NEWSLETTER MMXX 3Rd QUARTER the EQUESTRIAN ORDER of the HOLY SEPULCHRE of JERUSALEM Lieutenancy of Victoria

NEWSLETTER MMXX 3rd QUARTER THE EQUESTRIAN ORDER OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE OF JERUSALEM Lieutenancy of Victoria

This Issue ….. Grand Master’s Corner

Grand Master’s Corner …………………………….. 1 Your Eminence, can you share your thoughts with us on the ques- Lieutenant’s Corner ...... 2 tion of the presence of young people in the Order? (Jérôme, Paris) 2020 Calendar ...... 2 Address by Pope Francis ...... 3 The Jerusalem Cross Publications ...... 3 Thank you for this question. Yes, I must say that I agree Grand Prior’s Corner ...... 4 with you, as I think many do, with the opportunity to re- The Great Feast of the Assumption ...... 11 flect on this important aspect of the life of our Order. In The Seal of Confession ...... 15 1962, on the occasion of the updating of the Constitution, What kind of world should we build? ...... 15 Pope Saint John XXIII said that the Order must have its Priest tackles the spiritual and the physical 16 Victoria reverses ban on last rites visits ...... 16 "vitality"; this should not be restricted to its commitments to the Holy Land, but above all Melbournians suffering sacramental life ...... 17 internally, both from a spiritual, organizational and participatory point of view. $3.5 million in emergency aid to Holy Land 17 The question is however: How to proceed? our deceased members ...... 18 The recent Synod on Young People and the subsequent Apostolic Exhortation Christus On Facebook ...... 18 vivit (25.3.2019) encourage us to think seriously about the presence of young people in the Featured website - Sacred Places ...... 18 Order, to their formation and participation in the spiritual and social purposes entrusted to Pilgrimage to the Holy Lands 2020 ...... 18 Information Brochure for New Members .. 18 us by the Supreme Pontiffs. Some Internet Links …………………………….… 19 You say that in France the Lieutenancy, for about twenty years now, has been carrying EOHSJ Victorian Council …………………….…... 19 forward the experience of Écuyers et Demoiselles, which has allowed, so far, to include in Magazines and Newsletters ……………...... …. 19 the Order the presence of thirty young members. This appears to be an important fruit, if it St Joseph’s intercession: Francis ………….…. 19 is true that "from the fruits" we can recognize the goodness of the initiative. Another non- Lieutenants of Australia …………………….….. 20 secondary aspect on which to reflect is the presence in the Order of many Members who, Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem Report .….. 20 once they have entered to become part of it, no longer participate: Why? This aspect also calls us all to reflect. As we know, and Pope Francis has recently reminded us, ours is not a "philanthropic" Order (16 November 2018) nor merely an honorific one. NOTE: to jump to the appropriate page listed Introducing young people who can bring the enthusiasm of their participation, I believe is in the index, press Control key (Ctrl) and then healthy, as is recovering the "distant". left mouse click on the index item. The words of the Holy Father in the Message for World Youth Day which we celebrated last

April 5 are still striking: “In a culture that makes young people isolated and withdrawn into virtual worlds, let us spread Jesus’ invitation: Arise! […] Arise and become what you are! If this is our message, many young people will stop looking bored and weary, and let their faces come alive and be more beautiful than any virtual reality. If you give life, someone will be there to receive it […] And if a young person is passionate about something, or even

better, about Someone, he or she will arise and start to do great things; […] and become

witnesses to Jesus and devote their lives to him.” Even the Knights and Dames of the Holy Sepulchre are called to fire up passion for the beauty of the values and of the Order’s Christian witness, in all those young people who, after appropriate discernment, could enter our family. I would then be of the opinion that the various Lieutenancies - responding to requests Editor: Nick de Weger KCHS expressed in the past - inform the Grand Magisterium if they already have, or if they plan to start some experience with the participation of young people, together with their evalu- Mob 0413 239 717 ation (regarding age, denomination, attraction and formation initiatives, etc.). Perhaps, Email: [email protected] after listening to each other, we will be able to better identify the lines of common orientation, 4 Bradley Place, Warragul while respecting the freedom that each Lieuten- Vic 3820 ancy will have in carrying out its own initiatives. A small ad hoc study group could be created in the Grand Magisterium as soon as we receive responses.

Fernando Cardinal Filoni Grand Master

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Lieutenant’s Corner—These Testing Times

Dear Knights & Dames,

I hope this newsletter finds you all well. My thoughts and prayers remain with all of you as Melbourne continues to be challenged with COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreaks. The continued uncertainty about the future is challenging for everyone. In particular we need to remember our members and their families in hotspot postcodes.

A friendly reminder from Treasurer Andrew Price:

2020 Annual Contributions Due

Dear Knights and Dames,

What a challenging year 2020 has been so far. As members of the EOHSJ and through our Faith and Charity we remain a critical source of support to the Latin Patriarchate, as it administers to the spiritual needs and welfare of Christians in the Holy Land. In 2019, thanks to your generous contributions, the Victorian Lieutenancy was able to remit AUD $55,000 to the Grand Magisterium in Rome. All these funds are used for various projects of the Latin Patriarchate in the Holy Land. This year also saw a special COVID-19 Humanitarian Support Appeal. We had a fantastic response with our Victorian members donating $11,500. 2020 will see us commit to supporting Hogar Nino Dios. A $4,000 contribution is to be made this year. Here is a link to their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hogar-Nino-Dios-Betlemme/363697863719097

To continue the support in the Holy Land we need your support, this year more than most. The vital support for our Victorian Lieutenancy is our Annual Contribution Appeal. The average Victorian contribution in 2019 was $950 p.a per member. This was slightly higher than 2018, the major driver being an increase in contributions by all members. If you have inadvertently missed your previous contribution or have any issues regarding payments, please contact me.

Making Payment: (a) & (b) are the preferred options: The Grand Magisterium, as a guideline, suggests a minimum $600.00 pa. by all members. a) Bank Transfer to: National Australia Bank Account Name: EOHSJ BSB: 083-347 Account: 64-850-8659 Please email me ([email protected]) with your name and amount transferred. b) Regular Instalments (Monthly or Quarterly) Members can make their contribution by way of regular bank transfer using the direct debit system. If you wish to use this approach for 2020 please contact your bank and notify me with the details. c) By Cheque. Make payable to: Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem Mail, clearly identifying your name and the amount, to: Andrew Price KHS, EOHSJ Treasurer, PO Box 214 Monbulk Vic 3793

Fraternally in Christ

Good news for pilgrims in the new diplomatic accord between Israel and the Emirates.

This should mean easier access for Christian pilgrims to Israel via the several Arab airlines. At the same time it will be easier for Moslems living in Israel to make the Haj pilgrimage to Mecca.

2020 Calendar —SAVE THE DATES: Please add these dates to your diary.

+ Peter J Elliott

Cancelled: Saturday 17 October 2020 - Chapter Meeting and Vigil - 9.30am

Cancelled: Sunday 18 October 2020 - Investiture Mass at St Patrick's Cathedral - 11am and Lunch at 12.45pm at the Athenae- um Club on 87 Collins Street, Melbourne

Postponed: Bishop-Elect Greg Bennet’s ordination was scheduled for at St Mary’s Cathedral in Sale on October 20 .

25 October is feast-day of Our Lady Queen of Palestine.

Monday, 7 December: 6.00pm Mass and Rosary at St Peter’s Catholic Church, 581 Toorak Road, Toorak and Social at St Peter’s Parish Centre, 583 Toorak Road, Toorak

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Address by Pope Francis The Jerusalem Cross Publications

Newsletter N° 58 July 2020 Jerusalem Cross

ordinis equestris sancti sepulchri hierosolymitani @granmagistero.oessh www.oessh.va @GM_oessh Message from the Grand Master You can have flaws, be anxious, and even be angry, but do not forget that your life is the greatest enterprise in the world. Our Order: a Central Body Only you can stop it from going bust. Many appreciate you, admire you and love you. of the Catholic Church Remember that to be happy is not to have a sky without a Dear Knights and Dames, dear storm, a road without accidents, work without fatigue, rela- friends of the Order, in this new tionships without disappointments. issue of our quarterly publication I To be happy is to find strength in forgiveness, hope in battles, am pleased to share three news security in the stage of fear, love in discord. It is not only to items with you. enjoy the smile, but also to reflect on the sadness. It is not only to celebrate the successes, but to learn lessons from the First of all, the Holy Father has failures. It is not only to feel happy with the applause, but to approved our new Constitution, be happy in anonymity. formally confirming that the Equestrian Order of the Holy Being happy is not a fatality of destiny, but an achievement Sepulchre of Jerusalem is a Cen- Cardinal Filoni is active in communications for those who can travel within themselves. To be happy is to tral Body of the Catholic Church. outreach to promote awareness of the stop feeling like a victim and become your destiny's author. It This decision encourages us to vocation and mission of the members of the is to cross deserts, yet to be able to find an oasis in the depths Order, as in this case, during a broadcast last serve the Holy Land as an elevat- Spring on the Italian public television of our soul. It is to thank God for every morning, for the mir- ed form of participation in the channel Rai 1, from his Roman office at the acle of life. Church’s concern as a whole for Palazzo della Rovere. Being happy is not being afraid of your own feelings. It's to the Land of Jesus! It is an im- be able to talk about you. It is having the courage to hear a portant ‘gift’ that involves our great and most generous commit- "no". It is confidence in the face of criticism, even when un- ment. It is almost a question of caring for the ‘Body’ of Christ pre- justified. It is to kiss your children, pamper your parents, to sent in the living and current reality in the Holy Land: the poor, our live poetic moments with friends, even when they hurt us. faithful, school children and young people, migrants, sacred works and buildings. To be happy is to let live the creature that lives in each of us, free, joyful and simple. Furthermore, a text on the Spirituality of our It is to have maturity to be able to say: "I made mistakes". Order is ready; it is currently being translated and is intended to It is to have the courage to say "I am sorry". deepen our “vocation” and “mission” which have their roots in the Word of God and in the living Tradition of the Church. I worked on It is to have the sensitivity to say, "I need you". this document during the ‘quarantine’, with the desire to help you It is to have the ability to say "I love you". deepen the spiritual meaning of belonging to the Order. May your life become a garden of opportunities for happi- Finally, an updated text of the Liturgy is being studied, as a con- ness ... crete application of what had previously been mentioned, and with the aim of making our way of celebrating the Vigil of Prayer and the That in spring may it be a lover of joy. In winter a lover of Investiture rite more appropriate and beautiful, in fidelity to the wisdom. teaching of the Second Vatican Council and the liturgical and eccle- And when you make a mistake, start all over again. siological path of the Church. For only then will you be in love with life. You will find that As you can understand, this represents a tripod upon which to insti- to be happy is not to have a perfect life. But use the tears to tutionally, spiritually and liturgically rest our joyful belonging to the irrigate tolerance. Order and to the generous commitments it entails towards the Mother Church of Jerusalem. Use your losses to train patience. Fernando Cardinal Filoni Use your mistakes to sculptor serenity.

Use pain to plaster pleasure.

Use obstacles to open windows of intelligence. By clicking on this link you can access number 58 of the Jerusalem Never give up .... Never give up on people who love you. Cross, a quarterly publication of the Grand Magisterium of the Or- Never give up on happiness, for life is an incredible show. der of the Holy Sepulchre and a 12 page document. NOTE: to access links click mouse on the underlined word while holding down the control key on the keyboard

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Grand Prior’s Corner

6 September 2020

To the People and Clergy of the Archdiocese of Melbourne

Dear friends in Christ,

As we now welcome the beginnings of easing in COVID-19 Restrictions in Victoria, I would like to take this opportunity to write to you, the Clergy and people of our Archdiocese. It is great news that regional Victoria will, from tonight, move into the Third Step of the Roadmap to reopening, which includes our parishes located outside the metropolitan zone. However, we have a long way to go.

The deprivation in sacramental life has been a profound loss for our people. As well as all the other sufferings of the Pandemic, the sense of estrangement from the Eucharist has been a particular struggle for Catholics. The Mass is our primary means of gathering together in faith; it is the source and summit of our Christian life, and its life-giving nourishment and healing is dearly missed.

In the midst of this loss, I am grateful to our Priests and Deacons for continuing to serve the faithful, for sharing a sacramental ministry even under strict conditions, and for being alongside our people and their loved ones in times of death and grief. Thank you for your faithfulness.

All of us are anxious to open church doors, but I want to emphasise our need to be creative in the ways we do so, especially with the thousands of children who have been waiting for Sacraments of Initiation. Countless Catholic families are awaiting Baptism, Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation for their children. Adults, too, have longed to be received into the life of the Church. We shall be exploring possibilities such as outdoor liturgies in parish and school settings to facilitate these crucial events of grace and welcome.

Throughout the pandemic, I have been advocating directly with the Government, reminding authorities continually of our respectful compliance with each stage of restrictions, and seeking a fair consideration in what is permitted. The Catholic community throughout the pandemic has been constructive and positive. We have, and continue to act in a mature way, caring for the safety and vulnerability of Victorians facing great risk. Thankfully the signs of driving down COVID numbers are looking good at this moment and Catholics join other people of faith in giving thanks for this outcome and working to ensure the steps ahead do not take us backward.

Now, it is essential that the Government does not treat faith communities as an afterthought to the opening up of other sectors. Our churches are locations for communities of care and essential service, and must be treated fairly and reasonably.

Practically speaking, I have been in discussion with the Premier to thank him for overturning the restriction on spiritual ministry to the sick and the dying, and have assured him that the Catholic Church is able to manage restrictions (including good hygiene, face coverings, social distancing and density requirements). If pubs and restaurants can open, then places of worship should be open under similar conditions and numbers.

If case numbers track well, I expect we will see larger outdoor gatherings in regional Victoria become possible over the next few weeks, and proportionate opportunities for gathering in metropolitan Melbourne. I am hopeful that this may occur sometime in October, which would be a deeply welcomed improve- ment on the current Roadmap indications. If we can open our churches, even for outdoor gatherings, then we should open them.

The Deputy Premier and the Multicultural Affairs Minister are conducting discussions this month through the Multifaith Leaders Forum. The Archdiocese will be contributing to these meetings. In addition I will continue to engage with the Premier and Ministers directly on the Church’s need for opening doors, carefully and safely.

Be assured of my ongoing closeness in prayer and concern. I have heard your cry, and I am working to bring your voice to the authorities. The Lord has promised he will be with us always; let us place our hope in Him.

With every grace and blessing, I remain,

Yours sincerely in Christ Jesus,

Most Rev Peter A Comensoli Archbishop of Melbourne St Patrick’s Centre, PO Box 146, East Melbourne VIC 8002 Australia Tel: +61 3 9926 5612 Email: [email protected]

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Grand Prior’s Corner #16 UPDATE: GENERAL GUIDELINES

COVID-19 Implications for the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne

Information Updated: Wednesday 16 September 5.00pm

The following Guidelines are approved by Most Rev Peter A Comensoli, Archbishop of Melbourne, to assist Clergy and Faithful with questions pertaining to specific areas of liturgy and ministry in the Archdiocese of Melbourne during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response to the latest directives announced by Government as part of the proposed Roadmaps for the reopening of the Metropolitan and Regional areas of Victoria, the following will become operational for Regional Victoria only, from 11:59pm on 16 September, 2020.

REGIONAL VICTORIA THIRD STEP Curfew: not in place. Leave Home: no restrictions on reasons to leave home or distance you can travel but stay safe. Travel allowed across all areas in the Third Step (except to areas with higher restrictions). Public Gatherings: up to 10 people outdoors. Weddings: allowed with up to 10 people (including the couple and the two witnesses). The celebrant is not included in this number. Funerals: allowed with up to 20 people (infants under 12 months of age or people required to conduct the funeral not included in the limit). Worship: outdoor religious gatherings for up to 10 people plus a faith leader; places of worship can open for private worship for households and people who are in a bubble together (up to five people). Visitors to the Home: create a ‘household bubble’ with one nominated household allowing up to 5 visitors from that household at a time (infants under 12 months of age are not included in the cap).

DHHS Victorian Roadmap for Regional Victoria

Face coverings remain mandatory for people aged 12 and over when outdoors and in indoor public spaces. This remains in pace for ceremonies and livestreaming where applicable. Under no circumstances should anyone awaiting test verification, including Clergy (even without presenting symptoms) attend a church or parish setting until a diagnosis is confirmed. Additionally, under no circumstances should anyone attend who is closely connected to people who are awaiting test results or who have tested positive. THIRD STEP – Regional Victoria (inc. Mitchell Shire)

All Victorians over the age of 12 must wear a face covering whenever they leave their home, unless a medical exemption applies. As of 11.59pm Wednesday 16 September, 2020 until otherwise directed: • PLACES of WORSHIP: Places of worship can open for private worship for households and people who are in a bubble together (up to five people). • OUTDOOR GATHERINGS: of up to 10 people, plus 1(one) faith leader, proximate to a place of worship, are allowed. Further clarification on this is being sought. • WEDDINGS: will be limited to 10 people, including the couple and the two witnesses. The celebrant is not included in this number. • FUNERALS: will be limited to 20 mourners plus the minimum number required to conduct the funeral. Children who are under one year of age are not counted in the 20 person limit. You can travel to attend a funeral. • BAPTISMS: may be celebrated under the outdoor gathering limits, or worship for households or ‘social bubble’ direction. Note specific hygiene around use of oils and water. This allows for eleven people including the celebrant outdoors and five people including the celebrant indoors (a child under 12 months not included), meeting all hygiene and distancing precautions and recording names and contact details of all present. • LIVESTREAMING: a limit 5 in total may be present, including the celebrant. • VISITATIONS: Homes: Faith leaders may visit someone in their home on request to share spiritual ministry (or equivalent religious services) to provide care and support to a person who is at the end of their life. It is critical measures like face coverings and physical distancing are observed, and that the travel to the person’s home and the visit are limited to what is reasonably required and necessary (e.g. only required attendees should visit and just for the service). Hospitals or Care Facilities:

Faith leaders may visit someone in a hospital or care facility to share spiritual ministry (or equivalent religious services) to those who are at the end of their life, or if it would support a patient or resident with their emotional or mental wellbeing, in line with other visiting restrictions and if this support cannot be provided remotely. It is important to note that strict limits on visitors apply in these circumstances. It is critical measures like face coverings and physical distancing are observed and these visits are limited to what is reasonably and necessary (e.g. a visit has been requested by a patient). Such services can also be provided using video or live streaming, depending on religious tradition.

• If you can work from home, you must do so. All requirements around hygiene and distancing must be met, along with the collection of contact details. Further information around workplaces have been provided.

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Grand Prior’s Corner #16 UPDATE: GENERAL GUIDELINES

FIRST STEP– Metropolitan Melbourne All Victorians over the age of 12 must wear a face covering whenever they leave their home, unless a medical exemption applies.

As of 11.59pm Sunday 2 August, 2020 and until otherwise directed:

• All places of worship including churches, adoration chapels and other church buildings used for public prayer and religious services. are to be closed. • WEDDINGS: No weddings are permitted unless an application is made to the DHHS for an exemption on compassionate grounds. If compassionate reasons permit a marriage ceremony to proceed, then only 5 people are allowed, comprising of the couple, two witnesses and the celebrant. People in Metropolitan Melbourne cannot travel to a wedding outside of metropolitan Melbourne. • FUNERALS: will be limited to 10 mourners (infants under 12 months of age not included in this number). You can travel to a funeral outside of metropolitan Melbourne. Restrictions apply based on the location of the funeral, and limits to numbers also apply. You should not attend a funeral if you are feeling unwell. • BAPTISMS: are to be postponed, unless there is an and grave pastoral need. (Can. 857; 860). • LIVESTREAMING: a limit of 5 in total may be present, including the celebrant. •VISITATIONS: Homes: Under Stage 4 restrictions, faith leaders may visit someone in their home on request to share spiritual ministry (or equivalent religious services) to provide care and support to a person who is at the end of their life. It is critical measures like face coverings and physical distancing are observed, and that the travel to the person’s home and the visit are limited to what is reasonably required and necessary (e.g. only required attendees should visit and just for the service). Hospitals or Care Facilities: Under Stage 4 restrictions, faith leaders may visit someone in a hospital or care facility to share spiritual ministry (or equivalent religious services) to those who are at the end of their life, or if it would support a patient or resident with their emotional or mental wellbeing, in line with other visiting restrictions and if this support cannot be provided remotely. It is important to note that strict limits on visitors apply in these circumstances. It is critical measures like face coverings and physical distancing are observed and these visits are limited to what is reasonably required and necessary (e.g. a visit has been requested by a patient). Such services can also be provided using video or live streaming, depending on religious tradition. • CURFEW: A Curfew is in place from 9pm until 5am each day. You may leave home for the purposes of essential work only. • If you can work from home, you must do so.

All requirements around hygiene and distancing must be met, along with the collection of contact details.

Further information around workplaces will be provided.

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Grand Prior’s Corner #16 UPDATE: GENERAL GUIDELINES

GENERAL LITURGICAL GUIDELINES – Face coverings: These Liturgical Guidelines are intended to assist Clergy and faithful in the reverent and joyful celebration of Holy Mass while maintaining the health and safety precautions offered through health and government authorities. It is by carefully observing the directives and precautions outlined in this document that the celebration of Mass, even with the limitations of restrictions now in place can take place prudently. We look forward to gathering together with all our people to safely celebrate the Eucharistic Sacrifice, but in the meantime we will follow these guidelines with diligence, using common sense and respect for others.

If there are difficulties maintaining any of the following directives, then Masses should be suspended.

FACEMASKS and SANITISING Masses, Funerals, Weddings, Baptisms (Reg Vic.), and Live-Streaming.

For Clergy: Masks should be worn as you enter for Mass. They may be removed during the celebration of Mass, but are to be placed back on for the distribution of Holy Communion and at the conclusion of Mass as you process out. –including musicians, technicians for live streaming, and cleaners and musicians, MUST wear masks at all times as per the DHHS Guidelines. ion of Holy Communion.

hurch.

LITURGY OF THE WORD The reader may lower his/her mask for the readings. This applies as well for the Universal Prayer. may be lowered. It must be worn at all other times.

LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST The hosts to be consecrated for the faithful should be placed on a separate Paten (or Ciborium) to the Paten holding the host that the priest will consume.

HOLY COMMUNION The following information is designed to allow for the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass in a safe manner for both ministers and communicants. All liturgical norms that govern the ordinary distribution of Holy Communion are observed in these norms, preserving the integrity of the celebration and distribution of the Eucharist.

All worshippers are to wear a face covering or mask throughout the celebration of Mass and the other Sacraments.

uired to sanitise his hand thoroughly. For such sanitisation to be possible, a table with hand sanitiser should also be placed in proximity to the minister distributing Com- munion. flatly placed on top of the other, then taking steps to the side to place the host on the tongue. to accommodate the dialogue that occurs between them might be the following: - The minister is to wear his mask throughout. - The communicant comes forward to a point 1.5m metres from the minister, removes one side of their mask, and sanitises their hands at a sanitation station provided nearby. - The communicant then enters into dialogue with the minister: “Body of Christ”; “Amen.” from the 1.5 metre distance. - The communicant, stretching out their arms with one hand flatly placed on top of the other, receives the Blessed Sacrament then steps to the side to place the host on their tongue. - The communicant replaces their mask and returns to their seat. - If there is any contact with a communicant’s hand or breath, the Minister must sanitise before distributing Holy Communion to the next communicant.

stage of pandemic restrictions, and Clergy should not encourage otherwise. If a communicant presents to receive on the tongue, they must wait until all others who are receiving in the hand have done so. A minister must immediately sanitise his hand every time a communicant receives Holy Communion on the tongue, and before proceeding.

PLEASE NOTE: It is advised that when live-streaming, reception of Holy Communion is done off-screen/video.

It is recommended that you keep informed through the Department of Health and Human Services website for daily updates.

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Grand Prior’s Corner #16 UPDATE: GENERAL GUIDELINES

Priests Daily Mass and • Daily Mass should be offered for all God’s people, the faithful in Melbourne, and the wider community. obligations

Places of Worship and Gatherings • Metropolitan Melbourne: Places of religion and worship remain closed for both religious ceremonies and private worship, but those who are necessary to stream a service can attend for these purposes. This is limited to up to

five people.

• Regional Victoria: Outdoor religious gatherings for up to 10 people plus a faith leader are allowed. Places of wor-

ship can open for private worship for households and people who are in a bubble together (up to five people). Baptisms • For Metropolitan Melbourne: Baptisms are to be postponed, unless there is a grave pastoral need. (Can. 857; 860). In emergency situations priests and deacons must make themselves available for Baptism. In extreme circumstances any lay person can validly baptise using water and the Trinitarian formula. (Can 861 §2).

• For Regional Victoria: Baptisms may be may be celebrated under the worship for households direction (a total of 5 including the celebrant with a child under 12 months not included in the number); or the outdoor gathering for

10 plus a celebrant. Note specific hygiene around use of oils and water.

• • Numbers dependent on indoor or outdoor celebrations (see above).

• • CONTACT DETAILS are required for all attendees– and must include: First Name + Contact Number + date and

time at which the person attended the place of worship;

• • Baptism by immersion or baptisms using already blessed water is to be avoided. Fresh water is to be used in

every individual instance of baptism, and immediately drained afterwards.

• • Physical distancing and building capacity limits must be maintained at all times;

• • Hygiene precautions must be maintained throughout;

• if indoors, doors must remain closed to prevent public access; •

• • Following a Baptism indoors, the church must be cleaned in accordance with the guidance on routine environmental cleaning and disinfection in the community, available at: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/

publications/coronavirus-covid-19-information-about-routine-environmental-cleaning-and-disinfection-in-the- community

Weddings • Metropolitan Melbourne: Only for compassionate reasons and through application to DHHS.

• Regional Victoria: Where weddings are permitted, up to 10 people may attend a wedding which includes the couple, the celebrant and two witnesses;

• CONTACT DETAILS are required for all attendees– and must include: First Name + Contact Number + date and time at which the person attended the place of worship;

• Physical distancing and building capacity limits must be maintained at all times;

• Hygiene precautions must be maintained throughout;

• Doors must remain closed to prevent public access;

• No lingering outside the church following the wedding;

• Following a wedding, the church must be cleaned in accordance with the guidance on routine environmental cleaning and disinfection in the community, available at: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/ coronavirus-covid-19-information-about-routine-environmental-cleaning-and-disinfection-in-the-community Funerals • Metropolitan Melbourne: Up to 10 mourners may attend funeral in a place of worship as well as the minimum number of people required for the funeral, including the members of the funeral company. Children who are under one year of age are not counted in the 10 person limit;

• Regional Victoria: Up to 20 mourners may attend funeral in a place of worship as well as the minimum number of people required for the funeral, including the membersof the funeral company. Children who are under one

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Grand Prior’s Corner #16 UPDATE: GENERAL GUIDELINES

year of age are not counted in the 10 person limit;

limit; • CONTACT DETAILS are required for all attendees– and must include: First Name + Contact Number + date and time at which the person attended the place of worship;

• Physical distancing and building capacity limits must be maintained at all times;

• Hygiene precautions must be maintained throughout;

• Doors must remain closed to prevent public access.

• No lingering outside the church following the funeral; • Following a funeral, the church must be cleaned in accordance with the guidance on routine environmental cleaning and disinfection in the community, available at: https://

www.health.gov.au/resources/publicationscoronavirus-covid-19-information-about- routine-environmental-cleaning-and-disinfection-in-the-community

• It will not be possible to organise any refreshments in the Parish hall or centre after the funeral is concluded.

• Permission is granted to hold the funeral Liturgy in a funeral parlour, if the family so wish.

• Families may wish to arrange a larger Memorial Mass at a later date, and after the public emergency and relevant social restrictions have passed.

Penance • Only the First Rite of Penance (individual confession and absolution) can be celebrated, because of the restrictions on numbers. This must be undertaken on a personal request

basis

• and be undertaken meeting all hygiene and distancing requirements noting the utilization

of a screen. • If there arises an urgent need to impart sacramental absolution to several people together out of grave necessity (eg. to a group of persons in a hospital setting who are dying from Coronavirus), then permission is to be sought from the Regional Vicar. The provisions of Can.961 and 962 are to be met and applied for validity.

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Grand Prior’s Corner #16 UPDATE: GENERAL GUIDELINES

Pastoral and Sacramental Visitation. • It is important that the Sacrament of Anointing be available to those seriously ill and in danger of death, and may be given on request.

• Homes: Faith leaders may visit someone in their home on request to share spiritual ministry (or equivalent religious services) to provide care and support to a person who is at the end of their life. It is critical measures like face coverings and physical distancing are observed, and that the travel to the person’s home and the visit are limited to what is reasonably required and necessary (e.g. only required attendees should visit and just for the service).

• Hospitals or Care Facilities: Faith leaders may visit someone in a hospital or care facility to share spiritual ministry (or equivalent religious services) to those who are at the end of their life, or if it would support a patient or resident with their emotional or mental wellbeing, in line with other visiting restrictions and if this support cannot be provided remotely. It is important to note that strict limits on visitors apply in these circumstances. It is critical measures like face coverings and physical distancing are observed and these visits are limited to what is reasonably and necessary (e.g. a visit has been requested by a patient). Such services can also be provided using video or live streaming, depending on religious tradition.

• In general circumstances, if a Priest is requested to visit the home of a sick and dying person, he must take every precaution in relation to those who may be contagious.

• Holy Communion is not to be given to anyone in their homes or care facilities, including the sick and home- bound, except as Viaticum for the dying, which may be administered only by Priests and Deacons, and com- plying with all hygiene precautions and the protocols of the relevant hospitals or aged-care facilities (washing hands, etc.) as appropriate.

• As previously communicated, when Anointing the Sick, priests are given permission to lay on hands by holding them above, rather than upon the head, so as to avoid physical contact. The anointing is to be carried out by dipping a cotton wool ball, cotton bud into the bottle of Oil (do not use an Oil Stock).

• Protective gloves could also be used, which can be disposed of appropriately after a single use. Anointing the head would be sufficient.

• If Viaticum is given, follow the guidelines below:

- Follow instructions from the health or care facility regarding sanitising and PPE; Wash hands or use a hand sanitiser once you enter a home (if applicable); - Avoid any physical contact with the person or family during the visit; - Use a hand sanitiser again before distributing Communion; - If the communicant usually receives Communion on the tongue, strongly encourage him or her, for your safety as well as his / hers, to receive Communion in the hand; - Wash or sanitise your hands after the visit; - Maintain optimum physical distance with everyone in the room, except the patient; - Do not offer comfort through any physical contact. • It is encouraged that those Priests who are in a vulnerable age category or with health concerns contact a neighbouring Priest, or their Regional Vicar to discuss who might be available to support them.

• Physical distancing to the extent possible, disinfecting hands before and after pastoral encounters, and other current measures must be applied at all times.

Ministering to COVID-19 Patients Health officials will be able to guide what is possible and permissible.

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The Great Feast of the Assumption by Bishop Peter J. Elliott

LIGHT IN A DARK TIME Seventy years ago, on the solemnity of All Saints, November 1st, 1950, an immense crowd gathered in Saint Peter’s Square to witness a rare event, the solemn definition of a dogma. From his teaching chair, Pope Pius XII proclaimed the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a truth to be believed by all the faithful. He had chosen this splendid event to be the high moment of the Holy Year 1950, which had brought great numbers of pilgrims to Rome. At a time when travel was difficult and people had few resources, the year was a surprising success. The Church was able to shine some light of hope into the unsettled and shabby years that had followed the Second World War. As a child, growing up in inner-Melbourne, I can just remember that year and somehow the color “grey” always comes to mind. Migrants were arriving from battered Europe, bringing stories of struggle and suffering, memories that cried out for healing. The world needed hope so the Pope who had steered the Church through the war years turned to the woman he loved, she who is “our life, our sweetness and our hope”. Having consulted all the bishops of the Church, Pope Pius exercised his Petrine Office. Preserved by the Holy Spirit from falling into error, he taught that: “Mary, the immaculate perpetually virginal Mother of God, after the completion of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into the glory of heaven.” Scripture and Tradition There is no record of Mary’s Assumption in the Sacred Scriptures. In the Gospel of Saint John, she stands at the cross (John 19: 25-27) and Saint Luke records her prayerful presence waiting for Pentecost (Acts 1:14). Then there is silence, apart from the mysterious vision of the woman “clothed with the sun” in Revelation 12. But, the Second Vatican Council affirms that the Word of God does not come to us in the Bible alone, rather both in the Scriptures and Tradition (cf. Dei Verbum, 9). We turn to Sacred Tradition for the sources behind the Church’s authoritative teaching that Mary was taken body and soul into the glory of heaven. The history of the doctrine of the Assumption is the path that leads to the dogmatic definition of 1950. In Munificentissimus Deus, the document containing the definition, Pope Pius XII referred back to affir- mations of the Assumption by Eastern Church Fathers. The celebration ofa “dormition” or “falling asleep” of the Virgin goes back to the early centuries of the Christian East and this feast is still celebrated by Eastern Christians, Catholics and Orthodox. The word “dormition” was gradually replaced by “assumption”, her being taken up to heaven. In Europe from medieval times, the Assumption was celebrated as the Summer feast of Our Lady. Churches were dedicated under the title “assumption” and artists depicted the event, culminating in ba- roque imagery replete with angels, cherubs and pastel clouds. In whatever way artists tried to depict it, Christians of East and West just took the doctrine for granted. While the faithful believed in the Assump- tion, theologians debated the details. Requests kept coming to Rome for a definition. In 1950, by defining the dogma the Pope provided precision about what the Church means by “assumed into heaven”. The glory of the body-soul What needs to be made clear is that the Church is not just teaching something “symbolic” or “spiritual”, a nice thought about Mary’s soul going to heaven. What is taught is that her material body was raised into the glory of heaven together with her immortal soul. To simplify it, Mary already enjoys a total resurrection. She follows her Son who has given his Mother the first share in his own bodily Resurrection. We obviously set aside crude imagery of Mary flying through the sky. Her assumption is not her ascension, rather Christ’s gift of her resurrection. She passed directly into the eternal dimension of heaven.

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The Great Feast of the Assumption (Cont.)

I would suggest that the fifth glorious mystery, celebrating her triumph as Queen of Heaven, runs parallel to Christ’s glorious royal ascension. Applied to Jesus and Mary, the word “glorious” is not just poetic. It is doctrinal, drawn from the rich con- cept of “glory” that runs through both the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures, echoed in liturgy and prayer. You and I will become “glorious” when we are immersed in the blazing beauty and splendor of God forever, bathed in his glorious “light eternal”. Saint Paul expounded this mystery of the resurrection body: that our mortal bodies will be changed “in an instant”, raised in glory and “clothed with immortality” (Cf. 1 Corinthians 15: 35-58). This is why the most ancient prayer to Mary, the Sub Tuum, greets her as “glorious”. Ecumenical questions My late father, an Anglican vicar, strongly defended the Assumption. He would say, “Well, if Our Lady is not in heaven, where is she?” adding “and the first-person Christ would call to share in his resurrection would be his own mother.” Unfortunately, other Christians were less than enthusiastic about the new dogma. The Orthodox said that they believed in the Assumption anyway and did not need a Pope to teach them. Protestants said that it was not true because it is not in the Bible. Catholics set out to defend the dogma, particularly as an example of the exercise of papal infallibility. Indicating some Biblical parallels of bodily assumptions may be useful when speaking to bible Christians, for example, Elijah was taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire in 2 Kings 2:11. But that will cut little ice with modernists who do not believe in chariots of fire, who have problems with heaven and may even quibble over whether Elijah ever existed! One way of gently influencing this kind of objector might be to point to the providential timeliness of the definition of this dogma and to focus on the value of the human body. However, modernists also have problems with the body. I discovered that over forty years ago, not long after the Council, when some strange theology was circulating about Christ’s Resurrection not being “bodily” or “physical”, rather “spiritual”. Rome had to intervene to correct these errors, so the Catechism of the Catholic Church 639-647 affirms the concrete nature of his Resurrection. But we keep coming back to the body. The body, life and death Pope Pius XII proclaimed the dogma in 1950, only five years after the horrors of the Second World War - the Holocaust, Coventry and Dresden, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, that is, just after an era of the unparalleled destruction of the bodies of millions of innocent men, women and children. It was a time when human bodies had been scorned, treated like trash, to a degree unparalleled in history. It was also a time when challenging questions of life, death and eternity were raised, still haunting our 21st century, resonating in different ways during the gloomy year of the Covid crisis. We sense that the body is so vulnerable. It carries our mortality, our human frailty and suffering. Yet the body contains our unique identities and largely sets our role in life. We are not meant either to adore or to hate the body. Rather, we are called to respect and care for it, for we are embodied souls, or “ensouled” bodies, created in the beautiful divine image and our destiny will involve “the resurrection of the body”, as we profess in the creeds. But, there was also something unique about Mary’s body. Her holy body The Assumption affirms Mary’s Immaculate Conception, that the mortal remains of the Immaculate One would “not see corruption”, that is, by decomposing in a tomb. In his apostolic preaching at Pentecost,

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The Great Feast of the Assumption (Cont.)

Saint Peter used this reference from Psalm 15:10 to proclaim the physical Resurrection of Jesus Christ (cf. Acts 2: 27). The preface of the Mass for the Assumption praises God the Father: “rightly you would not allow her to see the corruption of the tomb since from her own body she marvelously brought forth your Incarnate Son, the Author of life.” However, we need to reflect on the purpose of her Immaculate Conception. Her body is sacred because only in this virginal body, in time and in a specific place, the sinless maiden of Nazareth bore the Son of God. By honoring Mary, the “all holy one”, panhagia, as the unique “God-bearer”, Theotokos, the As- sumption brings us back to her greatest title. She is the “Mother of God”, the expression of her identity, her predestined role and purpose in the history of our salvation, as taught at the Council of Ephesus in 431. But did Mary die? An interesting aspect of the definition of the dogma in 1950 is that the Church has left open the question of whether Mary actually died. This is why Pope Pius used nuanced language in the definition: “after the completion of her earthly life”. “Dormition” or “falling asleep” is also a gentle term, found in the Greek word for the holy death of Saint Stephen (Acts 7:60). Saint Paul describes the dead as “having fallen asleep in Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:18), echoed in the ancient prayer for “those who sleep in Christ” in Eucharistic Prayer 1. But sleep is only a symbolic term for death because souls do not really “sleep”. One school of thought says that Mary did not die because death is caused by original sin and she was created free from original sin. But the prevailing view among Mariologists is that she did die, because her sinless Son suffered death, and that she was buried, either at Ephesus, where she lived with Saint John, or at Jerusalem, where a noble church marks her tomb. The legendary accounts of her dormition/ assumption all concur with this latter view. No relics here Associated with the Assumption is an unusual fact. Nowhere does anyone claim, nor it seems has anyone ever claimed, to have relics of the body of the Blessed Virgin. There are supposed relics of her veil, her belt, etc. but no first-class relics of flesh or bone. This is remarkable in itself if we go back to the early Christian centuries, when there was such an eager quest for the bodies of apostles, saints and martyrs, when churches and altars were built over them and holy remains, entire or in parts, were transported (“translated”) here and there. In Ephesus they built a great church in honor of Mary the Mother of God, but it contained no relics. “He has exalted the lowly” However, Mary’s celestial glory should never conceal her humble origins, her simplicity as the poor woman of Nazareth. In her Magnificat she proclaims her own destiny and God’s liberating plan for the little ones of the world. God has done great things for her - and he, the God of justice, has exalted the lowly, humbled the rich and proud and fed the poor well (cf. Luke 1:46-55). In the charter of her Magnificat, Mary’s Assumption is the triumph of the first among those millions who suffer and yet believe. The woman of faith who consented to be the Mother of God was a hunted refu- gee, the poor widow who suffered even at her Son’s cross, and she was rightly hailed as the “Queen of seven swords” by G. K. Chesterton. As I have seen in the crowds that come every day to Mary’s shrine at Guadalupe in Mexico, the “Church of the poor” eagerly gathers at her images and shrines. The afflicted, the sad and the oppressed seek and find comfort in her care, and much more, they find the hope of glory revealed in her Assumption.

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The Great Feast of the Assumption (Cont.)

Here is “one of our own” in glory. Pope Francis, who has a tender devotion to Mary, knows this for he has seen it again and again. He calls us to be a Church that reaches out to the poor and marginalized, for these are not only Mary’s cherished children, but her sisters and brothers. Our Hope of Glory Therefore, the heavenly glory of Mary does not cut her off from us, rather it becomes the way she can be so close to us now, as our tender Mother. The Second Vatican Council beautifully proclaimed her moth- erhood: “Taken up to heaven, she did not lay aside this saving office but by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation.” (Lumen Gentium, 62). The Assumption therefore illumi- nates her title conferred by Saint Paul VI, “Mother of the Church”. As the first Christian to share fully in the Paschal Mystery of her Son’s Resurrection, Mary became a great sign of hope for all Christians. Where she is, we hope to be, raised through the General Resurrection into the heavenly glory of the Church, the final coming of Christ’s Kingdom. So the dogma is just as much about us as it is about Mary. Devotion to our glorious Mother enriches that essential dimension of Christian living, the virtue of hope. In these gloomy times, hope is the light directing our gaze beyond passing Covid woes into Gods’ future. Our hope of eternal life is based on faith in the bodily Resurrection of the Lord Jesus, reflected in what he did for his beloved Mother. The liturgy gives us a beautiful description of this encouraging dogma in the preface of the Assumption, where Mary is celebrated as “the beginning and image of your Church’s coming to perfection and a sign of sure hope and comfort to your pilgrim people”.

-oOo-

Sub Tuum

This short prayer to the Glorious Virgin Mary has been prayed by Christians in troubled times since the Third Century.

We fly to your protection, O Holy Mother of God; despise not our petitions in our hour of need, but deliver us always from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin Mary. Amen

Page 14

The Seal of Confession What kind of world should we build?

From the Age.24 SEP, 2020 Author: Peter Comensoli

Victorians have been in exile from the homeland of our

humanity for six months now. Throughout this exile,

hope has been hard to come by as fear, fatigue and frustration have taken hold. Now, a way out of captivity has been set before us. Every Victorian has an interest in the government’s road map towards a ‘‘COVID-normal’’ destination. But what do we actually want that destination to look like, and how might it shape the road ahead? Queensland Parliament has passed laws There will be no return to a pre-COVID world; it has changed that would compel priests to break the seal forever. Rather than lament this loss, might we be facing a great opportuni- of confession to report child sexual abuse ty? What is the world we want to build? Is our objective a society that is fair, to police. Source: The Catholic Leader. truthful and merciful; prosperous and generous; democratic and transparent? Or one that is anxious and argumentative; uncivil and individualistic; The new laws passed yesterday with support from competitive and selfish? Will every life matter? both major parties, and despite strong opposition from What are our priorities as we take the next steps? the Church. Religious institutions and their members People of faith have deep resources to share here. While the are no longer able to use the sanctity of the confes- voice of religious communities has gone largely unheeded in recent years, at this time of great fear it turns out religious people are motivated by sional as a defence or excuse in child sex abuse mat- something positive and inspirational. In the middle of lockdown, and cut off ters. from all kinds of human inspiration, people of faith draw on something that does not depend entirely on other people. It might be unfashionable to say, The new laws arose as a result of recommendations but God has been helpful to lots of Victorians in 2020. from the Royal Commission into Institutional Respons- All God’s people – whether believers or not – are my friends es to Child Sexual Abuse, and failure to comply will and fellow pilgrims on the journey ahead. From my Christian faith, this is a road that offers a horizon of hope and wellness. Some friends on this road carry a three-year jail sentence. have been lonely and isolated this year. Some of them have had a hard time stuck in Highrise public housing. Some have faced death and sickness apart In a formal submission to a parliamentary inquiry, Bris- from loved ones, and cried at a funeral without the presence of their near- bane Archbishop Mark Coleridge said stripping Catho- est and dearest. Talking with our friends on the phone and via Zoom has lics of the seal made priests “less a servant of God been helpful. But all of them tell me that it’s God who has made all the difference. Right now, we can’t physically gather in our churches, syna- than an agent of the state”. gogues, mosques or temples. I want our doors to be open; they should be open for the life-giving nourishment and healing offered there. We will do He said the legislation raised “major questions about so safely and carefully, but we need to be open so as to gather as friends religious freedom” and was based on a “poor with the God who loves us. The great challenge emerging is not how to knowledge of how the sacrament actually works in keep people at home, but how to encourage them to interact fruitfully in practice”. the new context. Restoring social contact and connection, especially for the elderly and vulnerable, while practising physical distancing, is a key part of The new laws apply to information received from now, any path ahead. Finding the balance between protecting lives and liveli- hoods is also a measure of the treatment of every human life. Reaching for even if it relates to abuse that occurred in the past. a ‘‘COVID-normal’’ must mean reaching for the common good, where no one is left behind. Both prayer and play are deeply humanising realities. In Parliament, One Nation MP Stephen Andrew voiced Work and the care of others are good for humans. Families, who have had support for religious leaders. to work, live and be schooled at the kitchen table for months, have had to rediscover the best and the worst of themselves. The family –in all its nu- “Many priests and bishops have publicly stated that ances and challenges they will go to jail before obeying these laws. How con- griefs and joys – remains the fundamental pillar and source of fident can the people of Queensland be that they live order in human society. We neglect the family at our peril. Family, religion, work, education, care and leisure: these should be our first and foundation- in a free and open democracy governed by the rule of al priorities, the human measures upon which our pathway forward ought law, where the state jails its bishops?” to be framed. The humanity behind the data cannot be neglected as we emerge from captivity. Each step along our path from exile must be taken in South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and the Australian personal and civilising ways. If these good things aren’t part of the horizon Capital Territory have already enacted similar laws. before us, then we are creating much trouble. I, for one, will work so that our journey out of exile is oriented towards this humanising horizon. And I’ll be placing my hope in God, who is accompanying us on the road ahead.

Peter Comensoli is the Catholic

Page 15

Priest tackles the spiritual and the Victoria reverses ban on last rites physical visits

Fr Rod Ward has filled many roles during his life, from being Archbishop Peter A Comensoli and Daniel Andrews (ACBC and doctor of the North Queensland Cowboys for a decade to Facebook/Daniel Andrews MP) Published: 14 September 2020 providing spiritual guidance for countless people in his role The Victorian Government has reversed Department of as a priest for the past 14 years. Source: Townsville Bulletin. Health and Human Services advice banning faith leaders But when it comes to kick-off in the Aaron Payne Cup, the from visiting dying people in hospitals and aged care facilities annual North Queensland schoolboys rugby league tourna- to administer last rites. Source: The Australian. ment, there is no place the Townsville priest would rather be The about-face comes after The Australian last week re- than on the sidelines. vealed Melbourne’s Catholic priests were giving dying parish- Fr Ward is college chaplain at Ignatius Park College in ioners the last rites in -defiance of the Andrews Govern- Townsville, one of the schools that competes in the tourna- ment’s stage-four restrictions. ment. He says rugby league is a passion of his and he en- Until Friday, Department of Health and Human Services joys having an active role, managing player injuries. questions and answers on Melbourne’s current stay-at-home Fr Ward began playing rugby league in his hometown, Gym- restrictions stated: “Under Stage Four restrictions, faith lead- pie, as a junior, and regularly travelled with his father to Bris- ers cannot visit someone in a hospital or care facility for last bane to watch major footy games. He went to Nudgee Col- rites or to perform other religious ceremonies in person.” lege in Brisbane, where he dabbled in rugby union. He re- “Last rites and religious ceremonies can be provided using sumed playing rugby league after entering medical college. video or livestreaming.” From there his involvement in the game only grew. His past On Friday, Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed the Govern- roles in rugby league include being president of Townsville ment would reverse the advice. He said he spoke with Mel- Rugby League, and the league’s chief medical officer, along bourne Archbishop Peter A. Comensoli about the issue earli- with roles with the army and the Townsville Blackhawks club. er that day. Fr Ward has achieved plenty in his roles as a doctor and a In a statement, Archbishop Comensoli expressed gratitude priest. The process of him becoming a priest began many for Mr Andrews’ confirmation that ministers of religion may years into his medical career. He said he had considered visit the sick and the dying. joining the priesthood in his younger years and over time that thought became stronger “until it just became too strong to “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic the Catholic communi- deny”. ty has been transparent in its application of Government restrictions, however hard going this has been, and that our commitment to the common good and the law is maintained,” Editor’s Note: Archbishop Comensoli said. Fr Rod Ward is a member of the Queensland Lieu- tenancy, Townsville Section, where I was intro- “However, when a law or restriction unfairly treats a religious duced to the Order. He ministered to the late community, it raises questions for members of that communi- member, Bishop Michael Putney in his final mo- ty. In this case, I was pleased to enter into a constructive ments. It’s a privilege to know him. dialogue, and the Premier very quickly responded to an obvi- ous problem.”

Page 16

Melburnians suffering from Knights of Holy Sepulchre give $3.5 'deprivation in sacramental life’ million in emergency aid to Holy Land

VATICAN CITY — As members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepul- chre of Jerusalem around the world were experiencing their own COVID- 19 lockdowns, they contributed some $3.5 million to a special fund to support the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, especially its schools and charitable outreach. “Despite the difficult conditions on a global level, generosity was not lacking,” said a statement Sept. 17 from the order’s Vatican headquarters. Archbishop Peter A. Comensoli has written to clergy and Pope Francis is pictured in a file photo at the Vatican greeting lead- faithful in the Melbourne Archdiocese, acknowledging the ers of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, a many challenges facing the Catholic community during Victo- Catholic group that supports Christians in the Holy Land through prayer, pilgrimages and financial support. (CNS photo/Vatican ria’s extended COVID-19 lockdown. Source: Melbourne Media). Catholic. About 30,000 Catholic men and women around the world are The pastoral letter follows last week’s overturning of re- knights or dames of the Holy Sepulchre, pledging to support the church of Jerusalem with their prayers, regular pilgrimages and strictions on spiritual ministry to the sick and the dying. financial offerings.

“Throughout the pandemic, I have been advocating directly Cardinal Fernando Filoni, grand master of the order, announced in May a special COVID-19 Humanitarian Support Fund because “the with the Government, reminding authorities continually of our Holy Land, where the very economic lifeblood of thousands of fam- respectful compliance with each stage of restrictions, and ilies lies in religious pilgrimages and tourism, has been seriously seeking a fair consideration in what is permitted,” Archbishop affected.” Comensoli said. As the world struggles to recover from the pandemic and its im- pacts, the cardinal said, “We all have a responsibility. And while He said it was essential that the Government "does not treat international finance must decide whose side it will take — with people or with power and one’s own castle — we choose to put faith communities as an afterthought to the opening up of people first, their work, their health, their family, their quality of other sectors. Our churches are locations for communities of life, and the future, redirecting ourselves if necessary.” care and essential service, and must be treated fairly and “Taking care of people is part of the gift of the Christian faith, but reasonably”. also a duty to be fulfilled,” he had said. According to the knights, Sami El-Yousef, the CEO of the Latin Pa- In the letter, Archbishop Comensoli acknowledged the triarchate of Jerusalem, said the assistance allowed the church “to “profound loss” the Melbourne faithful are suffering from the support more than 2,400 families in more than 30 parishes with “deprivation in sacramental life” since churches were first their primary needs in terms of food vouchers, products for hygiene and for their children, medicine and utility bills.” closed in March. In addition, the aid helped 1,238 families in Jordan and 1,180 fami- He said the “sense of estrangement from the Eucharist has lies in the Palestinian territories pay their children’s tuitions at schools operated by the patriarchate. been a particular struggle for Catholics. He gave particular acknowledgement to “countless Catholic families” who are Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, apostolic administrator of the patriarchate, said, “We were all amazed and impressed by the “awaiting Baptism, Reconciliation, Holy Communion and immediate response and by its scope.” Confirmation for their children. Adults, too, have longed to be Writing in the patriarchate’s newsletter in May, Archbishop Piz- received into the life of the Church”. zaballa had said the patriarchate’s five schools in Israel benefited from government stimulus and aid packages, but that the schools “We shall be exploring possibilities such as outdoor liturgies in Jordan and Palestine — some of which are more than 150 years in parish and school settings to facilitate these crucial events old — risked closing because many parents could not pay the tui- tion. of grace and welcome,” Archbishop Comensoli said. Sustaining the schools, he said, is a “sacred” duty for the church. Earlier in the week, the Archbishop recorded a video mes- Bringing together and educating students from every religious background and nationality, the schools form a “beautiful mosaic” sage in which he explained some of the work being done in where values promote “respect, coexistence, tolerance, peace and the background to help the Melbourne Catholic community love in a region that is often marred by violence and wars.” move towards a re-opening of its sacramental life.

Page 17

We Continue to remember our deceased Featured website - Sacred Places members:

Mr William Annersley KCHS Mr David Bourke KHS Dr Michael Bourke KHS Mr John Cahill KHS Mr Ron Casey AM MBE KHS Mr John D’Arcy KHS Mr Jack Darmody KHS Mr Chris de Fraga KHS Mr Frank Gannon KHS Mr Tom Hazell AO KHS Mr Robert Johnston KHS Mr Bryan Kelly KHS Sacred Destinations is an ecumenical guide to more than Mr Stephen Kennedy KHS 1,250 sacred sites, holy places, pilgrimage destinations, Mrs Joan Kiely DHS Br Paul McGlade CFC KHS religious architecture and sacred art in over 60 countries Mr John Pearson KCHS around the world. Mr David Powell KHS Fr Luciano Rocchi OFM Cap AM KCHS In addition to richly illustrated articles, there are photo Mr Ed Ryan KHS galleries containing over 24,000 high-quality images plus Mr Giovanni Santoli KHS detailed maps and lots of practical travel information. Mr Des Skehan KHS Mr Leo Smith KGCHS http://www.sacred-destinations.com/ Mrs Margaret Smith DHS Mr Richard Stone OAM KHS KSG Mr Bob Taranto KHS Pilgrimage to the Holy Lands 2021 Mr Greg Walters KHS Mr William Ward KHS Mr Geoffrey Whitaker KHS The Queensland Lieutenancy is planning a pilgrimage of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem for 2021 (Corona Virus per- On Facebook mitting).

It is a time that our members can visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and be granted the Pilgrims Shell by the Latin Patriarch. Members and their families and anyone else may join us.

Monica Thomson, DC*HS Lieutenant Australia Lieutenancy - Queensland T: +61 (0)7 3343 5991 M: +61 (0) 416 022 616 EMail [email protected]

Thinking of going on Pilgrimage to the Holy Lands? Check out https://www.youtube.com/watch? For members wishing to communicating with others in a v=r77dypvsMjY&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR14_QrBfs9J closed group, checkout Face Book link: yAFSwjMcwQGhZqnIYIhlp6fqc69pHG1h32K- https://www.facebook.com/groups/208324002514868/? _MRDB7ueV2M

Information Brochure for New Members

Lieutenant Agnes has asked me to help you attract new members in leu of the cancelled Infor- mation night. On request, I can email a New Member Information Pamphlet file to you. The Brochure may be printed back to back and tri-folded.

Nick de Weger

Editor

Page 18

Some Internet Links: Magazines and Newsletters

A Brief History of the Order: Order Official Newsletters too big to publish here, can be found on this site: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/institutions_connected/oessh/en/ http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/institutions_connected/oessh/en/ cenni_storici_en.html subindex_en.html

Order Hierarchy http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dxhsj.html

Annual magazines: http://www.oessh.va/content/ Goods ordineequestresantosepolcro/en/media/le-nostre-pubblicazioni.html http://www.cafepress.com/koths

Note: Throughout this Newsletter, where words or Webpages are Stay firm in faith and seek St Joseph’s underlined, right click on them with your mouse and select intercession: Francis

Open Hyperlink. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the daily lives and routines of millions of people have been turned upside down, Pope Francis said yesterday, but they must EOHSJ Victorian Council help each other stay firm in faith. Source: CNS

In a video message released on the feast of Lieutenant St Joseph, the Pope said the saint also knew Agnes Sheehan DCHS “uncertainty and disappointment” and worry about what the future would bring, but he still placed himself without reservation into God’s Chancellor hands. Frank Peck KHS The Vatican released the text of the Pope’s message a few hours before the video was to be broadcast as part of a campaign, led by the Italian

bishops’ conference, to have Catholics pray the Rosary together for an Grand Prior end to the pandemic, for the healing of the sick and for the wellbeing of Archbishop Peter A Comensoli KC*HS families in their second week of lockdown.

“The Rosary is the prayer of the humble and of the saints who use its Lieutenant Emeritus mysteries to contemplate with Mary the life of Jesus, the merciful face William Kininmonth KC*HS of the Father,” the Pope said in his message. “How we all need to be truly consoled, to feel surrounded by his loving presence!”

Secretary “With the Virgin Mother, we beg the Lord to free the world from every form of pandemic,” he prayed. Dr Margaret Hamilton DHS Pope Francis said he understood how the lockdown could be difficult for families whose worlds now are “restricted to the walls of our homes,” Treasurer but he urged people to be kind and gentle and “be the first to demon- Andrew Price KHS strate charity, understanding, patience, forgiveness.”

“This evening,” he said, “we pray together, entrusting ourselves to the Ecclesiastical Master of Cere- intercession of St. Joseph, guardian of the Holy Family, guardian of our monies families. Even the carpenter from Nazareth knew uncertainty and disap- Bishop Peter Elliott DD STD KC*HS pointment, concern about the future, but he also knew how to walk in the dark of certain moments letting himself be guided, without reserva- Lay Master of Ceremonies tion, by God’s will.” Max Potter KC*HS Pope Francis prayed that God would enlighten scientists seeking a cure Members for the pandemic and political leaders, so that, like St Joseph, they would safeguard the good of all those entrusted to their care. John Parkes KHS He prayed that God would make the Church “a sign and instrument of Joseph Di Mase KHS your light and goodness.” Angelo Pardo KHS

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Lieutenancies of Australia

NEW SOUTH WALES QUEENSLAND SOUTH AUSTRALIA VICTORIA

LIEUTENANCY LIEUTENANCY LIEUTENANCY LIEUTENANCY LIEUTENANT: 18-06-2008 LIEUTENANT: 27 June 2016 LIEUTENANT: 18-6-2008 LIEUTENANT: 3-12-2018 H.E. Francois Kunc , KC*HS H.E. Dr. Monica Thomson DCHS H.E. Phillip Donato , KC*HS H.E. Agnes Sheehan DCHS 8 Yale Close 11 Kentia St. South Australia 21 Page Avenue

NORTH ROCKS - NSW 2151 - MT GRAVATT - BRISBANE - Queens- PORT MELBOURNE

land - Australia 4122 Vic 3207 - Australia

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

PRIOR PRIOR PRIOR PRIOR H.E the Most Rev. Peter Comensoli H.E. Anthony Fisher, O.P. H.E. the Most Rev. Mark B. Cole- Archbishop of Melbourne Archbishop of Sydney ridge Archbishop of Brisbane Catholic Diocesan Centre Cardinal Knox Centre Level 16, Polding Centre GPO Box 5238, Brisbane, G.P.O. Box 1364 383 Albert Street EAST MELBOURNE - 133 Liverpool Street ADELAIDE - SA 5001 - Australia VIC 3002 - Australia SYDNEY - NSW 2000 Australia Queensland 4001

http://www.eohsjaustralia.org/ TASMANIA WESTERN AUSTRALIA (Section of Victoria) Australian Delegate to the Grand Magisterium is LIEUTENANCY Dr Paul Bartley KGCHS Vice Governor General for Asia and SECTION LIEUTENANT: 15-5-2006 PRESIDENT 2017 H.E. Kevin Susai , KC*HS the Pacific. Michael McKenna KCHS Diocesan Centre GPO Box 62 HOBART—TAS 7001—Australia [email protected] [email protected] PRIOR Magistral delegation of New Zealand lead by Carleen Blu- PRIOR H.E. Most Reverend Timothy cher. Email: [email protected] and The Most Reverend H.E the Most Rev. Julian Porteous DD Costelloe SDB Archbishop of Tasmania Archbishop of Perth Patrick Dunn KCHS, Bishop of Auckland—Prior. Catholic Diocesan Centre Catholic Church Office Hobart 249 Adelaide Terrace, North QLD Section in Townsville—Chris McMahon 35 Tower Rd., PERTH - WA 6000 - Australia [email protected] HOBART - TAS 7008

Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem Report A very interesting 37 page document from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem reporting on Projects & Parishes etc can be found on the internet. “Our 55 parishes with 88 priests, and schools, together with the many religious communities and ecclesial movements, continue this mission today, overseeing about 150,000 faithful in four countries, including Israel, Palestine, Jordan and Cyprus, covering a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, religions and traditions”. Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa

The Order of the Holy Sepulchre supports the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem in responding to the Covid-19 crisis see this website for details.

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