You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. If the Spirit of JULY 5, 2020 him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the TERHAD PP 8460/11/2012(030939) dead will also give life to your mortal bodies ISSN: 1394-3294 through his Spirit who dwells in you. Vol. 27 No. 25 THE CATHOLIC WEEKLY Rom. 8:9,11

Need for unity and prophesy In an era of divisions, in the Church ope Francis spoke on Pthe need for prophecy in the Church today, saying “prophecy is born when- ever we allow ourselves to be challenged by God, not media must build bridges when we are concerned to keep everything quiet and under control. When the Gospel overturns certain- ties, prophecy arises. Only someone who is open to God’s surprises can become a prophet.” and break down walls Francis added that “we need lives that manifest the ATICAN: Pope Francis sent shortening distances, providing necessary in- tion who protect communication from all that miracle of the love of God. a message to this year’s formation, and opening minds and hearts to would distort it or bend it to other purposes.” Not forcefulness, but forth- truth.” The Holy Father ends his message by call- Catholic Media Conference rightness. Not palaver, but V What is more, “our communities count on ing on the Holy Spirit to help people in media. prayer. Not speeches, but (June 30-July 2), organised by the newspapers, radio, TV and social media to “Only the gaze of the Spirit allows us not to service. You want a pro- Catholic Press Association. The share, to communicate, to inform and to unite. close our eyes to those who suffer and to seek phetic Church? Then begin event was held via teleconferencing E pluribus unum — the ideal of unity amid the true good of all. Only with that gaze can to serve and stop talking. diversity, reflected in the motto of the United we effectively work to overcome the diseases for the first time, and centred on the Not theory, but testimony.” States — must also inspire the service you of- of racism, injustice and indifference that dis- Moreover, he said, “We topic ‘Together While Apart’. fer to the common good.” figure the face of our common family. In his message, the pontiff notes that the do not need to become rich, “We need media capable of building bridg- “Through your dedication and daily work, but rather to love the poor. pandemic is evidence of how essential the es, defending life and breaking down the may you help others to contemplate situations media are in keeping people united, but only We are not to save up for walls, visible and invisible, that prevent sin- and people with the eyes of the Spirit. Where ourselves, but to spend our- if they are “capable of building bridges, de- cere dialogue and truthful communication be- our world all too readily speaks with adjec- fending life and breaking down the walls”. selves for others, not to seek tween individuals and communities. We need tives and adverbs, may Christian communica- the approval of the world... The theme of the conference “expresses the media that can help people, especially the tors speak with nouns that acknowledge and sense of togetherness that emerged, paradoxi- We need pastors who offer young, to distinguish good from evil, to de- advance the quiet claims of truth and promote their lives” like Peter and cally, from the experience of social distanc- velop sound judgment based on clear and un- human dignity. Where the world sees conflicts ing imposed by the pandemic ... Indeed, the Paul. What they did “was biased presentation of the facts, and to under- and divisions, may you look to the suffering prophecy. And it changed experience of these past months has shown stand the importance of working for justice, and the poor, and give voice to the plea of our history.” — By Gerard how essential is the mission of the commu- social concord and respect for our common brothers and sisters in need of mercy and un- O’Connell, America nications media for bringing people together, home. We need men and women of convic- derstanding.” — AsiaNews Ordination amid coronavirus — A call for humility and courage VATICAN: On June 27, many churches witnessed the ordinations of dozens of priests and deacons, in ceremonies that were far from typical. Even while some parts of the world “reopen” after the first wave of the COVID-19 -pandem ic, social distancing was required, and cameras provided live streaming so that family, friends and loved ones could participate by TV, tablet or smartphone. On this occasion, I had the joy and honour of ordaining, in the Gesù Church in Rome, two Jesuit priests and eighteen deacons from all over the world — from Italy, Czech Republic, Bible Sunday is Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine, and Aus- on July 12 tria to Rwanda-Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, China, Bangladesh and In- Please turn to Pg 11 dia — wearing masks and connecting for the message and online with parents, relatives, friends reflection questions and fellow Jesuits. Physical presence was not possible as Italy slowly recov- prepared by the ers from this health crisis; the borders Regional Biblical are still closed and travel restrictions Commission. are still in place. — By Cardinal Michael Czerny, SJ, CNA Cardinal Michael Czerny June 27 with candidates for ordination. (CNA photo/Fr. Pierre Belanger, SJ and James Kulvi) 2 Forum / Reflection HERALD July 5, 2020 Why the Apostles’ transformation at Pentecost was so extraordinary he events after Pentecost showcase the ably skilled at ruthless interrogation, quickly extraordinary courage among the dis- Sunday Observer found the tables turned. ciples of Jesus following his death and Pilate was the local face of the Roman T By resurrection. Empire, whose superficial peace was- de If we know the brutality of the Roman Em- Anil Netto rived from violence and military conquest. pire in suppressing rebellion or even dissent, But here he was confronted by the real thing: we would realise the extraordinary transfor- [email protected] the incarnation of the divine, a different kind mation of the disciples. of king. What do you do when the prisoner From cowering in fear, they stepped out and killed them all. just received the ultimate punishment re- you are interrogating knows the very depth of bravely and bore witness to the triumph of Both Crassus, who had access to money, served for rebels – crucifixion? your own soul? life over death in Jesus’ resurrection. and Pompey, a powerful general, were in- But the power of the Holy Spirit is a differ- This is what a film series I watched recently The Holy Spirit unleashed a different sort fluential and ambitious in Rome. But it was ent sort of paradoxical power – a gentle wind portrayed when a fictional modern-day Mes- of power from what the Roman Empire was the even more ambitious Julius Caesar who yet fiery enough to consume the Apostles and siah turns the tables on skilled interrogators accustomed to. brought them together in a triumvirate, with Mary with courage, wisdom, healing, and from present-day intelligence agencies. They Let’s go back in time a little: Jesus’ death Caesar gradually taking control over the Sen- discernment. It fired them up to proclaim the are taken aback when their handcuffed pris- on the cross was not the first crucifixion. Far ate through scheming, brute force and lengthy new kingdom that Jesus had heralded. They oner seems to know their names, their pains, from it. wars to expand the republic. To cement his were bold and unafraid of the consequences. their worries, even little bits of their personal In 73 BC, 70 slave-gladiators escaped from standing among the people, he introduced This juxtaposition of the power of the Ro- life. It really affects them to the core. a gladiator-slaves school and led a huge re- populist policies and launched lavish games man Empire and the power of the Holy Spirit Maybe this is why Jesus is passed from bellion against the Roman Republic in the as entertainment spectacles. Eventually, in 44 provides a fascinating backdrop to the New the high priest, to Pilate to Herod Antipas – Third Servile War. Roman soldiers initially BC, Caesar had himself installed as dictator Testament. each of them anxious to pass him on to the despatched to quell the rebellion proved no in perpetuity. One of the mysteries of the Gospels is why other to carry out the dirty work, with none of match for the skilled gladiators. The stage had been set. Caesar was regard- the representative of the Roman Empire, the them willing to take complete responsibility. The slave rebellion, led by Spartacus and ed as a divine being, and Caesar’s successor prefect Pontius Pilate, appeared so indecisive And this is why the Apostles, after Pentecost, others, soon swelled to a force of 120,000 Octavian, or Augustus, was regarded as the during his interrogation of Jesus. He was showed little fear of being hauled up to ac- men, women and children. Those numbers son of the divine one, or a son of god. It was hesitant, almost anxious to get Jesus off his count for their words and deeds in front of should not come as a surprise: one out of the end of the Roman Republic and the begin- hands. worldly rulers. every three people in Italy then was a slave. ning of the Roman Empire. Now Pilate did not get to where he was Earthly power is no match for quiet divine The Roman Senate grew alarmed. Finally, It is against this backdrop that the courage through such passive traits. He was brutal, power and is often exposed for its violence, Rome sent eight legions, led by the influential of the disciples in proclaiming Jesus as the a butcher even – and he was eventually re- greed, corruption, authoritarianism. It may Crassus, to confront this rebellion, with an- son of God, their Lord, should be viewed. moved from his position because of such hor- hold sway for a while, but as Julius Caesar other Roman general, Pompey, also closing Imagine a 200 km road lined with crucifix- rible brutality. He knew he had insufficient discovered soon after he declared himself in. Spartacus and his forces were utterly de- ions along the Appian Way in 71 BC. That’s troops to quell a major rebellion during the dictator for life in February 44 BC, with plans feated by Crassus and his troops. Almost all about one crucifixion every 30 metres! Rome Jewish festival of liberation. That explains for a bold new war with Parthia to enhance the slaves were killed. did not take kindly to any form of rebellion, why he was anxious to placate the crowds his popularity among the people, unlimited But here comes the even crueller part: The and even until the time of Jesus, such cruci- by releasing Barabbas, who was imprisoned earthly power is fleeting and often an illusion. 6,000 slave rebels captured by Crassus’ forces fixions were used as a deterrent to any form with other rebels against Roman rule. Despite all his monumental battle victories were crucified along the 200 km route from of rebellion against Roman rule. Still, you have to wonder what transpired against fearsome foreign armies, the end, Rome to Capua, known as the Appian Way, The Apostles were fully aware of this, and between Jesus and Pilate. Jesus, filled with when it came, was swift and unexpected – 23 one of the most strategic roads in the empire. their fear immediately after Jesus was cruci- the Spirit, had the capacity to discern spirits. stab wounds at the hands of a faction of Ro- Pompey, anxious to capitalise on this Ro- fied was understandable. Who would want to He didn’t have to say much; but when Pilate man senators he was familiar with on the Ides man victory, captured another 5,000 slaves be associated with a ‘rebel leader’ who had confronted him, the Roman prefect, presum- of March, a month later. Fourteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time: A disturbing challenge f there is any part of the Gospel that sounds to overthrow the Roman power that was op- Ilike a call to withdraw from involvement pressing them. According to the Synoptic Reflecting on our Sunday Readings with the world around us, it is today's selec- writers, Jesus prepared carefully a symbolic tion from Matthew. With its talk of coming action meant to counter such expectations re- and action that we have too easily neglected 14th Sunday of Ordinary Time as children to the meek and gentle one who garding his role. He arranged to have a don- over the centuries. At this time of year, when Readings: Zechariah 9:9-10; will ease our burdens and refresh our spirits, key ready on which to enter Jerusalem. As we commemorate our Declaration of Inde- Romans 8:9, 11-13; it appeals to our desire to draw back from the Matthew takes pains to explain, this gesture pendence and the military activity that imple- Gospel: Matthew 11:25-30 fray and allow ourselves to be healed. Indeed, was meant to recall Zechariah 9:9, the prophe- mented that independence, it is a good time to there are times in life when we need to hear cy about a nonviolent king who would banish acknowledge that the Lord calls us now to use to find alternatives to abortion, the death pen- those words in just that way. the instruments of war from Jerusalem. our freedom to serve the world in ways that alty, and the use of military force to resolve But when we step back and read the rest Nonviolence is an aspect of Jesus’ teaching honour a consistent ethic of life, and to strive political problems. — By Dennis Hamm, SJ of the Gospel of Matthew, looking for ways that spell out the implications of following the Thoughts from the Early Church meek and gentle master, we hear a disturbing I am gentle and humble in heart (Matthew 11:29) challenge. The first chapter of the Sermon on Our Master is always the same, gentle and benevo- Reflect upon his indescribable kindness. Who that I am gentle and humble in heart from what I the Mount (Mt. 5:1ff) calls healed disciples to lent. In his constant concern for our salvation, he could fail to love a master who never strikes his have become. servants? Who would not marvel at a judge who Consider my nature, reflect upon my dignity, live a life of forgiveness, of disciplining the says explicitly in the gospel just read to us: “Come, learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in beseeches a condemned criminal? Surely the self- and marvel at the condescension I have shown impulses of anger and lust, of absolute hon- heart.” abasement of these words must astound you. you. Think of where I came from, and of where I esty, of love of enemies, and of responding What great condescension on the part of the I am the Creator and I love my work. I am the am as I speak to you. to violence with creative nonviolence. This Creator! And yet the creature feels no shame! sculptor and I care for what I have made. Heaven is my throne, yet I talk to you standing helps us see what Jesus means by his burden “Come, learn from me.” The Master came to con- If I thought of my dignity, I should not rescue on the earth! I am glorified on high, but because I and his yoke. sole his fallen servants. fallen humankind. If I failed to treat its incurable am long-suffering. I am not angry with you, “for I The reading from Zechariah recalls and This is how Christ treats us. He shows pity when sickness with fitting remedies, it would never re- am gentle and humble in heart.” — John Chrysos- helps us understand a symbolic action Jesus a sinner deserves punishment. When the race that cover its strength. If I did not console it, it would tom (c. 347-407) used when he wanted to correct people's mis- angers him deserves to be annihilated, he addresses die. If I did nothing but threaten it, it would per- l Chrysostom became patriarch of Constantino- understanding of his messiahship. It seems the guilty ones in the kindly words: “Come, learn ish. This is why I apply the salve of kindness to it ple, where his efforts to reform the court, clergy, where it lies. and people led to his exile in 404 and finally to that the main image of a Messiah in the minds from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart.” God is humble, and we are proud! The judge is Compassionately I bend down very low in order his death from the hardships imposed on him. of Jesus’ contemporaries was modeled after gentle; the criminal arrogant! The potter speaks in to raise it up. No one standing erect can lift a fallen Chrysostom stressed the divinity of Christ against King David. lowered voice; the clay discourses in the tones of man without putting a hand down to him. the Arians and his full humanity against the The Anointed One of the Age to Come was a king! “Come, learn from me, for I am gentle and “Come, learn from me, for I am gentle and Apollinarians. He was above all a pastor of souls, expected to be a warrior like David of old. humble in heart.” Our master carries a whip not to humble in heart.” I do not make a show of words; and was one of the most attractive personalities of Such a “son of David” would enable them wound, but to heal us. I have left you the proof of my deeds. You can see the early Church. HERALD July 5, 2020 Home / Pastporal 3 Chancery Notice — Archdiocese of Schedule of Masses in Kuala Lumpur June 27, 2020 Chan/MC/06/2020 Peninsular Malaysia BANNS OF ORDINATION KUALA LUMPUR: A majority of the The Johor state government has rishioners will have to wait their The following candidates will be ordained in the Church parishes will be resuming their Eucha- given permission for non-Muslim turn. of St Francis Xavier, Jalan Gasing, Petaling Jaya, on Au- ristic Celebrations on July 5 in the KL places of worship in the green For many parishes, registration is gust 6, 2020 at 10.30am, by His Grace, Most Rev Julian Archdiocese. This is somewhat similar zones to resume public worship through the BECs. Leow, D.D., the Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur: to the Penang Diocese. from July 1. However, they must Below is a schedule of the par- 1. The transitional deacon, Rev Deacon Philip Tay In the Malacca Johore Diocese, par- apply to the state government first. ish Masses. For more information, Kok How OCD, will be ordained to the Order of ishes under the purview of the Church As each parish is only allowed please contact your parish. Presbyter. Rev Tay is a friar of the Order of Discalced of St Francis Xavier in Melaka, are also one Mass per week with a one-third Carmelites and hails from Malacca. He completed his resuming public Masses from July 5. capacity of the church, many pa- * PRT - Parish Response Team ecclesiastical studies in the Catholic Institute of Syd- Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur ney, Australia in 2019. He was ordained a transitional deacon in the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, PARISH DATE TIME LANGUAGE PARTICIPANTS - COMPOSITION Varroville, NSW, Australia on December 14, 2019. Catholic Mission T’ganu July 3 9.00am Eng 30 pax - Open He is currently residing in the Carmelite Residence, St Aloysius, Mantin July 4 5.00pm Mandarin 50 pax - Open / Committee Members Seremban. Assumption July 5 9.30am Eng 50 pax - Parish Leaders 2. The transitional deacon, Rev Deacon Francis Go Sheau Peng OFM Cap, will be ordained to the Order Divine Mercy July 5 10.30am Eng 200 pax - Parish Leaders of Presbyter. Reverend Go is a friar of the Order of Good Shepherd July 5 9.30am ML 200 pax - BECs and Leaders Friars Minor Capuchin. He comes from Bahau, Negeri Holy Redeemer July 5 9.30am E/C/BM 141 pax - First come basis Sembilan. He completed his ecclesiastical studies at Immaculate Conception, PD July 5 10.00am ML 75 pax - BECs and PRT the Society of the Divine Word in Tagaytay, Philip- pines, in 2019. He was ordained a transitional deacon Jesus Caritas July 5 8.00am E/C 50 pax - Volunteers in the Church of St Francis of Assisi, Cheras on Octo- Kristus Aman July 5 9.00am Eng 100 pax - Volunteers, leaders and core teams ber 7, 2019. He is currently serving in the Church of Our Lady of Fatima July 5 8.30am E/T 80 pax - BECs / friends St Francis of Assisi, Cheras. Our Lady of Guadalupe July 5 10.00am ML 150 pax - Zones 3. The diocesan seminarian, Bro Bonaventure A/L Our Lady of Mount Carmel July 5 8.30am Eng 62 pax - BECs Rayappan, will be ordained to the Order of the Di- aconate (transitional). Bro Bonaventure hails from the Sacred Heart, KL July 5 9.15am ML 200 pax - PRT, BEC Coordinators and Asst Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Klang. He completed St Aloysius, Mantin July 5 8.00am Eng 50 pax - BECs his ecclesiastical studies in philosophy in the College St Aloysius, Mantin July 5 10.00am BM 50 pax - Open / Committee Members General Major Seminary in Penang (2013-2015) and St Anne July 5 9.00am ML 80 pax - BECs continued with his theological studies in St Peter’s College Major Seminary in Kuching (2016-2020). St Anthony July 5 9.30am E/T/BM 200 pax - BEC/KUBM/EL Shaddai Bro Bonaventure is currently serving in the Church of St Francis of Assisi July 5 10.00am ML 250 pax - BECs and Language Apostolates St Anne, Port Klang. St Francis Xavier July 5 8.30am Eng 220 pax - BECs, Ministries and friends Due to social distancing and limited seating restric- St Ignatius July 5 9.00am E/C 240 pax - BECs Core Team tions, the Mass will not be open to the public but will St John’s Cathedral July 5 9.00am Eng 300 pax - BECs and Ministries be streamed live on Archkl-TV channel. Attendance by family members and friends will be by invitation only. St John Vianney July 5 9.00am ML 40 pax - BECs Canon Law obliges Catholics to reveal any impedi- St Jude July 5 10.00am ML 40 pax - PPC, Zone and BECs leaders ment or circumstance that would prevent these candi- St Theresa, Nilai July 5 9.30am ML 98 pax - BECs dates from receiving Sacred Orders and should contact St Thomas More July 5 10.00am Eng 304 pax - BECs and friends the Chancery or the Archbishop with such information as soon as possible if applicable. St Thomas, Kuantan July 5 9.00am Eng 130 pax - BECs / Parish Action & Response Team You may contact the Chancery by emailing chan- Visitation July 5 9.00am Eng 380 pax - BECs [email protected]. Let us offer our prayerful support for all three candi- Diocese of Malacca Johore dates as they prepare themselves for diaconal and pres- byteral ministry and service to the People of God in the PARISH DATE TIME LANGUAGE PARTICIPANTS - COMPOSITION Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur. Holy Family, Ulu Tiram July 5 8.30am ML 100 pax - BECs Holy Spirit, Jasin July 5 10.00am E/T 40 pax - BEC Coordinators St Anne, Alor Gajah July 5 5.00pm Tamil 60 pax - BECs Rev Fr Michael Chua St Francis Xavier, Melaka July 5 9.00am E/C/T 150 pax - BECs Chancellor St James, Merlimau July 5 7.30pm Tamil 50 pax - BECs Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur Diocese of Penang PARISH DATE TIME LANGUAGE PARTICIPANTS - COMPOSITION Video to help parishioners Church of St Anne July 5 10.00am Mandarin 500 pax - Open Divine Mercy July 5 9.00am Eng 300 pax - Zones come for Mass Holy Spirit Cathedral July 5 9.00am Eng 133 pax - Zones KUALA LUMPUR: The Church of Our Lady of Fatima has Our Lady of Lourdes July 5 9.00am E/T 345 pax - Regions produced a unique video (https://youtu.be/CY2VCmA2iQc) for parishioners to understand the guidelines for participat- Our Lady of Sorrows July 5 9.30am ML 186 pax - BECs and Leaders ing at Mass in the church. Our Mother of Perpetual Help July 5 8.00am Eng 100 pax - Leaders and volunteers St John the Baptist Sg Siput July 5 6.00pm ML 50 pax - BECs St Joseph Batu Gajah July 5 9.00am ML 100 pax - BECs St Mary, Tapah July 5 9.30am E/T/BM 70 pax - Register with the parish St Michael July 5 10.00am E/C 155 pax - Liturgical ministers, volunteers St Patrick KK July 5 9.00am ML 58 pax - BECs Our Lady of Good Health, July 12 8.30am Tamil 100 pax - BECs Parit Buntar 5.30pm Eng 100 pax - BECs St Joseph, Bidor July 12 10.30am E/T/BM 50 pax - Register with the parish Nativity of the Blessed July 12 9.00am Eng 200 pax - Register with the parish Virgin Mary A screenshot of the video. 4 Home HERALD July 5, 2020 St Anne’s BM has first Mass BUKIT MERTAJAM: Bishop Se- been offering daily Masses for all of “We accepted the challenge to bastian Francis celebrated the first you, for all pilgrims and devotees re-open the church today. The SOP public Mass for the Minor Basilica of St Anne’s, Bukit Mertajam,” said was given to us by the government of St Anne on June 28 with 250 Bishop Sebastian. through the Ministry of Unity and leaders and members of the parish “Throughout the MCO, you were the Ministry of Health and together groups and ministries. obliged to worship the Lord in spirit with the state of Penang and the Ma- The English Mass was celebrated and truth wherever you were, in laysian Bishops. Thank you for your by Bishop Sebastian, with Fr Nelson your own creative way. This obliga- determination, perseverance and, Joseph concelebrating and Deacon tion was not taken away.” most importantly, your discipline. Lazarus assisting. He also took this opportunity to Our first Mass today went really “Even though we have been un- thank Deacon Lazarus and the team smoothly. Continue in the same spir- able to gather in churches since of collaborators and leaders who are it.” — By Marlina Sara Sylvester March, all priests and bishops have working behind the scenes. Bishop Sebastian Francis celebrates the Mass on June 28. New website launched for St Anne BUKIT MERTAJAM: The new 2. The Novena and Masses in Ba- 7. Pilgrims and devotees are invited website of the Minor Basilica of St hasa, Tamil, English and Mandarin to share, in all languages, their ex- Anne (www.minorbasilicastannebm. will also be live-streamed each day. periences and testimonies through com) was launched on July 1. In this 3. The original statue of St Anne the intercession of St Anne through website, St Anne’s complete feast which is in the shrine, can be this website so that it may be a schedule is available. The theme for viewed through this website. source of inspiration for others. this year is Sent with Joy to Heal. 4. Pilgrims and devotees who wish The Shrine is now open for viewing. The Adoration and Benediction be- to light a candle, offer garlands and However, it will be closed throughout gins at 3.00 pm, followed by Novena flowers, write petitions and make the 10 days for the safety of all devo- Masses from 4.30 pm until 9.00 pm prayer requests to St Anne may tees. Only the working team will be in in 4 languages. All will be streamed also do so through this digital av- the church compound to ensure that live throughout the 10 days from this enue. the live streaming is available for all website. 5. Priests and the Bishop are just who are watching from their homes, Among the many initiatives taken a call away, every day during the wherever they may be. to continue the mission to love and Feast of St Anne, should there be a “St Anne is always ready to pray serve others in creative, inclusive and need to speak to a priest for prayers for you, you can now watch the no- bridge-building ways throughout the and blessings. vena Masses with your family in the 10 days of the Feast of St. Anne this 6. The Counselling Team will also comfort of your own home, and con- year are: be readily available for those who tinue to pray with faith and hope,” 1. Live-streaming of Adoration and need a listening ear to share their said Bishop Sebastian Francis. — By The Minor Basilica of St Anne’s website. Benediction each day for an hour. struggles and doubts. Marlina Sara Sylvester Some parishes in Penang Diocese resume public Masses Fr Joachim Robert, Cathedral of the Holy Spirit Fr Anthony Liew, Church of St Michael Fr Robert Daniel, he Mass on June 28 was allowing others to participate in he first Mass during the- Re Church of Our Lady “Tfor parish leaders and vol- Mass first. “Tcovery Movement Control of Lourdes unteers. It was a joyful moment “We are planning to have Order at 10.00am on June 28, had for all of us. The people were weekly briefings before and after a profound effect on the 120-plus e had about 300 who happy, fulfilled and at peace as Mass for the leaders and volun- helping hands and liturgical team, “Wcame for our first Mass. we had adoration before Mass. teers to continue to improve all who came for the Eucharistic cel- Everyone followed the SOP and “There was a sense of grati- aspects of our service. ebration. everything went smoothly.” tude after an absence from Mass “Not only open the doors of “Through feedback on WhatsA for three to four months. I am our church but also open the pp, one parishioner said from the Fr Anthony Liew also appreciative of my parish- doors of our hearts: Be welcom- moment the church bells rang for flowing inside her.” Fr Michael Dass, ioners, who were hospitable in ing, generous and charitable. Mass, everyone was touched. When She said: “Lord, if not you who Church of St Mary receiving holy communion, the line chose me to come here to receive of communicants started crying your body, I would never have he Tapah parishioners began when receiving the body of Christ. known how much I yearned for you. Ttheir Mass with excitement “One Mandarin-speaking pa- “When your body melted in my with a group of 14 people with Fr rishioner told me, that upon receiv- mouth, I felt it became the living wa- Stanly Antoni celebrating the Mass. ing the body of Christ, she felt like ter that quenched my thirst after so Small group the “deer that yearns for running many months, and this touched me Lot of excitement because they Parishioners sit a metre apart during Mass. streams, for the living God” (psalm so deeply. wanted to follow the SOP to the 42) and that it was the first time she “Lord, thank you for loving me so letter and they are looking for- Fr Mark Michael, Church of St Patrick had experienced the living waters freely.” ward to the coming weekend to & Church of St John the Baptist celebrate with 70 of the parishion- Fr Martin Arlando, Church of Divine Mercy ers who have registered. t was indeed a great joy “Ito once again be reunited was very happy to see my ‘fam- with my community. I missed “Iily’ coming back ‘Home’ after a them so much and once we had long time. I could feel the excitement of permission to re-open, I was so coming for Mass but at the same time excited. the ‘inconvenience’ of the SOP though “I was also feeling anxious it’s much needed. because of the SOP that had to “The parishioners abided all the SOP be done. I was so impressed by and were very cooperative. I guess it’s my parishioners because they the hunger for the Lord in the Eucharist were so serious about returning that drove them to persevere. to Church and about the SOP “Additional work that is in place now is requirements. to disinfect before and after Mass and Parishioners practise social distancing. “We couldn’t celebrate our also to make sure SOP is followed ac- to Zones so as to give all a chance to normal liturgy, but just re- Fr Mark Michael distributes cordingly. participate at Mass. ceiving Christ’s word and the Holy Communion. “A good thing is people are taking the “It’s sad that the whole family can’t Eucharist was a great encounter but the bottom line is, we are initiative to come early so as not to face gather yet (children and the older folks) with Jesus. The new normal has back together to worship and congestion at the counters. who are much missed to complete the Fr Michael Dass checks the its own strength and limitation glorify God.” “I have divided the Mass participation Sunday family gathering at CDM.” temperature of a parishioner. HERALD July 5, 2020 Home 5 Masses resume in the KL Archdiocese Message from Archbishop Julian Leow Msgr Leonard Lexson, St John’s Cathedral ongratulations Fathers for “Cre-opening our churches after all these months. Thank you and your team for managing this first day. Hope you will evaluate the SOPs and keep on improving on them. Some areas to consider: 1. Discourage congregational singing for now. Have a cantor or two to sing hymns. Parishioners receiving commuion. 2. Be fair with the registration ur first Mass since the MCO welcoming the rest of the parishion- “We look forward to receiving and selection process of who and crowd control “Owas to welcome our minis- ers July 5. more parishioners back soon and attends Mass. 6. Learn from others and pro- ters of liturgy back for the celebra- “There were a few walk-ins who look forward to the day when the 3. Be proactive and welcom- vide a pleasant experience at tion of the Eucharist by practicing wanted to join in with the registered cathedral will resound with the re- ing. Provide information Mass. the safety measures we put in place. ministers of liturgy, but they didn’t sponse of a full house. booths at entrances to register 7. Keep the focus on the source “The Parish Response Team (PRT) respond well when the procedures “Till then, we will take things one or inform of procedures. and summit of our Christian of the Cathedral did a commendable were explained. The team was pre- day at a time as we continue to look 4. Consider some walk-ins. life, the whole Eucharistic cel- job to test these SOPs with the minis- pared for situations like these and out for the well being of all our pa- 5. RELA to assist with security ebration.” ters of liturgy first, in preparation for handled the incident well. rishioners.”

Fr Albet Arockiasamy, Fr Terrance Thomas, Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church of the e had Mass at police in charge of our area Immaculate Conception 10.00am and all went that we were having rehearsal “W ur Mass on June 28 was smoothly. During rehearsal on on Friday, and Sunday would Friday, proper instruction and be the actual Mass. He said “Ocelebrated in English and guidance were given. No au- that as long as the SOPs were Tamil, for about 40 people, i.e.: the thorities came around because followed, there would be no main leaders of the parish, PPC, I had already explained to the problems.” PCC, BECCOT and staff. “All the SOPs from the Arch- diocese were adhered to. However, we need to improve the movement during distribution of communion. Parishioners have their temperature checked before entering the church.

Fr Andrew Wong CDD, Fr Gerard Theraviam, Church of the Divine Mercy Church of St Ignatius e only used the ground We had adequate preparation and Wfloor with 200 parishioners it was smooth. We will be using for our first Mass. All went well. the upstairs too for future Masses. No government officials came.

