Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we MARCH 15, 2020 boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And hope does not disappoint us, because TERHAD PP 8460/11/2012(030939) God’s loved has been poured into our hearts ISSN: 1394-3294 throught the Holy Spirit that has been given Vol. 27 No. 10 THE CATHOLIC WEEKLY to us. Rom 5:1-2, 5

INSIDE  The Elect are chosen P6 by God Developments at the P11 P18-20  Vatican Don’t let your P16  cellphone distract you CDM’s first Eco Fair: Zero Plastics Waste P5 6,000 umat hadiri Misa Rabu Abu di Keningau BM8 from reality P21-22 Vatican drops “caste tag” of India’s new Saint UMBAI: As India pre- civil servants wrote to Cardinal Angelo Amato Although most literature refers to “Blessed pares to welcome its new- – then the head of the Vatican’s Congregation Devasahayam Pillai,” Devasagaya explained est Saint, a Vatican decree for the Causes of Saints – to urge him to drop that Pillai doesn’t function like a surname – M the Pillai name. an assumption made by many in other parts of has announced a miracle that had “India’s Constitution and laws are against the world – but is used to identify caste. been approved for Blessed Devasa- the caste system and there is a public revulsion The priest said that in the “Indian context,” hayam, thus clearing the way for his against anyone being referred to by his or her the use of a caste name would mean the future canonisation. caste name. Only hardcore casteists, which saint would be “alienated by others.” However, when Devasahayam was de- some Church leaders are, promote caste to “We thank God for the new Saint who is clared a Blessed in 2012, the name used was suit their own divisive agenda. In any event, an example to bear witness during the perse- Devasahayam Pillai. adding caste the to the name of the Saint of cution which is also going on in the present The discrepancy is due to protests that the Catholic Church, will be demeaning to the time,” Devasagaya said. Devasahayam allegedly never used Pillai – Saint as well as to the Church,” wrote M.G. He said from now on, Church officials and which signified his caste – after his conversion Devasahayam and S. Devaraj. the media should avoid using the name Pillai. from Hinduism in 1745. Fr Z. Devasagaya Raj, the former secretary “In the 18th century, the Indian Church Nilakandan Pillai was born in 1712 in what of the office for Dalits and Backward Castes made the mistake of tolerating the caste sys- is now the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, in the at the Catholic Bishops Conference of India, tem rather than opposing it,” Devasagaya said. south of the Indian subcontinent. When he said that he was “happy that Devasahayam is “That is why it did not attract many people was baptised, he took the name “Lazarus” – declared a Saint.” to Christianity. It is high time that we go for a Blessed Devasahayam Devasahayam in the local Tamil language “He is the layperson from the Hindu reli- new model of Church in India where the caste which means “whom God helps” or “God has was finally shot and killed in 1752. His body gion converted to Christianity who gave his and its practices should be seen as an aver- helped”. is now at St Francis Xavier Cathedral in the life for Christ,” the priest said. Once declared sion,” he continued. After his conversion, Devasahayam suf- Diocese of Kottar. a saint he belongs to the Universal Church, not “The sainthood of Devasahayam should be fered severe harassment and persecution – in- The issue over his name has been simmer- to any region or language or caste,” the priest the starting point to do so.” — By Nirmala cluding beatings and imprisonment – until he ing for years, and in 2017, two former Indian said. Carvalho, Matters India Pope Francis: Be strong in faith amid coronavirus trial VATICAN: In a video streamed live to St. via video filmed in the library of the Apos- the transmission of the virus,” he said. Covid-19 mortalities outside of China. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis prayed for those tolic Palace in response to ongoing concerns The Italian government imposed a strict Italy’s museums, archaeological sites, suffering from the “coronavirus epidemic” about the spread of coronavirus in Italy and quarantine on March 8 for the northern and concerts, and movie theatres have all been and encouraged Catholics to live through this Vatican City. Traditionally, the Pope leads the central regions of Italy, including Milan and closed. All schools and universities will also trial with the strength of faith. Angelus from the palace balcony overlook- Venice. remain closed throughout the country. “I join my brother bishops in encouraging ing St Peter’s Square. Most of the 5,883 people who have con- Pope Francis said that he is “close in prayer the faithful to live this difficult moment with “Today’s Angelus prayer is a little strange, tracted Covid-19 in Italy have been in the to people suffering from the current corona- the strength of faith, the certainty of hope with the Pope ‘caged’ in the library, but I see northern regions of the country. The Italian virus epidemic.” and the fervour of charity,” Pope Francis said you, I am close to you,” Pope Francis told the Ministry of Health reported 76 confirmed Vatican City confirmed its first case of March 8. smaller than usual crowd in St Peter’s Square cases in Rome’s Lazio region on the evening coronavirus on March 5, and later announced “The season of Lent helps us all to give an at the beginning of the video broadcast. of March 7. that both the Pope’s Angelus address and evangelical sense also to this moment of trial “This way of praying the Angelus today is With 233 coronavirus-related deaths in Ita- Wednesday general audience would take and pain,” he added. done to carry out preventive measures, so as ly in two weeks — 85 of which have occurred place over live video. — By Courtney The Pope led the Sunday Angelus prayer to avoid crowds of people, which can favour in the past two days — Italy has had the most Mares, CNA A prayer for our nation Leader: O God, Judge of the nations, how wrong they are about sin, righteousness and judgment. Let us proclaim the name of the Lord; put fear into our hearts O Lord, declare the power of your works to and ascribe greatness to our God! so that we may know that we are only human. Your peoples and let us be filled with the knowledge of Father, the whole of creation groans Your glory as the waters cover the sea. All: and labours to be delivered from the bondage of corruption, Lord, your work is perfect. into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Gather us, O Lord, in Your Name And all your ways are just. and may all worship the One True God. Amen. Let Your voice be heard today Lord Jesus, send forth Your Spirit of Truth by all the nations! and let this Spirit prove to ‘the powers that be’ (A prayer composed from various Scripture verses of the Bible) 2 Forum / Reflection HERALD March 15, 2020 Den of thieves: When religious elites manipulate politics esus was no stranger to religious leaders than-comfortable mansions, complete with getting tangled up with politics. Sunday Observer mosaic flooring, carved stucco wall decora- J In fact, he reserved his harshest criti- tions , stone table tops, fine glassware and cism for the scribes and Pharisees for their By other luxurious trimmings – all in stark con- hypocrisy. They acted all holy but then bur- trast to the lifestyles of the average peasant dened the people with all sorts of religious Anil Netto or casual worker. obligations [email protected] In return for the high priest keeping politi- The High Priest at the time of the kanga- cally charged religious fervour in check, the roo trial of Jesus was Caiphas, who must Romans allowed the religious elites all these have had a good working relationship with the pacification of restless local populations Passover, that great festival celebrating lib- perks. They also allowed the Jews certain the Roman occupiers or overseers. This was to local religious leaders or client or puppet eration from slavery in Egypt. The fervour concessions: they were exempt from wor- a time when these high priests could be eas- kings. during these festivities was laced with polit- ship of the Roman emperor, military service ily removed and replaced by the Roman pre- The religious elites were all too aware of ical overtones, considering that the Romans and court attendance on the Sabbath. The fects. So it is easy to imagine how beholden the consequences of allowing ferment to were now occupying Judea. Jews were allowed to settle inter-Jewish they were to the Roman imperial rulers. brew, fertile soil for rebel movements led by It is no wonder that one of Pilate’s main disputes according to their law and tradition. In fact, Caiphas’ stint as High Priest self-proclaimed messiahs. duties was to oversee the Temple during It was a cosy arrangement, the religious (AD18-30) as high priest coincided with Of course, Caiphas may have had “noble” the period of the Passover, when thousands elites’ collaboration with the political rulers. Pontius Pilate’s reign (AD26-36) as Roman intentions prompting him to say it was bet- of the faithful would converge around the But Jesus saw straight through the cha- Prefect for the territory. Pontius Pilate was, ter for one man to die than for the whole Temple. rade, and he made every attempt to under- to put it mildly, brutal and insensitive to lo- nation to perish (at the hands of Roman ret- The Temple back then was the centre of mine the priestly class’ notions of clean and cal religious traditions. By the time Caiphas ribution). religious fervour – and economic activity, unclean, pure and impure and what made was in office, the office of the High Priest The religious elites only had to look at for it also served as the Treasury. the Sabbath holy. was heavily politicised. how the Romans brutally suppressed rebel No doubt, there was a lot of self-interest The last straw came when he created Also very much in the picture at the time movements that sprang up after the mad involved among the religious elites. Apart havoc in the Temple by toppling the money- of Jesus’ trial was the “high priest emeritus” tyrant Herod the Great died, soon after Je- from managing the Temple treasury, the changers’ table while blasting this whole Annas (or Ananus son of Seth). Annas was sus’ birth at around 4BC. Earlier, the Ro- high priests were almost like kings, in the place, the centre of religious control of the still influential, having served as high priest man’s complete destruction and sacking of absence of any serious political leader or territory at the service of vested political in- from AD6-16. That is why Jesus was first Carthage in 146BC could have played on secular king. The high priest and his cronies terests, as a “den of thieves”. sent to him. the mind of the religious elites. also presided over supreme religious coun- Unfortunately, the problem of religious It was a cosy arrangement between the So we can perhaps understand why they cil, the Sanhedrin. elites manipulating political sentiments for religious elite and the political rulers from were on tenterhooks when Jesus toppled That’s not all. While they did not have their own ends has continued throughout Rome. It allowed the Romans to “outsource” the money-changers’ tables in the week of luxury limousines(!), they did live in more- history to this day. Third Sunday of Lent: Thirst No More he really was quite intelligent, this “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and Samaritan Woman that Jesus met at drink.” John 7:37 Reflecting on our Sunday Readings Sthe well. She engaged Jesus in dis- A thirsty Jesus goes to the same well. He cussion about Jews and Samaritans. She sees the woman and thirsts even more. He to lose sight of the fundamental reason for 3rd Sunday of Lent asked him, “Why do you bother talking to also is dry, but he is not empty. He thirsts our existence — to know love and serve Readings: Exodus 17:3-7; me? Jews don’t speak to Samaritans.” She for the people who need Him. One of his God. With the pressures of our society, the even delved a bit into theological argu- last words from the Cross would be, “I responsibility to provide for the family fi- Romans 5:1-2, 5-8; ment, “We worship on the Mountain; you thirst”. He was not talking about water. He nancially, the mission to raise our children, Gospel: John 4:5-42 worship in Jerusalem, so who’s right?” was speaking about the overwhelming de- the fight against sickness and suffering in She was also a hard worker, not a lazy sire within him to bring God’s love to the our lives, it is easy to lose sight of why we from the well of God’s Love and Compas- woman. She was at that well probably to world. are doing what we do. As a result, we feel sion. We cannot be afraid to let all know get the water she needed to care for her At the well, Jesus simply tells the wom- thirsty, dry within. With the pressures of that Jesus is the joy of our lives. livestock, clean her home and, perhaps, an that she will remain dry unless she con- the anti-Catholic, anti-theistic, immoral Sometimes people ask me, “How do I prepare the afternoon meal. Her life was fronts her past and changes her life. These aspects of our society, it is easy for us to bring Jesus to the school, to the workplace, difficult, but no more than any other wom- are the words she needed to hear. She sub- give in to arguments that justify improper to my family, to the neighbourhood?” If an of her time and place. However, her life mits to the Love of God. From that mo- or immoral behaviour. It is easy for us to we focus on His Presence in our lives, if was different. She had gone through five ment on she is absolved, transformed. Her return to dryness. we recognise the Mercy and Compassion husbands and now was living with a man thirst is quenched. Now she has a spring We will thirst again. And in one way, we have received, others will experience she had not married. No one respected her. of water within her, a reservoir really. She this is good, very good. It is part of the hu- Him within us. She did not respect herself. She had given is overflowing with the Love of Jesus the man condition to thirst for God. St Augus- There is a famous Latin expression, up on herself and just gone with whatever Christ. tine wrote, “Our hearts are made for you, Nemo dat quo non habat. It means, “No the immediate situation presented. Anoth- She goes into the town. Her joy is on O God, and cannot rest until they rest in one gives what he does not have.” We can- er husband, another man. Another child. her face. The townspeople experience her you.” We will always thirst for a greater not bring God to others if we do not have Who’s the father of this one? Of that one? peace and want this for themselves. So presence of God. We seek His Presence Him ourselves. The opposite of this ex- She had learned to live with the emptiness they go out to the well to meet Jesus. They throughout our lives, particularly in the pression is also true. It is powerful and life that comes from accepting sin in her life. go to investigate. They experience God. love of others, in the love of our families, transforming. “We cannot help but give She was thirsty. It may have been her This wonderful drama, the first of three in the love of those reaching out to us for Him whom we have.” If we have the Lord, sheep or her home that needed the water, we will hear the next few weeks, is really help. Many of you seek God in the love then we cannot keep Him from others. Our but she herself was quite thirsty. She was a drama about our lives. We thirst for God. of your marriages and your children or, for very being will not allow us to keep the dry. Internally, spiritually, she was thirsty. Sometimes we drink Him in. Often we ig- the children, in their parents’ love. We will joy within us secret. The spring of water She had led a sinful life but had refused nore Him. Sometimes we downright reject all always thirst for a greater presence of within us will well up to Eternal Life. to acknowledge her sins and seek forgive- Him. But He doesn’t give up on us. Per- God in our reading the Word of God and Today’s Gospel calls us to remember the ness. Perhaps, like many of us, she felt that haps we finally give in and let Him trans- our sharing in the Eucharist. Source of our Joy. It reminds us that we do the past would go away if she just did not form our lives. We confront our sins, take We need to take this thirst with us wher- not have to settle with putting up with life. think about it. However, that didn’t quench responsibility for our actions, and allow ever we go. We need to bring the longing Jesus has given us mercy and compassion. her thirst. She went about her daily rou- the compassion of the Lord into our lives. for Jesus with us so others can experience Jesus has transformed our lives. Like the tine, doing her best to ignore the emptiness Then we have that joy that pours out from the joy that the very longing for His Pres- woman at the conclusion of the reading, within herself. But it was still there, that us to everyone around us. And then others ence forms in our lives. Remember, the we live in the joy of the Lord. thirst, that dryness. seek out and find Christ. townsfolk only experienced Jesus because If we drink the water that he gives us, we On the last and greatest day of the fes- We will probably be thirsty again. With they first experienced the joy of His Pres- will thirst no more. — By Msgr Joseph A tival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, the distractions of our lives, it is easy for us ence in the woman who had just returned Pellegrino HERALD March 15, 2020 Home / Pastoral 3 Malaysian Bishops’ Diaries Holy Family Church March 2020 celebrates feastday ARCHBISHOP JULIAN LEOW KAJANG: The Church of the Holy Fam- KUALA LUMPUR ARCHDIOCESE ily celebrated its parish feast from Febru- ary 19 to 22. 16 CFM Exco Meeting The aim was to bring the parish fami- 19 Archdiocesan Finance Meeting lies together — all the children, youth, senior citizens and married couples — to 20 La Salle Heritage and Legacy Fest celebrate these themes: Feb 19 Celebrat- 2020 ing the Children of our parish; Feb 20 Cel- 20-22 College General & Peninsular ebrating Youth and college students of our parish, with blessing after Mass, Feb 21 Bishops’ Meeting & Reflection Celebrating the golden Parishioners, with – St Anne’s, BM anointing after Mass, Feb 22 Celebrating BISHOP BERNARD PAUL married couples and families in our parish, with renewal of vows for married couples MALACCA JOHORE DIOCESE and prayer for families. Parishioners walk in procession around the vicinity of the parish. Fr Andrew Manickam OFM, Cap was who is from the Church of St Francis of go into the presence of the Almighty God, 20-22 College General & Peninsular the main celebrant and preacher on Feb Assisi in Cheras said, “in order for us to who will give you the power to sustain Bishops’ Meeting & Reflection 22. get back to a normal relationship with you. Time to let go and forgive those who – St Anne’s, BM In his homily, Fr Andrew said the most that person, ask when do we stop hurting wronged you and make your relationship damaging idolatry is not the worship of each other? Because of one bad event, do and life healthy and whole again. With BISHOP SEBASTIAN FRANCIS the golden calf in the Old Testament; it is we need to take revenge or get even — a God it is possible. Take the road to recon- PENANG DIOCESE our lack of love and forgiveness for our tooth for a tooth or an eye for an eye? The ciliation, especially with those who have neighbour. “Most think we are mature, fair injustice, anger, pain, suffering, agonising, wronged us. Let go of all bitterness and 16 Penang Diocesan Pastoral Team and loving neighbours. But is this so? In we all have endured or are going through. grudges and forgive. Don’t end your life (PDPT) Meeting – St Anne’s, BM our humble moments most will admit we Yet we have the Word of God challenging by becoming a ‘prisoner of self’.” don’t love others, especially our enemies us to do something about it. We can try to A procession in honour of Jesus, Mary 17 Council of Priests (COP) – and we don’t genuinely forgive those who justify by saying he or she started the quar- and Joseph was held immediately after the Stella Maris have hurt us. We don’t love the way Jesus rel first. Isn’t this an eye for an eye?” Fr Mass. A statue of the Holy Family mount- asked us to — that is, to go out of the way 17 Chrism Mass - Church of Our Lady Andrew added that if we claim to be men ed on a beautifully decorated hand drawn to love others as He does.” or women of faith, created in the likeness carriage led the procession around the vi- of Sorrows – OLS, Penang “Very often we do not want to admit we of God, we can surely pray for that person cinity of the parish. Back at the foyer of 17-18 Clergy Monthly Recollection have enemies. The truth is we all have ene- who harmed or hurt us. Reconciliation be- the church, parish priest Fr Andrew Kooi – Stella Maris mies, those who betray us or hate us, those gins with prayer. We can rely on the grace blessed the assembly. we’d rather not see or speak to. These of God. Jesus asked us to pray for our en- Fr Kooi in his speech thanked Fr 20-22 College General & Peninsular could be our family or church members. emies. To love one’s enemy is an acid test Andrew for celebrating the Mass and in- Bishops’ Meeting & Reflection Jesus said love your enemy. How can we of who is a Christian and who is not. vited all for the light refreshment that was – St Anne’s, BM love the person that has hurt us? When can “To forgive breaks the circle of bitter- served at the canteen area. — By Bernard we stop hurting each other?” Fr Andrew, ness and retaliation. Take the first step to Anthony MAJLIS GEREJA-GEREJA MALAYSIA COUNCIL OF CHURCHES OF MALAYSIA

“ANEW CREATION” A Revived Church and a Renewed Nation CCM Advisory How Christians should respond to the Coronavirus: A Threat That Knows No Borders The new coronavirus illness known as Each one should also take appropriate practices. They may involve the follow- itive and needing treatment and care Covid-19 has spread to at least 76 coun- precautions to stop the spread of the vi- ing: l towards those who serve as doc- tries, infected nearly 100,000 people rus. Maintaining personal hygiene prac- 1. Refrain from physical contact tors, nurses and care-givers; and and killed over 3,000 worldwide and in- tices are an absolute priority. Individuals when greeting one another l towards policy makers that they creasing. Even as the spread of the virus who are tempted to ignore guidelines for 2. Regular sanitising of church will ensure a health care system that started in China, cases are cropping up in social distancing or voluntary quarantine sanctuary, meeting hall, wash- incentivises proactive detection and many countries. Some cases have no con- must realize that what might feel like rooms, kindergarten classes, etc. treatment for diseases that threaten nection to foreign travel, suggesting the the common cold to them could pose a the nation’s health virus has been spreading undetected for serious threat to their neighbours. They 3. Sanitise hands and trays of com- longer than first estimated. Any pretense should act responsibly. munion during Holy Communion The coronavirus poses a threat that that this outbreak could be contained There are people in our society howev- services knows no borders. As Christians, neither through purely defensive measures, that er, for whom missing work or keeping a 4. Members with flu-like symp- does nor our love and concern for our is, travel restriction on affected countries sick child home from school to minimize toms should refrain from attending neighbours. and quarantines for returning citizens is the risk of spreading the virus is an extra church worship services or activi- Let us pray and work together to over- no longer the only restrictive remedy. burden and great inconvenience. There ties. come fear with compassion The coronavirus poses a public risk; no are also people who are at a higher physi- 5. Stricter visit procedure at senior individual or country is immune from in- cal risk from the virus, many of whom homes and activities Isaiah 58: 11 fection. As such, it requires a proactive, work in the medical and service sectors, public response centred on the common hospitals, restaurants, hotels, airports, 6. Postpone or cancel pilgrimages “And the Lord will guide you good. carehomes etc. continually and satisfy your desires On the individual level, each person The government should step in and Just as our Lenten observance is meant in scorched places and make your must decide how they can best protect among other things, must ensure “nonpu- to deepen our relationship with God and bones strong; and you shall be like a their own health without jeopardising the nitive leave policies”, in response to the our solidarity with all who suffer as our watered garden, like a spring of water well-being of their neighbours. Hoarding coronavirus outbreak. A quarantined paid Lord did, we can allow these sacrifices whose waters do not fail” goods, like face masks and hand sanitis- sick leave, policy during quarantine will and inconveniences in our daily lives in ers may potentially put health care work- lift a great financial burden on those af- order to direct our prayers; ers and other caregivers at greater risk if fected. l towards those who have died REV DR HERMEN SHASTRI they are unable to access these which are For the churches, the current pandemic from Covid-19 and their families now in short supply. will entail some disruptions to religious l towards those who are tested pos- Date: March 6, 2020 4 Home HERALD March 15, 2020 Pastoral Responses from the Various Arch/Dioceses on Covid-19 Resumption of Masses Catechism Classes, RCIA and Singapore Archdiocese Catechetical Activities Dear Rev Fathers and advisories. 2) Weekday Masses may also Kuala Lumpur Archdiocese The Task Force on Covid-19 has be resumed from Monday, We have received several enquir- and catechists: hand sanitisation. been working closely with the March 16, 2020 ies from parents, catechists and a) RCIA sessions and Catechet- e) All stay-in camps where the parishes on their readiness to re- Whilst the necessary precau- priests on whether we should ical classes should proceed as students are expected to stay sume Masses. tions have been put in place, proceed with catechetical classes usual until further notice. overnight should be cancelled. As it has been determined that those who do not wish to take the (Sunday School) and other cat- b) Parents should be reminded In place of these overnight not all parishes are ready to re- risk are exempted from attending echetical activities. to keep their children at home camps, camps with shorter sume Masses this weekend, I Mass to fulfil the Sunday Obliga- We have noted that neither the if they show any signs of being hours could be organised in the have decided that so as not to tion. Instead, this obligation may Ministry of Health nor the Minis- ill. The class catechist is to be parish. complicate the task of contact be met by either participating try of Education have issued any informed. tracing in the event of a rush of in the online Mass, or spending directives for the closure of pub- c) Classes should not be unnec- attendees to those that are ready, time in prayer. lic or private schools as the cur- essarily lengthened beyond the 1) Sunset and Sunday Masses For more information, visit rent situation has yet to warrant current hours. Additional extra- Fr Michael Chua will resume on March 14 (Sat- www.catholic.sg this move. curricular activities (e.g. out- Chancellor urday) and March 15 (Sun- However, the following pre- reach visits) should be reduced. Archdiocesan Chancery day), when all our churches cautions should be taken to en- d) Students should be taught to have the necessary precaution- Most Rev William Goh sure the safety of our students observe personal hygiene and March 5, 2020 ary measures in place. The re- Archbishop of Singapore sumption of Masses is subject to prevailing MOH guidelines March 5, 2020

The number of Covid-19 cases continues to increase, with the health ministry urging the public to avoid visiting Coronavirus displays signature crownlike appearance under a microscope. countries badly affected by the virus. (FMT photo) Penitential Services with General Absolution General absolution at Kota Kinabalu Archdiocese weekend Masses To all priests and parishes in the vices in the parishes are to prevailing condition of the Penang Diocese Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu: remain. COVID-19 epidemic in the 2. Penitential Service shall be near future, parishes may or- The COVID-19 outbreak in Malay- symptoms of influenza is request- With Ash Wednesday on Febru- celebrated as usual, with a full ganise and schedule times for sia has seen a rapid increase in the ed to voluntarily self-isolate at ary 26 this year, the Season of Liturgy of the Word (two read- individual confessions in their number of cases lately. The Ministry home until back to health. Please Lent begins. We pray that this ings, one of which should be respective parishes at the ap- of Health, Malaysia has reported 14 avoid coming into contact in gath- special time of grace may touch from the gospel), Homily, aid propriate time. new cases on March 4, 2020, bring- erings be it masses, meetings or many, bringing about true con- for the Examination of Con- We urge all priests and par- ing it to a total of 50 cases so far in fellowships. version and newness of life. science, and Act of Contrition. ishes in the Archdiocese to fol- Malaysia. ● Wash hands frequently. Proper Dates and times for the yearly 3. A common Penance de- low this instruction, and we wish The Diocese of Penang has initiat- hand hygiene should be practiced Penitential Services in the par- cided by the priest shall then everyone a joyous and fruitful ed steps to contain any spread of the at all times. ishes for Lent (beginning from be imposed on all, which is to Lent. COVID-19 infection from human to ● All persons who have recently March 2, 2020) has been pub- be done/fulfilled by each Peni- Depending on the develop- human within our parishes and com- returned from China, Korea, Ja- lished. tent. ment of the COVID-19 epidem- munity. pan, Italy and Iran are advised to However, to avoid the numer- 4. Instead of personal confes- ic, other appropriate instructions In this regard, all Penitential Ser- self-quarantine for 14 days as per ous and close personal contact sion however, the priest pre- may be given by the Archdio- vices this year during the Season the advisory of the Ministry of individual confessions involve, siding shall give General Ab- cese in the near future. of Lent are suspended with imme- Health, Malaysia. and as a prudent precaution solution to all present. Yours Devoutly, diate effect. Due to this grave and Adherence to the above instruc- against the possible spread of 5. The presiding priest is to urgent necessity’, the Bishop of Pen- tions will, hopefully, serve the pur- the COVID-19, the Archdiocese instruct penitents who have ang, Rt Rev Sebastian Francis has pose of preventing the spread of the of Kota Kinabalu has decided on committed grave sins to go Archbishop John Wong decided that at all Masses within the COVID-19. the following: to Individual Confession as Achbishop of Kota Kinabalu weekend of March 22 and 29, 2020 The Church will always exercise 1. Dates and times as pub- soon as it is available. To fa- on the 4th and 5th Sundays of Lent, the virtues of prayer, faith and re- lished for the Penitential Ser- cilitate this, taking note of the February 22, 2020 the presiding priest shall give a Gen- spect for the health and well-being eral Absolution will be given to all of our fellow beings in this period present.’ As for the chapels and Mass where the whole global community Malacca Johore Diocese centres in the Diocese of Penang, is striving to combat and curb the vi- this general absolution will be done rus from spreading. To All Clergy, Religious and Lay a) Penitential Services date confession time in each par- at any time during the Season of For further information and ques- Faithful of MJD. and time remain as planned ish.) Lent. However, priests are requested tions on this matter, please contact and announced. 3. Please walk the extra mile in to make themselves available for the Chancery during office hours 1. The Malacca Johor Diocese b) Penitential Service contin- these times of stress, Lent and individual confessions as and when (Mondays to Fridays from 9.00am (MJD) will adhere to the “In- ues [with full liturgy of the sacrifice. required. — 5.00pm). struction regarding Sacrament Word (two Readings); homily, The Bishop also requests that all Pusat Keuskupan Katolik Chan- of Penance/Reconciliation with examination of conscience, Together Building His Kingdom, parishes, priest, parishioners take the cery Tel: 04-2292742 General Absolution, Lent 2020” act of contrition, common necessary steps to prevent any possi- Let us continue to pray for God’s issued by Archbishop John penance to be fulfilled, general ble infection and, more importantly, Healing Grace and Mercy. Wong of the Archdiocese of absolution to all present.] to curtail any spreading of the infec- Kota Kinabalu, dated February c) For those who have com- tion within our community. The fol- 22, 2020. mitted grave sin, individual + Rt Rev Bernard Paul, DD lowing steps should be encouraged Fr Dominic Santhiyagu, J.C.L 2. To avoid possible contact and confession recommended in Bishop of Malacca Johore as a public service in instilling good Vice-Chancellor transmission of the COVID-19, their own parish at the appro- prevention protocols. Penang Diocese please take the following steps: priate set times. (Have a set February 24, 2020 ● Any person feeling ill or having March 5, 2020 HERALD March 15, 2020 Home 5 CDM’s first Eco Fair: Zero Plastics Waste PENANG: The Church of Divine The feedback from those who in the Eco Fair. He was also happy Mercy (CDM) carried out its first came was very positive. They admit- with the variety of exhibition items Eco Fair at the church’s Garden ted that they had learnt a lot from the on display and with the Church’s of Mercy February 15 and 16. The Eco fair. They were now able to dif- café. This was mainly because the theme of the fair was Zero Plastic ferentiate which items could be recy- food sold at that time to catechism Waste. The main objective of the Eco cled. They were happy to learn the children were all placed in reusable fair was to create awareness on how correct method of making organic plates and cups. simple it is to work towards achiev- enzymes from waste fruit remains. The Eco-friendly ventures of ing zero plastics waste. The activity Some were excited with the Eco the parish is strongly supported by stations planned for this event in- brick-making and expressed a need CDM parish priest Fr Martin Arlan- cluded the demonstration of making to have a monthly collection of Eco do. Everyone in the parish also un- Eco bricks, the selling of organically bricks. For many, it was also the first derstands the responsibility of pass- made enzymes (as well as the shar- time they had seen a foldable silicon ing on a sustainable world to the next ing of the methods to make enzymes cup. Other environmentally friendly generation. The visitors to the Eco and compost), and the collection of products were refillable powdered Fair were made clearly aware of the used batteries for recycling. There Visitors at the different booths at the Eco Fair. tooth paste, refillable lip balm, bees impact of plastic waste to the envi- was even a photo-taking booth with were first given a video presentation sponsored by Green Culture Waste wax, and metal straws. ronment and that even the recycling the backdrop of a painting of St Fran- ‘plastics are harmful to us’, ‘plastics Management Sdn Bhd. The organis- Three representatives from the process was not a perfect solution to cis of Assisi for patrons to pledge to that can and cannot be recycled’, and ers even invited the DIY Team from Penang Green Council (PGC) at- safeguarding the environment. care for Mother Earth. ‘simple tips towards attaining zero the Church of the Holy Name of Je- tended the event to conduct a Green FoC plans to have other Eco Each visitor was guided through plastics waste’. sus, Balik Pulau led by John Chin. Event Audit. The leader of the audi- Fairs in the forthcoming months the different stations by volunteers Those who completed the tour They conducted a workshop on bas- tors, En. Ahmad Uzeir, who is also in order to sustain interest in keep- namely, the ministry of the Friends of all these learning stations were ket weaving using non-recyclable the programme and project execu- ing the environment safe and a of Creation (FoC) and assisted by each given a free BYO (bring your aluminium packing from 3 in 1 cof- tive of PGC, was most pleased to better place for everyone. — By the Form 5 catechism students. They own) Elianware BPA free lunch box, fee/tea sachets or similar packaging. see so many young people involved Magdalene Chiang People with disabilities remind us of our need for community JOHOR BAHRU: Parents with spe- building friendship and relationship cial needs children are often found in community. on the fringes of the church as these “People with special needs have children or adults with special needs the gift to bring peace and unity into are unable to sit still or keep silent in our world of war and division,” she church due to their individual condi- said. tions and levels of hyperactivity. She said they were created to be Dr Valerie Jaques said this as she blind to our differences of race, col- spoke to parents of special needs our, creed and they were able to break children at Mission Pastoral Institute all barriers and boundaries to bring at Majodi Centre, February 23. unity through friendship and relation- “Some even leave their children ship. at home and take turns to come for She added that they never forget Mass, resulting in their inability to a person they consider their friend celebrate the Mass as a family,” she and they welcome friendships with The parents and children dance along with Dr Valerie Jaques. said. warm and loving openness, “Their from God sharing the fruits of the during the meeting is when the com- She then went on to say that we are Dr Valerie came to share about ability to bring joy in community is Holy Spirit of love, joy, peace, pa- munity meets Jesus in prayer, using all loved by God and that Jesus lives Faith and Light Communities and the immense and we have a lot to learn tience, kindness, goodness, faithful- symbols, movement and song. in us whether we are able-bodied or mission of people with intellectual from them.” ness, gentleness and self-control.” She urged those present to form a disabled. disabilities in the world. According to her, as much as Faith “Gathering as a community of par- group and meet in a parish so that the She told the gathering that we are Dr Valerie provides therapy to pro- and Light in Malaysia is rooted in the ents brings support in sharing their larger community can experience and not created to be alone, people with mote better mental well-being and Catholic tradition, it is a community joys and difficulties. Brothers and sis- share the joy of the community that disabilities remind us of our need to also is skilled in psychological as- that embraces ecumenism all over the ters are called to appreciate that a per- participates in parish activities, recog- be in community with real friends, so sessment. world. son with a disability can be a source nising “the members of the body that we may grow in faith and love, shar- The echo from the parents present During her talk, parents were asked of life and unity,” she said. seem to be weaker are indispensable, ing gifts with each other while invit- was that they too experienced this if their lives were the same as they She noted that Faith and Light and those that we think are less hon- ing the Holy Spirit to transform our pain. However, Dr Valerie cautioned: thought and planned before receiving communities are ideally meant to be ourable we clothe with great honour.” hearts to recognise the face of Jesus “We must not stand alone, standing the gift of their special child. small and are made up of about 20 to She explained that the inspiration in even those most disabled. together in community with special As challenging as it is to take care 30 people who meet monthly to share of Faith and Light is founded on the “We need to accompany each other needs children at the centre can only of a special child, parents agreed how their lives, being with and carrying belief that each person is loved by not just in the light of the Gospel but make us shine in the world.” it has only made them more than one another’s burdens. God and that people with intellectual also in our human needs and suffer- She pointed out that we must share what they could have imagined. Dr Valerie said these meetings are disabilities are fully human and have ing as we grow towards greater ma- the gifts that God gave us in people She said, “This could not have celebrated joyfully with songs, danc- the right to be loved, recognised and turity,” she added. — By Vincent with intellectual disability through happened if it was not for the grace es and activities. The time of prayer respected equally. D’Silva Commissioning of CMPC Presenters in KL Archdiocese KUALA LUMPUR: Catholic Mar- Archbishop Leow thanked all pre- riage Preparation Course (CMPC) senting couples, past and present, and Presenters (including those from said that this commissioning was to NFP) from the Archdiocese of Kuala acknowledge the work of the CMPC Lumpur were officially commis- presenting couples. sioned, 37 years after CMPC started. However, he added that this did More than 50 couples from all lan- not mean that before this commis- guage groups (English, Mandarin, sioning, the CMPC presenting cou- BM and Tamil) were present Febru- ples were not valid. He stressed the ary 22 for a Formation, Eucharistic The CMPC presenters of the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur with Archbishop Julian Leow, Frs Clement Lim and Edwin Peter. need for the presenting couples to celebration (with Commissioning) This was followed by a short work- engaged and young married couples encouraged the CMPC presenters to stick to the tenets of the faith in their and dinner at the Church of the Holy shop where participants broke up in a world where attractions and dis- keep this theme in mind when shar- sharing and that all aspects of our Redeemer (HRC). into small groups to reflect on these tractions abound. ing their lives and experiences with faith should be covered,. During the Formation, there was five qualities of love. Short reports Fr Edwin Peter shared on the couples who are preparing for mar- After the Mass, Archbishop Leow, a review that showed we had fared from the various groups followed. Archdiocesan 2020 theme of Sent riage in Church and also for couples Fr Edwin and Fr Clement Lim (Ec- fairly well in some areas but needed The presenters realised that truly with Joy to Heal and how we should who are hurting. clesiastical Assistants of AFLC help from the parish in others. they had an important role to play in be creative, inclusive and building At Mass, the group was commis- which CMPC belongs to) joined the There were also short presenta- preparing engaged couples for mar- bridges in our ministry. One of the sioned by Archbishop Julian Leow, commissioned couples for dinner, tions by members of the Core Team riage. Thus they need to continue things he stressed was to “stop the in a simple meaningful ceremony which was organised by the Fam- on the five qualities of love required brushing up these qualities of love in bleeding and start the healing” in where the presenting couples held ily Life Ministry of HRC. — By of presenting couples. order to bring joy and hope to both the context of this year’s theme. He candles that were blessed. Andrew & Klarissa 6 Home HERALD March 15, 2020 The Elect are chosen by God KAJANG: The Kuala Lumpur age you to reflect deeply on the idea cese, offer you our warm and lov- Archdiocese will have 562 new that you, in the mysterious ways of ing support. We give thanks that Catholics at this year’s Easter God, have been chosen out of all the Spirit of God has touched your Vigil. the people God could have chosen, hearts. I warmly thank your spon- For these individuals, the service to receive this extraordinary gift of sors even as I ask them to model marked a significant step towards faith and of being given a place, a what it means to follow Christ as full communion with the Catholic home, in His Church. My prayer members of the Church. I thank Church. During the celebration, is that, as you reflect on this won- your catechists and the clergy for the catechumens publicly declared derful gift of God to you, a deep guiding you and walking with you their desire to participate in the faith, that is, a deep and sustaining in this journey and for supporting Easter sacraments of Baptism, trust, will be born and grow in your you as you prepare for Baptism Confirmation and the Eucharist. hearts and in your lives. Each day, and Reception into the Church. I Archbishop Julian Leow in his and especially as you approach warmly thank all the parish com- homily said, “My greatest hope is your baptism or your entry into munities throughout the Archdio- that each of you get to know Jesus full communion with us, allow cese of Kuala Lumpur for truly very well and then, having heard yourselves to hear, in the depths opening your hearts in welcome to His voice, that you then respond of your hearts the voice of God our newest members! to Him more and more obedient- saying to you, “Do not be afraid, I Representatives from each parish walk in with their parish priest and banners. The catechumens, now called ly, generously and courageously. have called you by your name, you ment in our lives as the Church. be able to enrich you in the same Elect, begin the final preparation Indeed, that is the call that has are mine. I will be with you. We are enriched by your faith, way. for the Sacraments of Initiation brought you here today. “This is a remarkable moment in your courage and the hope that is “So today, all of us gathered (Baptism, Confirmation, Holy “Today, then, I want to encour- your lives, and a remarkable mo- within you. We pray that we will here and throughout the Archdio- Eucharist) during the Easter vigil. Embrace all who seek God KK Archdiocese to IPOH: Across two days, February 29 and March 1, Bishop Sebastian welcome close to 800 Francis of Penang Diocese wel- comed 337 catechumens for the Rite of Election. new Catholics at Easter In his sermon, Bishop Sebas- KOTA KINABALU: This year, comes from the devil. tian said St Paul the Apostle tells 789 catechumens have their He also called the Elect to dis- us that Jesus is the one through names enrolled in the Book of cern and reflect on who Jesus is whom divine grace comes as a the Elect at the Rite of Election to them as they prepare for their free, abundant gift to us. or Enrollment of Names March 1, Baptism at Easter. “You have “It is through this one man, who first Sunday of Lent, at the Sacred learnt, listened and know who is brings everyone life and makes Heart Cathedral. Jesus during your RCIA classes. them justified. Archbishop John Wong offici- Now I invite you to reflect, who “Jesus, who humbled himself by ated at the trilingual Rite of Elec- is Jesus in your life now? What is being obedient to His Father, even tion. The 789 catechumens, their your experience of Him? Do you to death on the cross, has made 679 sponsors/godparents and 147 accept Him as your God and Sav- everyone righteous.” facilitators gathered at the cathe- iour? He told the elect that once they dral for the Rite. “Don’t think that with baptism receive baptism, they become a Bishop Sebastian Francis signing the Book of the Elect at St Michael’s Church, Ipoh. The catechumens publicly ex- everything is solved. Baptism part of a Church of disciples. pressed their desire for baptism. is only the beginning of follow- “Baptism gives us our identity “We are to embrace and include and safeguarding nature. Their names were recorded in the ing Jesus,” said the prelate as he as disciples but more than being all who are the people of God – “There may be those who have Book of the Elect of their respec- reminded the catechumens to al- members of the Catholic Church, that means those who seek God not yet accepted Christ, and so we tive parishes and this were pre- ways remember that they have we are also sent out on mission to and act according to their con- have to embark on this mission to sented to the prelate by the coordi- made a very personal decision to the world, to heal others, no mat- science, those who work for jus- heal, and our baptism will give us nators for his signature. They then be baptised it is not as a fad to fol- ter what their faith. tice and peace, the environment that motivation,” he said. were called the Elect. low others. In his homily, the prelate ex- He urged them to continue Rite of Election held in individual parishes plained that no one is spared from to unite themselves with Jesus JOHOR BAHRU: The Rite of Elec- risk of infection. She said: “Bishop Bernard will temptations and trials, from being through prayer, reading and re- tion for the Diocese of Malacca For that reason, Sr Maria Mag- sign the Book of the Elect before tempted through our unfaithful- flecting on the Word of God and Johore was held at the respective dalena Kopong (FSIC), the acting the Chrism Mass this year.” ness and unwillingness to take up the Eucharistic Celebration. The parishes of the catechumens. head of the Diocesan Catechetical Some 352 catechumens from our responsibilities. Temptation is prelate urged all to hold on to, and Some 600 people had regis- Commission, said the event had to the four language groups in the not a sin in itself but becomes a sin lean on, and be strengthened by tered earlier to attend the event at take place instead in the respective diocese will receive Christ for the if we act on the temptation, which Jesus. — By Chan Marissa Majodi Centre. However, due to parishes. first time. the outbreak of the Covid-19 vi- Sr Magdalena said the clergy This represents an increase from rus, the event at Majodi Centre was delegated to do the Rite of last year which saw only 251 cat- was cancelled. According to the Sending and Signing of the Book, echumens baptised at the Easter organisers, the huge number of which were to be presented to the vigil. catechumens involved posed the Bishop at a later date. Sr Magdalena said these adult catechumens and candidates from all language groups, from 18 par- ishes and chapels, had been jour- neying through the Rite of Chris- tian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) over the last one to two years. The Mandarin speaking had 113 people, while the Bahasa had 127. The English speaking group had 78 candidates while the Tamil group had 34 candidates. The parish of St Joseph, Plen- tong, led the list with 145 candi- dates. while the parish of Immac- ulate Conception, Johor Bahru, had 37 and Our Lady of Gua- dalupe, Krubong, Melaka regis- An RCIA facilitator presenting the Book of the Elect to Immaculate tered thirty-two candidates. — By Conception Church parish priest Fr Edward Rayappan. Vincent D’Silva Catechumens gather for the Rite of Election at the Sacred Heart Cathedral. z HERALD March 15, 2020 World 7 Freed because of Jesus — Asia Bibi shares her story PARIS: Asia Bibi is a Pakistani Cath- tested by God.” very happy, I don’t have the words to olic woman who was sentenced to “My parents told me that and I thank him,” she added. death in 2010 for blasphemy against knew that something would happen Bibi said one of her greatest de- Islam. After more than eight years one day,” she said. sires is to meet Pope Francis. in prison, she was acquitted by the During her incarceration, even Asked how her children handled Supreme Court of Pakistan in 2018. when she was sentenced to death by her years in prison, Bibi’s daughter “I was accused because of the hanging, Bibi said she prayed to God broke into tears. name of Jesus and I knew I would be for his help to overcome her ordeal. “Don’t worry, your mom is here,” freed because of Jesus,” Bibi said at “If you trust in God, your faith be- Bibi consoled her daughter. a Paris press conference l. comes stronger,” she said. “All these people have come to see Bibi said that during her time on “I knew I was going to be released you, to meet you, to give you their death row, her faith “was always because I was accused because of love...smile,” Bibi added. strong because I knew that God the name of Jesus and I would be Bibi also honoured the memory of was with me, God never leaves you freed because of Jesus,” Bibi said. the Minister for Minorities, Shabbaz alone, he always accompanies you.” A mother of five, Bibi especially Batthi, who was assassinated for de- Together with French journalist thanked all the people who prayed fending her innocence and opposing Anne-Isabelle Tollet, Bibi has writ- Asia Bibi, pictured in Paris Feb 26, 2020. (CNS photo/Thomas Oswald, for her during her years in prison, the law on blasphemy. ten her autobiography, Enfin Libre courtesy Aid to the Church in Need) especially pope emeritus Benedict She said she mourned his death (Free at Last). The English edition is Bibi has been living with her hus- president Emmanuel Macron Feb XVI. very much and that “whoever dies due out in September. band and two daughters in Canada 28. “When my husband came to tell for the truth and for his faith, is al- Tollet campaigned for Bibi’s re- since last May. Her refugee status is Accompanied by her daughter at me that His Holiness the Pope prayed ways alive, he never dies.” lease and is the only journalist to due to expire at the end of this year, the press conference, Bibi recounted for me, I felt really blessed from the Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, interview her in Canada, where Bibi and she is seeking political asylum in how the priest who baptised her told bottom of my heart because I knew named Bibi an honorary citizen of was granted refugee status last year. France, where she met with French her parents that “this little girl will be that was a blessing from God. I was the city Feb 24. — CNA Spiritual renewal, Jesuits divest from fossil fuels LONDON: The Jesuits in Britain climate emergency. What happens to try has increased diseases among the have announced they are divesting the climate and the environment will population. The Centre Arrupe is di- from companies whose major in- have implications for us all. That’s rectly affected because the medical reconciliation and come is from the extraction of fos- why we need to act together to pro- clinic has been flooded. We do have sil fuels — the largest Catholic reli- tect the conditions for human life. I lots of rivers in Madagascar, but we gious order in the UK so far to join am glad that the Jesuits can contrib- are not generating enough renewable fraternity in Bangladesh the global divestment movement. ute to that joint effort. energy. We need more investment in DHAKA: On the first Tuesday The Jesuits in Britain have equity “All our institutions need to re- cleaner, renewable energy and a shift of Lent, about 200 Catholic vil- investments of about £400 million spond to this ecological crisis and away from fossil fuel sources.” lagers — children, adults and the used to finance works and projects take bold action to reduce energy Jesuit Missions is calling on the elderly — gathered in the yard of here in Britain and around the world. use and switch to renewable sources. UK Government to take urgent ac- a Catholic family in Choto Sata- The assets are under the manage- Large-scale investors should be do- tion to reduce emissions and to en- nipara, one of six villages under ment of three equity fund managers ing everything possible to help avert courage other nations to follow its Sacred Heart Catholic Church in and will be fully divested by the end the severe consequences that could lead, especially in the lead up to the Rangmatia of Gazipur district in of 2020, with more than half of that result if adequate measures are not crucial UN climate talks (COP26) central Bangladesh. divestment process already com- taken.” taking place in Glasgow this No- From morning to afternoon, the pleted. The decision aligns the Jesuits in vember. faithful had special prayers, life Fr Damian Howard SJ, the Pro- Britain with a global movement of Paul Chitnis, Director of Jesuit sharing from elders, Way of the vincial Superior of the British Jesu- divesting institutions with a com- Missions, said: “The world must Cross, Mass, a special talk from its, said: “Climate change is the bined value of more than $14 tril- respond to the enormous challenges the parish priest and a fraternal A scene from Jishu Nila, a folk- most pressing challenge the world lion in assets under management, up and opportunities of climate change meal with rice, vegetables and religious play on the life, suffering faces as climate disasters wreak from a starting point of $50 billion with far greater urgency. COP 26 in lentils before heading back to their and death of Jesus, staged by a more and more destruction, hitting just five years ago. Glasgow can be the right moment. homes. Catholic group in Bangladeshi poorer countries the hardest — de- Efa Ravelonantoandro, Pro- We see the impact of climate change Nearly half of the village’s 400 capital Dhaka in 2017. (ucanews. spite them having done the least to grammes Officer of the Centre So- on communities everywhere and it is Catholics are non-residents who com/Stephan Uttom) cause them. ciale Arrupe in Madagascar which is the poorest, most marginalised peo- live in cities, mostly in capital cial village-based programme dur- The decision to divest is princi- supported by Jesuit Missions, said: ple who suffer most. That is why the Dhaka about 50 kilometers away, ing the Catholic Church’s Lenten pally a response to the clear moral “Southern Madagascar is now too British public expect the UK to meet for reasons such as jobs and edu- season, introduced by Dhaka imperative of acting to safeguard hot and we're seeing more internal its climate commitments, including cation. Archdiocese about a decade ago. our planet for future generations at migration and with it a rise in crime credible net-zero policies with the The spiritual and social gather- — By Rock Ronald Rozario, a time when scientific evidence is and a lack of jobs. More frequent public and private investment neces- ing on March 3 was part of a spe- ucanews.com mounting that we are facing a grave and severe flooding across the coun- sary to achieve them.” — ICN 8 World HERALD March 15, 2020 Lack of faith can impact validity of marriage VATICAN:A lack of faith and a mis- The “reciprocity” in the docu- ed, Pope Francis formally acknowl- understanding of marriage can mean ment’s title refers to Catholic teach- edged that “the defect of faith” can no sacramental marriage occurred, ing that a person must have a degree be a motive for nullity. even if both the husband and wife of faith to validly receive the sacra- Still, the document said, “as in had been baptised, said a new docu- ments, but also that the sacraments every sacrament, in marriage there is ment. strengthen and enrich faith. a transmission of the grace of Christ. The International Theological The document did not focus only This grace is not due to the faith of Commission, whose members are on matrimony; it also looked at the the ministers,” which in the Latin- appointed by the pope, wrote the relationship between faith and the rite of the Catholic Church are the document in response to questions sacraments of baptism, confirmation spouses, “but is a gift of Christ, who repeatedly raised since the 1970s and the Eucharist, and noted that, is actively present in the conjugal and addressed by St John Paul II, obviously, complete or perfect faith covenant, and of the Holy Spirit.” Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Fran- is never requested for sacramental While not definitively settling the cis. validity. Faith is something that is question, members of the theologi- “The existence today of ‘baptised meant to grow. cal commission did reject “two ex- nonbelievers’ raises a new theologi- In addition, it said, “the sacra- tremes”: cal problem and a grave pastoral ments are always celebrated in the — “On the one hand, we reject an dilemma, especially when the lack faith of the Church since they have The International Theological Commission has released a new document absolute sacramental automatism, of, or rather the rejection of, the faith been entrusted to the church. In each dealing with the question of the validity of sacramental marriages in the which holds that every marriage be- seems clear,” the document said. and every sacrament, the faith of the absence of faith. (CNS photo illustration/Mike Crupi) tween the baptised would be a sacra- In the document, The Reciprocity Church precedes the faith of the sin- also noted another practical impact a personal act of faith involving their ment, either through the presence of Between Faith and Sacraments in gular faithful.” of the faith-sacrament relationship, understanding and their will”; and a minimal faith linked to the ‘char- the Sacramental Economy, mem- Because the faith of the Church it- which is the strength, love and com- “those baptised persons who con- acter’ of baptism or through the in- bers of the theological commission self is at work in the sacraments, the mitment that sacramental grace sciously deny the faith explicitly and tervention of Christ and the Church did not claim to resolve completely church has held that “the personal gives a couple to live their vows. do not consider themselves to be presupposed by baptism.” the question of the validity of sacra- faith of the contracting parties does The situations in which validity Catholic or Christian believers.” — “On the other hand, we reject mental marriages in the absence of not constitute the sacramentality of is called into question because of a Reviewing papal reaction to the an elitist sacramental scepticism that faith, but they did insist that much matrimony.” lack of faith are limited, although problem, the document said Pope holds that any degree of absence of greater care must be taken to educate But, at the same time, the docu- increasing, the document said. It re- Benedict XVI insisted that, as a faith would vitiate the intention and Catholics in the meaning of faith, the ment said, “the absence of personal ferred specifically to the marriages “minimum condition” for validity, thus invalidate the sacrament.” significance of the sacraments and faith compromises the validity of the of “baptised nonbelievers,” a term the couple have “the intention to do The commission document con- the meaning of marriage. sacrament.” first used by the theological- com what the church does” in the sacra- cluded that priests should not accept The document was approved by The question of validity has a mission in 1977. ment, which is to promise the man the request for a church wedding Cardinal Luis Ladaria, prefect of practical impact on decisions of “This category includes two types and woman to each other for life, in made by “baptised nonbelievers,” the Congregation for the Doctrine marriage tribunals when they are of people,” the document said: fidelity and with openness to having who clearly reject Church teach- of the Faith, and its publication in asked to grant a decree of nullity of a “Those who received baptism in in- children. ing about the indissolubility and early March was authorised by Pope marriage. But, quoting Pope Francis fancy, but subsequently, for whatev- In updating rules for marriage tri- purpose of marriage. — By Cindy Francis. and his predecessors, the document er reason, have not come to perform bunals in 2015, the commission not- Wooden, CNS Proposed amendment in Russia Forced like Jesus Christ would define marriage as to flee, Pope’s theme for World Migrants Day between a man and woman VATICAN: The 106th World Day six pairs of verbs: to know in order MOSCOW: A definition of -mar of Migrants and Refugees will be to understand; to draw near so as to riage as between a man and a wom- celebrated on Sunday September 27, serve; to listen in order to reconcile; an is among several amendments to 2020. As the title for his annual Mes- to share and thus to grow; to involve the Russian constitution proposed sage, the Holy Father has chosen in order to promote; and finally, to by president Vladimir Putin. Forced like Jesus Christ to flee. The collaborate and therefore to build. The State Duma, Russia’s lower Message will focus on the pastoral Again this year, the Migrants and parliamentary house, approved the care of internally displaced persons Refugees Section of the Dicastery constitutional reform bill in Janu- (IDPs), who currently number over for Promoting Integral Human De- ary. Putin’s amendments will be 41 million worldwide. velopment will encourage, prepare included in a second reading next As the title makes clear, the reflec- and support the celebration of this week. tion begins with the experience of day. Resources are being developed, A public vote on the constitu- the young Jesus and his family as and a communication campaign will tional amendments will take place displaced persons and refugees. This soon get underway. Each month, in- April 22, but will first have to un- provides a Christological grounding formation, reflections, and multime- dergo approval from the Constitu- for the Christian action of welcome dia aids will be offered as means of tional Court. or hospitality. Over the coming exploring and expressing the theme Neither same-sex marriage nor months, the theme will be devel- chosen this year by the Holy Father. civil unions are legal in Russia. oped in six sub-themes expressed by — AsiaNews Two weeks ago, Putin spoke on same-sex marriage, saying Rus- sia would not legalise the practice Pope Francis talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a private while he is in power. audience at the Vatican July 4, 2019. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) “As far as ‘parent number 1’ Other proposed amendments lost their lives fighting Nazi Ger- and ‘parent number 2’ goes, I’ve would include a reference Rus- many. already spoken publicly about this sians’ “faith in God”, and one on Another amendment would and I’ll repeat it again: As long as “historical truth” that would pre- forbid the turning over of any I’m president this will not happen. serve “the great achievement of Russian territory, which could There will be dad and mum,” Putin the people in their defence of the strengthen Russia's claims to said. Fatherland”. Crimea, a Ukrainian region it an- Critics charge that the changes to The historical truth amendment nexed in 2014, and to the Kuril the constitution are a means for Pu- would emphasize the Soviet Un- Islands, an archipelago it adminis- tin to maintain power, whose fourth ion’s role in World War II, during ters but some of which is claimed term as president ends in 2024. which some 27 million Soviets by Japan. — CNA Refugees arrive by boat near the village of Skala on Lesbos, Greece. (Asianews photo) HERALD March 15, 2020 World 9 Rome announces Diocese of Rome cancels day of fast and STOP PRESS More than 60 million were placed in lockdown conditions prayer all public Masses in Italy as the measures imposed ROME: The Diocese of Rome has on the northern “red zone” were called on all Catholics in Rome to ob- ROME: The Diocese of Rome has extended to the whole country. serve a day of fasting and prayer for the cancelled all public Masses until The steps announced by the victims of coronavirus on March 11, April 3 in response to the coronavi- Italian prime minister Giuseppe and invited people to tune into a spe- rus outbreak. The announcement by Conte included the suspension cial televised Mass. the vicar general of the diocese fol- of all public gatherings and “I heard the cry of our city, of Italy lows a decree by the Italian govern- strict travel restrictions. and of the world, at this particular mo- ment suspending all public religious ment we are experiencing. It is a situa- ceremonies. throughout the country until Friday, tion we are not used to, that worries us, “The Church of Rome … assumes April 3.” but above all, we are now called to live an attitude of full responsibility to- “The interpretation provided by with the strength of faith, the certainty wards the community in the aware- the government strictly includes the of hope, the joy of charity,” Cardinal ness that protection from contagion Holy Masses and the funeral rites Donatis, the vicar general of the Dio- requires even drastic measures, among the ‘religious ceremonies.’ cese of Rome, wrote in a letter March especially in interpersonal contact. It is a highly restrictive passage, the 6. Therefore, until the same date of reception of which coincides with “In addition to fasting … we want to April 3, the communal liturgical cel- St Peter’s Square following the announcement of a confirmed Covid-19 case suffering and difficulty among the on March 6, 2020. (CNA photo/Daniel Ibanez) be close, with a sign of almsgiving by ebrations are suspended,” Cardinal pastors, priests and faithful,“ the collecting offerings that we will donate Angelo De Donatis, vicar general of Priests living in Rome and Vati- adopted by the Italian bishops’ con- bishops said. in support of the health personnel who Rome, said in a statement March 8. can City can continue to offer Mass ference. “The acceptance of the decree are generously sacrificing in the care of “The season of Lent helps us to in private. Parishes in Rome will The conference also issued a state- is mediated solely by the desire to the sick,” he said. live this great trial evangelically. I remain open for personal prayer be- ment March 8 explaining that the do its part, also in this situation, to Daily Masses were cancelled earlier bless you by entrusting you all to fore the tabernacle, the diocese said. Italian government’s decree “sus- contribute to the protection of public in Milan, Venice, Bologna and other Our Lady of Divine Love,” the vicar The announcement by the Rome pends civil and religious ceremo- health,” the conference stated. — By northern Italian regions where the ma- general said. diocese mirrors national action nies, including funeral ceremonies, Courtney Mares, CNA jority of Covid-19 cases have occurred. The Italian government imposed a strict quarantine on March 8 for the Bethlehem holy sites to be closed after Covid-19 northern and central regions of Italy, including Milan and Venice. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte also reported at hotel announced the closure of museums, JERUSALEM: The Latin Patri- in the Beit Jala hotel and who were movie theatres, concerts, gyms, and ar- archate of Jerusalem urged its also diagnosed with the virus after chaeological sites throughout the coun- faithful to cooperate with the Pal- they returned home. try. All schools and universities will estinian Authority Ministry of Minister of Health Mai al-Kailah also remain closed. Health, following its order March told a news conference that the The Vatican confirmed on March 8 5 to close all schools, universities, seven people had been placed in that there has only been one positive mosques and churches, includ- quarantine together with the ho- diagnosis of Covid-19 within Vatican ing the Church of the Nativity and tel staff and two doctors who had City —a person who tested positive Shepherd’s Field. come into contact with them. The on March 5 during a pre-employment The affected areas were in the minister has been counselling peo- medical examination in the Vatican West Bank: Bethlehem, Beit Jala, ple to remain calm and to follow Health and Hygiene clinic. Beit Sahour and Jericho to be official directives, including wash- A tourist wearing a mask as a preventive measure against the coronavirus Five people who were in close con- closed for 14 days following seven ing hands often. visits the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, West Bank, March 5, 2020. tact with this person are in a precau- reported cases of the coronavirus in As of March 6, the Palestinian (CNS photo/Mussa Qawasma, Reuters) tionary quarantine, according to the the Bethlehem and Beit Jala area. Authority will close off the areas Pizzaballa said Masses could be the Palestinian Ministry of Health Holy See Press Office. The Vatican “Unfortunately, this danger is to all tourist groups, although celebrated only for groups no guidelines. Museums are closed until April 3. already in our midst, and with a those groups already in Bethle- larger than 15 people, as long as “We encourage everyone to pray Pope Francis prayed for those suf- sense of responsibility, we must hem would be permitted to remain there is at least one meter between at home, read the Bible and con- fering from the coronavirus epidemic cooperate with the authorities and until the end of their planned stay. each person. The Stations of the tinue to fast, asking God for mercy during his Angelus address in a video those responsible for public health All shops and restaurants will be Cross could be held in open spaces and forgiveness,” said Archbishop streamed live to St Peter’s Square for the good of all,” Archbishop closed, and all workshops, confer- weather permitting, he said; if not Pizzaballa. March 8. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, apostolic ences and other social and sport families should pray it privately in “I know that not everyone will “I am close in prayer to people suf- administrator, said in a statement. activities have also been cancelled. their homes. agree to these guidelines, but I call fering from the current coronavirus ep- A spokesman for the Palestin- In the Latin Patriarchate state- He invited parish priests to or- on everyone to have a sense of re- idemic, and to all those who are caring ian Ministry of Tourism said seven ment, Archbishop Pizzaballa pro- ganise online streaming of Masses sponsibility and unity,” he added. for them,” he said. employees of the Angel Hotel test- vided guidelines for the local par- and religious classes, and said he “The strength which comes to us “I join my brother bishops in en- ed positive for the COVID-19 cor- ishes and churches in those towns. left it to individual priests to find from communion with Christ Je- couraging the faithful to live this diffi- onavirus. The cases, which were The parish churches were to ways that would allow the faith- sus does not take away our human cult moment with the strength of faith, tested in an Israeli hospital, are sus- remain open only for individual ful to receive the Eucharist, such responsibility to protect, care for the certainty of hope and the fervor pected to be connected to a group prayer. In addition to the previ- as holding outdoor Masses as long and heal our environment.” — By of charity,” Pope Francis said. — By of Greek pilgrims who had stayed ous directives it gave, Archbishop as they were in accordance with Judith Sudilovsky, CNS Courtney Mares, CNA Pope Francis’ Mass at Casa Santa Marta Pope accepts resignation of to be livestreamed 69-year-old French cardinal VATICAN: Pope Francis’ daily Before now, Pope Francis never VATICAN: Pope Francis has accept- for abusing at least 75 boys. 7.00am Mass at Casa Santa Marta wanted the entire morning liturgy ed the resignation of French Cardi- The cardinal was convicted in will be livestreamed from Monday, to be recorded or broadcast, be- nal Philippe Barbarin of Lyon, five March 2019 and given a six-month March 9. The Holy Father made cause he felt the Mass with a small weeks after a French appeals court suspended sentence. At the time, he this decision so as to be closer to group should have a familial char- overturned his conviction for failing announced that he had presented his those who are ill, in quarantine acter. Now, during the COVID 19 to report clerical sexual abuse. letter of resignation to the Pope, but or, for whatever reason, unable to emergency, no groups will be at- The Vatican announced the res- the Vatican said the Pope would not leave their homes. tending the Mass at Casa Santa, but ignation of the 69-year-old cardinal act on it until the cardinal’s appeal The daily Mass at Casa Santa with more than 16 million people in March 6. process had run its course. Marta was introduced by Pope Italy — a quarter of the population Pope Francis during his daily Mass A French appeals court Jan. 30 When the conviction was over- Francis from the start of his pon- — under quarantine, housebound at the Casa Santa Marta. had overturned his conviction for turned, Cardinal Barbarin an- tificate. Since then, he has received families and those who are sick will The Mass will be livestreamed failing to report sexual abuse accu- nounced that he would again submit thousands of the faithful who attend be able to watch the Mass online on the Vatican News site: www.vati- sations against Father Bernard Prey- his resignation for the good of the the Mass in small groups. and pray with Pope Francis. cannews.va/en.html nat, who currently awaits sentencing diocese. — CNS 10 Editorial HERALD March 15, 2020 HERALD Understanding March 15, 2020 What does the Cabinet and reducing the line-up say about the new Government? fear of Covid-19 rime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin came to power after a Pweek of elite political machinations that saw key defections he media has gone crazy over the This becomes a vicious circle. (including his own) from the governing Pakatan Harapan coali- outbreak of Covid-19. Is it mad to tion. Thave done so? Although it was uncertain whether Muhyiddin even com- It is normal to fear the unknown, espe- manded the 112 seats necessary to form a majority coalition, the cially if it affects our health, if we can’t King believed he did and appointed him prime minister. see who has it, and if we are told it might But – fearful that he would face a vote of no confidence, pos- be fatal. sibly returning power to Pakatan Harapan (PH) – Muhyiddin And fear can be a positive force. We delayed the convening of parliament by two months. While not can respond to fear both rationally and ir- illegal, it certainly violates the spirit of the law and raises ques- rationally. A rational response is to under- tions as to whether he does indeed command a majority. stand and manage the risks. An irrational Yet, on March 9, Muhyiddin announced his Cabinet, which but common response is to panic. was quickly endorsed by the King. Irrational fears and panic are made The cabinet line-up tells us several important things about the worse by emotive language and “knee new Government. jerk” reactions. This is where the estab- First, Muhyiddin may now command a slim parliamentary lished press and media need to under- majority. The suspicion surrounding the delayed seating of par- stand that in such circumstances, it has liament was that the prime minister needed time to buy off a a responsibility not to inflame fears just handful of MPs. to sell its stories or to attract more read- The cabinet line-up suggests that he did just that. Four PH ers and viewers. As a major force in civil members who appeared on former Prime Minister Mahathir society, it has a responsibility to inform in Mohammed’s list of pledged supporters, released on March 2, a measured and accurate manner. This is made to feel embarrassed about possibly information you give them at first. are in the Cabinet. Muhyiddin apparently found their price. even more important today when social having the virus. If you think you might Second, the Cabinet is very large. In addition to the prime media follows no such limitations and be – get tested and if you have it, get treat- For the rest of us minister, it has 31 ministers and 36 deputies. By comparison the will pick up and amplify any frightening ed. If you do not have it, treat people who 7. Covid-19 is a form of ‘flu’ and the PH cabinet had just 27 ministers. stories without constraint. do with sensitivity and simply encourage medical professionals are learning how The ministerships and deputy positions are held by nine dif- Following the Fukushima Daichi Nu- them to take the correct steps to get treat- best to treat it clear Power Plant accident in Japan, ferent political parties in the National Alliance coalition. Two ed and get better. That way, wider society 8. Simple good hygiene – using tissues, social media became a force for good – ministers are non-party affiliated figures. Bersatu holds 11 min- will be protected. washing hands, clean environments – is helping people understand what was go- isterships and 13 deputy positions followed by UMNO with So how do we break this vicious circle? the best protection nine and eight, respectively. ing on and supplementing with official The challenge facing us all now is to re- 9. Do not be embarrassed – if you need The bloated nature of the Cabinet serves as a reminder of statistics. duce the fear and the panic, to allow peo- to, get tested and treated the patronage-based politics of Malaysia. Every partner in this But with Covid-19 where the estab- ple to “hear” the more sensible messages coalition, including minor ones such as the Malaysian Indian lished media are using words such as about Covid-19 and respond in a more Sources of up-to-date, reliable and ac- Congress and the Malaysian Chinese Association, received ‘plague’ and ‘apocalypse’, the effect is to measured way. We provide some simple curate information could be found in the ministerships or at least deputy ministerships. heighten concerns and promote irrational advice for the Media: fears. following sites: The real winners of this Cabinet are the four Borneo-based 1. Help to better inform people about What we know from years of research parties which are so critical to any governing coalition. Together COVID-19 so it is better understood and ● World Health Organisation is that when there is heightened fear and they hold 16.1 per cent of the ministerships and 16.6 per cent of less scary. https://www.who.int/emergencies/ the deputy ministerships. anxiety, people’s ability to take in infor- diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 Third, the National Alliance is built on the idea of Malay su- mation from even trusted sources, such 2. Be much more careful with language, premacy, 26 of the ministers are Muslims; only five are non- as the local and national health authori- to break the vicious circle of fear, panic ● National Health Service, UK https:// Muslims. This is a far cry from the multi-racial PH cabinet. This ties and the World Health Organisation and stigmatisation of people who catch www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus- may elicit some concerns amongst the country’s minorities. (WHO), is drastically reduced. Less than the virus. covid-19/ — By Zachary Abuza, benarnews.org 10 per cent of the information provided 3. Resist issuing constant “bulletins” and ● US Centres for Disease Control will be understood. banner messages that appear every hour and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/ Weaker parties and erosion of trust In an interview on BBC Radio, the or more on our mobile phones which coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html alaysian politics is changing. These changes began long Deputy Chief Medical Officer for -Eng simply serve to raise anxiety and provide before the power grab of the new Government. The coun- land pointed out that panic buying in the little that is new. ● For Malaysia, Ministry of Health M shops is not only unnecessary, but it also http://www.moh.gov.my/index.php/ try’s political parties and its leaders are much weaker than in For the Health Authorities the past and the events of the political turmoil over the last few generates even more panic. pages/view/2019-ncov-wuhan "Stigma can undermine social cohesion 4. Avoid bureaucratic language and keep weeks will deepen these trends. the messages and language very simple. ● https://t.me/sihatmilikbersama We see greater disconnect in society to political parties. Party and prompt possible social isolation of 5. Identify a Trusted spokesperson as the machineries have eroded, with fewer people joining parties. In groups, which might contribute to a situ- By Prof Kwan Hoong Ng PhD, Univer- the politicking and continued political fluidity, elite interests ation where the virus is more, not less, main source of information and let them speak in simple terms. sity of Malaya, Malaysia and Dr Ray have overshadowed concerns with the livelihoods of ordinary likely to spread,” the WHO says. Kemp PhD, Cambridge, United King- Malaysians, contributing to greater alienation. Malaysians are In other words – and it is a shame that 6. Remember that fear is a rational re- dom. Both authors have years of experi- tuning politics out with greater frequency. This disconnect will we have to provide a simpler interpreta- sponse to an unknown threat – and peo- ence in risk perception and communica- be hard to build up in a short period of time. Umno and PAS tion – people should not be afraid or be ple who are scared don’t hear much of the tion. believe they have greater advantage due to their grassroots, but Umno leaders, in particular, overestimate their connectivity. Political leaders overestimate the trust people have in them. Coronavirus epidemic slows in Korea Malaysia remains a feudal society and overwhelmingly want their leaders to succeed. — By Bridget Walsh, Malaysiakini for the third consecutive day HERALD — The Catholic Weekly SEOUL: The coronavirus epidemic in to 7,382 in the country. So far 51 people ough examinations among the approxi- Jointly published by the the country is showing signs of slowing have died in South Korea, mostly elderly mately 210,000 members of the religious Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, down: new infections are falling for the patients with underlying conditions. community. Diocese of Malacca Johore, Diocese of Penang third consecutive day and mark the low- About 63 per cent of confirmed -in Seoul has conducted one of the most and Diocese of Keningau est daily number since 26 February, note fections are related to the Shincheonji ambitious coronavirus testing programs Editor: Fr Lawrence Andrew, SJ health authorities. Church of Jesus sect in Daegu, the fourth in the world: thousands of people undergo HERALD, 5, Jalan Robertson, 50150, KL The Korean Centre for Disease Control largest city in the country. According to tests every day. Health officials have car- Tel: 03-20268290/20268291; and Prevention (KCDC) says that the 248 experts, the new daily infections have ried out a total of 189,236 tests on people Fax: 03-20268293 Online: www.heraldmalaysia.com. new cases detected yesterday bring the decreased in recent days also because the suspected of having the virus; 171,778 E-mail: [email protected] total number of infections from Covid-19 health authorities have completed thor- were negative. — AsiaNews/Agencies HERALD March 15, 2020 Vatican 11 Developments at the Vatican Number of women employees in the Vatican on the rise VATICAN: In the past ten years, Italian art historian Barbara Jatta as In total, five of the 22 most- im both the overall number and the director of the Vatican Museums. portant Curia offices (Secretariat percentage of women working in The appointment also caused a sen- of States, Secretariat of Economy, the Vatican has grown. In 2010, sation in the art world, as no other three Dicasteries, nine Congrega- during the pontificate of Pope Ben- museum of this size and importance tions, five Councils, three Tribunals) edict XVI, a total of 4,053 people has a woman at the helm. The Papal today have women on the leadership worked for the Pope, 697 of whom Collections are among the five most team. No Pope has ever appointed a were women, which is around 17 visited museums in the world. woman to a top position. The fact per cent. In 2019, the Holy See and Throughout the Holy See, Pope that the head of an office in the Cu- Vatican City together had a total of Francis has appointed more wom- ria does not necessarily have to be 4,618 employees, of which 22 per en in top positions. The highest a priest, but in some cases can also cent (1016) were women. level that women in the Curia have be a layperson, was demonstrated What is particularly striking in reached so far is that of Under- by Pope Francis in 2018 when he this ten-year period is the increase Secretary. Pope Francis doubled the made Paolo Ruffini Prefect of the in the number of women working number of women under-secretaries Dicastery for Communications. The for the Holy See, that is, the Roman from two to four. Most recently, in Pope had also signaled an openness Curia with all its offices that help January 2020, Francesca Di Giovan- Francesca Di Giovanni is pictured in an undated photo with Pope Francis. to appointing a woman as Prefect of the Pope in the administration of ni became Under-Secretary of State, (CNS photo/Vatican Media) the Secretariat of Economy, but in the universal Church. In 2010 there in a newly created post. decessor, Enrica Rosanna, was ap- Pastoral Department, the Brazilian the end he chose a priest – Fr Juan were 385 women working for the Pope Francis appointed Gabriella pointed by the late Pope John Paul Cristiane Murray is Vice Director Antonio Guerrero Alves SJ - to suc- Holy See; in 2019 that number had Gambino and Linda Ghisoni, two II in 2004. Up until then, under-sec- of the Vatican Press Office. At the ceed Cardinal George Pell. jumped to 649, showing a rise in the women married with children, as retaries had always been priests. end of 2019, a total of eight women, Pope Francis, who will celebrate past decade from 17.6 to 24 percent. under-secretaries at the Dicastery At the Vatican Dicastery for Com- along with Francesca Di Giovanni, the seventh year of his pontificate In Vatican City State, on the other for Laity, Family and Life in 2017. munications, where the number were in positions of responsibility in a few days, has affirmed that the hand, the increase in women em- Sr Carmen Ros Nortes works as of lay people is high compared to at the Holy See. Ten years ago there Catholic Church needs more wom- ployees over the past ten years has Under-Secretary at the Congrega- other departments of the Holy See, were only three. In other words, the en in leadership positions. In the been less evident. There has, how- tion for Consecrated Life, where two women hold senior manage- number of women in leading posi- Vatican and the Roman Curia, he is ever been one significant exception: she is already the third woman to be rial positions. The Slovenian Natasa tions in the Roman Curia has tripled gradually preparing the ground. — in 2016 Pope Francis appointed the appointed to this role; her first pre- Govekar is Head of the Theological- in ten years. By Gudrun Sailer, Vatican News Pope Francis announces a 2022 synod on synodality VATICAN: The next ordinary Synod People of God.” logical or pastoral significance, in or- special synods. roots of synodality in the Church: of Bishops will be a synod on syno- The term is generally understood der to prepare a document of advice The synod that took place in Oc- “Synodality in the Life and Mission dality, the Vatican announced March to represent a process of discern- or counsel to the pope. tober 2019 was a special Synod of of the Church.” 7. ment, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, The Synod of Bishops was cre- Bishops for the Pan-Amazonian re- The CDF document noted that in In October 2022, bishops from involving bishops, priests, religious ated in 1965 by Pope St Paul VI, gion. the history of the Church, synods and around the world will meet in Rome and lay Catholics, each according to who charted the synod to encourage Following that synod, the Pope councils were nearly interchangeable to discuss the theme: For a synodal the gifts and charisms of their voca- close union between the pope and stressed that “synodality is an eccle- terms for formal ecclesiastical assem- Church: communion, participation tion. the world’s bishops and to “ensure sial journey that has a soul that is the blies. It said that the more modern and mission. Pope Francis told the Vatican that direct and real information is Holy Spirit.” view of a synod as something distinct The concept of “synodality” has Congregation for the Doctrine of the provided on questions and situations “The practice of synodality, tradi- from a council does not go back even been a topic of frequent discussion by Faith’s theological commission in touching upon the internal action of tional but always to be renewed, is as far as Vatican Council II, and that Pope Francis, particularly during the November that synodality will be key the Church and its necessary activity the implementation in the history of its development was accompanied by previous ordinary Synod of Bishops for the Church in the future. in the world of today.” the People of God on the way, of the the neologism of “synodality.” on young people, the faith and voca- “Synodality is a style, it is a walk Ordinary synods happen every Church as a mystery of communion, Speaking of the Church as “synod- tional discernment in October 2018. together, and it is what the Lord ex- three years on issues voted upon by in the image of the Trinitarian com- al” by its nature is something novel, Synodality, as defined by the- In pects from the Church of the third synod delegates elected or appointed munion,” he said. the commission said, and requires ternational Theological Commission millennium,” Pope Francis said Nov from each continent, and from cer- In March 2018, the Congregation “careful theological clarification.” in 2018, is “the action of the Spirit in 29. tain Vatican offices. There have been for the Doctrine of Faith’s Interna- “Without the Holy Spirit, there is no the communion of the Body of Christ A synod is a meeting of bishops 15 ordinary synods to date. There tional Theological Commission pro- synodality,” Pope Francis said. — By and in the missionary journey of the gathered to discuss a topic of theo- are also extraordinary synods and duced a document on the theological Courtney Mares, CNA Listen to God in order to follow him, Jesuit tells curia officials VATICAN: The purpose of the Lent- On the first and second days, the ceived “right of self-determination, must respond by listening to God en journey is to spiritually retrace the priest reminded Curia members how personal choice and free will,” he and to those in need. journey of Exodus —from the desert Moses always set aside time to speak said. On the fifth day, the priest said any to the mountain of God, a Jesuit the- with God and how he was obedient People of faith are at risk of idola- battles the Church faces must be met ologian told top Vatican officials. to him. Moses knew there was only try today just as the ancient Israelites with true prayer and Christian wit- Jesuit Father Pietro Bovati, secre- one path to take in life and it was the were when they made the golden ness. tary of the Pontifical Biblical Com- path God indicated, he added. calf, he said. “Prayer is a defence against the mission, led the spiritual exercises The fire described in the Bible The key, he said, is not to look persecution experienced by the for the Roman Curia at a Pauline blazes yet does not consume the for certainty through “seeing” but to Church today,” he said. Faith is Fathers’ retreat centre in Ariccia, 20 bush because it is a force of life that choose to listen to the voice of an in- needed to fight evil, and God will miles southeast of Rome, March 1-6. ignites and renews the soul, he said. visible God. An example of relying hear everyone’s prayer as long as it Normally, the Pope attends the This is why people should sin- too much on appearance is the focus is “sincere and humble.” traditional Lenten retreat; however, cerely open their hearts to the gift on beautiful ceremonies and rituals On the final day of the retreat, because he had a cold, Pope Francis Jesuit Fr Pietro Bovati Jesus brought to the world, he said. that lack an authentic listening to, Fr Bovati said a true disciple is not followed the meditations from his own experience of God by looking God speaks to each person individu- and embracing of, God’s word, he closed up inside his or her own room at his Vatican residence, the at Moses’ encounter with God, hear- ally, calling them to make “a turning said. world but goes out and brings God Domus Sanctae Marthae. ing his voice from the burning bush, point” in their lives, to discover “a On the fourth day of the retreat, Fr and his light to everyone. Fr Bovati chose the theme, The said the priest. higher dimension” in a vocation of Bovati focused on how God encour- “Being a shining example is a bush was on fire (Ex 3:2) -- The en- The task of the spiritual guide, he self-giving and service to others. ages, not criticises, his people when duty,” he said. counter between God and man in said, “is to foster this encounter of On the third day, the theologian re- they are having difficulties. This The Jesuit also reminded his lis- light of the book of Exodus, the Gos- each person with God in order that flected on ways people resist God’s ministry of encouragement helps teners that Moses never asked God pel of Matthew and the prayer of the they may listen, in a personal way, gift of grace. In fact, arrogance is people dispel their fears, trust in God for anything: “no reward, no signs, Psalms. to the word of the Lord,” who alone often one reason people refuse to be even more and follow him. no promises.” All he ever asked was The aim of the meditations was to can give each person directions that obedient to God and his prophets. Life entails struggles and difficul- to be God’s instrument. — By Carol help Curia officials reflect on their guide and console. People would rather pursue a per- ties, he said, but the person of faith Glatz, CNS 12 Varia HERALD March 15, 2020 Jean Vanier – revisited

ike many others, I was deep- trust. However, his breaking of his we cannot not ultimately be disap- the newspapers when he died. So, ly distressed to learn of the professed celibacy doesn’t put into pointed and disillusioned. Nobody, I was also besotted enough by him Lrecent revelations concern- question the legitimacy and fruit- except God, does God well, all the so that now, I too felt dismayed and ing Jean Vanier. He was a person fulness of vowed celibacy itself, rest of us eventually disappoint. disillusioned when I learned of his whom I much admired and about any more than a married man be- What Jean Vanier did to us was moral lapses. whom, on numerous occasions, ing unfaithful to his wife puts into unfair. We cannot not feel betrayed However, disillusionment is a I have written glowingly. So, the question the legitimacy and fruit- by his betrayal. Conversely though, curious phenomenon. After the ini- news about him shook me deeply. fulness of the vocation of marriage. what we did to him was also unfair. tial shock, you soon enough realise What’s to be said about Jean Vanier Third, Vanier’s transgressions We asked him to be God for us and it’s a positive thing. It’s the dispel- in the light of these revelations? do not negate the good work of that’s also not a fair request. ling of an illusion, and an illusion First, that what he did was very L’Arche nor cast any negative When I was a twenty-one- is always in the mind of the one wrong and deeply harmful, not shadow on the dedication and year-old seminarian searching who’s doing the perceiving rather least to the women he victimised. good work of the many women for mentors, one of my seminary than on the part of the one being Without knowing the specifics and men who work there and who teachers came back from a Vanier perceived. With Jean Vanier, the of what happened (and without have worked there. By their fruits Fr Ron Rolheiser retreat gushing with superlatives illusion was on our part, not his. wanting to know them) enough is you shall know them! Jesus taught as he described Vanier as the “ho- There was, as we now know, a known to know that this was seri- that and no one, no one, can deny anger we feel says as much about liest, most-wonderful, most single- certain falsity in his life – but there ous abuse of trust. No cloak of jus- or question the good work that us as it says about Jean Vanier. In minded, spiritual man” he’d ever was one on our part too. tification can be placed around it. L’Arche has done and continues Luke’s Gospel, a young man comes met. My critical faculties immedi- Yes, the revelations about Jean Second, what he did may not be to do in more than thirty countries. up to Jesus and says to him: “Good ately put me on guard: “No one’s Vanier shook me deeply, but not to linked to, or identified with, cleri- L’Arche is a work of God, of grace, teacher, what must I do to inherit that good!” So, I deliberately didn’t my core because at our core, when cal sexual abuse. Vanier was not of the Holy Spirit. It turns out now eternal life?” (18.18-23) Jesus look to Vanier for mentorship. we touch it, we know that no one, a cleric, nor indeed a canonically that its founder had some flaws. immediately challenges the way However, in the fifty years since, except God, is good, at least with vowed religious. He was a layman, So be it. Jesus is the only founder he is being addressed by saying: I did look to him for mentorship. a goodness that has no imperfec- a public celibate admittedly, but who had no flaws. Indeed, the good “Don’t call me good! Only God is Though I never met him person- tions. Once we accept that, we can his betrayal of his commitment to work being done by L’Arche attests good.” That was our mistake with ally, I read his books, was much accept too that nobody’s perfect, celibacy may not be identified with too to the fact that Vanier is, and Jean Vanier, just as it’s our mistake influenced by numerous persons even a Jean Vanier. At our core we the clerical sexual abuse. He broke was, bigger than his sins. Nobody with other persons whom we cloak who counted him as a formidable can accept that, despite this betray- the sixth commandment, albeit in a who is essentially duplicitous can with divinity in an idealization influence in their lives (including al, Jean Vanier did a lot of good and way that merits a harsh judgment, leave behind such a grace-filled that’s supposed to be reserved for Henri Nouwen), I wrote a Pref- that L’Arche is clearly a graced re- given his public stature and the legacy. God alone. And whenever we do ace for one of his last books, and ality. — By Fr Ron Rolheiser, all abuse of a particular kind of sacred Finally, the disillusionment and that, and we did it to Jean Vanier, wrote a glowing tribute to him for rights reserved Remembering the revolutionary priest and poet, Ernesto Cardenal robably the most famous image of Ernesto his dreams of pioneering a new model of mo- Ortega, who had returned to power. “I think an PCardenal, the Nicaraguan priest, poet, mys- nasticism. Merton himself dreamed of joining authentic capitalism would be more desirable tic and revolutionary who died on March 1, Cardenal. But that was not to be. than a false revolution,” he said. 2020, at the age of 95, came when Pope John Before he died, Merton wrote an introduction Over the past two years, as young people Paul II visited Managua in 1983. Cardenal, to a deeply lyrical book of reflections by Card- rose up in protest against the Sandinista gov- wearing his trademark peasant blouse, doffed enal, Vida en Amor. Merton wrote, “In a time ernment, Cardenal spoke out in their support. his black beret, knelt on the tarmac and attempt- of conflict, anxiety, war, cruelty and confusion, Sadly, the dispute with Ortega followed him to ed to kiss the Pope’s ring. the reader may be surprised that this book is a the grave. Cardenal’s funeral Mass at Managua At the time, Cardenal was one of four priests, hymn in praise of love, telling us that ‘all things Metropolitan Cathedral on March 3 was dis- including his brother, Jesuit Fernando Cardenal, love one another.’” rupted by flag-waving Sandinista militants who serving in the revolutionary Sandinista govern- Those readers more familiar with Cardenal’s angrily denounced him as a traitor. Surely very ment. Cardenal believed his service as Minister later support for a guerrilla insurrection may be few, if any of those who interrupted the Mass, of Culture was an extension of his priestly of- especially surprised. Yet to the end of his life, were alive 40 years ago when young men from fice, but the Pope disagreed. He dramatically Cardenal believed this work reflected his con- Solentiname were killed in the insurrection or wagged his finger at Cardenal and told him to sistent effort to recognize God’s loving pres- when this priest had to choose between saying “regularise” his situation. ence in nature, the cosmos and all dimensions Mass or keeping faith with the people’s cause. It was a foretaste of the rest of the Pope’s trip. of life. I never met Ernesto Cardenal, though he He made no secret of his opposition to the San- As he wrote in the opening lines: “All things played a mysterious part in my life. dinista government, with its claim to integrate love one another. Everything in nature feels fel- To my surprise in 1976, Cardenal wrote Christian and Marxist ideals, and his disapprov- lowship with all the rest. All living beings are in a handwritten letter, urging me to “go up to al of those Christians, like Cardenal, who saw communion with each other.... The condensa- Maryknoll” and look up his friend, the Rev in the Nicaraguan revolution an opportunity to tion of the snowflake is one with the explosion Miguel D’Escoto, the founder of Orbis Books. promote an “efficacious charity.” of a new star, a nova. The beetle clinging to its (D’Escoto would later join him as one of the When the priests in the government refused Pope John Paul II wags his finger at Culture dung-dropping is one with the lover clinging to priests in the revolutionary government, serv- the Pope’s demand that they quit their posts, Minister and priest Ernesto Cardenal, his nature.” ing as foreign minister.) I did not actually fol- they were deprived of their priestly faculties. during welcoming ceremonies at the airport Those insights continued in books of poetry low this advice. But it was the voice of destiny. In the case of Cardenal, this situation continued in Managua, Nicaragua, in March 1983. translated in many languages. But with the up- In 1986, I joined the staff of Orbis Books, until last year, as his health rapidly declined, (America/Barricada via AP Photo, File) rising against Somoza, Cardenal felt called to where I have worked ever since, where I had when Pope Francis granted him “absolution literature of liberation theology. translate poetry into action on behalf of the poor further occasion to correspond with Fr Card- from all canonical censorships,” and he was The point was not lost on Somoza, who sent and oppressed. In the Nicaraguan context, he enal, reissuing his books, as well as publishing able to celebrate Mass again for the first time his National Guard to destroy the community. wrote, “a nonviolent struggle is not practical.” the memoir of his brother Fernando, Faith and in over 30 years. Many of the young campesinos took up arms Gandhi, he claimed, “would be in agreement Joy: Memoirs of a Revolutionary Priest, pub- In an earlier time, Cardenal had become fa- and joined the Sandinista insurrection. They with us.” Not everyone agreed. lished just before his death in 2016. mous for the liturgies he celebrated in the com- went with Cardenal’s blessing. Daniel Berrigan, SJ, for one, engaged in a Learning of Ernesto’s death, I remembered munity of artisans and peasants he founded on In his own youth, Cardenal had taken part in heated exchange of letters with Cardenal, quot- Merton’s introduction to Abide in Love, in the Nicaraguan archipelago of Solentiname. an abortive uprising against the dictatorship of ing a statement he had made to members of the which he praised his former novice as one who Following the Gospel readings, he would invite the elder General Somoza. But afterward, his anti-war left who were tempted by violence: pointed toward the renewal of the Church in the peasants to share their own reflections on life took a different turn. In 1957, he entered the “The death of a single human is too heavy a Latin America, a future in which Christians the text. Trappist monastery of Our Lady of Gethsemani price to pay for the vindication of any principle, would someday combine temporal liberation During this time of the dictatorship of Ana- in Kentucky, where his novice master was none however sacred.” “but also learn to sing hymns to life and love.” stasio Somoza, it was not hard for these peas- other than Thomas Merton. Two years later, for Cardenal remained in his post until 1987. And that brought to mind the lines in the poem ants to see the parallels with Jesus’ message of health reasons, he left the monastery. But his Three years later, following years of war with that Cardenal later addressed to his former nov- good news to the poor and his confrontation deep relationship with Merton continued. the Contras, the Sandinistas suffered an elec- ice master: with the corrupt powers of his own day. Card- Merton supported his decision to seek ordi- toral defeat. Cardenal returned to Solentiname, Beloved is the time of pruning, enal recorded and published these dialogues as nation in Nicaragua and encouraged Cardenal’s resuming his poetry and continued to promote All the kisses will be given The Gospel of Solentiname (Orbis Books). As decision to start the experimental community the cause of the poor. But in 1994, along with that you could not give. a window into similar reflections occurring in in Solentiname. A volume of their correspond- his brother Fernando, he publicly broke with The pomegranates are in bloom base communities throughout Latin America, ence shows just how deeply Merton identified the Sandinista Party, protesting the increasingly All love is a rehearsal of death. these books became classics in the emerging with Cardenal, a fellow poet and mystic, and authoritarian tendencies of its leader Daniel — Robert Ellsberg, America HERALD March 15, 2020 BEC 13

BEC Family (1976) (1996)

Formation Dialogue (1976) (1976) INTEGRAL A YouTube channel on EVANGELISATION Unity Poor (1976) (1976) Social Youth Communication (1986) (1996) living the faith DHAKA: Sermons and Masses online: this spread the Gospel.” is how the Diocese of Rajshahi is revolu- The priest is the pastor of the Chandpukur tionising evangelisation in Bangladesh. The mission. He says: “When I started upload- goal says Fr Patrick Gomes, secretary of the ing the videos, I noticed that the audience Diocesan Commission for Christian Unity response was positive. Many viewers left and Interreligious Dialogue, is “to give the messages of “appreciation.” At the begin- opportunity to feed the spirit even to those ning, he continues, “we encountered several who cannot come to Mass on Sunday be- difficulties in recording videos, since the cause they work, given that the day of rest connection is not very good in rural areas. here is Friday.” It is very complicated to upload videos, also The initiative is by Fr Belisario Ciro Mon- I didn’t have a camera. Last year [I went toya, Colombian missionary “fidei donum” back to Colombia] and bought a good video with the PIME fathers (Pontifical Institute camera. In addition, a working internet has for Foreign Missions). In 2017, together recently been installed.” with the Commission for Christian Unity In Bangladesh, the missionary highlights, and Interreligious Dialogue of the Diocese “everyone uses a cell phone and can watch of Rajshahi, he opened the first Bangladeshi sermons directly on the phone. I love this Catholic Church YouTube channel. Rajsha- pastoral work which is different from the hi is still the only diocese in the country to usual one which I do in the parish. The A screen capture of Diocese of Rajshahi youtube channel. have its own means of communication on- faithful and the bishop really appreciate it.” Fr Gomes stresses the importance of the clares: “I like the sermons of priests. I look line. The next goal, he adds, “is to make a film tool to be able to spread the faith to those at them in my spare time, and so I seem to Videos on sermons, bishop’s messages about the life of a saint, because no one has who are unable to participate in the liturgy. pray and honour God. I thank the priests and Sunday Masses are published on the ever made a Bengali film on this subject.” The sermons, he adds, “are pronounced in who produced them.” In addition to Catho- channel. Fr Belisario says that the first vid- In the video for the Lenten message, Msgr three languages: Bengali, Orao and San- lics, the faithful of other religions also look eos were made with his phone, “in a com- Gervas Rozario, bishop of Rajshahi, under- tal. Bengali ones are very popular. Videos at them. Among them, Hillol Sarker, Hindu, pletely amateur way because I never did lines: “Lent is a time of prayer. Through show that people need the teachings of the who says: “I found sermons on Almighty a training course. I learned when I was in prayer we can be saints. Lent teaches us Church.” God and received good lessons from these the seminary and now I use this hobby to moderation.” Shymol Rozario, who follows online, de- videos.” — By Sumon Corraya, Asianews Sabah clergy meet for a study day on the family BUNDU TUHAN: The Sabah clergy from – misuse of gadgets, lack of quality time the Arch/dioceses of Kota Kinabalu, Kenin- with family; Reflection – Prodigal- son gau and Sandakan had their first gathering syndrome that is lacking of faith forma- at the Retreat Centre Jan 13-16. tion after Sacrament of Confirmation; This first gathering focused on the topic Plan in Action – solid faith formation and of Family. Msgr Gilbert Engan began the accompaniment program for the youth. first session with the introduction and recap On the third day, Sandakan clergy re- of MCCA (Malaysian Catholic Clergy As- turned to their respective parishes while sembly 2018), followed by a video presen- Keningau clergy held their priests’ meeting tation by Fr Thomas Madanan on Catholic before returning to their parishes. Mission in Borneo. For KK Archdiocese, the priests stayed Fr Charles Chiew facilitated the second back for one more day which was filled by session on Family, focusing on Marriage, sessions for morning prayer, Holy Hour, Divorce and Vocation. This was followed Bible Sharing, and priests’ meeting in the by group discussion on (1) Vocation and afternoon. The day was concluded with Priesthood (2) Faith Formation (3) Youth evening Mass. and Secularisation, using the ERP method The KK priests’ meeting resumed the fol- (Experience, Reflection and Plan of Action) lowing morning, and concluded with Mass, Six groups of clergy and three groups of after which lunch was served before the seminarians with their respective bishops priests departed for home. provided valuable insights from the discus- Clergy from the Arch/dioceses of Kota Kinabalu, Keningau and Sandakan gather at Bundu Tuhan These clergy gatherings take place twice sions: retreat centre from Jan 13-16, 2020. yearly, once at the beginning of the year and 1) Vocation and Priesthood: Experience – once during mid-year. lacking support from parents that resulted Clergy. secularism and apathy identified as real The gatherings have since become a tra- in seminarians giving up their vocation; 2) Faith Formation: Experience – mixed- problems; Plan in action – to revise the dition where the bishops, priests and semi- Reflection – the need for ongoing forma- marriages between Catholic and other re- pre-marriage course, ongoing formation narians gather for fellowship meals and ex- tion; Plan in action – creating a support ligions have become a great challenge for and evangelisation. change views on topics relating to priestly group such as Sabah Young/Junior/Senior faith formation. Reflection – Hedonism, 3) Youth and Secularisation: Experience and seminary life. — By Fr Mattheus Luta Learning to use technology to preach the gospel MUMBAI: A two-day communication and heri, Mumbai. through social media is the need of the time personal communication saying that they are media workshop on the theme Awakening: A As many as 30 SVD priests and two Holy as modern technology has become a handy the basis of all good communication. Missionary Responsibility was organised by Spirit sisters (SSpS) from all over India par- thing. Third speaker, Fr Joshan Rodrigues, the the Society of Divine Word (SVD) Mumbai ticipated in the workshop. The purpose of the workshop was to priest from Mumbai Archdiocese, stressed province March 3-4 at Atma Darshan, And- Seeing the need to preach the Gospel awaken the missionaries about their respon- on the right use of social media. He also gave sibility of preaching the Good News as there practical tips on the use of social media. has been a lethargy creeping in about the The fourth speaker, Margaret da Costa, evangelisation. highlighted on leadership and communica- The resource person, Bishop Jose Po- tion, inviting the missionaries to become ef- runnedom of Manathavady Diocese (Ker- fective leaders. ala), stressed documentation and archives In the discussions and deliberations, the saying, “Documents in the archive are im- participants expressed that they have been portant because they are the source of mak- awakened to their responsibilities and much ing history and thus need utmost care.” has to be done in this field of their communi- Society of the Sacred Heart Sr Manisha cation apostolate. — By John Paul, Matters Society of Divine Word (SVD) Mumbai province organise a communication and media workshop. Gonsalves in her session emphasised inter- India 14 Inter faith & Cultural Dialogue HERALD March 15, 2020 Sacred Heart Church hosts inter-faith Harmony Day KUALA LUMPUR: World In- bring division. terfaith Harmony Week is an an- “Blood donation drive is good as nual United Nations (UN) event we are sharing all the same blood, observed during the first week of and Harmony Walk where all reli- February. The Parish Ministry of gious bodies can come together for Ecumenical and Interreligious Af- the common good.” fairs (PMEIA) of the Church of the The SHC parish priest, Fr Ed- Sacred Heart of Jesus (SHC) hosted win Peter also shared briefly what their first Interfaith Harmony Day World Interfaith Harmony Week is on February 29. all about. He said it was conceived The event brought the adherents to promote a culture of peace and and leaders of the different faiths non-violence. It was first proposed together. The Muslims, Hindus, Religious leaders and people from different faiths participate in the World Interfaith Harmony Week in Sacred Heart Church by King Abdullah II of Jordan at the Buddhists, Sikhs and Christians, ter Panneer. reaching out to the poor. Heng said He also mentioned that all reli- United Nations in 2010. This was numbering some 200 in total, were The programme continued with living in harmony was very impor- gions talk about pure thoughts. “We adopted immediately by the UN present. speeches from the leaders or rep- tant. He also invited the host to visit can’t be prejudiced against this or General Assembly, inaugurated 10 The celebration started with a resentatives of the different faiths. their temple. that group. All believe in a God, years ago, declaring the first week vegetarian dinner fellowship. Agaashdit Singh from the Gurd- Tuan Haji Zaid Kamaruddin, the the divine power that created us. Be of February each year as World In- There were also four exhibition wara Sahib Temple in Kg Pandan council member of Pusat Tabir Urus people of the light, not darkness.” terfaith Harmony week. booths, manned by Catholics, Mus- spoke about Sikhism — its history, & Masyarakat Madani, Pertubuhan Hajah Nurul Akmalina Binti Haji Fr Edwin mentioned about the Feb lims, Buddhists and Hindus, to pro- practices and rituals. Next was Ms Ikram Malaysia, spoke on the mean- Shamsuddin, the director of the 2019 meeting between Pope Francis mote their respective faiths. Many Mitchy Letchumy from the Sri ing of life. He shared how Muslims Religious Affairs Division of the and the Grand Imam of Egypt’s Al- parishioners after the Sunset Mass Ganesar Temple in Kg Pandan who live their lives and for what purpose. Department of National Unity And Alzhar Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb in stopped by, especially the Muslim shared about Hinduism; saying it Among others, Haji Zaid shared Integration (Prime Minister’s De- Abu Dhabi, Two religious leaders booth to gain more knowledge, as was a way of life to live as a better about harmony within human be- partment), thanked Dr Florence and signed a statement with their hopes free booklets and pamphlets were soul. She represented her Temple ings and with nature. all involved in organising the pro- for world peace and human under- distributed. priest who left earlier for another Rev Mathew K. Punnoose, the gramme for this Interfaith Harmony standing. Fr Edwin added that the Dr Florence John, the PMEIA function. She also said all religions Secretary General for the Bible Day. Hajah Nurul Akmalina also nature of God is love and mercy. Coordinator, welcomed all follow- teach doing good to all people. Society of Malaysia, spoke about spoke about her department which In conclusion, Fr Edwin said what ers of different faiths. Singing of The third speaker was Jeffery harmony in society, saying we need was established in 2010. Her depart- unites us is more than what divides the National Anthem, Negara-Ku Heng representing the Buddhist principles to guide us. “Build bridg- ment works with all religious bodies us. “Come together as brothers and followed. Prayers in four vernacular Temple (located next to the parish), es and overcome walls.” The Evan- and NGOs. They are trying to bring sisters. Our children depend on us. languages, as well as hymns, were from the Selangor Malaysian Bud- gelical pastor added that as a matter all interreligious groups together for Come together for their future.” presented by the parish members. dhist Society. He came with 10 other of principle, “accept what you can dialogue — not to seek differences Later the speakers and guests were There was also a cultural dance by Buddhists. He shared on Buddhism. accept and respect what you can’t but, rather, similarities. given Certificates of Attendance by Sri Ganesar Temple members which He then spoke about the activities of accept, on this premise that you are She said that there are a lot of Archbishop Emeritus Murphy Pa- was choreographed by dance Mas- the temple including chanting and on the same journey.” things we can share that do not kiam. — By Bernard Anthony A visit to the Hindu temple in Desa Jaya KUALA LUMPUR: The Parish ple briefing ended with a vegetarian He said, “Our presence here from Ministries of Ecumenical and In- lunch. different religions is a good sign terreligious Affairs (PMEIA) of In his speech, the coordinator for that we are serious in promoting Christ the Light, Christ the King the interreligious group in this area, peace through dialogue, mutual un- and our Lady of Lourdes, Sg Buloh, Albert Anthony, thanked all the par- derstanding and learning and appre- together with the religious groups ticipants, including officials from ciation of each other’s religions.” around the Kepong and Selayang the Al Faizin Masjid; the Gurdwara Knowing the beliefs, values and area organised their second visit to Sahib Selayang Baru; the Ban Sin practices of other religions will help places of worship February 29 to Taoism temple; the Sri Dewi Mari- us to appreciate our own faith more the Thirumurugan Aalayam Hindu amman Temple, Selayang Baru, the deeply. This visit and talk was an temple in Desa Jaya, Kepong. Sri Maha Mariamman temple, Ke- attempt to increase the common The first visit was to the Al Faizin pong; parishioners from Christ the space among the different religious Masjid in Desa Jaya, Kepong in Oc- Light, Christ the King, our Lady of groups. tober 2019. Lourdes and Jesus Caritas. Special Visits to the other places of wor- At the temple, the talk on Hindu- thanks was accorded to all officials ship planned for 2020 are the Gurd- ism was given by Thurai Chanther- from the Thirumurugan Aalayam wara Sahib, Taoist temple as well as an, followed by Q and A. The tem- who also made this visit possible. to our church. — By Jennifer Wu A Hindu priest brief on the Hindu faith .. Saudi King hosts Israeli rabbi at royal palace RIYADH: For apparently the first the royal palace in Riyadh. of moderation and tolerance, and time in modern history, a rabbi met Rosen, who serves as the Ameri- combating all forms of extremism with the King of Saudi Arabia. can Jewish Committee’s director and terrorism,” the organisation King Salman hosted Jerusalem- of interreligious affairs, was one said in a press release. based rabbi David Rosen in his of nine KAICIID board members Joel C. Rosenberg, a Jerusalem- royal palace in the Saudi capital, who attended the meeting with based Israeli Christian interfaith in a move indicative of the mon- King Salman, and the only one rep- activist who traveled to Saudi Ara- archy’s desire to further open itself resenting Judaism. The other eight bia in September, welcomed Ros- up to the Western world. represented Buddhism, Christian- en’s invitation to Riyadh. Rosen was born in England but ity, Hinduism and Islam. “I think it’s enormously signifi- moved to Israel years ago and is a “The Custodian of the Two cant that the Saudis are continuing member of the Israeli Chief Rab- Holy Mosques welcomed the to pursue interfaith delegations binate’s Commission for Interreli- board members, who were hold- and dialogue,” he said. “The meet- gious Dialogue. He spent two and a ing their first meeting in Riyadh, ing between the rabbi and the king half days in the Saudi capital to at- Rabbi Marc Schneier, left, is hosted by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Fisal and stressed the importance of is of particular significance, -be Bin Farhan, February 2020. (Times of Israel photo) tend a meeting of the King Abdul- KAICIID’s role in consolidating cause as far as I know it’s the first lah International Centre for Interre- of directors. years ago by the previous Saudi the principles of dialogue and co- time the king has met with one of ligious and Intercultural Dialogue, The Vienna-based centre, known king, Abdullah, but no Saudi mon- existence among different religions these interfaith delegations.” — where he is a member of the board as KAICIID, was established eight arch has ever invited its board to and cultures, promoting the values timesofisrael.com HERALD March 15, 2020 Children 15 LittleLittle CCatholicsatholics’ CCornerorner

Dear children, Soon a Samaritan woman came to a prophet because He knew every- living water! The part of the world where Jesus the well to fill her water jar. "Please thing about her. Children, let us be like the Samar- lived was very hot and dry. One day, give me a drink," Jesus said to the The woman was so excited and told itan woman, who accepted and rec- as he was traveling through Samaria, woman. her friends, "Come and see a man ognised Jesus as Messiah and told Jesus passed through a small village The woman was shocked! You see, that told me everything I have done. everyone that He is the Living Wa- by the name of Sychar. Jacob's well in those days a Jew would not have Surely he must be the Christ." ter that satisfies our thirst for God! was there and Jesus, hot and tired anything to do with a Samaritan. Because of what the woman told from the long walk, sat down be- They continued to talk and the Sa- them, many Samaritans came to Love side the well about noontime to rest. maritan woman recognised Jesus as know Jesus and accept his offer of Aunty Eliz

Look at these two pictures. They may look the same, but there FIVE Jesus and the things different in the second picture. Circle the differences. woman at the well (John 4-42)

Let's Colour HERALD YYOOUTHUTH March 15, 2020 Don't let your cell phone ATICAN: Pope Fran- cases even leads to the temptation to cis is asking youth take one’s own life.” With Christ, who brings new life, a Vto wake up from the young person can become more aware deadening static of staring of those who are suffering and draw at a cell phone to encounter near to them, he said. Christ in their neighbour. “You too, as young people, are able to draw near to the realities of pain and “Today, we are often ‘connected’ but death that you encounter. You too can not communicating. The indiscriminate touch them and, like Jesus, bring new use of electronic devices can keep us life, thanks to the Holy Spirit,” he said. constantly glued to the screen,” Pope “You will be able to touch them as he Francis said in his message to young does, and to bring his life to those of people published March 5. your friends who are inwardly dead, “When I look at things, do I look care- who suffer or have lost faith and hope.” fully, or is it more like when I quickly “Perhaps, in times of difficulty, many scroll through the thousands of photos of you have heard people repeat those or social profiles on my cell phone?” 'magic' formulas so fashionable nowa- Francis asked. days, formulas that are supposed to The Pope warned that he sees a take care of everything: 'You have to “growing digital narcissism” among believe in yourself', 'You have to dis- young people and adults alike. cover your inner resources', 'You have “How often do we end up being to become conscious of your positive eyewitnesses of events without ever energy' ... But these are mere words; experiencing them in real time! they do not work for someone who is Sometimes our first reaction is to truly ‘dead inside,’” he said. take a picture with our cell phone, “Jesus’ word has a deeper reso- without even bothering to look into nance; it goes infinitely deeper. It is a the eyes of the persons involved,” distract divine and creative word which alone Francis said. can bring the dead to life,” the Pope Pope Francis encouraged young said. people to “wake up.” He said that Pope Francis addressed this mes- if someone realises that he is “dead sage to the young people throughout inside,” he can trust that Christ can the world who will celebrate local di- give them new life to “arise,” as ocesan World Youth Day gatherings he did with the young man in Luke you from on Palm Sunday this year. 7:14. The Pope reminded young people “When we are ‘dead,’ we remain that the next international World Youth closed in on ourselves. Our relation- Day will take place in Lisbon in 2022: ships break up, or become superfi- “From Lisbon, in the fifteenth and six- cial, false and hypocritical. When teenth centuries, great numbers of Jesus restores us to life, he ‘gives’ us young people, including many mis- to others,” he said. sionaries, set out for unknown lands The Pope called upon young peo- reality to share their experience of Jesus with ple to bring about “cultural change” other peoples and nations.” that will allow those “isolated and neighbour. “I think too of all those “As young people, you are experts in withdrawn into virtual worlds” to arise. “How many situations if someone realises that negative situations that this! You like to take trips, to discover “Let us spread Jesus’ invitation: are there where apathy people of your age are new places and people, and to have ‘Arise!’ He calls us to embrace a reality he is “dead inside,” reigns, where people experiencing,” he said. new experiences,” he said. that is so much more than virtual,” he plunge into an abyss of “One young woman “If you have lost your vitality, your said. he can trust that anguish and remorse! told me: ‘Among my dreams, your enthusiasm, your optimism “This does not involve rejecting tech- How many young people friends I see less desire and your generosity, Jesus stands before nology but rather, using it as a means Christ can give them cry out with no one to to get involved, less you as once he stood before the dead and not as an end,” the Pope added. hear their plea! Instead, courage to get up.’ Sad- son of the widow, and with all the power Pope Francis said that a person who they meet with looks of new life to ly, depression is spread- of his resurrection he urges you: ‘Young is alive in Christ encounters reality, even distraction and indiffer- ing among young peo- man, I say to you, arise!’” Pope Francis tragedy, that leads him to suffer with his ence,” Francis said. “Arise,” ple too, and in some said. — By Courtney Mares, CNA HERALD March 15, 2020 Youth 17 Silent retreat for youths to improve their service RANAU: The members of St or weaknesses in their area of The youths were also invited the weak and the marginalised. and remember that our service Francis Xavier Parish Youth Min- service. to reflect on what they received During one of the sessions, in the church is solely to glorify istry attended a Silent Retreat at For three days, Sr Liza, as the last year, and to answer God’s the youths discussed how to Christ! Retreat Centre, February 14-16. main speaker, facilitated and calling to serve in the Lord’s improve their service, what The year 2020 is a challenging They were accompanied by Sr guided the youth to think about vineyard. were the problems in youth year for KSFX youths as they Liza FSIC, the spiritual director. one Joy that they had experi- The youths were reminded to ministry in particular at KSFX will be hosting several big ac- The retreat’s theme, I Want enced recently, and in proclaim- serve with humility and selfless- and how to break down a fruit- tivities such as the Parish Youth to See Jesus brought participants ing the Good News, how they ness, and to work in groups and less ministry. Leadership Camp April 3-5 to reflect on their ministry last could share it more joyfully with emulate the great leadership of One of the participants, Didi- and “Belia Masuk Zon” (youth year and on their achievements other youths. Jesus who prioritises the poor, roy shared that the youth situa- reaching out to zone level tion is now undergoing various youth ) secular and global influences, so KSFX youth chairman, Kelly it is time for the youths to step said the KSFX youth ministry out of their comfort zones and is not solely involved with the be together with other youths choir but must work hard at fig- to break down the dividing line uring out how we can grow and or differences in culture and be strengthen the youth ministry evangelisers in their families. through programmes organised Teejay Tony Jauseh shared in accordance with the pastoral his thought that “the youth mission of the Diocese of Ken- ministry sometimes faced fail- ingau: “God’s people work to- ure and frustration and were gether in the Oneness, Loyalty, criticised for it. But we must and Holiness of Jesus Christ.” The Youth Ministry team of St Francis Xavier Parish with Sr Liza FSIC. always return to the Gospel — By Didi, SOCCOM, KSFX Keningau Youth Commission begin the year with a recollection TATAL, Keningau: The Diocese of Kenin- is present in the midst of us. The youth gau Youth Commission began the year also took the opportunity to make their with a recollection at Tatal Retreat Cen- confession in the Sacrament of Recon- tre, January 31 - Feb 1. ciliation after the Holy Hour. The recollection began with the Eu- The following day, at the morning charistic Celebration presided by Fr Mass, the 12 member-team of the youth Ronnie Luni who is the Spiritual Di- commision declared their commit- rector for the Keningau Diocese Youth ment to serve God and the youth in the Keningau Diocese Youth Commission members with Bishop Cornelius Piong and Fr Ronnie Luni. Commission. After the Mass, the youths diocese, in the presence of Bishop Cor- ii) be committed to the will of Jesus ambitions in the diocese to help one continued to adore God in front of the nelius Piong. and another, to produce a committed and ef- Blessed Sacrament. Fr Ronnie urged the In his message, Bishop Piong stated iii) be humble and repentant by ac- fective Christian community.” youth to always attend the Holy Hour to three things to remember in our per- knowledging that we are sinners. The recollection concluded with strengthen their faith and relationship sonal formation as servants of God: The prelate also expressed his hope “bonding time” activities among team with God. He said that the Blessed Sac- i) that “wherever we are, always remem- members. — By Juanis bin Marcus rament is the Holy Heart of Jesus who always with us, ber and focus on our ministry and our be confident and trust that God is Bishops propose Arab World Youth Day for Middle East Catholics ROME, Italy: Bishops from the Middle East World Youth Day is a massive gathering of have proposed a regional youth gathering Catholic youth, which takes place every two similar to World Youth Day for young Catho- or three years, with the goal of giving young lics from Syria to Somalia. people the chance to make a pilgrimage and The proposed “World Day of Youth of the encounter the worldwide Catholic commu- Y o Arab Regions” would take place in Jordan as u nity. Pope St John Paul II first established ) n s g e the first host country, with the goal of encour- a h World Youth Day in 1985. d c u r aging “mass participation” from the region, lt u Regional youth day celebrations have s h fr C according to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusa- o f taken place since the late 1990s. The Fed- m o “rev- I il lem. ra c eration of Asian Bishops’ Conferences or- q un olu- a o Bishops representing Catholics in Egypt, t t t C Di- ganises Asian Youth Day every three to five tionary he as Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Israel, Cy- 20 e E cas- years. However, the 2021 Asian Youth Day 19 ddl prus, Somalia, and countries of the Arabian character” In /Mi tery for was cancelled earlier this year after bishops tern oto of the “Docu- atio S ph Peninsula met in Rome Feb. 17-20 and dis- nal . (CN Promoting in India said they would be unable to host the Ecum 6, 2019 cussed the proposed Arab World Youth Day ment on Human Fra- enical Youth Meeting March 22-2 Integral Human Catholic youth gathering. gathering at the meeting of the Conference of ternity for World Peace and Development, led a discus- The Jesuit province of the Middle East has Latin Bishops of the Arab Regions (CELRA). Living Together” signed by Pope Francis and sion on the post-Synodal Apostolic Exhorta- also organised smaller-scale “Regional Youth During their plenary meeting in Rome, the Muhammad Ahmad al-Tayyib, the Grand tion Querida Amazonia. Days” since 2006. The last Regional Youth 14 bishops met with Pope Francis following Imam of Al-Azhar, in Abu Dhabi last year. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem did not Days brought together 350 young Catholics a daily Mass in Santa Marta, and attended Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri gave a talk on release more details on the proposed World in Jamhour, Lebanon in August 2019. meetings with several members of the curia. Synodality in the praxis of the Church, en- Day of Youth of the Arab Regions, but said The next World Youth Day is scheduled to Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, pres- couraging the bishops to work collaboratively, that the Conference of Latin Bishops of the take place in Lisbon, Portugal in 2022 with ident of the Pontifical Council for Interreli- and Cardinal Michael Czerny, undersecretary Arab Regions will meet again in Lebanon in the theme: Mary arose and went with haste. gious Dialogue, spoke to the bishops about the of the Migrants and Refugees Section of the February 2021. — By Courtney Mares, CNA HERALD March 15, 2020 23 For more enquiries, please contact: Email: [email protected] m e m o r i a m Tel: 03-2026 8290 / 03-2026 8291 In Ever Loving Memory of 21st Anniversary 1st Year Anniversary JOSEPHINE NICHOLSON In Loving Memory of 1st ANNIVERSARY John Toh Bah Bah In Loving Memory of a (Called to the Lord: 18th March 2016) Very Special Husband RAYMOND ANJULOOSE 5-08-1957 ~ 19-03-2019

Departed: Today we are grateful, today we give thanks, 15 March 1999 For our mother, our friend, our person, that was you. 21 years have gone by For the time we had, in a blink of an eye. For the tears and laughs we shared, We love and miss you. Insufficient for us, But HE knew it was enough. Deeply missed and To pass down your traits, fondly remembered by Your goodness and unique ways, We are grateful for you, f a m i l y, l o v e d o n e s God Almighty Our mother, our angel, that is you. and friends. saw you getting tired and weak, In Loving Memory of And a cure was not to be, MARTIN NEWTON D’CRUZ 13th Anniversary 4th Year Memorial So He put His arms around you, In Loving Memory of In Loving Memory of And whispered “Come to Me”, April 19, 1930 - March 16, 2019 With tearful eyes, I watched you, Well done, good and faithful servant. And saw you pass away, Enter into the joy of your master. Although I loved you very dearly, Matthew 25:21 Josephine Agnes I could not make you stay, Harding A golden heart stopped beating, Dearest Acha, (nee Nonis) Hard working hands at rest We miss your presence: Departed: God broke my heart into pieces The fortitude of your faith 18-03-2007 Julian Themudu to prove to me, Your unwavering love for family Called to the Lord He only takes the best. Your joy in good friendships 17.3.2016 Though HE knows how I felt, Your celebration of community. “Death leaves I kept wondering about We speak your name with love and pride, We honour your values: a heartache We smile with tears we cannot hide, how I will live on without you. Your commitment to the unjust no one can heal We thank you for the years we shared, Death changes everything, Your helping hand to the poor The love you gave, the way you cared. Love heals a memory time changes nothing. no one can steal” Your wisdom for those who seek guidance Fondly remembered by I love and miss you, A life of knowledge, integrity, truth. husband John and those who loved her. Always remembered just as much today as I did and missed by the day you went away. We celebrate your legacy: Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, wife, son, loved ones Family near and far and may your perpetual light shine upon her. and his fur kid. Wife: Judy Anne Raymond who hold you in great esteem Students far and wide who Forced removal of Jesus statue from Christian cemetery continue to make you proud Friends who speak of a man who stood MUMBAI: Archbishop Peter Machado of sus Christ, and also conduct reconciliation with them through thick and thin Bangalore has condemned the removal of prayers etc,” the archbishop explained. Colleagues who respect your a 12-foot statue of Christ from a Christian He noted the site had been a place of wisdom, insight and ingenuity burial place in a rural district of the city by Christian devotion for 30 to 40 years without Your writings on justice for the ordinary man local police March 3. any difficulty, and there has been “absolutely Your beautiful gardens that continue to thrive The church cemetery which is on a 4.5- no problem from local people to our burials, Your history and traditions that give us roots acre site had been allocated by the state gov- nor our prayers and devotions on the hill.” A family united in faith and love. ernment of Karnataka for burial of Chris- “It is very sad, unfortunate and regrettable tians in Doddasagarahalli village. that the police, bowing to the pressure of a We live up to your teachings: “The Christians of Bangalore consider the few outsiders, have forcefully removed the To learn, to teach, to share, to lead forceful removal of the statue of Lord Jesus statue of Lord Jesus. It is a blow to the com- To trust that the best is yet to come at our legally allotted burial ground at Dod- munal harmony of the people in our villages To believe that there is always more in us dasagarahalli as unacceptable and are great- and also violation of the religious freedom And always, always, to keep the faith. ly shocked and we condemn this high-hand- guaranteed to us by the Indian Constitution,” ed action of the local authorities,” Machado Machado continued. Loving you deeply & missing you greatly, said in a statement. Karnataka is currently ruled by the Hin- Your beloved wife Sarojam, “During the weeks before Good Friday du-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), your children Rebecca & Anthony, Sue & Terence, and Easter, the Christians have prayers and which has also ruled the national govern- Police remove a statue of Jesus from a Christian Joseph & Jasmine, Antony & Nikki, devotions called the Way of the Cross to ment since 2014. — By Nirmala Carvalho, cemetery outside of Bangalore, India, March 3, and grandchildren Hannah, Isaac & Dominic meditate on the sufferings and death of Je- Crux 2020. (Crux photo/Archdiocese of Bangalore) Evangelisation: Catholics in China We pray that the Church in China may persevere in its faithfulness to the Gospel and grow in unity.

Download the Click To Pray updates now. THE CATHOLIC WEEKLY March 15, 2020 Pope Francis announces Laudato Si’ Week to take place in May creates difficulties?” he asked. The Pope also addressed the highly-debat- ed topic of population control, a proposed solution to problems stemming from poverty VATICAN: Pope Francis is calling on Catho- and maintaining a sustainable consumption of lics to participate in Laudato Si Week in May the earth’s resources. to encourage care for our common home. “Instead of resolving the problems of the “I renew my urgent call to respond to the poor and thinking of how the world can be ecological crisis. The cry of the earth and the different, some can only propose a reduction cry of the poor cannot wait anywhere,” Pope in the birth rate,” Francis lamented. Francis said in a video message published He denounced the fact that developing March 3. countries often receive pressure from inter- The video shows young protesters yelling, national organisations who make economic “Climate justice, now” juxtaposed with imag- assistance “contingent on certain policies of es of wildlife in Africa and a beached whale. 'reproductive health.'” Laudato Si’ Week, sponsored by the Dicas- Pope Francis caring for our common home. (photo/laudatosiweek) “In the face of the so-called culture of tery for Integral Human Development, will planting a tree or attending a climate strike. combat the trafficking of endangered - spe death, the family is the heart of the culture of take place May 16-24. The date marks the Laudato Si’, which means Praise be to You, cies while remaining indifferent toward the life,” Pope Francis wrote in Laudato Si’. fifth anniversary of the publication of Pope was published June 18, 2015, and was dated trafficking of persons, to the poor and to the “The urgent challenge to protect our com- Francis’ encyclical on integral human ecol- May 24. Pope Francis took the name for the decision of many “to destroy another human mon home includes a concern to bring the ogy. encyclical from St Francis of Assisi’s medi- being deemed unwanted.” whole human family together … for we The Global Catholic Climate Movement eval Italian prayer Canticle of the Sun, which Pope Francis also highlighted that concern know that things can change,” he said. — By and Renova + are facilitating the campaign. praises God through elements of creation for the protection of nature is “incompatible Courtney Mares, CNA The Laudato Si’ Week website recom- such as Brother Sun, Sister Moon, and “our with the justification of abortion.” mends Catholics participate by engaging sister Mother Earth.” “How can we genuinely teach the impor- ● Watch Pope Francis’ video elected representatives, conducting an energy The encyclical argues that it is not possible tance of concern for other vulnerable beings, message here: www.youtube.com/ audit, or divesting in fossil fuels. It also rec- to effectively care for the environment with- however troublesome or inconvenient they watch?v=Ji1YpDcHncY ommends the option to “represent your com- out first working to defend human life. may be, if we fail to protect a human embryo, ● Visit the Laudato Si' website: mitment with a symbolic gesture,” such as It states that it is “clearly inconsistent” to even when its presence is uncomfortable and https://laudatosiweek.org Pakistani Church to fast for Lent: An Explainer l Continued from last week

Muslims and peace in India What about candy? Should I give that up? What’s that about anyway? I don’t even like candy. I like candy. But here a few thoughts on what to do for a fruitful Lent: The season of Lent emphasises three things: prayer, fasting, almsgiving. Prayer means prayer, that’s pretty simple. Almsgiv- ing refers to acts of charity or generosity. And fasting refers to going without something, es- pecially something on which we’ve become dependent, something we think we can’t live lives, and our sacrifices and almsgiving might without, or something that distracts us from become something we continue to do as well. God. Prayer should be the central focus of our Members of the Catholic Church’s National Commission for Justice and Peace attend a peace rally Lent. Without prayer, Lent will be a kind of in Karachi city on March 1, 2020. (Asianews photo) Actually, these three themes are related di- rectly to the three temptations Christ faced in endurance test for us. A test of how strong we KARACHI: The Archdiocese of Karachi and or caste they belong to. the desert, and you can read about that here. are, or how much willpower we have. But the National Justice and Peace Commission Saleh Diego, vicar general and member of But for a fruitful Lent, it is helpful to decide Lent isn’t really about that. Lent is about how of the Pakistani Bishops’ Conference asked all the national commission for interreligious dia- on one practice for each of those themes. To much we can turn to God the Father, through Christian faithful to fast on Friday, March 6, for logue of the archdiocese of Karachi, is on the find some practice of prayer you can add to Jesus, and hand over our lives to him. That Muslims and peace in India. same wavelength. He appreciates the position your day. To decide on some act of charity or should be the centre of our Lenten discipline. Recent religious clashes in Delhi have of Prime Minister Imran Khan, who in a recent work of mercy you’ll take up. And to decide shocked many and several Muslims in the Indi- Twitter post promised to defend all minorities what you can fast from — it might be food, So, no candy then? an capital have been targeted by Hindu extrem- living in Pakistan: “Anyone who targets non- like chocolates, or it might be your phone, or Maybe on Sundays. Sunday is our weekly ist groups: the current toll is around 40 dead and Muslims, and their places of prayer in our coun- music and news on the car radio, or soda. celebration of Christ’s resurrection, and some 300 injured. The Indian Islamic community is at try, will be treated severely. Minorities have the The key is to choose something that you Catholics decide to put aside their Lenten loggerheads with the government of Narendra same rights as all other citizens.” will sustain the whole of Lent, and something disciplines, in order to celebrate Christ. Modi, which has recently introduced a citizen- Cardinal Coutts and Fr Diego remember the that does not gravely disrupt your family life There are no rules about this; it’s a matter ship law that discriminates against the faithful gestures of brotherhood and mercy of all those or the people around you. If you drive miles of your individual conscience. If keeping of Islam. people of the heart — Catholics, Sikhs and even to work, don’t give up driving. If you take Lenten practices on Sunday helps you to fo- Cardinal Joseph Coutts, archbishop of Ka- Hindus — who ran to the aid of the victims in care of young children, don’t commit to all- cus on Christ, keep them. If celebrating Sun- rachi, expresses serious concern about what is Delhi. In particular, their thoughts turn to Prem- night prayer vigils, at least not every night. day with candy helps you to focus on Christ, happening in India, and asks the Indian authori- kant Baghel, a Hindu who is now in serious con- Ideally, the practices of prayer we commit that’s ok too. ties to take all necessary measures to ensure the dition for saving six Muslim neighbors from the to will become incorporated into our regular Have a blessed Lent! — CNA safety of all their citizens, regardless of the faith flames.— By Shafique Khokhar, AsiaNews