POPE FRANCIS SCIAF looks NEW SERIES: calls on ahead at Harry Schnitker world to be the challenges explores Evan- peacemakers of 2014 gelii Gaudium Pages 6-7 Pages 10-11 Page 20

No 5550 VISIT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER ONLINE AT WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK Friday January 3 2014 | £1

Persecution of Christians must Traditional marriage left exposed stop, says Pope I MSPs reject provisos to protect religious freedoms, clergy and celebrants in new legislation POPE Francis used the feast of St Stephen, the Church’s first mar- By Ian Dunn tyr, to tell the world that discrimi- nation against Christians ‘must be SCOTTISH politicians have further eliminated.’ The Pope was speak- undermined the future of traditional ing on Boxing Day before pray- marriage ahead of voters deciding, ing the Angelus from his window this year, whether Scotland will overlooking St Peter’s Square. become independent. “Today we pray in a particular Over the festive period, MSPs refused way for Christians who undergo dis- to amend the Scottish Government’s crimination because of their witness same-sex ‘marriage’ legislation to protect to Christ and the Gospel,” he said. religious freedom, clergy and celebrants. “We are close to these brothers and In addition, the Scottish Government has sisters who, like St Stephen, are confirmed that tax breaks for married unjustly accused and made targets of couples would be scrapped in an inde- violence of various kinds. I am sure pendent Scotland. that, unfortunately, there are more of them today than in the early days of Religious freedom fears the Church. There are so many.” On the Tuesday before Christmas, the The Pope said that Christians face Scottish Parliament’s Equal Opportuni- discrimination in every part of the ties Committee voted against proposed world.“This [persecution] happen changes to the Marriage and Civil Part- especially where religious liberty is nership (Scotland) Bill by SNP and not yet guaranteed and fully realised,” Labour members that were aimed at he said. “But it also happens in coun- enhancing protections for religious bod- tries and societies that protect liberty ies and celebrants, potential foster car- and human rights on paper, but where, ers and adoptive parents, and public in fact, believers, especially Chris- authority workers who do not support tians, encounter abridgements of same-sex ‘marriage.’ liberty and discrimination.” Opponents to the bill believe that, in The Pope then led the crowd in its current form, it does not do enough to the square in prayer for persecuted prevent celebrants being sued if they Christians. refuse to carry out same-sex ‘marriage’ “For the Christian, [persecution] services. They also fear that teachers is no surprise, because Jesus fore- bound by an ethos opposed to the told it as a propitious occasion for changes, such as those in Catholic bearing witness,” he added. “Never- schools, will be forced to teach their theless, in the civil sphere, this pupils about same-sex ‘marriage’ and injustice must be denounced and potential adoptive parents could lose out Reaction Over the festive period, MSPs refused to eliminated.” Pope Francis said that unless they support same-sex ‘marriage.’ ‘‘marriage,’’’ and ‘protecting expression amend same-sex ‘marriage’ legislation to commemorating St Stephen’s mar- Changes rejected of belief in marriage between persons of Scotland For Marriage, an umbrella protect religious freedom, clergy and tyrdom might seem to clash with the different sex’ were also voted down. group supporting traditional marriage that celebrants spirit of Christmas, the ‘feast of life SNP MSP Richard Lyle had proposed “The purpose of the amendment is to has the backing of the Catholic Church in which inspires us with sentiments of changes to introduce a clause stating reflect the very high level of concern Scotland, said it was encouraged by the young people to be respectful, respon- serenity and peace.’ “Why disturb that a potential adoptive parent or fos- about same-sex marriage,” Mr Mason level of support the amendments attracted sible and loving,” he said. “However, its enchantment with the memory of ter carer’s views on marriage cannot be said. “We need to make absolutely cer- in the committee but it was ‘disappoint- the first ‘school’ where children acquire such atrocious violence?” he said. taken into account during the fostering tain that should the law be changed, ing’ they were not passed. their values and moral understanding is The Pope said the feast of St or adoption process. those who hold to the current definition “The warnings about problems the the family home. Parents need to ensure Stephen, who died asking forgive- Mr Lyle, who adopted his daughter 31 of marriage will be fully protected. By legislation is going to cause are not that their children are not exposed to ness for his killers, is, however, years ago after a lengthy process, said the agreeing to this amendment parliament being listened to,” a spokesman said. unhealthy and unwholesome influences ‘fully in tune with the deep mean- law could stop children being adopted will be setting the strongest possible “The Scottish Government is in cloud and attitudes. Catholic schools can sup- ing of Christmas.’ “In martyrdom, “Should same-sex ‘marriage’ become signal that intolerance of those who cuckoo land if it doesn’t believe these port them with the programmes that in fact, violence is defeated by law there is a very real danger that poten- believe in the previous definition of changes are necessary.” they offer.” love, death by life,” he explained. tial foster carers and adopters may be marriage will itself not be tolerated.” Last month, the group published a list He said remembering the first wrongly deemed homophobic, because of However Health Secretary Alex Neil of 10 MSPs with small majorities who Tax breaks martyr dispels a ‘false image of their opposition to same-sex ‘marriage,’ lead the opposition to the amendments, and are ‘vulnerable to being removed at the In another move, which has been seen as Christmas.’ “The Liturgy recalls for and therefore may not be (deemed) suited ensured Mr Mason’s efforts would fail. next Holyrood election’ as their majori- hostile to traditional marriage, the SNP us the authentic sense of the incar- to the role,” he said. “I trust that all mem- “The government has sought to have ties were smaller than the number of has confirmed it will scrap the £200 a nation, linking Bethlehem to Cal- bers of the committee would agree that it a very balanced approach to this, to Scots in their constituencies who year bonus for married couples if it is vary and reminding us that divine would be a terrible injustice for everyone accommodate the extension of the free- oppose changing the legal definition of elected to lead an independent Scotland. salvation implies the struggle concerned if otherwise suitable adopters dom of rights for same-sex couples, marriage. They included Iain Gray, the The UK Government’s £700 million against sin and passes through the or foster carers were turned down because while at the same time protect the rights former Scottish Labour leader, and tax break, which comes into force in narrow gate of the Cross,” he said. of their views on marriage.” of religious organisations and cele- Fiona McLeod, a Nationalist who was 2015, will allow the lower-earning part- The committee rejected his proposal brants, and I am not going to support recently accused of refusing to meet an ner to transfer up to £1000 of their during its consideration of stage two anything that disturbs that balance in opponent of same-sex ‘marriage.’ unused tax allowance to the other. amendments, along with several other my view,” he said. “Because I think that Prior to the latest moves against tra- But the scheme ‘will overwhelmingly amendments designed to protect reli- balance is very important.” ditional marriage, Michael McGrath, benefit men’ as they are more likely to gious freedom. Further amendments from Labour MSP director of the Scottish Catholic Educa- be the higher earner and leave bereaved Amendments from SNP MSP John Siobhan McMahon to give enhanced pro- tion Service, defended the independ- and abused women ‘out in the cold,’ a Mason aimed at ‘bolstering protection tections for celebrants, district registrars ence of Catholic schools in Scotland. SNP spokesman claimed. for those with religious views who do and public authority workers were also “It is important that all schools pro- not wish to participate in same-sex voted down by the committee. vide relationship education, which helps I [email protected]

SCO, 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6BT I tel 0141 221 4956 I fax 0141 221 4546 I e-mail [email protected] 2 WHAT’S ON SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY JANUARY 3 2014

Church and civic representatives joined the people of Glasgow for the annual Carols for Peace celebration prior to Christmas. Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow read the opening prayer of the service, which included a two-minutes silence for the victims of the police helicopter crash at Clutha Vaults pub, which killed ten people and injured many more on the evening of Friday November 29. Archbishop Emeritus Mario Conti of Glasgow was among the church leaders present for the service at Glasgow City Chambers, while Deputy Lord Provost Gerry Leonard represented Lord Provost Sadie Docherty at the event. The St Mungo Singers, directed by Mgr Gerry Fitzpatrick, were among those leading the singing at the carol service, which is now in its 13th year PIC: PAUL McSHERRY

What’s On A weekly guide to upcoming Church events SUNDAY JANUARY 5 I Archbishop Tartaglia cele- brates Mass at Holy Name Church, Glasgow, 10.30am. TUESDAY JANUARY 7 I Sung Evening Prayers, 6.30pm, St Mary’s Cathedral, Aberdeen. WEDNESDAY JANUARY 8 I Voice for Life Mass and Rosary, 6pm, St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh. I Newman Association, Edinburgh meeting, 7.30pm, Catholic Chaplaincy, George Square, Edinburgh. Fr Nicholas King SJ will speak Chamber Choir candlelit about Authority in the Bible, carol service, 7.30pm at St about worries over abuse of Aloysius’ Church, Garnethill, power in the Church and the Glasgow. Tickets cost £8, £5 way a new Pope is exercising for concessions. authority in a very different way. Non-members welcome SATURDAY JANUARY 11 and there will be refresh- I Exhibition of the Vita ments between the talk and Kentigerni, 12noon, Mitchell discussion. Library, Glasgow. THURSDAYJANUARY 9 SUNDAY JANUARY 12 Archbishop Philip Tartaglia joined clergy and parishioners of St Anne’s Archbishop Emeritus Mario Conti, Archbishop Tartaglia’s predecessor as I I Church, Dennistoun, Glasgow, before Christmas to celebrate 80 years since Archbishop of Glasgow, once described St Anne’s as a ‘jewel of the Installation of Bishop Evening Prayer (Vespers) the opening of their church. archdiocese.’ Stephen Robson (above with Benediction, 3pm, St The archbishop was the main celebrant of an anniversary Mass, at which Built in red brick with white stone dressing, in a modern style heavily right) as Bishop of Dunkeld. Mary’s, Blairs, Aberdeen. I he was joined by Fr Wojciech Stachyra, St Anne’s parish priest, Fr Lesczek influenced by Byzantine and Renaissance architecture, it reflects the 7pm, St Andrew’s Cathedral, Ecumenical Service for Rygiewicz, assistant priest, and visiting clergy, including Fr John McGinley, influence of the architect’s Italian background. Dundee. the St Mungo Festival, former parish priest of St Anne’s. Following the anniversary Mass, Archbishop Tartaglia joined parishioners I Strathclyde University 6.30pm, Glasgow Cathedral. St Anne’s Church was built from 1931-1933 and was the first of 30 for a celebration in the church hall, during which he helped cut an Catholic church buildings designed by Jack Coia, of the architects Gillespie, anniversary cake E-mail [email protected] Kidd and Coia. It has been referred to as ‘a landmark in church design in Scotland,’ while PIC: PAUL McSHERRY

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WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY JANUARY 3 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER NEWS 3 Three men reported in connection Catholic identity of schools is fundamental with abuse cases at Fort Augustus

By Ian Dunn THREE men have been reported to prosecutors in THE Vatican has called for Catholic connection with allegations schools to make a fresh commitment of historic sexual and physi- to their religious identity in the face of cal abuse at the Fort Augus- an increasingly secularised educa- tus Abbey school in the tional system. Highlands. At a press conference held the week The investigation concerns before Christmas, Cardinal Zenon Groc- Benedictine monks who taught holewski (right), prefect of the Congregation at the private school (right) in for Catholic Education, said: “The Catholic the Highlands in the 1960s and identity of the school is fundamental.” 70s. The school is now closed. Noting the many challenges facing Police said they have been Catholic schools, the cardinal added: investigating since last March, “Today one of the greatest problems is following a report from a for- when large organisations want to impose mer pupil and further allega- tion into historical physical and gender ideology. tions, which came to light in a sexual abuse at Fort Augustus “Today, due to the advanced process of BBC documentary. The charity Abbey, Police Scotland have secularisation, Catholic schools find them- Children 1st has set up a dedi- interviewed and spoken with a selves in a missionary situation, even in cated support line for anyone number of victims and countries with an ancient Christian tradi- affected to contact them. witnesses of abuse, and, as a tion,” the congregation’s new document When the allegations came to result, have reported three men ‘Educating To Intercultural Dialogue in light, Bishop Hugh Gilbert of to the Crown Office and Procu- Catholic Schools’ reads. Aberdeen, in whose diocese rator Fiscal Service,” a force “Catholic schools’primary responsibility Fort Augustus lies, said it was spokesman said. “This is very is one of witness,” the document continues. a very distressing incident that much an ongoing investigation “In the various situations created by differ- the police had to investigate which was initiated by Highland ent cultures, the Christian presence must be fully. and Islands division in March shown and made clear, that is, it must be “It is a most bitter, shaming 2013 and has extended to liaison visible, tangible and conscious. Catholic and distressing thing that in this with a number of law enforce- schools have in Jesus Christ the basis of former abbey school a small ment agencies both across and their anthropological and pedagogical para- tence, but because they show interest in to find balance between the two cultural number of Baptised, conse- outwith the UK. We understand digm; they must practice the ‘grammar of the person for the good,” he said. extremes found in the world today, advises crated and ordained Christian that it is very difficult for dialogue,’ not as a technical expedient, but The document notes a phenomena that the document. men physically or sexually victims of abuse to speak about as a profound way of relating to others. has been often observed in Scotland, that On the one hand, ‘one needs the ability abused those in their care,” he their experiences and a helpline Catholic schools must reflect on their own ‘Catholic schools are seeing an ever growing to witness and dialogue, without falling said. “We are anxious that there run by Children 1st is available identity, because that which they can give is presence of students with different national- into the trap of that facile relativism which be a thorough police investiga- to provide support and advice to primarily that which they are.” ities and religious beliefs. In many countries holds that all religions are the same and tion into all this. And, that all those who may be affected by These issues are of special relevance to of the world, most students profess a non- are merely manifestations of an absolute that can be done should be the investigation.” Scotland as the independence of Catholic Catholic religion and the theme of interreli- that no-one can truly know.’ done for the victims. All of us Children 1st traditionally schools often comes into conflict with a gious encounter is now unavoidable.’ On the other, ‘what is important is to must surely pray for those who helps children, young people secular educational establishment. Archbishop Angelo Vincenzo Zani, Sec- give answers to the many young people have suffered.” and families to recover from Cardinal Grocholewski reaffirmed this retary for the Congregation of Catholic Edu- without a religious home, the result of an An 80-year-old man was abuse, neglect and violence, vision at the press briefing. cation, said that ‘the differences between ever more secularised society.’ charged in September and three and campaigns for children’s “Catholic schools are best not just cultures are not obstacles, but opportunities.’ men have now been reported to rights. because they give knowledge and compe- The goal of Catholic schools should be I [email protected] the procurator fiscal, police said. The helpline number is 0800 “In relation to the investiga- 345 7457. Syrian president tells Pope that he is ready for peace Christians denied Bethlehem access at Christmas

SYRIAN President Bashar worldwide day of prayer for “The message stressed the MANY Christians were born. The Israeli Government and visiting relatives living in the al-Assad has sent a private peace in the country. Syrian government’s readiness to refused access to Bethlehem rejected hundreds of visa applica- West Bank for Palestinians. message to Pope Francis Syria’s state-run news agency participate in the international by the Israeli Government on tions forwarded by Greek-Ortho- “We were hoping to spend saying he is ready for peace said that President Assad’s mes- conference on Syria, highlighting Christmas Eve. dox and Catholic churches to visit Christmas at the Church of the talks and that he hopes that sage expressed appreciation for that combating the terrorism that Christians living in Gaza are Bethlehem this Christmas. Nativity,” Suzy said. “But this other countries will refrain the Holy Father’s Christmas targets citizens is a decisive fac- only 45 miles from Bethlehem, Young Orthodox couple Suzy seems impossible.” from interfering in his coun- appeal for an end to the violence tor in making any peaceful solu- but large numbers of them were and Samer both fall within the Greek-Orthodox Bishop Alex- try’s affairs. and suffering in Syria. tion to the crisis a success,” the not permitted to celebrate Christ- travel ban on Palestinians between ios of Gaza said his people were The Vatican said a delegation The Syrian president’s mes- Syrian state broadcaster reported. mas in the place where Jesus was 16 and 35 for religious festivals suffering. headed by Joseph Sweid, a Syr- sage reportedly said that ‘the ian minister of state, held talks in crisis will be solved through the Vatican with the Pope’s sec- national dialogue among the retary of state, Archbishop Pietro Syrians and under a Syrian lead- Parolin and his foreign minister, ership without foreign interven- JOE WALSH TOURS Mancunia Archbishop Dominique Mam- tion as to enable the Syrians to berti on Saturday. “The delega- determine their future and lead- OFFICIAL TOUR OPERATOR OF GLASGOW, We are pleased to operate direct fl ights to tion brought a message from ership through ballots.’ DUNKELD & GALLOWAY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGES TO LOURDES Lourdes on the following dates from President Assad for the Holy President Al-Assad’s dis- Manchester 18th & 25th of July - 1st, 8th, 15th, Father and illustrated the posi- patch to the Pope comes before PLAN YOUR 2014 GROUP OR PARISH PILGRIMAGE NOW 22nd & 27th August - 5th September tion of the Syrian Government,” a United Nations-brokered a Vatican statement said. peace conference that will be For the fi rst time in many years, we are pleased to off er Pope Francis has taken a per- held in Geneva between the a coach for the February feast day, departing from sonal interest in the Syria con- Syrian Government and oppo- Manchester and Birmingham: £229 flict, in September leading a sition, beginning on January 22. Lourdes Fatima New for 2014, we are pleased to be off ering pilgrimages GROUPGROUP & PARISHPARISH PILGRIMAGESPILGRIMAGES from Scotland to Fatima. It will be for 7 nights, departing » )XOO\ ÀH[LEOH LWLQHUDULHV BoulevardOLIVER & DrumryʼS Taxis from Edinburgh on the 11th of May with fl ights to Lisbon. » /RFDOO\ EDVHG RSHUDWLRQV LQ /RXUGHV )DWLPD ,WDO\ 0HGMXJRUMH Contact us for further details. Drumchapel » Professional co-ordinators and guides 24 Hours Service - Cars for all occasions » Incentives for group organisers The Holy Land Radio Controlled Cars - All Calls Monitored » 6SHFLDO FRQGLWLRQV IRU JURXS ERRNLQJV SINGLE PASSENGERS TRAVEL SAFELY 3 night short stay in February 2014. 24th - 27th, the price is from £483 (plus fl ights) Staying 0141-944 8111 0141-944 7374 Lourdes | Fatima | Medjugorje | Italy | Holy Land | Shrines of France | Poland Shrines of Europe | Santiago de Compostela | Shrines of Portugal | Ireland in Bethlehem & Nazareth, visiting Jerusalem Pilgrimage & Sun Holidays | School & College Tours 0141-944 8222 0141-944 4079 www.mancunia.com 0141-944 8333 0141-944 8444 Joe Walsh Tours | www.joewalshtours.ie | 0141 530 5060 offi [email protected] 143 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2 | [email protected] Bonded and Licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority in the UK | ATOL 5163 Telephone: 0161 883 1515 NO BOUNDARY CHARGES 5126 WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 4 SCHOOLS/LOCAL NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY JANUARY 3 2014 Mary’s Meals success in 2013

By Martin Dunlop

THE year 2013 ended on a high for Scottish charity Mary’s Meals as it delivered its 50,000th backpack of the year in Malawi, Fond farewell to CBE headteacher the highest number distributed in one coun- try in one year by the charity, and took actor By Martin Dunlop love, which she said were ‘all visi- Pupils make a floral presentation to Gerard Butler to see its work in Liberia. ble’ in the Mass of Thanksgiving. former Cardinal Newman High School Sosa Saldi, 7, who attends Chilobwe Voca- headteacher Isabelle Boyd after her THE community of Cardinal “There are no greater gifts and farewell Mass with Bishop Emeritus tional Primary in rural Blantyre, was the lucky Newman High School in Bell- rewards than these,” she said. Joseph Devine PIC: TOM EADIE recipient of the milestone backpack. shill said an emotional good- “How could you not have hope Before receiving her gift from Mary’s Meals, bye to departing headteacher working with young people every Sosa did not have a bag of any kind to bring to Isabelle Boyd at a special Mass day? I have great hope for the ingham for their patron’s Mass of school. The main focus of the Dalmally-based celebrated prior to the Christ- future of our country, our Church Beatification. charity Mary’s Meals is setting up school feeding mas holidays. and our world.” “The entire 24-hour trip was programmes in areas of the world where hunger Bishop Emeritus Joseph Devine The life and teachings of the great—full of joy and good and poverty often prevent children from gaining everyone could have a backpack like mine.” was the principal celebrant at the Bellshill school’s patron saint are humour,” Mrs Boyd recalled. an education. The charity currently reaches Mary’s Meals supporters in the UK, Germany, Mass of Thanksgiving for Mrs central to daily life at Cardinal “When His Holiness Pope Bene- 822,142 vulnerable children with a daily meal in and Austria contributed to last year’s record- Boyd, who leaves her post at Car- Newman High School, and Mrs dict declared that our patron ‘shall their place of education. breaking haul of backpacks. dinal Newman after 11 years to Boyd noted that she will always henceforth be invoked as The Backpack Project complements the Gillian Boyle, Mary’s Meals’ Malawi logistics take up the role of head of educa- look back with great fondness on ‘Blessed’’we were moved to tears. school feeding programmes by offering a further coordinator, commented that ‘everyone in the tion services at North Lanarkshire ‘a perfect day’ in September It was a most special moment that incentive for children to attend, since pupils must team was so happy when we managed to break Council. 2010, when Cardinal John Henry will live in my heart forever.” be in school to receive a backpack and the dis- our record and distribute 50,000 backpacks to Friends and family joined Car- Newman was declared ‘Blessed’ In her final message to pupils, tribution visits are always a surprise. children receiving Mary’s Meals in Malawi. dinal Newman pupils and staff to by Pope Benedict XVI during his Mrs Boyd encouraged them to Along with pencils, coloured pens, and a “By giving a backpack we ensure that all chil- pay tribute to the highly respected visit to the UK. ‘stay true to the values that you notepad, Sosa’s backpack contained a tennis ball, dren have the same access to the materials headteacher, who received a CBE In the early hours of Sunday hold dear,’ and that, although she toothpaste, soap, a blouse for school, and a pair required for comfortable schooling and they all for her services to education in the September 19, 2010, a busload of is moving on to pastures new,‘part of flip-flops. Her favourite item is the flip-flops. treat each other with respect,” she said. “The 2009 New Year’s Honours List. pupils, staff and friends of the of my heart will always be at Car- “I have never seen shoes like these before,” greatest thing about this project is arriving at a Reflecting on her time at Cardi- Cardinal Newman High School dinal Newman High School.’ she said. school and seeing the children who woke up that nal Newman, Mrs Boyd focused community departed from Bell- “This backpack is a gift, I am happy. I wish day thinking it would be a normal day. As part on three key values: faith, hope and shill, making their way to Birm- I [email protected]

Motherwell FC footballer Stephen Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of McManus was delighted to return to Glasgow marked a double cel- his former classrooms at Holy Cross ebration at St Lucy’s Church, High School in Hamilton for the Cumbernauld, on Friday school’s senior awards ceremony. December 13, 2013. Mr McManus, the former captain of The parish patron’s feast day Celtic and Scotland, was the principal also saw the St Lucy’s com- guest at the event, during which he munity marking 40 years since delivered an inspiring speech, the foundation of the parish. encouraging the young people pres- Fr Joseph McAuley, St Lucy’s ent to recognise the importance of parish priest, welcomed fellow hard work, dedication, determination clergy to celebrate the and using their God-given talents to anniversary Mass, including their full potential. many priests from neighbour- Speaking after the event, John Reilly, ing parishes and a number of Holy Cross headteacher, was men who had previously delighted with the success of the served the St Lucy’s commu- senior school awards ceremony. nity in its 40-year history. “It was a fantastic occasion to see so Youngsters from St Lucy’s Pri- many of our young people in the sen- mary School, many of whom ior school getting the recognition they had recently been Confirmed, thoroughly deserve for their out- participated in the celebration, standing achievements,” he said. with the school also providing Mr McManus is pictured alongside its very own St Lucy for the Holy Cross school captains Nicole occasion, played by pupil McCann and Conor Smith Alannah Ferris. Older pupils form Cumbernauld’s Our Lady’s High School were also Follow the SCO on among a large congregation at EWTN CATHOLIC TV IS ON SKY EPG 589 the anniversary Mass. St Twitter at Lucy’s parish was founded in Sky Freesat £175 total cost , no monthly charges. 1973, with the church building 200 Free channels including EWTN TV & Radio. SCO_NEWS and opening in 1976 Call Sky on 08442411602 for installation. PIC: PAUL McSHERRY Call EWTN on 020 83502542 or e-mail [email protected] find the paper on for free monthly posted programme guide and Facebook visit www.ewtn.co.uk for more info.

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY JANUARY 3 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LOCAL NEWS 5 A Papal award for Aberdeen organist

A MUSICIAN from St graduate of the Royal College of Mary’s Cathedral, Aberdeen, Music, he has held the civic post has been rewarded for 40 of City Carilloneur at St Nicholas years of ‘outstanding and dis- Kirk, since 1978. tinguished’ service to the He regularly plays the organ at Church. Aberdeen’s St Machar’s Cathe- On the recent feast of St dral and has previously taught Stephen, Bishop Hugh Gilbert piano, organ and keyboard skills of Aberdeen presented Ronald atAberdeen University,Aberdeen Leith, St Mary’s Cathedral College of Education, Blairs Col- organist, with the Pro Ecclesia et lege and is currently teacher of Pontificate Papal medal. piano at Albyn School. Bishop Gilbert spoke warmly Outwith his musical activities, of Mr Leith’s service to the Mr Leith has been a long-serving Church, spanning 40 years, founder member of local groups reminding the congregation that and societies, including charities the incumbent organist has devoted to animal rescue, local served under four bishops and heritage conservation and, seven administrators of the notably, Aberdeen and NE Scot- cathedral. land Family History Society of In recent decades, Mr Leith which he is past chairman and has witnessed the restoration of currently secretary. He is married St Mary’s rare and historic with two grown-up children. organ, built by James Conacher and Sons of Huddersfield in Bishop Hugh Gilbert presents Ronald Leith with his prestigious Papal Award 1887. He is also a well-known with Deacon Tony Schmitz and Fr musician in Aberdeen. A former Keith Herrera, cathedral administrator pupil of Aberdeen Academy, and

(Above) Gerard Butler in Liberia as part of a visit to of Christmas when Scottish film star Ger- Mr Butler said during his four-day visit to Mary's Meals projects. (Right) Sosa Saldi, 7, the ard Butler put Hollywood on hold to visit Liberia with Mr MacFarlane-Barrow. lucky recipient of the milestone backpack PIC (ABOVE): CHRIS WATT Liberia, one of the world’s poorest coun- “They don’t operate a free system where tries, to witness first-hand, the work of people are just taking; instead it is all about Mary’s Meals. respecting and promoting the lives of people, The actor has been a supporter of Mary’s their culture, and what they are capable of. Meals since 2010, when he presented the “I have seen a lot of these communities of the distribution team, we are the luckiest charity’s founder, Magnus MacFarlane- becoming more energised and alive, and ones in this chain of love as we get to see Barrow, with a CNN Hero award and what Mary’s Meals does is that it helps cre- how the receiving of that backpacks learned about its central vision to reach ate a sense of community that goes way impacts on the child. It is like 10 Christ- every child with a nutritious daily meal in beyond the feeding programme itself.” mases rolled into one for them. their place of education. Liberia is the second largest school-feed- “We’d love to reach even more children “One of the things that I have been struck ing project run by Mary’s Meals, after next year and I hope our wonderful sup- by during this visit is the strength of peo- Malawi. porters will help to make this possible.” ples’ dignity and what I love about Mary’s Mary’s Meals got a further boost ahead Meals is that it is all about retaining this,” I [email protected]

Join pilgrims when Archbishop Cushley receives the pallium

A SPECIAL pilgrimage to of Santo Spirito. Rome is being organised by The pilgrimage will also St Andrews and Edinburgh include a trip to Assisi and a Archdiocese to celebrate one-day coach tour of Rome. with Archbishop Leo Cush- Parishioners from St ley as he receives the pal- Andrews and Edinburgh seek- lium from Pope Francis. ing advice on Rome and the Archbishop Cushley is due pallium Mass will not have to to receive the pallium from the look too far; many pilgrims Holy Father at the Vatican on from Glasgow traveled to the the Solemnity of SS Peter and Eternal City last summer to be Paul, June 29, this year. with Archbishop Philip FLY DIRECT FROM GLASGOW The pallium, a vestment Tartaglia as he received the made of white lamb’s wool pallium from the Holy Father TO LOURDES AIRPORT adorned with six black crosses, following his installation in is presented annually to new Glasgow. WITH BRITISH AIRWAYS archbishops by the Pope. Arch- The pallium, worn around 10 & 17 May 2014 • 7 Nights • Full Board bishop Cushley was installed as the neck, breast and shoulders, Archbishop of St Andrews and symbolises the plentitude of • Escorted Tour with Lourdes Guide Edinburgh last September. Pontifical office. It serves as a To accompany Archbishop reminder of the wearer’s ties to • Free Excursion Cushley to Rome, St Andrews heaven and earth and their loy- • 3* Hotel close to the Domain £699per person and Edinburgh Archdiocese is alty to Christ. organising a pilgrimage to the 'Extra flight added due to demand' Eternal City from June 26- I Those interested in traveling July 3. to Rome on the St Andrews and Group rates available by Coach or Air Pilgrims will attend the pal- Edinburgh pilgrimage are asked lium Mass celebrated by Pope to contact Fr Jamie Boyle by Contact Anthony, Mark or Margaretanne on email at: stjosephsrcchurch@bt Francis, the Papal audience and ABTA No.13759 Angelus, visit the catacombs connect.com or by telephone and the Divine Mercy Church on: 01501 740348. 0141 435 7750 WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 6 WORLD/VATICAN NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY JANUARY 3 2014 Urgent call for peace in South Sudan

RELIGIOUS leaders in South Sudan are pleading for peace after the world’s newest nation was wracked by violence. On Christmas Day in the capital Juba, St Theresa’s Catholic Cathedral was trans- formed into a refugee camp, with as many as 7000 people seeking shelter from the violence that has unravelled in South Sudan. The fighting, which began with a dispute between rival factions in the pres- idential guard on December 15 and has since spread to half of South Sudan’s 10 states, has forced more than 100,000 peo- ple to flee their homes. At least 50,000 civilians have sought protection inside a handful of UN bases, while others have streamed out of towns and into rural areas. An unknown number have fled into neighbouring Uganda, or to the north of Kenya, where refugee camps that remain from Sudan’s 20-year civil war are beginning to see new arrivals. Bishop Santo Pio addressed families who had fled their homes fearing persecu- tion on the basis of their ethnicity. In the days that followed, however, the A young boy, injured while fleeing from “There is a lot of fear around,” the South Sudanese Government claimed it clashes, rests at a medical clinic inside the UN compound on the outskirts of Juba, South bishop said. “The families are living in was in ‘absolute control of the situation’ Sudan, December 17. Christian leaders in fear and do not know what will happen the and that the violence had been related to a South Sudan expressed concern about the next day. They have seen what can happen coup attempt rather than ethnic divisions. consequences of an announced coup attempt in broad daylight.” He warned that the fabric of the new nation had been torn by a struggle that had There is a lot of fear cynically conflated politics with ethnic around,” the bishop said. people, and anxious that it doesn’t deteri- identity at the cost of thousands of lives. “The families are living in orate any further.’ The bishop appealed for a ceasefire fear and do not know “CAFOD has a long history of working from leaders who had grown up in com- what will happen the next in the country through its partners who munities where ‘everyone followed one day. They have seen support vulnerable people in communities person’ and must now take responsibility providing food, water and sanitation and for a country. what can happen in supporting communities to earn a living “We have never been a country before,” “ broad daylight through better farming methods,” she said. the bishop said. “We were communities “This progress will all be lost if the vio- under tribal chiefs a monarchy where the lence is allowed to spread, and the impact whole community would follow one per- Jane Andanje, CAFOD’s country repre- on civilians will be devastating,” son. We were clans, tribes, communities sentative was in the city throughout the “We call on goodwill from all sides to all with their own militia. These are the recent crisis. She said the charity was bring this violence to an end, and we call different groups that we are to make a ‘extremely concerned by the effect the on the Catholic community in the UK to nation from.” insecurity is having on the South Sudanese” pray for peace in South Sudan.”

VIEW FROM THE VATICAN

Three days after Pope Francis paid his predecessor a visit on Christmas Eve, Pope Emeritus Benedict joined the Pope for Papal message follows lunch at the Vatican guesthouse. The two shared the meal last London theatre accident Thursday at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, where Pope Francis lives. The two Popes were joined POPE Francis sent a message in Shaftsbury Avenue, where a by their personal secretaries and of sympathy to Archbishop large number of people were by Archbishop Dominique Mam- injured, I should like to convey berti, the Vatican’s secretary for Vincent Nichols of Westmin- relations with states, and Mgr ster, following an accident at to you, as Archbishop of West- Peter B Wells, assessor in the the Apollo Theatre in London minster, the closeness of the Vatican Secretariat of State. before Christmas. Holy Father, Pope Francis, as Pope Francis had invited Pope Seventy-six people were hurt well as my own most sincere Benedict to lunch on Christmas after ornate plasterwork fell sympathy at this difficult time.’’ Eve, when the Holy Father visited from the ceiling of the 112-year- “While thanking God that the retired pope in his residence old theatre, during a production there seem to have been no fatal- to offer Christmas greetings of The Curious Incident Of The ities, the Holy Father would like (right). The Pope Emeritius lives Dog In The Night-Time. to assure you of his prayers for in the former Mater Ecclesiae The collapsed happened at all those persons who have been convent, also in Vatican City 8.15pm, on Thursday December injured, as well as for their rela- State. During the Pope’s visit, the 19, when the theatre had 720 tions and friends,” the message two prayed briefly together and people inside watching the read. then spoke privately. Then Pope show. “May the Lord bring comfort Francis greeted members of A message from Archbishop and healing to all whose lives Pope Benedict’s household, Antonio Mennini, the Papal have been touched by this sad including the consecrated Nuncio to Britain, to Arch- event.” women who assist him and his bishop Nichols stated that ‘hav- The letter asked Archbishop personal secretary, Archbishop Georg Ganswein ing learnt the sad news of the Nichols to‘kindly transmit these tragic accident which occurred sentiments of the Holy Father’ to last night at the Apollo Theatre those affected by the accident. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY JANUARY 3 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER WORLD/VATICAN NEWS 7 Christians targeted by Iraqi bombings

AT LEAST 34 people were said the sound of the first of the men in 2010 on the Catholic Holy Father asks for killed in three bombings in two explosions caused worship- cathedral in Baghdad left more Christian areas of Baghdad pers to leave the church. than 50 people dead. A surge in on Christmas Day, including “A car parked near the sectarian violence this year has a car bomb that exploded as church exploded when the fam- claimed the lives of more than worshippers were leaving a ilies were hugging each other 7000 civilians in Iraq, the high- peace commitment Christmas service. goodbye before leaving,” he est annual number of fatalities Iraq is enduring its deadliest said. “The blast was powerful, since 2008. violence in years, reviving mem- bodies of women, girls and Most of the attacks have tar- By Stephen Reilly ories of the sectarian bloodshed men were lying on the ground geted Shia civilians and the between Sunni and Shi’ite Mus- covered in blood. Others were smaller Sunni population. POPE Francis used his official Christmas lims that killed tens of thousands screaming and crying while The bloodshed escalated in message to make an impassioned plea for of people in 2006-07. they were trying to save some April, after the army raided a all the people of the world to join him in The day’s deadliest incident of their wounded relatives.” Sunni anti-government protest working for peace every day of their lives. occurred in the Doura district No one immediately claimed camp. On Christmas Day the Holy Father delivered of southern Baghdad when the responsibility for the attacks in The conflict in Syria has also his first Urbi et Orbi (to the city and the world) car bomb went off as Christians Baghdad, which also wounded prompted a spike in attacks, Christmas message, calling on Christians to were emerging from a Christmas 52 people. many involving al-Qaeda in unite with non-believers to create a better Mass at St John’s Catholic Fr Saad Seroub called for Iraq. world. Church, killing at least 24 peo- peace and security for all Iraqis Prime Minister Nouri al- “Peace is a daily commitment,” the Pope ple. during a service at St Joseph Maliki has said that the Syrian said. “It is a homemade peace.” He added that Shortly before, two bombs in Chaldean church in the Karrada crisis is ‘feeding terrorism in people of other religions were also praying for a crowded market, in a sepa- area of the capital the next day. the region.’ peace. “I invite even non-believers to desire rate, mostly Christian area of Churches have been targeted peace. (Join us) with your desire, a desire that Doura, killed another 10 people. across the country since the fall Clergy celebrated Christmas Eve widens the heart. Let us all unite, either with Ahmed Edan, a policeman on of former leader Saddam Hus- Mass at St Joseph Chaldean Church prayer or with desire, but everyone, for peace.” The Pope kisses a figurine of baby Jesus after having duty in the area of the attacks, sein in 2003. An attack by gun- in Baghdad last month Everyone could be his or her own personal celebrated Christmas Eve Mass in St Peter’s Basilica ‘artisan’ peacemaker, said Pope Francis, who at the Vatican paid particular reference to the need for humanitarian aid in Syria, where ‘hate and families, in our cities and nations, in the whole revenge is being fomented daily.’ world,” he said. “Let us not be afraid that our He asked that ‘hearts filled with violence’ be heart be moved. We need that our hearts be converted and convinced to lay down their moved.” arms and instead follow the path of dialogue. Pilgrims came from all over the world to cel- He also pleaded for divine intervention to res- ebrate Christmas in Rome and the Vatican cue child soldiers ‘robbed of their childhood’ reported a record number of requests from and for dialogue and an end to conflicts in Faithful wanting to take part in the traditional Syria, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Christmas vigil Mass on the evening before in Congo and Iraq, as well as a positive outcome St Peter’s Basilica. for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. The Pope’s first Christmas homily on Tues- “War breaks apart and hurts so many lives,” day night was notable for its brevity, at just the Pope said, his voice and hands trembling over 700 words. It opened with a description with emphasis as he paused to look out over of the burst of light on a dark Christmas night, the rapt crowd packed into St Peter’s Square. and said the contrast of light and dark is part of Children, elderly, battered women and the sick the spiritual life. are among wars’ most vulnerable victims, he “If we love God and our brothers and sisters, added. we walk in the light,” the Pope said. “If our He also appealed that the environment be heart is closed, if we are dominated by pride, rescued from ‘human greed’ and asked for deceit, self-seeking, then darkness falls within prayers for the victims of natural catastrophes, us and around us.” such as the people of the Philippines, whose Describing the traditional Christmas story of lives were destroyed by the recent typhoon. He the birth of Christ in a manger, he recalled how also said human trafficking must stop, calling the shepherds heard the news first. it a ‘crime against humanity’ saying migrants “They were the first, because they were deserve a more dignified life. among the last, the marginalised, the outcast,” The Holy Father underlined the importance he said. of allowing oneself to be ‘warmed by the ten- Toward the end of the homily, he also derness of God.’ repeated that the Lord is merciful, repeating “God is peace: let us ask Him to help us to what has become one of his more common be peacemakers each day, in our life, in our phrases, ‘God always forgives.’

Angelus for synod, refugees and elderly

IN HIS angelus address last for families everywhere, espe- true welcome (or) respect. Sunday, Pope Francis prayed cially those that are displaced “Yet Jesus wanted to belong to for this year’s Synod of Bish- and suffering. a family that had experienced ops, which will discuss pas- “God wanted to be born in a these difficulties, to show that no toral challenges to the family. human family, He wanted to have one is excluded from the nearness The Holy Father announced on a mother and a father, like us,” of God’s love.” the feast day of the Holy Family, he said. The Holy Father added that that the preparatory phase for “It is an example that does even in families who do not face next year’s synod on the much good for our families, help- such dramatic circumstances family ‘has already begun some ing them to become ever more a ‘exiled persons’can be found. time ago.’ community of love and reconcili- “The elderly, for example, who “I wish to entrust this synodal ation, in which one experiences sometimes are treated as a bur- work to Jesus, Mary and Joseph, tenderness, mutual help, and densome presence,” he high- praying for families around the mutual forgiveness.” lighted. “Many times I think that world,” the Pope said at St The Holy Father noted, how- one sign to know how a family is Peter’s Square on Sunday. ever, that in being forced to flee doing is to see how the children The Holy Father asked those Egypt to escape the threat of and elderly are treated in it.” who joined him to pray that, as being killed by Herod, the Holy In a family that remembers we approach the synod, it makes Family experienced the dramatic the key three phases: ‘excuse us ‘once more mindful of the condition of refugees, ‘marked by me,’ ‘thank you’ and ‘I’m sorry,’ sacredness and inviolability of fear, uncertainty and need.’ ‘there is peace and joy,’ Pope the family, and its beauty in “Unfortunately, in our day, Francis concluded. God’s plan.’ millions of families can see them- The Synod of Bishops on the The Pope dedicated his selves in this sad reality,” Pope Family will take place at the angelus message to considering Francis said. “Refugees and Vatican from October 5-19 Jesus’own family as an example immigrants do not always find this year. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 8 COMMENT SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY JANUARY 3 2014 Time to play the numbers game? New Year’s resolution for our Church: a campaign to reach out to lasped Catholics and their families

APPY New Year. It’s 2014, and all of us are hoping for good things for ourselves, our families, our country and our Church. Certainly, in Church terms, we all want 2014 to be a 100 per cent improvementH on a challenging 2013, so, as we do, every New Year, let’s look forward. For some people, however, 2014 is simply another number, and, time and again, during the worst of last year’s multiple challenges in our Church, I heard the argument, delivered with BY HUGH DOUGHERTY some smugness: “Of course, we’re not in the numbers game in the Church.” dispatches. Others may be Celtic sup- here are, no doubt, some, at the porters, ‘great defenders but poor atten- highest levels, who feel that the ders’ as the adage goes, many of whom policy of ‘business as usual’ has confuse support for a commercial foot- worked,T for statistics show that Mass ball venture with being a Catholic, and attendance has remained where it was, many, many more will be lapsed. and there’s been no fall off in numbers And it’s the lapsed who really worry nationally. me, for we appear to be doing little or Concluding at that is missing the nothing as a Church to win them back, point, and an opportunity. The real but we need to—urgently. For, behind numbers that we all need to worry the Mass attendance statistics, lies the about are contained in the figures for fact that the majority of regular atten- the 2011 Census for Scotland, which ders are aged 55 and over. There are reported that 841,000 people in Scot- swathes of people below that age and daughters to simply walk away paign to win back the lapsed and a special confession sessions in every land listed themselves as Catholic missing from Mass, not forgetting the from their Faith. programme to support, counsel and main centre, and a properly planned, when they responded to the Census majority of pupils attending Catholic Many parents are hurt and embar- advise those who want to bring lapsed funded and delivered public relations question asking for their religion. schools, those whose parents list rassed by this and don’t know how to family members back? After all, it is and media campaign, to ensure that Great, you may say, that’s a goodly themselves as Catholics, but don’t sort the problem without causing acri- lay people in their own homes and the country gets the message that the number of co-religionists. But, don’t attend themselves, and certainly mony, so they do the obvious thing, families who will have to do this. Church means business. be fooled, for with Sunday Mass atten- wouldn’t expect their children to go to keep their thoughts to themselves and Many feel a genuine need to be edu- The alternative is to sit back, watch dance estimated at its highest figure of Sunday Mass either. ignore the matter. They watch their cated in how to do this effectively. If the age profile move ever upwards, some 185,000, and, at its lowest esti- children getting into complex and the Church wants to show real leader- and write of the Church in Scotland mate, around 125,000, the Census e need to gather the exact damaging relationships and put up ship, then it should put its resources, over the next 30 or so years, for num- numbers show that the vast majority numbers so we can work out with what used to be called ‘living in time, commitment and effort into win- bers do matter. Numbers mean the via- of those claiming to be Catholics are how to target these groups sin’ and, inwardly ‘crucified,’ look on ning the lapsed back. bility of parishes, the income stream not practising in the traditional sense. effectively,W for there are thousands of as the resulting children of such irreg- We could put a time limit and tar- of the Church, the potential number of Some will be ‘tribal’ Catholics, who parents who brought their children up ular situations, their grandchildren, are gets into a campaign, which could vocations, the continuation of Catholic may use the Church at their conven- to practise, and whose hearts have lost to God and the Church. include national prayer, events, train- schools and the visibility of the ience for family hatches, matches and been broken by the ability of their sons Should we launch a national cam- ing for families, teachers and clergy, Catholic Church in Scottish society.

The views expressed in the opinion What do you think of HUGH DOUGHERTY’S comments on NUMBERS? Send your points of pages of the SCO are those of view to the SCO. Write to or e-mail informed individuals and groups and Letters, SCO, 19 Waterloo St, Glasgow G2 6BT [email protected] not necessarily those of the newspaper or the Church Look back and plan ahead but remember to live in the moment

IN THE first film version of games. Films and the cinema were reason to be very grateful to them evolved into the world of the decoration and with the crib as a The Thirty-Nine Steps, Robert in their infancy and still silent and in my life. 21st century, the world that you focus, is a reminder for all of us to Donat played the role of the subtitled. All of Europe was edgy Occasionally, I am reminded by and I live in. slow down. The birth of Jesus, as hero of the story, Richard Han- Fr Eddie in 1914. There was a sense that one of my nephews or nieces, that I Looking back is always easier we have been constantly reminded, nay. Made in 1935 by the leg- war was inevitable. When it came, too, was born in the first half of the than looking forward. We look for- was foretold for thousands of years. endary director, Alfred McGhee later in the year, no one imagined last century. As we move towards ward into 2014 with a mixture of Patient waiting, it seems, should Hitchcock, it is something of a the horror that lay before the whole the turning of yet another year that is hope and apprehension. What will be one of our characteristics. In classic. It captures the tension Rupert Penry-Jones took on the world. In 1914 Mary Boland was a slightly scary thought. This year, this year bring? I simply don’t our ‘instant’ society we want and the drama as a spy story mantle of our hero Richard Han- 16-years-old and already working, 2014, is not just the anniversary of know! I have ‘stuff’penciled in on everything ‘yesterday.’ should. It also gives some nay in version of The Thirty Nine Rosana Marion Wilson was just 11 the beginning of the Great War.As my calendar.Actually I keep my Too much time spent looking insight into Britain in the early Steps made for television. To say years old and still at school. These we look back into our dim and dis- diary now on my mobile. Most of us back, or looking forward, means 20th century, its social divi- that it did not receive universal two women, my two grannies, tant past, the year 1314 figures sig- have ‘stuff’ that demands that we that we are never ‘in the moment.’ sions and the convoluted poli- critical acclaim, is to understate the lived right through this upheaval. nificantly. It is 700 years since the look ahead. Being organised is Potentially, we miss so much if tics that were to bring the case. Fortunately, I am not a film In their own lifetimes they saw Battle of Bannockburn. In case we important. Being flexible is equally we live in yesterday or tomorrow. world to war in 1914. critic! I enjoyed this version monumental change. They lived should forget, this is also the year of important. We have just celebrated This year, like every other year, Perhaps it is the fact that the immensely. through, not just the Great War, but the Scottish Referendum. Independ- Christmas.Already we have moved will be full of opportunity. It will film is shot in black and white that This week, we literally move the Second World War. Both lived ence? Yes or No! Whatever the out- on. Instinctively, we wonder what be full of surprises. If we have the gives it the sense of edginess, of ourselves one hundred years away into their 95th year and coped with come, this decision will impact all all the fuss was about. We may even courage to slow down and take believability, that is so important from the incidents portrayed in the whatever life offered them. Both of our lives. Unlike the events of ask ‘was it worth it?’There is so lit- each day as it comes then there is for the viewer. I found the 1959 re- film. Britain in 1914 was a very were widowed as young women. 700 years ago, dialogue will replace tle time to pause and reflect between a real possibility for 365 surprises. make, starring Kenneth More, all different place to the Britain of I never got to meet either of my the sword and hopefully no one will Christmas and New Year that it can If the Scriptures tell us anything in glorious technicolor, much less 2014. One hundred years ago grandfathers. Both raised their get too damaged in the process. This become a blur. Already television about God, they tell us that God is engaging, much less believable. Britain had the empire on which families in radically different cir- is also the year that the Common- advertising is inviting us to think the God of surprises. He always When Robert Powell stepped into the sun never set. Powered flight cumstances to today. They were wealth Games come to Glasgow. In summer holidays. Now is the time chose the least likely. What then, the role of Richard Hannay in was still in its infancy. If you both strong women, capable some ways, these Commonwealth to take control. The danger about is God asking of me in 2014. 1978 he gave a more convincing wanted to go to the United States women who would have consid- Games embody the last vestiges of planning for the future is that we Who? Me. Yes. Me. Chosen in performance and brought much you went by ship. It took weeks to ered themselves very ordinary what used to be the British Empire. forget to live in the present moment. Baptism. May 2014, be a year full more energy to the role than had get to Australia. In 1914 there was women. They were very different Richard Hannay would have had Today is the day that we have. of surprises for all of us. Kenneth More. However, a good no television, there were no com- in their ways and personalities. I significant difficulty recognising How well will we invest in it? story is a good story, and in 2008 puters, no mobile phones, no video loved them both dearly and have the world that he lived in, as it has Stepping into the church with its I [email protected] WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY JANUARY 3 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER COMMENT 9

W cricket team in Australia, and IR contact their bookmaker to Give our hearts to Christ like children ED back the more mult-inational IN Vatican outfit. S I write this col- GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG umn in the days before Christmas I am caught up as An SCO diary A RETIRED Filipino priest usual in the last based in Arizona has invented a hours of frenzied preparations: THE head of the Anglican computer-based Confession tool buying and wrapping gifts, church, the Archbishop of that will help deaf Catholics Aopening cards from friends and Canterbury, has accepted a take part in Confession. looking forward to Christmas challenge from the Vatican Fr Romuald P Zantua has Day spent with the family. for the two faiths to play their created a technology-based The holidays came after a first ever cricket match. Confession device that will particularly busy time when Priests from the Church of make the valued Sacrament of some of the material to form England and the Catholic Reconciliation easily available Catholic Education Week was Church are planning to com- to hundreds of thousands of being prepared and assembled, BY MICHAEL pete, appropriately enough, at people with hearing problems. ready for distribution in Janu- McGRATH Lord’s in London in Septem- The confessional tool, also ary. While this year’s theme— ber of this year. called the St Damien Confes- Shining the Light of Faith The Vatican cricket club, sion Box, consists of two lap- —was chosen to reflect the Advent, the homily caused me founded in October, includes top computers running on first encyclical of Pope Francis to stop and think again about priests from Australia, India special software and connected —Lumen Fidei (The Light of Christmas. The priest chal- and Pakistan. Known formally exclusively for penitent and Faith)—it can also be seen to lenged the congregation to as the St Peter’s Cricket Club, priest to type on and send their relate to the Christmas season, gaze on the crib, set out on a the Vatican team members messages to each other. when Christians are expected side altar, and to think deeply will be made up of priests and Both laptops can only func- to shine out Christ’s love about what the event of the seminarians drawn from vari- tion for the particular intent. for all. Nativity means to each of us Year’s resolution: to keep in Pope Francis kisses a sick child as ous colleges in Rome and Vat- Priests who are not skilled in This year our granddaughter personally. What is the signif- our hearts the joy of our Sav- he arrives to visit the Bambino Gesu ican offices. Similarly, to sign language will be able to Chloe is of an age when icance of the Nativity, not only iour’s birth and to share that children’s hospital in Rome on ensure a level playing field, communicate with deaf peo- December 21, 2013 Christmas brings such excite- as an historical event, but as an joy with others. For my fam- the Church of England side ple using the chat function ment. Throughout Advent she event which shapes my per- ily that joy is tangible (and will be made up of ordinands through a secured setup of has been opening windows on sonal relationship with God, audible) when we have Chloe child who wants to love and to and those associated with the- two connected computers the Advent calendar and trying with this Christ child who was among us. Like all children, be loved. ological colleges. It has also with American Sign Lan- to relate each of the symbols— born in a stable? she captures the spirit of the One of my favourite Christ- been suggested the umpires guage (ASL) instructions and a lamb, an angel, a crown—to The priest encouraged us to season so naturally, enjoying mas carols—In the Bleak Mid- could be Muslims, Hindus or videos, according to Fr Zan- the story of Jesus being born. pray for the Holy Spirit to both receiving and presenting winter—captures much of this Jewish. tua, who said the invention She loved participating in her inspire our reflection on how gifts. So, in her very presence spirit in its final verse: Accepting the challenge, may usher people with special nursery school’s Nativity serv- each of us could participate among us, Chloe offers us a What can I give him, poor as Archbishop Justin Welby, said needs to the Catholic ice, playing an angel and a personally in the Nativity by reminder of how we should I am? he was looking ‘forward to Church’s gradual adoption of snowman. She is fascinated making it ‘real’ for others, by still make sense of the Nativ- If I were a shepherd, I would the possibility that this match new technology in the mod- with the various Nativity bringing alive the spirit of ity, even as adults. bring a lamb; may actually raise money for ern world. scenes at home and in church, Christmas in our words and She knows that Jesus is born If I were a Wise Man, I would charity.’ He also said he was For those worried about the each with the baby Jesus miss- actions and in our relationships out of love for us all and that do my part; looking forward ‘to the sanctity of the confessional, Fr ing which puzzles her. It’s with friends and family. His we should share this love with Yet what I can I give him: togetherness and team sport Zantua avers that the software great to be challenged to message could have been others. give my heart. that is being offered.’ is hack-proof since the device account for the presence of summed in the slogan: ‘Keep The challenge for the adults Though some Scots view doesn’t allow a third party to Mary and Joseph, the shep- Christ in Christmas,’ but I among us is to feel that love I pray that each of us has cricket with distain, there are connect and other network herds, the animals (and angels think that he was suggesting and joy with the same fresh- been able to give our hearts to still plenty of will be looking connectivity are all disabled, and Wise Men to come). They that we need to keep Christ ness and enthusiasm as chil- Christ and that His love will forward to having the sound such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. are all waiting, Chloe learns, to alive in our hearts, through our dren do. This past year some of shine through us for others to of leather on willow accom- A worthy invention and welcome Jesus who will bring words and actions, at all times the more senior adults in my see in the year ahead. panied by a faint whiff of Catholics wary of new tech- joy and peace for everyone. of the year. family have been struggling incense. Other, more cynical, nology should be assured this In the midst of the Christ- So, at the start of 2014, it is with ill health. So I am praying I Michael McGrath is the types may consider the ham- is no Confessionbot, as the mas mayhem, at Mass in my appropriate for all Christians that they will be refreshed and director of the Scottish mering currently being dished priest cannot be taken out of parish on the Fourth Sunday of to make at least one New renewed in seeing the joy of a Catholic Education Service out to the English national the picture. January offers many fresh starts, resolve to improve your Faith practice

SECRETLY, I love January. I Then, if we’re really serious, have a couple a day, unless of caught up in selfish justification sistent sins, the Lord not only know lots of people don’t and our resolutions move up a gear. course I’m stressed,” “It’s a spe- and ego, and we run the very real provides a prayer but a whole many suffer from January We don’t stop at giving things cial occasion”, “It’s 7 per cent risk of becoming lukewarm or Sacrament, namely Confession blues, but I love it. I relish Sr Roseann up; we resolve to do all sorts of dark chocolate so it hardly even stone cold in our interior life, (reconciliation, penance, call it that feeling of new begin- things to improve ourselves and counts,” “It was only a two-fin- which will surely then affect our what you will). This often neg- nings, of everything starting Reddy our situation in life. My all time ger Kit Kat, so that’s much better exterior life in all kinds of ways. lected Sacrament is an essential over again. I even like the favourite? We join the gym. On for you,” and so on. But do not despair! Do not part of our lives, or it should be. extreme weather when it from the pit, just from the coal a point of clarification, I have We bring the same process of give into the ‘woe is me, I’m It is part of the plan of God to causes us to slow down. bunker!” I have no doubt if a pit never ever come close to joining justification to bear on our habits never going to change’ blues. help us grow ever closer to Him It might be some residual were available I’d have been the gym and, please God, I never of sin: “I mean, why should I There is a solution at hand. and each other while getting to childhood memory seen through given a wee pit helmet and a big will. For me, purgatory will have make the effort? I know she’s Throw away that gym member- know and accept ourselves at an rose-tinted spectacles but I do pickaxe by Santa at some point! to wait until I’m actually dead. lonely but she drives me mad,” ship and pick up your Bible, ever-deepening level. “If you for- recall, with great fondness, Weans these days... they don’t The fascinating thing for me “It’s just some stuff I got from recite the Creed and go to Mass give the sins of any, they are for- power-cut candles, big roaring know they are born! (Whatever about all of this is the notion that work, I mean nobody will miss it and see what answers our awe- given” John 20:23. So this year, coal fires, school boilers breaking that means.) new beginnings, change, self- and the company can afford it. some God provides for us. if you want to make a real and down, hand knitted hat, scarf and Anyway, back to new begin- improvement, making resolutions It’s not really stealing,” “It’s not At the start of every Mass we positive change to your life, why glove sets, piping hot soup and nings. Many of us will make res- etc. speak of profound human as if it’s hard core pornography, acknowledge before God and not resolve to make going to reg- spending most of the winter in olutions at this time of year. We’ll longing and activity. We are, or at it’s just a few artistic pictures of each other that we are all sinners: ular monthly Confession a part of the one heated room of the sit down with our notebook and least we should be, dynamic, the human body, what’s wrong “I confess to almighty God and your new regime for 2014? If house—the only exception to this pen, munching on yet another ever-deepening creatures, and it’s with that?” “But we’re so in to you, my brothers and sisters, you do, I promise that you will being when ‘someone’ had to go mince pie while finishing off the good for us to be challenged even love” and so on... that I have greatly sinned…” be happier and healthier, because and fill up the coal bucket amid Christmas sherry and convincing in seemingly simple ways to re- But you see, that’s the whole What a great way to start an the true peace which Christ alone cries of: “You wouldn’t send the ourselves that the time has come. evaluate and amend our lives. It point. It’s the small things, the encounter with the living God—I brings, that ‘peace which is dog out in weather like this! Why No more ‘bad’ things for me. is all too easy to become stagnant small sins, which harm us—often am here, I love you and I am beyond all understanding,’ is send me?” The answer varied “Just as soon as I’ve managed and stale, especially in areas of just as much as the big, debilitat- sorry. If we are sincere, if we are truly the only healer of body and but was usually one of the fol- to devour all the Christmas choc- our lives where not only bad ing, obvious sins—because one truly sorry, then for all of our spirit. And if you really must, lowing: “If the dog could wear cies (well, it’s a sin to waste) habits but sins have taken hold of often leads to the other. Our small faults and failings we are you can go to the gym too—just wellies...”, “I was in labour for never shall another sweet thing us, and often sins are much more senses become dulled, our con- forgiven. Then, as ever, the don’t expect to see me there! weeks having you and all I ask in pass my lips. And once the sherry difficult to give up than choco- science confused and, most tragic mercy of God and the wisdom of return...”, “I’m no actually asking and Baileys are finish that’s it, no late, cigarettes or drink, though of all, our hearts shrink and the the Church just get better. We I Sr Roseann Reddy of The Sis- you—I’m telling you” and my more drink for me. As for the they have a lot in common. We love we are meant to experience pray in the Creed that we believe ters of the Gospel of Life can be all-time personal favourite, “I’m clothes, handbags and shoes, I often hear it said: “I’m just a most profoundly—our love of ‘in the forgiveness of sins’ and to reached via http://gospeloflife- not asking you to get it straight have enough —no more...” social smoker/drinker,” “I only God and our fellow man—gets remedy our more serious and per- sisters.wordpress.com WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 10 LIFE MATTERS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY JANUARY 3 2014 FRIDAY JANUARY 3 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LIFE MATTERS 11

S THE calendar turns to 2014, SCIAF is continuing to While in 2014, SCIAF will still be committed to supporting the world’s poor and respond to two major emergency situations in the Philip- disadvantaged—like those affected by the typhoon in the Philippines (left)— pines and the Middle East. The Syrian refugee crisis has and furthering its own campaigns such as the Wee Box, Big Change appeal (centre top) and the Robin Hood Tax (centre bottom), the charity also aims to been described by the United Nations as the greatest work on new initiatives that will be created as a result of issues such as humanitarian tragedy of our time. More than 6 million Scottish independence and the forthcoming Commonwealth Games (above) people have fled their homes, with more than 2.3 million people seek- ing refuge in neighbouring countries, including Lebanon and Jordan, Awhere SCIAF is supporting the work of local Caritas organisations. NEWYEAR,NEWCHALLENGES In the Philippines, millions more are still dealing with the effects of been achieved and thank all those who have contributed. It will also be Typhoon Haiyan that has devastated communities across the region. an opportunity to look ahead, and consider what needs to be done so SCIAF’s partners in the Caritas Internationalis network are responding with PHILIPPA BONELLA, head of communications and education for SCIAF, explains how the charity will continue to work tirelessly for the that in the future nobody goes to bed hungry or lives a life deprived of food, clothing, shelter and emergency supplies. In both cases, long after their dignity. the cameras have gone, SCIAF will continue to work with our partners There will be many opportunities for the Catholic community and on the ground, helping individuals and families rebuild for the long-term. world’s suffering and poor in 2014, whilst adding that it hopes to meet some fresh challenges as it approaches its 50th anniversary wider Scottish public to join with us during our anniversary year—and many of the preparations will start during 2014. For that reason, we s with everything SCIAF does, this is only possible thanks to let us know if your parish gets too much or too little, so we can keep by 2015. While overall levels of poverty have reduced, the poorest make connections between people and places with links to the games. of engagement and lay formation for dioceses, helping to raise aware- are particularly interested to hear from supporters who may have per- the generous support of individuals, families, schools and improving what we send. people have been left behind, and the United Nations must agree a new ness and understanding of the rich tradition of Catholic social teaching. sonal connections to SCIAF’s history, especially from our early days, parishes across Scotland. One of the biggest opportunities for Inspired by Pope Francis and his call for us to share our resources, framework to follow on the work. The critical issue of climate change n the summer, SCIAF will be working with our friends in Mission Just Faith will begin in January, building from the good work already and we are on the lookout for the most creative and inventive ideas to peopleA to show their support is during our Lenten Wee Box, Big Change rather than participating in a throwaway society, the theme of reducing will also be moving back up the political agenda, as more evidence Matters Scotland to launch an exciting ‘immersion programme’ being done in dioceses, parishes and schools. Our Holy Father, Pope help mark this important milestone in the life of the charity and indeed appeal, launching on Ash Wednesday—March 5, 2014. The well-kent waste will also be reflected in our campaigns throughout the year. shows the impact that extreme and unpredictable weather is having on which will give some of our supporters a chance to see first-hand Francis, is a living witness to the joy of the Gospel, and is challenging the Church in Scotland. If you’d like to get in touch, please contact me Wee Box will have a fresh new look—it’s under wraps just now, so stay Building a truly just world does mean that those of us who currently many of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world. And in Ithe work of both organisations in developing countries. Teachers from us all to live as missionary disciples, learning from the poor. We hope at [email protected]. tuned for more—and we hope that people in the Catholic community, enjoy more than our fair share of the world’s resources need to think September, Scotland will go to the polls in the independence referen- primary and secondary schools across Scotland will join our first to take up that challenge together, and we look forward to his contin- SCIAF’s vision is of a just world, where everyone can ‘have life and and the wider Scottish public, will respond enthusiastically. about how best to live more simply and sustainably. Early in the new dum. Without taking sides, SCIAF—and many of our colleagues in the immersion visit, to see Scotland’s Catholic agencies working in part- uing influence and inspiration. have it to the full’(John 10:10). So just as we have since 1965, through- In response to feedback from priests, we’ve looked again at what year, resources will be available from SCIAF to help us all take a closer network of international development organisations in Scotland—will nership in Zambia and Ethiopia. The programme has the potential to out 2014—and for as long as it is needed—SCIAF will continue to be we offer to parishes during Lent. We’re working hard to update our look at our daily lives and think about the differences we can make at be working to ensure that the needs of the poor are considered as part produce some inspiring results, building lasting links of solidarity, ut as well as a year of action, 2014 is also set to be a year of a link between people of goodwill in Scotland and our partners around database, to make sure we send only the number of Wee Boxes home, in solidarity with the world’s poor. of the wider debate. Debates, discussions and events are planned friendship and learning between all those involved. We hope to build preparation for SCIAF, looking forward to our 50th anniversary the world, living and working in solidarity with communities affected needed—we’re planning to send 18,000 fewer boxes to parishes and Our campaigns to tackle the root causes of poverty will see some throughout the year, so keep an eye out for details. the programme further in 2015 and beyond. in 2015. Founded in a Rutherglen classroom in 1965 with a by hunger, disease, war and conflict, sharing in our common struggle we have stripped out a lot of the extra resources we used to print and important milestones in 2014. Throughout the year, world governments Scotland will also be welcoming the world to Glasgow in July when the SCIAF, Mission Matters Scotland and Justice and Peace Scotland Bbudget of just £8000, SCIAF now spends many millions each year for human dignity. send. You will still find everything—prayers, information on our work, will be assessing progress on the Millennium Development Goals Commonwealth Games take place. SCIAF has partners and projects in have also been working hard together, with the support of the Bish- helping some of the poorest and most vulnerable people around the and fundraising ideas—on our website of course. Please do call and (MDGs), agreed in the year 2000 as a plan to cut poverty and hunger five Commonwealth countries, and we’ll be looking for opportunities to ops’ Conference, to develop Just Faith —a new tailored programme world. The year 2015 will provide an opportunity to reflect on what has I www.sciaf.org.uk WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 10 LIFE MATTERS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY JANUARY 3 2014 FRIDAY JANUARY 3 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LIFE MATTERS 11

S THE calendar turns to 2014, SCIAF is continuing to While in 2014, SCIAF will still be committed to supporting the world’s poor and respond to two major emergency situations in the Philip- disadvantaged—like those affected by the typhoon in the Philippines (left)— pines and the Middle East. The Syrian refugee crisis has and furthering its own campaigns such as the Wee Box, Big Change appeal (centre top) and the Robin Hood Tax (centre bottom), the charity also aims to been described by the United Nations as the greatest work on new initiatives that will be created as a result of issues such as humanitarian tragedy of our time. More than 6 million Scottish independence and the forthcoming Commonwealth Games (above) people have fled their homes, with more than 2.3 million people seek- ing refuge in neighbouring countries, including Lebanon and Jordan, Awhere SCIAF is supporting the work of local Caritas organisations. NEWYEAR,NEWCHALLENGES In the Philippines, millions more are still dealing with the effects of been achieved and thank all those who have contributed. It will also be Typhoon Haiyan that has devastated communities across the region. an opportunity to look ahead, and consider what needs to be done so SCIAF’s partners in the Caritas Internationalis network are responding with PHILIPPA BONELLA, head of communications and education for SCIAF, explains how the charity will continue to work tirelessly for the that in the future nobody goes to bed hungry or lives a life deprived of food, clothing, shelter and emergency supplies. In both cases, long after their dignity. the cameras have gone, SCIAF will continue to work with our partners There will be many opportunities for the Catholic community and on the ground, helping individuals and families rebuild for the long-term. world’s suffering and poor in 2014, whilst adding that it hopes to meet some fresh challenges as it approaches its 50th anniversary wider Scottish public to join with us during our anniversary year—and many of the preparations will start during 2014. For that reason, we s with everything SCIAF does, this is only possible thanks to let us know if your parish gets too much or too little, so we can keep by 2015. While overall levels of poverty have reduced, the poorest make connections between people and places with links to the games. of engagement and lay formation for dioceses, helping to raise aware- are particularly interested to hear from supporters who may have per- the generous support of individuals, families, schools and improving what we send. people have been left behind, and the United Nations must agree a new ness and understanding of the rich tradition of Catholic social teaching. sonal connections to SCIAF’s history, especially from our early days, parishes across Scotland. One of the biggest opportunities for Inspired by Pope Francis and his call for us to share our resources, framework to follow on the work. The critical issue of climate change n the summer, SCIAF will be working with our friends in Mission Just Faith will begin in January, building from the good work already and we are on the lookout for the most creative and inventive ideas to peopleA to show their support is during our Lenten Wee Box, Big Change rather than participating in a throwaway society, the theme of reducing will also be moving back up the political agenda, as more evidence Matters Scotland to launch an exciting ‘immersion programme’ being done in dioceses, parishes and schools. Our Holy Father, Pope help mark this important milestone in the life of the charity and indeed appeal, launching on Ash Wednesday—March 5, 2014. The well-kent waste will also be reflected in our campaigns throughout the year. shows the impact that extreme and unpredictable weather is having on which will give some of our supporters a chance to see first-hand Francis, is a living witness to the joy of the Gospel, and is challenging the Church in Scotland. If you’d like to get in touch, please contact me Wee Box will have a fresh new look—it’s under wraps just now, so stay Building a truly just world does mean that those of us who currently many of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world. And in Ithe work of both organisations in developing countries. Teachers from us all to live as missionary disciples, learning from the poor. We hope at [email protected]. tuned for more—and we hope that people in the Catholic community, enjoy more than our fair share of the world’s resources need to think September, Scotland will go to the polls in the independence referen- primary and secondary schools across Scotland will join our first to take up that challenge together, and we look forward to his contin- SCIAF’s vision is of a just world, where everyone can ‘have life and and the wider Scottish public, will respond enthusiastically. about how best to live more simply and sustainably. Early in the new dum. Without taking sides, SCIAF—and many of our colleagues in the immersion visit, to see Scotland’s Catholic agencies working in part- uing influence and inspiration. have it to the full’(John 10:10). So just as we have since 1965, through- In response to feedback from priests, we’ve looked again at what year, resources will be available from SCIAF to help us all take a closer network of international development organisations in Scotland—will nership in Zambia and Ethiopia. The programme has the potential to out 2014—and for as long as it is needed—SCIAF will continue to be we offer to parishes during Lent. We’re working hard to update our look at our daily lives and think about the differences we can make at be working to ensure that the needs of the poor are considered as part produce some inspiring results, building lasting links of solidarity, ut as well as a year of action, 2014 is also set to be a year of a link between people of goodwill in Scotland and our partners around database, to make sure we send only the number of Wee Boxes home, in solidarity with the world’s poor. of the wider debate. Debates, discussions and events are planned friendship and learning between all those involved. We hope to build preparation for SCIAF, looking forward to our 50th anniversary the world, living and working in solidarity with communities affected needed—we’re planning to send 18,000 fewer boxes to parishes and Our campaigns to tackle the root causes of poverty will see some throughout the year, so keep an eye out for details. the programme further in 2015 and beyond. in 2015. Founded in a Rutherglen classroom in 1965 with a by hunger, disease, war and conflict, sharing in our common struggle we have stripped out a lot of the extra resources we used to print and important milestones in 2014. Throughout the year, world governments Scotland will also be welcoming the world to Glasgow in July when the SCIAF, Mission Matters Scotland and Justice and Peace Scotland Bbudget of just £8000, SCIAF now spends many millions each year for human dignity. send. You will still find everything—prayers, information on our work, will be assessing progress on the Millennium Development Goals Commonwealth Games take place. SCIAF has partners and projects in have also been working hard together, with the support of the Bish- helping some of the poorest and most vulnerable people around the and fundraising ideas—on our website of course. Please do call and (MDGs), agreed in the year 2000 as a plan to cut poverty and hunger five Commonwealth countries, and we’ll be looking for opportunities to ops’ Conference, to develop Just Faith —a new tailored programme world. The year 2015 will provide an opportunity to reflect on what has I www.sciaf.org.uk WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 12 LETTERS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY JANUARY 3 2014 LETTER OF THE WEEK Archbishop Cushley’s important reminder to MSPs ESTABLISHED IN 1885

I WAS delighted to read about Archbishop Leo Cushley’s speech at the Scottish Parliament (SCO December 13), reminding parliamentarians that all human life is sacred. As the archbishop noted, Scottish 2014: A year of peace talks and action law has strong roots in Christianity. Parliamentarians would do well to EACE talks: Two words that promise much and offer great hope. If only one of remember the archbishop’s words as they them could be replaced. The substitution of action for talks would be a huge step debate bills to legalise assisted suicide and forward this year: Peace action, action for peace. Following the third anniversary to replace marriage in law with genderless last month of the beginning of the Arab ‘Spring,’ (which all too quickly became a unions. SPUC has campaigned against winter of discontent) it is easy to be pessimistic about peace. Yet after calls by Pope same-sex ‘marriage’ because it undermines Francis for peace (Christmas Urbi et Orbi) and an end to religious persecution (St Stephen’s true (heterosexual) marriage. True marriage Day message)—and in advance of his official Message for the 47th World Day of Peace on is the best protector of children, both born JanuaryP 1—early signs of progress towards peace in the Middle East looked promising. and unborn. In a message to Pope Francis last Saturday, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said his gov- Statistics show that unborn children are ernment is ready to participate in this month’s peace talks. The message was delivered dur- much more likely to be aborted outside of ing a meeting between Joseph Sweid, Syrian Minister of State, and Archbishop Pietro Parolin, marriage and in societies in which young the Pope’s secretary of state. That same evening Israel’s government authorised the release people are not taught to value and aspire to of 26 long-serving Palestinian prisoners, the third such release to be announced in parallel marriage. Same-sex ‘marriage’ also helps with US-sponsored peace talks. Yet last week Christians were targeted by Iraqi bombings. PRAYERS FOR THE WEEK to entrench and extend the provision of Realistically, there may be no way to ‘restore’ stability to some of the governments in the artificial reproductive techniques, which region, some nations in fact reject all foreign intervention in favour of only national dialogue, ISAAC Newton was born on I would bring a lamb; if I involve the destruction of embryonic which all too often proves to be increasingly fraught. Those who suffer most as a result of civil January 4, 1643. What is were a wise man I would do children, surrogacy and other unethical strife and political unrest are not the politicians but the people, some disproportionately when Newton remembered for? He my part, yet what I can I give practices. ethnicity and religion become bargaining tools in power struggles and vacuums. developed Calculus, a branch Him—give my heart.” John Smeaton While change—one common constant in our lives—is inevitably going to come, prayers of mathematics. We can focus today on the CHIEF EXECUTIVE for fair and peaceful progress are welcome and encouraged. May prayers, talks and action go In studies of light, he gift of gold, knowing that it SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF UNBORN hand in hand in 2014, and may any changes that come, in Scotland and abroad, respect the showed via a prism that sun- represents what is special. CHILDREN rights and freedoms of all of the people. light is made of a spectrum of Special jewellery is made colours—red, orange, yellow, from gold. I can think of spe- green, blue, indigo, violet. cial people and things in my Dear bishops, can we please like jealousy and nothing else. Newton formulated Three life that are gold for me. I have some more? Our Lady, like any mother, Our great patron, St Margaret, was Laws of Motion, which led can stand with the wise men repeats Her guidance married to a king and lived in a castle. The to his theory of Universal and offer what I think is IT WAS very interesting to read Pope lives in the Vatican surrounded by Gravitation (often remem- ‘gold’ in my life: Archbishop Leo Cushley’s address to the I AM writing in response to Gerald wealth. As Mr Warner himself pointed out, bered in the incident of the Scottish Parliament in the SCO last month Warner’s comments on Medjugorje and the this is not an indicator of piety. falling apple). G My talents (December 13) on life and Christain roots. visionaries ( SCO December 20). Pray, go Certainly the Pope has a duty to warn the Newton’s work was a turn- G Happy memories I also enjoyed the bishops’ messages in to Confession, go to Communion, say the Faithful about who to believe, so why don’t ing point in science, but he G Times when everything the Christmas SCO (December 20). While I Rosary, respect priests and pray for them. we judge Medjugorje by its fruits, as Jesus acknowledged that his has gone well can understand that no one is in a rush to Our Lady is like any mother, She has to instructed us to do? Many young people progress and success were G What I enjoy fill the shoes of our recently retired keep repeating the same message to Her have found their vocation whilst praying built on the hard work and G My friends cardinal, it would have been appreciated if children because they do not listen. there. achievements of people G Times when someone has the Bishops’ Conference had summed up The Medjugorje visionaries dedicate The MacFarlane-Barrow brothers started before him: “If I have seen encouraged me the Year of Faith and the problems it their lives to repeating these messages to Mary’s Meals as a result of visiting there. I further, it is by standing on G What I look forward to brought us in a little more detail for SCO the world. They are very humble and do would expect the SCO to print a more the shoulders of giants. readers this Christmas, with guidance for not see themselves as anything other than balanced and objective article about such Lord, I give thanks for the the future. ordinary. an important issue. Lord, there is so much that I gold in my life: for the people M Boyle His comment about the $800,000 house Patricia McAuley don’t know, and I ask you to who are precious to me, for HAMILTON and the former beauty queen wife sound GLENROTHES inspire me with a thirst for the happy memories I knowledge. I pray, too, for treasure, and for all that has wisdom and understanding been good over the years. Nothing but positives article speaks of the wealth and easy life of Independence is not a party that I may use my knowledge May all that has been gold regarding Medjugorje the visionaries, that they did not die within political issue. well. for me, remind me always to a few years of first seeing Our Lady or live I give thanks for many appreciate all who are part of TO COMMENT on Gerald Warner’s slant a life as priests, brothers or nuns, Is this the I DON’T know whether to be amused or people I have never met my life. on the Pope’s message (SCO Dec 20), I Church or Mr Warner’s idea as to how the angered by Martin Blackshaw’s letter in whose knowledge and Inspire me, Lord, to live in think the Holy Father’s words are nothing visionaries should behave? If God had which he attacks some readers for jointly understanding have been such a way that I help to but positive regarding Medjugorje. called any of them to the religious life no supporting the SNP and therefore passed on to me. I ask that I bring out the best in others. He said ‘Our Lady is not a postmaster doubt they would have responded. discarding our Catholic beliefs concerning may benefit from their work Amen. delivering messages everyday’ and for all When the visions started in 1981 same-sex ‘marriages.’ and experience and may not to look for messages everyday. Yugoslavia was a Communist country and Having been a Labour party member for contribute, in turn, to the IN 1989 a spacecraft called Messages, which have in certain places no one in their right mind would claim to more than 70 years, and not having much well-being of others. Amen ‘Galileo’ was launched on a been called repetitive, but what mother is see Our Lady. Yet the visionaries did and time, politically for the SNP, my allegiance journey to the planet Jupiter. not repetitive in her help and guidance to still do and they all have undergone tests is with the principle of eventual TWO thousand years ago, a The craft was named after her children? which declared they were normal young independence for Scotland and there is a visit to a Greek town by the astronomer, Galileo, who The 30 million people who have gone to children. growing number of Labour voters, hundreds government representatives died on January 8, 1642. Medjugorje to see what is happening there, As for vocations, I know men who have of us, many who are Catholics, whose was known as an ‘epiphany.’ Using a telescope, Galileo are called to take the messages to heart, act decided to join the priesthood because of forebears were Irish, which reminds us of It is a Greek word that (the astronomer) discovered on them and take them to their homes and Medjugorje and others returning to the what is possible in a quest for freedom. describes an appearance, four moons orbiting the parishes which most do. No Catholic that I Church having being away for years. Mr Hoping and praying for a free Scotland manifestation, or revelation planet Jupiter. We now know know that believes in Medjugorje speak so Warner can quote the Bible, but the Bible does not, in any way, abrogate or deny the of someone important that Jupiter has at least 16 violently about Lourdes, Fatima or any also says: ‘By their fruits you shall know teachings of our Faith. Mr Blackshaw says arriving amongst the people. moons. The largest moon, other Marian shrine as Mr Warner does them’ and ‘would Beelzebub cast out he ‘refuses to suppport any party which The word ‘epiphany’ has Callisto, is larger than the about Medjugorie. Beelzebub.’ None of the happenings at sets itself up in legislation against the laws been used for the last 2000 planet Mercury. As the Catholic Church is under attack Medjugorje are contrary to the Church of our Creator or Redeemer.’ years to describe God com- Jupiter itself is 1400 times from the secular world, another blow to the teaching and in God’s own time we will all If only he realised they have all come ing closer to the people, the volume of our own planet Church comes from within. If the Pope know that ‘Blessed are those who believe pretty near to it at some time or another, revealing Himself in His Earth. Whilst the Earth is decrees the apparitions are false (which I and have not yet seen.’ but the vote here this year is about the Son, Jesus. 150 million km (93 million do not for a moment think will happen) all Hugh Cunningham freedom of independence;it is not really The Feast of the miles) from the Sun, should and will abide by his decision. The BLANTYRE party political Epiphany—on January 6— Jupiter’s orbit is five times Charles Gray celebrates the Wise Men that distance from the Sun. CHRYSTON from the East recognising Jesus for who He is, and giv- Lord God, may all of your G SCO reserves the right to edit letters to conform with space or style requirements CORRECTION ing Him their gifts of gold, creation—from the vastness of mighty planets and stars G This page is used solely for reader opinion and therefore views expressed are not necessarily In Gerald Warner’s column on page 14 frankincense, and myrrh. shared by SCO of the December 20 2013 SCO the In the final verse of the to the lowliness of the smallest living creature I G If you would like to share your opinion, send your correspondence to the above address column should have read that the hymn, In the bleak mid-win- Vatican’s ‘verdict may not be ter, we hear the words: can see—remind me to live in G Whether you use e-mail or post, you must provide your full name, address, and phone number or wonder and appreciation of your letter will not be used favourable’ with regards to “What can I give Him, poor Medjugorje when it makes its ruling. as I am? If I were a shepherd all that is around me. Amen.

WRITE TO LETTERS, SCO, 19 WATERLOO STREET, GLASGOW G2 6BT [email protected] FRIDAY JANUARY 3 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER REFLECTION 13 EWTN PROGRAMMES

SUN JANUARY 5 LIVE DAILY MASS 9AM 9PM THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS BEACONS OF LIGHT WITH FR BERNARD McGUCKIAN WED JANUARY 8 SJ 1PM 9.30AM LIVE DAILY MASS CHURCH AND THE POOR: THE 9PM SIGNS OF THE TIME THE PATH TO HOLINESS 11AM THURS JANUARY 9 LIVE ANGELUS WITH POPE 1PM FRANCIS LIVE DAILY MASS 1PM 9PM LIVE SUNDAY MASS THE PATH TO HOLINESS 8PM FRI JANUARY 10 WHY CATHOLICS ARE RIGHT 1PM 9PM LIVE DAILY MASS SUNDAY NIGHT PRIME 8PM 10.30PM LIVE THE WORLD OVER VATICANO 9PM 11PM THE PATH TO HOLINESS LIVE BENEDICTION 9.30PM MON JANUARY 6 LIFE ON THE ROCK 9AM SAT JANUARY 11 LIVE SOLEMNITY OF THE 1PM A labour of love helps EPIPHANY OF THE LORD LIVE DAILY MASS 1PM 7PM LIVE DAILY MASS CENTRAL AND EASTERN 9PM EUROPE: A RETURN TO LIFE A STAR SHALL RISE 9PM lead us closer to God TUES JANUARY 7 FRANCISCAN UNIVERSITY 1PM PRESNTS In our series on spirituality, a monk from PLUSCARDEN ABBEY tells how God can be sought in many places, such as in poetry writing LAY READERS’ GUIDE

OT long ago, browsing through fter I’d read it, I wanted to find out the monastic section of our A SPIRITUAL where Awareness of Alcuin had come library, I took down from the from and when it had been written. shelves a book, opened it, and REFLECTION Sassoon’sA Selected Poems was not to be SUNDAY JANUARY 5 out fell a squared sheet of paper found in our library, but I came across the Feast of the Epiphany. Isaiah 60:1-6. —about three inches by four—on which poem in a book called Siegfried Sassoon: were typed the following lines: Poet’s Pilgrimage. It was dated 1950. The Response: All Nations shall fall prostrate N book itself was an anthology of letters, diary before you, O Lord. Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6. Awareness of Alcuin by Siegfried Sassoon extracts and [mostly unpublished] poems, Matthew 2:1-12. which had been published in 1973. At peace in my tall-windowed Wiltshire room, It had been edited by Dame Felicitas Cor- (Birds overheard from chill March twilight’s rigan, a Benedictine nun of Stanbrook Abbey MONDAY close) who’d got to know Sassoon through his vis- St John 3:22-4:6. Response: I will give you the I read, translated, Alcuin’s verse, in whom its there from 1960 onwards. Dame Felicitas nations for your heritage. Matthew 4:12-17, A springtide of resurgent learning rose. Poetry is like that; a labour of love. The was one of the great literary figures of the Homely and human, numb in feet and fingers, first time that I read the poem, it prompted English Benedictine Congregation; she died 23-25. Alcuin believed in angels; asked their aid; this reflection: here is Sassoon, the Great War in 2003, aged 95, having been a nun for And still the essence of that asking lingers poet, a convert to the Catholic Faith in his 70s almost 70 years. Sassoon had made his first In the aureoled invocation which he made —he was received into the Church ten years contact with the Benedictines in 1957, at TUESDAY For Charlemagne, his scholar. Alcuin, old, before he died – sitting in his ‘tall-windowed Downside Abbey in Somerset, where he was St John 4:7-10. Response: All nations shall fall Loved listening to the nest-near nightingale, Wiltshire room,’ with an English translation received into the Church. There is a further prostrate before you, O Lord. Mark 6:34-44. Forgetful of renown that must enfold of Alcuin’s Latin verse before him. Sassoon, Benedictine link: Dame Felicitas was the His world-known name; remembering pomps who had survived the human carnage of the author of a biography of Helen Waddell, that fail. First World War, and who had lived long translator of Mediaeval Latin Lyrics— WEDNESDAY enough to see a very different England from a scholar ‘who turned poetry into poetry’— St John 4:11-18. Response: All nations shall Alcuin, from temporalities at rest, the one which he had memorialised in his the same translation that Sassoon had been fall prostrate before you, O Lord. Mark 6:45-52. Sought grace within him, given from afar; autobiography, now at peace and reading reading. Noting how sunsets worked around to west; poetry, while listening to the birdsong outside. Like the Benedictine monks and nuns Watching, at spring’s approach, that beckon- And here is Alcuin, a poet himself too, but whom he knew, Sassoon had a keen sense of THURSDAY ing star; of a much earlier age. Alcuin, the eighth cen- the past; aware of human history in all its St John 4:19-5:4. Response: All nations shall And hearing, while one thrush sang through tury scholar-cleric, born in Northumbria, great and terrible forms. And like them, he fall prostrate before you, O Lord. Luke 4:14- the rain, trained in the cathedral school at York, then too sought God, though not in choir or clois- Youth, which his soul in Paradise might plucked by Charlemagne to serve him, as ter, but in his poetry. A labour of love. 22. regain. educator and advisor, at his imperial court in When I read the poem again, the image Aachen. He became one of the brightest stars that remained strongest was this: here is FRIDAY Someone had liked it enough to type it out in the Carolingian Renaissance. Alcuin, never Alcuin, retired from the imperial court— on a sheet of paper, square it off and then a monk, but a man who extolled the monas- ‘from temporalities at rest’—probably at St John 5:5-13. Response: O Praise the Lord, place it in the book he was reading. It had tic ideal and who ended his days as abbot of Tours in or around 796AD, his mind preoc- Jerusalem! Luke 5:12-16. been carefully copied out using a manual St Martin’s in Tours. A gifted humanist, this cupied by prayer, his body ‘numb in feet and typewriter—probably some 30 or 40 years English clerical schoolmaster composed lyri- fingers,’ watching the seasons change and, ago, by the look of it. One or two corrected cal Latin poetry—including a lament for his like Sassoon, listening to the birdsong out- SATURDAY errors leant individuality to the copy. It had friend Dodo, nicknamed the Cuckoo, a stu- side. This cultured and civilised man, ‘human St John 5:14-21. Response: The Lord takes obviously been a small labour of love for the dent too fond of wine. He died in 804AD, the and homely,’ his gaze now fixed on another delight in His people. John 3:22-30. monk concerned. author—reputedly—of his own epitaph. world; the life of the world to come. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 14 FAITH IN CULTURE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY JANUARY 3 2014 A pilgrim heart is the true essence of faith FAITH IN CULTURE column looks at the importance of pilgrimage in helping to display the power and majesty of faith

to travel from Edinburgh to Fife for Christmas. A cynical about people with ‘strong held beliefs’after the structure of our entire existence so to ignore that trek to less familiar territory helps us all put life in making a number of documentaries on the subject and just have a little bit of people in a church singing perspective away from routine and everyday life. of terrorism. Although raised as a Methodist the beautiful hymns does not do credit to the impact of Around this time last year I was in the throes of presenter has spent most of his adult life without it on our lives. To understand who we are, you have By Richard my second Celtic book, after too many long win- faith. In one segment he met Lindsay Hamon a 61- to understand faith and belief as well.” ter days trying to reach what seemed like an over- year-old care worker carrying a wooden cross on Purden whelming deadline I decided to go in search of his shoulder with a wheel at the bottom. Mr Hamon he final episode featured a stirring trip to the Brother Walfrid (Celtic’s founder) with journeys has carried the cross, weighing 25 kg, as a pilgrim Holy Land. Undoubtedly it is a place most to both his birthplace in Sligo and his final resting throughout Britain and distant parts of the world people of Faith would want to visit. Like HE opportunities to travel are less place in Dumfries. For me it was a journey in for the last 26 years. Certainly it is an unusual way TRome it feels like a place I’ve been familiar with when you have a young family, but my search of spiritual renewal and a way of paying to show your faith but, as the programme revealed, from an early age, the many stories I’ve heard from wife and I were fortunate to spend time respect to a man of faith who has had a significant it was means to engage with the wider world for my wife have only whetted my appetite to take the travelling in places such as China, the impact on my life and many others. From that per- better or worse. journey... one day. US and parts of Europe before our chil- spective it felt like something of a pilgrimage. Mr Hamon has endured the worst of insults as What was refreshing was how Mr Reeve chal- dren Ryan (3) and Christina (1) arrived. I am glad well seeing the best in people by displaying the lenged the modern notion that faith was the terrain of we did, Rome in particular felt like a pilgrimage ast month the BBC aired Pilgrimage pre- polarising symbol of his faith. When the presenter the unenlightened. On his journey to Canterbury, Tfor us both and all those journeys served as signif- sented by Simon Reeve who explored some asked a man at the side of the road what he thought when he stopped at the East Bridge Hospital, you icant markers in our lives together. well-trodden journeys to holy shrines and of this atypical form of pilgrimage, he responded: could feel the power of hundreds and thousands of With two young children, holidays are taken closer Lplaces of considerable significance to the Christian "Christ. I’m a Catholic, do you need water...any- prayers and his own sense of passing through this life. to home these days; as I write this we are preparing faith. By his own admission, Mr Reeve had grown thing?” It made for affecting television when see- On the same expedition he visited a Catholic priory ing support and charity between strangers. It was inAylesbury that has been taking in pilgrims for more also one of countless moments where the mystery than 700 years. The presenter made enquiries among of faith affected the presenter, where he admitted the Carmelite friars as to what they talked about when feeling ‘jealous’ of the man’s conviction adding: not discussing deep and philosophical questions: “It CROSSWORD Gordius No 122 “I don’t believe in much anymore.” varies from football to opera” came the response: “You Unusual for a mainstream religious programme, know when Arsenal or Celtic have got beaten!” it was captivating to see the journalist become pro- Reflecting back on my own pilgrimage, I’m cer- 123 4 5 6 7 Send your completed tective of his fellow pilgrim when feeling his sense tain Brother Walfrid, who later in life was posted crossword entries—along with of vulnerability in carrying the cross. Mr Reeve to a French college near Canterbury, would be your full name address and explained his reason for making the series: “My per- heartened to see the club he formed continue to 89 daytime phone number—to sonal concern would be that there’s a risk we rele- engage the lives of those called to vocation. CROSSWORD CONTEST, SCO, 19 gate religious programmes to just a Songs of Praise I Richard Purden is a freelance journalist, the WATERLOO ST GLASGOW G2 6BT God slot and that we fail to take account of the extraordinary impact religion has had on us histor- author of Faithful Through and Through, an SCO 10 11 12 The winner’s name will be feature writer and a married father of two printed next week and the ically, culturally and as a civilisation. It has shaped 13 14 editor’s decision is final

15 16 17 DEC 20 SOLUTION SUDOKU 18 ACROSS 1 Saint Denis 6 Ivory tower 19 20 11 Bicycle 14 Ticks 15 Insecure SIMPLE 21 22 23 17 Remote control 19 Mount 20 Product 23 Hue 24 Earning 2 1 25 Axe 26 Den 28 Turf 30 Swedes 33 Nova Scotia 7 253 3 8 7 945 1 6 2 24 25 37 Algae 38 Psalm 39 Relocate 1 4 5 267 9 3 8 40 Needle 42 Indeed 44 Fig 45 Fatherly 47 Tasks 48 Tramps 541 7 6 2 9 1 8 3 5 7 4 49 Nose 50 Accent 4 5 2 9 17 6 8 3 26 27 53 Thumbnail sketch 56 Lassie 57 Thanks 58 Odds 59 Fresh 3 4 8 5 9 183 6 4 257 61 Ash 62 Eaves 65 Poe 66 Kir 7 6 8 53 2 4 9 1 ACROSS 67 Thick 68 Oil 70 Table 74 Knee 1 Kitchen utensil one plays poker for? (3) 75 Amends 77 Craven 2 5 8 19 2 796 831 5 4 78 Electrify 79 Dogged 80 Sumo 3 Phenomenally successful book or film (11) 5 3 4 729 1 68 8 American state, known as ‘The Last Frontier’ (6) 83 Coyote 84 Patch 86 Stronger 9 Consent to enter the pen to get the colour of the owl 88 Awn 89 Nicest 93 Delete 6 1 7 2 8 941 3 6 7 2 5 and pussycat’s boat (3-5) 95 The Turin Shroud 97 Stile 10 Send back for the clock (5) 98 Elgar 100 Fleshy 101 Acts FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A WAY 11 Rescued, due to Dave's transformation (5) 103 Payday 105 Pale 106 SMS 316 9 AS EVERY ROW AND COLUMN 108 Hop 110 Readmit 111 Hid 13 Quay (5) AND EVERY 3 BY 3 BOX CONTAINS 15 Hairstyle for a honey blonde? (7) 112 Sinning 113 Snail 16 One can romp about with a piece of mountaineering 116 Thessalonians 1 928 THE NUMBERS 1 TO 9. NO GUESS equipment (7) 117 Star turn 118 Books WORK IS REQUIRED AND THERE 20 Be quiet, primate, for form's sake (5) 119 Escaped 120 Digressing IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVE 121 Stepladder 21 Reject outright (5) 5 7 IS THE DEC 20 SIMPLE SOLUTION 23 Pondered (5) 24&25 Praying incessantly for someone’s intentions means DOWN overnight change may occur (8,6) 2 In camera 3 Tissue 4 Exist MODERATE 26 Snifter broken by grassland (6-5) 5 Insipid 7 Virtuous circle 27 Regret (3) 8 Yarn 9 Ohms 10 Reeked 8 1 9 5 11 Broken 12 Cut-price DOWN 13 Choristers 8 4 3 6 79 5 2 1 14 The Stations of the Cross 3 1 1 Pay a levy if you wish to get them at the supermarket 9 7 541 3 2 6 8 (7,4) 18 Agra 21 Tally 22 Men 2 One on your side sportingly minces meat—twice! (4-4) 23 Have 27 Excel 29 Flee 1 632 548 7 9 30 Sand trap 31 Wee 32 Ellipse 546 9 3 One who makes bread (5) 398 1 45 6 7 2 4 Money from Dublin, for example? (7) 34 Orate 35 Alter 36 Sty 5 Incites (5) 41 Elapse 43 Disk drive 54 6 2 87 139 45 Font 46 Youths 47 Tablet 427 5 6 A dozen (6) 2 1 7 6 9 3 8 5 4 7 Harry Potter's pal Weasley is right on! (3) 51 The lesser of two evils 12 It’s not d’outer choreography that identifies this social 52 Snake 53 Tsar 54 Adventure 5 4 6 943 5 1 2 8 7 occasion! (6,5) 59 Fewer 60 Hat 64 Ponies 65 Play 69 Add 5 2 834 7 9 1 6 13 Spouses with unusual views (5) 71 Beef Wellington 72 Parole 7 3 1 2 8 6 49 5 14 Smithy (5) 73 Serenely 76 Soar 6 9 3 8 17 Don't dwell on this Jewish feast (8) 77 Cholera 81 Cobra 82 Agent 18 Might a gal hire out this for her tresses? (4,3) 85 Telepathic 87 Totem 90 Clap FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A WAY 19 Roman goddess of the dawn (6) 91 Why 92 Steps 94 Tea 173 2 AS EVERY ROW AND COLUMN 22 No insane wanderer, this (5) 95 Thumbs up 96 Iced AND EVERY 3 BY 3 BOX CONTAINS 23 Encounters (5) 99 Railroad 100 Fort 102 Shy THE NUMBERS 1 TO 9. NO GUESS 24 Replacement player, in short (3) 103 Prior 104 Yoghurt 4 6 106 Strand 109 Gambia WORK IS REQUIRED AND THERE 113 Sunup 114 Fair 115 Uses IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVE IS Scottish Catholic Observer: Scotland’s only national Catholic 9 72 3 THE DEC 20 MODERATE SOLUTION weekly newspaper printed by Trinity Mirror, Oldham. Registered at the Post Office Dec 20 winner was: Mrs E as a newspaper. McMahon, South Queensferry WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY JANUARY 3 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CHURCH NOTICES 15 CHURCH&PUBLICNOTICES FUNERALDIRECTORY

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BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE BOYLE LYNCH MacDONALD MacLEOD Mary Ann on her 27th Loving and precious memo- Remembering our Aunt 5th Anniversary Anniversary on January 11. ries of our dear dad and Jane, sadly passed away on Hector Francis, who died on MacMILLAN From Willie, Gerard, Mary, granda, Patrick, who died January 1, 2000. January 6, 2009, aged 76. Remembering with love my Angela and Neil and all our January 9, 2004. We often sit and think of Loving father, father-in-law darling Husband and Dad, families. We hold you close within our you, and grandfather. Angus, who died July 30, You are always alive in our hearts, And think of how you died, Your memory is so precious, 2005, and whose birthday thoughts, prayers and love. And there you will remain, To think you could not say Your presence missed so falls on January 6. To walk with us throughout your goodbyes, much, I thank God for the precious BRENNAN our lives, Before you closed your You’ll always be remem- gift of love from the husband 2nd Anniversary Until we meet again. eyes. bered, I adored and the memories In loving memory of our So rest in peace dear loved No longer here our love to And loved by all of us. I’m blessed to hold in my CONVERY, John much loved mother, granny Please pray for the repose of one, share, Martin, Penny and family. heart. and wee granny, Lizzie, (née And thanks for all you’ve But in our hearts you are Love Mary. the soul of John Convery, Donnelly), who died January who died January 7, 1994, done, always there. MARTIN Please God take this mes- 6, 2012. Also our dear father, We pray that God has given Our Lady of Lourdes, pray Loving and treasured memo- sage to the Dad I loved, aged 62 years. Frank, who died April 28, Still loved and still missed by you, for her. ries of James, a loving father you’ll never walk alone. 1986 and also our brothers Sadie and all the family. The crown you’ve truly won. From all your nieces and and grandfather, who sadly Love Marian and Neil. Frank and Joe. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Too dearly loved to be for- nephews who miss you. died on January 3, 2003. Our Lady of Knock, pray for pray for him. gotten. May the winds of time blow REID them. St Pio, pray for him. MacDONALD gently, In loving memory of Helen From all the family. Inserted by all your loving Treasured memories of a And whisper for you to hear, Reid, a much loved mother, CREELEY In loving memory of our dear family. much loved husband, dad, That we will always love you, mother-in-law, gran and CAIRNS parents, John Creeley, died grandfather and great-grand- And wish so much that you great-gran, who died August 12th Anniversary January 5, 1996, and Mar- McALLISTER father, Norman, died Janu- were here, 16, 2005 and whose birthday In loving memory of our garet Gielty Creeley, died 10th Anniversary ary 6, 1995. Also loved ones In our hearts you have left a occurs on January 8. father, John, who died Janu- March 24, 1994. In loving memory of Joe, a gone before and after. gap, If our tears could bring you ary 3, 2002, aged 82 years, Eternal rest grant unto them, loving husband, dad and The special years will not That no one else can fill, back, beloved husband of the late O Lord, papa, who died January 4, return when we were all You have gone and yet it You would be right here by Stella Simaitis, who died And let perpetual light shine 2004. Rest in peace. together, seems, our side Mum. May 20, 1999, aged 78 upon them. From Anne and family. But love and memories in That you are with us still, Eternal rest grant upon her, years. May they rest in peace. our hearts will stay with us We picture a beautiful gar- O Lord, Both sadly missed. den, Amen. McCOMISH forever. And let perpetual light shine Our Lady of Lourdes, pray And by that gate you stand, Lovingly remembered by In loving memory of our dear Your loving wife Emma. upon her, for them. One day that gate will open, their daughters Margaret, mother, Margaret McGowan, We miss you dad, we always May she rest in peace. From the family. will, And you will take our hand. Elizabeth and Mary Frances. who died January 6, 1966. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray R.I.P. You shared our lives, our Sacred Heart of Jesus, grant for her. CAMPBELL smiles, our tears, him eternal rest. DUFF, David St Anne, pray for her. 4th Anniversary Thank you dad for those pre- Always loved and never for- Until we meet again. In loving memory of David, Inserted by the family, 38 In loving memory of my cious years. gotten. Your loving family. dear husband and father, North Elgin Street, Clyde- beloved mother, Christina, Fiona, Essex; Annette, Until we meet again may died January 9, 2006. bank. who died on January 2, Carnoustie; Georgina and God take care of you Deep in our hearts you will RELIGIOUS MEMORIAM 2010. Also remembering my Roddy, Dumbarton. From Jimmy, Anne and fam- always stay, dear father, Roddy, who died Miss you lots. ily. Loved and remembered on June 11, 2010. Grandchildren. xx every day. You were so thoughtful, lov- Our Lady of Lourdes, pray Our Lady of Lourdes, pray MILLIGAN ing and kind, for them. Precious memories of Han- for him. These are the memories you nah, loving mother, grand- Kathleen and family, left behind. mother and Inserted by your loving son McGAVIGAN great-grandmother, who John. HENRETTY In loving memory of Jimmy, sadly died January 2, 2001. 36th Anniversary who died January 9, 2008, They say there is a reason, Of your charity, please pray CAMPBELL aged 76. They say that time will heal, for the repose of the soul of 4th Anniversary Early in the morning you But neither time nor reason, our mother, Ellen Fitzgerald, Loving memories of our sis- heard the quiet call, Can change the way we feel. beloved wife of the late ter-in-law, Christina, who You took the hand Jesus No one knows how many William Henretty, who died died on January 2, 2010. offered and quietly left us all. times Also her dear husband, January 6, 1978. Jimmy – you were God’s gift We’ve broken down and PEAT O compassionate Lord Please remember in your Roddy, who passed away on to all of us. cried, Jesus, grant her eternal rest. prayers Father Jim Peat, late June 11, 2010. Bessie and family. If our love could have saved – 120 Gala Street. Parish Priest of Ss. John Always in our hearts and you Mum, Cantius and Nicholas, Brox- prayers. MacINNES You never would have died. burn, who died on January Inserted by Seonaid and 6th Anniversary To hear her voice, to see her 8, 2003. Katie Bell. In loving memory of Michael smile, Sadly missed. Iain, our beloved brother, To sit and talk with her Gone but not forgotten. COLLINS brother-in-law and uncle, awhile, Love from all the family. In loving memory of Mary, who died on January 6, To be together in the same loving mother and grand- MacDONALD 2008. old way, mother, who died January 5, Please pray for the repose of A day of remembrance qui- Would be our dearest MEMORIAM 2000. the soul of our dear mother, etly kept, wished today. We lived in hope, Rona. Also our beloved No need for words, Our Lady of Lourdes and St We prayed in vain, father, Iain MacDonald of We shall never forget. Pio, pray for her. That God would make you HENRY Eriskay. Fois Shiorruidh thoir dha a Inserted by her loving family. BONNER well again, In loving memory of our dear Our Lady of Lourdes, pray thighearna. 29th Anniversary But he decided we must Dad, whose 14th Anniver- for them. Inserted by the family, 3 East MULVEY In loving memory of our part, sary will be on January 9 Kilbride, South Uist. In loving memory of my beloved dad and grandad, He eased your pain, but and who will remain in our MacDONALD (Angus) beloved husband, Tommy, Thomas, who died January broke our hearts. hearts, minds and prayers In loving memory of our dear MacKINNON died April 8, 2012, dear 6, 1985, loving husband of But you did not go alone forever till we meet again. father, Angus, who died Jan- 28th Anniversary daughters, Margaret Rose, the late Mollie MacLellan. Mum, Please remember him in uary 3, 2008. Treasured memories of my died January 6, 1979, and No time was spared for us to For part of us went with you, your prayers. Always in our thoughts and dearly loved husband, and Catrina, died March 1969, say, The day God called you God bless Dad and Mum prayers. R.I.P. our dear father and grandfa- also uncle Donald, died Feb- Goodbye, farewell dear Tom. home. from Willie, Gerard, Mary, Inserted by Kim and Emma. ther, Donald John, who died ruary 2001. Our Lady and St. Francis, Love and miss you so much. Angela and Neil and all our Forever in our thoughts and January 4, 1986. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray pray for them. St Pio, pray for her. families. prayers. Our Lady, Star of the Sea, for them. Inserted by his loving daugh- Inserted by your loving chil- Our Lady of Lourdes, pray Inserted by his family in pray for him. Inserted by Rose and all the ters and grandchildren. dren and grandchildren. for him. South Uist. Mary Frances and family. family, Newarthill. FRIDAY JANUARY 3 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS 17 FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

MURRAY TIERNEY THANKSGIVING PRAYER TO THE DEAR HEART OF JESUS PRAYER TO THE Remembering our lovely Treasured memories of our BLESSED VIRGIN Dear Heart of Jesus in the BLESSED VIRGIN son, Paul, who sadly died on friend, Catherine, who sadly O Most Beautiful Flower of past I have asked you for O Most Beautiful Flower of January 9, 2011, aged 46. died on January 7, 2005. GRATEFUL thanks to St Mount Carmel, fruitful in the many favours, this time I ask Mount Carmel, fruitful in the We will never forget you. Midnight stars are shining, Martha for favours received. splendour of Heaven, you for this special one splendour of Heaven, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, On a grave not far away, – M.A. Blessed Mother of the Son (mention favour), take it Blessed Mother of the Son pray for him. Where we laid our dearest of God, Immaculate Virgin, Dear Heart of Jesus, and of God, Immaculate Virgin, All the family. friend, THANKS to the Sac red assist me in this my neces- place it within Your broken assist me in this my neces- Nine years ago today, Heart of Jesus, Our Lady of sity. O Star of the Sea, help heart where your Father sity. O Star of the Sea, help It broke our hearts to lose Lourdes, St Pio, St Martha me and show me herein You sees it, then in his merciful me and show me herein You you, and St Francis for prayers are my Mother. O Holy eyes it will become Your are my Mother. O Holy But you did not go alone, answered. Still praying. - J. Mary, Mother of God, Queen favour, not mine. Amen. Say Mary, Mother of God, Queen For part of us went with you, McN. of Heaven and Earth, I for three days, publication of Heaven and Earth, I The day God called you humbly beseech You from promised. – H.C. humbly beseech You from home, DEAR HEART OF JESUS the bottom of my heart to the bottom of my heart to So put your arms around her Dear Heart of Jesus in the succour me in my necessity. BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, succour me in my necessity. Lord, past I have asked you for There are none that can you who can find a way There are none that can And forever keep her safe, many favours, this time I ask withstand Your power. O when there is no way, please withstand Your power. O She was so very special, you for this special one show me herein You are my help me. Repeat six times show me herein You are my (mention favour), take it And can never be replaced. mother. O Mary, conceived and publication promised. mother. O Mary, conceived Dear Heart of Jesus, and without sin, pray for us who C.C. without sin, pray for us who TAYLOR So dearly loved. place it within Your broken have recourse to Thee have recourse to Thee Precious memories of my So sadly missed. heart where your Father (three times). Holy Mary, I (three times). Holy Mary, I beloved mother, Ellen, who Sacred Heart of Jesus, grant DEAR HEART OF JESUS sees it, then in his merciful place this cause in your Dear Heart of Jesus in the place this cause in your died on January 3, 2003, her eternal rest. eyes it will become Your hands (three times). O thank past I have asked you for hands (three times). O thank also my beloved father, Till we meet again. favour, not mine. Amen. Say you for your mercy to me many favours, this time I ask you for your mercy to me John, who died on October From all your dear friends at for three days, publication and mine. Amen. Say for you for this special one and mine. Amen. Say for 5, 1994; also my dear home and abroad. promised. – J.McN. three days; publication (mention favour), take it three days; publication brother, John, who died promised. – M.R. Dear Heart of Jesus, and promised. – M. McG. October 20, 1999. ROBERTSON GRATEFUL thanks to the place it within Your broken If I could have a lifetime 4th Anniversary Sacred Heart of Jesus, St heart where your Father to Our Lady of wish, In loving memory of James, BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, THANK YOU Anthony, St Pio and to all you who can find a way sees it, then in his merciful Lourdes, St Pio, St Anne And one dream that could loving husband of the late saints to whom I pray. Still when there is no way, please eyes it will become Your and St Martha. - H.T & D.T. come true, Ann, dear dad of Jimmy and praying. A.M. help me. Repeat six times favour, not mine. Amen. Say I would pray to God with all Clare and loving granda. and publication promised. for three days, publication BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, my heart, Softly in the morning you PRAYER TO THE Also thanks to the Sacred promised. – N.McN. you who can find a way Just to see and speak to heard a gentle call, BLESSED VIRGIN Heart of Jesus to whom I when there is no way, please you, You took the hand God O Most Beautiful Flower of pray and for all prayers SINCERE THANKS to St help me. Repeat six times A thousand words won’t offered you, Mount Carmel, fruitful in the And quietly left us all, answered. Still praying. - Clare for prayers answered. and publication promised. bring you back, splendour of Heaven, F.S. - N. McN. -J.McL. I know because I’ve tried, Forever in our hearts. Blessed Mother of the Son And neither will a million Our Lady of Lourdes, pray of God, Immaculate Virgin, tears, for him. assist me in this my neces- I know because I’ve cried, sity. O Star of the Sea, help You left behind a broken WARD me and show me herein You heart, In loving memory of our dear are my Mother. O Holy And precious memories too, mother, Annie, who died Mary, Mother of God, Queen But I never wanted memo- January 9, 1991. Loving wife of Heaven and Earth, I ries Ma, of the late Bernard, loving humbly beseech You from SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY SUBSCRIPTION OFFER I only wanted you. mother, grandmother, great- the bottom of my heart to From your Alice, Willie and grandmother, mother-in-law succour me in my necessity. family. and auntie. There are none that can 6 ISSUES FOR ONLY £4.50 Time passes, memories We think of you with love withstand Your power. O We want you to experience the benefits of having today, stay, show me herein You are my The Sco'sh Catholic Observer delivered to your door every week – and Loved and remembered But that is nothing new, mother. O Mary, conceived every day. We think about you every without sin, pray for us who to show you how good our newspaper is. That is why we are making Our Lady of Lourdes and St day, have recourse to Thee you this excep&onal offer, which has gone down a storm with readers Anthony, pray for them. We will our whole lives (three times). Holy Mary, I From daughter-in-law Rose- through, place this cause in your who are keento get anintroduc&onto Scotland’s mary and family. In our hearts you are always hands (three times). O thank na&onal Catholic weekly newspaper. there, you for your mercy to me THOMSON Loved and remembered in and mine. Amen. Say for In loving memory of Aileen every prayer. three days; publication Bonner, who died December Miss you always mum. promised. – G.L. 31, 2003, a beloved wife, From all your loving family mum, sister and aunt. and extended family. DEAR HEART OF JESUS We miss you Nainey. Dear Heart of Jesus in the St Martha, pray for her. WALTERS past I have asked you for Inserted by Allan, Paul, In loving memory of our dear many favours, this time I ask Brenda, Maureen and family. dad and grandad, Jack, died you for this special one 6 ISSUES FOR ONLY £4.50 January 2, 2003. (mention favour), take it TIERNEY Each time we look at your Dear Heart of Jesus, and Return with cheque to: Scosh Catholic Observer, Please pray for the repose picture, place it within Your broken 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6BT or telephone of the soul of Annie, loving You seem to smile and say, heart where your Father mother, grandmother and Don’t be sad, but courage sees it, then in his merciful 0141 241 6112 to order and pay by card great-grandmother of the take, eyes it will become Your family, who died January 9, And love each other for my favour, not mine. Amen. Say Name: 1999. sake, for three days, publication We hold you close within our One of the best dad’s this promised. – P.L. Address: hearts, world could hold, And there you shall remain, If we follow in his footsteps, GRATEFUL thanks to St To walk with us throughout We will never go wrong.Love Pio, St Anne, St Peregrine our lives, and miss you forever Dad, and St Clare. - K.G. Until we meet again. Your loving son Andrew, Email Address: Our Lady of Lourdes, pray daughter-in-law Rebecca THANKS to St Clare for for her. and grandchildren Sophie favours received. Still pray- Telephone Number: He loving family. and Allister. xx ing. - T. 18 CHILDREN’S PAGE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY JANUARY 3 2014

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

The Epiphany of the Lord Reflection TODAY is the feast of the Epiphany which is the celebration of God coming into our lives. The Gospel tells the story of the three Wwsemen and their journey to see the new king, baby Jesus. Try to imagine that you are one of the wise men. You see a new star in the sky that outshines all of the other stars. You know in your heart that this star must be shining for a very special event—a new king. You don’t know where this new king is or anything else about Him but you leave your home anyway to follow the star. You bring with you the most precious gift that paper, markers/crayons, gift bows, wrapping Responsorial Psalm told them: “Go to Bethlehem and search you have to give to the new king. When you paper, tape, gift tags, the book, The Littlest 72:1, 2, 10abc, 10de-11. carefully for the child. As soon as you find Him, arrive you find a poor mother and father Angel or the movie The Little Drummer Boy. (R) Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. let me know. I want to go and worship Him too.” with a baby. G Show the ending of the movie The Little Please help the king to be honest and fair The wise men listened to what the king said Those wise men must have been very Drummer Boy or tell/read the highlights of the just like you, our God. and then left. And the star they had seen in the brave to follow a star to an unknown place book, The Littlest Angel. (R) Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. east went on ahead of them until it stopped over and to bring precious gifts for someone they G Instruct the children to draw on the A4 paper, Let Him be honest and fair with all your people, the place where the child was. They were thrilled didn’t even know. a picture of their gift to the baby Jesus. especially the poor. and excited to see the star. Believe it or not, this story happens to us G Have them insert the pictures into a small (R) Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. When the men went into the house and saw the over and over every day. We are the wise box, wrap it, decorate with a bow and Force the rulers of Tarshish and of the islands child with Mary, His mother, they knelt down men. We experience little epiphanies (God place a gift tag (To Jesus, From [the child’s to pay taxes to Him. and worshiped Him. They took out their gifts of coming into our lives) all the time, for name]). (R) Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. gold, frankincense, and myrrh and gave them to example, when we see a beautiful flower, a G Tell them to take the gift home and keep it Make the kings of Sheba and of Seba bring gifts. Him. Later they were warned in a dream not to rainbow, a friendly smile or feel the love of by their beds to remind them each night and Make other rulers bow down and all nations serve return to Herod and they went back home by our parents’ arms around us. each morning to thank God for the many gifts Him. another road. God has also sent many stars to guide us. they have been given and to offer to God a gift (R) Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. The Gospel of the Lord Our parents, teachers, priests and other of their own. religious, friends, animals, plants, books, and Alleluia music are some of the things that can help Prayer Matthew 2:2. guide us to God. Like the wise men, we bring Loving God, thank you for the gift of Jesus, the (R) Alleluia, alleluia. gifts to offer to God. The great part is that light of our lives. Help us to continually offer our We have seen His star in the east and have come CHILDREN’S God is happy with any of our gifts that we gifts to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. to adore the Lord. offer. We do not have to bring gold, (R) Alleluia, alleluia. frankincense and myrrh; we merely have to First Reading CROSSWORD offer something of ourselves. The glory of the Lord shines upon you. A reading from Gospel the book of the prophet Isaiah 60:1-6. We have come from the east to worship the king. A LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION Discussion Jerusalem, stand up and shine! Your new day is reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew Ask the children to pretend they are one of the dawning. And the glory of the Lord shines 2:1-12. ACROSS wise men. brightly on you. When Jesus was born in the village of Bethlehem 1 James Bond 6 Rod 7 Tide 8 Chemist 10 I Why do you want to follow this star? The earth and its people are covered with in Judea, Herod was king. During this time some I Potato 11 User 13 Embassy 15 Rare 17 Peels How do you feel about leaving your home to darkness, but the glory of the Lord is shining wise men from the east came to Jerusalem and 18 Waiter travel to somewhere you don’t know? over you. Nations and kings will come to the said: “Where is the child born to be king of the I Why do you want to bring the new king a light of your dawning day. Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come DOWN gift? Open your eyes and look around! Crowds are to worship Him.” 1 Jet 2 Mad Hatter 3 Bathroom 4 Drains 5 I How do you feel when you first see the Baby on their way. Your sons are coming from distant When King Herod heard about this, he was Editor Jesus? lands, and your daughters are being carried like worried and so was everyone else in Jerusalem. 9 Sparrow 12 Easily 14 Aces 16 Eat Ask the children to answer these questions young children. Herod brought together all the chief priests and personally When you see this, your faces will glow. the teachers of the Law of Moses and asked The Children’s Liturgy page is published one I How do you see God in your life each day? Your hearts will beat fast and swell with pride. them: “Where will the Messiah be born?” What reminds you that God is with you? Treasures from over the sea and the wealth of They told him: “He will be born in Bethlehem, week in advance to allow RE teachers and I Who or what is a star guiding you to God nations will be brought to you. Your country just as the prophet wrote: ‘Bethlehem in the land those taking the Children’s Liturgy at weekly each day? will be covered with caravans of young camels of Judea, you are very important among the towns Masses to use, if they wish, this page as an I What gifts do you have to offer to God? from Midian and Ephah. And the people of of Judea. From your town will come a leader, who Activity Sheba will bring gold and spices in praise of will be like a shepherd for my people Israel.’” accompaniment to their the Lord Herod secretly called in the wise men and teaching materials G Materials needed: Small boxes, A4 pieces of The Word of the Lord asked them when they had first seen the star. He

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY JANUARY 3 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CELEBRATING LIFE 19

PICTURE OF THE WEEK

Pupils of St Teresa’s Primary School, Newarthill, North Lanarkshire, and its nursery class presented Christmas shows for their parents and Bishop Joseph Toal recently joined parishioners of St Bartholomew’s Church, Coatbridge, as they celebrated the diamond jubilee of their church. the local community last month. The children thoroughly enjoyed Fr John Docherty, St Bartholomew’s parish priest, was delighted to welcome Bishop Toal, Apostolic administrator for Motherwell Diocese, and a number of guests performing in front of some very appreciative audiences, who were representing civic and religious fields, including Tom Clarke, MP for Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill. Youngsters from St Bartholomew’s Primary School were delighted by the pupils’ enthusiasm and talent. The photo shows a also in attendance at the Mass and greatly enhanced the music Liturgy with their singing PIC: TOM EADIE group of P1 and P2 pupils during one of the shows

Pollok altar server helps the Philippines

A KIND-HEARTED altar server from St Conval’s Church in Pollok, Glasgow, had a very busy Advent. Inspired by television pictures displaying the devastation caused in the Philippines by Typhoon Haiyan—which struck in November—Fintan Smith, 9, organised a raffle in aid of the victims. Fintan collected prizes from family and friends and sold tickets to them, and after each of the three Masses in St Conval’s on the first Sunday of Advent. “I thought it would be a good St Clare’s pupils back ACN typhoon efforts idea running a Christmas raffle during Advent to help others and I asked our new parish priest, Fr CHILDREN from St Clare’s Ms McMahon explained that Pastoral Care Council. Kane, if I would be able to sell Primary School in Drum- her charity had set up a specific Mark Maguire, a teacher at St some of my tickets in our chapel, Glasgow, have fund to help those affected by Clare’s, explained that the church,” he said. raised a fantastic sum of Typhoon Haiyan, which struck school’s pastoral council “MyAunty Veronica helped me money for the Philippines the Philippines in November, ‘builds on our strong Catholic set up my stall and deliver all the lost everything, have a better cause.’ “Weare just establishing a typhoon disaster fund. killing more than 2000 people ethos.’ winning prizes. I couldn’t believe Christmas.” new youth club in our parish hall Lorraine McMahon, from Aid and leaving many more home- “As well as developing social it when we counted up the money Fr Martin Kane, St Conval’s and we want lots of children like to the Church in Need charity, less. The children raised the justice through acts of charity, and we had made £466. I sent it parish priest, said he was ‘more Fintan to come along and play a recently visited the school to money in the space of one hour we are pro-active in building off to SCIAF so that it can help than happy to support Fintan in more active role in our parish thank the pupils, who presented at their Christmas Fair, which the spiritual and liturgical life some of the children, who have raising money for such a good life,” he added. her with a cheque for £811. was organised by the school’s of the school,” he said.

(Left to right) SCIAF Chaplain Fr Joe Mackle with the agency’s board members Bishop Stephen Robson, Professor Mike Manion (green tie), Bishop Joseph Toal, SCIAF President Bishop Emeritus Peter Moran, and Archbishop Philip Tartaglia, who joined SCIAF volunteers for a Christmas lunch last month

E-MAIL CELEBRATING LIFE EVENTS TO DAN MCGINTY AT [email protected] 20 EVANGELII GAUDIUM/REVIEW SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY JANUARY 3 2014 Evangelii Gaudium is a wake up call for all of us DR HARRY SCHNITKER begins a new series looking at Pope Francis’ Apostolic EVANGELII GAUDIUM Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, and its call for us to truly embrace our Faith

N THE December 6 edition of the Scottish Catholic Observer, Professor John Haldane put down a challenge: let us not skip over Pope Francis’s Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, for that is the way that the secular press will treat it. It was a timely reminder that we, as Catholics, are often asked to take our time to thinkI about our Faith. Now I am not a theologian, and do not wish to offer too much theological reflection on the exhor- tation. Indeed, I would argue that it is not, prima- rily, a theological document. Of course, it is underpinned by the teachings of the Church, and is, therefore, theological. Its tenor, however, is practical, and, above all, rooted in the intellectual traditions of the Church. In this series, then, I propose to examine the his- torical roots of Evangelii Gaudium, the origins of its ideas. In addition, I hope to focus on a number of the topics in the exhortation. These are likely to form the ‘agenda’ of the Pope Francis Papacy, and are worth a closer look.

s Professor John Haldane wrote (SCO December 6), the secular press has had a field day with Evangelii Gaudium, and it is worthA just highlighting a few of the comments. The conservative US radio show host, Rush Limbaugh, took major offence at the Pope’s comments on the morality of capitalism. He would regard himself as a radical free-marketer, although one suspects his grasp of the theories of Adam Smith, that esteemed son of Kirkcaldy, is more than a little hazy. He also has a less than clear grasp of Karl Marx, for he classified the exhortation as ‘pure Marxism.’ Now Marx did not do morality, in contrast to Adam Smith, of course. Mr Limbaugh dismissed the Pope, stating ‘he does not know what he is talking about.’ Obviously, he has not heard of Catholic social teach- ing, nor does he realise that it forms the basis of the political ideology for many in the European right. up on one of the most profound statements in the Church, there should be only Catholic Christians. teachings of the Second Vatican Council, and on John Cassidy, in the New Yorker, was rather Exhortation: “It is not ‘progressive’ to try to It is for all Catholic Christians that Evangelii the 2000-year old Magisterium of the Catholic more balanced. “In the US, we are not used to resolve problems by eliminating a human life.” In Gaudium was written, it tells them to go and tell Church. Does it contain new things? Yes, it does. attacks on capitalism at all,” he stated. Clearly, nei- one clear sweep, Pope Francis (above) divorces the the Good News as missionaries and that in doing Do these amount to a revolution? No they do not. ther Blessed Pope John Paul II’s less-than-subtle notion of progress from the radical liberalism of so they should tell the world everything that the What Evangelii Gaudium does do, as I hope to warnings on the moral failures of capitalism, nor the post-French Revolutionary epoch: music to the Church teaches. It is rather startling that this has show over the next few weeks, is to issue a wake- Pope Benedict XVI’s warnings on materialism— ears of the pro-life movement, music to the ears of not been commented on more. The exhortation up call, one that says that the Magisterium of the the cradle of capitalism—were heard on the other any Catholic with critical faculties. states clearly that the Church’s teachings encom- Church is not a supermarket from which we can side of the Atlantic. On the left, one has the various groups that have pass every aspect of the human existence: issues choose what we like, and one that tells us that it is For every critic, there is a cheerleader. Pat Per- embraced Pope Francis’ use of the term ‘trickle- of morality, medical ethics, economics and social high time that we went and shouted at the world riello, in the National Catholic Reporter, stated down economics,’a term that is seen as totally hos- justice, leadership, teaching, creativity and a whole what we have on offer. I am sure not a single that ‘there has never been a Papal document quite tile to the prevailing economic model in the raft more. It is not a pick-and-mix. It cannot be the reader of the SCO needs to be told what that is: like the apostolic exhortation.’ Obviously not, Western world. Others appear to have discovered case that a Catholic embraces human centred eco- Evangelii Gaudium, the Joy of the Gospels. since every Papal document differs from all others in the exhortation the Pope’s ‘indifference’ to the and there would be little point in publishing one if Liturgy. Intriguingly, this group includes both that were not the case! More astoundingly, he those who believe the Liturgy since the council has states that: “It is as if the council [Vatican II] has doomed the Church to extinction and those who finally been brought back into its legitimate place believe that Liturgy ought to be a free-for-all. Review in the church. For how many years has the Church Finally, for the secular press, the Papal Exhorta- acted as if the council never existed?” tion is a clear-cut affirmation of its sobriquet of the If Mr Limbaugh needs to swat up on his Marx Holy Father as a ‘liberal,’ as opposed to his pred- nomicsPOPE but FRANCIS—A decries the pro-life message,Humble, or that we kind and generous and Smith, Mr Perriello perhaps should read any ecessor, the ‘ultra-conservative’ Pope Benedict shoutPOPE our FOR opposition EVERYONE to abortion andand euthanasia, exuding warmth, this DVD random Catholic newspaper since 1963, or take a XVI. Never mind that the two men seem to agree but ignore the plight of the poor or theis well system worth that a watch to examine brief glimpse at the references to the council in on everything, from the dangers of a free market createsTHIS thathour-long poverty. documen- the pastoral history of the Holy every Papal document or statement made by a bish- that ignores human beings, through female and taryIn a is previous a joy to series watch. in A the SCO, IFather haveand termed to affirm and reassure ops’ conference since then. The impact of the coun- married priests to the inviolability of life from con- thisvisually wholistic and teaching vocally ofpleas- the Churchthe as sceptics, counter- that he is both a cil has been profound. One could argue, and I ception to natural death: the truth should not spoil cultural:ing representation what annoys of the our liberals inman this ofteaching his word and action. would agree with the argument, that the decisions a good story. delightsPope, his the life conservatives to date and and vice-versa.It is Itnot is often an in today’s of the council have not quite finished their journey importantjourney both reason to the why priest- secular politicalsociety parties that you can watch a into the consciousness of everyone. Then again, it think that the best reaction to the exhortation neverhood satisfy and to the the Catholic Papacy. voter completely.documentary The and feel joyful. It took a century or more before all the decisions of came from the pen of Damian Thompson in the Church’sFrom watching vision is the radical, documen- simply becauseis not often it will a documentary can the Council of Trent were fully implemented every- Telegraph. Mr Thompson wrote: “There is so alwaystary, which offend includes someone interviews in the secularbring environ- us hope either. Pope where in the Church. But to state that the Church Imuch in this document to unsettle traditional ment.with friends, Sadly, formerI think parishionersMr Thompson wasFrancis’ right inattitude, his demeanour has acted as if the council never existed: well... Catholics, capitalists and—yes—liberals that I’m Telegraphand colleagues, article, it thatis blatant it also that seems toand offend spirituality—evidenced both in hard put to single out the most radical paragraph.” ‘traditional’Francis is a manand ‘liberal’ of humility, Catholics. this beautiful documentary— any have picked parts from the exhorta- As Professor Haldane wrote in the SCO, Catholics peace and virtue. We are given manages to do both. simply learn how to be good, tion to illustrate how much it has touched ought to know better than to see themselves as lib- a confirmations this series that the will Pope hopefully demonstrate,Whether you want to learn Pope Francis: A Pope for them. Some are obvious. The large reli- erals or conservatives, and both he and Mr Thomp- FrancisEvangelii we see in the Gaudium media, encapsulatesmore about the your Pope, wit- Everyone will, I am sure, gious order, the Congregation of the Mission, son echo the exhortation faithfully here. is the manChurch’s he is and all-encompassing always teachingsness a modern and day example of inspire many. M MO COX focused completely on the statements on mission All the commentators should have known this: isAhas based been—the on thepeople’s previous Pope. Pontificates,Christ’s on the love con- in the world, or and evangelisation. The pro-life movement picked there ought to be no liberals or conservatives in the clusion of many Bishops Conferences, on the WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK