” rebel forces since March 2011. More than 13 election. One of the most senior clerics in the Middle” 100,000 people are estimated to have died in the Archbishop Parolin was East, the Latin-rite Catholic of conflict, and at least 1.7 million have become trained at the Vatican's diplo- Jerusalem, Archbishop Fouad Twal has also refugees. matic school and has extensive experience working with the Br Guy Secretariat of State both in Rome and abroad. 16th Consolmagno SJ He served in Nigeria and Mexico before working in the SEPTEMBER Curator of Meteorites and Vatican Secretary of State from Coordinator Public Relations 2002 and has often been the Vatican Observatory ’s chief negotiator in particularly knotty negotiations. For many years, he led annual Vatican discussions of Church-state issues with Viet- Fr Richard nam’s Communist government. 25th The eventual result was Viet- Leonard SJ nam’s acceptance of a non-resi- SEPTEMBER dent Papal representative to the Director of Australian country. Additionally, the arch- Catholic Media Council bishop has represented the Vati- can at international conferences DQG ¿OP FULWLF on topics such as human traf- ficking and the Israeli-Palestin- ian conflict. “He knows how the Vatican Sr Helen works, and how the Catholic 28th Church works around the Prejean CSJ world,” Greg Burke, Senior OCTOBER Communications Advisor to the Author of Dead Man Walking Vatican Secretary of State, said. DQG FDPSDLJQHU DJDLQVW WKH “Pope Francis will rely on him GHDOWK SHQDOW\ heavily for everything regard- ing international relations but above all he’s a good priest, who shares the same vision of All three lectures take place in why people should work for the St Aloysius’ College Hall, Church: to serve Christ and serve others.” commencing at 7:30pm. In addition to his native Ital- Admission is Free. ian, Archbishop Parolin speaks French, English, and Spanish fluently and veteran reporter on 45 Hill St, Glasgow, G3 6RJ. Tel: 0141 332 3190 VIEW FROM THE VATICAN Vatican affairs, John Allen said Email: [email protected] www.staloysius.org he had long been tipped for a Company Ltd by Guarantee No. SC405951 Registered Charity No. SCO42545 top role in the Curia. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 8 NEWS FEATURE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6 2013 A political life inspired and influenced by the Faith

RICHARD PURDEN speaks to former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe at the Edinburgh Book Festival about her political career and faith

INCE retiring from politics Ann Widde- Blair’s conversion to Catholicism, which was par- combe, a former Conservative MP ticularly high profile. remains in the headlines for her much “I think my great sorrow with him was that he sought-after views, particularly in rela- didn’t do it while he was still in office despite the tion to Catholic life and Faith. fact it was quite obvious he was leaning that way,” Appearances on Have I Got News For You, she said. “It shouldn’t be shaped by Westminster Strictly Come Dancing and a successful career in politics, if it’s something you are going to do; then writingS and broadcasting have all worked towards you do it!” raising her profile as a popular and polarising pub- Theology plays out in Ms Widdecombe’s story lic figure. She was recently in Edinburgh to pro- throughout Strictly Ann and is at the centre of some mote her autobiography Strictly Ann, an arresting heated debates. She discusses a number of sensi- account of her life in politics and beyond. tive cases and refers to a meeting with Lord Long- ford concerning child murderer Myra Hindley in Bigotry relation his campaign to have her released from Although raised in a strong Anglican tradition, she prison. She also discusses why she turned away converted to Catholicism in 1993. from IRA bomber Patrick Magee in the reception On joining the Faith, Ms Widdecombe was area of a TV studio. She makes room for the views asked on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour if she felt of others stating she would ‘wish him no ill’ but at any discomfort joining a religion of ‘Irish navvies the same time she describes how encountering a and Italian waiters.’ While such views would be man who murdered a friend (and others) was lambasted in mainstream media today, the casual always going to be an emotional and complex racism and sense of a foreign religion has not been issue. As the former MP acknowledged Catholic eradicated from society. life and pro-violent Irish politics have had an cor- On joining the Faith she received a number of rosive societal association which often relate to bigoted letters. Intolerance is something Ms Wid- ‘the Troubles’ in the North of Ireland. decombe has also been accused of because of “I always felt that you couldn’t be a Christian steadfast opinion, in some cases shaped by her and a terrorist, I know there was a lot of talk about belief. The former MP suggests there is no sense in Catholic priests being sympathetic to the IRA,” Ms separating her faith from politics. Widdecombe said. “But my view was at the time, “I don’t try to keep them separate,” she said. “I as it is now, is that anyone who is a terrorist has never made a secret of it with my constituents; if renounced the values of the Gospel.” you have a faith it will influence what you do, I think people are wrong when they say ‘faith is a Conversion private matter’ and ‘you shouldn’t talk about it.’ Marriage beliefs many, she is unafraid to view her estimation. It wasn’t easy to close the door on the Anglican Faith influences what you know and in the inter- For Ms Widdecombe there remains some legal “You haven’t got one equal marriage in the law, tradition Ms Widdecombe grew up in but after ests of democracy people should know what influ- inequality around the issue of same-sex ‘marriage’ in case you think that’s what you’ve got, the laws much reflection and for many reasons she con- ences you.” and while it remains a thorny subject that divides of adultery don’t apply to gay marriage, the laws of verted to Catholicism. non-consummation don’t apply, and neither do the “My uncle was a vicar, my brother is a vicar, my laws that apply to consanguinity and affinity,” she nephew is a vicar, I come from very deep Anglican said. “The most startling inequality is the choice roots,” she said. “I didn’t make the switch sooner between a marriage or a form of legal protection in because I was carrying a very large bundle of straw a civil partnership which gives all the rights of around my neck, the final straw was the priest-ing marriage, it’s no different from heterosexual mar- of women. If I hadn’t had these Anglican roots I’d riage (legally). have gone ten years earlier.” “One answer put forward is to give heterosexu- Was were the struggles in that transition? als civil marriage. I think then you might as well “There were various doctrines that were diffi- SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY SUBSCRIPTION OFFER not bother with marriage at all because there is no cult to accept,” she said. “I had doctrinal reserva- difference or uniqueness; if you do redefine mar- tions about purgatory, the sacrificial nature of the riage, it’s impossible not to redefine it again in the Mass, Mary; obviously there were things to be 6 ISSUES FOR ONLY £4.50 future, maybe there will be some pressure for resolved and they were in time.” polygamy. Some might say ‘not in this country,’ We want you to experience the benefits of having but there is a minority for whom it is normal and Pro-life and politics accepted, and they don’t understand why it’s not As a pro-life politician Ms Widdecombe made a The Sco'sh Catholic Observer delivered to your door every week – and here. It might happen sometime in the future, not number of friendships across the frontbenches to show you how good our newspaper is. That is why we are making tomorrow morning but somebody will demand a often due to shared beliefs, she points out that her further redefinition, for instance; one man and pro-life perspective was formed during a time in you this excep&onal offer, which has gone down a storm with readers two women. life when she was agnostic and was further drawn who are keento get anintroduc&onto Scotland’s “Something has been opened up and it would have towards Catholicism as a result of that belief. Her been very much better to keep that door closed.” values have also resulted in a few fall-outs. na&onal Catholic weekly newspaper. “I’ve certainly fallen out with my party since the Abuse issue over Catholic adoption agencies and [same-sex Pope Benedict XVI’s visit undoubtedly strength- adoptive] parents,” she said. “ Cameron and I ened the Church in Britain but the revelation of had diametrically opposed views on this as we’ve controversies since that time concerning clerical had on gay marriage on and various issues of faith or abuse have had a damaging effect, particularly in if you like social order. Mine are partly inspired by Scotland. faith but not just by faith, I’ve certainly fallen out Ms Widdecombe believes the subject has to be with people from time to time but that doesn’t have tackled more robustly in the media. to be about faith it can be about anything. “Previously, the Pope’s visit did a lot towards “David Alton [Lord Alton of Liverpool] is healing, it’s important to understand that this (abuse) someone I was already friendly with, he was one 6 ISSUES FOR ONLY £4.50 is not unique to the Catholic Church. Now that is no of my sponsors when I was received into the excuse, but you have abuse in other churches, the church. I am godmother to his fourth child, a lot Return with cheque to: Scosh Catholic Observer, scout movement, choirs, homes, the BBC; I haven’t of friendships were formed because we fought for noticed people giving up their television licence. In the pro-life issue in the Commons, but you don’t 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6BT or telephone any organisation you will find rotten apples, again become a Catholic and suddenly act completely that’s not in any way to excuse what has happened different in politics, my politics didn’t change. 0141 241 6112 to order and pay by card but I think the Church could do a better on pub- “The fact is Christians in parliament would have lic relations and of defending itself. If the Church very strong disagreements about how you should Name: keeps its dignity and its head above the parapet then achieve things, we weren’t a separate party. For I think it can and will recover. Undoubtedly Ann example take ‘you who have two coats give one to Address: Widdecombe’s conviction; that faith and politics do him who has none,’now a conservative would take mix can be summed up in a verse that has become that as an exhortation to individual responsibility a vital encouragement throughout her life: Corinthi- not exclusively but primarily, a socialist would ans 4:13: ‘We believe and therefore we speak’—that achieve that by confiscating the second coat and sums it up for me, in other words don’t hide your redistributing it through taxation, so you’ve got two light under a bushel.” completely different approaches to arriving at the Email Address: Faith same end, which is; the man with no coat gets one.” Telephone Number: She was happy to be drawn on the importance of I Ann Widdecombe Strictly Ann: The Autobiography politicians discussing their faith, for example Tony is available from Orion Books priced £20 WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LETTERS 9

LETTERS OF THE WEEK I also thank God for the care provided by the NHS IN RESPONSE to SR Marie Tighe’s article regarding the NHS (SCO August 23), I felt compelled to respond. I belong to Woodside Health Centre, Dr Fitzsimons, where they have a same day appointment system, you will be seen by a doctor, not necessarily one of your choice, but definitely one of them. When my blood count was low over three tests I was sent to the haematology deptartment at the Western Infirmary and thereafter straight onto the Beatson Cancer Hospital, under the excellent care of consultants Dr Fitzsimons and Dr P McKay. I had the diagnosis of non hodgkins lymphoma and received treatment. I can say for now, praise God, I am clear. Fourteen weeks ago I slipped at home (socks on a wooden floor!) and had a partial break to my hip. This occured at 5.25am and I was taken to the Royal Infirmary just after 6am. I was operated on and into the ward by 1.00 pm the same day. I received the best of care and have made good progress since. I thank God for the NHS and long may we have it. Elizabeth Queen, GLASGOW Sympathy for Sr Marie but I see need for the spiritual WHILST I sympathise with Sr Marie Tighe after she had a heart attack and then went blind, I feel she is looking at the NHS with a little personal bias. As any Christian will tell you, there is another reality: a spirit world, other than the physical, tangible Mother Joanna’s work was We knew it would not remain there ad universe, but the NHS denies this is the once on display in Glasgow infinitum but we were, it has to be said, case. Also, man is intrinsically open to YOUR article on Mother Joanna Jamieson dismayed on a visit to see a blank wall. The change, but the NHS sees man as being (SCO August 23) was most interesting, chaplain informed us his predecessor had ESTABLISHED IN 1885 constant and fixed. perhaps I could be permitted to share a painted over the mural. Unfortunatley the James Haggerty, story about her? oppourtunity was not presented to view GLASGOW As an undergraduate of Glasgow School their work for the last time before it was of Art, Mother Joanna or Veronica covered, but we all remember it fondly. G SCO reserves the right to edit letters to conform with space or requirements Jamieson as she was known then, along My husband is still in touch with Mother with my husband and five other students, Joanna but never told her about the G This is a page of reader opinion. The views expressed are not necessarily shared by SCO designed a wonderful mural of Glasgow removal of the mural. I think he knew how and St Mungo which adorned a wall in the sad it would make her. A new beginning for the G You must provide your full name, address, Name supplied, and phone number or your letter will not be used university chaplaincy. It took them about a month to complete. HAMILTON SCO in the Year of Faith

“You can please some of the people some of the Archbishop Tartaglia’s relaunch message time, all of the people some of the time, some of the people all of the time, but you can never please all of the people all of the time.” AS The Scottish Catholic Observer re- Pope Francis [often bases] launches it is a time to look back at the Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, great service the title has given to the his talks on three key serving from March 4, 1861 Catholic community in Scotland since words. I wish to suggest its launch in Glasgow back in the mid- three words that I think can N THIS relaunch edition of Scotland’s national independent 1880s. But it is also a time to look for- help The Scottish Catholic Catholic newspaper in the Year of Faith it seems fitting to ward, and the question arises as to the begin with a historic political quote and end with a current proper role of the Catholic press. Observer move forward— religious one. After all, we live in an information age, and in a There are probably as many definitions of engagement, encourage- society where Faith and politics are so often seen to be at that function as there are readers of the ment and evangelisation. odds with each other—domestically over marriage and adoption, newspaper. But one thing I think we can all “ for example, and internationally in crises such as Syria. agree on, is the need for a national Scottish IToday marks a new beginning in the 128-year history of the SCO Catholic forum for the dissemination of that is to be commended, for in today’s Church’s basic raison d’etre, and that is to serving the broad Catholic community in Scotland with the help of the news and opinion, information and inspira- environment news is made and shared first evangelise. Ultimately that means to bring laity, parishes, priests, the religious life, bishops and the Church. tion. not via a printing press but via a click on a people to a personal encounter with Jesus Today it is vital that Catholic voices have a national platform and In recent months I have noticed a novel smartphone. Christ— a life-changing encounter. are heard, therefore the SCO now aims to include an even wider technique of Pope Francis which involves Encouragement is a key task for Scot- The SCO can assist in that work through range of informed voices on key issues. basing his talks and messages on three key land’s Catholic paper. There can be few articles and content which prompt prayer The SCO also aims to select and present the local, national, inter- words. Using that model, I wish to suggest times when the faithful Catholics of Scot- and reflection, nourished by the Bible” and national and Vatican news in a fair and accurate way while includ- three words that I think can help The Scot- land have needed more encouragement than supported by the wisdom of the and ing a host of features tailored to the Catholic community. tish Catholic Observer move forward. now when they feel let down, confused, the teaching of the Church. This is your national Catholic newspaper and today ‘the Holy Those words are engagement, encourage- attacked, undermined and so many other The challenge is one that we all share. Father is joining all Scotland’s Catholics in their efforts to rekindle ment and evangelisation. conflicting emotions at the present time. Each Catholic is called to engage with oth- the faith and hope at this time.’ (Full message on page 1) Engagement is key as all who have And, so I welcome the idea of having the ers, to encourage people along the paths of As our Church prepares for a day of prayer and fasting tomorrow worked in the media know that if an audi- voices who most often represent the Church truth and virtue and to evangelise our envi- for Syria, and the installation of Archbishop-elect Leo Cushley on ence is not engaged they will not buy or in its dealings with the world write for the ronment as best we can. September 21, these seem like the proper words to end on. support the product. In recent years staff at paper as monthly columnists, able to offer The SCO can assist in that mission and in the SCO have worked hard at developing an inside view on the issues of the day and doing so continue to play that key role in the the look of the paper and I commend them offer a word of encouragement to all who life of Scottish Catholics it has played for “Jesus teaches us another way: Go out. Go out for that and ask that they never cease the may be coming to the paper for strength and the last 128 years. and share your testimony, go out and interact work of finding new ways of engaging with support in defending the Church in social with your brothers, go out and share, go out and readers and with the wider Catholic commu- and professional environments. I Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow nity. In recent years that engagement has And finally, evangelisation. For a paper to is president of the Bishops’ Conference of ask. Become the Word in body as well as spirit.” moved into the realm of social media and be truly Catholic it should share the Scotland Pope Francis 2013

WRITE TO LETTERS, SCO, 19 WATERLOO STREET, GLASGOW G2 6BT [email protected] 10 COMMENT SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6 2013 Radical approach to recruiting priests Is it time to reassess our techniques to help to bolster the numbers of clergy in our Church?