Exiting the church after Mass. ver here in SIC, things also “Owent well, no authorities came over. After Mass we sanitised Distributing communion during Mass. Parishioners a metre apart during Mass. the church once again.” Fr David Arulnatham, Church of St Jude Fr Dr Clarence Fr Christopher Soosaipillai, t was a good experience re- the coming weeks. Devadass, Church of the Good Shepherd Iopening our church in Rawang They seemed pleased and did Church of Our Lady and our chapel in Batu Arang. not raise any questions, they took of Fatima There were 41 parishioners in note of our Mass times for the Rawang and 31 in Batu Arang. All coming Sundays. They left saying he process of coming to went well, with a few hiccups here that they would return the follow- “TMass was cautious but and there. ing Sunday. smooth. Parishioners were patient Three police personnel and two On the whole it was a great day and understanding with the new army personnel arrived after Mass again at both places. SOPs that are in place. The chal- in Rawang. The gates were locked during lenge will be to deal with those As my response team members Mass. who don’t have facilities to pre- were still around, we briefed them The exit after Mass also needed register. We need to find ways to Officers from JPNIN pleased with the SOPs implemented. on our SOPs, registration process, to be guided. We did badly here in help and include them”. n Friday, June 26, three of- NIN would be here on Sunday, to seating arrangement and plans for Rawang. “Oficers from Jabatan Perpad- observe. Fr Eugene Benedict, Church of St Theresa uan Negara dan Integrasi Nasional “On June 28, two persons from (JPNIN) came to check on our JPNIN came to check and after a e had to limit our ca- SOPs for our Sunday service on 28 while left. They were happy with “Wpacity to 98 persons June. our preparations. including the celebrant. “They commended us for our “We had three RELA personnel “Our volunteers under- preparation and took photos of the helping us for better control of cars went training on June 27 various signages and the church set- and people. “The main gate was locked ting. “There were two police personnel after 9.20am as Mass would “They also took some photos of observing and they too were happy. begin at 9.30am. Parishioners assigned to their seats our SOPs placed outside church. “The church was locked at “Everything went smooth- according to the seating layout. They said that one person from JP- 9.20am and Mass began at 9.30am. Parishioners a metre apart during Mass. ly from beginning to the end.” 6 Home HERALD July 5, 2020 Christian Meditation goes online amidst pandemic KUALA :LUMPUR: The World Commu- minute meditation, all 200 plus participants nity of Christian Meditation (WCCM) or- sat keeping silence wherever they were in ganised a webinar on June 16 for WCCM the world. It was a truly special time for all Malaysia featuring Fr Laurence Freeman who were part of it. OSB, titled Silver Lining: Grace in the Time of Crisis. Up to 250 meditators, including A sharing from a participant reflects the invited guests from Indonesia, Hong Kong, experience of the many who were present: Philippines and Australia, logged in for the “ For me, it was a lesson that covered so two-hour session via Zoom. many areas in our lives that needed look- The programme opened with a welcome ing into regularly, not only to reflect but to address by Dr Patricia Por, National Coor- change, to alter, to practise and be trans- dinator of WCCM Malaysia, introducing formed. The 20 minutes meditation part Fr Laurence Freeman (who was speaking was awesome. I allowed myself to switch off from Bonnevaux, France). The panellists the noise outside and enter into this realm were Fr Gerard Theraviam (spiritual advi- of peace and quiet.” — Theresa Chong, sor to WCCM Malaysia), Kathy Houston Church of the Divine Mercy, Shah Alam (WCCM School of Meditation, based in Fr Laurence Freeman OSB conducting a webinar via Zoom on June 16. Australia), Roland Victor and Beth Rozario. Silent meditation helps in our search for time of disruption and suffering, has been Note: WCCM Malaysia consists of a Fr Laurence began his talk Silver Linings: peace and strength from Jesus, the gift of the “letting go” which we have all experi- fellowship of communities throughout Grace in the Time of Crisis reflecting on the hope and love in the midst of adversity. enced. We are forced to learn to slow down the country who meet weekly at homes impact of the pandemic on the daily lives Technology has become the silver lining and limit our desires. By learning to accept or in parishes to meditate. When this of everyone. His own experience with his during this time of crisis. While we were and be content with what we have, we have was no longer possible due to the pan- community in Bonnevaux was that of using once critical of technology and social me- found it easier to come to meditation with a demic and enforced social distancing this time for deepening their relationships dia, now everyone, especially the ‘young at quieter mind and to understand what Jesus and gathering guidelines, some groups with God through the basic natural rhythm heart’, have learned to be thankful for it, and meant when he said let go of worry. Trust began meeting and meditating online of prayer, eating, meditating and ‘spring- embraced it (using the internet, computers, in the silence and use this time of grace to via Zoom/Google Meet. On May 18, cleaning’. “With many people having simi- mobile phones, tablets) as it has helped to face the challenge of how we go forward WCCM Malaysia began daily online lar experiences we realise God is using this connect us with the Church. from here. Fr Laurence concluded his talk meditation meetings, Monday to Friday time to teach and shape each one of us as we The spiritual aspect of technology has by asking; Do we go forward in building a at 8.30pm. Those interested in meditat- face the challenges of the pandemic. This been the birth of daily online meditation better world and changing our lifestyle? or ing online every weeknight at 8.30pm time of solitude is important as it gives us sessions which help members to meditate Will we be true contemplatives in the world (Malaysian time), please send an email the opportunity of seeing and accepting ‘the in community, it support each other spiritu- that is picking up speed again? to [email protected] and wonder of our being’ and appreciating its ally. Following the talk, the meeting proceeded check out our Facebook page: https:// uniqueness. The greatest silver lining amidst this with prayer and meditation. During the 20 www.facebook.com/WCCMmy/ Priests, laity, happy to be back in church for Mass Fr Raymond Pereira, Church of St Thomas Fr James Gabriel, Church of St Anthony ur first “closed door” Mass with minimal hassle. was elated to celebrate Mass Oon June 28, after about three As their parish priest, I too missed I with a congregation again - to months of no physical Masses due the congregation during their ab- be able to sanctify the church, bless to the MCO, was a spiritually mov- sence! I felt happy and delighted the people and pray for those who ing experience. that they could now attend Masses could not attend. Our Parish Re- Parishioners shared their “euphor- in this physical space. sponse Team, headed by Winson ic experiences”. Some said they That Sunday’s Gospel, Mt 10:37- Rajah, did an excellent job. I bare- were in ecstasy and in tears during 42, was very appropriate as Jesus ly felt any stress or tension as the the Mass and couldn’t believe their emphasised the welcoming of others team had everything organised. Of spiritual hunger for the Holy Eucha- with Christian hospitality and love! course with all the new procedures, rist. At the beginning of the Mass I we feel a little lost and are tread- An attendee commented: “I was was emotional and welcomed all ing cautiously. I believe that in a in a state of euphoria when I stepped my parishioners with much excite- few weeks we will embrace this as into our church after a three month ment and happiness, that we can normal and when the government wait. Everything was systematic. now meet again after a long MCO, permits, we look forward to wel- The hospitality ministers executed Christ was still present among us in coming back our Indonesian and their duties well. The SOP put in spite of us not seeing each other for Filipino communities. Parishioners scanning the QR code for contact tracing. place was well thought out. I felt se- 3 months. cure and safe.” Special heartfelt thanks to our Fr Michael Teng OFM Cap, Church Fr Norris Seenivasan SJ, Another attendee: “Well organ- STM Crisis Alert Action Team of Mt Carmel Church of St Francis Xavier ised, good process flow, overall eve- (CAAT) who worked hard for the rything went smoothly!” SOP process which was carried out e had one Mass in t was wonderful welcoming our parish- Others felt all aspects of safety well with just a few hiccups. There W English and Man- “Iioners back and celebrate the Eucharist were well thought of and executed were no walk-ins. darin with 62 parishioners. together. At the same time, I was also anxious There was no Mass in BM about whether all compliance procedures and as most of the BM-speak- on-ground logistics would be carried smooth- ing parishioners are Indo- ly. Thankfully everything went well during nesians. Mass. Despite the restrictions, you could tell “It was a very orderly that people were grateful to be back, even if it process, conducted by the was behind a mask. So it’s definitely a good parish team led by Francis Parishioners queueing to start and we shall strive to keep improving for Xavier. The SOPs were enter the parish for Mass. the well-being of our parishioners. strictly followed. Everyone to celebrate Mass with the was following social dis- mask on! tancing measures and there Deacon Francis Go was were no problems during with me and so he deliv- the Holy Communion. ered the homily in Man- Everyone used masks ex- darin while I gave mine in The parish being sanitised after Mass. cept me. I found it uneasy English. Parishioners a metre apart during Mass. HERALD July 5, 2020 Asia 7 Centuries-old Marian procession falls victim to COVID-19 MANILA: Church and local officials in Naga the Philippines. City in the Philippines have cancelled a three- The procession is joined by millions of dev- century-old Marian devotion to Our Lady of otees wanting to touch the image. Peñafrancia due to coronavirus fears. However, this year the pandemic has Caceres Archdiocese in the southern part prompted the archdiocese to encourage all of the main Philippine island of Luzon has devotees and churchgoers to mark the celebra- announced that September's fluvial proces- tion online. sion and all ceremonies involving mass public “This is a special moment because of COV- gatherings are suspended due to quarantine ID-19. I urge all the faithful and lovers of Ina and self-distancing protocols. [Mother Mary] to be united with us through “The Archdiocese of Caceres is mindful of home-based, technology-based religious prac- the present state of the national public health tices,” said Archbishop Tirona in an interview. emergency, so we decided to cancel this year’s Archbishop Tirona said that there is no need holding of all processions,” said Archbishop for Catholics to travel to Naga City because Rolando Tria Tirona and Naga City Mayor all celebrations would be livestreamed by the Nelson Legacion in a joint statement. bishops’ conference. Millions of people join the annual procession to honour Our Lady of Penafrancia in Naga City. Archbishop Tirona and Mayor Legacion (Photo: Rhaydz Barcia) City officials confirmed strict protocols also said the cancellation covers all Masses were in force and non-residents were barred and pilgrimages, including the traditional kiss- devotees in Naga City and across the Philip- kissing the mantle of the Virgin. His family from entering the city without undergoing a ing of the image’s mantle for healing and con- pines originated from the Spanish province. constructed chapels and replicated the image 14-day quarantine. solation. The image, a replica of the original, ar- in various churches in the region, thus spread- “Please bear with us. We can still show our Naga City is known for Our Lady of Peña- rived in the Philippines in 1712, brought by a ing devotion to the Virgin of Peñafrancia. love and devotion to the Virgin by adopting francia, a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary Spanish official for his sickly seminarian son, Each September, millions of devotees attend measures that are for the common good, pub- derived from Peña de Francia, a mountain in Miguel Robles, who was studying at the Uni- the yearly traslacion (fluvial procession) from lic health and community welfare,” Archbish- Spain’s Salamanca province. versity of Santo Tomas in Manila. Naga City Cathedral to the Basilica to com- op Tirona added. — By Joseph Peter Calleja, The wooden statue of the Virgin revered by Robles prayed to be healed by clasping and memorate the Virgin’s journey from Spain to ucanews.com Turning Hagia Police accused of killing two Christians: Sophia into a mosque would cause rift the ‘George Floyd’ of India ISTANBUL: The possible conversion of Hagia KOVILPATTI: India now has its own George bly of Gujarat, appealed to Indians to follow Sophia into a mosque would push Christians of Floyd case, reminiscent of the murder of the demonstrators in the United States and take to the world against Islam, said Bartholomew, the unarmed African American man last May by the streets in thousands to protest the killing of Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, dur- officers from the Minneapolis police force. the “many George Floyds of India”. ing the Mass for the feastday of the Holy Apos- Two Christians in pre-trial detention for violat- Cardinal Oswald Gracias, president of the tles yesterday. ing anti-COVID-19 standards died in hospital Indian Bishops’ Conference (CBCI), con- The Patriarch spoke on the eve of a Turk- from injuries sustained during beatings and tor- demned the barbaric murder: “Such violence ish court's ruling on the conversion of Hagia ture inflicted by the police who arrested them. from those who should defend citizens is unac- Sophia into a mosque, a pet project of Turk- The incident occurred in the Thoothukudi ceptable. Justice must run its course and punish ish President Tayyip Erdogan, one repeatedly district (Tamil Nadu). Jayaraj (52) and his the guilty.” The All India Catholic Union also trumpeted by various ministers. son J. Fenix (31) were arrested on June 19 for called for intervention by the authorities. Bartholomew notes that the holiness of Saint keeping their phone shop open beyond the al- The Tamil Nadu government said it had Sophia constitutes a vital centre, where West lowed hours. The two Protestant faithful were J. Fenix (31) and his father Jayaraj (52) died opened an investigation. Four policemen, and East can meet; its conversion into a mosque in hospital from injuries sustained during beat- members of the “nadar” caste which, although ings and torture inflicted by the police who including two deputy inspectors, have been would drive a wedge between these two worlds. considered by law among the disadvantaged, suspended. One of them, SI Raghuganesh, is It is absurd, the Ecumenical Patriarch added, arrested them for violating anti-COVID-19 has a certain political and social weight in the standards. (AsiaNews) suspected of having acted on behalf of his own that Saint Sophia, the meeting and admiration southern Indian state. caste, which is in conflict with the nadar (Hin- point between these two worlds, could pit the Family members say the officers changed du and Christian) community. two against each other, and this in the 21st cen- media. Many traders in Tamil Nadu went on the bloody clothes of the two victims several For Fr Nithiya OFM, former secretary of the tury. strike and staged public demonstrations in pro- times, transporting them to the hospital only on CBCI National Commission for Justice and For the Ecumenical Patriarch, St Sophia does test. June 22. Fenix died the same night; his father Peace, what happened is a new low point for not belong only to those who own it, but to hu- Fr Mariadas Lipton, from the local diocese the next day. the nation, its culture and its society: “Our so- manity as a whole. Thus, the people of Turkey of Tuticorin, says that the whole country, re- have the great responsibility and great honour As in the case of Floyd in the United States, gardless of caste or religion, is outraged by cial ethics, individual ethics, the way we treat to highlight the universality of this historic the death of the two nadar Christians has what happened to Jayaraj and Fenix. Jignesh people, the Indian legal system, everything is monument. — AsiaNews sparked a public outcry, especially on social Mevani, a deputy from the Legislative Assem- now in question.” — AsiaNews Indonesia, to have a NEW capital to stem economic crisis JAKARTA: The Indonesian government is a locomotive to drive the economy. The new planning to build a new capital to boost the capital plan “will create many jobs and will country’s economy and private sector invest- have a whole range of positive spin-offs” for ments hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The an- the nation. nouncement was confirmed by the prime min- The Indonesian government has identified ister who said President Joko Widodo wants to about 256 thousand hectares of land in East present a bill in Parliament to launch the plan. Kalimantan, Borneo, for a total area equal to The project, which has already attracted the four times the current size of Jakarta. The con- attention of China and several Middle Eastern gested traffic in the capital, where about 30 nations, will be a “priority”, with a total value million people live, causes losses of up to $ 7 of approximately $ 33 billion. The Minister billion a year in lost productivity. One of the for Planning, Suharso Monoarfa, says the new objectives is to relaunch investments and pro- capital should arise on the island of Borneo. jects outside the island of Java. The proposal was first put forward last year First-rate educational institutes, modern hos- The Indonesian government is planning to build a new capital to boost the country’s economy and by Jokowi to alleviate the now chronic conges- pitals, botanical gardens and an eco-sustainable private sector investments hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. (AsiaNews) tion in Jakarta. The current capital is also sub- and environmentally friendly transport system Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan — and aim is to have the first migration of residents ject to frequent flooding, as part of it is located are planned. public funds. Work was due to begin on the to the new capital by 2024. The urban area will below sea level. The project will be financed by private- in project in the last quarter of the year, but the host no more than seven million people. — Monoarfa explained that the country needs vestors — including Abu Dhabi Crown Prince coronavirus pandemic will cause a delay. The AsiaNews / Agencies 8 World HERALD July 5, 2020 First arrests under new security law as thousands march on July 1 HONG KONG: Four thousand po- ent investigation into police brutality with an intent such as secession or licemen in riot gear, a new security during the past year of protests. subversion, which may constitute law, and a ban on public assemblies By 2.00pm, hundreds of people offences under the HKSAR [*] Na- on “health” grounds have failed to had gathered in Causeway Bay and tional Security Law.” stop thousands of Hong Kong citi- Times Square, eventually becoming In order to disperse the crowd, po- zens from participating in the tradi- thousands at the intersection with lice used water cannons and tear gas, tional July 1 march. Hennessy Road. attacked protesters, and detained at The first march, on July 1, 2003, Defiantly, many participants sang least 70 people (by 4.00pm). brought together 500,000 people the hymn Glory in Hong Kong, or The first person arrested displayed against a security law proposed by shouted slogans on “Free Hong a small banner in favour of Hong the Hong Kong government Kong, revolution of our time;” others Kong’s independence, which is now Today’s march (July 1, 2020) is called for Hong Kong’s independ- a crime of opinion under the new against a security law imposed by ence. Under the new law, the last two law. mainland China on Hong Kong start- slogans make users liable for arrest [*] Hong Kong Special Adminis- ing at midnight. for “separatism”. Thousands march on July 1 against a security law imposed by mainland trative Region of the People’s Repub- For their part, protesters have “five In addition to warning signs on China on Hong Kong. (AsiaNews) lic of China. — AsiaNews demands, not one less,” including banned meetings, the police showed curity law, coloured purple. It reads: displaying flags or banners, chanting universal suffrage and an independ- a new sign on violations of the se- “This is a police warning. You are slogans, or conducting yourselves l Turn to Page 10 for more ASEAN moves a little further away from China HONG KONG: In the final com- ment condemned the sinking of a Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) rus recession. muniqué of their annual summit, the Vietnamese fishing boat in the South over the area. Beijing in 2013 did just The pandemic has shown the vul- leaders of the Association of South- China Sea, which Hanoi blames on a that with the disputed Senkaku/Di- nerability of supply chains linked to east Asian Nations (ASEAN) have Chinese coastguard ship. aoyu Islands in the East China Sea. China, Southeast Asian countries’ stressed the importance of “freedom In an official note sent to the The ASEAN statement shows main trading partner. For analysts, of overflight” in the South China United Nations in late May, Indo- that member states are concerned ASEAN countries will be forced to Sea, weary of China’s increasing as- nesia backed a ruling by the Inter- by “the land reclamations, recent find a new point of balance in their sertiveness. national Court of Arbitration in The developments, activities and serious relations with Beijing. The ten-member organisation Hague against the “Nine-Dash line,” incidents” in the sea, insisting on the Efforts at boosting trade with Chi- has rarely taken a common position Beijing’s historic territorial demarca- principle of freedom of navigation na, such as the Regional Compre- against Beijing’s territorial claims tion claim, which it says has no legal in the disputed waters. The United hensive Economic Partnership, will of almost 90 per cent of the South basis and violates the UN Conven- States and its Asian allies share this have to be accompanied by diver- China Sea. On their own, ASEAN tion on the Law of the Sea. view. sification of partners and investors. members Vietnam, the Philippines, In addition to occupying and mili- Territorial issues with China over- To this end, the United States and Indonesia and Malaysia strongly op- Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen tarising a series of islets and coral lap economic ones. ASEAN is in fact Japan are offering opportunities to pose them. Xuan Phuc, the 2020 ASEAN reefs in the sea, China did not rule concerned about its economic stabil- move businesses away from China. Last April, the Philippine govern- Chairman. (AsiaNews) out the possibility of imposing an Air ity, threatened by the post-coronavi- — AsiaNews China is forcibly aborting, sterilising hundreds of thousands in Xinjiang XINJIANG: Gulnar Omirzakh is ers, mostly Muslim, in internment Another former detainee said she reports demonstrate conclusively the impoverished wife of a detained camps, where they will receive po- was injected until she stopped hav- what I have been saying for years: vegetable trader. After the birth litical and religious re-education, in ing her period, and kicked repeat- coercive population control has of their third child, the Chinese an attempt “to purge them of their edly in the lower stomach during continued under the Two Child government ordered her to get an faith.” interrogations. She now can’t have Policy. What happened to the Han IUD. She complied. Nevertheless, “The state [Chinese government] children and often doubles over in Chinese under the One Child Poli- two years later, four military offi- regularly subjects minority women pain, bleeding from her womb. cy is happening to the Uyghurs and cials came to her door and gave her to pregnancy checks, forced in- Those who have too many chil- other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang three days to pay a fine of $2,685 trauterine devices, sterilization and dren are not only interned in camps, now. I believe these atrocities con- for having more than two children. even abortion on hundreds of thou- but their children can be taken stitute both genocide and crimes If she could not pay, she would join sands,” the AP Report continues. away and placed in an orphanage. against humanity. her husband and a million others, “Hundreds of thousands might Regarding forced sterilisation, “The CCP must be held account- locked in internment camps for be an understatement, because the Zenz Report states: “In 2018, able,” Littlejohn said. “We applaud having “too many children.” there are 15 million Turkic mi- 80 percent of all new IUD place- Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s “God bequeaths children on you. norities in Xinjiang,” said German l Women were given repeated ments in China were performed in swift condemnation of these ab- To prevent people from having researcher Adrian Zenz. Zenz re- health examinations in the in- Xinjiang, despite the fact that the horrent practices and join in his children is wrong,” said Omirzakh, leased his own heavily document- ternment camps. If they were region only makes up 1.8 per cent demand that the CCP end these an ethnic minority Kazakh. “They ed investigative report this week, found pregnant, they were of the nation’s population.” horrific practices in Xinjiang. We [the Chinese Communist gov- published by the Jamestown Foun- forced to abort. Reggie Littlejohn, founder and also demand the end of all coer- ernment] want to destroy us as a dation think tank. president of Women’s Rights With- cive population control in China. people,” she stated, according to a At the same time as it is forcibly l A pregnant woman disap- out Frontiers, stated: “The CCP’s Forced abortion and sterilization compelling, investigative report by aborting, sterilising and detaining peared from the camp. brutal use of forced abortion, invol- constitute savage violence against the Associated Press. the Uyghur and Kazakh popula- l Two others, terrified of the untary sterilisation and internment women.” The Chinese Communist Party tion, the CCP is encouraging births consequences of being preg- of families who have ‘too many Littlejohn urged readers to take regards Omirzakh and people among the Han Chinese, includ- nant in the camp, “got rid of children’ is shocking, heartbreak- action by signing a petition against who share her views as religious ing Han Chinese who have set- their children on their own.” ing, and outrageous. The targeting forced abortion and watching a extremists. CCP- backed scholars tled in Xinjiang. This practice may l Another witness saw “a new of those who believe that children short video about forced abor- have identified “as a key obstacle amount to “Han settler colonial- mother, still leaking breast are a gift from God constitutes tion in China under the One Child [to the CCP’s goals in Xinjiang] ism” or even cultural and ethnic milk, who did not know what religious persecution as well. No Policy, since the same level of vio- the religious belief that ‘the fetus genocide. had happened to her infant.” legitimate government would per- lence is now being used against the is a gift from God,’” The CCP According to some of the ex-de- Forced sterilisations are also petrate such monstrous barbarism. Uyghurs: Stop Forced Abortion, locks up these religious believ- tainees interviewed by the AP: common: Littlejohn continued, “These China’s War on Women. — ICN HERALD July 5, 2020 World 9 New Amazon region “ecclesial conference” created ROME: Following a recommendation by the ... who will undoubtedly continue to follow can and Caribbean Church for taking up of REPAM, was elected president of the new Amazon synod, a new “ecclesial conference” these new paths from their respective offices.” many of the proposals that emerged in this Amazon bishops’ conference while Bishop for the Amazon region was created. Among those who took part in the virtual synod,” paragraph 115 of the synod final doc- David Martínez De Aguirre Guinea, 50, vicar The Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon assembly were several Vatican representa- ument continued. “It would be the nexus for apostolic of Puerto Maldonado, Peru, was was established as a functionally autonomous tives: Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, secretary developing Church and socio-environmental elected vice president. group connected to the Latin American Epis- general of the Synod of Bishops; Cardinal networks and initiatives at the continental and The executive committee will include the copal Council (CELAM). Its creation was Marc Ouellet, prefect of the Congregation international levels.” presidents of the state bishops’ conferences, announced on the CELAM website, together for Bishops and president of the Pontifical The synod members said in the October as well as CELAM, REPAM, Caritas in Latin with REPAM (the Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Commission for Latin America; Cardinal 2019 document that having this organisation America and the Caribbean, and the Confed- Network), June 29. Luis Tagle, prefect of the Congregation for “helps to express the Amazonian face of this eration of Latin American and Caribbean Re- According to a press release, an assembly the Evangelisation of Peoples; and Cardinal Church and continues the task of finding new ligious (CLAR). was held virtually June 26-29 and resulted in Michael Czerny, secretary of the Section for paths for the evangelising mission, especially The press release also noted the participa- unanimous approval by voting members of Migrants and Refugees. incorporating the proposal of integral ecol- tion of “three designated representatives of the “identity, composition and general form The creation of the Ecclesial Conference ogy, thus strengthening the physiognomy of original peoples,” a religious sister and a lay of operation (statutes)” of the new confer- of the Amazon followed a proposal in the the Church in the Amazon.” woman and lay man, who also took part in the ence. final document of the Synod of Bishops on Pope Francis responded to the proposal in founding assembly. “The composition of this assembly reflects the Pan-Amazonian Region for “a permanent his own comments at the end of the Amazon REPAM (the Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial the unity in diversity of our Church and its and representative bishops’ organisation that synod Oct. 26, suggesting that the idea of a Network), a group backed by the bishops’ call to ever greater synodality,” the press re- promotes synodality in the Amazon region,” smaller regional bishops’ conference could be conferences in Latin America, describes itself lease stated. connected with CELAM and REPAM. applied in the Amazon. as an advocacy organisation for the rights and The statement also noted the participa- “So constituted, it can be an effective in- According to the press release, Cardinal dignity of indigenous people in the Amazon. tion of “important members of the Holy See strument in the territory of the Latin Ameri- Cláudio Hummes, the 85-year-old president — By Hannah Brockhaus, CNA Amazon Churches create transnational body to implement synod proposals ROME: The first significant implementation the region itself.” response to the cries of the poor and of our sis- of last October’s Synod on the Amazon took “It’s wonderful,” he said. “It’s a sign of ter Mother Earth.” place on June 29, the feast of Sts Peter and growth, of development, of renewal, of doing According to the assembly’s statement, the Paul, with the founding of the Ecclesial Con- something new.” He explained that “this struc- E.C.A. aims to be “an effective channel for tak- ference of the Amazon, a new transnational ture will be responsible for the implementation ing up, from within the territory, many of the church structure that is intended to implement of many of the synod’s proposals. It becomes a proposals that emerged” at the Pan-Amazonian many of the synod’s proposals. structure capable of doing what the Aparecida synod and to serve “as a nexus for encourag- The decision to create the conference was conference asked for and what Pope Francis ing other church and socio-environmental made in a virtual assembly held on June 26 called for when he addressed [the Latin Ameri- networks and initiatives at the continental and and June 29 by the Assembly for the Project of can Episcopal Council, known by its Spanish international levels.” Constitution of the Ecclesial Conference of the acronym, CELAM] during his visit to Rio [for The synod fathers approved the proposal to Amazon. Cardinal Michael Czerny, SJ, who World Youth Day] in 2013, namely a coordi- bring such a body into existence in their final participated in the virtual assembly, described nated pastoral effort.” document (No. 115) when they called for a the decision as “historic” in a telephone inter- The assembly announced the creation of the bishops’ “organism that promotes synodal- Beloved Amazonia (Querida Amazonia) is view with America. new conference in a statement issued on June ity among the churches of the region, helps to available at Arrupe Publications Sdn Bhd. He recalled that Pope Francis, in his post- 29 and signed by Archbishop Miguel Cabre- express the Amazonian face of this church and Please call 03-20268290/91 to place your order. synodal apostolic exhortation, Beloved Ama- jos, OFM, president of CELAM; and Cardinal continues the task of finding new ways for the inspiring kairós that continues the synodal way zonia (Querida Amazonia), had called on the Cláudio Hummes, OFM, president of RE- evangelising mission.” of opening new paths for the Church and for an synod’s participants to start implementing its PAM, the Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network: Pope Francis, in paragraph 4 of “Beloved integral ecology in the Pan-Amazon region.” proposals. He said they have begun to do so “In these difficult and exceptional times for Amazonia,” called on “the pastors, consecrated Participants at the virtual assembly that less than eight months later by creating this humanity, when the coronavirus pandemic is men and women and lay faithful of the Ama- founded the E.C.A. included Archbishop Ca- new transnational church structure covering strongly impacting the Pan-Amazon region zon region to strive to apply it.” brejos and Cardinals Hummes and Pedro Bar- the nine countries of the region: Brazil, Bolivia, and the realities of violence, exclusion and The statement highlighted the fact that the reto, SJ, vice-president of REPAM; and one Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Surinam, death affecting the biome and its inhabitants assembly’s composition “reflects the unity bishop from each of the nine countries of the Venezuela and the territory of French Guiana. clamour for an urgent and imminent integral in diversity of our Church and its call to ever Pan-Amazonian region (though Brazil had two Cardinal Czerny highlighted the fact that conversion, the Ecclesial Conference of the greater synodality,” describing the assembly as bishop representatives because of its size). — “the energy and the effort for this came from Amazon seeks to be good news and a timely “a novelty of the Spirit” and “part of the hope- By Gerard O’Connell, America A Jesuit to helm the Congregation for the Clergy ROME: Bishop Daniele Libanori, Jesuit and pointed Cardinal Stella to Clergy on Septem- and has a Ph.D. in Theology of Christian Life. As known, some of the priests complained auxiliary for the Diocese of Rome, might be ber 21, 2013. It was one of Pope Francis’ very From 1982 to 1991, he was the rector of the about the government’s decision to forbid any appointed as the successor of Cardinal Be- first appointments in the top Curia offices. seminary of the archdiocese of Ferrara-Co- gathering, be it religious or civil. Cardinal niamino Stella as Prefect of the Congregation The Pope created Stella a cardinal during macchio. After he pronounced the first vows Angelo de Donatis, the Pope’s Vicar for the for Clergy. Rumor of the appointment has the February 22, 2014 consistory, and has as Jesuit in 1991, he was the university chap- Diocese of Rome, even decreed the shuttering been in the Vatican corridors, strengthened by kept Stella at his post until now. Stella will lain at L’Aquila, in central Italy, from 1993 to of churches, following Pope Francis’ sugges- the fact that Pope Francis received Libanori in turn 79 in August, while the retirement age 1997. He then spent a year in the Jesuit com- tions. The day after the decision, by the way, a private audience on June 26. is set at 75. Stella was also confirmed after munity of Naples. From 1998 to 2003, he was Pope Francis decried the possibility of “A The news of the appointment must be treat- his five-year term mandate, which expired in the university chaplain at La Sapienza Uni- Church without people,” thus compelling his ed with all the due conditionals since Pope 2018. versity in Rome. Vicar to backtrack. Francis might always decide otherwise. If the Daniele Libanori was chosen by Pope In 2003, he took his final vows as a Jesuit. The Pope always asked the faithful to re- guess should prove correct, however, Liba- Francis as auxiliary bishop for the diocese of From 2003 to 2016, Libanori served as rector spect government indications. On June 20, the nori would be the first Jesuit at the helm of Rome on November 23, 2017, and was or- of the Chiesa del Gesù in Rome. He has been Pope met the doctors of Lombardy, the most the dicastery that has responsibility for all the dained a bishop on January 13, 2018. Since rector of the church of San Giuseppe Faleg- COVID-stricken Italian region. On that occa- non-religious priests in the world. 2017, he has also been the delegate of the dio- name al Foro Romano since 2017. He is also sion, the Pope also pointed the finger at “the With Libanori, Pope Francis would again cese for the Clergy and the seminaries. a well-known exorcist in Rome. teenager priests” that advocated for Masses tap a trusted man at the helm of the Congre- Born in 1953, Libanori hails from the arch- During the emergency caused by the COV- with the people. gation for the Clergy. diocese of Ferrara-Comacchio, in Northern ID 19 pandemic, Bishop Libanori was vocal Bishop Libanori’s position has been the Libanori would replace Cardinal Beniami- Italy. He was ordained a priest in 1977, and he and visible. In particular, Bishop Libanori Pope’s position, and it is possible Pope Fran- no Stella, one of the most trusted of Pope later joined the Society of Jesus in 1991. He took the stage on the debate about the prohi- cis noted and appreciated that. — By Andrea Francis’ hidden advisors. Pope Francis ap- is licensed in Theology of the Evangelisation bition of celebrating Masses with the people. Gagliarducci, CNA 10 Editorial HERALD July 5, 2020 HERALD Pray for Hong Kong July 5, 2020 Fear and loathing in amid China crackdown ardinal Charles Maung Bo, the suffering the most severe restrictions Hong Kong president of the Federation of experienced since the Cultural Revolu- climate of fear and confusion descended upon Hong Asian Bishops’ Conferences, has tion.” Kong almost immediately after Beijing’s National Peo- C A appealed to Christians and people of faith Aware that some have argued that reli- ple’s Congress Standing Committee took just 15 minutes to throughout the world “to pray for Hong gious freedom would not be impaired by sign off on the biggest changes to the territory since the hando- Kong” following the imposition by China the new legislation, the cardinal clearly ver from Great Britain 23 years ago on July 1. on June 30 of a new law “on safeguarding is not convinced. “Even if freedom of Within six hours of a new security law being passed at just national security” in this special adminis- worship in Hong Kong is not directly or after 9.00am on June 30, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Carrie trative region. immediately affected,” he said, “the new Lam, a practising Catholic, had signed the law into operation. Writing on behalf of the federation of the security law and its broad criminalisation Yet it would not be until 11.00pm that night that the details of 19 Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Asia of ‘subversion,’ ‘secession’ and ‘collud- the law were finally released in stark black and white. on July 1, the Myanmar-born 71-year-old ing with foreign political forces’ could It was worse than even the most pessimistic observers had cardinal said, “I call on Christians of all result, for example, in the monitoring of expected and triggered immediate action by Hong Kong’s pro- traditions and people of all faiths, through- religious preaching, the criminalisation democracy politicians and millions of residents. out Asia and the world, to pray for Hong of candle-lit prayer vigils, and the har- Joshua Wong, 23, who in 2016 was a teenage activist who Kong, and indeed for China and all her assment of places of worship that offer led the Umbrella Movement that brought central Hong Kong people, with great insistence.” Cardinal Charles Maung Bo sanctuary or sustenance to protesters.” to a standstill, announced he was stepping away from his po- He recalled that on the previous even- He acknowledged that a national secu- Cardinal Bo added, “It is my prayer litical party Demosisto. ing, China’s government had “imposed” a rity law “is not in itself wrong” and said, that this law will not give the government Hours later Demosisto announced on Twitter that it would new national security law on Hong Kong “every country has a right to legislate to licence to interfere in the internal affairs disband. “After much internal deliberation, we have decided “without systematic consultation with the safeguard and protect national security.” of religious organizations and the ser- to disband and cease all operation as a group, given the cir- general public.” He asserted, however, that “such legisla- vices they provide to the general public.” cumstances.” Hong Kong has a population of around tion should be balanced with protection He said, “Clear assurance should be Wong has increasingly been a target of Hong Kong authori- 7.5 million people, many of whom have in of human rights, human dignity and ba- given for my brother bishops and fellow ties and gave his being a “prime target” as his reason for quit- recent years expressed concern and oppo- sic freedoms.” He made clear that the priests as they prepare their homilies, for ting. sition to the progressive erosion of the free- new law approved by China’s National Protestant clergy as they ponder their ser- There have been multiple reports of regular Hong Kongers doms guaranteed to them by the Basic Law People’s Congress does not meet these mons, and for religious leaders of other moving to erase digital footprints showing their criticism of signed by the United Kingdom and China standards; instead, it “seriously weakens faiths too who must instruct their com- the Hong Kong and Beijing governments, wary of any blow- at the time of the handover of Hong Kong Hong Kong’s Legislative Council and munities.” He insisted that “the participa- back from security forces. on July 1, 1997. Hong Kong’s autonomy” and “radically tion of religious bodies in social affairs Anyone advocating independence, liberation or revolution Referring to the new national security changes Hong Kong’s identity.” should not be disturbed.” in public can be immediately arrested, and just carrying an legislation, Cardinal Bo wrote: “This law Cardinal Bo, who for many years has Recalling that “provisions in Hong item could be enough to break the law, police have been told. seriously diminishes Hong Kong’s free- fought for freedom in his native Myan- Kong’s Basic Law guarantee freedom of As evidenced by the stunning attendance at a Sunday pro- doms and destroys the city’s ‘high degree mar, said in his letter, “I am concerned belief,” Cardinal Bo raised the question test march in June 2019 of up to two million people against a of autonomy’ promised under the ‘One that the law poses a threat to basic free- that many believers, including clergy, in proposed extradition law that triggered a year of demonstra- Country, Two Systems’ principle. This doms and human rights in Hong Kong.” Hong Kong are now asking: “Will reli- tions, opposition to Beijing’s encroachment on the city runs action brings a most significant change to He stated frankly, “This legislation po- gious leaders now be criminalised for deep. Hong Kong’s constitution and is offensive tentially undermines freedom of expres- preaching about human dignity, human What happens next? Many of Hong Kong’s wealthy and to the spirit and letter of the 1997 handover sion, freedom of assembly, media free- rights, justice, liberty, truth?” educated elites already have dual passports and are preparing agreement.” dom and academic freedom.” Speaking on behalf of the bishops of to quit the city for the United Kingdom, the US, Australia and He described Hong Kong as “one of “Arguably,” he continued, “freedom of Asia, the cardinal remarked, “We have Canada, the most popular bolt holes. Many will not want their the jewels of Asia, a ‘Pearl of the Orient,’ religion or belief is put at risk.” learned from heavy experience that children educated under the shadow of the Chinese flag in an a crossroads between East and West, a Speaking as the president of the FABC, wherever freedom as a whole is under- education system that is about to get an overhaul for the worse. gateway to China, a regional hub for free the cardinal drew attention to the fact that mined, freedom of religion or belief — The UK has been especially welcoming, holding out the trade,” which “until now has enjoyed a “according to many reports, freedom of sooner or later — is affected.” — By prospect of anyone born before the 1997 handover of the terri- healthy mixture of freedom and creativity.” religion or belief in Mainland China is Gerard O’Connell, America tory from Great Britain to China — about three million people — having the option of residency in the UK. Hong Kong’s still relatively freewheeling media, specially Diocese opposes Hong Kong mentioned as a target of the new laws, is now waiting for a crackdown from its new overlords in Beijing. At present, jour- nalists in Hong Kong require no special permits or permis- sion, and foreigners representing offshore organisations sim- security clampdown ply obtain work visas rather than the specialised and tightly he Diocese of Hong Kong has concerned about the law’s impact on prove the law some time during the controlled permits required on the mainland. Tsigned an open letter to the Chinese Hong Kong, especially its vibrant civil upcoming three-day session. President Observers are already musing whether there will be a steady government demanding that the contro- society.” Xi Jinping will then sign a presidential but eventual relocation to perhaps Taiwan or Singapore. versial new security laws being imposed More details of the new laws, which order to promulgate it, and it would at Expats have suddenly found themselves living in a vastly by the mainland be pulled back. cover sedition, succession, terrorism that point officially become a national different environment, with the easy ability to criticize Bei- The letter, which was signed by 86 and acts by foreign powers and could law. The new law has become official jing suddenly an offence that could see them locked up for life human rights and social justice organi- put Catholics, including senior clergy in on July 1, 24 years after the handover of either in Hong Kong or in the mainland’s brutal and opaque sations including the diocese’s Justice danger of prosecution, were unveiled by Hong Kong by Great Britain to China.” justice system. and Peace Commission, was addressed Chinese state media at the weekend. Some details of the new law were Indeed, shorn of the rule of law and trust of Hong Kong’s to Li Zhanshu, chairman of China’s rub- Fresh institutional infrastructure will made public following the NPCSC legal system, the city’s future as an international finance hub ber-stamp National People’s Congress, be set up that will see a new top-level meeting that concluded on June 2, but a is now being questioned. nominally responsible for the law. committee chaired by Chief Executive full draft was not released. Beijing has Things certainly have a long way to run but what we know “We are writing to express our grave Carrie Lam that will contain a Beijing confirmed that under the new rules it for sure is that a dark cloud came over Hong Kong on June 30 concerns regarding the recent adoption representative, to oversee laws that have will have the authority to extradite peo- that is set to be there for a very long time. by China’s National People’s Congress caused widespread consternation in the ple charged under the legislation for trial — By Michael Sainsbury, ucanews.com (NPC) of a formal decision to directly city. in the mainland’s opaque and brutal jus- impose national security legislation on Authorities in Beijing scheduled a tice system. Hong Kong. We urge the Standing Com- meeting of the NPCSC for June 28, the A local national security commission HERALD — The Catholic Weekly mittee of the National People’s Con- second in a week and a highly unusual supervised by Beijing will oversee the Jointly published by the gress (NPCSC) to reject the legislation,” move. legislation. Hong Kong will be required Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, the letter said. “… we are hard pressed to find a rea- to carry out most of the enforcement Diocese of Malacca Johore, Diocese of Penang “Although no details of the law’s son for the second NPCSC session this under the new law, but Beijing will be and Diocese of Keningau contents have been made publicly avail- month other than that the NPCSC is able to overrule local authorities in some Editor: Fr Lawrence Andrew, SJ HERALD, 5, Jalan Robertson, 50150, KL able, the decision — along with recent set to approve the Hong Kong national cases. Both Beijing and the Hong Kong Tel: 03-20268290/20268291; comments by Chinese and Hong Kong security law by the end of the month,” government continue to insist these will Fax: 03-20268293 officials — suggest that it will threaten stated the NPC Observer, which analy- only be rare cases, but most observers Online: www.heraldmalaysia.com. the basic rights and freedoms of the peo- ses the decisions of China’s parliament. remain unconvinced. — By Michael E-mail: [email protected] ple in Hong Kong. We are particularly “The NPCSC will of course first ap- Sainsbury, ucanews.com HERALD July 5, 2020 Focus 11 Bible Sunday Message — July 12, 2020 Reading the Bible with the heart e live in a global village where we The Word of God enters into a are easily connected to one another Living Personal Relationship with Wthrough social media. Why take the Us trouble to meet a person face-to-face or make Whenever the Word of God is mentioned, re- a phone call when you could just send an email member, we are speaking of a living person, or message? Sometimes we get so caught up in not a concept. Each time we pick up the Bible, this virtual reality that we relate quite imper- we are getting in touch with Jesus who speaks sonally to those around us, including our family to us and wants to have a personal relationship and friends. It is common today to see families with us; we are having a conversation with Je- having meals together with eyes fixed on their sus. Jesus speaks to us, we listen; we speak to handphones rather than on the people in front Jesus, the Word of Life, who is proclaimed to of them. This could then lead us to relate to one us (1 John 1:1) e.g.: in the liturgy. “Christ is another on a functional level – what a person present in his Word since it is he himself who can do for us, rather than on a relational level speaks when the Holy Scriptures are read in – who the person is to us. How do we relate to the Church.”[3] “This mystery (of faith), then, God? On a functional or relational level? requires that the faithful believe in it, that they celebrate it, and that they live it from a vital The Word of God is Relational, not and personal relationship with the living and When we read the Bible, we are entering into a personal and intimate relationship with Jesus. Functional true God. This relationship is prayer.” [4] (Shutterstock/MIA Studio) The Word of God is not just a mental concept or ers, exchanging secrets known only to the you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood an idea or an expression of a thought. It is a liv- Reading the Bible with the Heart two! It reaches and touches the depths of our has not revealed this to you, but my Father ing person, “someone you can touch with your We use our heads to read the newspapers, being. The Word of God heals and sets us free in heaven.” (Matthew 16:16-17).God’s truth hands, and hear with your ears and see with magazines, or study our textbooks or do re- from our bondage, be it emotional, physical is so often hidden from the human intellect, your own eyes.” (1 John 1:1), in short, the Word search work in order to acquire more knowl- or spiritual. “The Word of God is living and and is better understood only when God re- of Life. The Apostles were very sure that what edge; we don’t enter into a personal relation- active, sharper than any double-edged sword, veals it. And when He does reveal it, we must they passed on to us are not ‘myths’ or cleverly ship with books, magazines or newspapers. it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, be ready to receive it, like the two disciples invented stories or legends or philosophy or We don’t talk to them. But when we read joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and on the way to Emmaus who encountered the some political system or theory, but Someone the Word of God, we come with our hearts attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) Risen Christ. They said to each other, “Did not with whom they had intimate relationship and open to receive Him (John 1:1, 12). We read Personal and intimate relationships are our hearts burn within us while he talked to us of whom they were witnesses (2 Peter 1:16). or study the Word of God as much with our made in the heart. That is why our hearts must on the road, while he opened to us the Scrip- And they hoped we too would want to “have hearts, as with our heads. When we read the be open and receptive to what Jesus wants tures?” (Luke 24:32). fellowship with the Father and with the Son” Bible, we are entering into a personal and inti- to reveal to us. He says, “No one knows the FOOTNOTE: (1 John 1:3-4) – a living personal relationship mate relationship with Jesus. Son except the Father, and no one knows the which brings joy. Pope Benedict XVI reminds Personal i.e., from a person to a person, not 1. Pope Benedict XVI, Message for the Father except the Son and those to whom the Twenty-Sixth World Youth Day (2011). us that, “Christian faith is not only a matter of mental or conceptual, nor from a person to a Son chooses to reveal him” (Matthew 11:27). believing that certain things are true, but above 2. Pope Benedict XVI, General Audience (3 concept, idea or to a think-tank from where On the way to Caesarea Philippi, Jesus chal- September 2008). all a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.”[1] you can fish out ideas or beautiful thoughts lenged his disciples by asking, “But who do He adds, “We can encounter Christ in reading 3. Sacrosanctum Concilium (Dogmatic and pick and choose and use them as we you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15) Only Constitution on Sacred Liturgy), 7 Sacred Scripture, in prayer, in the liturgical life please. No, it is person-to-person, from Jesus when we have an intimate and personal rela- 4. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2558. of the Church. We can touch Christ’s Heart and who loves us and has so much to give to us, to tionship with Jesus can we begin to open our feel him touching ours. Only in this personal share with us, to reveal to us “the secrets of the hearts to what God wants to reveal to us and relationship with Christ, only in this encounter kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 13:11). answer this question. “Simon Peter answered, Bibles are available at HERALD with the Risen One do we truly become Chris- Intimate i.e., to have a heart-to-heart talk, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living Publications. Please call tians.” [2] like holding a conversation between two lov- God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are 03-20268290/91 for more information The Word of God Comes Alive in the Holy Spirit Questions for here is a close relationship between touched, renewed and filled with new- en Tthe Word of God and the Holy Spirit. ergy and power. The atom must be split to Reflections The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and release its energy within. A bottle of per- announced to her that she was specially fume must be open to release its fragrance. chosen by God to become the mother of No matter how much we study the outside the Most High (Luke 1:32). She could not of the bottle and know everything about it, understand how she could become a mother if it is not opened, there is no aroma. It is the when she was still a virgin. The angel Ga- same with the Word of God. We need the briel assured her saying, “The Holy Spirit Holy Spirit so that we can discover and open will come upon you and the power of the the hidden treasures of the Word of God. Most High will overshadow you” (Luke Like Mary, who both believed and pondered 1:35). This is how the Eternal Word of God these things in her heart, when we act on the “through whom God made everything that Word of God, it will release its power to en- was made” (John 1:3), became flesh and able us to carry out the will of God. dwelt among us (John 1:14) through the power of the Holy Spirit: Emmanuel – God Conclusion is with us (Matthew 1:23). “Being a Christian is not the result of an eth- The same process goes on in the Sacrifice ical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter of the Mass. The priest invokes the Holy with an event, a person, which gives life a Spirit to come down on the bread and wine new horizon and a decisive direction.” The and together with the words of consecration, Christian life is not simply functional, but the Holy Spirit changes these elements into relational. It is an encounter with the living the Body and Blood of Christ. In a similar person of Jesus who wants to relate to us way, the Holy Spirit indwelt the womb of personally and intimately, enabling us to see (CNS photo/Karen Callaway, Catolico) Mary and the Word took upon himself flesh Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Word all things from God’s point of view, to have How do we relate to God? On a and blood. Thus, Jesus the Eternal Word of of God enters into a living personal relationship a divine perspective on all things. He wants 1. functional or relational level? Why God is made present and dwells among us. with Mary. Like Mary, our whole person must to give us life and life in all its fullness (John is this important in our Christian Where there is the Holy Spirit, there is the be open to receive the Holy Spirit for the Word 10:10). Reading the Bible with our hearts in of God to become flesh in us, (Shutterstock/ life and in the Church? Word of God and where there is the Word of BRAIN2HANDS) the power of the Holy Spirit will keep us in God, there is the Holy Spirit. touch with Jesus, enabling us to see what he 2. When we read the Bible, we are Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the flesh in us, i.e., for God to speak to us. Mary sees, to think what he thinks, and to desire entering into a personal and inti- Word of God enters into a living personal told the angel Gabriel, “Be it done unto me what he desires, to feel what he feels. Like mate relationship with Jesus. How relationship with Mary. Like Mary, our according to your word” (Luke 1:38). When Peter, let us say to him, “To whom shall we can we make reading the Bible a whole person must be open to receive the the Word of God is acted upon, it releases go, Lord? You have the words of eternal living encounter with the person of Holy Spirit for the Word of God to become its inherent power so that our life will be life.” (John 6:68). — By Fr Andy Lee, Miri Jesus? 12 Varia HERALD July 5, 2020 Praying when we don’t know how

e taught us how to pray through us. I suspect that we don’t others so that some sin lies within Why is this true? It’s true while not knowing how to always recognise all the forms it, but that’s not taking the name because it’s only when we are Hpray. That’s a comment that takes, how God sometimes of God in vain. Indeed, there’s finally empty of ourselves, empty sometimes made about Henri prays through our groans and our nothing false about it at all. In some of our own plans and our own Nouwen. weaknesses. ways it’s the opposite of what the strength that we’re in fact ready It seems almost contradictory The renowned preacher commandment has in mind. to let God’s vision and strength to say that. How can someone Frederick Buechner speaks of We tend to think of prayer far too flow into the world through us. teach us to pray when he himself something he calls “crippled piously. It is rarely unadulterated Prior to feeling this helplessness doesn’t know how? Well, two prayers that are hidden inside altruistic praise issuing forth from and hopelessness, we are still complexities conspired together our minor blasphemes” and are a focused attention that’s grounded identifying God’s power too much here. Henri Nouwen was a unique uttered through clenched teeth: in gratitude and in an awareness of with the power of health, politics, mixture of weakness, honesty, “God help us!” “Jesus Christ!” God. Most of the time our prayer and economics that we see in our complexity, and faith. That also “For God’s sake!” These are is a very adulterated reality – and world; and are identifying hope describes prayer, this side of prayers? Why not? If prayer is all the more honest and powerful with the optimism we feel when the eternity. Nouwen simply shared, lifting mind and heart to God, isn’t Fr Ron Rolheiser because of that. news looks a little better on a given humbly and honestly, his own this what’s in our mind and heart For instance, one of our great night. If the news looks good, we struggles with prayer and in seeing at that moment? Isn’t there a brutal of God in real honesty. struggles with prayer is that it’s not have hope; if not, why pray? But his struggles, the rest of us learned honesty in this? Jacques Loew, So, is this in fact a genuine easy to trust that prayer makes a we need to pray because we trust a lot about how prayer is precisely one of the founders of the Worker- modality of prayer or is this difference. We watch the evening in God’s strength and promise, not this strange mixture of weakness, Priest movement in France, shares taking the Lord’s name in vain? newscasts, see the entrenched because the newscasts on a given honesty, complexity, and faith. how, while working in a factory, Is this something we should be polarization, bitterness, hatred, night offer a bit more promise. Prayer, as we know, has he would sometimes be working confessing as a sin rather than self-interest, and hardness of heart Indeed, the less promise our classically been defined as “the with a group men loading heavy claiming as a prayer? that are seemingly everywhere, newscasts offer and the more they lifting of mind and heart to God”, bags onto a truck. Occasionally The commandment to not take and we lose heart. How do we make us aware of our personal and given that our minds and one of the men would accidently the name of God in vain has little find the heart to pray in the face of helplessness, the more urgent and hearts are pathologically complex, drop one of the bags which would to do with those mini-blasphemes this? What, inside of our prayer, is honest is our prayer. We need to so too will be our prayer. It will split open leaving a mess and a that slip out between clenched going to change any of this? pray precisely because we are give voice not just to our faith mini-blaspheme would spring teeth when we drop a bag of While it is normal to feel this helpless and precisely because it but also to our doubt. Moreover, forth from the man’s lips. Loew, groceries, jam a finger painfully, way, we need this important does seem hopeless. Inside of that in the Epistle to the Romans, St partly seriously and partly in jest, or get caught in a frustrating traffic reminder: prayer is most important we can pray with honesty, perhaps Paul tells us that when we do not points out that while the man jam. What we utter then may well and most powerful precisely when even through clenched teeth. — know how to pray, God’s Spirit, in was not exactly saying the Lord’s be aesthetically offensive, in bad we feel it is most hopeless – and By Fr Ron Rolheiser, all rights groans too deep for words, prays Prayer, he was invoking the name taste, and disrespectful enough of we are most helpless. reserved Jesus was not white. Here’s why we should stop pretending he was. any have asked me in the (again, probably) looked like. White Jesus? If that means destroy last few days what I think Also, images of White Jesus have images, no. I don’t like the idea of Mabout the (legitimate) cri- obviously been used to promote the destroying images of Christ. In- tiques of the ubiquity of White Je- idea that white is best. And in many stead, we should promote images sus representations, like the famous representations of Jesus, especially of Jesus as enculturated into the cul- painting, Head of Christ, by Warner in stained glass, he is not only white, tures in which he now lives. After Sallman. but the purest white — whiter than all, he is risen and is found every- The first thing to say is that- Je anyone else. It’s terrible catechesis. where. sus did not look like that. We don’t And that has the most terrible ef- That also means that we should know what he looked like (the Gos- fects on people who do not look like have Black Jesus in white churches, pels are silent about that), but we that. I’m reminded of Toni Morri- as a reminder of who Jesus was, know that he wasn’t white. He’s son’s magnificent novel The Bluest and is, today. Because Jesus is best Photos: Unsplash/Collage: Angelo Jesus Canta known as “Jesus of Nazareth,” af- Eye, where the young girl believes found in people that are outside your ter all, which means he came from that whiteness is beautiful. baby Jesus did not have blond hair.) him.) comfort zone. Remember: In Jesus’ a small (200 - 400 person) town in If Jesus is white and you’re not, This pattern is so strong that when Thus, it’s essential to remember Parable of the Good Samaritan, it's Galilee. what does that say about your re- I worked with refugees in East Af- where Jesus of Nazareth came from the “other guy” that helps out. As the Rev John Meier says in lationship with him? What does it rica, an Ethiopian refugee artist kept and what people from that area look But even more important than his magisterial series of books, A mean that Christ came for “all,” if bringing me paintings of White Je- like today and also what they (prob- the pictorial images of Jesus we use Marginal Jew, about the historical you feel left out? Representations sus and White Mary, because that’s ably) looked like in the first century. (which are important to be sure) is Jesus, were we to see Jesus today of the saints are often just as bad. what he had been taught. When I He wasn’t white. Neither was Mary seeing Christ alive in every person. we might be shocked, given the They’re almost always white — suggested painting Jesus and Mary nor were the apostles. (Also, they Especially those who are on the European images we’re used to. even, say, St Augustine, who hailed as black people, he initially balked. were Jewish.) margins, those who are persecuted Just look at men in Galilee today to from North Africa Eventually he brought me beau- But I say more: Images of Jesus or those who are victimized in any begin to understand what he might That’s why I prefer images like tiful images of Jesus and Mary as need to be inculturated into every way. Christ lives in them. have looked like. those of John Nava, who completed Ethiopians. This was all the more culture. Because God came not So in short, I would argue for There’s a photo of two friends a remarkable series of tapestries for surprising since there is a long tradi- simply as a Galilean but as a human more accurate images of Jesus as of mine from Galilee, two cousins, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the tion of exactly those kinds of paint- being. That's why I love seeing im- he probably appeared and more im- both named Maher. When I pray Angels in Los Angeles, where the ings in his country. But White Jesus ages of Jesus in every culture and in ages of Jesus in every culture. But, these days, I imagine Jesus looking models for many of the saints were was what he had been taught by every hue. Like the beautiful Jesus more importantly, more efforts to much more like them. They’re both based on people in the neighbour- white priests. Mafa series. find Christ in every person. Because great guys, too, which makes it eas- hood. In Jesus, God became human, Or Janet McKenzie’s well known each of us is an image of him. ier to see them as images of Jesus. We see the same pattern recurring which means that we have to take Jesus of the People. As Gerard Manley Hopkins, SJ, So I think that today Jesus should for Mary. So many images, even Jesus’ humanity seriously: he was Or one of my favourite images, wrote, be portrayed more like he (prob- contemporary ones, make her look a first-century Galilean carpenter. the Crucifixion scene at Hekima “For Christ plays in ten thousand ably) looked, which is why I use like a suburban American house- What did that look like? Not Warner College in Nairobi, Kenya, by En- places, images for my Daily Gospel tweets wife. Which is, frankly, inaccurate. Sallman’s idea. (I’ll leave aside glebert Mveng, SJ, before which I Lovely in limbs, and lovely in eyes from innovative sites like “Lumo,” She was Miriam of Nazareth, after what his glorified body looked like prayed many times. not his.” — By Fr James Martin, which depict Jesus closer to what he all. A poor Galilean woman. (Also, after the Resurrection, but it was Do I think we should “cancel” SJ, America HERALD July 5, 2020 Focus 13 From Distraction to Dedication: An Invitation to the Centre or some time we religious have won- dered about our life in the Church and Some years ago, during the Fthe power and attraction of our wit- pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI, ness. One does not need extraordinary in- Father General Adolfo Nicolás sight or deep analysis to realize that what we sketched points for a possible call “religious life” has lost something of its letter to the Society. Although impact, in the Church and outside its walls. Of course, this is not universal. Some groups he never wrote the letter, he of religious have maintained and even in- did share these points with a creased their credibility by the authenticity few friends. The following text, of their life, their service of the poor, or the while still rough and informal, depth of their prayer. However, the questions expresses clearly the direction of persist. What have we lost? Where have we his thinking. With the permission gone wrong? Have we misunderstood our of Fr Nicolás, we share it now. call for renewal? Are we aimless? The Classics as models experience and lived everything else out of it, burning with it, sharing the fire and the I have been reading again some of the clas- Fr Adolfo Nicolás Sj with Pope Francis sics of religious life: Ignatius of Loyola, light with others. They became luminous Francis Xavier, John of the Cross, Teresa for generations of people searching for the From “being distracted in prayer” to centre in prayer, when my mind and heart of Avila. I have found them most refreshing same depths or being surprised at the exist- “being distracted in life” were distracted with so many things? for the heart. It is like coming home again to ence of such depths. These “Classics” (for Distractions during prayer time were a great This realisation opened wide for me a the origins, to the first love, to when I first lack of a better term) were totally centred. concern in the early years of my religious door to awareness and to one of the most thought that there was something worth giv- Beside these saints, we seem to be greatly life. When in those secluded, almost hid- traditional Ignatian means of prayer: the ing my whole life for. I kept asking myself: and, if you allow me the expression, stupidly den, novitiates of old, we searched our lives Examen. I, like many of my friends in re- what is it that was so present in them and that “distracted”. for something to say in the weekly confes- ligious life, was not a bad person. We were we seem to have lost? I think it is their total It is about this that I want to share some sions, distractions in prayer always came to decent fellows, trying our best to do well centering. reflections. Note that I do not write as one the rescue. It took me many years of strug- what we were asked to do, from prayer to They had been caught by the Spirit, the of the Classics. They knew about God and gle and failure to realise that my real dis- teaching, to playing soccer, to helping with fire, the life and the style of Christ, and they wrote about how to enter deeply into God’s traction was in my life, not in my prayer. I the Liturgy of Holy Week. We even sang had stayed there, totally centred, probing its life. I know about distractions – am almost was distracted in almost every area of life, well. But we were “distracted”. I can see depths, rebuilding their whole lives around an expert in them — and will write from work, or study. No wonder my prayer suf- that, after re-reading our Masters, the Clas- this new centre. They touched ground in this what I know. fered from the same malaise. How could I sics. The easy temptations in being distracted ote, please, that I do not want to blame tion to the phenomenon of special concern Nanyone personally. If we were distract- for the self, for one’s own image, for ap- ed it was because the distractions were all pearances, or the perception of the crowd. around us. They were usually the “common Some call it “narcissism”. It certainly fits sense” distractions of any human community. the kind of distractions we are dealing Most of the time, these distractions are so with. We are distracted, paradoxically, much part of “common sense” that if you do by our own drive for perfection. Here not go along with them you are considered the Classics are a great help. These men strange, unreliable, sometimes even treason- and women followed Christ uncondition- ously disloyal to the group. I would include ally in his kenosis, his self-emptying, and here all the factors that belong to social, eth- were therefore undistracted by anything nic, or cultural groupings. of the self that could get in the way. They It is, unfortunately, not difficult to find -re even used language that was logically ligious deeply involved in such groups, who “excessive” to express the totality of their have projected onto them or onto limited concentration: “I would even desire that “causes” all the idealism of their youth so that I suffer the curse of being cut off from they end up becoming leaders of very limited Christ”…, “no me mueve, mi Dios, para social, ethnic or cultural interests. And this is quererte”…, “nada, nada, nada”…, “the a mighty distraction, something I never once third way of humility…, ”believe that the saw in any of the “Classics”. white I see is black”… and so on. Another of the “easy” temptations is the The perfectionist distraction can be emotional identification with groups that suf- very subtle for us Jesuits. It is not hard fer from some kind of complex. I am thinking St Paul had a massive positive impact on the early Church. to detect (with more or less alarm!) in my now of groups that, in the past, have suffered ciety included – between those in the social Perfectionism as narcissistic own self or in another individual, but it is oppression or injustice and now use this truly sector and those in education; between those distraction harder to identify in the group or in the in- bad experience as reason to claim a state of serving the poor and those serving the elite. One should not think, however, that all stitution in which we work. The basic dis- eternal “victimhood”. Sometimes groups that We justified, or tried to justify, the choices distractions come from the outside. At traction is further complicated by “aux- have been marginalised in the past can use theologically, without realizing that this was least one comes from the very religious iliary distractions” such as competition, this as leverage to live in a privileged situ- really an ideological operation. What a dis- quest for goodness, obedience to God and the compulsive need to be up-to-date in ation ever after. Because consecrated people traction! We did not always understand that spiritual growth. We have called it “per- technology, to have electronic gadgets, usually have a good heart, they are prone to a preferential option for the poor was an op- fectionism” and painted it with different to use new possibilities of communica- this distraction. tion out of love, from the heart, from within, colours in different ages and contexts. tion, etc. The institution can tend to make In other words, religious people who want as when Jesus felt compassion for the poor It is an old distraction, but it has always “perfectionism” the norm for measurable to represent the Gospel of Jesus Christ tend crowds. An option for the poor cannot be “de- been deadly for religious insight and life. progress and the guarantee of a future in to be weak in the face of ideologies and ideo- manded” from others, because it has to come Saint Paul, with the early Christians, re- a world of tough markets. It is no won- logical thinking. We have a hard time with from the heart. Without this important insight, acting to very particular and visible ex- der that, except during the solemnities of the ambiguities and the grey areas of reality. we translated “preferential option” as “moral cesses of some deeply committed groups, Holy Week, we never celebrate “failure Because we are trained for total commitment, obligation” and felt justified in demanding called it “Phariseeism”. We have encoun- for the Kingdom of God” by following we easily project total truth onto any commit- this from everyone, under threat of consider- tered it and toyed with it through the Christ. Instead, we always and only cel- ment we feel called to, and we become blind ing them less Christian, less committed, less ages; and we have always felt that it was ebrate success. Doesn’t this contribute to the nuances, ambiguities and even contra- evangelical. When taken to the extreme, we not a problem for the time of the Apostles to keeping us distracted with the wrong dictions of a “black-and-white” worldview. could not even deal with them as brothers and alone, but that it has been a temptation, a choices? For a good number of years we were divid- sisters; they were traitors to the cause of the real distraction, for all at all times. ed in our religious congregations – our So- Gospel. Modern psychology pays a lot of atten- l Continued on Page 14 14 Focus HERALD July 5, 2020 The Ego as Number One distraction l Continued from Page 13 only ideological choices dressed up in the language of discernment but coming from f course, the biggest and most cen- a process that only in form resembles true tral distraction of all is the self. Our discernment? In such cases even theology Oego never rests and will always draw works as a tool for ideological interests and our attention to itself. Without the need to becomes a distraction. play down the role of “spiritual agents” – The ego distraction is most powerful when good or bad – we can safely say that the ego the community, or the spiritual relationship is the biggest source of distractions as we to the community, fades away or disappears. journey through life. We, consecrated persons, have made a com- Distraction takes place when the focus mitment to find the will of God together, of our minds and hearts is out of place. as a body, a community of faith, mission, Experiencing contradictions or difficulties, and love. Here we find the true meaning of at times even very serious ones, is part of obedience, that often misunderstood vow of living and communicating the Gospel. The religious. The bad news is that this is very truly spiritual person lives through this ex- difficult, particularly for the more visionary, perience with an enormous interior freedom the more intelligent, those more dedicated that brings him or her into closer intimacy to one important cause or another. It is al- with God, with truth, and with the little ones ways much easier to go alone, on personal who are the real experts in suffering. Those Ego is the biggest source of distractions as we journey through life. (mostly mental or emotional) inspiration. who are less spiritual suffer through dif- of our decision-making from the lengthy to have the right feelings and attitudes in the Oddly enough, it is easier to appoint one- ficulties and see them all as a plot against and never controlled process of discernment Church, he is trying to help them to be free self a prophet than to discern with others and the self. They feel persecuted and, naturally, to the easier dynamic of group feeling and from this distraction of narrow horizons. have to deal humbly with the weaknesses of lose their inner peace and joy. Focusing on action, even of holy and honorable people. The words sound hard and difficult to - ac our thinking or our suggestions. We can be- the misunderstood or wounded self ends up It also takes place when our human and cept, but what the saint wanted was free- come prophets outside the community, until being a gigantic distraction. spiritual horizons shrink. The most com- dom, openness to something greater than those in authority want to silence us, and A similar process takes place when our mon way this happens is, obviously, when a few ideas, even if they happen to be my then we run to the community for protec- focus in decision-making is not on the will we fall in love with our own opinions, es- own. tion, still sometimes blaming the commu- of God, which I can never control or direct, pecially if we think that those opinions are The importance of this freedom becomes nity or its leaders for lack of understand- but on the opinion of others, either some intelligent, the best in town. We can be so evident if, instead of personal opinions, ing, courage, vision, and support. There is popularly held opinion or the opinion of distracted by our own opinions that, were we speak of ideologies and ideological no deliberate ill will. There are many good those we like, love, or admire. This is what I we to enumerate them, we would never fin- choices. How many personal or even group desires, much vision, great determination to would call the “popularity distraction”, and ish. When Saint Ignatius offers the persons decisions described as the outcome of indi- make a difference … but nonetheless we are it comes from shifting the place and process finishing the Spiritual Exercises some rules vidual or communal discernment are really distracted! Distractions of the media and of the market: gadgets, internet … hese distractions are the most common Distractions from superficiality in the Tand the easiest to detect. They are right religious realm: for or against customs, in front of us all, and few of us could claim habits, traditions, rituals, devotions, po- total or partial immunity to them. Therefore, sitions, theories. they are not the most dangerous. We certain- These are distractions that particularly af- ly need these media and some of the gadgets. fect us Jesuits, given our lengthy intellectual This is not the question. But why do we feel training. They affect us when our intellectual as if we are somehow inferior if we are not growth does not end in prayer, in adoration, up to date in them? Why do we feel so bad in ministry. They are particularly disturbing being different? Why is it so important for us because they happen inside the Church and to be accepted, to be one of the team? within its faith life. We tend to think that Maybe we continue to be distracted be- what does not fit with my theories has no cause we do not decide any more. We have meaning; that if I cannot find the “sense” it is allowed the media to define a new orthodoxy, “nonsense”. And we are quite intolerant with a new canon of “truth”, that is not truth any nonsense. Then we take the typical imma- more but a purposely constructed, uncritical ture position of “all or nothing”, convincing public opinion. The way the new culture of ourselves that “if I do not agree, it must be information is developing confronts us with meaningless”. basic choices. Do we want information or St Ignatius cut this tendency short with his We have allowed the media to define a new orthodoxy, a new canon of “truth”, that is not truth any understanding? Speed or depth? Centering in rules to have the right sense in the Church. more but a purposely constructed, uncritical public opinion. Christ or surfing the Web? I know these are He was not concerned with what made sense Ignatius tells us to praise everything that to be distracted with the self, with our ideas, not exclusive choices and none of us would to him, but with what made sense to the peo- helps people in their devotion, their prayer, our likes and dislikes, our opinions and the- dream of making them such, but they can be- ple, the simple people of his time, the simple their feeling close to God and his Church. ologies, but to consider people walking and come as real in our not-attentive life as any faithful in the Church. We tend to boast at His rules have a strong pastoral colour and living in the presence of God. Forget the self other distractions. times: “I never praise what I don’t like”. direction. In them Ignatius is telling us not and take a stand for the life of these people. Those great Jesuits appear to me as men in one piece: whole, dedicated, consistent, focused, and not in the least distracted closer look at our Jesuit history can help The Founders: Ignatius, Xavier, Church. The vocation and the mission we human family. Aus. We are all very proud, and rightly so, Favre … have received from the Lord and have inher- The presence of God to all creation is of our history and of the great men that fill The Creators: Anchieta, Vieira, ited from our predecessors do not allow for redefining our mission with the echoes of it. When I look at them from the perspective Castiglione, Pozzo … “distracted” followers or servants. The Lord Genesis and Paul, renewed in the recent of our distractions, what strikes me in all of continues to call brothers and friends to fol- appeals of the Holy Father Pope Benedict them is their total dedication to their voca- The Pioneers: Ricci, De Nobili, low his Son, people who are willing to give XVI. Once again we hear Ignatius remind tion and their mission. They are people who Brebeuf, Teilhard, Arrupe … everything for his dream of salvation for all us that those who want to distinguish them- have given everything and remain focused The Mystics: Ignatius, Xavier, humankind. selves in the service of such a Lord will offer on the ultimate goal of their self-gift: God Colombiere, Teilhard …. The task continues to be as immense and all their lives to the task… and the service of his Kingdom. It would challenging as ever. The response, also, has This is the prayer that accompanies this be too long to develop how each one went The memory of these men appears to to be total, concentrated, as focused as ever letter: that we all respond anew to the un- about this totally focused commitment. Let me as an invitation to go to the Centre; the or even more, because we are beginning to ceasing call of our Lord Jesus for the good us just recall some names, to which others Centre in God and the centre of ourselves understand that God’s plan has always been of the Church, of humanity and of the uni- could be added in no small numbers: and our vocation in the Society and in the a plan for the universe and not only for the verse. — Lacivilta Cattolica HERALD July 5, 2020 Children 15 LittleLittle CCatholicsatholics’ CCornerorner

"Come to me, Let's colour all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

Word Search Answer: You will find rest. rest. find will You Answer:

Complete the picture and don't forget to colour the picture!

Humble Weary Easy Yoke souls Give Light Heart come Learn Take Rest All Gentle Burden

Dear children, that you have in your life, but I do help us in times of trouble. Here him, God will take all of our troubles know that there are some that you are just a few: "Don't be afraid, I away? No, but he will help us. Some of you have some pretty heavy just can't handle by yourself. Well, am with you." (Gen.26:24) "I'll give In fact, some of our struggles may burdens to carry in life. Perhaps guess what? You don't have to! you strength." (Psalm 28:7) "I'm help us to grow and become strong- your father has lost his job and your Jesus said, "Come to me, all you with you in times of trouble." (Psalm er. They may also help us to learn family is having financial difficulties. who are weary and burdened and I 34:6) These words of encourage- to trust in Jesus. But when the load Maybe someone in your family has will give you rest." There is no rea- ment are just what we need to face is too heavy, he will help us to carry cancer or some other serious illness son for you to struggle with bur- the hard times that may come our it — and there is no burden that is and you are worried about them. I dens that are too heavy for you. way. too heavy for Jesus. don't know what the burdens are God's Word is full of promises to Does that mean that if we will ask Aunty Eliz HERALD YYOOUTHUTH July 5, 2020 Christian Meditation with Children: A Gift for Life ince November strates the incredible capacity 2012, Christian Med- of children to give metaphorical itation Ireland has expression to its fruits in their S lives. I summarise the fruits as been encouraging schools expressed by the children under to adopt the practice four headings: ‘Meditation helps on a whole-school level. you to be yourself’, ‘Meditation Since then, 210 schools helps you to feel the goodness have introduced medita- inside’, ‘Meditation brings you tion to over 50,000 chil- closer to God’ and ‘Meditation dren. While meditation makes you a kinder person’. has become very popular There isn’t sufficient space in this short article to do justice because of the spread of to what the children said but a mindfulness, the focus of few examples will give a flavour the mindfulness move- of what they experienced at a ment is on its practical deep level within. For example, benefits. Pamela (11) said, ‘I think medita- Our project goes deeper tion brings out the real me, and and stresses the deep spiritual I don’t have to pretend to be fruits that flow from it. Our someone else … When I medi- programme teaches the differ- tate, I can be myself’. Very many ence between secular mindful- children spoke of becoming ness and Christian meditation intensely aware in meditation without in any way denigrating of their own inherent good- the former. Indeed the grow- ness. Sophie (8) said, ‘Meditation ing popularity of mindfulness helps me to be more aware of gives us an opportunity to speak the goodness inside me’. And about the deep spiritual fruits of Lucy (10) described that, ‘When meditation. you’re not doing meditation, you tion helps children to appreciate to have personal spiritual ex- ed to God, the original, creative Children love to meditate sort of … have a snap inside the innate goodness in others perience which is vital for their energy of the universe. Medita- – they take to meditation like you. As if you are always getting and to relate better with them. overall development. There is an tion is a universal practice that ducks to water. My doctoral ready to snap. But when you The children seem to recognise urgent need in society today for does just that – it awakens the research confirms that chil- do meditation, the goodness that the goodness in themselves practices that awaken the per- person to an appreciation of dren experienced such heart- comes out’. Derek (9) offered and others is who they really son to their true nature. Thomas who they are at the deepest awareness as they sat in the that, ‘When I meditate, I go on a are, their deepest essence, their Merton spoke of the true self as level of their being. John Main stillness and silence of medita- journey down to God’. true-self. Jason (12) used a very distinct from the egoic self and suggested that meditation opens tion. My book, Meditation with And Alex said, ‘When I hear rich metaphor, saying: ‘Medita- Richard Rohr describes the true the human heart as naturally as Children: A Resource for Teach- the chimes at the start of medi- tion is like a map and the des- self as ‘who we are in God and sunlight generates the opening ers and Parents, (Veritas, 2016), tation, I imagine it is God ring- tination is who you really are’. I who God is in us’. They are both of a flower. What is wonderful describes in the words of the ing my doorbell and I open my was stunned by his capacity to pointing to a truth common to to behold, is the spread of medi- children themselves how they heart to let him in’. As well as express so succinctly the deep almost all religions, that there is tation as a practice for children. experience the fruits of medi- making them aware of the good- spiritual fruit of meditation. I be- a divine spark in the human per- — By Noel Keating, Sacred tation in their lives. It demon- ness within themselves, medita- lieve meditation helps children son which is intimately connect- Heart Messenger HERALD July 5, 2020 Youth 17 I HAVE SENT THEM INTO THE WORLD Youths of shc, kl participate in the video segment on the feast of Sacred the Heart of Jesus KUALA LUMPUR: In conjunction with The Holy Father’s recent message to all the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Youth was then narrated by Jacinta Lee, on June 19, the Church of the Sacred Heart while images of youths being active for of Jesus, under the guidance of Fr Edwin God and for his Church were simultaneous- Peter and Fr Simon Lau, organised weekly ly projected. The Holy Father encouraged live-streamed events over ArchKL’s chan- all young people to run towards Christ, to nel. Each week’s segment focussed on the adore Him in the Blessed Sacrament and to different age groups in the family: children, be His instrument to the suffering around teenagers, single young adults, parents and us. He prays that the Holy Spirit will guide the elderly seniors. us in the living out of our faith, in challeng- For the segment focusing on Youth and ing times. Single Adults, the Campus & Working In between the sharing and reflections Youth Ministry of Sacred Heart, Peel Road mentioned above, the young adults took parish, participated in a pre-recorded video turns to spend moments in praising and which was aired over ‘Archdiocese of Kuala worshipping the Lord, singing songs in Lumpur’ YouTube channel at 8.00pm on three languages. For several of these young- June 20. The theme was I Have Sent Them sters, it was their first experience of leading Into The World. prayer and song, and they allowed the Holy Bro Joseph Tan, a seminarian from the Spirit to inspire and enable them. parish, who gave the opening message, This Youth-focus segment concluded exhorted fellow young people, especially with Fr Simon Lau giving a closing mes- when undergoing difficulties and sorrows, sage of encouragement, while also impart- to set their gaze on the crucified Christ and ing God’s blessing. the pierced Heart of Jesus; imitating Him in The making of this video was a new ex- the carrying of our cross. Bro Tan encour- perience for the Youth Ministry. God, in His aged us to first receive the forgiveness, love Segments of youth praising and worshipping the lord. grace, led all participants to grow in aspects and peace of Christ, as only then will we be Jacinta Pauline and Stephanie, are two participate in this formation programme as of technological know-how, musical ex- able to share these with our neighbours. working youths from Sacred Heart, Peel a way of saying ‘yes’ to the Lord – to grow pression, communal bonding, through the This was followed by a reflection, pre- Road parish. They are currently undergoing in knowledge of God, of the Church, in their entire process. pared by Jerome Yuen, for God’s children to pastoral care formation in the Philippines individual gifts – to be better-equipped to Lydia, one youth leader who led the song be mindful and wary of “loving the world”; with Fondacio. They along with participants serve His children. ‘Remembrance’, summarised the experi- as written by St John (1 Jn 2: 15-17). Even from six other countries, shared their tes- Jacinta shared how she has learnt to ‘em- ence with these words: “At the end of the as the Father has sent us into the world, let us timonies of their journey over the past six brace her story’ of how God has rewritten day, it’s not about us, it’s about God – in always fix our eyes on Christ, and our hearts months. His ‘Love Story’ on her wounds. As she ex- His spirit and in His truth. We drew near to His Sacred Heart. Therefore we coura- Jacinta shared her heart and passion for periences healing, she has been able to love to Jesus with an attitude of prayer; with a geously engage in constant spiritual battles; young people; desiring they come to experi- others and share her gifts more freely. Steph- heart of worship that beats in time with His through the graces merited and in the victory ence Jesus’ love. Stephanie shared how in anie shared how she has grown to treasure Sacred Heart.” of Christ’s Redemptive work. The Sacred her career as a nurse, she witnessed pain and daily living with others in a community * For all who would like to view the Youth- Heart Chaplet was then sung, imploring Je- suffering, and came to recognise the inad- setting. Though all participants of her batch focus video segment referred to, the link sus to grant us an increase in Charity; so we equacy of the physical help that she was able come from different cultures, she affirms the is as follows: https://www.youtube.com/ may love everything for His sake. to provide. They left their security behind to Godly values they share in common. watch?v=9HIFtlJpee8&t=1841s KOTA KINABAlu Youths join the Global Rosary Relay with the universal church KOTA KINABALU: Sacred Heart Cathe- memorate the parish feast day. dral (SHC) Parish youth shared their love They shared: “A few of us came across encounter with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Worldpriest, an apostolate established by a while organising the Global Rosary Relay. group of lay people to ‘affirm the dignity, It joined the Universal Church to pray for beauty and gift of the Priesthood of Jesus priests on the occasion of the World Day of Christ to humanity’. The apostolate has Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests. been organising the annual Global Rosary The relay took place June 19 at Sacred Relay on the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Heart Cathedral, which was streamed live Jesus, which is also a day of prayer for from the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. The the Sanctification of Priests established by event, which was joined by over 85 coun- Pope St John Paul II in 2002. tries, launched Kota Kinabalu onto the “What greater way to honour the Sacred global map. Heart of Jesus than to pray for the priest- The relay also coincided with the Feast of hood, which is the love of His Heart? Tak- the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the patronal ing to heart the words of Pope Emeritus feast of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish. Benedict XVI, we appropriated the global The first-ever initiative by the SHC Youth initiative and invited the parish to recite the shc Parish priest Fr Paul Lo during the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament before the Rosary Relay. (sacred Heart Cathedral Youth, KK FACEBOOK) to honour the Sacred Heart of Jesus by giv- Rosary before the Blessed Sacrament, and ing Him what He deserves, was the fruit of honour the Most Sacred Heart with Adora- The parish priest could not help but be im- something for the feast day. In past years, their prayer to discern an alternative to cel- tion.” Thus, the initiative proposed by the pressed by the audience’s burning desire to the parish embarked on week-long celebra- ebrate the parish patronal feast day during SHC Youth for the parish had unwittingly pray for priests. The meaningful event con- tions lined-up with activities, such as the the lockdown. launched Malaysia as a participant for the cluded with Mass presided by Fr Saimon Triduum, sporting events, dinner, carnival, The parish youth revealed that when they first time in the global prayer for priests. William. movie night and Mass for the sick. volunteered to organise the parish feast day The historic event began with the expo- Coming out of the reflective event, the At the end of the day, they countered, celebration this year, they were hardly pre- sition of the Blessed Sacrament, followed youth saw how the pandemic had taught “Shouldn’t it boil down to what pleases our pared for the surprise lockdown sprung by by vespers and recitation of the Rosary. The them to get down to the essentials. “We Lord, and how we can give Him the praise the pandemic. “Everything came to a halt audience received more blessings as they need only do the essential – which is to give and honour He deserves? Like so many in the parish,” they shared. What could be got to hear seminarian Sylvester Wong’s our hearts and unite with the Sacred Heart Catholics around the world, our hope is to done that did not entail movement? sharing about his priesthood formation of Jesus in prayer and adoration,” stated the be able to return to Church for the Eucharist With encouragement from their parish journey. There was also a short reflection youth. as soon as possible. It is not just something priest Fr Paul Lo, they began to look for on the immense love of God poured out They reasoned, that it should not be just that we miss; it is the essential of all essen- a more simple and prayerful way to com- through the Sacred Heart of Jesus by Fr Lo. about programmes and the sake of doing tials.” — By Aline Lim, Catholic Sabah 18 HERALD July 5, 2020 Christina returns to the Lord KUALA LUMPUR: Talented Christina Yubong, during the Easter Sun- and presented talks on topics relating to spiritual the Church of St Theresa in Nilai for several years. one of the pioneers of the Bahasa Malaysia-speak- day BM Mass in some leadership, catechetics and liturgy in BM. She Her loss is deeply felt by the clergy and laity of ing community, passed away July 1. parishes. was also a resource person for various formation the Archdiocese. The late Christina Yubong leaves She was actively involved in the apostolate, She continued to programmes for BM-speaking students from East behind her husband Leslie Revi, daughters Car- conducting sessions and formations for the Ba- be dedicated in her Malaysia. yssa Shawn Revi and Lesley Ann Revi, and a host hasa Malaysia-speaking community compris- service to the Church Christina joined the National Office for - Hu of relatives and friends to mourn her loss. ing mainly of East Malaysians. She also served and remained active man Development/Catholic Welfare Services in The wake was held July 2 at the Assumption as Vice-chairman of the apostolate from 2001 to in the BM Apostolate November 1996, and was responsible for han- Service Room. 2007. as a facilitator and also dling migrant/refugees cases. In 2005, she was Her remains were repatriated to her home in Christina was also the pioneer resource person assisted in various ca- transferred to the Archdiocesan Office for Human Kota Kinabalu, Sabah for the funeral service and for the Catholic Marriage Preparation Course in pacities including help- Development where she served for another five final rites. Bahasa Malaysia, and actively served as a mem- ing with translation work from English to Bahasa years. She was instrumental in many issues per- His Grace Most Rev Julian Leow and the cler- ber of the Peninsular Malaysia Pastoral Team for Malaysia and vice versa. Some of her translation taining to migrants including counselling sessions gy of the Archdiocese extend their deepest condo- several years. work included the NEWBEC and Lenten Reflec- and providing moral support to them as and when lences to the family of the late Christina Yubong She was also musically talented and composed tions, PMPT materials and pastoral letters, among required. in this time of loss and are united with them in the song Kebangkitan in 2003, which is still sung others. She was also a very dynamic speaker Christina also served as the PPC Chairperson of prayers and support.

For more enquiries, please contact: Email: [email protected] memoriam Tel: 03-2026 8290 / 03-2026 8291

In Memoriam 11th Anniversary 16th Memorial Anniversary Blessed is the man whom you discipline, Beautiful Memory of Dad In Loving Memory of In Loving Remembrance of O Lord, S. LOURDESAMY and whom you teach out of your law, (August 22, 1945 – July 9, 2004) to give him rest from days of trouble, until a it is dug for the wicked For the Lord will not forsake his people, he will not abandon his heritage; for justice will return to the righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it.

Who rises up for me against the wicked? Who stands up for me against evildoers? If the Lord had not been my help, my soul would soon have lived in Rev Fr Anthony Chan On Dong Gone is the face we loved so dear, the land of silence. G. A Das Silent is the voice we loved to hear, Departed: July 9th, 1972 Born: 25 April 1926 Too far away for sight or speech, When I thought, “My foot slips,” Ordained: 7 July 1956 But not too far for thought to reach, your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. “To Live with God Through Eternity” Departed: 11 July 2009 Sweet to remember him who once was here, When the cares of my heart are many, Fr Anthony Chan And who, though absent, is just as dear. your consolations cheer my soul. From: Loving wife, children, forever loved by God, Deeply missed but forever cherished by: sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, Wife, Daughters, Sons-in-law, Psalm 94: 12-19 and by all who grandchildren and great-grandchildren. love you. Granddaughters, Grandson and loved ones. HERALD July 5 2020 Saints of the Week & Short Readings 19 St Maria Goretti Daily Short ne of the largest crowds Devotion to the young mar- Reading ever assembled for a can- Feastday: July 6 tyr grew, miracles were worked, onisation — 250,000 peo- Patron Saint of: and in less than half a century Sunday, July 5 O l Catholic Youth (Ezekiel 36:25-27) ple — symbolised the reaction of she was canonised. At her be- millions touched by the simple l Girls atification in 1947, her 82-year- I shall pour clean water over you story of Maria Goretti. She was l Teenagers old mother, two sisters, and her and you will be cleansed; I shall the daughter of a poor Italian ten- brother appeared with Pope Pius cleanse you of all your defilement ant farmer, had no chance to go to her mother would sleep, forgive- XII on the balcony of St Peter’s. and all your idols. I shall give you school, and never learned to read ness of her murderer (she had Three years later, at Maria’s can- a new heart, and put a new spirit or write. When Maria made her been in fear of him, but did not onisation, a 66-year-old Ales- in you; I shall remove the heart of First Communion not long before say anything lest she cause trou- sandro Serenelli knelt among the stone from your bodies and give her death at age 12, she was one ble to his family), and her de- quarter-million people and cried you a heart of flesh instead. I shall of the more backward members vout welcoming of Viaticum, her tears of joy. put my spirit in you, and make you of the class. last Holy Communion. She died keep my laws and sincerely respect On a hot afternoon in July, Ma- about 24 hours after the attack. Reflection my observances. ria was sitting at the top of the Alessandro was sentenced to 30 Maria may have had trouble with Monday, July 6 stairs of her house, mending a years in prison. For a long time catechism, but she had no trouble (Jeremiah 15:16) shirt. She was not quite 12 years it,” she cried out. “It is a sin. You he was unrepentant and surly. with faith. God’s will was holi- When your words came, I de- old, but was physically mature. A would go to hell for it.” Alessan- One night he had a dream or vi- ness, decency, respect for one’s voured them: your word was my cart stopped outside, and a neigh- dro began striking at her blindly sion of Maria gathering flowers body, absolute obedience, and delight and the joy of my heart; for bour, 18-year-old Alessandro, with a long dagger. and offering them to him. His life total trust. In a complex world, I was called by your name, Lord, ran up the stairs. He seized her Maria was taken to a hospital. changed. When he was released her faith was simple: It is a privi- God of hosts. and pulled her into a bedroom. Her last hours were marked by after 27 years, his first act was lege to be loved by God, and T She struggled and tried to call the usual simple compassion of to beg the forgiveness of Maria’s to love him — at any cost. — uesday, July 7 for help. “No, God does not wish the good — concern about where mother. franciscanmedia.org (1 Thessalonians 5:4-5) It is not as if you live in the dark, my brothers, for that Day to overtake you like a thief. No, you are all sons St Augustine Zhao Rong and companions of light and sons of the day: we do hristianity arrived in China Mission Society to his martyr- not belong to the night or to dark- Cby way of Syria in the 600s. dom in Beijing. Not long after his ness. Depending on China’s relations baptism, Augustine was ordained Wednesday, July 8 with the outside world, Christian- a diocesan priest. He was mar- (Romans 8:35,37) ity over the centuries was some- tyred in 1815. Nothing can come between us times free to grow and at other Beatified in groups at various and the love of Christ, even if we times forced to operate secretly. times, these 120 martyrs were are troubled or worried, or be- The 120 martyrs in this group canonized together in Rome on ing persecuted, or lacking food died between 1648 and 1930. October 1, 2000. or clothes, or being threatened or Eighty-seven of them were born even attacked. These are the trials in China, and were children, par- Reflection through which we triumph, by the ents, catechists, or laborers, rang- The People’s Republic of China power of him who loved us. ing in age from nine years to 72. and the Roman Catholic Church This group includes four Chinese each have well over a billion Thursday, July 9 diocesan priests. The 33 foreign- members, but there are only (Romans 14:17-19) born martyrs were mostly priests about 12 million Catholics in The kingdom of God does not or women religious, especially China. The reasons for that are mean eating or drinking this or that, from the Order of Preachers, the better explained by historical it means righteousness and peace Paris Foreign Mission Society, conflicts than by a wholesale and joy brought by the Holy Spirit. If the Friars Minor, the Society of rejection of the Good News of you serve Christ in this way you will Jesus, the Society of St Francis Jesus Christ. The Chinese-born often tried to distance themselves is intended to benefit all peoples; please God and be respected by de Sales (Salesians), and Francis- martyrs honoured by today’s from European political struggles today’s martyrs knew that. May men. So let us adopt any custom can Missionaries of Mary. feast were regarded by their per- relating to China, but their per- 21st-century Christians live in that leads to peace and our mutual improvement. Augustine Zhao Rong was a secutors as dangerous because secutors saw them as Westerners such a way that Chinese women Chinese soldier who accompa- they were considered allies of and therefore, by definition, anti- and men will be attracted to hear Friday, July 10 nied Bishop John Gabriel Taurin the enemy, Catholic countries. Chinese. that Good News and embrace it. (Ephesians 2:13-16) Dufresse of the Paris Foreign The martyrs born outside China The Good News of Jesus Christ — franciscanmedia.org Now in Christ Jesus, you that used to be so far apart from us have been brought very close, by the blood of St Benedict Christ. For he is the peace between us, and has made the two into one t is unfortunate that no contem- Still the shift from hermit to com- Feastday: July 11 and broken down the barrier which Iporary biography was written munity life had begun for him. He used to keep them apart, actually of a man who has exercised the had an idea of gathering various Patron Saint of: l Europe destroying in his own person the greatest influence on monasti- families of monks into one “Grand hostility caused by the rules and l Kidney Disease cism in the West. Benedict is well Monastery” to give them the ben- decrees of the Law. This was to recognized in the later Dialogues efit of unity, fraternity, and perma- l Monks l create one single New Man in him- of Saint Gregory, but these are nent worship in one house. Finally Poisoning self out of the two of them and by l sketches to illustrate miraculous he began to build what was to Schoolchildren restoring peace through the cross, elements of his career. become one of the most famous to unite them both in a single Body Benedict was born into a dis- monasteries in the world — Mon- Reflection and reconcile them with God: in his tinguished family in central Italy, te Cassino, commanding three The Church has been blessed own person he killed the hostility. through Benedictine devo- studied at Rome, and early in life narrow valleys running toward the Saturday, July 11 tion to the liturgy, not only was drawn to monasticism. At mountains north of Naples. (Romans 12:1-2) first he became a hermit, leaving a The Rule that gradually devel- in its actual celebration depressing world—pagan armies oped prescribed a life of liturgical with rich and proper cer- Think of God’s mercy, my brothers, on the march, the Church torn prayer, study, manual labor, and emony in the great abbeys, and worship him, I beg you, in a by schism, people suffering from living together in community un- but also through the schol- way that is worthy of thinking be- ings, by offering your living bodies war, morality at a low ebb. der a common abbot. Benedictine arly studies of many of its as a holy sacrifice, truly pleasing to Today the Benedictine family is members. Liturgy is some- He soon realised that he could asceticism is known for its mod- God. Do not model yourselves on represented by two branches: the times confused with guitars not live a hidden life in a small eration, and Benedictine charity the behaviour of the world around town any better than in a large has always shown concern for the Benedictine Federation encom- or choirs, Latin or Bach. passing the men and women of the you, but let your behaviour change, city, so he withdrew to a cave high people in the surrounding coun- We should be grateful to modelled by your new mind. This is Order of St. Benedict, and the Cis- in the mountains for three years. tryside. In the course of the Mid- those who both preserve and the only way to discover the will of Some monks chose Benedict as dle Ages, all monasticism in the tercians, men and women of the adapt the genuine tradition God and know what is good, what their leader for a while, but found West was gradually brought under Order of Cistercians of the Strict of worship in the Church. — it is that God wants, what is the per- his strictness not to their taste. the Rule of St. Benedict. Observance. franciscanmedia.org fect thing to do. Evangelisation: Our Families We pray that today’s families may be accompanied with love, respect and guidance.

Download the Click To Pray updates now. THE CATHOLIC WEEKLY July 5, 2020 Abu Dhabi sends aid to Amazon in the spirit of Human Fraternity VATICAN: In collaboration with the Foundation he heads began to col- Holy See, the United Arab Emirates laborate and exchange ideas with au- delivers 50 tons of emergency medi- thorities in the UAE and in particular cal aid to the Peruvian Amazon re- with the Minister of Education. gion that is battling the coronavirus The coronavirus pandemic thwart- pandemic. ed a Seminar that was in the pipeline, In the early hours of the morning so he said it was decided to put into Pope Francis and Ahmed el-Tayeb, of July 2, a plane loaded with 50 tons place “a specific project of aid and Grand Imam of Al-Azhar signing the of humanitarian aid for the Peruvian help within the context of COV- document Human Fraternity Amazon region took off from Abu ID-19.” Dhabi Airport in the United Arab “This project is one of concrete aid other dimensions to be developed as Emirates. to the Amazon, but it is also a project well. Humanitarian aid for the Peruvian Amazon is seen at the Abu Dhabi International For instance, he said, the formation The containers will land in Lima Airport in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Vatican News/YouTube) in which Christians and Muslims are and then be transported, by land, to learning to work together, to serve of professors and the need to tackle Iquitos, a city of 400,000 inhabitants Churches to health and educational the “wonderful document on Human together, and to build a new world basic problems in local schools and on the banks of the Amazon river in facilities and families in need. Fraternity” signed on that occasion. together, “he said. universities. the midst of the rainforest. Msgr Guy-Réal Thivierge is the The landmark document signed He explained that the parties aim “Basically,” he added, “we are try- The aid reaches the Amazon as Secretary-General of the Gravissi- by the Pope and by Ahmed el-Tayeb, to do so not through an exclusively ing to stimulate a new way of work- COVID-19 infections rise through- mum Educationis Foundation. He Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, on Feb- intellectual perspective (which is also ing from an interreligious perspec- out Latin America, putting millions told Vatican News that the initiative ruary 4, 2019, in the words of Pope very important), “but also from a very tive,” never forgetting that we are of vulnerable people at risk. springs from the collaboration be- Francis, writes “a new page in the concrete perspective in which we involved in education. This delivery is the fruit of a col- tween the Holy See and the UAE in dialogue between religions and peo- have to share, and agree and collabo- “The objective is not interreligious laboration between the UAE and the the wake of the Pope’s historic visit ple of goodwill” focusing on how dif- rate in a very, very concrete way.” dialogue as such - more concretely Gravissimum Educationis Pontifical to Abu Dhabi in 2019. ferent faiths can live peaceably in the “So this is the originality of the it is how we can work together and Foundation. It contains materials to Msgr Thivierge explained that the same world, in a spirit of universal project,” Thivierge explained, adding build something together, being contain the spread of the pandemic, initiative of solidarity and collabo- kinship. that at the heart of it is the fact that Christians and Muslims and other medical oxygen and food that will ration has its seeds in the context of Thivierge said that after the Pope’s emergency aid is being brought to religious congregations.” — Vatican be received and distributed by local Pope Francis’ visit to the UAE, and in visit to Abu Dhabi, the Gravissimum Peru, bearing in mind that there are News Msgr Philip Heng SJ completes his tenure Santiago de Compostela SINGAPORE: Msgr Philip Heng any time, in the universal Church and completed his tenure as Vicar Gen- the world, for God’s Greater Glory,” Cathedral reopens to pilgrims eral, as the Rector of the Cathedral of said Msgr Heng. ROME: Pilgrims can walk the the Good Shepherd and also as the “My Jesuit Superior decided that Camino de Santiago once again as rector of St Joseph’s Church, in the after these years of service in the the pilgrimage’s destination, the Ca- Archdiocese of Singapore June 30. Archdiocese, I should take a sab- thedral of Santiago de Compostela, Archbishop William Goh, in a re- batical, before he decides on another reopened its doors July 1. corded video message, said “I cannot mission for me. The cathedral, pilgrim welcome express enough my heartfelt thanks I will certainly miss so many of centres, and public hostels along the to Msgr Philip Heng for the assis- you whom I have come to know, Spanish pilgrimage route reopened tance he has given to me since I was befriended, worked with at differ- following a more than three-month installed archbishop of Singapore. In ent creative initiatives and pastoral closure due to the coronavirus pan- the initial years when the foundation endeavours, celebrated so many lit- demic. was just being laid, he was always urgies with, journeyed in faith with Masses resumed at the Cathedral around to give me the necessary sup- Msgr Philip Heng SJ (Good and prayed together with on so many of Santiago de Compostela for up port to grow the Church and to estab- Shepherd Cathedral, Singapore) occasions whether in times of sorrow to 75 people at a time to facilitate Camino de Santiago. (Jon Alkain via lish the foundations whether in terms “Whilst it is truly a great loss to and pain, or joys and happiness over social distancing requirements. The Shutterstock) of infrastructure, policies or strategy. the archdiocese and personally to me the years in our Archdiocese. tomb of St. James the Apostle is now He has always worked untiringly because he has been my right-hand Whether as fellow priests, reli- open for veneration from 9.00am to St James, the brother of John the for the archdiocese, supporting me man, I commend him to God’s will gious or with you as the laity, all 7.00pm each day, however the tra- Evangelist, was the first apostle to be in every way. Day and night he la- and His grace. Regardless of where these are happy and memorable ditional embrace of the statue of St. martyred. He was beheaded by order boured for the good of the Church we are, we can be happy because experiences that I will cherish. As I James has been prohibited. of Herod of Agrippa. He is the patron without expecting recognition or God’s work is not constrained by leave our Archdiocese and move on The July 1 reopening coincided saint of pilgrims and of Spain. honour. time and place. Where his heart is, in faith, trusting God’s providence to with the European Union’s decision Pilgrims have been making the “He has shown himself to be a there is his mission and his calling. unveil His Will, His Love and His to allow tourists to visit its 27 mem- journey to Santiago de Compostela truly faithful, exemplary and most I pray for his good health. I hope he Ways for me in the coming year and ber states from 14 countries, includ- for more than a thousand years to dedicated Vicar-General. He was can take a good rest too before he future.” ing Canada, Australia, and South commemorate the life and sacrifice a true and faithful assistant to the embarks on a new journey. May the Msgr Heng ended by asking eve- Korea, but excluding the United of the apostle. Although it is a reli- archbishop. I am very grateful for all Good Lord bless and protect him. It ryone to continue to pray for each States. gious pilgrimage, many non-believ- the things he has done for the arch- has been great working with him. We other during these challenging times The Camino de Santiago, or “Way ers also have made the trek. diocese, the organisations, the Ca- will miss him! With much gratitude “of the Church, our nation and the of St James,” is an ancient pilgrim- To complete the Camino de San- thedral, St Joseph’s Church, the IRO and heartfelt appreciation for all that world, especially during this unprec- age route that typically draws hun- tiago officially, pilgrims are required and our relations with the govern- he has done, I will continue to pray edented COVID-19 outbreak. Our dreds of thousands of international to complete at least 100 kilometres, ment. Without him, I would not have for him and to support him in his faith is being tested, as Masses and pilgrims each year. The “camino” or about 62 miles. The most popular been able to do so much. His assis- ministry.” the Sacraments are less available and consists of a network of trails across route begins in France and crosses tance was critical to the development “As a Jesuit priest, our charism is also where the poorest of the poor are Europe leading to the tomb of St. into Spain. — By Courtney Mares, of the archdiocese. to serve anywhere, any person and most affected.” James in Spain. CNA