Little children, let us not love Mission Statement in word or talk but in deed and in truth. The HERALD is a Catholic By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart Weekly of the Malaysian before him; for whenever our heart Church. It endeavours to condemns us, God is greater than communicate up-to-date news our heart, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our heart does not and Christian values and strives THE CATHOLIC WEEKLY condemn us, we have confidence to dialogue with all sectors before God; MAY 2, 2021 TERHAD PP 8460/11/2012(030939) ISSN: 1394-3294 Vol. 28 No. 16 1 John 3:18-21 of society in order to build a (FOR INTERNAL CIRCULATION ONLY) harmonious community of believers in God. We support Putting faith The Future Church leaders the formation of a participatory into action: of the Parish: ask India to a call Pastoral Church and encourage the laity deploy military to bear Conversion to in COVID-19 and religious to make moral witness the Gospel crisis decisions in the marketplace. P4 P11 P13 & 14 Pope Francis seeks to quash Vatican ‘envelope’ culture ATICAN: As part of a sweep- not involved in financially corrupt or illegal be- ing new anti-corruption law, haviour. In the motu proprio on “provisions on trans- VPope Francis on Thursday, parency in the management of public finance,” April 29 declared that officials of the Pope Francis said that, “according to Scripture, Roman Curia should no longer ac- fidelity in small things is related to fidelity in cept personal gifts with a monetary important ones.” Referencing Luke 16:10, he added, “just as value over 40 euros (about $50). being dishonest in matters of little consequence The new rule appears to be an effort to quash is also related to being dishonest in important the Vatican “envelope” culture, in which large matters.” monetary donations are made to bishops and The Pope said that the new law was intended cardinals working in the Roman Curia. to bring the Holy See and Vatican City State St Peter’s Basilica. (Shutterstock Vladimir Sazonov) These gifts have been blamed for contribut- further in line with international best practices See and Vatican City State, whose jobs require The employee or official must also declare ing to corruption in the Church when they were on corruption and financial transparency, build- handling money, will be required to sign a doc- that they do not hold any cash or investments, used between high-level Church officials to ing on his May 2020 motu proprio on transpar- ument every two years attesting that they and including shareholdings or interests, in compa- seek favours, most notably in cases like that of ency in the awarding of public contracts. their finances are not connected to crime. nies and businesses on a list of non-cooperative ex-cardinal Theodore McCarrick. The new measures were necessary to “pre- In the statement, they must declare that they jurisdictions for tax purposes, or in countries The new directive says that Vatican officials vent and fight, in every sector, conflicts of -in do not hold shareholdings or interests in compa- considered at high risk for money laundering or must not “accept or solicit, for themselves or terest, methods of patronage, and corruption in nies that operate “with purposes and in sectors terrorist financing. for subjects other than the Entity in which they general,” Francis said. contrary to the Social Doctrine of the Church.” The declaration will be held in the Secretariat serve, for reasons or on the occasion of one’s He added that those who work in or are con- They must also attest that all goods owned by for the Economy’s employee files and a copy office, gifts, presents or other benefits of a value nected to the Vatican “have a particular respon- them originate from lawful activities and are not will be kept in the Secretariat of State. The Sec- exceeding 40 euros.” sibility to make concrete the fidelity of which the profit or product of crime. In addition, they retariat for the Economy is authorized to verify Pope Francis’ April 29 apostolic letter, is- the Gospel speaks, acting according to the prin- must say that they have never been convicted the truth of the statements and false declara- sued in the form of motu proprio (“on his own ciple of transparency and in the absence of any of a crime and are not under any criminal trial tions will be subject to “a serious disciplinary impulse”), added this rule to the General Regu- conflict of interest.” or investigation for crimes of corruption, fraud, offense.” lation of the Roman Curia, along with other Under the new regulation, the cardinals terrorism, money laundering, tax evasion, traf- The new regulations must be enforced requirements ensuring that Vatican personnel leading dicasteries or other offices, and senior ficking, exploitation of minors, or participation within 90 days of the law’s publication. — By who handle the Vatican’s economic affairs are management and administrators of the Holy in a criminal organisation. Hannah Brockhaus, CNA A prayer a day to invoke the end of the pandemic VATICAN: In response to Pope Francis’ wish, a The Pope will open and close the prayer, start- Tasked by the Pope to organise the event, the daily prayer intention will be held in the month of ing on May 1 in front of Our Lady of Succour Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New May during a “marathon” Rosary in order to in- (Our Lady of Perpetual Help), an icon venerated Evangelisation issued a statement saying: “Each voke the end of the pandemic and the resumption as early as the 7th century, depicted in a fresco day of the month is characterised by a prayer in- of social and work activities. above the altar of Saint Leo, in the Gregorian tention for the various categories of people most The initiative, titled Prayer by the Church was chapel. affected by the plight of the pandemic: for those fervently being made to God (Acts 12:5), will in- On this occasion, the pontiff will bless special who have not been able to say goodbye to their volve every shrine in the world, including 30 sin- Rosaries used specifically for this event, which loved ones, for all health care personnel, for the gled out in all the continents. will then be sent to the 30 shrines directly in- poor, for the homeless, for those in economic dif- In Asia the shrines include: the Basilica of the volved. ficulty and for all the deceased.” Annunciation in Nazareth, the Blessed Virgin of On 31 May, Francis will bring the prayer to a Every shrine in the world is invited to pray fol- the Rosary in South Korea, Our Lady of Peace close from a significant place in the Vatican Gar- lowing local traditions and language, and to ask and Good Voyage in the Philippines, Our Lady dens, of which further information will be given. for the resumption of social life, work and the of Health in India, Meryem Ana in Turkey, Our Both moments will be accessible to the hearing- many human activities that were put on hold as a Lady of Nagasaki in Japan, and Our Lady of impaired through Italian Sign Language or LIS result of the pandemic. — AsiaNews Lebanon. (Lingua dei Segni Italiana). (http://www.pcpne.va/content/pcpne/en.html) 2 Forum / Reflection HERALD May 2, 2021 The promptings of the Spirit here were moments in the recent cam- ESL plan: “This is a power struggle between paign to save Convent Bukit Nanas Sunday Observer elite groups …. everybody who runs football Twhen some people might have wrung now, and a new group wanting to come in and their hands in despair. Here we go again, many By take over and exploit football and exploit the would have thought. masses.” But the campaign to save the convent from Anil Netto Barnes said the failure of the ESL was a re- losing its land ownership reached a happy con- [email protected] turn to the status quo, so there isn’t much to clusion when the government lease was finally celebrate. extended. Perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised — for The 28,000 people who signed an online It was encouraging that the alumni and peo- volving mainly an elite band of rich teams, how could football escape the clutches of the petition and others who wrote and spoke out ple of all faiths spoke out and made a differ- was scuttled when a groundswell of ordinary ‘greed-is-good’ mentality and neoliberalism on this issue helped to bring about a change ence in the Convent Bukit Nanas episode. fans spoke out against it. They saw this as a when almost every area of public life has suc- of heart. Several other episodes in recent times have clear manifestation of unbridled greed at the cumbed to it? It is not clear what motivated the initial de- also shown us how ordinary people can make top of sport. What was encouraging in all this was the cision not to renew the lease. This is prime an impact in our world. The ESL plan was to ringfence the money way ordinary people saw through what was land devoted to education that could otherwise The public uproar over the murder of from the game — television rights, corporate happening and made their views known in un- have earned huge profits had the owner been George Floyd finally saw justice with the per- sponsorship deals — and share it between a mistakable terms. And in all these cases, they a developer. And no doubt many developers petrator found guilty in a landmark verdict in much smaller group of elite teams, while the succeeded, at least to a degree. must be eyeing such relatively untouched ur- a US court. rest of the teams would feed on the crumbs off Before Jesus’ ascension, he told his dis- ban prime land throughout the country. However, it will be much harder to uproot the table. ciples he would send the Spirit. This Spirit Such land for public education in urban ar- systemic racism and police brutality around This is ironic as those who champion free would teach us all things and open our eyes eas must be protected for two reasons. the world. But that’s not to say it cannot be market capitalism often end up indulging in and hearts to the will of God. First, it provides education to children of all done. monopolistic behaviour, privatising profits Some people try to limit the workings of backgrounds, ethnicities and faiths, a precious Then, the outrage over “period spot checks” and socialising losses as they grab what is in the Spirit to people of their own kind, religion, space where children of different socioeco- on girls in schools was quietened when enough the public domain. race or nationality. nomic backgrounds can mingle. people spoke out against such intrusive action. Even in football, we can see how greed gets But the Spirit is working around the world, Second, such schools also contain wide Similarly, the courage of a 17-year-old the better of people, who then forget what re- quietly, freely, in the whispers of the wind. open fields for their students’ sporting activi- schoolgirl who highlighted her teacher’s ap- ally matters. The same could be said of other That said, God also needs the agency of or- ties, thus providing a precious green lung in palling remarks about rape has put the spot- areas such as the provision of healthcare, water dinary people to make an impact in our world. congested urban areas. light on what is going on in our schools. The and other essential services, which have been Today, many around the world are respond- This is especially critical as we are short of plucky, enlightened schoolgirl said she was privatised, enriching a small group. ing to the promptings of the Spirit, even if they parks and green spaces in our concrete jungles. doing this for other pupils experiencing similar Even though the ESL flopped before it might not be Christian or even particularly re- Perhaps we could ask schools to make their difficult situations in schools. could take off, we shouldn’t be under any illu- ligious in the conventional sense. school fields in city areas available to the pub- Over in Europe, a plan to set up a European sions that greed does not prevail, even in sport. Let us be more open to the workings of the lic in the evenings. Super League (ESL) football tournament, in- Former football star John Barnes said of the Spirit in our own lives.

Fifth Sunday of Easter: Mary and Molly and the experience of Christ

ary tried too hard, but she didn’t try hard It got worse. It became an absolute struggle Menough. Let me explain. Mary grew for Mary to knock on Molly’s door. Reflecting on our Sunday Readings up in a Catholic family that took their faith Mary went home for Thanksgiving and very seriously. Only sickness kept them from was able to get an appointment to speak with it couldn’t even serve much use as a blanket. 5th Sunday of Easter Mass. They said bedtime prayers together her pastor. She told him about her problems Molly then hissed, “Why don’t you just go Readings: Acts of the Apostles 9:26-31; back to your fantasy land. I’ve had enough of most nights, calling them family night prayers with Molly. She went on and on. Finally, she 1 John 3:18-24; when the kids got older. Mary was quite ac- stopped and waited for his response. “So, you for today.” As I said, Molly was not nice. Gospel: John 15:1-8 tive in the youth group when she was in high Mary, how active are you in the faith when Mary ran to the church in tears and asked God school. She joined the campus ministry pro- you are not home?” he asked. “Do you pray to help her not be bitter to the elderly lady. so busy in doing things for our family, our gramme in college. But during her sophomore every day? Do you go to Mass every week?” The next day was Mary’s pay day, a whole spouses, or others, that we forget where the year she found herself too busy to be a regular “Typical priest,” Mary thought. “He’s miss- $800. She could barely pay her rent and food real Power of Love comes from. Like Mary, attendee at Mass. By her senior year, the only ing the whole point why I’m here.” So she out of that. Mary cashed her check and then we try too hard, but we don’t try hard enough. time she went to Mass, or prayed at all, was answered, “I don’t know what that has to do she had a wonderful thought. She still had a Instead of strengthening our union with Christ when she was home. with this, but I’m still looking for a church.” little graduation money in the bank for emer- and letting Him work though us, we go about Six months out of college, Mary finally got “It has everything to do with this, Mary,” gencies. She could use some of that to get by. a myriad of tasks without spending time on a job in her field. She always wanted to help the priest responded, “How do you expect to Mary thought about Molly. She put $200 in an the work that really matters, growing in the others, to make a difference in people’s life, so bring the love of Christ to others if you are not envelope, and sent it anonymously to the bit- love of Christ. We have God’s life, God’s love she had studied to be a social worker. After a overflowing with it yourself? You see, Mary, ter old lady with a note, “Please buy yourself within us. When we are united to this love, number of unsuccessful interviews, an agency you are trying hard, but you are not trying a winter coat.” A few days later, the agency re- even the mean old Mollys of the world, or the in a big city up north hired her to work the hard enough. In some ways you are doing too ceived a letter addressed to young Mary. The mean old Mollys of our families, will come in phones and occasionally visit some of the el- much, thinking that you can do it all yourself. letter contained $50 and read, “I know that contact with the Love of Christ. And once the derly poor confined to apartments in the city. You need to be thoroughly united to Christ you must have sent me the money, because no Love of Christ flows into them, it will flow It wasn’t exactly what Mary had trained for. and then let Him to do the work.” one else knew about my coat. I’m sorry for through them to others. Four days every week she sat in an office call- Mary didn’t expect to get that sort of a talk- being so mean. I was able to find a coat for What is it that really matters in our lives? ing clients, making sure they had food and ing to, but she did take the priest seriously. She $150. Please give the other $50 to someone Is it the way others treat us? Often that mo- heat, encouraging them to take their medi- started praying every day, and found a parish else who has needs. Looking forward to your tivates us to return negative for negative. But cine, arranging transportation to the doctor, near her apartment. Actually, it was just down next visit, Love, Molly.” what others say and do is really secondary to etc. One day a week, though, she was able to the block, but she had never bothered to notice Mary thought that Molly could have used what really matters in life. What matters is the leave the office and visit the people. With fifty it. She went back to her younger days, and be- that extra $50 herself. She also thought Love of Christ that we have been empowered clients, she could only see each client once a came active there, lectoring at Sunday Mass. that Molly could have continued her mean to make real in the world. When that love be- month, but it was something. It was also a day One day at the end of January, the tempera- streak, but instead she wanted to be gener- comes our focus, then we really don’t care she enjoyed. ture had risen to 45 degrees. They call this the ous to someone. Mary realised that Christ about ourselves. We just want others to expe- Except when she had to visit Molly January thaw. Mary visited Molly and decided had indeed worked on Molly. Molly had been rience this love. McPherson. Molly was not nice. In fact, she to use the warmer weather to try to get off on touched by the love of Christ. Molly now felt During Easter time we celebrate the gift of was downright nasty, and sometimes even a pleasant foot. “It sure is nice outside, Molly. the love of Christ in her own life. Now this the Lord’s life that we received at Baptism. rude. The first time Mary visited, Molly com- Why don’t you take a stroll before winter love was flowing through her and needed to We need to be determined to strengthen this plained, “They send me a kid with a pretty kicks in again? I’ll walk with you.” That just touch someone else. Molly wanted someone life within us. We need to be more faithful, smile and an empty head and think that I started Molly up again. “You think that just else to have that $50. more prayerful. We need to try harder in our should be pleased. And then you say you can’t because you have a coat and scarf and gloves, We hear the message of the vine and the prayer life. That is how we are called to bring stay too long because you have others to see. that everyone can go outside. I haven’t been branches every year at Easter time. It seems God’s love to others. Well, don’t bother with me. I didn’t ask you to out since September. And here’s why.” Then so obvious to us that we need to be united to He is the vine, we are the branches. — By come.” That was how the relationship started. Molly took out a coat that was so threadbare Christ to bring him to others, but then we get Msgr Joseph A Pellegrino HERALD May 2, 2021 Home / Pastoral 3

Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur ‘Nefarious’ video Official Catholic Hymnal takes archbishop’s (Sing Your Praise to God), words out of context PETALING JAYA: A Catholic law- In a statement on Apr 27, Catho- yers’ group has condemned what it lic Lawyers’ Society Kuala Lumpur a revised edition called a “nefarious” video posted (CLS) president Godfrey Thomas To the Catholic faithful in the 3. Because of the copyright law, vi. Parishes are to encourage online containing parts of a speech Fernandez said the video was taken Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur projection, reproducing, distrib- the faithful to get a copy of by Archbishop Julian Leow from out of context with the intention of especially to: uting and transmitting in any the hymnal at RM25.00 each 2014, which they said was taken threatening religious peace and har- Parish Priests/Chapel Adminis- form or by any means (photo- from their respective parishes out of context. mony enjoyed by people of differ- trators, Parish/Chapel Liturgy copying, electronic or mechani- For clarification and enquiries The Facebook post, uploaded on ent faiths in the country. Committees, Archdiocesan Min- cal methods) without prior writ- you may contact the Archdiocese a page called the “Hud-Hud Crew”, “To protect the sanctity of the istries, Institutions and Religious ten permission of the publisher is Liturgy Commission, Ms Sandra claimed that in the four-minute vid- Catholic Church in Malaysia and Houses. prohibited. We are to conform to Ann, on 012-322 5786 or email: eo, Leow spoke of his 25-year plan for the personal protection of His the copyright laws and require- [email protected]. May we against Muslims. Grace Archbishop Julian Leow, 1. The Catholic Bishops Confer- ments. Hence, the following are all work together to worship in The post, titled Rahsia Besar: the CLS calls upon the relevant ence of Malaysia, Singapore and recommended: Spirit and in truth. Rakaman Perancangan 25 Tahun authorities to investigate the video Brunei (CBCMSB) has published i. Begin using the Official “Let the message of Christ, in Archbishop Katolik Kuala Lumpur in question, the owner of the Fa- the new and revised edition of Catholic Hymnal with effect all its richness, find a home in Untuk Rebus Orang Islam Seperti cebook page and the makers of the official Catholic HymnalSing from June 7, 2021(10th Week you. Teach each other, and ad- Merebus Katak, claimed that Leow the incendiary, inflammatory and Your Praise to God (SYPG) for in Ordinary Time vise each other, in all wisdom. had used an analogy of boiling derogatory statements on the Face- use in this region. This hymnal With gratitude in your hearts sing frogs to describe his plan to pres- book page in question for sedition, comes with 386 hymns with mu- ii. Discard the old Sing Your sure Muslims in the country. criminal intimidation and criminal Praise to God (SYPG) hym- psalms and hymns and inspired sic notation which are arranged songs to God” (Colossians 3:16) . It also alleged that the archbishop defamation.” according to Liturgical Seasons, nal. had “admitted” that the issue on the Fernandez said the CLS “abhors iii. Stop projecting hymns the Order of the Mass with the Yours in Christ, use of the word “Allah” was part of hatred and violence towards any entrance and communion Anti- which are not in the public this 25-year plan. person on the basis of race or reli- phons, the Rite of Eucharistic Ex- domain. The post said the video was gion”. position and Benediction. iv. The hymnal can be used passed to the “Hud-Hud Crew” “The CLS recognises the inher- for private occasions as well by anonymous members of the ent dignity of every human being 2. The copyright permission was +Most Rev Julian Leow Beng given only for the production of as for liturgical celebrations Church, who supposedly wanted whose rights must be protected Kim, D.D to thwart Archbishop Leow’s plan regardless of race, ethnicity or re- the hymnal; and NOT for pro- v. Parishes are to place orders Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur since they believed it would cause ligion.” jections. Any such projection is as soon as possible, and hym- a rift between Muslims and Chris- He said the society also hoped deemed illegal. (Only songs in nals are to be made available cc Archdiocese Liturgy Commis- tians in the country. for all parties to engage in interreli- the public domain can be pro- for the faithful to purchase at sion It had also included the hashtag gious cooperation to address issues jected.) the respective parishes. April 26, 2021 “#RebusUmatIslam” or #Boilthe- that could result in potential conflict Muslims. through peaceful dialogue. —FMT

Diocese of Malacca Johore MJD News Update #37 Greetings and Peace of the Lord Jesus The Master told him: Ten years. lupe, Krubong, had their Masses cancelled evocative imagery, appealing not only to Christ be with you, dear People of God. Something to ponder: Chuang Tzu wrote for two weeks. Fr Patrick Tyoh was diag- the mind, but just as importantly, to the It is great to be back after a two-week these words: nosed COVID positive and is quarantined spirit. break. My thanks to Msgr Michael “It is not about working harder, but rath- in Serdang as required by KKM. The call was not to see ourselves as cru- Mannayagam for continuing the F12 in my er about stepping back and gently focus- The masks, the sanitisation and the saders storming a secular citadel, as serfs absence. The Easter season gives us hope ing. distancing are the safest ways available. overseen by feudal lords or as spiritual that God is with us in our boat, which is Stop trying so hard and instead allow Many are still waiting for vaccination. Yet tourists making quick stops at churches. struggling with threatening winds and things to happen unto you. we have reports of slow rollout of vaccines We are more, we are ‘People of God’. waves. His words are: “Peace be with you. When an archer is shooting for nothing, and reports of allergic reactions to the vac- We are PILGRIMS; a people on the Do not be afraid. It is I”. he has all his skill. cines. way, people in movement, people of the Authorities are expecting a fourth wave If he shoots for a brass buckle, he is al- 2.2 Mission schools continue to be part Way like the first followers of Jesus. We of the COVID-19 pandemic if the daily ready nervous. of the nation’s history. They were largely are not a perfect society. We are unfin- number of new cases does not decrease. If he shoots for a prize of gold, he goes multiracial and were neutral platforms for ished, still imperfect. We live as finite be- India is registering the world’s highest blind or sees two targets – all races to meet and interact. They were ings within a divine mystery. daily number of new cases while grappling He is out of his mind! the seedbed of Malaysian leaders, profes- Two other biblical images for us: with a shortage of oxygen supply. His skill has not changed. But the prize sionals and proud civic-minded citizens, First, we hold the treasure of the Gospel The Mufti of Penang, when comment- divides him. with no room for racism or religious big- in clay jars (2 Cor.4:7); ing on the recent re-surfacing of Majlis He cares. He thinks more of winning otry. Second, we, in this life, we have no fin- Agama Islam Selangor’s (MAIS) Pende- than of shooting — ished vision; we see only glimpses in a dahan Agenda Kristian, called for finding And the need to win drains him of pow- 2.3 Coming up next is the Feast of St Jo- mirror dimly (1 Cor.13:12). common ground not differences; ensuring er. seph, the Worker. Praise God for the work This reminds us that faith is not vision. no hurtful statements when touching on Austen Ivereigh talks of Pope Francis’ of your hands, for co-creating with Him, (The Way Jan.2021: A Pilgrim People other religions in a multicultural society. way of teaching, ie having the eyes of the the Creator. Let us with God and St Joseph p.69-77) The land lease for Convent Bukit disciple and the Good Shepherd, not mere- work to make this world a better place. A Thank you for reading. Let us continue Nanas’s has been extended for another 60 ly See-Judge-Act but to Contemplate-Dis- blessed feastday of St Joseph to Plentong, to build God’s Kingdom together. Let us years. cern-Propose what we see. Bukit Batu, Genuang, Sagil, Pulau Ga- journey together discovering who we are, The violence in Myanmar continues Pope Francis appeals to us to be like the dong and Tg Kling. what we are and what awaits us. May God unabated. early Church — poor, missionary, humble, 2.4 An update: CMCO for Johor and bless us and may we bless God for what grace-dependent, witnessing to Christ not RMCO for Melaka has been extended till we behold. Take care. There’s a great week 1.0 Thought for the Week: TRYING as an idea but as an experience of encoun- May 17. ahead of us. TOO HARD or LETTING THINGS ter; a kind of peace-making. HAPPEN? Is this what is meant by the words of the 3.0 This Week’s Questions & Queries A Student asked his Master: How long will Psalmist “Be still and Know”? The Q asks: Images? Concepts? Do they it take me to learn enlightenment? affect us, Catholics and others? Bishop Bernard Paul The Master replied: Five years. 2.0 Announcements for this Week: The Vatican Council Fathers moved April 30, 2021 Then the Student enquired: What if I try 2.1 Recently the two parishes of St away from the orthodox and the abstract. real hard? Mary’s, Air Salak and Our Lady of Guada- They invited us to view the Church with Click here to watch the video 4 Home HERALD May 2, 2021 Putting faith into action: a call to bear witness KUALA LUMPUR: “Much of the negative speakers and participants who had shared attitude among Malaysians today can be during the panel exchange had actually been understood through the ‘broken windows’ ‘doing theology’ in daily life through their effect – where the sense that no one cares faith reflections and responses. perpetuates further indifference and negativ- These two poles, of faith and tradition and ity. This is visible when looking at the so- life experiences, are vital in living out our cial condition and facilities around low-cost Christian life – while faith gives roots, hu- housing.” man experiences challenge our faith to grow Raymund Jagan, in his intervention during in understanding and action. He linked this the Pastoral Spiral session, gave a compre- to the vision of Pope Francis for a mission- hensive overview of the various social issues ary, merciful and synodal Church – where affecting children, youth, families and the all are called, by virtue of their baptism, to poor, and talked about their root causes and animate every space, every activity, every challenges across diverse age groups within human relation according to the spirit of the Malaysian society. He was the first speaker Gospel. at the Pastoral Spiral session organised on- Following the Pastoral Spiral talk, Cari- line by Caritas Malaysia on Saturday, April tas Malaysia, with the help of the resource 24, 2021. Raymund is an accredited coun- persons, is ready to support small groups of sellor and lecturer in the Diploma in Social people who wish to journey together in prac- Work course at Methodist College, Kuala movement, accompanied Young Christian She began as a university Catholic student ticing the See-Judge-Act in their daily lives Lumpur, and used to work with the Welfare Workers movement, and organised squatter leader responding to the Church’s call to so- in a structured manner. To participate in the Service Department for 30 years. communities. He has been running a shelter cial justice. She shared her research findings small groups or the CD course, contact ad- The next speaker, Alex Arokiam, in- for homeless men living with HIV/AIDS in on marginalised children and single mothers [email protected]. troduced the 45 participants from Sabah, Batu Arang for many years. He emphasised from the micro to the macro view and ex- Sarawak, Semenanjung and Brunei, to the the importance of finding out the real- an plained how they created a network to advo- Caritas Malaysia is the official arm of the See-Judge-Act methodology developed by swers and not giving imaginative ones. He cate for the needs of these mothers. Veronica Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia Cardinal Joseph Cardijn. He explained how, shared how he applied the See-Judge-Act shared about her personal faith journey in (CBCM) and its goal is to promote the social through everyday contacts in one’s ‘milieu’ method and responded to a truant student serving the poor. mission of the Malaysian Church. It consists or world of life and work we can enter into and a father who gambled, and stressed the After an active and refreshing panel dis- of the nine diocesan offices and the national the lives of people, create awareness and life-giving outcomes of his actions. cussion, the overall synthesis was presented office. Caritas promotes the social mission of journey with them. Then Veronica Retnam, a PhD candidate by Charles Bertille, executive secretary to the Church through its works of charity and Alex has worked as an organiser and train- who is currently conducting research on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference and Cari- relief, integral human development, care for er for the National Young Christian Students community kindergarten initiatives spoke. tas Malaysia. He reflected on how all the creation, advocacy and social services. Caritas Malaysia is organising a six-month The invisible hands of Christ Community Development Course This is a sharing from one of the participants KUALA LUMPUR: Caritas Malaysia is or- of the Pastoral Spiral session organised by ganising a six-month online Community De- Caritas Malaysia on April 24, 2021 velopment (CD) course to build the capacity went from a lukewarm listener to an enthu- of staff, volunteers, parish coordinators and “Isiastic participant, and after three hours, I local community leaders in Integral Human was converted.” Development work. The practice of commu- That was one of the reasons that prompted me nity-based development is gaining traction to write this. Prior to this session, Caritas to me globally as it engages the people to partici- was just one of the many church-based organisa- pate, share their gifts and resources, as well tions that oversee the Catholic teachings of the as take responsibility for the improvement of Church. their lives and communities. However, that took a 180-degree turn after The CD course is designed as a hands-on attending a community development course on programme to build the capacity of Caritas Pastoral Spiral, see-judge-act by Caritas Ma- heads, staff, volunteers, centres, parish co- laysia. There were three speakers and the topics ordinators, and local community leaders. were equally interesting but it was the first topic It draws its inspiration from the work done that struck me the most, an overview of social by Caritas in various countries in the region problems in Malaysia. as well the FABC documents calling for ‘a Broken homes, broken hearts and the disin- new way of being Church in Asia’, one that tegration of family values are the fruits of most is participatory, prophetic, communitarian social problems and I was a witness to it. and dialoguing. It will be a series of 12 work- Depression is an illness that needs to be looked shops over 6 months on Saturday mornings into. Most depressed people are outwardly hap- (9.00AM to 12.30PM) with inputs, group py. Why? Because they are so good at hiding discussions, case studies, presentation by the signs. And most of the time we fail to see practitioners, self-reflection, etc. The next in these signs even within our own family circles. the series of workshops will be a deepening Even if we did, we usually take the tough-love on the spirituality and social mission of the approach, hoping that it will bring positive be- Church as well as an introduction to com- havioural change! Wrong move. munity based development. It is a maiden at- When God leads He will deliver. Having at- tempt by Caritas Malaysia and offers the op- tended the Pastoral Spiral course, I learnt that portunity of a shared learning experience for on some of the issues faced by local com- in applying their faith to community devel- there are three things to consider, the see-judge- all dioceses and the national office. munities opment approaches, building a network of act method. This is a method that helps us to The overall objectives of the CD course are l provide opportunities to meet, engage, practitioners across the dioceses and with stop, stand back and reflect before we jump in to: and network with practitioners from vari- partners, leading to new or improved local and take action. A method that I wish I had taken l foster the integration of one’s faith, cath- ous organisations and backgrounds initiatives as a result of the training. At the when dealing with a depressed person before. olic social teaching (CST) and the Church’s l establish a common ground as Caritas same time, Caritas wishes to keep a balance Having shared this, I hope to be a witness to mission Malaysia for integral and sustainable de- between the theories, knowledge and skills of God’s Love, a beacon of light and hope to the l provide basic theories, knowledge, tools velopment the practitioner with the spirit of journeying, people around me and be the invisible hands and skills in CD work The outcome hoped for is greater confi- the essence of discerning, and being present of Christ on earth. Thank you. — By Juliana l generate more in-depth understanding dence and motivation among all participants to the wisdom of the people. Kimin, Diocese of Sandakan HERALD May 2, 2021 Home 5 Kuching bishops get vaccinated KUCHING: Archbishop Simon Poh of the Archdiocese of Kuch- ing, expressed his experience and reason on why he registered for the COVID-19 vaccine as early as February 2021 in a press state- ment released April 24. “According to the guidelines is- sued by the Malaysian Bishops’ Conference on February 4, 2021, the Catholic position is that vac- cination is a moral good and the moral principle with regards to vaccinations is that it “depends not only on the duty to protect one’s own health, but also on the duty to pursue the common good.” Archbishop Simon Poh (left) with Anglican Bishop Danald Jute, after Archbishop Simon Poh receiving his vaccine. receiving their vaccinations. “Each person is to make the de- cision freely, according to one’s in our community. Everyone can and the medical personnel who drinking plenty of fluids and - be ing points of contact, and reduc- conscience. A humanitarian prin- make a difference. Each vaccina- were on hand to assist everyone ing attentive to my body’s needs ing social circles and unnecessary ciple is to make your decision tion contributes to the common present. Thank you for your gen- are good ways to monitor and help trips,” he pointed out. with an outward viewpoint by good as expressed in the placard tleness and the friendliness that I ensure a healthier lifestyle during Archbishop Emeritus Peter considering the good of others and Lindung Diri, Lindung Semua,” experienced and witnessed on my these pandemic days.” Chung, of the Roman Catholic not thinking of self-preservation he added. vaccination day.” The Archbishop cautioned Archdiocese of Kuching. and only which is inward looking. By Archbishop Simon Poh ar- Anglican Bishop Danald Jute against being complacent as the Archbishop Emeritus John Ha making the decision to be vacci- rived at Stadium Perpaduan, Petra received his first dose of the vac- vaccinations are being rolled out were also vaccinated on the same nated, one is ultimately making a Jaya on April 23 well before his cine together with Archbishop in stages, especially with Sarawak day. choice to protect others around the 11.00am appointment. “I arrived Poh and they then took a solidari- recording three digit infections. According to the statement from person–family, colleagues, friends early and waited in line to get to ty photo together. Archbishop Poh Irrespective of having been vac- the Sarawak Disaster Manage- and the larger society,” he said. the registration counters as there then headed back to his office. cinated or not, “each person can ment Committee (SDMC), the to- “Thus, when 70 per cent of the were many people there. On the “I was able to work comfortably still help to contain COVID-19 tal number of clusters that are still population has been immunised, whole it was a smooth process.” over the weekend, save for a little infections by following the SOPs, active within the 21 red zones in we will achieve herd immunity He expressed “respect to RELA, soreness on the needle spot which keeping the one-metre social dis- Sarawak, stands at 56. — By Ivy and help overcome COVID-19 the admission and ushering teams, did not impede me. On the whole, tancing, wearing a mask, minimis- Chai, Today’s Catholic Lawyers urge authorities to Blessed Sacrament Church to start Sunday School Online lessons investigate allegations KUCHING — After one year of JOHOR BAHRU: The Malacca lims in this country in any man- suspended Sunday School activities Johore Dicoese Catholic Lawyers ner whatsoever. On the contrary, because of the COVID-19 pandem- Guild (MJDCLG) has urged the what was highlighted was that the ic, the Bible and Faith Formation authorities to take swift and firm perception that the rights of non Committee (BFFC) of the Blessed actions against the individuals Muslims were continually being Sacrament Parish has announced who posted incendiary and sedi- curtailed. they will commence Sunday School tious words which could cause The words by the said Facebook online lessons in mid-June 2021. tension between the Muslims and user have the tendency to create Online lessons for students of all Christians in Malaysia. animosity, unrest and ill feeling levels will begin on 13 June, after In a statement released on April between the peoples of these two the Gawai Dayak festival. 28, it noted with extreme concern religious communities and upset Parents who are interested in the recent posting on Facebook by the racial and religious harmony registering their children for the a user known as “Hud-Hud Crew” which has been well maintained catechism classes are requested to containing the following hugely hitherto and which is the corner- obtain registration forms from the Completed online registration the Parish office, they must be re- incendiary and seditious words: stone of peace and stability in this Church main entrance and the Par- forms/physical forms must be sub- turned to the box outside the of- Rahsia Besar-Rakaman Peran- country. ish Office, or online: https://forms. mitted on or before May 30, 2021. fice, during office hours. — By Ivy cangan 25 Tahun Archbishop Ka- It is in this light that the Malac- gle/BQxaxVxbaRG253DN8 For physical forms obtained from Chai, Today’s Catholic tolik Kuala Lumpur Untuk Rebus ca Johor Diocese Catholic Law- Orang Islam Seperti Merebus Ka- yers Guild calls upon the authori- tak. ties to take swift and firm action to Easter Fest by Church of the Sacred Heart Accompanying the highly of- investigate the individual behind KUALA LUMPUR: On April 10, faced during this time, this Easter Bro Gabriel strumming the ukulele fensive words was part of an this Facebook page and to take the the Church of the Sacred Heart or- Fest – with a lineup of ‘home-grown’ while belting out a number in the audio recording ascribed to His necessary and appropriate action ganised a virtual Easter Fest. This talents – was a welcome change. And four different languages – English, Grace Archbishop Julian Leow. A under the available laws such as beautiful joint effort of parishioners with front-row seats, how can one Bahasa Melayu, Mandarin and Ta- cursory listening to this audio will the Penal Code, the Communica- from the different communities and not be in awe of the talent and effort mil, to Easter greetings by Emeritus clearly reveal that there is no call tions Multimedia Act and/or the BECs was a tribute to how the Lord, that was invested into this production Archbishop Murphy Pakiam and Fr to undermine the rights of Mus- Sedition Act. through this pandemic, has taught us to make it a complete success. Simon Lau, the emotional connec- the true meaning of resilience and After parish priest Fr Edwin Pe- tion was intense. perseverance. ter gave a prelude, the curtain then As parishioners shared videos and Police report lodged against With the many challenges, nega- rose, unveiling the many talents of pictures of new found passion and tive consequences, and uncertainties the parish. From resident seminarian skills, it was obvious that this pan- FB user for malicious demic was a time to connect and re- connect with God, friends and fami- ly. Through singing, dancing, acting, content on archbishop playing of musical instruments, shar- KUALA LUMPUR: A CIVIL so- North-South Initiative (NSI) ing of hobbies, and collaboration of ciety group lodged a report Apr executive director Adrian Pereira ideas, the 2021 Virtual Easter Fest 29 urging police to bring to book said the contents on the Hud Hud was indeed a time of communication the owner of a Facebook account Crew Facebook page were sedi- through bonding, and was the perfect called Hud Hud Crew for upload- tious, defamatory and a factual platform to bare the fruits of one’s ing a “malicious” video that al- misrepresentation intended to cre- labour. leged Catholic Archbishop Julian ate tension between the races, If you missed the screening of Leow had wanted to cause dis- especially Christians and Mus- Easter Fest 2021, do tune in to harmony between Christians and lims. — By Noel Achariam, The https://youtu.be/C8DzPq1zh8U — Muslims. Malaysian Insight A play by the Altar Servers of Sacred Heart of Jesus. By Ann Marie Louis 6 Asia HERALD May 2, 2021 Former Sri Lankan cabinet minister arrested for alleged links to Easter 2019 anti-Christian terror attacks DENVER: Two years after bomb- advocate for further investigations brother Riyaj was arrested in May ings in Sri Lanka killed hundreds at into the bombings. Some critics of 2020 for his alleged contacts with several churches and hotels on East- the government’s investigation fear suicide bombers, and was released er Sunday, police arrested a former that corruption or negligence has on bail in October. cabinet minister and his brother for prevented the prosecutions of col- In September 2020, a police alleged links to the bombings. Their laborators. spokesman told journalists that Ri- attorney claimed the arrests were On Apr 24, Rishad Bathiudeen yaj Bathiudeen had met with one politically motivated. posted to Facebook that police were of the suicide bombers before one Rishad Bathiudeen, who leads an present outside his house since the of the attacks on a hotel, and that opposition party in the Sri Lankan early morning and were “attempt- he had been accused of other acts Parliament and formerly served in ing to arrest me without a charge.” of collaboration with the bombers. the cabinet, and his brother Reyaj, “They have already arrested my Several other suspects were arrested were arrested in Colombo April 24 brother. I have been in Parliament but were eventually released on the for allegedly “aiding and abetting and have cooperated with all law- stated grounds of lack of evidence. the suicide bombers who commit- ful authorities until now. This is un- At that time, Cardinal Ranjith ted the Easter Sunday carnage,” just,” he said. said security officials had -con police spokesman Ajith Rohana His attorney, Rushdie Habeeb, firmed to him that there was suffi- said. The brothers had not yet been said the arrests were politically cient evidence against many of the officially charged, but Rohana said motivated. Habeeb said the arrests bombing suspects who had been there was direct evidence, circum- aimed to “punish the political lead- arrested. The cardinal, along with stantial evidence, and “scientific” Catholics mark the second anniversary of the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings ership of the Muslims, which had friends and family of the victims, evidence for their involvement in in Sri Lanka that killed more than 260 people. (CNA photo/Ruwan Walpola) nothing to do with (April 21), for expressed concern that the release the attacks. most simultaneously. The church Foreign intelligence warned the the dastardly acts of some Muslim of the suspects signalled corruption “They were arrested after scru- bombings occurred in the middle of government ahead of the bombings, youths who were widely alleged as or a lack of a thorough investigation tiny of bank accounts, check trans- Easter Sunday services. The bomb- but a power struggle and a com- having been used as pawns by for- on the part of the Sri Lankan Crimi- actions and communication lines,” ings killed more than 260 people munication breakdown between the eign powers.” nal Investigation Department. Rohana said. and injured more than 500. then-president and prime minister Bathiudeen served as the coun- Rishad Bathiudeen was previous- On April 21, 2019, nine suicide Two Sri Lankan groups who reportedly led to a failure to coordi- try’s Minister of Industry and Com- ly arrested in October for alleged bombers targeted two Catholic pledged allegiance to the Islamic nate a security response. merce, and now leads a minor- misappropriation of state resources, churches, a Protestant church, four State group have been blamed for Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith of ity Muslim party that is part of the and was released on bail in Novem- hotels and a housing complex al- the attacks. Columbo has been an outspoken main opposition political party. His ber. — CNA Celebrating Indian priest’s 84th birthday in jail TRICHY: Christian leaders and “We are with you, dear Father,” after postponing its judgment sev- am said. civil rights groups have repeated said Irudaya in a trembling voice. eral times. He was also denied bail Fr Cedric Prakash, a Jesuit hu- their demand for the release of “We will continue to pray for you.” on health grounds. man rights activist based in Guja- jailed Indian Jesuit priest Stan Other family members and pa- All 16 people arrested in the rat state, said Fr Swamy’s life is Swamy to mark his 84th birthday rishioners also promised prayers case are human rights activists and a gift “to so many people every- and 200th day in jail on April 26. and urged the government to re- have been charged under the strin- where, particularly the poor and Jesuits from across the globe lease him so that he can get better gent non-bailable clauses of the the excluded, the Adivasis and joined an online birthday cel- care at his advanced age. Unlawful Activities Prevention Dalits, to the country, the Church ebration on April 25, praying for Civil rights groups pasted post- Act (UAPA). and the Society of Jesus.” Fr Swamy’s health and long life. ers across all major cities in Tamil Rights groups say the charges Fr Swamy “taught us the true They also cut a cake to express Nadu demanding the immediate are trumped up as those detained meaning of solidarity and what it their love and solidarity with him. release of the priest and 15 others have angered the government. The means to sincerely walk the talk,” The priest, who suffers from detained with him. arrested people have criticised the said Fr Prakash in a note circulated age-related illnesses including “Yes, this is the first time that we policies and programs of the fed- online. Parkinson’s disease, was jailed on see a priest’s birthday is celebrated eral government run by the pro- The jailed priest’s life is also an Oct 9 last year, a day after he was across the country and especially Fr Stan Swammy SJ Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party at example of how “to meaningfully arrested on charges of sedition and in Tamil Nadu,” said Fr A. San- Koregaon village in Maharashtra some point, they point out. empower the exploited and the links with outlawed Maoist rebels. thanam, a Jesuit colleague of Fa- on Jan 1, 2018. The violence led “It is true Fr Swamy is in prison, excluded … to accompany them Irudaya Swamy, his elder broth- ther Swamy based in Madurai. to one person dying and 20 being but his gift of life is being cel- visibly and vocally, with prophetic er, joined other family members Besides sedition and Maoist injured. ebrated among Jesuits across the courage, through difficulties and and parishioners of his home par- links, Fr Swamy and others are A special court of the federal world, especially in India and by hostilities, for a more just and hu- ish, Viragalur in Trichy Diocese in accused of conspiring to organ- anti-terror National Investigation people who benefited from his mane society.” — By Saji Thom- Tamil Nadu state. ise a violent incident in Bhima Agency has denied the priest bail work among others,” Fr Santhan- as, ucanews.com Jailed Indian Jesuit moves high court seeking bail BOMBAY: An elderly Indian Jes- tion and links to a banned Maoist On April 26, Fr Swamy’s about his health in the overcrowd- spired to create unrest in the coun- uit priest has approached Bombay group. friends and confreres observed his ed prison. try and to challenge the federal High Court seeking his release on “He has been in prison for over 84th birthday online with special Fr Swamy first applied for bail government run by the pro-Hindu bail a month after a special court 200 days. He approached the spe- programs that included prayers for on grounds of health and ad- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). twice turned down his bail plea. cial court twice seeking his release his release, birthday songs in sev- vanced age but was turned down Fr Swamy is among 16 rights Fr Stan Swamy’s legal team on on bail, but unfortunately his de- eral languages and cutting a cake. by the special court on Oct 26. activists accused of similar charg- April 26 filed a bail application mand was rejected after the probe Fr Santhanam said Fr Swamy The priest applied to the same es linking all of them with 2018 in the high court of Maharashtra agency opposed it,” said Fr San- is “positive and hopeful” of a fa- court on Nov 26 for regular bail, violence in Bhima Koregaon vil- state in western India, said Fr A thanam April 29. vourable order from the state’s top but again the court rejected it on lage in Maharashtra state. Santhanam, a Jesuit who is moni- He said it was “quite unfortu- court, which in February released March 22 after postponing its ver- All the accused are leading toring the case. nate” that the special court did another accused in the same case dict several times. rights activists who have at some The latest move comes a month not even consider the priest’s ad- on health grounds. The NIA arrested Fr Swamy at time questioned the policies and after a special court of the Nation- vanced age or his age-related ail- According to his information, Fr his residence on the outskirts of programmes of the government al Investigation Agency (NIA), ments including Parkinson’s dis- Swamy is not vaccinated against Ranchi, capital of Jharkhand state under the leadership of Prime the federal anti-terror agency, de- ease. COVID-19. in eastern India, maintaining that Minister Narendra Modi. nied the priest bail for a second “The bail application is moved As India is in the midst of the they had prima facie evidence to Fr Swamy worked among tribal time on March 22. challenging the trial court order second wave of a COVID-19 out- charge him. people in Jharkhand for more than Fr Swamy was jailed on Oct 9 and also on the basis of his dete- break that is claiming thousands The NIA argued in the special five decades, leading their -strug last year, a day after the NIA ar- riorating health conditions,” said of lives daily, Jesuits and rights court that Fr Swamy and members gle for basic human rights. — By rested him on charges of sedi- Fr Santhanam. groups have expressed concern of a banned Maoist group con- Saji Thomas, ucanews.com HERALD May 2, 2021 World 7 Jesuits address migrants’ psychological needs on US-Mexico border Migrants arriving in Ciudad Juárez confronting migrants, Sajquim said, with the hopes of entering the US in recent years have remained stuck started prior to the inauguration of quickly due to the change of govern- in the Mexican border city, unable President Joe Biden in January, but ment in January. to claim asylum in the United States it has continued under his adminis- “Although it seems things have and vulnerable to crimes such as tration. changed, what’s seen is a more kidnapping, robbery and extortion. “People really became desperate,” positive image,” she said. “In real- During the administration of for- Sajquim said. “There were people ity, practices have not changed all mer President Donald Trump, the who were in Ciudad Juárez for two that much. People continue to be ex- categories for claiming asylum were years and were having many emo- pelled to Mexico.” reduced. Many asylum seekers were tional problems due to the situation.” Sajquim said migrants are still forced to wait in Mexico as their cas- Jesuit Refugee Service has started expelled into Ciudad Juárez. Some- es were heard in US courts. And with a programme for such migrants and times, she said, US officials fly -mi the pandemic, people were turned asylum seekers in Ciudad Juárez. grants from other parts of the border back immediately or expelled. The programme — “Caminar Con- to neighbouring El Paso, Texas, then All of these difficulties caused tigo” or Walk With You — aims to A young migrant waits for his turn to take a shower at the Donna Department release them into Ciudad Juárez. distress, say activists working with provide psychological support as of Homeland Security holding facility, the main detention center for With the new initiative to address migrants. rules for seeking asylum remain un- unaccompanied children in the Rio Grande Valley in Donna, Texas, on March migrants’ psychological needs, Sa- “There were people who had been certain. 30. (UCA News photo) jquim said she tries to establish con- in Ciudad Juárez for two years and “The issues at the border of the walking with them, recognising their arrive at the U.S.-Mexico border in tact with them. were having many emotional prob- United States and Mexico have of- inherent dignity and showing them ever-increasing numbers, fleeing “I speak with them,” Sajquim lems due to this situation,” said Ma- ten left thousands of people, name- our solidarity and support,” Patricia poverty, violence and the disastrous said. “It’s not sufficient (time) but ría Sajquim de Torres of Jesuit Refu- less and faceless, in the headlines of Hernández Lopez, JRS Mexico di- impact of twin hurricanes battering the idea is to enter into contact with gee Services. our papers, but they are our brothers rector, said in an April 21 statement. Central America. them and give them some relief.” — The tough psychological situation and sisters, and we are committed to The initiative comes as migrants Sajquim said many are arriving By David Agren, CNS Ignatian family issue statement of commitment Fight against COVID: to climate justice ahead of COP26 LONDON: The Ignatian family, Taipei sends aid to Delhi with its collaborators and partners, TAIPEI: Taiwan will send oxy- the same democratic ideals as comes together in this collective gen concentrators and other Taipei. In recent days, Naren- statement, “Towards COP26: Ad- medical aid to India, which is dra Modi’s government went to vocating for Climate Justice, A struggling with a dramatic surge Taiwan’s “rescue” by providing Commitment from the Ignatian in coronavirus infections, Depu- 100,000 doses of an Indian vac- Family”, to change and for change, ty Foreign Minister Miguel Tsao cine to Paraguay. The purchase an awakening at a time of massive said April 28 to the members of will take place with Taiwanese global challenges that upended all the national parliament. financial support. spheres of human life and activities. The government exponent Taipei and Asunción authori- The world stood still as the virus stressed that the first cargo will ties say China has offered its spread, and had to work together to good governance, with economy and of the different concerns and calls for be delivered by air by the end vaccine to the South American respond. The climate crisis is like- human development, food insecu- action. of the week; others will follow, country in exchange for diplo- wise spreading as the planet warms, rity, health safety, biodiversity loss All these phases and dimensions with Taipei expressing its will- matic recognition: Paraguayans and COP26 in November seeks and protection, disaster risk reduc- are faced in COP26 and we all need ingness to make a long-term have formal relations with Tai- commitments from all nations and tion, and human rights for all, among to find ways to highlight these and commitment to help Indians deal pei, but not with Beijing, which peoples to act and avert the Earth's many others. put strong support behind our politi- with the health emergency. India considers the island a “rebel- deterioration, resonating with the All these elements have a role as cal institutions for a commitment to has exceeded 200 thousand vic- lious” province. theme for Earth Day 2021: Restore we are all asked to work together the Paris Agreement. tims; for days, it has recorded China has also offered aid to our earth. towards common but differentiated Our commitment is a covenant. 350,000 daily infections, mak- India. On April 27, the Chinese Thus, this is a crucial time for a responses. The calls for change and Even if politicians and business peo- ing it the country with the most Foreign Ministry said the gov- commitment by which we need to action cut across all our ministries ple give up, we do not give up. We difficulty in containing the pan- ernment is working with do- stay engaged in all discussions by and there is a great willingness from always seek to uphold the voices demic at present. mestic manufacturers to provide integrating the different concerns those who have been working on cli- of the poor, allow the youth have a In his speech, Tsao empha- health supplies to Delhi. Support that reflect the same issues. There are mate action and climate justice. We future, and ensure the inclusion and sised the island’s good rela- was also promised by the USA, those who signed this document and need to expand this awakened will- leadership of Indigenous Peoples — tions with Delhi, considered an Pakistan, Israel, France and Ger- are dealing with migration, with the ingness to commit by strengthening all for the care of our common home. important partner that shares many. — AsiaNews raw poverty from the margins, with and supporting the “integratedness” — ICN Indonesian priest builds faith by examining atheism JAKARTA: Fr Simon Petrus Lili a Catholic priest studies atheism as he ous challenge in writing his disserta- present the certificate] as I was also Tjahjadi, a 57-year-old lecturer at Ja- usually talks about belief in God,” he tion. asked to speak about bushido for his karta’s Driyarkara School of Philoso- said with a smile. “It was only how I should have programme on the social media plat- phy, has been recognised as the first Fr Simon began studying the doc- good argumentation with the Ger- form,” he said. Catholic priest in Indonesia to earn a toral programme at the University of mans’ way of thinking because I The word “bushido” comes from doctorate in philosophy with a disser- Johann Wolfgang Goethe in Frank- studied there. It would be easier if the Japanese roots “bushi,” meaning tation on modern atheism. furt, Germany, in 2000, three years you speak in your own language. The “warrior,” and “do,” meaning “path.” The recognition came from the after he earned a master’s degree in rest was just fine,” said the priest, who Bushido is a code of conduct that Indonesian Museum of Records, lo- German philosophy from a university served in a parish in Germany for one emerged in Japan from the Samurai cally known as MURI, in the form in Munich, and finished it in 2004. year after completing the doctoral warrior caste who spread their ideals of a special certificate presented to “There was a projection of the need programme. through society. the Chinese-Indonesian priest, a for- for a lecturer of divine philosophy at It took about 16 years for Fr Si- “I also studied Japanese philoso- mer rector of the school, by MURI that time. I was asked to choose and mon to receive recognition from the phy, and bushido is Japanese philoso- Father Simon Petrus Lili Tjahjadi founder Jaya Suprana in November — after thinking about it — I decided MURI. phy. I am also the only Catholic priest holds a certificate from the last year. to take the chance as it suited my in- “I actually know the MURI found- in Indonesia who practices kendo, a Indonesian Museum of Records in recognition of him becoming the first “First, this is my competence and terest in divine philosophy. And the er very well. He knew that I studied modern Japanese martial art. If you Catholic Indonesian priest to earn what I have learned. Second, this is theme of atheism is part of it,” he said. the doctoral programme in Germany. want to study philosophy — like it a doctorate with a dissertation on what the MURI always looks for, Born on June 13, 1963, and or- If you see his YouTube channel, he or not — you should learn various modern atheism. (UCA News Photo/ which is the first for everything. The dained a diocesan priest on Aug 18, talked with me about atheism before. themes,” he said. — By Katharina Katharina R. Lestari) MURI might think that it is weird that 1992, Fr Simon did not face any seri- November last year was chosen [to R. Lestari, ucanews.com 8 World HERALD May 2, 2021 How churches can respond to the COVID-19 mental health crisis WASHINGTON: With concerns that vealed that one in four young adults less and hopeless, that’s in the equa- suicide rates are rising in communi- had contemplated suicide in the pre- tion for suicide,” she said. ties of colour during the pandemic, vious month, from data collected in Hudson said her group is work- Catholic mental health workers say late June 2020. ing on partnerships with churches to the Church can play a key role in re- Recent data from the CDC shows reach more people. sponse. that the overall suicide rate actually “We know that it takes one to elev- Claire Shynett, coordinator of the declined during 2020. According to en years before a person will seek Houston chapter of the Association data from the National Vital Statis- professional help, so we’re hoping of Catholic Mental Health Ministers, tics System, suicide deaths declined these partnerships with churches will said in an interview that churches are by 5.6 per cent in the United States help us not only identify people who critical to reaching people struggling from 2019 to 2020. need help, but start the journey ear- with mental illness who have not yet However, some experts warn lier,” Hudson said. sought treatment. that suicides might have increased Shynett said that there can be a Shynett noted that “in most com- among people of colour, according sense of stigma about seeking men- munities of colour, the Church is the to data from preliminary studies. tal health treatment, and so her group central focus.” According to the New York Times, is “starting with stigma” in trying to “So if we start working with peo- preliminary studies of local data in increase its reach in communities. ple through the church, we can help states such as Illinois, Maryland, and Churches are critical to reaching people struggling with mental illness who Deacon Ed Shoener, a founding educate more people on what’s hap- Connecticut shows a rise in suicides have not yet sought treatment. (CNA photo/Studio4dich) member of the Association of Catho- pening” with their mental health, “among Black Americans and other ited data. of Greater Huston, said “there’s been lic Mental Health Ministers, lost his Shynett said. people of colour when compared Nevertheless, Catholics working a lot of grief,” in these communities daughter Katie to suicide in 2016. During 2020, some expressed with previous years.” in mental health ministry or advo- due to job loss and isolation during He said that Katie’s death and its concern that the overall suicide The report noted that the full cacy say that more work must be the pandemic, and in response to so- aftermath showed him that “there’s a rate would increase during the breakdown of federal data, detail- done to better serve communities of cial injustice. real longing for the church to enter COVID-19 pandemic, due to anxi- ing the race and ethnicity of those colour and connect people with the In Houston, she said, there is still in more deeply” and provide “a more ety about the virus and the lifestyle who died from suicide last year, is treatment they need. lingering displacement more than understanding presence” to support changes caused by public health re- not yet available; the report further Angelina Hudson, vice president three years after Hurricane Harvey those with mental illness, and their strictions. A report from the US Cen- cautioned that generalisations about of partnerships and programs for the ravaged the city. “And if you get to caregivers. — By Kate Scanlon, tres for Disease Control (CDC) re- trends should not be made with lim- National Alliance on Mental Illness the point where you’re feeling help- CNA Providence diocese relaxes Vatican accused of restrictions at liturgies investing in companies WASHINGTON:. The Diocese of making ‘morning-after pill’ Providence is transitioning towards “normal liturgical practices” fol- ROME: An Italian investigative According to an investigation by lowing new public health guidelines news programme has accused the “Report,” in 2016, APSA, which from the state of Rhode Island. Vatican’s treasury of investing 20 functions as the Holy See treasury “Now that many of the restrictions million euros (around $24 million) and sovereign wealth manager and imposed on gatherings in our state in several pharmaceutical companies administers payroll and operating have been lifted, we are overjoyed to involved in making the “morning- expenses for Vatican City, invested return to a more normal liturgical ex- after pill.” 20 million euros in two Swiss phar- perience,” Fr. Jeremy Rodrigues, the The programme Report, aired on maceutical companies. diocese’s director of divine worship, the channel Rai 3, interviewed the One of these companies, Novartis, said in a statement. former auditor general of the Vati- produces and sells the “morning-af- “This also affords us the oppor- can, Libero Milone, who said that his ter pill” through its subsidiary San- tunity to reinvigorate our parishes A family prays at St Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, June 2020. (CNA office alerted superiors at the Vatican doz. and appreciate the beauty that is the photo/lev radin) to the “risky” character of the invest- In the television report, Milone ments. confirmed that Sandoz was one of Catholic Mass,” Fr Rodrigues said. breaks of COVID-19. to be distributed after the final bless- He also told the programme he the pharmaceutical companies. Re- The new diocesan protocols will “It is very encouraging to the ing. The diocese also stated that “the considered the investments a risk port claimed that Milone alerted go into effect on May 7, and are faithful that our parishes have done lay faithful should be reminded that “because they did not correspond to APSA and other Vatican superiors aimed at creating a more welcom- so well in the midst of the pandemic they may receive Holy Communion the social doctrine of the Church.” about the bad investment and the ing environment to parishioners by keeping everyone safe and healthy. either on the hand or on the tongue.” Milone was the Vatican’s first au- Novartis shares were sold “immedi- eliminating “any unnecessary social There have been zero traceable out- The use of harsh chemicals on the ditor general, appointed in 2015 by ately.” — By Hannah Brockhaus, restrictions on the faithful.” breaks in all of our parishes,” he said. pews or the sanitisation of the church Pope Francis. CNA The diocese said that the faithful Celebrants of Mass and ministers after every Mass is no longer neces- should be encouraged to attend Mass are no longer required to wear masks sary, the diocese said. during the week and “especially” on under the new diocesan standards, Certain protocols will be kept in Man takes sledgehammer to Marian Sun-days, but it is still dispensing and altar servers and lectors are en- place by the diocese, including the Catholics from their obligation to couraged to participate at Mass once availability of hand sanitising dis- attend Mass on Sundays and Holy again - as well as extraordinary min- pensers at church vestibules, and the mural in Los Angeles archdiocese Days of Obligation. isters “if necessary.” wearing of face masks indoors for WASHINGTON: A masked man Church in Van Nuys, California. Under the new protocols, capacity The new guidelines allow for li- large gatherings — except in cases bashed a mural of Our Lady of Gua- Security camera footage report- at churches will be increased from turgical processions to and from the of individual health concerns. dalupe with a sledgehammer last ed showed a man hitting the par- 75 per cent to 80 per cent, and so- altar, and hymnals and other worship The diocese indicated that distri- week, at a parish in the Archdiocese ish’s 35-year-old mural 13 times at cial distancing will de-crease from aids can be placed in the pews. bution of the Precious Blood is sus- of Los Angeles. 1.40am on April 21, the parish said. six to three feet between families or The diocese encouraged choirs pended for the lay faithful. Parishes “The Image The parish called the desecration individuals. Pews once roped off to to begin singing again while adher- must still allow for proper ventilation of our Lady an act of sacrilege against the Bless- enforce the six-foot distancing meas- ing to social distancing standards. for increased airflow, and HVAC fil- on Cedros ed Mother. They asked for donations ures will be available for seating Churches can again fill their Holy tration when possible. Parishioners Ave has been to restore the tiles in the mural, and again. Parishes should stop requiring Water fonts and ushers may again must still avoid unnecessary crowd- severely van- announced that plexiglass casing parishioners to reserve seats at Mass, use offertory baskets. ing at the entrances of the church and dalised. This is would be installed around it for se- and “markings, tape, plexiglass, and Parishioners are now allowed to in the aisles whenever possible. one of our sad- curity. Donations for restoration or other signage related to COVID re- offer the Sign of Peace but with no The diocese allows for members dest moments for the plexiglass may be submitted strictions should be removed,” the physical contact. This should “sim- of the same household to forgo so- in addition to through the parish website. diocese directed. ply be done verbally,” the diocese cial distancing in pews but for those our pandemic “I was speechless, and it was un- Fr Rodrigues praised parishes for said. who aren’t it is still encouraged. — times ever since,” stated the parish believable,” Fr Vito Di Marzio, the acting to prevent any traceable out- Holy Communion no longer needs CNA website for St Elisabeth Catholic pastor, told KTLA5 news. — CNA HERALD May 2, 2021 World 9 New analysis shows 393 million children unable to read VATICAN: For millions of children around emergency that has been exacerbated by the the world, their educational journey continues COVID-19 pandemic. to progress as they make their way through If we are to live up to our commitments to their country’s school system. But for millions achieving the full range of SDGs and chil- of others, they can only dream about being dren’s right to education, then improving lit- able to read and write. eracy levels is a must. According to a new analysis tool, more than Being able to read is a foundational skill that 393 million children have failed to gain basic enables children to access their full curriculum literacy skills by age 10 even though world – without being able to read, their life chances leaders adopted the Sustainable Development are stunted.” Goals in 2015. Mr Watkins added that the situation is worse The “Lost Potential Tracker” tool, which for children who are living in “some of the was created by the ONE Campaign, the Global poorest and most conflict-affected countries.” Partnership for Education (GPE) and the char- He also urged governments and donors to “pri- ity Save the Children, is an interactive device oritise tackling the learning crisis in order to designed to “measure the scale of the global secure better futures for the world’s children.” learning crisis.” Findings from the Tracker show that nearly For the first time ever, education experts 6 million children turn 10 each month with- and the public can track, in real time, the ris- out having acquired the basic literacy skills for ing number of children who are unable to read their age. by the age of 10. It also makes accessible the The organisations behind the “Lost Poten- A journalist walks past a damaged school building following cross border shelling on the border stories of children affected by the global learn- tial Tracker” warn that without a commitment between India and Pakistan. (Vatican News) ing crisis. to effectively fund education for all, the world leaders. for the Global Partnership for Education re- Speaking about the new analysis tool, Kevin will not only fail to deliver on its education As part of this week’s Global Action Week plenishment conference and endorse the two Watkins, CEO Save the Children, said, “The promises by 2030, but will also risk losing out for Education, these organisations are urging global targets on girls’ education set out by the world is facing an unprecedented education on the next generation of doctors, teachers and governments to commit at least US$5 billion UK. — Vatican news Macau Church pays tribute to unborn children MACAU: The Church in Macau offered a “We, as Catholics should pray for these local media reports suggest. There is no offi- special Mass and inaugurated a monument children, these unborn babies.” cial data on unwanted pregnancies and abor- to pay tribute to unborn children who were A diocesan note published ahead of the tions in the city, but it is believed to be as denied the right to life due to abortion. programme said the Church’s programme high as in other parts of China as abortion is Bishop Stephen Lee of Macau presided for the unborn children was a spiritual and legal across the country. over “a celebration for aborted foetuses” on pastoral campaign to raise awareness of the Since the 1950s, abortion has been legal in April 24. dignity of human life. China and the government provides services During the programme, the prelate also Macau, a casino-cum-resort city, is a spe- for contraception and abortion, including in- inaugurated a monument termed as a Trib- cial administrative region of China that was duced abortion and sex-selective abortion. ute to Unborn Baby Angels at the diocesan under Portuguese rule from 1557 to 1999. Until 2015, the Chinese government strictly funeral home in Macau. Largely thanks to Portuguese rule, Catholi- enforced a one-child policy aimed to contain Fr Daniel Ribeiro, parish vicar of the Ca- cism has a strong foothold in the island city, their population, which was replaced by a thedral of Our Lady of the Nativity, said the with about 30,000 Catholics in nine parishes. two-child policy. Church celebrated unborn children because The island city is also known as a prime The one-child policy was blamed for mil- it believes in the sacredness of the lives of destination of sex trafficking. Many local lions of abortions, including high levels of everyone including aborted foetuses. and foreign women and girls end up as pros- sex-selective abortions of female fetuses in “We should have a celebratory moment titutes in Macau’s glittering brothels, busi- China that created a huge imbalanced sex- for the lives of the foetuses who were never Bishop Stephen Lee of Macau nesses and homes. ratio in the country. born as they were aborted,” said Fr Ribeiro, language Catholic weekly of Macau Dio- Consequently, Macau has a high level of In 2019, there were 120 men for every 100 reported Jornal O’Clarim, the Portuguese- cese. unwanted pregnancies leading to abortions, women. — ucanews.com Gregorian University ramps up Child Protection programme VATICAN: The Pontifical Gregorian Univer- sity’s Institute of Psychology, the Centre for formed into “The Institute of Anthropology. In- demic approach that exceeds the capacity of a sity in Rome has for many years been at the Child Protection (CCP) provides top-class terdisciplinary Studies on Human Dignity and centre,” the statement reads. forefront in providing highly specialised for- and universally-acclaimed lectures, activities, Care” (IADC) as from 1 September 2021. Thus, the academic discipline of Anthropol- mation and resources in the effort to promote seminars and courses focusing on prevention, According to a just-released press statement, ogy, with its variety of sub-disciplines, will al- and strengthen the Church’s commitment to intervention, safeguarding, care and healing of the Congregation for Catholic Education has low for growth and expansion and strengthen eradicate the sexual abuse of minors and vul- victim-survivors. approved this transformation which “will al- its capacity to promote the effective care and nerable people. In a move to further develop its commitment low the Centre to expand its scope, to award protection of every person – primarily children, Founded in 2012 as part of the Univer- and broaden its reach, the CCP is to be trans- academic degrees, and to develop its own aca- who are the most vulnerable. demic faculty.” “Contemporary anthropological inquiry” The statement notes that the IADC will con- the statement continues, “requires an interdis- tinue and expand on the CCP’s current contri- ciplinary and intercultural approach. A conse- bution to the academic community, focusing quence of an interdisciplinary approach is the specifically on Interdisciplinary Studies on Hu- exponential aggregation of knowledge derived man Dignity and Care. from individual sciences and their consequent From the beginning, the CCP has had an ap- specialisation which thus fosters a multidimen- proach based on a collective, philosophical, sional scientific exploration of human dignity.” theological, and psychological theoretical pro- In a message, the Rector of the University, posal for the integration of the anthropological Fr Nuno da Silva Gonçalves SJ, noted that perspectives. Through the years it developed, “With this decision, our University reiterates broadening its learning programme, including and intensifies its commitment to the work of new discussions and widening its focus within protecting minors and vulnerable people and the broader concept of human dignity. supporting safe environments which promote “Growing demand for CCP programmes and respect for human dignity. At the same time, requests for its involvement in local and inter- this conversion will deepen the interdiscipli- national academic and formative events attest nary dimension of education and research, to the fact that the CCP has become a leading recognised by all as fundamental to addressing authority in its area of expertise. This recogni- issues surrounding abuse and its prevention.” Pontifical Gregorian University. tion requires a different institutional and aca- — By Linda Bordoni, Vatican News 10 Editorial HERALD May 2, 2021 HERALD Synodality and May 2, 2021 Chinks in tackling papal primacy COVID here’s a short path that is long, Questions regarding the Catholic Church today and the next pope. he genie is out of the bottle with a vengeance; the new and a long path that is short.” wave of COVID has proved all predictions wrong. In the third seasons of the America have just argued for a plenary It would mean more time for preparation. T “T council for the Catholic Church in the So far, most of the discussion surround- Equally, it has brought out the chinks in tackling COVID. Netflix series Shtisel, an eminent ultra- After the first wave flattened to some extent towards the end Orthodox rabbi who heads a yeshiva in United States. ing synodality has focused on its pastoral of last year, people let their guard down. The authorities too Jerusalem offers that bit of sage advice to At the supra-national level, the Latin aspects. did the same. a star student who is dealing with a life- American bishops have launched their But a two-article dossier published by Look at the way large gatherings were allowed to be held, and-death decision. own ecclesial assembly, the first-ever “Ec- theologians Serena Noceti, Rafael Luciani be it Kumbh Mela or election rallies. The government that Short paths tend to become shortcuts clesial Assembly of Latin America and the and Hervé Legrand in the latest issue of took people to task for moving around without masks con- leading nowhere, while wisdom suggests Caribbean.” the Italian magazine Il Regno points out veniently turned its back on the thousands of people who taking time to make a decision. This synodal movement is unfolding that there are theological and institutional converged in the name of religion. “A long path that is short” is indeed a at a time of great uncertainty due to the dimensions to synodality that need atten- The government, which did not bother to arrange for any good way to explain the virtue of synodal- coronavirus pandemic. Synodality, which tion. mode of traffic for migrant labourers to go back to their vil- ity, the biggest wager Pope Francis has means the people of the Church “walking One particular aspect that will have to together”, requires gathering together in be addressed is the role of papal primacy lages during the first lockdown, provided special trains for made for the Catholic Church today. assemblies. in synodality – both at the universal level tens of thousands of people to travel to Uttar Pradesh and Five and half years after he delivered Some of these assemblies (e.g. in Ger- and the national/local level. Uttarakhand to take a dip in the Ganges. what can be called his magna carta on many and Australia) have been delayed or This is a key issue that will have impor- Though there is no clarity on the number of people who synodality to the 2015 assembly of the postponed, and the same is likely to hap- tant practical consequences. tested COVID positive after attending the Kumbh, reports Synod of Bishops, the Pope’s persistent push in favour of a synodal Church is hav- pen again in other places. In one of his first and most important suggest that it could run into many thousands. After the head And it’s possible the next ordinary as- speeches on the model of episcopal lead- of one of the Akhadas died of COVID, a couple of Akhadas ing effects. In different areas of the Catholic world, sembly of the Synod of Bishops — which ership, in September 2013, Francis talked decided to withdraw from the Kumbh. Still, there is no clar- is scheduled for October 2022 and based about the bishop in these terms: ity on the stand of others. there are ecclesial events of a synodal na- ture unfolding or being prepared. on the theme — For a synodal Church: A pastoral presence means walking There is one slogan the Prime Minister repeats without communion, participation, and mission — with the People of God, walking in front fail: Do gaz ki duri, mask zaroori (keep a distance of two could also be delayed. of them, showing them the way, showing yards, wear mask compulsorily). But he failed to see the A synodal movement requires time and presence It is not certain that participants from them the path; walking in their midst, to blatant violation of his own slogan in each and every rally poor countries, where the pace of vaccina- strengthen them in unity; walking behind he participated; he turned a blind eye to the milling crowds There is Australia’s historic Plenary Coun- cil, which will hold its first meeting in tions is much slower, will be able to gather them, to make sure no one gets left behind without masks at the public meetings he addressed. locally for the preparation phase or that but especially, never to lose the scent of He permitted hugely attended roadshows taken out by his October. And there is the “synodal path” already underway in Germany. their representatives will be able to travel the People of God in order to find new own party leaders. The Opposition leaders and their parties to Rome. roads. too indulged in the same violations without batting an eyelid. Preparations are currently being made for a national synod in Ireland and, af- What is the role of the episcopal leader- The Election Commission’s decision to stretch the elec- ter much insistence from the Pope, the The theological and institutional di- ship in the synodal path together with the tions in West Bengal to eight phases had its deleterious result. Church in Italy is finally beginning plans mensions of synodality People of God? Walking in front of them, There is no logic in holding elections to the Bengal Assembly for its own synod. Pandemic aside, postponing the assem- walking in their midst or walking behind with 294 seats in 33 days. Some of the phases could have The editors of the Jesuit-run magazine bly on synodality could be a good thing. them? been telescoped, thereby reducing the election period. The road to vaccination is potholed with alleged discrimi- nation in its vaccine distribution. While the government takes Discernment, not a vote in parliament credit for sending vaccines to over 90 countries, many state rom what we have seen from the talking about a new role for the papacy in of the role of primacy depend on the kind governments are not getting even 10 per cent of the require- FSynod of Bishops assembly for the the ecumenical ecclesiology articulated at of synodality we have in mind. ment they placed with the Centre. There are also problems Amazon region (October 2019) and its the Second Vatican Council (1962-65). in making oxygen cylinders and crucial medicines available aftermath (the apostolic exhortation Que- Renewal or change? to states. rida Amazonia of February 2020), Francis A changed paradigm for papal Is synodality a way to renew the pastoral However, the announcement have now been changed and seems to understand his role as the referee primacy style of the Church in the existing institu- the state governments are free to buy directly from the manu- of the presence or absence of genuine dis- In a long article published in 2000 in the tional and theological system? facturer. cernment in a synodal event. journal Cristianesimo nella Storia, Peter Or is it a moment for addressing issues, There is more to it than meets the eye — in the incident of This is how he phrased it in a note pub- Hünermann, emeritus professor of theol- such as the role of women in the Church a huge quantity of Remdesiver being recovered, reportedly lished in September 2020 by the editor of ogy at the University of Tübingen, for- and ministry, and opening the Church to from a BJP leader in Maharashtra, with former Chief Minis- La Civiltà Cattolica, Antonio Spadaro, mulated the concept of the papacy as a the possibility of institutional and theo- ter Devendra Fadnavis pleading for the accused. SJ: “notarius publicus”. logical developments? Earlier, reports had appeared in the press regarding distri- “There was a discussion [at the 2019 The primacy’s constitutive role, in this This is an essential question that will bution of this medicine through BJP offices in Gujarat. Synod] ... a rich discussion ... a well- sense, would be the task of facilitating and have to be clarified at some point, sooner It is only with horror and shock that one can now look at founded discussion, but no discernment, maintaining the unity of Catholic faith rather than later. the long queues of people at the hospitals, mortuaries, cre- which is something other than arriving and Church communion. Primacy has emerged in recent years as matoriums, testing and vaccination centres. The sense of un- at a good and justified consensus or rela- Hünermann’s essay was a commentary an ecumenical issue, especially when one certainty and lack of medical facilities leave people numb. tive majorities […] We must understand on John Paul II’s motu proprio Ad tuen- looks at the role it plays in the intra-Or- If the Modi government does not feel the panic writ large that the Synod is more than a parliament; dam fidem (1998). The German theologi- thodox rifts between Constantinople and on their faces — if winning elections is its priority — it has and in this specific case, the Synod could an offered a historical perspective on the Moscow. Recall the tensions on display in forfeited its right to rule. — By Dr Suresh Mathew OFM not escape this dynamic. On this issue the development of papal primacy, trying to January 2019 when the Ecumenical Patri- Cap, Indian Currents (https://www.indiancurrents.org/) [2019] Synod was a rich, productive and understand the deep changes in the func- arch Bartholomew conceded autocephaly even necessary parliament; but no more tion of primacy for the Church in moder- to the Orthodox Church in Ukraine. Akhada, a word which translates to ‘wrestling ground in a re- than that. For me this was decisive in the nity. The spectre of a universal, pope-like ligious context, refers to a sect of seers who ‘defend’ the faith. final discernment, when I thought about He noted that the Vatican I paradigm of role for the Patriarch of Constantinople ‘Akhada’ comes from the word ‘akhand’, meaning ‘inseparable’. how to write the exhortation” [Querida papal primacy — as one of jurisdiction, in haunts some Eastern Orthodox Church- Along with the education of scriptures, seers in ancient times Amazonia]. stark legal terms — had been overcome, es, but the complicated nature of papal would also learn warfare. There is no longer any need for armed ascetics to defend the This way of assessing synodality is not just by the ecumenical outlook of Ca- primacy should not be too quickly over- Kumbha religion, so akhadas now focus on social work. All akha- more typical of the superior of a religious tholicism, but also by the self-understand- looked by Catholics. das follow different sets of rules but come together during the community which has undertaken a pro- ing of the papacy as "communicative ac- It now tends to be dismissed as irrele- Kumbha mela celebrations, as happened recently. — Times cess of discernment than that of a bishop. tion". vant because of the friendly, genteel style But the Catholic Church is not the So- Especially after Vatican II, papal pri- of Pope Francis. HERALD — The Catholic Weekly ciety of Jesus. Discernment works, if at macy is not really (or no longer) about But if synodality is to be a key aspect of Jointly published by the all, in very rarified spiritual groups. Most defining the faith. Rather, it is about wit- being Church in the future of Catholicism, Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, bishops have no background or training nessing and confirming the faith of the this means that we need to keep in mind Diocese of Malacca Johore, Diocese of in it. people, voiced in the consensus of their that at some point, in the next few years, Penang and Diocese of Keningau The same can be said for the People of representatives and in light of Scripture there will be another pope. Editor: Fr Lawrence Andrew, SJ God who are supposed to be involved in and Tradition. And he could have a way and style of HERALD, 5, Jalan Robertson, 50150, KL synodality. Hünermann wrote the article well be- interpreting synodality that is very dif- Tel: 03-20268290/20268291; It’s especially since the late 1990s, also fore the papacy embraced synodality, but ferent from that of the current Bishop of Online: www.heraldmalaysia.com. E-mail: [email protected] thanks to John Paul II’s encyclical Ut it is still relevant for the current debate. Rome. — By Massimo Faggioli, LCI Unum Sint (1995), that we have started Of course, the approaches to the issue (https:// international.la-croix.com/ HERALD May 2, 2021 Focus 11 The Future of the Parish: Pastoral Conversion to the Gospel ope Francis has dwelt at length on the has become a metropolitan fabric that today is “pastoral conversion” of the parish. no longer only that of cities, but has extended PIn Evangelii Gaudium (EG), quoting to towns and even small rural centres. Vatican II, he wrote, “‘Every renewal of the “The speed of change, successive cultural Church essentially consists in an increase of models, the ease of movement and the speed fidelity to her own calling […] Christ- sum of communication are transforming the per- mons the Church as she goes her pilgrim ception of space and time. […] way… to that continual reformation of which The Parish finds itself in a context where she always has need, in so far as she is a hu- territorial affiliation is increasingly less- evi man institution here on earth’ (Unitatis Redin- dent, where places of association are multi- tegratio, 6). […] plied and where interpersonal relationships I dream of a ‘missionary option,’ that is, risk being dissolved into a virtual world with- a missionary impulse capable of transform- out any commitment or responsibility toward ing everything, so that the Church’s customs, one’s neighbour.”[2] ways of doing things, times and schedules, We live in a world which is more compli- language and structures can be suitably chan- We live in a world which is more complicated than in the past and is marked by cultural cated than in the past and marked by cultural nelled for the evangelization of today’s world and religious pluralism. and religious pluralism. rather than for her self-preservation. […] At the beginning of his pontificate, Francis In recent years our world has undergone ep- What can a parish do in such a transforma- The parish is not an outdated institution; thus proposed with courage and foresight “a ochal changes, and Christians must confront tive situation? Is it capable of dealing with precisely because it possesses great flexibility; missionary conversion of our parish commu- them. Many of us live a hectic life, constantly the new way of life that is emerging almost it can assume quite different contours depend- nities.” on the move even when we stop, an accelerat- everywhere? Is it capable of proclaiming the ing on the openness and missionary creativity At times there is a difficulty in moving for- ed life, fragmented into multiple activities, af- freshness and joy of the Gospel in this new of the pastor and the community.”[1] ward and facing the evolution of society. fected by various ideas and messages, in what situation that is becoming more widespread? An Instruction from the Congregation for the Clergy he Instruction of the Congregation for the the community, the parish, the responsibilities to be a canonical-pastoral tool to better apply the value of the parish in today’s world; the TClergy is entitled The Pastoral Conversion of all the baptised in the service of the Gospel the ecclesiology of Vatican II to the life of the second (chapters 7-11) dwells on the internal of the Parish Community at the Service of the and, in particular, the Apostolic Exhortation parish. divisions of the parish community, the different Evangelising Mission of the Church,[3] and is Evangelii Gaudium, applied to the parish com- In his first address to the parish priests of roles present in it (pastor, presbyters, deacons, intended to call attention to the evolution that munity. Rome, Francis “recalled the importance of ‘cre- consecrated persons, laity), and the bodies of society has undergone in recent decades and the The Pope has stated: “The mission, the ativity,’ meaning thereby ‘seeking new ways,’ ecclesial co-responsibility in parish care, and role and form of the parish in this new context. ‘Church on the move,’ is not a programme, an that is ‘seeking how best to proclaim the Gos- presents the context in which change can oc- Pope Francis wants the Christian community enterprise to be carried out by sheer force of pel’”[5] and witness it in the reality of daily life. cur and the canonical instruments to address to have the missionary and evangelising spirit will. It is Christ who makes the Church go out The Instruction is composed of two parts. it. Although it contains no new legislation, the of “the Church that goes forth” and the Instruc- of herself.”[4] The first (chapters 1-6) offers a reflection on Instruction proposes new ways to better apply tion brings together his interventions related to At the same time, the Instruction is intended pastoral conversion, the missionary sense and current legislation. Pastoral conversion – call for a renewal of structures at the service of the people he underlying theme of the Instruction is of incarnation that the Lord has revealed and Francis, too, in Evangelii Gaudium, speci- parishes are united on the basis of numerical Tthe “pastoral conversion […] whereby taught us. fies: “The renewal of structures demanded by criteria, without taking into account their tradi- Christian communities become ever more cen- When we speak of “pastoral conversion,” pastoral conversion can only be understood tions and history. tres conducive to an encounter with Christ.”[6] we immediately think of the transformation of in this light: as part of an effort to make them Such solutions can severely test the faith Therefore, Pope Francis suggested: “If structures: changes of territory, unification of more mission-oriented, to make ordinary pas- of the people of God and perhaps even lead something should rightly disturb us and trou- parishes, new pastoral units, etc. These define toral activity on every level more inclusive to the abandonment of religious practice. In- ble our consciences, it is the fact that so many the identity of a community, recall its history, and open, to inspire in pastoral workers a con- stead, the Instruction recommends that the of our brothers and sisters are living without and deeply mark a portion of the People of stant desire to go forth and in this way to elicit bishops act gradually, in direct and patient the strength, light and consolation born of God.[9] a positive response from all those whom Jesus dialogue with the faithful of the parishes, re- friendship with Jesus Christ, without a com- These structures, however, cannot be iden- summons to friendship.”[13] specting their localities, their signs and their munity of faith to support them, without tified with the reality of the parish, since the Structures, then, are instruments at the ser- life of faith. meaning and a goal in life. parish is made up of persons, “a community vice of people, and not vice versa; therefore, When several parishes are united into one, it More than by fear of going astray, my hope of the faithful in which the pastor is the shep- when we speak of renewal and planning, we is necessary to guard against excessive bureau- is that we will be moved by the fear of remain- herd.”[10] They constitute the people of God must first and foremost focus on the pastoral cratisation, so as not to transform them into ing shut up within structures which give us gathered around the proclamation of the Gos- care of people. “small businesses” that make people “passive a false sense of security, within rules which pel and the celebration of the Eucharist, in Similarly, pastoral projects and restructur- users” and distance them from community life make us harsh judges, within habits which faith lived in charity, in communion with the ing plans should not be entrusted simply to and participation in the sacraments. make us feel safe, while at our door people are bishop, and therefore with the diocese and the deskbound planning, based on pre-established In addition, two excesses should be avoid- starving and Jesus does not tire of saying to us: universal Church. models, to be implemented at any cost.[14] ed: that of a community in which the pastor ‘Give them something to eat’ (Mark 6:37).”[7] In 2006, Benedict XVI recalled that the re- It is necessary to beware of two equally neg- and presbyters have a monopoly on every- This is the true meaning of the Incarnation, newal of the parish must be thought of in the ative extremes: on the one hand, an obsession thing and decide everything on their own, of the Word who “became flesh and made his light of the experience of the first Christian with efficiency, which is based on worldly cri- and that of a parish that seems to be without dwelling among us” (John 1:14). The parish communities.[11] It “cannot only result from teria; on the other hand, thinking in unrealis- a pastor, where lay parish officials take care has a very ancient history and from the begin- pastoral initiatives, albeit useful and timely, tic, abstract terms or perhaps idealism, which of pastoral ministry as their responsibility, not ning has played a fundamental role in the life or from programmes worked out theoretically. creeps into ecclesial life when people stop lis- out of a spirit of mission engaged in without of Christians: that of proclaiming the Gospel. Inspired by the apostolic model as shown in tening to the Lord and try – even in good faith worldly recompense. — By Giancarlo Pani The very term “parish,” in its etymology the Acts of the Apostles, parishes ‘rediscover’ – to replace him. SJ, La Civiltà Cattolica (paroikia), indicates “a house in the midst of themselves in the encounter with Christ, espe- In any case, it is necessary to avoid short houses,”[8] precisely in order to live the logic cially in the Eucharist.”[12] term theoretical projects, especially if some l Continued next week

[1]. EG 26-28. This quotation is taken up in Con- (May 31, 2020). Cf. Id., Without Jesus We Can Do part of a common identity made up of social and [14]. Cf. Francis, Letter to the People of God on gregation for the Clergy, Instruction The Pastoral Nothing. A Conversation with Gianni Valente, Vati- cultural ties” (A. Spadaro, “Le orme di un pastore”, the Way in Germany (June 29, 2019): “I remember Conversion of the Parish Community at the Ser- can City, Libr. Ed. Vaticana – San Paolo, 2019. in J. M. Bergoglio – Papa Francesco, Nei tuoi occhi that in the meeting I had with your pastors in 2015 vice of the Evangelising Mission of the Church, [5]. PC 1. The address to pastors is from Sept 16, è la mia parola. Omelie e discorsi di Buenos Aires. I said that one of the first and great temptation at June 29, 2020, Nos. 5 and 29, at https://press. 2013. 1999-2013, Milan, Rizzoli, 2016, XVI). the ecclesial level was to believe that solutions to vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubbli- [10]. PC 27; cf. also 28-33. present and future problems would come only from co/2020/07/20/0391/00886.html#ing The Instruc- [6]. PC 3. purely structural, organic and bureaucratic reforms, tion will be cited as PC. [7]. Ibid. [11]. Cf. Benedict XVI, Address to the Participants but that, at the end of the day, they would not touch in the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council at all the vital cores that demand attention.” [2]. PC 8-9. [8] . PC 7. for the Laity (September 22, 2006). [3]. See footnote 1. [9] . The Pope said in an interview with Fr Antonio [12]. Ibid. DOI: La Civiltà Cattolica, En. Ed. Vol. 5, no. 5 art. Spadaro in 2016, “To be part of the people is to be [4]. Francis, Message for World Mission Day 2020 [13]. EG 27. 6, 0521: 10.32009/22072446.0521.6 12 Varia HERALD May 2, 2021 Our heart is stronger than our wounds

en years before his death in poignant example can serve to il- that overpowered his or her heart. consolation, namely, the strength 1996, Henri Nouwen was lustrate this. There is a sad, tragic, Thus, when we look at the that lies within God’s heart: God’s Tbeset by a depression that haunting line in the well-known truth of Nouwen’s affirmation grace, understanding and love are nearly broke him. While in treat- song, I Dreamed a Dream, from that our hearts are stronger than stronger than our wounds, our col- ment, he wrote a very powerful the popular musical, Les Misera- our wounds and the (seeming) lapses, our failures, and our seem- book, The Inner Voice of Love, in bles. The story told in Les Mis- antithetical truth that sometimes ing despairs. which he humbly and candidly erables, as we know, is based on our wounds can kill the heart, we What sets Christian faith apart shared his struggles and the efforts Victor Hugo’s classic book by that need to add a further truth which from most other religions (as well it took to overcome them. At times, title which tells a series of stories embraces both sides of this: God’s as from prosperity rhetoric) is that he felt completely overwhelmed about how poverty and oppression grace, forgiveness and love are Christianity is primarily a religion by his wounds and obsessions can break the hearts, backs and stronger than our wounds, our col- of grace, and not of self-effort and was on the edge of drowning, lives of the poor. One of Hugo’s lapses, our failures, and our seem- (important though that is). As of collapse, when the only thing characters, Fantine, is a single ing despairs. Christians, we don’t have to save he could do was cry. Eventually mother, abandoned by the man she Sometimes in our struggles, we ourselves; we don’t have to get our though, he found again his inner loves and nursing a broken heart. Fr Ron Rolheiser can access the inner strength bur- lives right all on our own. Indeed, strength and emerged resilient, She is also struggling to provide ied below our wounds which will nobody ever does. As St. Paul says ready to re-enter his life with re- her daughter with the basic needs Who’s right – Nouwen or Fan- enable us to rise above them and so clearly in his farewell message newed energy. Remarking on what of life, struggling with a job and tine? I suspect they both are, de- walk again in health, strength and in Romans 1-8, none of us ever get he learned from this inner collapse working conditions that are ruin- pending on one’s circumstance, enthusiasm. However, sometimes our lives right on the basis of our and his eventual return to health, ing her health, and struggling with inner health and emotional re- our wounds so paralyse the heart own strength. That’s also true in he writes that, in the end, our hearts sexual harassment from her boss sources. An old adage says, what- that we can no longer access the terms of overcoming our wounds. are stronger than our wounds. that culminates in her unfair dis- ever doesn’t kill you, makes you strength that lies deep within us. All of us are weak and break down That’s a powerful affirmation of missal from her job. At a certain stronger! True enough, providing it In this life, that kind of brokenness sometimes. a hard-earned truth; but is it always point, it’s too much, her health doesn’t kill you. Sadly, sometimes, can look and feel like a terminal However, and this is the point, true? Are our hearts always strong- breaks, she collapses, and in her it does. Sometimes what weighs collapse, a sadness for which there when the storms of life overpow- er than our wounds? Do we always dying farewell sings a lament that us down does kill us. I suspect is no healing, a despair, a wasted er us, when we reach down for have the resources deep down to suggests that our hearts aren’t al- that everyone reading this has had life. strength to withstand the storm overcome our wounds? ways stronger than our wounds; a first-hand experience of -some However, whenever a collusion only to find out that the storm is Sometimes yes, as in the case of but sometimes there are storms one you knew and loved breaking of bitter circumstance and mental stronger than we are, we need then Nouwen; but sometimes no, as we we cannot weather. Sometimes the down and dying, either by suicide fragility break someone, when a to reach still deeper and there we see in the broken lives of so many. heart cannot weather the storm and or by some other collapse of this person’s heart is no longer strong- will find that God’s heart is strong- Sometimes, it seems wounds collapses under the weight of its sort, due to a broken life, a broken er than his or her wounds, we can er than our brokenness. — By Fr overpower the heart. Perhaps one wounds. heart, a broken psyche, a wound take refuge in a deeper truth and Ron Rolheiser, all rights reserved A lay Catholic woman who runs a parish in the US he day begins with a beautiful supporting liturgical ministers, ensur- grandson to live. His grandson has a Tsunrise: pinks, purples and blues ing the smooth celebration of the lit- low-paying job and has been sleep- that help dispel the heaviness of our urgy and providing for the well-being ing on friends’ couches. Phillip and continued slogging through a COV- of the congregation — require the his wife live in senior housing and ID-19 world. As we begin to assem- faculties given through ordination, cannot take him in. “Does Catholic ble for Mass, everyone comments but they do require leadership abili- Charities have anything?” he asks. I on what they had seen. Fr Michael ties. am not hopeful but say I will think A Farano says he had reoriented his When St Paul travelled around about what might be available. I ask chair for morning prayer so he could the Mediterranean basin establish- him to ask his grandson to give me watch the day unfolding. God will ing faith communities — churches a call. not be outdone in generosity. — he entrusted them to various lead- Davion is waiting for me while I I serve this community, the Church Elizabeth Simcoe serves the Church of St Vincent de Paul community as a ers: Nympha, Stephanus, Aquila and tidy up and confer with the parish- of St Vincent de Paul, as a parish life parish life director. (Watch the video here: https://bit.ly/3e1GMap) Priscilla, for example. The notion ioner who is leading a physically dis- director, a position also known as tell him that I will go with him to pay Mass and the sacraments. of the priesthood as we see it today tanced art programme about the plan parish life coordinator, which is a lay for it after our next and last Mass. Eventually, it came to be seen that had not yet developed. With ever- for securing the building when they leader of a parish under the norms of People begin to gather again. The urban and suburban parishes could be declining numbers of ordained clergy are done. Canon 517.2: “The diocesan bishop liturgical coordinator confesses that led through this model. Many priests to lead parishes, is it possible that the Davion and I drive to the phar- [may decide] that participation in the she feels very safe with our COV- were retiring from their roles as pas- Holy Spirit is inviting the Church to macy and walk together to the ser- exercise of the pastoral care of a par- ID-19 protocols but comes to church tors but still wanted to serve in minis- expand the areas of ministry of those vice counter. He starts to ask for his ish [may be] entrusted to a deacon, to only when she has an assignment. try. They did not want the headaches who belong to the priesthood of the prescription and the clerk brushes another person who is not a priest, or “It’s just not the same without all of administration nor did they want baptised? him off, turning her attention to me. to a community of persons.” the people.” I nod. I know what she to be “road warriors,” travelling the During the week, I collaborate Davion is African-American; my an- After the first Mass of the day, means. highways of the diocese to assist in with staff members on plans for faith cestry is European. I explain to the Terrence and Davion, regulars at the This Mass takes place without any an ad hoc way with the sacramental formation programmes, communica- clerk that I am paying for Davion’s parish, wait at the entrance to ask for untoward moments. Fr Michael’s life of communities. tions to and with the parish, alloca- prescription. Her focus returns to help: a grocery store gift card for Ter- self-deprecating humour in the hom- Parish Life Directors could lead tion of funds, preparations for future Davion to get his birthdate. Speaking rence and the same, plus a one-day ily hits home with the assembly, parishes in collaboration with these liturgical celebrations and maintain- again to me, she calls me “Hon” and bus pass, for Davion. But Davion bringing them into his faith journey retired priests or priests with a dioc- ing our level of service to our elderly “Dear.” There is so much work to be had an additional problem: a swollen and inviting them to deepen theirs. esan leadership assignment. Bishop and homebound and the poor in our done in this world. face and an emergency room report Fr Michael is much appreciated by Edward Scharfenberger, Bishop neighbourhood. I meet with parish- Getting into the car, I look down at with a prescription for antibiotics. “I the community. Having retired from Hubbard’s successor, has continued ioners for spiritual counselling or just the receipt I will turn in to our book- don’t know how I am going to pay diocesan ministry and pastoring one to make these appointments. to chat. keeper. I had not known what Davi- for this,” he says. “It costs $40.” of the largest parishes in our diocese, The job description is included in Periodically, I meet with the Pas- on’s last name was but now I see it on We are not exactly sure what Davi- he brings a wealth of experience and the guidelines from the National As- toral and Stewardship Councils and the prescription form: “Shepherd.” on’s living arrangements are. I sus- insight into what it means to follow sociation of Church Personnel Ad- attend Adult Faith Formation com- Matthew 25 comes to mind and I pect that his one-day bus passes are the disciple’s path. When the toilet is ministrators, which are used through- mittee meetings, team meetings and whisper a prayer. — By Elizabeth used not so much to take him from plugged up, the elevator stops work- out the United States. sessions for the Rite of Christian Ini- Simcoe, America (www.americama- one place to another as they are a ing or only one altar server shows up, In the Albany Diocese, a parish life tiation of Adults. It is a very full plate. gazine.org/) way for him to stay safe and out of he turns to me and says, “This is why director’s background is expected to Mostly, I see myself as an orchestra Elizabeth Simcoe has the cold. I am glad you are in charge.” include advanced theological educa- conductor, helping all these fine mu- served as a lay ecclesial I tell Davion I would think about Bishop Howard J Hubbard initi- tion and parish administrative expe- sicians create a beautiful symphonic minister for 34 years in how to deal with the prescription. I ated the ministry of the Parish Life rience. Relevant experience might piece, our parish, in service to the the roles of faith forma- don’t like to give cash. I try to call Director in the Albany Diocese in include having worked as a faith for- people of God. tion director, retreat lead- the pharmacy to pay for it by credit the 1980s, providing particularly for mation director, for example. Returning to that particular Sun- er and spiritual director, card but become lost in a purgatory rural communities. The first parish None of the aspects of ministry day, when the last Mass had ended, campus minister, director of a dioc- of voice mail prompts. I ask Davion life directors were vowed religious. A performed on this particular Sunday Phillip, a parishioner, wanted to talk esan Prayer and Worship Office and to take the script to the pharmacy and neighbouring priest would celebrate that I described — assisting the poor, with me about finding a place for his Chancellor. HERALD May 2, 2021 13 Church leaders ask India to deploy military in COVID-19 crisis NEW DELHI: As COVID-19 con- to break the chain of the pandemic’s mer spokesperson of the Indian bish- tinues to claim thousands of lives spread. ops’ conference, agreed with Bishop daily in India, Catholic leaders have On April 27, India reported Mascarenhas. called on the federal government to 323,144 new cases and 2,771 deaths, “Certainly, our defence personnel deploy the military to deal with the indicating the government’s efforts have played very important roles in crisis before it worsens. are inadequate to contain the virus. calamities and rendered superb ser- “The second wave of COVID-19 The stretched healthcare system vices,” he said. is surely a national calamity and the in the country of 1.3 billion people He said the advantage of deploy- entire nation is struggling as thou- has been reporting a lack of hospital ing military personnel is that they are sands are dying and hundreds of beds, medical oxygen, vaccines and disciplined and well trained to deal thousands are being infected daily,” anti-viral medicines as thousands with such situations. said Bishop Theodore Mascaren- seek medical care. “Now we face a health emergency has, former secretary-general of the “Whenever the country has faced and at a time like this their service Catholic Bishops’ Conference of In- national calamities such as floods, would be most useful and effective”, dia (CBCI). droughts, earthquakes, cyclones or said Fr Joseph. “The federal government should any such crisis, the Indian military Fr Varghese Vallikkatt, former consider deploying military person- has played a crucial role to restore deputy secretary-general of Kerala nel to assist the civil administration normalcy,” said Bishop Mascar- Catholic Bishops’ Council, also sup- Patients breathe with the help of oxygen masks inside a banquet hall to effectively deal with this alarming enhas, auxiliary bishop of Ranchi ported the suggestion. temporarily converted into a COVID-19 ward in New Delhi on April 27. (UCA situation of people living in fear,” he Archdiocese, based in the capital of “It is sickening to see people dying News photo/Money Sharma) said April 27. Jharkhand state in eastern India. without oxygen and hospital beds of the crisis taking the service of our lem of oxygen supply is not its short- Since mid-April, India has been “It is high time that the govern- even in places like New Delhi, the military personnel would be an add- age but its distribution. If our defence reporting more than 300,000 new ment deployed the army and other national capital, and other big cities ed advantage to overcome this criti- personnel are deployed, they will COVID-19 cases and 2,000 deaths wings of the defence forces with their such as Mumbai,” Fr Vallikkatt said. cal situation.” airlift oxygen from available sources daily. huge resources and trained manpow- “Many have lost hope of returning The priest also wrote a post on and meet the shortages,” he said. Several states and cities have re- er to deal with this calamity that has to their homes from cities where they Facebook urging the federal govern- “What is more important is our sorted to lockdowns and night cur- already crippled the economy and work. Their heartbreaking stories ment to consider the suggestion to lives. The sooner, the better,” he add- fews and several other restrictions on taken a huge toll on the population.” make me feel helpless. deploy the army. ed. — By Saji Thomas, ucanews. socio-religious gatherings to attempt Divine Word Fr Babu Joseph, for- “I strongly believe that at this hour Fr Vallikkatt said the “real prob- com India’s Catholic leaders seek COVID-19 cases surge after diverse gatherings ways to ease COVID-19 crisis NEW DELHI: Queues at polling spite the fact that even in this state the NEW DELHI: As India continues to stations, cricket league matches and infection rate is spiralling out of con- add more than 300,000 COVID-19 even a new mass Hindu pilgrimage trol, the vote went ahead as if nothing patients daily, Catholic leaders have that had been confirmed just a few were happening in the region where suggested ways to meet the needs hours ago. Alongside images of an Prime Minister Modi’s BJP Party of the thousands approaching their India struggling to survive in the pan- aims to oust Mamata Banerjee from health facilities. demic wave and international aid that the leadership of the government. A “Our hospitals are full and there is starting to arrive, there are events few days ago Narendra Modi himself is no scope for fresh admissions un- and rituals that local authorities are went to West Bengal several times to less the patients in the hospitals are struggling to put aside in the name of hold crowded rallies without any at- discharged,” said Archbishop Peter public health and safety. tempts at social distancing. Machado of Bangalore. In the last 24 hours, India has set The political clash is intertwined “It is not a solution to tell critically new records in the numbers for infec- with the dramatic chronicles of the ill patients that we have no space for tions and victims: with 379,257 new Indian crisis. The district of Aligarh, them. They need immediate medical COVID-19 positive patients con- Uttar Pradesh, April 28 counted care, especially those in need of a life firmed, the official number of people about 70 people who died due to lack support system.” People stand near bodies of Covid-19 victims lined up before cremation in currently suffering from coronavirus of oxygen. And this shortly after the New Delhi on April 28. (UCA News photo) The archbishop has instructed according to the Ministry of Health head of the local government, Yogi Catholic hospitals in his archdiocese, The Church is also ready to offer remedy to protect them from the has exceeded the quota 3 million. Adityanath, also a member of the based in Karnataka state’s capital, its institutions near government hos- pandemic as medical treatment even Moreover, April 28’s 3,645 deaths BJP, had called for “seizing the prop- to convert Catholic schools and in- pitals to be used as temporary COV- in critical cases has become nearly brought the total official death toll to erties of those who spread rumours stitutions close to each hospital to ID-19 care centres. “The need now is impossible. 204,832 since the beginning of the about an oxygen shortage in hospi- COVID-19 care centres to take care to save lives,” he said. Bishop Chacko Thottumarickal of pandemic. However, many sources tals, which does not exist”. of non-critical patients. The prelate has also offered the Indore wrote to Catholics in his dio- continue to report this data as un- A new situation has also arisen “This way we can spare more help of volunteers to supplement cese in central India expressing his derestimated compared to the actual regarding Hindu mass religious beds in hospitals for critical patients. hospital staff. inability to help them find hospital number of cremations. And they are demonstrations: despite the 1800 Those who have crossed the critical Since mid-April, India has been beds. probably even more so today now per cent increase in cases of positive stage can continue to get their care in reporting more than 300,000 new “I could not arrange for a bed in that the contagion is advancing even COVID-19 already recorded during the temporary centres,” he said. COVID-19 cases and 2,000 deaths our hospitals for your dear ones. It outside the big cities. the Kumbh Mela, the local govern- He said the city has 12 Christian daily, with the tally increasing each is because there were no beds avail- In this scenario, today’s images ment of the State of Uttarakhand con- hospitals including St. John’s Medi- day. able. All hospitals are full,” Bishop from the polling stations in West firmed the annual Char Dham Yatra cal College, which is managed by the On April 28, the country reported a Thottumarickal said in an open letter Bengal of the last round of local gov- pilgrimage, scheduled from May 14 national bishops’ conference. record 360,960 new cases and 3,293 on April 27. ernment elections appear surreal. De- to 18 would take place. — AsiaNews “But all our hospitals are full and deaths as hospitals in major cities “Times are hard for everyone. we are unable to admit new patients. and towns faced a lack of beds and Every day we hear about the death of St John’s has admitted close to 500 oxygen. Patients could be seen shar- someone dear. If not death, a friend COVID-19 patients and every day ing beds and lying on the floor in is on a ventilator or in an ICU. Those we get distress calls for fresh admis- many hospitals. who get a bed in the hospital are sions. We can do nothing,” Arch- A hospital official, on condition of lucky,” he said. bishop Machado said. anonymity, said many doctors, nurs- People are frantically searching He said government permission is es and paramedical staff are exhaust- for oxygen cylinders and Remde- needed to convert non-hospital fa- ed by working continuously. “Some sivir injections. “In the meantime, cilities into COVID-19 care centres. have even left the job,” he said. some predict that worse things “I have also made this offer to the Church leaders have appealed to are yet to come,” Bishop Thottu- state government” but the govern- people to follow COVID-19 proto- marickal wrote. — By Saji Thomas, Hindu devotees take a holy dip in the Ganges River during the Kumbh Mela ment has not yet responded, he said. cols and remain at home as the only ucanews.com at Haridwar, Uttarakhand. (Asianews photo) 14 HERALD May 2, 2021 ‘Patients are … dying in front of my eyes,’ says India hospital director THRISSUR, India: Catholic hos- nessing an unprecedented avalanche pital directors in India told Catho- of criticism for the severe shortage lic News Service they did not have of medicines, vaccines and even ox- enough facilities to treat patients ygen that the government had been as India set records for the number exporting to other countries. The of COVID-19 deaths — numbers newspaper India Today reported many people believe are underre- that the government failed to act on ported. a February parliamentary committee “The situation is very bad. No report that had urged it to augment beds available anywhere in the hos- its oxygen production and supply pital. Patients are on the corridors system in preparation for a second and many are dying because of surge. no beds, no oxygen,” said Fr P.A. The oxygen shortage has become George, director of the Holy Family the scourge of the nation, with hun- Hospital in New Delhi. dreds of breathless COVID-19 vic- “I have no place even in emer- A patient wearing an oxygen mask is wheeled inside a COVID-19 hospital for treatment in Ahmedabad, India, April tims dying even as hospitals struggle gency (area) to give oxygen. Pa- 26. (LiCas News Photo Amit Dave) to get adequate oxygen supply. tients are just dying in front of my the hospital, he added, 40 are set Malabar Catholic Association, said “The world is concerned about the Responding to reports of states eyes. Feeling so distressed and apart for those needing oxygen treat- April 26. He, his wife and daughter situation in India and I am getting blocking, and even hijacking trucks frustrated and helpless. It is horrible ment. were recovering from COVID-19. several calls,” said Cardinal Gra- carrying liquid oxygen to various and the disaster is beyond imagina- The inadequate care and treat- Cardinal Oswald, president of the cias, endorsing widespread criticism hospitals, Cardinal Gracias said, tion. Please pray to God (to) give us ment in government hospitals in Catholic Bishops’ Conference of in India against the federal govern- “When traffic signal fails and there strength to save some lives,” said the Ahmedabad, commercial capital India, offered the Church’s full sup- ment, led by Prime Minister Naren- are no policemen at crossroads, priest, who heads the largest Catho- of Gujarat, drew national attention port in “the war against the dreadful dra Modi for its laxity and failure to there will be chaos.” lic hospital in New Delhi. even as the widespread deaths were COVID-19 situation in the country.” prepare for the second surge. “The government has to increase Though the hospital has a limit of underreported by the state govern- “There was lack of planning and COVID-19 infections had peaked oxygen supplies and set up strict 340 beds, it is accommodating near- ment. lack of foresight. Otherwise, we at 93,000 cases in mid-September monitoring to ensure each hospital ly 400 patients, he added. The Hindu carried an investiga- would not have been in the awful in India, with 1.38 billion people. gets enough oxygen so that people In Gujarat state, Syro-Malabar tive story exposing the hollowness situation we are in now,” Cardinal The infections declined steadily to do not die in hospitals,” he added. Fr Thomas Nadackalan, director of of the government claim of only 78 Gracias, Archbishop of Mumbai, 11,000 cases by February, with the “The nation has to fight against Christ Hospital in Rajkot, said, “We deaths April 16, citing cremation of said April 25. That day, India’s health daily death toll below 100. Howev- this pandemic on war footing. We have to turn away around 600 cases 689 bodies in seven cities alone un- ministry recorded nearly 354,000 er, new infections soon started rising have already opened … centres and daily.” der COVID-19 protocol in the state. new infections and more than 2,800 with daily counts reaching 52,000 (are) ready to extend all our support “We are struggling to get oxygen “We have lost a dozen mem- deaths. In the week of April 18-25, on April 1. with our personnel and institutions in time to save the lives of those ad- bers of our community here,” P.T. India witnessed exponential spread Following the deadly second in this fight,” he said. — By Anto mitted,” he said. Of the 70 beds in Chacko, president of Gujarat Syro- of the pandemic across the country. surge, Indian media has been wit- Akkara, CNS “Situation in India is Kerala chief minister applauds Church cancelling 211-year-old feast beyond heart breaking” NEW DELHI: A Catholic church in tion and consultation with the gov- GENEVA: The World Health Or- supplies,” Tedros said. Kerala was singled out for praise by ernment officials, police and parish ganization chief voiced alarm April He said the UN health agency was, state Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan committee,” the 66-year-old priest 26 at India’s record-breaking wave of among other things, sending “thou- for abandoning its 211-year-old tra- said on April 28. COVID-19 cases and deaths, saying sands of oxygen concentrators, pre- dition of celebrating its patron saint’s The church’s decision came as the the organisation was rushing to help fabricated mobile field hospitals and feast. coronavirus pandemic worsened in address the crisis. laboratory supplies.” During his daily briefing on the India, with infections reaching more “The situation in India is beyond The WHO also said it had trans- Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus state’s coronavirus status on April than 300,000 daily. heartbreaking,” Tedros Adhanom ferred more than 2,600 of its experts 27, the chief minister hailed the deci- Fr Chooravady said it was disap- Ghebreyesus told reporters. from various programmes, including while a range of other countries also sion of St George Forane Church in pointing that “we cannot celebrate His comments came as India bat- polio and tuberculosis, to work with pledged support. Edathua in Alappuzha district to can- the feast this year, but that is a sac- tles a catastrophic coronavirus wave Indian health authorities to help re- Since the virus that causes Cov- cel the feast in view of the pandemic. rifice we can make as the nation is that has overwhelmed hospitals and spond to the pandemic. id-19 first surfaced in China in late “It is the first time in the church’s going through these difficult times.” crematoriums working at full capac- The country of 1.3 billion has be- 2019, the disease has killed more 211-year history that it has cancelled The gathering of thousands of peo- ity. come the latest hotspot of a pandemic than 3.1 million people out of at least the feast,” Vijayan told press persons. ple during the COVID-19 pandemic A surge in recent days has seen pa- that has killed more than three mil- 147 million infected, according to a The church’s gesture, he added, was could infect a lot of people. “We do tients’ families taking to social media lion people worldwide, even as richer tally from official sources compiled an example of people’s understand- not want to risk the lives of people,” to beg for oxygen supplies and loca- countries take steps towards normal- by AFP. ing of the severity of the crisis. he added. tions of available hospital beds, and ity with quickening inoculation pro- Tedros on April 26 lamented that Fr Mathew Chooravady, vicar of The vicar said the church tradi- has forced the capital, New Delhi, to grammes. global new case numbers have been the church, says Christians should set tionally celebrates the feast between extend a week-long lockdown. The US and Britain rushed venti- rising for the past nine weeks straight. an example and make a collective ef- April 27 and May 14, drawing as “WHO is doing everything we lators and vaccine materials to help “To put it in perspective,” he said, fort to prevent the spread of the virus. many as 1 million devotees of all can, providing critical equipment and India weather the devastating crisis, “there were almost as many cases The decision to cancel the feast religions. — By Jessy Joseph, globally last week as in the first five was made after “much considera- Matters India months of the pandemic.” The United States remains the worst-affected country, with some 572,200 deaths and over 32 million infections, followed by Brazil and Mexico. But India, in fourth place, has in recent days been driving the global case numbers. The country, which has recorded over 195,000 deaths, registered 2,812 new deaths and 352,991 new infec- tions on Monday alone — its highest Exhausted workers, who bring dead bodies for cremation, sit on the rear step of an tolls since the start of the pandemic. ambulance inside a crematorium, in New Delhi, India, on April 24. (America photo) — Matters India A file photo St George Forane Church feastday in Kerala. HERALD May 2, 2021 Children 15 LittleLittle CCatholicsatholics’ CCornerorner

Let’s Colour

WORD BANKS TRUE DISCIPLES ACROSS DOWN FIRE 3. Praise or honour 1. Arms that grow out from the trunk “I am the GLORY vine; you are 4. The part of a vine or tree which is tree GARDENER the branches. eaten 2. A person who works with plants and VINE If you remain 7. Those who follow Jesus flower in me and I FRUIT 8. A plant that climbs or creeps along 5. The opposite of false in you, you the ground 6. Burning flame BRANCHES will bear much fruit; apart from me The story of you can do Ruth and Boaz nothing” is a wonderful (John 15:5) romance that also demonstrates what Christ has done for us as our Redeemer. The love Boaz had for Ruth is a picture of God’s love for us.

Compare the pictures on the right. Circle the 14 things that are different. Jesus tells us that He is the true vine and we are the branches. But something needs to be done to the branches so that they will bear good fruit. Follow the dots to find out what it is. (Start at the little grapes!)

Hello, dear children of God! the vine provides nutrition through to Christ so that He can produce Word and study the Bible. We the branches that helps fruit grow “fruit” in us. pray, talking to God and listening, Do you like fruit? What is your fa- on a plant, Of course, we aren’t going to too. vourite kind of fruit? I love fruit, Jesus gives us all that we need to start sprouting grapes or anything. We trust in God and rely on Him and I particularly enjoy grapes! grow in our faith. The branches on We will bear ‘spiritual’ fruit. Spir- for all things, staying close to Him In this Sunday’s Gospel reading, a grape vine have to stay connected itual fruit refers to things that help and thanking Him for giving us life Jesus said something about the true to the vine so that they can produce others and show that Jesus lives in and hope. Most importantly, we vine. Jesus said that He was the delicious fruit. Otherwise, they dry and through us. It is things like recognise that Jesus is doing the vine, and that we are the branches. up and wither like these sad little love, joy, peace, patience, kindness work and producing fruit through What might that mean? He was ex- raisins. If we walk away and aban- and so on. us. plaining how important it is for us don faith, we’ll “shrivel up”, too! How do we make sure we are con- to stay connected to Him. Just as Children, we need to stay close nected to Jesus? We read God’s Aunty Eliz HERALD

Social BEC Communication (1976) (1996)

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

Family (1996) Youth (1986) YOUTH YOUTHMay 2, 2021 Vietnamese teenager encounters God through Catholic videos IETNAM: Born and raised many good things about the Catholic Church. in a Buddhist family, Truc Catholics keep good faith and often attend Mass. But in general, every religion is good, Lam often went to wor- every religion teaches people to live honestly, V to be virtuous and never teach bad things.’” ship Buddha and chant Buddhist prayers at the temple with his fam- His parents said he was mature enough to know what choice is good, so they did not ily. interfere too much in his personal life. How- One day, his soul experienced a sudden ever, his grandmother was sad. change. The boy recounted: “I happened to “When you were sick, I bought fish to re- see a video of a Mass celebrated by Arch- lease and prayed to God of Heaven and Bud- bishop Paul Bui Van Doc. I was curious and dha for your recovery and now you dare to decided to click the link to see the Mass. Af- behave this way,” she told him. ter that, my YouTube channel recommended “Now God wants it, what should I do?” he many other Masses celebrated by the late replied. archbishop.” Understanding that his loved ones did not That was 2017, when he was only 14 and know much about Catholicism, he prayed to was in grade 8 at Chu Van An Secondary God for his parents and relatives. School in Rach Gia in Kien Giang province. God must have accepted his very simple, Time passed until one day the boy watched sincere prayers from the depths of the heart Masses celebrated by Bishop Louis Nguyen of a child who passionately loved him. “I Anh Tuan, the assistant bishop. “His homi- have many opportunities to tell everyone in lies on marriage, family and immigration my family about God. My relatives softened were very good and made me sense God’s their hearts and finally agreed to let me join love. I also admired Catholics’ zeal for God the Church.” expressed during Mass,” Truc Lam said. On Oct 24, 2020, he was officially baptized Truc Lam is officially baptized and receives the Sacrament of Confirmation at Vi Hung Parish in Out of admiration for these two bishops, and received the Sacrament of Confirmation Can Tho Diocese on Oct 24, 2020. (UCA News photo) the boy looked for information on the internet at Vi Hung Parish in Can Tho Diocese. The to think about my life. I pray. Catholicism is to learn more about them. sacraments were presided over by parish have learned to sympa- I began to think about very difficult, but if he Although he was quite young, Truc Lam priest Fr Anphongso Le Kin Thach. thize, listen and share my life. I have learned to keeps the religion like questioned himself. “Why did the archbishop “Louis is the baptism name that I choose more, live for others sympathise, listen and share that, that’s fine,” said his choose the motto ‘God is my source of joy?’ because it was Auxiliary Bishop Louis more,” he said. grandmother. He always smiles lovingly. Probably because Nguyen Anh Tuan who inspired me to learn Regularly reading and more, live for others more Seeing their son is of God, he was so happy about God. I admire him so meditating on the Word much more mature and and lovable. Bishop Tuan’s much,” Truc Lam said. of God has helped him obedient than before, homilies are so good, easy I cried because I was so One day later, he re- to live a better life and spend more wisely. Truc Lam’s parents in the US are very happy. to understand and useful happy after receiving ceived the Eucharist for He asked his parents to give him less money, During their phone calls, they advise their for me.” the first time. The lad could then used the money to do charity work — child to live a good life and keep good faith. Truc Lam’s parents, who God into my heart not hide the intense happi- contributing money to help the Church, to Truc Lam completed high school in Au- are progressive thinkers, ness in his soul after many help retired priests, to buy lottery tickets for gust 2020. For three consecutive years he respected the freedom of their child. days of longing. the elderly who earn a living on the street and won the award for good conduct. Because The videos gave Truc Lam a lot of knowl- “I cried because I was so happy after re- to help victims of the October 2020 flood. he was going abroad, he focused on learning edge about God and nurtured his affection for ceiving God into my heart,” he said. When friends asked why he was doing English in Can Tho. Catholics. “Previously, I was a giddy person, some- charity work, he answered: “We need to Sometimes he still goes back to Hau Gi- Because of the family’s devotion to Bud- times I refused to listen to my parents, wast- know how to sacrifice, to love poor people ang to visit his grandmother and aunt. He dhism, Truc Lam also lived a good life thanks ed money and was rarely involved in char- to please God. I do as God teaches. I have still attends Mass every day. “If I don’t go to to the Buddhist spirit, so when the boy ex- ity work. Every day I spent 500,000 dong little love, but God blesses me to do these Mass, I feel sad, as if I don’t have the Spirit. pressed a wish to become a Catholic, “there [US$22], maybe even more, because I didn’t things. I am satisfied with my change. I find Now, I always live in the spirit of thanking was something unhappy on the face of my understand the value of money.” myself closer to everyone, more sociable God because God has made me his child. I grandmother and parents,” he said. Truc Lam’s wealthy parents let the boy use and friendly to others.” want to thank God by following his footsteps “A long time ago, when I had not yet the money at his will without ever question- “Truc Lam is more gentle, he no longer closely. I want to become a priest,” he said. learned about the Church, in a conversation ing it out of respect for his freedom. swears, he is very pious. Before eating, he — By Maria Pham Ngoc Thao, ucanews. with my dad, he said: ‘I see that there are “Since I got to know the Church, I began knows to make the sign of the cross and com HERALD May 2, 2021 Youth 17 SABAH YOUTH DAY-5 goes virtual SABAH: Due to the pandemic, We are hoping that despite Sabah Youth Day-5 (SYD-5), the way the event is organised, which was scheduled for last young people in Sabah will July, had to be put on hold. open their hearts and partici- This year, the main organis- pate in this event. ing team from Kota Kinabalu The heart of the programme Archdiocese, Keningau Diocese is based on the Pope’s docu- and Sandakan Diocese decided ment, Christus Vivit. to continue the event, but with a We encourage young people twist. Using the technology we in Sabah to participate in this have, SYD-5 will be held virtu- unique and special SYD-5. ally on July 19-23, 2021. Even though it will be held The programme is still the virtually, the organising team same but was adjusted in terms will ensure the SOPs are fol- of timing. Each day, it will only lowed. be held for three hours, starting Young people of Sabah, come from 6.00pm to 9.00pm. and participate in this event! The registration period is until Register through your respec- May 20, 2021. tive parish youth coordinator. Youth accepted into five Ivy League

ment with the objective to em- power indigenous communities in varsities says Sabah. Ivan, who is of Kadazan, Iban and Bidayuh parentage, said he is proud of his multiethnicity. discipline the key He has been spreading aware- ness of various indigenous lan- KOTA KINABALU: Ivan Avan- at home,” said the proud father. tion is key to his successes and guages on social media and with nus Jacob Jimbangan, who made Ivan’s mother, Evelyn John achievements, he said, pointing the Komuhakan Movement, he headlines recently for being ac- Ganjos, added, there was a ‘No out that Ivan has been very inde- was involved in efforts to research cepted into five Ivy Leagues, handphone during weekdays’ rule pendent since a young age. the Kadazan language and pro- namely, Columbia University, for the boys and they only had He knows what he wants in mote the language via infograph- University of Pennsylvania, Cor- access to electronic devices on life and how to go about it, said ics and posters online. nell University, Dartmouth Col- weekends. This is a rule they stuck Jimbangan, adding that family Ivan is also passionate about lege, Brown University besides steadfastly to, she said. members and Ivan’s teachers were persevering indigenous languages the University of Chicago and Ivan, Jimbangan said, is fortu- always there to support and moti- as, according to him many around Stanford University, is very disci- nate that his secondary school, SM vate him to do well in his studies. the world are dying out and if plined in his studies. St Michael, is a high performing “I believe his entry into Stan- nothing is done about it, all will His father Stephen Jimbangan, school and also very well known ford is complemented by his pas- be lost in the future. when asked about the 20-year-old in the matter of discipline. sion in always wanting to contrib- Ivan Avannus choose to attend Stanford This enterprising youth also Ivan’s early years, said that the “Ivan’s dietary intake was also ute something to society and his University. (MalayMail photo/Ivan participated in various competi- latter was very disciplined when it well monitored, special thanks to interest in learning several foreign Avannus Jacob Jimbangan) tions and emerged as champion in came to studying. his grandparents from Kuching languages. We, as parents always Stanford and will be enrolling in one where his team won the Sime “Like Ivan’s elder brother who for taking care of his daily food pray for him… especially his its 2025 class in September this Darby Young Innovators Chal- also scored 9As in the SPM exam- intake,” he said, adding that as a grandmother in Penampang who year. lenge (SDYIC) in 2016 for their ination in 2016, my son said the supportive family, Ivan was pro- never failed to pray for all her Ivan is also very active in social innovation of Malaysia’s first-ever most important criteria to excel vided with a conducive study en- grandchildren,” he said. work and found time to help the food surplus app known as Robin in studies is discipline. Ivan was vironment at home, with his own Ivan, who is finishing his A- poor and needy. Food to curb food wastage while trained from a young age to do re- space to do his school work. Levels in Kolej Tuanku Jaafar, He co-founded non-profit -or feeding the needy. — By Nancy vision for at least two hours a day Finally, his own determina- Negeri Sembilan, has chosen ganisation Komuhakan Move- Lai, Borneo Post Father of Jesus KUCHING: In conjunction with indulgence is granted: something to be done among the St Joseph’s feastday on March  Meditating on the Our Father people as in the past. It is the re- 19, the Empowered Youth Minis- for at least 30 minutes sponsibility of the Church to re- try organised their first Facebook  Performing a work of mercy mind the people of God so that Live session. The featured guests  Families or engaged couples we can grow and unite ourselves were Fr Alvin Ng, SJ and Ralph praying the rosary together with every Catholic in the world Balan, who is a servant member  Entrusting work to St Joseph to pray with one goal. of the Empowered Ministry, dis- and praying to him that all may Besides that, Fr Ho also shared cussing on Lent and St Joseph. have dignified jobs about how St Joseph related to his To kick off the session, Fr Ho  Praying to him for the Church own life and how he inspires him. shared a video on the background and for persecuted Christians Born as a Catholic in Kuching, he of the Year of St Joseph and the  Praying to St Joseph on March grew up with the tradition of St meaning of indulgence. On 8 19 (Feast of St Joseph), May 1 Joseph due to St Joseph’s school December 2020, Pope Francis (Feast of St Joseph the Worker), and parish. Although St Joseph is declared the Year of St Joseph. December 26 (Feast of the Holy not attributed with much speech The dedication was to celebrate Family), the 19th of each month in the Gospel, he is an important the 150th anniversary of the and every Wednesday. person in the Bible. The qualities Proclamation of St Joseph as Fr Ho explained that the 150th of St Joseph are humility and wis- Patron of the Universal Church year of dedication to St Joseph dom. Likewise the saying, “the where Christians can obtain spe- was to remind Catholics that sa- quiet are the wisest of them all”. cial indulgences at anytime and cred tradition as such should not He was a man of action rather than anywhere in this year. Below is be forgotten but carried forward a man of words. — By Emma a summary of the video on how because the Holy Spirit wants Chaong, Today’s Catholic 18 HERALD May 2, 2021 For more enquiries, please contact: Email: [email protected] Pope Francis sends condolences m e m o r i a m Tel: 03-2026 8290 / 03-2026 8291 5th Anniversary In Loving Memory of after death of South Korean Regis Fernandez Returned to the Lord on Cardinal Cheong 2nd May 2016 “Your love VATICAN: Pope Francis offered rything he had to churches and the is always in our hearts his condolences Thursday after poor. He donated his organs to de- Your Kindness South Korean Cardinal Nicholas vote himself to helping the weak,” is fondly remembered Cheong Jin-suk died at the age of he said. Your faith has shown us 89. Cheong was born into a Catho- grace and mercy The cardinal served as a bishop lic family in Seoul in 1931, at Even though you are now for more than 50 years in Korean a time when Korea was under 1968 to 1970, obtaining a degree in God’s kingdom, dioceses, including 14 years as Japanese colonial rule. He was in canon law from the Pontifical The memory of you is acting archbishop of Seoul and baptized four days after his birth, Urban University. always beautifully near.” apostolic administrator of Pyong- and the cardinal once said that his Upon his return to South Ko- Dearly missed yang. mother took him with her to daily rea, he was consecrated bishop and fondly remembered by He is remembered for his pas- Mass during his early childhood. of Cheongju at the age of 39 and husband, children, grandchildren, sion for evangelisation, pro-life His father left the family after took the episcopal motto, Omni- family and friends. advocacy, knowledge of canon the liberation of Korea in 1945 to bus Omnia, meaning “All things law, service to the poor, and efforts go to North Korea, where he went to all people”. 3rd Anniversary to bring peace and unification to on to become a vice minister, ac- He spent the next 28 years serv- In Loving Memory of the Korean peninsula. cording to the Korea Herald. ing as bishop of Cheongju, where Come to me, Cardinal Cheong died on the Cheong was admitted to Seoul he helped to establish Kkottong- night of April 27 in St Mary’s Hos- National University, the top uni- nae, the largest Catholic charitable all who labour pital, where he had been receiving versity in South Korea, to study organisation in South Korea. and are heavy laden, medical care since February. His chemical engineering in 1950, but Cheong led the years-long effort and I will give you rest. body is being kept in a glass coffin his studies were interrupted by the to translate the 1983 Code of Can- in Seoul’s Myeongdong Cathedral start of the Korean War. on Law into the Korean language Take my yoke upon you, until his funeral on May 1. During the war, he served as an and published more than 50 books and learn from me, Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo- interpreter in the South Korean during his lifetime, including 15 for I am gentle and jung, the current archbishop of National Defence Corps. In the commentaries on canon law. lowly in heart, Stella James Pasagna Seoul, offered a midnight Requi- office of a US Ar-my chaplain, he He served as president of the Departed: 6th May 2018 em Mass in the cathedral on April found a book on St Maria Goretti Korean bishops’ conference from and you will find rest Through three years have 27. He remembered his predeces- that helped inspire him to decide 1996 to 1999. for your souls. passed, the evergreen fond sor as someone who “wanted the to become a priest. St John Paul II appointed him For my yoke is easy, memories of your loving and Church to be the light and salt of After studying for the priest- archbishop of Seoul and apostolic caring nature linger on, society, and practiced a pastoral hood at Catholic University of administrator of Pyongyang in and my burden is light.” Providing us strength and ministry that emphasized the val- Korea, he was ordained on March 1998. Pope Benedict XVI made courage to walk this path Matthew 11:28-30 laid out before us. ues of life and family.” 18, 1961. him a cardinal in 2006. — By Fondly remembered by “Cardinal Cheong gave out eve- Cheong studied in Rome from Courtney Mares, CNA family. HERALD May 2, 2021 Saints of the Week & Short Readings 19 St Athanasius Daily Short thanasius led a tumultuous but dedi- cent of the life of St Paul. Reading cated life of service to the Church. He After Constantine died, his son restored was the great champion of the faith Athanasius as bishop. This lasted only a year, Sunday, May 2 A (Acts 10:40-43) against the widespread heresy of Arianism, however, for he was deposed once again by the teaching by Arius that Jesus was not truly a coalition of Arian bishops. Athanasius took God raised Jesus to life on the third day divine. The vigour of his writings earned him his case to Rome, and Pope Julius I called a and allowed him to be seen, not by the the title of Doctor of the Church. synod to review the case and other related whole people but only by certain witness- Born of a Christian family in Alexandria, matters. es God had chosen beforehand. Now Egypt, and given a classical education, Atha- Five times Athanasius was exiled for his we are those witnesses – we have eaten nasius became secretary to Alexander, the defence of the doctrine of Christ’s divinity. and drunk with him after his resurrection bishop of Alexandria, entered the priesthood During one period of his life, he enjoyed 10 from the dead – and he has ordered us to proclaim this to his people and to tell and was eventually named bishop himself. years of relative peace — reading, writing and them that God has appointed him to His predecessor, Alexander, had been an out- promoting the Christian life along the lines of judge everyone, alive or dead. It is to him spoken critic of a new movement growing in the monastic ideal to which he was greatly that all the prophets bear this witness: the East — Arianism. devoted. His dogmatic and historical writings that all who believe in Jesus will have When Athanasius assumed his role as are almost all polemic, directed against every their sins forgiven through his name. bishop of Alexandria, he continued the fight aspect of Arianism. Monday, May 3 against Arianism. At first, it seemed that the Among his ascetical writings, his Life of St (Ephesians 2:19-22) battle would be easily won and that Arianism Anthony achieved astonishing popularity and would be condemned. Such, however, did not clear, the Emperor Constantine exiled Atha- contributed greatly to the establishment of You are no longer aliens or foreign visi- prove to be the case. The Council of Tyre was nasius to northern Gaul. This was to be the monastic life throughout the Western Chris- tors: you are citizens like all the saints, and part of God’s household. You are called and for several reasons that are still un- first in a series of travels and exiles reminis- tian world. — Franciscan Media part of a building that has the apostles and prophets for its foundations, and Christ Jesus himself for its main cor- Sts Philip and James, Apostles nerstone. As every structure is aligned hilip and James were both Apostles, and on him, all grow into one holy temple in Pboth served Christ faithfully during the Feastday: May 3 the Lord; and you too, in him, are being very early days of the Church. Patron Saint of: Uruguay built into a house where God lives, in the Spirit. Philip seems to have been an enthusias- tic person. He was the one who brought his nael that he had found the person about whom Tuesday, May 4 friend Nathanael to Jesus, insisting to Natha- Moses had written. Some years later it was (Acts 13:30-33) Philip who made arrangements, with the help God raised Jesus from the dead, and for of Andrew, to have a group of Greek Gentiles many days he appeared to those who brought to Jesus. Philip the Apostle is not to had accompanied him from Galilee to be confused with the deacon Philip of Acts Jerusalem: and it is these same com- 8, who preached in Samaria and baptised the panions of his who are now his witnesses Ethiopian, although some writers say that they before our people. We have come here are the same person. Philip also had a practi- to tell you the Good News. It was to our cal, down-to-earth mind. He was the Apostle ancestors that God made the promise who commented that it would take a consid- but it is to us, their children, that he has erable amount of money to feed a crowd of fulfilled it, by raising Jesus from the dead. more than 5,000 hungry men, women and As scripture says in the second psalm: You are my son: today I have become children. It was Philip who asked to see the your father. Father when Jesus spoke about him at the Last Supper. Wednesday, May 5 James was the son of Alphaeus and seems preach the Gospel and is believed to have be- (Romans 6:8-11) to have been born in Caesarea. He is men- come the first bishop of Jerusalem. Assuming We believe that having died with Christ tioned less frequently in the New Testament that James and the first bishop of Jerusalem we shall return to life with him: Christ, than Philip is. Sometimes James is called the are one and the same person, then he met his as we know, having been raised from Less, which might be a hint that he was a short death as a martyr in that city about the year the dead will never die again. Death has person or else that he was younger than the AD 62. Tradition identifies James as the au- no power over him any more. When he other Apostle named James. thor of the epistle associated with his name. died, he died, once for all, to sin, so his After Jesus’ death James continued to — Loyola Press life now is life with God; and in that way, you too must consider yourselves to be dead to sin but alive for God in Christ Jesus. Hilary of Arles Thursday, May 6 (Romans 8:10-11) n May 5, Catholics celebrate Saint Hilary to the poor and wholeheartedly embraced the Oof Arles, a fifth-century bishop who gave monastic life of the community in Lerins. If Christ lives in you, then although the up wealth and privilege in favour of austerity In 426, Honoratus became the Archbishop of body be a dead thing in virtue of our guilt, the spirit is a living thing, by virtue of our and sacrifice for the sake of the Church. Arles. Hilary initially followed him, but soon justification. And if the Spirit of him who Hilary was born in the year 401, most likely returned to the monastery at Lerins. Honoratus, raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in in the present-day French region of Loraine. however, insisted on having the assistance of you, he who raised up Jesus Christ from He came from a wealthy background and re- his relative and disciple, and travelled to Lerins the dead will give life to your perishable ceived a traditional aristocratic education in himself to retrieve him. bodies too, for the sake of his Spirit who philosophy and rhetoric, which he expected to When Honoratus died in 429, Hilary again dwells in you. put to use in a secular career. attempted to leave Arles and return to his mon- Friday, May 7 One of Hilary’s relatives, Honoratus, had astery. But the faithful of the city sent out a (Acts 5: 30-32) founded a monastery in Lerins and given his search party and had him brought back, so that life to the service of the Church. Honoratus he could be consecrated as Honoratus’ succes- The God of our fathers raised Jesus form death, after you had killed him by nailing was deeply concerned for Hilary’s salvation, sor. him to a cross. And God raised him to his and urged him, with tears to abandon worldly Though he was not yet 30 years old, the new right side as Leader and Saviour, to give pursuits for the sake of following Christ. Archbishop was well-prepared by his years in to the people of Israel the opportunity to “On one side,” Hilary later recalled, “I saw religious life and the time spent assisting his repent and have their sins forgiven. We the Lord calling me; on the other, the world of- predecessor. As Archbishop, he maintained the diocese, and strengthened the discipline and are witnesses to these things — we and fering me its seducing charms and pleasures. simplicity of a monk. He owned few posses- orthodoxy of the local Church through a series the Holy Spirit, who is God’s gift to those How often did I embrace and reject, will and sions, put the poor ahead of himself, and con- of councils. He sold Church property in order who obey him. not will the same thing!” tinued to do manual labour. to pay the ransoms of those who had been kid- Saturday, May 8 “But in the end Jesus Christ triumphed in Known for his kindness and charity, the napped, and is said to have worked miracles (Romans 14: 7-9) during his lifetime. me. And three days after Honoratus had left Archbishop was also remembered for publicly None of us lives for himself only. none of me, the mercy of God, solicited by his prayers, rebuking a government official who brought St Hilary of Arles died on May 5, 449. Al- us dies for himself only; if we live, it is for subdued my rebellious soul.” shame on the Church. He also warned luke- though his life was marked by some canonical the Lord that we live, and if we die, it is Hilary returned to his relative, humbling warm believers that they would “not so easily disputes with Pope St Leo I, the Pope himself for the Lord that we die. Whether we live himself as Honoratus’ disciple and embrac- get out of hell, if you are once unhappily fallen praised the late Archbishop of Arles in a letter or die, then, we belong to the Lord. For ing his life of prayer, asceticism and Scripture into its dungeons.” to his successor, honouring him as “Hilary of Christ died and rose to life in order to be study. He sold his property, gave the proceeds Hilary helped to establish monasteries in his holy memory.” — CNA the Lord of the living and of the dead. Universal: The World of Finance Let us pray that those in charge of finance will work with governments to regulate the financial sphere and protect citizens from its dangers.

Download the Click To Pray updates now. THE CATHOLIC WEEKLY May 2, 2021 Truth about shooting will help diocese in South Sudan, bishop-designate says VATICAN: While Bishop-designate Christian Italian-born Comboni missionary, like the new April 26 when two gunmen entered his resi- Carlassare already has forgiven his attackers, he bishop-designate. dence, shot at the door of his room, then fired said finding the truth about why he was shot in Hearing there was evidence pointing to the four bullets into his legs. the legs at his home in Rumbek, South Sudan, involvement of members of his diocese, Bish- He said he had tried to talk to the men, “but will help achieve reconciliation. op-designate Carlassare said, “now we just they cocked the gun and shot me in the legs. The Italian-born bishop-designate, 43, was have to let the investigations continue. It is a Then they fled. They were not here to steal or responding to news that three local priests were very sad story,” he said, but if it turns out church kill me because they would have killed me eas- among the 12 people arrested for their possible members are guilty, then the local church will ily.” involvement in the attack April 26. Local re- have to repent and recognise its responsibility. Pope Francis had appointed him bishop ports say lay members of the local church com- “Now the truth,” he said; “Let the light shine in early March; his episcopal ordination was munity were also among those arrested. on the ambush for bringing about reconcilia- scheduled for May 23, Pentecost Sunday. “Only the truth, even if it is painful, will be tion.” Fr James Oyet Latansio, general secretary of able to point out what choices we will have Education and evangelisation are essential the South Sudan Council of Churches, said that to make. It is a great suffering for the church, for building “a community that is not held hos- the three priests were suspected to have been perhaps necessary for building something on a tage to violence,” he said, adding that he in- Fr Christian Carlassare, MCCJ part of a network and conspiracy that led to the clean foundation,” he said in an interview April tends to return to his diocese as soon as possible worried about whether the community can attack. 29 with Avvenire, the daily newspaper of the to help promote “another step forward” on the heal,” he said. When he arrived in the diocese The priests’ arrest followed the extraction of Italian bishops’ conference. path to peace. April 15, “everyone welcomed me,” he said, records from a mobile phone that one of the One of the priests who was arrested was Fr Bishop-designate Carlassare, who has been “however, obviously there is more that needs to assailants dropped while fleeing the residence. John Matiang, who had administered the Dio- ministering in South Sudan since 2005, said be done. I did not come to Rumbek as a chief, The last call on the phone was from a priest and cese of Rumbek for the past nine years. The he is convinced that dialogue will help resolve but to collaborate with everyone, and our dia- the words, in the Dinka ethnic dialect, were diocese had been without a bishop since the what is a complicated and difficult situation. logue has always been positive.” “where is his room,” Fr Oyet said. — By Carol death in 2011 of Bishop Cesare Mazzolari, an “The wounds in my leg will heal, but I am The attack occurred shortly after midnight Glatz, CNS Foundation receives personal Upcoming virtual summit seeks to increase devotion to St Joseph writings of Pope John Paul I WASHINGTON: A virtual three-day summit VATICAN: The John Paul I Vatican Founda- death of St Paul VI. dedicated to St. Joseph will feature more than tion announced the recovery of a collection of The foundation, established in 2020 by 40 evangelists and aims to connect Catholics the late pope’s writings. Pope Francis, was set up to sponsor a variety with their “spiritual father.” of initiatives, including conventions, meetings, The summit Our Spiritual Father: Pilgrim- seminars and study sessions. It is also expected age to the Heart of Saint Joseph will be held to publish research and be a point of reference online from Sept. 30 through Oct. 3, and will be throughout the world for people who wish to hosted by Deacon Steve Greco, the president of further their studies on Pope John Paul I. Spirit Filled Hearts Ministry. The ministry will Italian journalist Stefania Falasca, a member partner with Cardinal Studios to broadcast the of the foundation’s administrative board and summit online. vice postulator of the late pope’s sainthood Presenters at the summit include Fr Donald cause, said the writings — dated from 1929 to Calloway – who compiled the “Consecration to 1978 — are a “very rich collection of diverse St Joseph” – along with Archbishop Salvatore St Joseph Summit documentation spanning 50 years, made up Cordileone of San Francisco, Bishop Kevin tually attend will be able to interact with Greco of papers including handwritten pieces, note- Vann of the Diocese of Orange, Dr Scott Hahn, and participate in live daily prayer and healing books, diaries, printed and photographic mate- and Chris Stefanick, host of EWTN’s “Real services. rial and correspondence.” Life Catholic.” People can participate in the conference “The scope of these papers, which is mainly “This is the largest gathering of Catholics for free of charge, with the option of purchasing a characterised as a personal file, largely includes Catholics all related to St Joseph, our spiritual $49.99 “passport” to have permanent access to interventions, lectures, conferences, homilies, father, who has so much to offer us in this Year the presentations, to “bonus content,” and to a articles and publications,” she said. of St Joseph,” said Greco, in a press release an- free copy of Fr Calloway’s book. Among the writings, which are expected nouncing the event. “We have prayed over every presenter and Pope John Paul I to be digitised, was the pope’s 1978 personal Greco explained that after he read and prayed asked the Holy Spirit to show us who, what, agenda that include notes written by John Paul with Fr Calloway’s book on consecration to St and how to do this,” said Greco. He said that In a statement released by the Vatican April I for his Sunday Angelus addresses and weekly Joseph, he was inspired to create the summit. the “support and collaboration has been incred- 28, Archbishop Francesco Moraglia of Venice audiences. He said he felt an “urgency” to help Catholics ible,” and that he believes that the event will be said the personal archives of his predecessor, Archbishop Francesco “to develop a friendship with the most formida- one that is “historic for the Church in this spe- then-Cardinal Albino Luciani, are a testament Moraglia (pic) said the ar- ble saint for our times.” cial year under St Joseph’s cloak, dedicated by to the late pontiff’s humility as “a meek and chives show that even after “I was completely struck by Fr Calloway’s Our Holy Father.” brave worker in the vineyard of the Lord.” his election, Pope John Paul profound work, and realised I didn’t have the “Families are in crisis, people are in need of “I hope the foundation will always undertake I’s “priority and attention devotion to St Joseph as I should. I also realised healing, and the whole Church needs to be bet- the work of spreading his religious and cultural went to the proclamation that there were many more people out there like ter equipped to battle when under spiritual at- heritage so that we may know better the beauti- of the Gospel, without ever me,” he said. tack,” he said. ful ‘surprise’ that God wanted to reserve, one leaving it in ‘second place’ Spirit Filled Hearts Ministry is based in the The summit is “for everyone,” said Greco, day, for his Church and the world by placing or trivialising it.” Diocese of Orange, California. It holds virtual including “the faithful, the curious and for those Albino Luciani on the chair of St Peter,” Arch- John Paul I, he said, served a Church that and in-person conferences and seminars on the who have gone astray.” He said the virtual na- bishop Moraglia wrote. was “wounded and fragile without yielding to faith. ture of the summit, where attendees can “at- Pope John Paul I served only 33 days as pope. the temptation of gaining notoriety but, instead, The upcoming summit will include presenta- tend” anonymously, will be especially helpful He died in 1978 at the age of 65, shocking the took on his personal responsibility and suffer- tions from bishops, priests, religious, evange- for those who are “struggling” but who want to world and a Church that had just mourned the ing.” — By Junno Arocho Esteves, CNS lists and lay leaders. Those who sign up to vir- increase their devotion. — CNA