After all, Pope Emeritus Benedict decided that being Pope wasn’t for life. He, however, remains a priest. We seriously need young men to come forward and they may prefer to come on their terms.

hen there is the controversial issue of married priests. It makes no logical sense at all thatT a married Anglican priest can transfer to our Church with his wife and family intact, when we continue to insist on celibate Catholic clergy. BY HUGH DOUGHERTY Celibacy is not the answer to all our problems, and, as the Church of Scot- land well knows, having a married UR Church does not ministry does not necessarily attract have enough priests. We recruits. have too few vocations, Marriage for a priest would only an ageing clergy, and work for him as marriage does for a challengeing news to face. layperson, married for love to a com- Current initiatives to encourage men to patible person, faithful within and take up priesthood, however sincere, chaste outwith marriage, and with the mayO now need a boost to do the trick. realisation that a clerical marriage The Church is struggling in its more brings its own challenges and family remote reaches, where rural parishes strains, as married ministers know are increasingly being merged, shar- only too well. It is not a panacea, but ing a priest, if they’re lucky, and, if it could be a choice. not, being closed. And, let’s get our clergy out of the Take a look at Galloway Diocese, offices and into the parishes.The which is undertaking a radical review them in their work, could certainly be a parishes. It’s secure, and people-cen- A side of clerical life not often seen: remaining admin posts could be of its parishes and manpower. This start to turning the tide of public opinion tred too. Sounds ideal. US seminarians celebrate after winning replaced by qualified lay people, or the Clericus Cup football tournament in will see further mergers and more and for vocations. What’s missing is the sort of detail Rome in May else, as with other large organisations, priests, most middle-aged or older, that young people need nowadays. No outsourced under contracts to gain dashing round churches on a Sunday, t seems we need a new approach one seems to know if clerical students decks for the spiritual matters that best value. Why not tap the skills of saying Masses at locations separated to a very old problem which risks pay fees, if their training’s all-found, should lie at the very heart of professional recruiters to attract more by perhaps 30-mile distances, a real leaving the laity, the backbone of or, if, like most students today, they priestly life. priests and an organised and paid for challenge to stamina, especially in the Ithe Church, without sufficient num- have to take on debt. And nobody is Perhaps it seems too radical and public relations campaign, with all the dark, winter months. bers of committed, supported, valued upfront about explaining if a car is impractical (given the long seminary classic techniques, including billboard All this puts an even greater strain and contented priests to serve them. In provided, if accommodation is paid training) to consider offering short-term advertising and every digital trick in on an already hard-pushed priesthood, a time of high unemployment, the for, or what the holiday entitlement contracts of five or 10 years to priests, the book? whose public standing, public image, Church has a greater opportunity to is—the sort of basic information with an option for renewal, just like the We need more priests. We need personal and collective morale have attract recruits to what is a challeng- young people get on other careers. armed forces, to those who are daunted recruits now. The news of more pairs been damaged by the way in which the ing career for life. Giving all of that, and presenting a by the idea of committing for life. Yet of hands on the way would also be an Church, here, and, worldwide, has Too little is made of the variety priestly vocation to young people as a very few young people can foresee a enormous boost to our existing, hard- handled scandals. A public relations within priesthood, which offers every- career, doesn’t demean priesthood. It career outwith the priesthood, which pressed priests. The Church can take campaign highlighting what the major- thing from school, hospital, forces and simply gets the basics and very human lasts for life today in a world in which action to help. Priests need good ity of good priests do, and supporting prison chaplaincy work to being in stuff out of the way and clears the job changes are the norm. news, too.

The views expressed in the opinion What do you think of HUGH DOUGHERTY’S comments on VOCATIONS? Send your points of pages of the SCO are those of view to the SCO. Write to Letters, SCO, 19 Waterloo St, Glasgow G2 6BT Or e-mail [email protected] informed individuals and groups and not necessarily those of the newspaper or the Church Use your uniqueness and focus on being faithful to the Gospel

THE most expensive football by him. He was not just a poet, he land’ are filtered into any conver- impacted significantly on the way very different and in some ways, player on the planet—Gareth was a scholar. I am sure in his life- sation they come with a degree of that He could lead His life. If the polar opposite lives, are charac- Bale—just joined Real time he never earned what a suc- negativity and unsavoury bag- ordinary people loved Jesus, those terised by dedication, commitment Madrid for £85 million. On Fr Eddie cessful footballer may earn in a gage. He was able always to get in power were innately suspicious and the desire to improve. top of the transfer fee it is year or two, he was never in the people to stand beyond the limita- of Him. Predictability was good. The world of discipleship that alleged that Mr Bale will be McGhee superstar earning bracket. What tions and see the possibilities. Safety first in all things is what Jesus speaks about is no different. receiving £300,000 a week. Seamus Heaney earned was This took huge effort and commit- leaders of faith communities and Jesus does not invite all of us to The fans of Real Madrid will Is there a down side in this for respect—priceless. He was a hum- ment on his part both to his pro- governments prefer. When Jesus be the same, to be clones. All of be delirious. The fans of Tot- Gareth Bale? Already an accom- ble man from humble origins. Not fession and to his people. We can speaks about discipleship He is us are unique. It would be a dull tenham Hotspur will probably plished footballer with a high pro- only did he not forget his roots, his only be thankful that he did not speaking both about commitment world if we were all the same. be feeling despondent having file, for him life cannot be the skill lay in being able to describe flinch from the task. His death and cost. Jesus is not suggesting What is required of all of us who lost their prize asset. They same again. He will live his life in them and to bring people there. impoverishes not just the literary that the way of the Gospel is an aspire to be disciples is focus. It is may be comforted a little by the spotlight like never before. He MR Heaney grew up in the world but the simple world of easy way. It requires single- easy to be led astray in the 21st the money in the bank. will be challenged to learn a new North of Ireland during that dis- ordinary people. mindedness. century because there is so much Back in the real world what do language and live in a different turbed time known as ‘The Trou- This week, the Gospel speaks Gareth Bale has not become a on offer that looks enticing and we make of all of this? Numbers culture. He will be exposed to the bles.’ His Catholic background to us about the cost of - success only because of natural interesting. Our uniqueness is are thrown in the air like confetti, microscope of public opinion. His meant that he would always be ship. In the world of Jesus there ability. He is a success because of God’s gift to each one of us. How millions of euros, hundreds of every move, his tiniest flaws will viewed by a certain section of the was no global media interest. At his personal dedication to improv- we use that uniqueness, finely thousands of pounds, and Mr become a matter for public con- community with a degree of sus- the same time it is reported in the ing and developing his skills as a focused, is our contribution to dis- Ordinary shakes his head in disbe- sumption. Most of us see only the picion. He was always able to rise Gospels that such was the fame of professional footballer. Seamus cipleship and to the building of lief. The question remains, ‘is any- pound signs but there is always a above that pettiness and capture Jesus locally, as both healer and Heaney did not fall out of the cra- God’s Kingdom. That sounds one worth that kind of money?’ cost for which money can never the essential simplicity of ordi- teacher, that He found it difficult dle with a pen in his hand. He had easy. If it is really so easy how Given that Real Madrid just paid be a substitute. nary people regardless of their to go about openly. That is bur- to learn to read and write and dis- come so many of us struggle with that sum, they must reckon that he The Irish poet Seamus Heaney background. His words gave densome in itself. Jesus may not cover and then make choices about the faithfulness that the Gospel is. At the same time, it is not diffi- died last week. Reportedly two shape and for to all that is best in have been chased by ‘paparazzi’ his future. He dedicated his life to requires of us? cult to believe that football has lost thirds of all of the poetry bought in the culture of the nation. So often but his fame, the way that He was offering new insights into both the a sense of perspective. the UK in recent years was written when the words ‘Northern Ire- viewed by ordinary people, complex and the ordinary. Two I [email protected] WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER COMMENT 11

began building what he W describes as his act of Faith in IRE 1963 and despite his lack of ‘I believe the Church will emerge D I skills or building materials, is N still working on the project today. Mr Martinez may be operating outside local stronger out of these recent crises’ An SCO diary planning permissions, and many of our notions of sanity, but his remarkable cathedral every afternoon to see her reality of people’s lives in the encounters with people, he is THOUGH Pope Francis’ remains a powerful testament teachers and her new friends. modern world. disarming in the challenges he personable style has to the power of faith. For her, this is not the end of Coming under attack in is setting out for the Church endeared him to many, in his her infancy when she played these ways, it’s natural that we and for the world. own way he has been calling GGGGGGGGGGGGGG and learned and was cared for feel inclined to keep our heads His approach is well caught on Catholics to live their Faith at home by Mum or Gran but down and to leave others to in many of the Tweets which in increasingly challenging HIGH in the Andes, thousands the start of an exciting time of mount a defence, particularly if come from his @Pontifex ways. “In life, there will always of feet above the ocean, an new friends and new learning we feel that we are not well Twitter account. Among my be people who will make you extremely specialist team of in a new context. She is fasci- enough informed to respond. favourites so far are: “Jesus is offers to slow or impede you thieves has been stealing nated by new opportunities to Some may even feel that the more than a friend. He is a on your way. Please, go irreplaceable art from learn and is not threatened by criticism is valid, that the teacher of truth and life who against the current. Be churches in Bolivia and Peru. NEW COLUMNIST the unknown at this stage of Church has never experienced shows us the way that leads to courageous,” the Holy Father In the latest case, the thieves her life. Long may this con- such self-inflicted wounds in happiness” and “Every time told some 500 young people tunneled under the thick walls tinue. BY MICHAEL our lifetime and that the dam- we give in to selfishness and from the northern Italian of the colonial-era Roman Some of us may be more age may be irrecoverable. say ‘No’ to God, we spoil his diocese of Piacenza-Bobbio. Catholic church in the tiny McGRATH inclined to regret the passing of And yet . . . loving plan for us.” All straightforward enough, southern Bolivian town of San important stages in life as I believe that the Church In delivering such messages but he also told them that Miguel de Tomave, emerged opportunities lost or as pre- will emerge stronger out of to the world, Pope Francis is courage could mean saying through the floor and made off HIS is the time of cious experiences which can’t these recent crises. building on the teaching of his no when people ask you to with five 18th-century oil year when it begins be recovered, other than as I am eagerly anticipating the predecessor Pope Benedict ‘have a little alcohol.’ Now in paintings of inestimable value. to dawn on us that dusty memories. At times we appointment of four new Scot- XVI who did so much to Scotland, when alcohol and Bolivian churches have been we have left sum- may even be quite threatened tish bishops who will bring explain why we believe what courage, are mentioned in the robbed 38 times of 447 mer behind and we by change, by any questioning their own talents and energies we believe. The surprising end same sentence, the natural objects since 2009, of highly start gearing up mentally for of the status quo or by new to the significant task of lead- of Benedict’s Pontificate led to reaction is to think of the stylised decorative silverwork, shorter days and colder invitations, opportunities or ing our Church in Faith. the beginning of that of Dutch variety. But with one of canvases, polished gold and weather. (At least this year we T challenges. I hope that the distressing Francis. the highest rates of liver silver altar pieces and were able to enjoy some warm These thoughts seem partic- revelations of recent months As people of Faith, we must disease in the world Scots of gem-encrusted jewelry, said summer weather.) ularly relevant at this time of will cause us all to examine learn from the past as we travel all ages, not just the young, the country’s cultural This is also the end of the significant change for the our words and actions and to on into the future with Christ would do well to find the patrimony chief, Lupe ‘honeymoon’ period in schools Catholic Church in Scotland. measure them against the truth ever present with us—yester- courage to say ‘no.’ Meneses. The priceless when teachers notice that the We seem to be under the cosh, of the Gospel and its portrayal day, today and tomorrow. objects have disappeared into early excitement of new P1 or at the mercy of critics in the of a merciful loving God. GGGGGGGGGGGGGG the private collections of S1 pupils may be beginning to media and elsewhere, chal- I pray that such sincere I Begining this week, Michael McGrath, director of The Scot- hoarders in the US and wane. lenged to defend the Church reflection and subsequent JUST 12 miles outside a Europe, who seem to feel Parents may also begin to and even our faith more gener- actions will lead to the voice of tish Catholic Education Service, begins a rotating SCO column. Madrid, a remarkable surrounding themselves with notice a growing reluctance in ally. the Church being held in high unfinished cathedral reaches beauty will balance the moral their youngsters to rise bright Specific revelations about esteem once again. In coming weeks, Ronnie Con- very, communications director up towards the sky. The ugliness of their souls. and early for school. the actions of some individuals My hopes are supported by impressive Mejorada del Of course in this, as in life, have coalesced into more gen- the words and actions of Pope of Glasgow Archdiocese, Peter Kearney, director of The Scot- Campo’s (below) looks like it GGGGGGGGGGGGGG so much depends on the atti- eral attacks on a Church which Francis who continues to sur- has been skillfully crafted by a tude of individuals. My three- is being perceived by some as prise us with his direct, frank tish Catholic Media Office, and John Deighan, the Scottish team of architectural experts THE Bullingdon Club is well year-old granddaughter Chloe being dysfunctional and a hier- approach to faith. instead, it has been known as the Oxford has just started nursery school archy which is portrayed as In his public addresses and, Bishops’ parliamentary officer, will have their say. single-handedly built by a University Dining Club that and she is desperate to go being out of touch with the it seems, in his personal former Trappist monk who ‘boasts’ of former members had never laid a brick in his such as Mayor of London life. The as yet unfinished Boris Johnston, Chancellor of building has been the Exchequer George painstakingly built piece by Osborne and Prime Minister Being an enthusiastically, lovingly pro-life Catholic piece over 50 years by David Cameron. A recent 86-year-old farmer Justo exposé of the current Gallego Martinez. He had no membership provides a useful WHEN I was asked if I’d their beliefs. In the early days want to be an anti-abortion prior knowledge of guide to who our Lords and like to write a new monthly of the Faith, we were perse- Catholic, I want to be a radically, architecture and no Masters will be two decades column for The Scottish cuted and even martyred for enthusiastically and lovingly pro- experience in the construction hence and surprisingly reveals Catholic Observer, my first Sr Roseann daring to preach the Gospel in life Catholic. industry, but instead has a number of Catholics in the answer was: ‘Thanks, but no all its fullness. This we know Every day I try to reflect upon Reddy spent five decades collecting ranks. Chief among them is thanks. I’m a talker, not a still happens in many places these words of Christ and put junk and discarded building club President Edward writer’ (as may well become NEW COLUMNIST throughout the world. them into practice. I fail often, material in order to build the Edmund George Maximilian obvious!) Here in our country, in our but at least I am trying, and hope- 131-feet tall structure. After Windsor, Lord Downpatrick However, I was persuaded that times, the greatest challenge is to fully practice (along with a mas- working as a farmer and Eton. Once 22nd in line to the it might be a good way to give what that choice involved—the overcome the often deliberate sive dose of grace) will make bullfighter, Mr Martinez—or throne he renounced his claim more people an insight into some taking of an innocent human life misrepresentation of the Church perfect! Don Justo as he is by converting to Catholicism, of the things that I care passion- and the destroying of something and Her teaching, and even more Over the next few months, I known—spent eight years at a which he did in a private ately about in life, and to share very deep and damaging in so prevalent is the sheer indifference hope to help and encourage you Trappist monastery, but left ceremony in Eton College my experiences on the life of a many women—that I changed of so many who are caught up in to take up or renew this challenge after suffering a serious bout chapel. ‘Eddy’ as he is known religious sister and our pro-life my mind. secularism and relativism. There in your own life and in your own of tuberculosis in 1961. to his friends is surely a brave work. So here goes… let’s start And if I can change my mind are no easy answers to the prob- circumstances. Until then, here During his illness, he vowed example of the multicultural at the very beginning… admit it, and heart and go from pro- lems that beset us, in our own are some points to ponder: I that if he survived it he would nation Britain has become, you’ve just had a little Fraulein choice to pro-life, from very personal lives or as a society, but Am I living my life abun- build a chapel and name it where wealth and power are Maria moment and started lukewarm cradle Catholic to there are answers—intelligent, dantly? I after the Mary to whom available to those of any singing! Anyway, I digress. committed religious sister, then coherent and life-giving Do I love and respect all he prayed while he was sick. religion, provided they were I, like every single person anybody can. Conversion is at answers—which are to be found others? True to his vow, Don Justo born into it, of course! reading these words, began my the very heart of our Faith and in the teachings of Jesus Christ I If I were to die today would I life at conception. Now unless conversion is a lifelong business. and His Church, if only we could be happy with the way I have you’re me, my conception is nei- We live in a society where it open our minds and hearts to tried to live my life? ther a very interesting nor a very is easy to get into a defensive them. I Despite my sins, my faults startling fact. But it is a fact and, mentality in which we apolo- In our lives as Sisters of the and weaknesses, have I tried my in my life, the recognition that gise all the time for our Gospel of Life and in all our very best to love? every human life begins at the Catholic beliefs—we don’t pro-life work at the Cardinal I Do I really believe that Jesus moment of conception was to want to rock the boat. We don’t Winning Pro-life Initiative, Christ came so that I could have prove a real turning point and a want to make a ‘big issue about there is one line of Scripture abundant life? real challenge. it’ we just want to be left to get which we have adopted as our As a teenager, I was not pro- on with it. But that’s never own: ‘I have come that they I Sr Roseann Reddy works with life, in fact, I would have going to happen, and it never may have life, and life in abun- the Sisters of the Gospel of Life described myself as pro-choice, should. From the very begin- dance.’ John 10:10. on the Cardinal Winning Pro-Life pro a woman’s right to choose. It nings of our Catholic Faith, For me, John 10:10 sums up Initiative. Visit http://gospeloflife- wasn’t until I came to realise believers have had to suffer for all that I believe. I don’t simply sisters.wordpress.com/

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 12 LIFE MATTERS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER SEPTEMBER 6 2013 SEPTEMBER 6 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LIFE MATTERS 13

Many elderly refugees are eating less food that they need so that younger members of the family could have better meals.

HE tide of human suffering amongst the Pope Francis has condemned the use of chemical through prayer or with the support of their family. Oth- The two faces of the Syrian conflict. (Above left) A soldier millions of refugees fleeing Syria’s weapons, when he announced a worldwide day of ers develop mild or high psychological disorders.” loyal to President Bashar al-Assad is seen during clashes with opposition fighters in Harsta district, near Damascus. bloody civil war is turning into a tsunami. fasting and prayer for peace in Syria this Saturday. Caritas Jordan staff have received training in how (Above) A Syrian boy stands in front of his family’s tent at “Our house was destroyed by bombs,” The Holy Father has called for a negotiated settle- to identify Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and the Zaatri refugee camp in the Jordanian city of Mafraq, Halabia said. “One of our children died ment of the civil war and said: “My heart is deeply severe cases are referred to hospitals if they need near the border with Syria in the attack. Two more are missing after they went wounded by what is happening in Syria… (all sides intensive care. outside. My husband had a series of strokes as a in the civil war should) listen to the voice of their Elderly refugees are also a particular concern. In Tresult. We searched everywhere for the children. But conscience and with courage take up the way of a survey undertaken in Lebanon, 66 per cent of eld- group over the other. It’s the only way to reconcili- our neighbours told us that we must give up. If they negotiations.” HEAR SYRIA’S CRIES erly Syrian refugees describe their health as either ation. (However) At this stage, I think only the were alive, they would have turned up.” bad or very bad. Many elderly refugees are eating world’s powers—Russia, the United States of Amer- Fawaz cradles his new born baby girl in his arms, aritas Internationalis, the global network of less food than they need so that younger members of ica, China and Europe—can broker a solution.’ one of two twins born shortly after fleeing into Jor- 164 Catholic aid agencies, has been helping ROBERT ANGOVE, international programme manager for SCIAF, explains how the charity’s Syrian the family can have better meals, and 87 per cent Until such time as peace returns to the troubled Syr- dan. Fawaz and his wife had been running from to deal with the movement of refugees enter- said they were unable to regularly afford the med- ian nation, and its people are able to return and rebuild hideout to hideout in Syria for six months after they ingC Jordan and the Lebanon, as well as helping dis- Refugee Emergency Appeal is working tirelessly to bring relief to those fleeing the conflict in Syria ication they need. their lives, SCIAF and its partners will continue to witnessed the massacre of 40 relatives in Hama. All placed people in need within Syria. SCIAF has been work tirelessly to help those in need. The emergency the members of his aunt’s family were killed. “They supporting refugees in Jordan and vulnerable Jorda- CIAF’s Syrian Refugee Emergency Appeal aid that SCIAF is providing is making a huge differ- were caught in the crossfire,” he said. His village is nians who are helping to host new arrivals with electricity are also under pressure. The country’s health systems are straining to cope Both the needs of Syrian refugees, living in tran- ing with the terrible things they have seen or are has received more than £90,000 in donations ence. As Rosan Kurdi, a refugee staying in Amman now a ghost town, its 7000 residents all gone. “In emergency aid including food, water, shelter, soap, The cost of living within Jordan’s urban areas and with the increased demand. With increasing num- sit centres, camps or in host communities, as well as constantly worried about family members who from its supporters across Scotland. This has with her only child, recently said: “I have received Syria, there is only death now,” Fawaz said. blankets, heaters and medical care. lack of opportunities to work and earn money has bers of people entering Jordan with war-related the needs of host communities have dramatically remain in Syria. Depression, anxiety, insomnia, neu- Shelped to make a substantial contribution to the many things—vouchers for the clothes and shoes you Current estimates put the death toll of the Syrian Up to June this year, more than 146,800 Syrian exhausted the savings of most Syrian refugees. injuries, long waits for basic medical care are now risen over recent months. rosis and stress are common. work of helping Syrian refugees in Jordan but the see my child wearing, medicine for him, and food and civil war, which started in March 201, at more than people have been registered by Caritas Jordan and Moreover, Jordanians have inevitably started to standard, threatening the well-being of Syrians and To better help the Jordanian host community In a Caritas survey of 950 Syrian men and women scale of the problem and the ongoing needs of exist- blankets. Without Caritas, I’m isolated. My only 100,000. The United Nations puts the number of received help in Mafraq, Irbid, Zarqa, Amman and voice their dissatisfaction over the presence of so Jordanians alike. Private health care, while better in cope, the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund refugees aged between 18 and 60 in Jordan, one in ing and new refugees who continue to flood across dream is that the boy will return one day to Syria.” innocent people displaced by the conflict at three Madaba. With the flow of refugees increasing on a many Syrians. Some work illegally to earn a living, quality, is expensive and families often must choose (SCIAF) and Caritas Jordan have targeted highly five people were in need of some form of psycho- the borders means that much more aid is needed. Over the coming days, weeks, and possibly million, with an estimated 2 million finding them- daily basis many more people will have been accepting lower wages, like their Iraqi counterparts, between paying rent, buying food or seeking med- vulnerable Syrian refugee families living outside the logical therapy. Ultimately, only a political solution can bring months, please keep the people of Syria in your selves homeless, in refugee camps, or cramped and assisted to date. while unemployment, and especially youth unem- ical attention. Communicable diseases such as tuber- refugee camps, particularly those who are unable to “Nobody can get on with their normal lives if they hope to those whose lives have been torn apart by prayers and donate to SCIAF’s emergency appeal if expensive housing in Jordan and Lebanon. The massive presence of Syrian refugees in vil- ployment, is a growing challenge in the country. culosis and HIV and AIDS are rising, increasing the afford to pay for accommodation and healthcare. are mentally ill,” Caritas Jordan psychologist Lana this vicious war. Bishop Antoine Audo, the president at all possible. Your ongoing help with this vital In Jordan alone, where SCIAF is working with its lages and cities of Jordan has put huge pressure on There is speculation that the large number of Syrians public health threat. The country’s Minister of Trauma counselling and help for new arrivals with Snobar said. “The refugees need to be able to talk of Caritas Syria, echoed this message in a recent work is deeply appreciated. partner, Caritas Jordan, to provide emergency aid, already over-burdened public services, which are present in Jordan is likely to exacerbate tensions as Health in Jordan has emphasised the importance of psychological problems who have witnessed atroc- about their experiences. They need to express their media interview. According to Bishop Audo the way around 560,000 refugees have entered this small also needed by Iraqi refugees, who are still present poverty and unemployment rates increase among receiving assistance in securing highly needed med- ities and bloody violence is an increasingly impor- fears. We try and get them to do activities that they forward has ‘got to be dialogue, a political solution. I To make a donation to SCIAF’s Syrian Refugee country which has a population only slightly bigger in Jordan as they wait for resettlement or to return to Jordanians, who also have to share their limited ications and inoculations so that it can cope with the tant aspect of the Church’s response. While much of find relaxing like sport or socialising. Some people The two sides have to sit down together and to Emergency Appeal visit www.sciaf.org.uk or call than Scotland. their country. Basic resources such as water and resources with refugees. increasing number of refugees pouring into Jordan. the refugees’ suffering is visible, many are also deal- who don’t get treatment can resolve their issues choose peace in Syria, not just the domination of one 0141 354 5555 WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 12 LIFE MATTERS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER SEPTEMBER 6 2013 SEPTEMBER 6 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LIFE MATTERS 13

Many elderly refugees are eating less food that they need so that younger members of the family could have better meals.

HE tide of human suffering amongst the Pope Francis has condemned the use of chemical through prayer or with the support of their family. Oth- The two faces of the Syrian conflict. (Above left) A soldier millions of refugees fleeing Syria’s weapons, when he announced a worldwide day of ers develop mild or high psychological disorders.” loyal to President Bashar al-Assad is seen during clashes with opposition fighters in Harsta district, near Damascus. bloody civil war is turning into a tsunami. fasting and prayer for peace in Syria this Saturday. Caritas Jordan staff have received training in how (Above) A Syrian boy stands in front of his family’s tent at “Our house was destroyed by bombs,” The Holy Father has called for a negotiated settle- to identify Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and the Zaatri refugee camp in the Jordanian city of Mafraq, Halabia said. “One of our children died ment of the civil war and said: “My heart is deeply severe cases are referred to hospitals if they need near the border with Syria in the attack. Two more are missing after they went wounded by what is happening in Syria… (all sides intensive care. outside. My husband had a series of strokes as a in the civil war should) listen to the voice of their Elderly refugees are also a particular concern. In Tresult. We searched everywhere for the children. But conscience and with courage take up the way of a survey undertaken in Lebanon, 66 per cent of eld- group over the other. It’s the only way to reconcili- our neighbours told us that we must give up. If they negotiations.” HEAR SYRIA’S CRIES erly Syrian refugees describe their health as either ation. (However) At this stage, I think only the were alive, they would have turned up.” bad or very bad. Many elderly refugees are eating world’s powers—Russia, the United States of Amer- Fawaz cradles his new born baby girl in his arms, aritas Internationalis, the global network of less food than they need so that younger members of ica, China and Europe—can broker a solution.’ one of two twins born shortly after fleeing into Jor- 164 Catholic aid agencies, has been helping ROBERT ANGOVE, international programme manager for SCIAF, explains how the charity’s Syrian the family can have better meals, and 87 per cent Until such time as peace returns to the troubled Syr- dan. Fawaz and his wife had been running from to deal with the movement of refugees enter- said they were unable to regularly afford the med- ian nation, and its people are able to return and rebuild hideout to hideout in Syria for six months after they ingC Jordan and the Lebanon, as well as helping dis- Refugee Emergency Appeal is working tirelessly to bring relief to those fleeing the conflict in Syria ication they need. their lives, SCIAF and its partners will continue to witnessed the massacre of 40 relatives in Hama. All placed people in need within Syria. SCIAF has been work tirelessly to help those in need. The emergency the members of his aunt’s family were killed. “They supporting refugees in Jordan and vulnerable Jorda- CIAF’s Syrian Refugee Emergency Appeal aid that SCIAF is providing is making a huge differ- were caught in the crossfire,” he said. His village is nians who are helping to host new arrivals with electricity are also under pressure. The country’s health systems are straining to cope Both the needs of Syrian refugees, living in tran- ing with the terrible things they have seen or are has received more than £90,000 in donations ence. As Rosan Kurdi, a refugee staying in Amman now a ghost town, its 7000 residents all gone. “In emergency aid including food, water, shelter, soap, The cost of living within Jordan’s urban areas and with the increased demand. With increasing num- sit centres, camps or in host communities, as well as constantly worried about family members who from its supporters across Scotland. This has with her only child, recently said: “I have received Syria, there is only death now,” Fawaz said. blankets, heaters and medical care. lack of opportunities to work and earn money has bers of people entering Jordan with war-related the needs of host communities have dramatically remain in Syria. Depression, anxiety, insomnia, neu- Shelped to make a substantial contribution to the many things—vouchers for the clothes and shoes you Current estimates put the death toll of the Syrian Up to June this year, more than 146,800 Syrian exhausted the savings of most Syrian refugees. injuries, long waits for basic medical care are now risen over recent months. rosis and stress are common. work of helping Syrian refugees in Jordan but the see my child wearing, medicine for him, and food and civil war, which started in March 201, at more than people have been registered by Caritas Jordan and Moreover, Jordanians have inevitably started to standard, threatening the well-being of Syrians and To better help the Jordanian host community In a Caritas survey of 950 Syrian men and women scale of the problem and the ongoing needs of exist- blankets. Without Caritas, I’m isolated. My only 100,000. The United Nations puts the number of received help in Mafraq, Irbid, Zarqa, Amman and voice their dissatisfaction over the presence of so Jordanians alike. Private health care, while better in cope, the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund refugees aged between 18 and 60 in Jordan, one in ing and new refugees who continue to flood across dream is that the boy will return one day to Syria.” innocent people displaced by the conflict at three Madaba. With the flow of refugees increasing on a many Syrians. Some work illegally to earn a living, quality, is expensive and families often must choose (SCIAF) and Caritas Jordan have targeted highly five people were in need of some form of psycho- the borders means that much more aid is needed. Over the coming days, weeks, and possibly million, with an estimated 2 million finding them- daily basis many more people will have been accepting lower wages, like their Iraqi counterparts, between paying rent, buying food or seeking med- vulnerable Syrian refugee families living outside the logical therapy. Ultimately, only a political solution can bring months, please keep the people of Syria in your selves homeless, in refugee camps, or cramped and assisted to date. while unemployment, and especially youth unem- ical attention. Communicable diseases such as tuber- refugee camps, particularly those who are unable to “Nobody can get on with their normal lives if they hope to those whose lives have been torn apart by prayers and donate to SCIAF’s emergency appeal if expensive housing in Jordan and Lebanon. The massive presence of Syrian refugees in vil- ployment, is a growing challenge in the country. culosis and HIV and AIDS are rising, increasing the afford to pay for accommodation and healthcare. are mentally ill,” Caritas Jordan psychologist Lana this vicious war. Bishop Antoine Audo, the president at all possible. Your ongoing help with this vital In Jordan alone, where SCIAF is working with its lages and cities of Jordan has put huge pressure on There is speculation that the large number of Syrians public health threat. The country’s Minister of Trauma counselling and help for new arrivals with Snobar said. “The refugees need to be able to talk of Caritas Syria, echoed this message in a recent work is deeply appreciated. partner, Caritas Jordan, to provide emergency aid, already over-burdened public services, which are present in Jordan is likely to exacerbate tensions as Health in Jordan has emphasised the importance of psychological problems who have witnessed atroc- about their experiences. They need to express their media interview. According to Bishop Audo the way around 560,000 refugees have entered this small also needed by Iraqi refugees, who are still present poverty and unemployment rates increase among receiving assistance in securing highly needed med- ities and bloody violence is an increasingly impor- fears. We try and get them to do activities that they forward has ‘got to be dialogue, a political solution. I To make a donation to SCIAF’s Syrian Refugee country which has a population only slightly bigger in Jordan as they wait for resettlement or to return to Jordanians, who also have to share their limited ications and inoculations so that it can cope with the tant aspect of the Church’s response. While much of find relaxing like sport or socialising. Some people The two sides have to sit down together and to Emergency Appeal visit www.sciaf.org.uk or call than Scotland. their country. Basic resources such as water and resources with refugees. increasing number of refugees pouring into Jordan. the refugees’ suffering is visible, many are also deal- who don’t get treatment can resolve their issues choose peace in Syria, not just the domination of one 0141 354 5555 WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 14 STRONG IN FAITH SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6 2013

A weekly discussion chaired by our Catholic strong in faith university chaplaincies

PRAYERS FOR THE WEEK

the food before them. It is a way of reminding themselves that their relationship with God is even more important. It is also a reminder to give thanks for all good things that have come to them. Albert Schweitzer was a missionary doctor. In Africa he set up a hospital and a leper-colony for the very poor. Before sitting down to eat a meal, AlbertSchweitzer was always heard to quote from one of the psalms of the Bible: “We thank the Lord THE comedian, Roy Castle, for He is good and His lov- was a popular entertainer and ing kindness lasts forever.” presented the programme Record-breakers. Let’s pause to express thanks He developed lung cancer, for the good things in our thought to be from passive lives: for people who have smoking. Before his death given us love and friendship, from lung cancer in 1994, he encouragement and support, was asked what had been for our talents and health, the best day of his life. A and for the opportunities committed Christian, he said that come to us, for the with his characteristic smile: beauty that we see and the “My best day is yet to come!” inspiration we receive.

Lord, may the end of my life Albert Schweitzer died in be the best part of my life. September 1965. May my closing acts be my best acts and may the best of my days be the day when I shall meet you. Amen.

Young Catholics must keep up the momentum Always very cheerful, Roy Castle died in September 1994, still fund-raising for of the Year of Faith and World Youth Day 2013 lung cancer research shortly before he died. His Interna- tional Centre for Lung Cancer By Aidan Cook Young Catholics—pictured above at World Youth Day 2013 in Rio, Brazil— should reflect upon the events of both WYD2013 and the Year of Faith with a Research was opened in Liver- view to evangelisation and making the Church stronger pool four years after his death. LATE last month, Pope Francis met with a group of young pilgrims in Rome and, in his closing remarks, told them to go and ‘make noise’—not to keep quiet about their faith but to to be said, and a lot to be heard. proclaim it from the rooftops. With the return of the Strong in Last November, on the feast of St Margaret, we also held a suc- Faith project, we hope to do just that. cessful Strong in Faith conference with speakers such as Bishop worked Almost one year ago, with the beginning of the Year of Faith, we and James MacMillan. This year we hope to do the with the poorest of the poor launched the Strong in Faith project. Our main aim was to get young same, building on last year’s experience. We have some exciting in Calcutta, India. She said Scottish Catholics talking about their Faith, openly discussing their ideas in the works, so watch this space. that ‘being unwanted is the challenges, joys, hopes and beliefs. As the Year of Faith draws to a close, it is time not only to reflect most terrible disease a human We often hear of how young people are turning away from reli- on its events but also to explore how to take it forward, how to keep being can experience.’ gion, and, while it may be true that young practising Catholics are at up the momentum of the Year of Faith and of World Youth Day. The Before she died in Septem- times few and far between, we were sure that the faith and hope of point of the Strong in Faith project, and indeed of the Faith itself, is ber 1997, she wrote this about those few would be an inspiration. I think the quality of the discus- not just to discuss but to make a real change: the lifelong process of dying: “When you die, the sion last year showed that without a doubt. And this was the second our own conversion to God, the evangelisation of culture, and the Lord will not ask you how aim of the project: to bring the vibrant, deep Faith of the younger spreading of the Gospel, so that in all things God might be glorified. much you have done with generation to the wider Church. Upcoming discussion topics include: your life, but how much love But this year we have even greater plans. Or rather, we have the you have put into the doing.” same plans, but more greatly. We want the Strong in Faith Facebook G What was your experience of World Youth Day? ALTHOUGH they know that page to be a hub for young Scottish Catholics, with details of upcom- sleep is very important, some God our Father, may all of ing events, inspiring news and quotes, and of course, discussions. In G Has the Year of Faith made a difference to your life of faith? Christians get up a little ear- life’s experiences lead us to the fast paced world of social media, last year’s fortnightly discus- lier than they need to, so that grow as people who always sions got a little lost in the constant chatter. So this year, you will G What Faith-related plans or hopes do you have for the year they can pray. They see their put love into all that we do. see more frequent discussions on even more topics. ahead? relationship with God to be May we live in such a way As before, a selection of the best online discussion will be repro- even more important than that our attitude and words duced in these redesigned pages of The Scottish Catholic Observer G How should we react to the plight of Christians in Egypt and sleep. and actions reflect to all so that even more Catholics can see the debate. A short column will Syria? Although nourishment people their own value, accompany the discussion to provide further details and insight into from food is very important, dignity and self-worth, Church teaching on the topic. G What penance do you perform on Fridays and why? some Christians delay eating helping people to feel As well as hosting the discussion, we want to give young people for a few seconds so that they wanted and appreciated a more direct voice, and so we will be featuring regular comment I Get on Facebook at www.facebook.com/scostronginfaith and can pray, giving thanks for for who they are. Amen. and opinion pieces from young Catholics in Scotland. There is a lot have your say on these topics and/or share any youth events news.

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER REFLECTION 15 EWTN PROGRAMMES

SUN 8 SEPTEMBER 7.30PM 8AM CATHOLIC ACTION INSIGHT: FOOTPRINTS OF GOD: MARY THE HOLY EUCHARIST WITH MOTHER OF GOD RAYMOND CARDINAL BURKE 11AM 9PM ANGELUS WITH POPE FRANCIS MOTHER TERESA: ALL FOR 1PM JESUS LIVE SUNDAY MASS THURS 12 SEPTEMBER 2.30PM 7.30AM CATHOLICISM EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY WITH 5PM COLLEEN CARROLL CAMPBELL EWTN BOOKMARK 1PM 6PM LIVE DAILY MASS THE WORLD OVER LIVE 8PM 8PM EWTN LIVE THE MIRACLE OF THE 9PM PACOCHA MOTHER TERESA: ALL FOR 10PM JESUS VATICANO FRI 13 SEPTEMBER 11PM 1PM LIVE BENEDICTION LIVE DAILY MASS MON 9 SEPTEMBER 5PM 1PM BEFORE HE WAS POPE: THE LIVE DAILY MASS 8.30PM INTERVIEW NEW SERIES DOOR OF FAITH 7PM 9PM WHO IS POPE FRANCIS? Jesus lies at the heart of MOTHER TERESA: ALL FOR 8PM JESUS LIVE THE WORLD OVER TUES 10 SEPTEMBER 9PM 1PM MY COUNTRY, MY FAITH: A LIVE DAILY MASS CANADIAN PERSPECTIVE spiritual life and prayer 9PM SAT 14 SEPTEMBER MOTHER TERESA: ALL FOR 1PM In the first article of a new series on spirituality, ABBOT MARK CAIRA JESUS LIVE DAILY MASS WED 11 SEPTEMBER 9PM from Nunraw Abbey explains the many benefits of monastic life 1PM CONVERSATION WITH LIVE DAILY MASS CARDINAL DOLAN

he general reader may be for- that of her sister, Mary, and Lazarus her given for wondering what the A SPIRITUAL brother. In a commentary on this feast, St monastic life has to offer them. Bernard tells us that a monastic community LAY READERS’ GUIDE They probably see that there is a REFLECTION can profitably learn from all three of these by Fr John Breslin place for the monastic life in the saints and not just from the ‘contemplative’ Church and that monasteries may even be Mary. In a monastery monks need to work somewhere they may want to go to visit and and they suffer illness, as much as to pray Tperhaps even stay for a few days to unwind and to do other things that are necessary for and recharge their batteries. But monasteries the normal organising of life lived together... SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 8 seem to have no immediate link with ordi- There are many God-given vocations in Wisdom 9:13-18. Response: O lord you nary life in the world. Monks and nuns, after the Church. The only perfect one for us is the all, are people who ‘leave the world’ to fol- one that God calls us to live. Often we find have been our refuge from one generation low their vocation. They live a life that is it difficult to find out what that means for to the next. Philemon 9-10,12-17. Luke totally different from the rest of mankind and ourselves. 12:25-33. they should be left alone to get on with it. Is One way of answering that question, per- it as simple as that? haps, is take a closer look at the makeup of ife in a monastery is different from The Church is, in the main, immersed in society in general. In everyday life people what most would regard as normal. MONDAY ordinary society. Christians are meant to live choose to live in different ways. They take And yet, when you put aside the fact Colossians 1:24-2:3. Response: In God is out their calling from God and to make the different jobs, they make different choices in Lthat monks live mostly within the confines of my safety and glory. Luke 6:6-11. world a better place for their being a part of how and where they live. They choose to the monastery and with a set pattern to their it. It is true that we all don’t always live up marry one person and not another or they life, what they do from day to day is what to our calling, but Christ’s call is not to give may decide to live singly. We who believe most people already do outside the monastery. TUESDAY up. When we do fall down we need to see that God is present in all of our lives know Besides their time for prayer, they work Colossians 2:6-15. Response: How good ourselves as we are, get up after each failure that He actively helps us to decide where our and rest. There is the daily upkeep and clean- and walk more humbly before God. What- greater happiness in life lies. ing of the abbey to be seen to; there are is the Lord to all. Luke 6:12-19. ever befalls us we are called to continue Everyone has a vocation be it to marriage meals to be prepared. Newcomers to the anew following the Gospel through all the or the single life. Within either state of life community need training into the spirit and twists and turns of our lives. That applies to they may feel called to other things as well, understanding of this life they have chosen WEDNESDAY monks and nuns as well as the rest of the like nursing or teaching. The monastic life and to be shown when necessary the practi- Colossians 3:1-11 Response: How good Church and society in its various forms is one such option that cal day to day organising of the community is the Lord to all. Luke 6:20-26. We are all human. We all receive the gift of some feel God is calling them to follow. As life. There are also the physical needs of life in Christ through our Baptism. Monks and in other vocations it needs prayer and those who are unwell and the elderly to be nuns have a great deal in common with the enough time and space to discover if that is taken care of. So, monks may be ‘out of the THURSDAY rest of the Church for they bleed like the rest what God is really asking of them. world’ in one sense but they are very much Colossians 3:12-17. Response: Let of mankind. They get tired and hungry like Being a priest or a religious has often been grounded in the needs and realities of every- everything that lives and breathes give everyone else. And, as with everyone else, described as being a ‘higher,’ or ‘better,’ day life. they have a need to know and love God. It is vocation than others. The natural temptation The early Cistercians, in the 12th century praise to the Lord. Luke 6:27-38. good to remember these basic truths in this was to seek this ‘higher’ vocation, according used their energies and talents to build their time of renewal in the Church as we celebrate to that way of thinking, rather than what it monasteries and set about reclaiming the FRIDAY the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican was that God was offering. uncultivated land around them. Their inge- Council. Pope Francis has also been encour- The understanding of Martha and Mary in nuity was put to good use in all of this. Their Timothy 1:1-2, 12-14. Response: You are aging us in these months after his election to the Gospel gives a good insight into the lives were very much rooted in the world my inheritance, O Lord. Luke 6:39-42. take up the challenge offered us by Christ and question of vocation. We are often told quite that God created. Their minds and hearts to joyfully engage in the life He offers us. clearly that, to quote the Gospel: “Mary had were centred on God. But it was Jesus, the chosen the better part.” That seems to put Word made man, that lay at the heart of their SATURDAY hat is the point then of going to live Martha in her place. But, it is interesting to lives and prayer. That is the lifestyle that has Numbers 21:4-9. Response: Never forget in a monastery when God can be note that in the , on July 29, been handed down to the present day Cister- the deeds of the Lord. Philippians 2:6-11. loved and served in ordinary the feast of St Martha, the Cistercian Order cians. Perhaps we can consider that in some John 3:13-17. everydayW life in the Church and society? (above) celebrates not just Martha but also detail at a future date. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 16 THAT’S LIFE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6 2013 Why we are all a product of our parents THAT’S LIFE looks at the similarities that become apparent between children and their parents as time goes by

pairs from about her person and offer a spirited but, as for the scissors, I have recently begun to love which, if they imitate, will bring peace and case for their retention despite reasoned argument find myself carefully stashing them in the house, true happiness even in the difficult times. by justifiably irate security officers. Distinctly the car and various bags. You never know when No matter how much we love and respect our unchuffed when they were confiscated she never they might come in handy. parents we do not welcome the thought that we are learned from the experience and until her last trip So when I read that 32 is the age at which we becoming them because it is the final sign that we By Mary was making valiant attempts to make it to the realise we have become our parents at least I could are truly adult. As the average age of parenthood is departure lounge ready to snip with abandon console myself that it has taken me a fair few more now just shy of 30 it seems about right that the McGinty should the opportunity present itself. years to cross over to the dark side. The idea of early thirties are a time of reflection. Children do Next time you are waiting, patiently or other- turning into our parents is something we laugh not come with a set of instructions and a little O big revelation, no epiphany, just a wise, to clear security take a gander at the Perspex about when we are young. We recoil in mock hor- introspection fits well as we grapple with the needs moment of realisation occasioned by box of offending sharp items and you can bet that ror when we are told we are like our parents and of the new life in our midst. Seeing ourselves so something as inconsequential and as several pairs of the scissors, at least, belonged to we regale our friends with tales of the uncool closely mirroring our parents is a powerful witness insignificant as a pair of nail scissors. my mother—those and the hatpin. things our parents have said. to the strength of family, an acknowledgement that To my mother her nail scissors were Youngsters might enquire as to the use and we do not exist in isolation; we are a product of as much an essential in the armoury of daily living provenance of the long needle-like article with the he concerns of our parents are alien to us; our parents. as her Rosary beads. But what use to her they were bulbous head. It is not as it appears—a weapon of we have no conception of the responsibility Of course morphing into your mother is an NI was never quite sure. choice. Neither use nor object to today’s girl about and duties that parenthood bestows upon admirable thing to do when you are looking at it All I know is that she was forever losing them, town, there was a time no well-dressed lady would Tthem. Their self-giving and devotion to us is a from the other side of the fence. I encourage my except that is as she approached the security gate leave the house without headwear securely fas- given. The picture of the Holy Family that graces children to be more like me all the time. What’s at the airport where she would produce assorted tened by her hatpin. The hatpin can stay where it is the home is a reminder to them of the model of not to love? Don’t answer that.

CROSSWORD Gordius No 107

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10 11 12 First entry out the hat next 13 14 TUESDAY will be the winner

Send your completed 15 16 17 crossword entries—along with 18 your full name address and daytime phone number—to 19 20 CROSSWORD CONTEST SCO 19 21 22 23 WATERLOO ST GLASGOW G2 6BT

24 25 The winner’s name will be printed next week AN ARTICLE FROM THE SCO ARCHIVES 26 27 The editor’s decision is final .....1910s.....1920s.....1930s.....1940s.....1950s.....1960s..... ACROSS 1 Large drinking vessel (3) LAST WEEK’S 3 Only catch part of what Edward is saying, being SOLUTION unenthusiastic? (11) 8 Regular quadrilateral (6) ACROSS 9 Pass out if one sees Kate rove like this (8) 1 Zip 3 Embarrassed Twenty-two men killed in pit disaster 8 Nature 9 Burgundy ONE hundred years ago in and Fr O’Hanlon, with many the streets to the cemetery 10 That a broom should be so grand! (5) 10 Utter 11 Trots Glasgow witnessed one of other sympathisers, went where they paid their respects 11 Food regimens (5) 13 Field 15 Hostage the worst mining disasters in amongst the friends and rela- to the fallen men. 13 Educate (5) 16 Fog lamp 20 Expel Scottish history and The tives to console them in their After the funerals, the victims 15 Questioned (7) 21 Mound 23 Chart Scottish Catholic Observer grief, but they hung disconso- families suffered greatly at the 16 Wow! Honk out if you have the savoir-faire (4-3) 24 Hail Mary 25 Perish was there to report on the lately about the pit head hoping hands of the Carron Ironworks 20 It's possibly a mark of fate (5) 26 Money for jam 27 Man tragic event and the after- against hope for the safety of and Coilery. The Carron Iron- 21 Chucked (5) math of the horrible accident their dear ones, though many works and Coilery were able to 23 Glint among the jungle amethysts (5) DOWN where 22 men were killed experts had given their opinion prove via lawyers and experts 24 Driver of a rock in damp surroundings (8) 1 Zen Buddhism due to a fire in Pit 15 in Cad- that it was next to impossible that they were not at fault for the 25 Resort in Northern Italy (6) 2 Potatoes 3 Error der, near Bishopbriggs. for any of the imprisoned men fire within Pit 15. This left many 26 Fictitious feline with a cheesy grin? (8,3) 4 Albumen 5 Argot The August accident had a to live through the poisonous families unable to provide for 27 Joke to keep you quiet (3) 6 Senior 7 Day drastic effect on the community after damp caused by their rag- themselves. It is thought that, 12 Soup kitchen as a whole and changed the lives ing fire below. with proper legal advice that the, DOWN 13 Fugue 14 Droll of all those in Cadder. The town The SCO described the victims’ families would have had 1 Mother’s found the cardinal some flowers—with 17 Aquarium 18 Sprayer relied heavily on the Carson scenes of desperation surround- a good chance of gaining com- intentions written thereon (4,7) 19 Fusion 22 Dummy Company, which was the firm ing the people of Cadder during pensation. 2 Horrible way it matured a little, by the sound of it (8) 23 Cream 24 Ham that owned the pit where the the accident, and the sympathy The town felt aggrieved and 3 Group of concubines (5) tragic accident occurred, and of the whole of Glasgow for the the reaction from many of the 4 Servant or male chiropodist? (7) 300 men relied on work at the people of Cadder. When the citizens reflected negatively on 5 Mooted (5) Last week’s winner was: coilery to support their day-to- reporter from the SCO arrived the coilery and ironworks, but 6 Dealer who turns up communist paintings (6) Vincent Carden, Glasgow day lives in the town. he had this to say about the they relied on this heavy indus- 7 Female deer or rabbit (3) The accident occurred in pit incident. “On arrival at the try to survive. Many examples 12 Demonstrate skipping, as seen at the gymkhana (11) number 15—26 men had scene the magnitude of the dis- of this reliance on the company 13 Adjust slightly (5) started working the back-shift aster was only too apparent. can be found in newspapers and 14 Red hair-dye (5) Scottish Catholic Observer: shortly before the fire started. Only 3 of the 26 men in the in official reports brought out 17 Flying like this won’t get you very far! (8) Scotland’s only national Only three men who were mine succeeded in making investigating the accident. Wid- 18 A stiff animal-hair (7) Catholic weekly newspaper working the back shift made it good their escape.” A fourth owers re-married shortly after 19 Perhaps her wit makes one squirm (6) printed by Trinity Mirror, Oldham. out the pit alive. When the man was later found alive. the death of their husbands due 22 Value (5) Registered at the Post Office alarm was raised, the town of Eleven of the 22 men who to the fact that they were 23 Culpability, lack of innocence (5) as a newspaper. Cadder was up in arms and the died were Catholic and funerals unable to support their family. 24 Waterproof coat? Make Mother a hundred (3) two local parish priests rushed took place at St Agnes Church. The town felt the impact of the to the scene to help. Fr Mullen A Total of 50,000 people lined accident for years to come. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CHURCH NOTICES 17 CHURCH&PUBLICNOTICES EXPERTSERVICES

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Novena Mass Times: DalyFamily Business Garage With Over 30 years Doors Experience Weekdays 12.15p.m and 7.30p.m Saturday 12.15p.m and 6.00p.m INSTALLATIONS, REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE OF ALL GARAGE DOORS Friday 7pm - 9.30pm Sunday 12 noon and 7.00p.m Saturday 10am with Mass in the afternoon Weekday evenings conclude with Free estimates & advice 24 Hour Call Out (Teas and coffees provided. Please bring a packed lunch for Saturday) Night Prayer at 9.00p.m For further information contact Prayer Leaflets and Petition Forms are available TEL: 01355 261601 Anne: 07436 114052 OR 0141 328 4120 from the Church or by Post ALL WELCOME G EORGE P. R EILLY Prayer Group FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTION TO OUR Meeting Times Painter and Decorator LADY OF FATIMA (SCOTLAND) invite you to come and Diocese of Motherwell To 3 0 Years of Experience N Healing Ministry, Tent of Divine Mercy Ministry, advertise Free Estimates Meets on the 1st Saturday of Pray for Peace in the month, 07974379811 St Francis Xavier’s Church, Tel: Saturdaythe 14th World September 2013 Carfin, 01698 822215 Saturday 2 – 4.30pm 0141 241 St Josephʼs, Lourdes Avenue, Cardonald, Glasgow Archdiocese of Glasgow N Rhema Prayer Community 6105 Led by Fr Joe McAuley St Mary’s RC Church, “From Rio to the New Evangelisation” 89 Abercromby Street, Calton, Glasgow. G40 2DQ and 12 noon: Soup and Bread Lunch: AGM Wednesday 8.00pm Scotland’s only National Catholic Weekly 1.00pm: Adoration: Rosary: Diocese of Paisley N St Anthony’s at St Aidan’s Reconciliation: Benediction Prayer Group Bring you the Ultimate Catholic Reading Package 4.00pm: Vigil Mass St Aidan’s Hall, Tower Road, Johnstone for as little as £7.50 per month. Peace plants will be blest Tuesdays 7.00pm Direct Debit Only - Saving £66 per year on over-the-counter price. • Magnificat every month • SCO every week ADVERTISINGTERMSAND • Magnificat Advent Companion CONDITIONS • Magnificat Lent Companion Sent by post direct to your home for only £7.50 per month Advertisements submitted must contain complete and saving you time and money. accurate information and comply with requirements of Subscribe online: www.sconews.co.uk/subsdeal all relevant legislation, the British Code of Advertising Simply fill in the direct debit form and send to: Practice, and the Advertising Standards Authority. The Scottish Catholic Observer, 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow, G2 6BT publisher has the right, at its discretion, to refuse, omit, Call: 0141 241 6112 for more information Name: Postcode: suspend, or change the position of advertisements, or Address: require artwork or copy to be amended to comply with Phone: Ultimate Catholic Reading Package any moral or legal obligations. The publisher will not be The Catholic Herald Ltd, Freepost 22527, Herald House, 15 Lamb’s Passage, Bunhill Row, London, EC1B 1EY liable for any loss of revenue to the advertiser incurred as Names of Account Holder(s) a consequence of non-publication or incorrect Bank / Building Society Account No. Branch Sort Code reproduction of an advertisement. Advertisements may Name and full postal address of your Bank or Building Society be cancelled within 14 days of an order being received and To: The Manager Bank or Building Society Originator’s Identification Number 6 8 5 2 7 2 not less than a minimum of 24 hours before deadline for Reference Number (for office use only) entry. Any cancellations outside this period will not affect Instruction to your Bank or Building Society. Please pay the Catholic Herald Ltd Direct Signature(s): the buyer’s liability for payment for the advertisement. Debits from the account detailed in this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this Instruction may remain with The Date: Payment for advertisements must be received within 30 Catholic Herald Ltd. and, if so, details passed electronically to my Bank/Building Society. 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Please also send a copy of the letter to us. 18 FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6 2013 FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

DEATH DOUGLIS GILLIES MacLEOD 11th Anniversary In loving memory of Sarah, 10th Anniversary In loving memory of Patricia dear mother of Jane, Mary, In loving memory of our won- MacINNES Bernadette and James, derful mum, Moira, who died Kate, formerly of Cardonald, Anne, who died on loving grandmother of September 11, 2003, loving Glasgow, died in Sacred September 12, 2002. Jennifer and Michael James, wife of the late John, dearly Heart House, South Uist, on Our Lady of Fatima, pray for who sadly died on loved mum, mum-in-law and August 12, 2013. her. granny. Laid to rest in Eriskay beside Inserted by the family. September 12, 2007. A golden heart stopped beating, her husband, John Peter, on May the winds of heaven Two willing hands are still, August 15. DOUGLIS blow gently, The one who did so much for Dearly loved by her many 11th Anniversary And whisper for you to In loving memory of my hear, us, relatives and friends. CONNELLY LEONARD That we still love and miss Is resting at God’s will. 51st Anniversary dear friend, Patricia Anne, 26th Anniversary. Till memory fades and life In loving memory of my dear who died on September 12, you, In loving memory of my departs, husband, dad, grandad and 2002. Always wishing you were beloved wife, and our You will live forever in our hearts. BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE great-grandad, Frank, who Inserted by lifelong friend here, mother, Jessie, who died on Miss and love you so much. died September 6, 1962, Mary Quinn. Every day we think of you, September 10, 1987. R.I.P. Inserted by your loving MacDONALD aged 40 years. We miss you more and Deep in our hearts your daughter Jean, son Seamus Treasured memories of Ian, My thoughts are on you GALBRAITH more, memory is kept, and grandchildren Megan, a wonderful husband, dad, always, 5th Anniversary of my dear Just wishing we could see To love, to cherish, and grandad and father-in-law, Michael and Alice. Your place no one can fill, wife, Morag Galbraith, who you, never forget. who died on March 5, 2012, In life I truly loved you, died September 8, 2008. Come walking through the St Martin and St Pio, pray for and whose birthday occurs In death I love you still, A bouquet of beautiful door. her. McMAHON on September 8. 20th Anniversary I know you walk beside me, memories Love and miss you so much Inserted by her loving Those we love don’t go In loving memory of our dear And when my life is through, Spread with a million tears mum. husband Pat and sons Neil away, father, grandad and great- I pray that God will take my Wishing God could have From all your loving family. and Mitchel, Airdrie. They walk beside us every grandad, John, who died on hand, spared you day. August 31, 1993. And lead me straight to you. Even just a few more years. McDONALD In Jesus I trust in You. In the shelter of Thy Sacred Inserted by his loving wife Our Lady, Star of the Sea, HOBAN 18th Anniversary Mae and all the family. Heart, Gertie. pray for her. 36th Anniversary In loving memory of John, a Dear Jesus, may he rest, Although you are not beside Your loving husband Donald In loving memory of our dear husband and dad, who We miss him much, but still us, John. dearest mother, Mary Hoban, died so suddenly on we know, You are never far away, who died September 8, September 8, 1995. MEMORIAM Thy Holy will is best. You are always in our hearts, GALBRAITH 1977. Our Lady of the Isles, pray Inserted by his loving family. With every passing day, 5th Anniversary of our dear Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for him. BROWN for her. Of your charity, please pray Will those who think of him mum and mother-in-law. St Joseph, pray for him. St Joseph, pray for her. McNEIL for the repose of the souls of today, Death leaves a heartache May he rest in peace. Remembered always by her In loving memory of our dear Thomas, who died on Sep- A little prayer to Jesus say. no-one can heal Loving wife Nan, Margaret, loving daughters and grand- mum and gran, Rose, died tember 8, 1982, and his Inserted by his loving family. Memories are treasures no Fiona, Mairi and Ewen. children. September 6, 2001, also our beloved wife, Ann, née one can steal dear dad and papa, Joe, who Jamieson, who died on May Some may forget you but MacKINNON CURRIE died September 19, 2002. 13, 2004 and their beloved 7th Anniversary we will remember no matter 2nd Anniversary St Anthony, pray for them. son Fr. James Brown, Holy In loving memory of my dear how long. Treasured memories of my Inserted by Mary, Catherine, Ghost Father, who died on sister and our aunt, Agnes, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray beloved husband, our dear James, Suzanne, John, January 11, 2010. Also died September 7, 2006. for her. father and grandfather, Jimmy and all the beloved son, Gerard, who Our Lady of Lourdes, pray Your loving family Dolina, Angus, who died September grandchildren. died July 12, 2011. (Altrin- for her. Iain, Mary Margaret, Brian, 8, 2011. cham) From Chrissie and family. Penny, Martin, Donald Archie May he rest in peace. Remembered with love by and Karen. Our Lady, Star of the Sea, MARTIN In loving memory of our dear their family. pray for him. DALY parents, grandparents and On their souls, sweet Jesus, 12th Anniversary GALBRAITH Inserted by his loving wife great-grandparents, James, have mercy. In loving memory of our dear In loving memory of our Dolly and family. who died September 9, mother, gran, great-gran and dear granny, Morag Galbraith. 1988, and Helen, who died CAULFIELD sister-in-law, Elsie, who died JENKINS MacLELLAN August 21, 2003. In loving memory of our dear Our family chain is broken In loving memory of Ann, 18th Anniversary September 12, 2001. Softly the leaves of memory mother, Lena, who died Sep- Nothing seems the same Of your charity, please pray Quietly today your memory beloved youngest daughter fall, tember 5, 1992, also our But as God calls us one by we treasure, of the late Donald and Annie, for the repose of the soul of Gently we gather and treas- one dear father, , who Missing you always, and loving sister, sister-in- Roderick MacLellan, ure them all, The links shall join again died April 8, 1985. forgetting you never. law, aunt and great-aunt of Lochboisdale, died Unseen unheard they are St Barr, pray for her. May they rest in peace. Our Lady of Knock, pray for all the family, died Septem- September 8, 1995. always near, Your loving grandchildren. Our Lady of Lourdes and her. ber 8, 1997. Sacred Heart of Jesus, grant Still loved and missed every , pray Inserted by her loving family. May her soul and the souls him eternal rest. day of the year, for them. GALLACHER of all the faithful departed, Inserted by the family. Life is not measured by the Inserted by the family in DONNELLY Precious memories of uncle rest in peace. My gift is just a simple years you lived, Erskine. 11th Anniversary Donald Alexander Gallacher, St Ann, pray for her. prayer, But the love you gave and Precious memories of who died September 7, I’d like the memory of me to God Bless and keep you in the things you did, CHISHOLM Joseph, died September 8, 2010. R.I.P. be a happy one, of happy His care. This day is remembered and In loving memory of our dear 2002. Loving husband of the Always in our thoughts. times and laughing times Grand-daughter Shannon quietly kept, mother, Bridget Chisholm, late Anne Marie, dear father, Our Lady of the Isles, pray and bright and sunny days. Rebecca and grandson Words are not needed, we who died July 30, 1988, and grandfather, great-grandfa- for him. Ruairi Drew. will never forget. our dear father, Martin ther, brother and uncle. Inserted by his loving family St Martin, pray for them. Chisholm, died September 8, They say there is a reason, in Forres. LALLY Our Lady of Lourdes, pray 1984. They say that time will heal, 6th Anniversary MacLELLAN for them. Our Lady of Lourdes and St But neither time or reason, GIBBONS In loving memory of Joe, 2nd Anniversary of our From your loving family Martin de Porres, pray for Can change the way we feel, In loving memory of a dear who died September 10, dearest mother and grand- home and abroad. them. No one knows how many husband, father, grandfather 2007. Beloved husband of mother, Nellie, who died on Your loving family. times, and brother, Jack Gibbons, Mamie and dearest daddy of September 5, 2011. Also our MARTIN We’ve broken down and cried, who died September 6, Margaret, Rena, Isabelle and dear father, Angus, who died 1st Anniversary of Joan Place Your Intimation If our love could have saved 2008. R.I.P. Maria. on September 6, 2002. Veronica, who died Announcing, you, We think of you in silence, Dearly loved and sadly Time passes, memories stay, September 7, 2012. Remembering, Thanking You would never have died. We make no outward show, missed by all. Loved and remembered Please remember her in your Births, Marriages, Deaths,Anniversaries Eternal rest grant unto him, What it meant to lose you, May He support us all the every day. prayers. O lord, No one will ever know. day long. Our Lady of the Isles, pray Eternal rest grant unto her, O And let perpetual light shine Our Lady of Fatima, pray for Till the shades lengthen and for them. Lord. upon him, him. evening comes. Inserted by their loving family May she rest in peace. in South Uist, Uddingston, To place a Family Announcement Contact May he rest in peace. Inserted by his loving wife Blessed John Henry Inserted by her nieces and Patricia Cairney: 0141 241 6106 Inserted by his loving family. and family. Newman, pray for him. Paisley and Aberdeen. nephews and their families. FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS 19 FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

MOONEY MURRAY O’DONNELL SMITH WATSON THANKSGIVING Of your charity, please pray Precious memories of 11th Anniversary Treasured memories of 10th Anniversary for the repose of the soul of James, a loving father, In loving memory of our Betty, (née Shields) loving In loving memory of our THANK YOU St Jude. – I.R. our dear father, Thomas granda and great-granda beloved mother, gran, wife, mother and grand- dearly beloved brother, Mooney, who died who sadly passed away on mother, died September 11, Walter Watson, and sister, great-gran and great-great- GRATEFUL thanks to September 11, 1979, and September 10, 2001. 2008. Margaret Johnstone, who gran, Margaret Anne, who Our Lady of Lourdes, pray Sacred Heart, Our Blessed our beloved mother, They say there is a reason died on September 10 and died on September 7, 2002. for her. Lady, and St Anthony for all Frances Mooney, who died They say that time will heal, September 13, 2003, also Sweet are the memories St Pio, pray for her. favours received. - A.O. September 4, 1996. But neither time nor reason our brother-in-law, Peter silently kept, May she rest in peace. On whose souls, sweet Can change the way we Johnstone, whose anniver- GRATEFUL thanks to Of a mother we loved and Inserted by all your loving Jesus, have mercy. feel, sary occurs on September Sacred Heart, Our Lady, St shall never forget, family home and away. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray No one knows how many 21. R.I.P. Jude, St Anthony and all the saints for favours received. - for them. times Will those who think of her On whose souls, sweet WARD R.M. We have broken down and today, Precious memories of Anne Jesus, have mercy. cried, A little prayer to Jesus say. Marie, adored and loving When the Sanctus Bells are MORRISON DEAR HEART OF JESUS If our love could have Our Lady of Lourdes and mother and grandmother, ringing, Dear Heart of Jesus in the In loving memory of our saved you dad, St Pio, pray for her. who died September 8,2001. And the priest bows low in past I have asked you for dear father and grandfather, You never would have died. Lovingly remembered and We only wish that we could prayer, many favours, this time I ask Donald Peter, who died on Never more than a thought sadly missed by her son, say, And at the holy altar, you for this special one September 2, 2001, our away, daughters, grandchildren We’re going to see our mum We will be praying for you (mention favour), take it Dear dear brother, John Morrison, today, Loved and remembered and great-grandchild. there. Heart of Jesus, and place it who died on September 17, To hear her voice, to see her within Your broken heart every day. Will those who think of them 2002, and our dear mother smile, where your Father sees it, and granny, Lexy, who died Our Lady of Lourdes, pray To sit and talk with her today, then in his merciful eyes it on February 13, 2010. for him. SINCLAIR awhile. A little prayer to Jesus say. will become Your favour, not The many things you did for Inserted by all your loving In loving memory of our Please God forgive a silent Inserted by sisters Liz and mine. Amen. Say for three us, family. dear father, Allan Joseph tear, Jean. days, publication promised. - M.P In your kind and special Sinclair, who died on A constant wish that she was Venerable Margaret Sinclair, here, pray for them. way, September 8, 1973. REILLY For the hardest thing in life to NOVENA PRAYER TO ST Give us memories to Our Lady of Lourdes, pray JUDE treasure, In loving memory of bear, for him. Is to need your mum and May the Sacred Heart of As we think of you each Charles P. Reilly, who WILSON Jesus be praised, adored, St Joseph, pray for him. she’s not there. day. died August 29, 1978, and 12th Anniversary glorified and loved through- Inserted by his son Donald. Too dearly loved to be forgot- Eternal rest grant unto them of his beloved wife, Winifred In loving memory of our dear out the world now and for- ten. O Lord, Reilly, who died July 28, Sacred Heart of Jesus, have father, , who ever more. Sacred Heart of Forever in our thoughts. Jesus have mercy on us. St And let perpetual light shine 2001. mercy on his soul. died September 12, 2001. St Anthony, pray for him. Rest in peace mum. Jude helper of the hopeless, upon them, Ever in our thoughts and Inserted by all your loving Forever in our hearts. pray for us. St Jude, great Dolina, Roddy and family, May they rest in peace. prayers. family. Inserted by John, Angela, miracle worker, pray for us. Inserted by the family. The family. Eriskay. Gerard and Karen. Say nine times daily. - U.M. 20 FUNERAL DIRECTORY SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6 2013 FUNERAL DIRECTORY BISHOPS ENGAGEMENTS ARCHBISHOP TARTAGLIA Archbishop of Glasgow, www.rcag.org.uk Frank J Lynch Ltd. SUN SEPT 8 12NOON Mass for 60th Funeral Directors anniversary of St Augustine’s Church, Milton; Gorbals 156 Crown Street, Glasgow, G5 9XD 3PM National Pilgrimage Mass, Carfin. MON Tel 0141 429 0300 9 10.30AM Flourish board meeting; 7PM A sign that we care 323 Dumbarton Road, Glasgow, G11 6AL Meeting with Church representatives on Partick archdiocesan parent councils. TUE 10 Tel 0141 339 1122 2.30PM Meeting of the Executive of the Possilpark Gilchrist & Lynch Council of Priests. FRI 13 1.30PM Mass for FUNERALDIRECTORS 136 BalmoreRoad, Glasgow, G22 6LJ the 40th anniversary of St Helen’s PS, Our T&R O’BRIEN Tel 0141 336 2300 ESTABLISHED 1890 Lady and St Helen’s Church, Condorrat. SAT 14 10.30AM-2PM Ecumenical event for the It is our business to care. 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Woodside Funeral Home, 110 Maryhill Road Organist SUN SEPT 8 3PM National Pilgrimage to Tel. 0141 332 1708/1154 East End Funeral Home, 676 Edinburgh Road, Glasgow Carfin. TUE 10-THU 12 Argyll Clergy Tel. 0141- 778 1470 & Assembly, Oban. FRI 13 Mass for Motherwell JAMES diocesan secondary schools, Carfin. SHERRY Cantor FUNERAL DIRECTORS Available for weddings BISHOP GILBERT Our caring staff are here to listen and advise you, our services are and funeral services Aberdeen, www.dioceseofaberdeen.com 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. provided at any time Listen online at: in any district www.paulcarrollmusic.co.uk SUN SEPT 8 10.30AM Confirmation, Our 53 Morrison Street Glasgow private rooms of Lady and St , Ellon; 6PM 0141 429 4433 repose and service T. 01698 325 493 Mass, Cathedral. MON 9 Conference of rooms available Deacons meeting, Elgin. WED 11 10AM 104-106 PARK ST Diocesan Management Committee meeting. MOTHERWELL VOCATIONS THU 12 10AM Regional Ecumenical Team MEMORIAM CARDS 01698 264000 meeting, Bishop’s House; 12.30PM Diocesan ATALLTIMES Safeguarding Committee meeting, Bishop’s Memorare Memoriam Cards Ltd House; 7PM Queen’s Cross Former Pupil Do you feel that Annual Dinner, Bishop’s House. SAT 14 Full-Colour Traditional Hand Finished Double Folder, Wallet, Single Cards, Acknowledgement and Bookmark Cards “Stay independent... God is calling 10AM Mgr Peter Hocken lecture, Bishop’s For your free sample Pack posted by 1st Class Mail, simply family-owned... you to the House; 2PM Scottish National Ecumenical Missionary Event, Civic Welcome to Aberdeen, St Telephone 0141 812 4491 offer a prompt and 50% Off selected cards Priesthood Nicholas’ Kirk, Walk of Witness to St Mary’s Then You can speak with Margaret until 9.00 P.M Every day including all weekend * personal service Cathedral; 3PM Service of Evening Prayer. we can Please visit our web site. http://www.memorare.co.uk help Never beaten on price, quality or delivery, we come highly recommended. 24 hours a day... you Now in our 12th year. make it affordable.” BISHOP CUNNINGHAM Thomas Marin 1926 Galloway, www.gallowaydiocese.org.uk Four generations later, his words are just Contact: as important to our family business today. The Vocations Director SMA FATHERS THU SEPT 12 11AM Assembly of Priests, MEMORIAMCARDS St Theresaʼs St John’s, Cumnock. Thomas Marin Clarendon Place, Dunblane INDEPENDENT FUNERAL DIRECTORS Perthshire FK15 9HB designed & printed to your exact requirements 62-64 St Mary's Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SX Tel: 0131 556 7192 or 0131 556 6874 (24 hrs) BISHOP ROBSON we can produce order of service for Requiem Masses www.thomasmarin.co.uk and also design and print jubilee cards, bookmarks, St Andrews and Edinburgh and acknowledgment/thank-you cards JERICHO please call for full details of the personalised service we can provide “The Compassion of Jesus.” 0141 569 4724 • 07818 645 863 mobile Tel: 0141 Drug & Alcohol Rehabs., Refuge for Victims of SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER 241 6105 Domestic Violence, Supported Accommodation MAIN SWITCHBOARD ADVERTISING TERMS AND CONDITIONS Tel: 0141 221 4956• Fax: 0141 221 4546 for the Destitute, the Advertisements submitted must contain complete and accurate information and EDITOR comply with requirements of all relevant legislation, the British Code of Distressed, and all being Liz Leydon—Tel: 0141 241 6109 Advertising Practice, and the Advertising Standards Authority. The publisher has ‘passed by on the other side.’ [email protected] A COMMUNITY OF the right, at its discretion, to refuse, omit, suspend, or change the position of DEPUTY EDITOR advertisements, or require artwork or copy to be amended to comply with any MEN OF PRAYER FOR Ian Dunn—Tel: 0141 241 6107 moral or legal obligations. The publisher will not be liable for any loss of revenue OUR TIMES (founded 1970) [email protected] to the advertiser incurred as a consequence of non-publication or incorrect Vocation info from reproduction of an advertisement. Advertisements may be cancelled within 14 Bro Patrick Mullen, REPORTER days of an order being received and not less than a minimum of 24 hours before The Jericho Society, Martin Dunlop—Tel: 0141 241 6103 Mater Salvatoris, Harelaw Farm, [email protected] deadline for entry. Any cancellations outside this period will not affect the buyer’s Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, PA10 2PY liability for payment for the advertisement. Payment for advertisements must be ScottishCharity SC016909 SUB-EDITOR received within 30 days. Any order, verbal or written, which is placed for the Tel: 01505 614669 Gerard Gough—Tel: 0141 241 6115 Email: [email protected] insertion of an advertisement amounts to an acceptance of these conditions. [email protected] FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CHILDREN’S LITURGY 21

Our weekly series on Children’s Liturgy has lesson plans and activity suggestions for use with young people who are on the path to Christ Each week, Catechists will find readings and Psalm responses, complemented by prayer, reflection, FAITH discussion questions, and activities. Please feel free to use them as you wish The lessons are created by Adorer-theologians using the lens of the spirituality of St Maria de Mattias, which also embraces precious blood spirituality FIRST While this is the starting point for the lessons, readers are invited to approach them however the spirit moves you The Church is concerned with the availability and understanding of scripture for children who have their rightful place in the Church. In light of this SCO aims to provide a useful tool in drawing children closer to KIDS the Catholic Faith

on the back or their initial written in chalk). G Discuss the object of the game being to get to Heaven and how on that journey we encounter snakes and ladders along the way. Prayer Dear God, thank you for loving us always. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. First Reading Christ came to save sinners. A reading from the first letter of Paul to Timothy 1:12-15b. I thank Christ Jesus our Lord. He has given me the strength for my work because He knew that He could trust me. I used to say terrible and insulting things about Him, and I was cruel. But He had mercy on me because I didn’t know what I was doing, and I had not yet put my faith in Him. Christ Jesus our Lord was very kind to me. He has greatly blessed my life with faith and love just like His own. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and I was the worst sinner of all! Reflection The Word of the Lord TODAY Jesus tells us a story about a boy who decides he wants to leave his family to Responsorial Psalm go have fun. When he runs out of money he 111:1-2, 3-4, 7-8. decides to go home and ask for forgiveness (R) Your works, O Lord, are justice and truth. for leaving. Shout praises to the Lord! With all my heart I will Jesus is using the story to teach us that thank the Lord when His people meet. God will always love us and we should never The Lord has done many wonderful things! be afraid to ask for forgiveness. We are not Everyone who is pleased with God’s marvellous perfect. From time to time we will make deeds will keep them in mind. choices and do things that are not very good. (R) Your works, O Lord, are justice and truth. No matter what we do, though, God will love Everything the Lord does is glorious and majes- us and forgive us if we ask. tic, and His power to bring justice will never end. This is called unconditional love. It is a The Lord God is famous for His wonderful deeds huge gift that we receive from God and and He is kind and merciful. others such as our parents. It helps us to (R) Your works, O Lord, are justice and truth. know that we are good and lovable and God is always honest and fair and His laws can deserve respect and love. It also helps us to be trusted. respect others since we know that God loves They are true and right and will stand forever. them unconditionally, too. (R) Your works, O Lord, are justice and truth. Discussion Alleluia I How do you think the father in the story felt 2 Corinthians 5:19. when his son left? (R) Alleluia, alleluia. father and say to him: ‘Father, I have sinned But he said to his father: ‘For years I have worked I How do you think God feels when we make God was in Christ, to reconcile the world to Him- against God in Heaven and against you. I am no for you like a slave and have always obeyed you. bad choices? self; and the Good News of reconciliation He has longer good enough to be called your son. Treat But you have never even given me a little goat, so I How do you think the son felt when he entrusted to us. me like one of your workers.’ that I could give a dinner for my friends. This realised he made a mistake? (R) Alleluia, alleluia. “The younger son got up and started back to other son of yours wasted your money on bad I Do you think he was afraid to go back to his his father. But when he was still a long way off, women. And now that he has come home, you father? Gospel his father saw him and felt sorry for him. He ran ordered the best calf to be killed for a feast.’ I How do you think the son felt when the father There will be great rejoicing in Heaven over one repentant to his son and hugged and kissed him. “His father replied: ‘My son, you are always forgave him and threw a party for him? sinner. A reading from the holy gospel according to Luke “The son said: ‘Father, I have sinned against with me and everything I have is yours. But we I How can you tell God you are sorry when you 15:11-32. God in heaven and against you. I am no longer should be glad and celebrate! Your brother was make a mistake? Jesus told the people this story: “Once a man had good enough to be called your son.’ dead, but he is now alive. he was lost and has I How do you feel after you ask forgiveness two sons. The younger son said to his father: “But his father said to the servants: ‘Hurry and now been found.’” from God, your parents or someone you have ‘Give me my share of the property.’ So the father bring the best clothes and put them on him. Give The Gospel of the Lord hurt? divided his property between his two sons. him a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. “Not long after that, the younger son packed Get the best calf and prepare it, so we can eat and Activities up everything he owned and left for a foreign celebrate. This son of mine was dead, but has The Children’s Liturgy page is G Materials: Several copies of the Snakes and country, where he wasted all his money in wild now come back to life. He was lost and has now published one week in advance to Ladders board game or materials to make one big living. He had spent everything, when a bad been found.’ And they began to celebrate. allow RE teachers and those one of your own. Use the board game as a template. famine spread through that whole land. Soon he “The older son had been out in the field. But G Activity: You can either split the class into had nothing to eat. when he came near the house, he heard the music taking the Children’s Liturgy at smaller groups to play the Snakes and Ladders “He went to work for a man in that country, and dancing. So he called one of the servants over weekly Masses to use, if they board game or you can create a large game board and the man sent him out to take care of his pigs. and asked: ‘What’s going on here?’ on a black board or dry erase board on He would have been glad to eat what the pigs “The servant answered: ‘Your brother has come wish, this page as an the wall, personalising the snakes and the ladders were eating, but no one gave him a thing. home safe and sound, and your father ordered us accompaniment to their with actions/people/places the class would “Finally, he came to his senses and said: ‘My to kill the best calf.’ The older brother got so mad be familiar with. Each child could create their own father’s workers have plenty to eat and here I am, that he would not even go into the house. teaching materials ‘game piece’ (either a cardboard cut out with tape starving to death! I will leave and go the my “His father came out and begged him to go in.

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 22 CELEBRATING LIFE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6 2013

PICS: ANTHONY MacMILLAN

A new start and a new language to learn for Highland primary one pupils

By Dan McGinty their schoolmates (above right)—who will be taught in English—who made their way to school THE Gaelic unit at Fort William RC Primary for the first time as they started primary one. School welcomed its newest intake of pupils Also enjoying their big first day were their coun- as the primary one class began school. terparts at nearby Lochyside Primary School, who The children (above) will join the existing took time out from a busy start to their school Gaelic Medium pupils there, as part of the long- careers to pose together for a class photograph on running project to create a new generation of their first day (right) Gaelic speakers in the Highlands. The pupils in the Gaelic unit were joined by I [email protected]

SPOTLIGHT ON

The niece of a Glasgow priest was all smiles on her recent wedding day… just. Ann Marie Green was one of many women whose big day was plunged into uncertainty ear- lier this summer following the collapse of the Bridal Studio in Glasgow. Thankfully—though many weren’t so lucky—Ann Marie received her wedding dress on time, and she tied the knot with Hamilton man James Sneddon at Glasgow University’s Memorial Chapel on Thursday July 18. Having enjoyed a honeymoon in Mex- ico, Ann Marie, who teaches Maths at Holyrood Secondary School in Glasgow, now lives with Mr Sneddon, a joiner, in Bothwell. Reflecting back on the couple’s happy day, Fr Wallace said it was ‘a fantas- tic celebration from beginning Irish eyes smile on young Scottish pilgrims to end’ RECENTLY young Catholics from Aberdeen Patrick’s 40-day fast. Diocese made a pilgrimage to Ireland where Visiting Glenadalough, Kylemore Abbey and they took part in a youth festival. the monastic ruins at Conmacnoise they also The group of youngsters, aged 12 to 17, began attended the Mass of Consecration of Ireland to Do you have a special occasion from your parish or a their week-long pilgrimage in Dublin, where the Immaculate Heart of Mary at which they they spent the night before travelling west to were joined by more than 10,000 other pilgrims. celebration at your school that you wish to share with the County Mayo. The Mass was one of the highlights of the In Mayo they based themselves in Knock, week, which included worship, prayer and even a SCO? If so, e-mail Dan McGinty: [email protected] where they spent time at the national and spot of go-karting before the group took part in climbed the nearby Croagh Patrick, where Mass the Youth 2000 Ireland Summer Festival at Mt St was celebrated in the tiny chapel on the site of St Joseph’s Abbey in Roscrea, County Tipperary. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CELEBRATING LIFE 23 Nairn celebrates the golden jubilee of a man on a mission: Fr Barnett

A SOCIAL evening was held Caroline Kelly, the oldest parish- tragedy struck when his friend in Nairn to mark the golden ioner of St Mary’s. died suddenly and he was jubilee of Fr Francis Barnett Fr Barnett joined the Society appointed headmaster of the col- SJ. of Jesus in London aged 17, lege. Five years later, he returned Fr Barnett, parish priest of St where he studied for 13 years briefly to Scotland, first to Glas- Mary’s, Nairn, and St Mar- before being ordained at the age gow then afterwards to Edin- garet’s, Forres, was honoured by of 30 on August 6, 1963, at Holy burgh where he became parish parishioners, friends and family as Cross Church in Crosshill, Glas- priest at Sacred Heart, Lau- he celebrated the 50th anniversary gow, where he grew up. rieston, before moving to Nairn of his ordination in Nairn Dunbar He taught at St Francis in September 1998. Golf Club. Among those congrat- Xavier’s College, Liverpool, and Since then he has been a fea- ulating Fr Barnett on his momen- St Aloysius’College in Glasgow, ture of the parish and it was only tous anniversary were Bishop during which time he gained a fitting that his service was Hugh Gilbert of Aberdeen and diploma in education, before recognised in such a way. Bishop Emeritus Peter Moran of spells across Europe in Norway, (Middle row) Fr Barnett (second left) Aberdeen, as well as clergy from France and Spain. with Hugh across the diocese. In 1980, an invitation from one Gilbert (left), Bishop Emeritus Peter In recognition of his many of his contemporaries, Fr Patrick Moran and Fr David Kaye. Looking on years of service to the Church, Cooper, who had been ordained are some of the parishioners who 15 of which have been spent in in the same year, to become his attended the celebrations Nairn, he was presented with deputy headteacher at Wimble- PICS: IAN MaCRAE PHOTOGRAPHY numerous gifts from parish- don College, proved irresistible, ioners, including 92-year-old but just six weeks into the post Bo’ness parish priest SPOTLIGHT ON now 80 years young

By Dan McGinty

PARISHIONERS of St Mary of the Assumption in Bo’ness celebrated with their parish priest as he marked his 80th birthday. Fr Andrew Forrest was joined for the celebration of a thanks- giving Mass by Bishop Stephen Robson (below)and priests from across St Andrews and Edin- burgh Archdiocese, while his family, friends and parishioners made up the congregation. Following Mass, Fr Forrest was presented with a gift by Robert and Jessie McAllister on behalf of his well-wishers from March 1959. Bishop Robson the parish before cutting the looked back on that time, com- SCIAF’s International Programmes staff explain the agency’s birthday cake he was presented paring the youthful Fr Forrest— work helping people affected by poverty in Africa, Asia and with by Sadie Mulraney. highlighted in an early Latin America to Glasgow diocesan staff and supporters who Still active in his parish at the photograph (above) in the order were invited to visit the Catholic charity’s offices last week. Philippa Bonella, head of the aid agency’s communications, age of 80, Fr Forrest’s journey as of service—to a member of pop speaks to them here a priest began in 1946, as he group One Direction. began his studies at St Mary’s Fr Forrest showed his appre- College, Blairs, in Aberdeen, ciation to all in attendance as the before he spent time in Paris at parish rallied round to show their the Séminaire St Sulpice from support to a much-loved priest E-mail special St Aidan’s student, 14, strikes gold 1951 to 1953. on his birthday, thanking in par- He finished his studies at St ticular the many volunteers in St occasions to Andrew’s College, Drygrange, Mary’s who helped him in his Dan McGinty: in World Taekwondo Championships before being ordained a priest in time in the parish. St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh, [email protected] ST AIDAN’S High School in by Cardinal Gordon Gray, in I [email protected] Wishaw welcomed back a world champion when pupils returned to school after the summer holidays. Luke Coyle won gold at the World Taekwondo Championships in Coven- try, picking up the top prize in the U17 Junior Black Belt Heavy Weight Spar- ing section, an achievement all the more remarkable given that he is only 14 years old. Luke took part in over 30 bouts which were judged by a panel of four judges before being chosen as the win- ner from the 210 competitors in his sec- tion. His gold medal was presented by Grand Master Mr CK Choi from Korea, giving Luke the chance to meet one of the most prominent names in his sport, and he will now look forward to the Scottish Open Championships, which will be held in Ravenscraig Sports Cen- tre this month, where he will throw himself back into competition. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 24 FR ROLHEISER/REVIEW SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6 2013 Awareness of blind spots can help us achieve a better religion

N HIS monumental study of atheism, Michael still gets picked apart. Inside the culture, we have peo- faithful and we are better off openly hearing what is Buckley suggests that atheism is invariably a ple such as Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins being thought of us and said of us than not hearing it. parasite that feeds off bad religion. It feeds off who keep the knives of atheism sharp and operative. Denial is not a friend. Second, we need to acknowl- bad religion, picks on bad religion, and picks More painful for us though is the fact that bad religion edge what is true and resist the temptation defend our- apart bad religion. If that is true, then ulti- gets picked upon and picked part by many of those selves in ways that simply create more bad religion mately atheists do us a huge favour. They show us By Fr Ronald who are dear to us, not least our own children. for our critics to feed upon. When we are over-defen- our blind spots, rationalisations, inconsistencies, dou- Rolheiser More recently, a lot of that criticism has centered sive before our critics, we not only caste ourselves and ble-standards,I hypocrisies, moral selectivity, propen- upon the sexual abuse crisis in the Church; but, our churches in a bad light, we cast God in a bad light. sity for power, unhealthy fears, and hidden arrogance. everywhere within our culture, religion and our Finally, most important, the real response to bad reli- Atheism shows us the log in our own eye. that. Rather their deeper criticism has to do with our churches are being picked apart because of our gion is never secularism or atheism, but better reli- On our honest days, we admit that this is a religious actions, namely, that we use the idea of God inconsistencies, blinds spots, and moral selectiv- gion. We need to be more consistent, both in private needed challenge. Ideally, of course, we should be and religion to rationalise our own desires. For Feuer- ity. Much as this criticism hurts and can seem conscience and in Church practice. sufficiently self-aware and sufficiently self-criti- bach and Nietzsche, God did not make us in His unfair, at the end of the day, most of it is true. What is better religion? How do we recognise it? cal to see all these things for ourselves or, barring image and likeness; but rather we have made God in Moreover, our attempts to defend ourselves, our We recognise true religion in the same way as we that, be attentive enough to our own prophets to our image and likeness. For them, God is a projection apologias, are often simply further rationalisations recognise true beauty and goodness. They are self- stay aware of where we are falling short. But that of the mind and we have perennially used that pro- and further failures to admit our own shortcoming, evident when they appear. Beauty and goodness are is rarely the case and, as a result, there is invari- jection to morally justify and bless our own imma- giving our critics even more of a corpse to feed off. received more than discerned. Nobody need tell us ably bad religion and this has always helped spawn turity, our own will, our own fears, and our own Defensiveness is not helpful. Our response to athe- what is beautiful. Beauty is ultimately received. It negativity towards religion and atheism. rationalisations. As individuals and as churches, we ism and to other critics who feed off our religious declares itself. The same is true for good religion. But We see this playing out at different levels: Philo- simply use the idea of God to do whatever we want, faults must begin with an acknowledgement of where the reverse is also true. Bad religion also declares sophically, of course, its most powerful expression and then call it God’s Will. We are not, in the end, they are correct, even if those criticisms emanate itself, and no amount of sincerity will ultimately hide comes from the two most-famous atheists of the 19th obedient to any power or a will beyond our own, from voices that are unfair and are, themselves, that. Atheism is a parasite that feed offs bad religion. century, Ludwig Feuerbach and Fredrick Nietzsche. except that religion makes it seem that we are. rationalising. For example, an unfair media does So, when, like today, atheism takes on a particularly Their real criticism of religion and of us, its practi- not create any of our sins and shortcomings, we do. nasty aggression, perhaps we need to examine more tioners, is not so much that belief in God is ‘the opium n our ordinary church lives, where few,if any,ever Our response to atheism and criticism of our Faith closely what this mirrors inside of religion. of the people’and that a focus on the next life helps read Feuerbach and Nietzsche, we simply meet and religion should be threefold: First, we should be keep us subjugated in this life, though they do affirm Ithis criticism in a different language; bad religion grateful for the challenge. We have never been fully I [email protected] Book Review—Empire of the Deep

EMPIRE OF THE DEEP stood between peace and the peace because it repre- exciting new study. U-boats, especially in the been possible. In 1990, the last By Ben Wilson Armageddon: the Royal sented a powerful deterrent. It Only by being ahead of Transatlantic routes. remaining threat to the sea lanes Weidenfeld & Nicolson Navy. This was at the heart was its almost sacred duty. And everyone else and building up a This serious loss of shipping of west Europe disappeared with £25 of Admiral Jacky Fisher’s that’s why Fisher was so terrifying arsenal, could the was only remedied with the the end of the Soviet Union. world view and shared by obsessed with winning the arms Navy continue to police the introduction of a convoy sys- Wilson’s mastery of 1500 AT THE turn of the 20th many others in Britain. race, as young British historian world and prevent war. tem—later helped by the US’ years of naval history is no small century, only one thing The mighty Royal Navy kept Ben Wilson makes clear in his Fisher personally hated the decision to enter the war against achievement. He describes in a idea of a modern industrial war. Germany, sending destroyers as highly readable way, the suc- “I am not for war, I am for escorts for the freighters. cesses which reflected the sus- peace,” he said. “That’s why I One of the men to emerge as tained commitment to excellence want a supreme Navy.” perhaps the most popular figure that helped the navy, unbeaten Trade, commerce and com- in the First World War navy for more than 400 years, set a munication were all dependent was the dashing Admiral David standard in seamanship, war- upon the Navy’s command of Beatty, later made Commander fighting and leadership that none the seas. The combative admiral in Chief of the Grand Fleet. has bettered. had many critics, especially This was partly because of his Small wonder that the British when he consigned many Victo- ability to see ‘the big picture’ love affair with the Senior Serv- rian era fighting ships to the and think ahead. Late in the ice endures. Our national hero is scrapyard. The big breakthrough war, he suggested a daring Nelson, HMS Victory the ulti- came with the launch of HMS bomber raid on the German mate icon, and Trafalgar Square Dreadnought in 1906, effec- fleet as it skulked in harbour. It the centre of the British world. tively the world’s first steel bat- might, suggests Wilson, have Today, the Royal Navy is tleship. All well and good, yet it been effective—a forerunner of integrated into a maritime force triggered an expensive naval Pearl Harbour. But, typically that guarantees the security of race with Germany. By 1912, and to Beatty’s frustration, the the seas. It is used as an German had dropped out of this Admiralty vetoed the idea. And amphibious expeditionary race but it helped push the two however much Beatty fought force, designed to project countries to the brink of war in for more battleships after the national power and police the 1914. By 1915, Fisher and his war, the politicians and public world. But the majority of boss, the young First Lord of the had tired of the expense. Britons today cannot get Admiralty Winston Churchill— Increasingly, the capital ship worked up about its decline. both forceful personalities—fell became the aircraft carrier, its Imports and exports come and out over Churchill’s plans to planes carrying bombs and go as routinely as the tide. The relieve the pressure on the torpedoes far further than the once mighty force whose great Western Front by forcing the big guns. lines of timber and steel ships Dardanelles, bombarding the The Battle of the Atlantic, once stretched far over the Turkish forts there and landing possibly the Navy’s most horizon, is tiny, currently with- troops at Gallipoli. important victory, is one of the out an aircraft carrier and Jacky resigned over the cam- main events of the Second grotesquely overcommitted. paign, which turned out to be World War. The chase and sink- The big question posed by as disastrous as he expected ing of the Bismark was among the author, who writes with with serious losses of ships and the individual successes, but it such brio and passion about the men. Churchill, too, was forced was the US fleet that doggedly subject, is whether the nation is to resign, to the great relief of won the battle against its new prepared to reverse a century of the Navy. opponents, the Japanese, after continental thinking and follow When it came to the last ever Pearl Harbour. the only destiny that holds out great clash of surface ships at In 1982, Britain did not have the possibility of greatness. Jutland in May 1916, the battle to worry about a predatory Here, Wilson argues that the was a reminder that the Ger- neighbour as she threw every- signs are good. Post-Falklands, man High Seas Fleet could not thing she had at liberating the post-Cold-War Britain has defeat the Royal Navy in battle. Falklands, because while the rediscovered the world, cur- Never again, would they risk Navy was fighting in distant rently building its biggest war- their fleet against the Navy, waters, the seas around Britain ships (the 65,000-ton aircraft which was reinforced with new were protected by the NATO carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth ships, giving them 24 dread- umbrella. and Prince of Wales) to project noughts against Germany’s 10. “The doors were locked shut British influence around the Yet by 1917, Germany was while the guard dog was away,” global economy. beginning to have a serious as the author neatly puts it. “History,” he cautions “is not impact on Britain’s economy As he points out, at no other finished with us.” with the sinking of shipping by time in history would that have JOHN HINTON WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK