Coalition aims NEW YEAR POPE FRANCIS to prevent messages from urges media loosening of Scotland’s to find room ABORTION LAW. . for good Page 3 Page 5 news. Page 6

No 5653 VISIT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER ONLINE AT WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK Friday January 8 2016 | £1

Bishop prays for peace during this Year of Mercy By Daniel Harkins

TOO often humanity tries to resolve conflict with bullets and bombs, William Nolan said in his letter for the Day of Prayer for Justice and Peace. The letter was sent out to every Bishop-elect Brian parish in Scotland ahead of the January 3 Day of Prayer. Bishop McGee is riding on the Nolan, the , is president of the Justice and Peace crest of the new wave Commission of the ’ Conference of Scotland. of the Bishops’ “The Church begins each New Year with a day of prayer for peace,” Conference of Scotland Bishop Nolan (below) writes. “Yet each New Year peace seems as as his appointment elusive and as far off as ever. The names of the war zones may change, completes the hierarchy but conflicts remain, and war and terrorism never seem to go away. “All too often we see humanity try to resolve conflict with the bullet PIC: ANTHONY MacMILLAN and the bomb. All too often we see property destroyed, communities shattered and innocent human life snuffed out.” The bishop writes that both Pope Paul VI in 1965 and Pope Francis in Pope Francis names the new 2015 have made the same plea 50 years apart: “No more war.” “We all feel that plea in our heart, and every time we see death and destruction we feel the senselessness bishop for and the Isles of human conflict and our desire for peace increases, along with our frustration at being unable to bring By Ian Dunn sea!” he said. “It’s an area I already love. I have national seminary at Scotus college. The bishop-elect peace to a troubled world,” he writes. holidayed and trekked throughout the diocesan has also always felt a connection to Argyll and “Women and men from all nations, POPE Francis’ announcement that Mgr Brian boundaries from my earliest childhood to the present the Isles. cultures, backgrounds, and religions McGee is to become the new and day and it is a truly beautiful part of the world, so I “I grew up in Greenock daily enjoying beautiful have in their hearts a deep longing the Isles came as a late Christmas present know that won’t be a chore.” views of the Cowal Peninsula, Bute and Arran and I for peace. It is the frailty of our to Scotland. The bishop-elect concelebrated the He said he knew the Isles and hoped ‘to be a good still savour them from my parish in Port Glasgow fractured human nature that means 10am Mass at St Columba’s Cathedral in listener,’ adding that, while he knew he had ‘much to today,” he said. “I have made several pilgrimages to we are unable to achieve it.” with Mgr James MacNeil, administrator of learn about the ’ he was very excited Iona. I already look forward to living within what Argyll and the Isles Diocese, before the about becoming part of an ‘ancient and proud heritage will be my new diocese and I’m sure that I will I Continued on page 5 announcement on Monday December 28. whose roots stretch back almost one and a half naturally come to love its people.” “It was very humbling, and indeed frightening, to thousand years preceding even its spiritual father, St be informed by the Papal nuncio that Pope Francis Columba.’ “I am also mindful of the diocese’s rich Congratulations had nominated me to be the new bishop of the Gaelic character and I, although not yet a Gaelic Bishop of Paisley was among the first Diocese of Argyll and the Isles,” Mgr McGee, 50, the speaker, will endeavour to promote its rightful use in to congratulate the bishop-elect. vicar general of Paisley Diocese and parish priest of the worship of God,” the bishop-elect said. “Many congratulations to Bishop-Elect Brian on Holy Family Parish, Port Glasgow, said. “However, In this Year of Mercy, the bishop-elect said he was his appointment by Pope Francis to the See of Argyll after reflection and prayer I now face this mission ‘inspired by this Jubilee’s ethos’ and hoped ‘to be a and the Isles,” Bishop Keenan said. “I am not at all with quiet but definite confidence.... Experience has bishop that has an unshakeable trust in God’s mercy.’ surprised that he has been chosen for this important taught me that positively answering God’s invitations office... He is loved and respected dearly by his own is always to our own advantage.” Ties parishioners in Holy Family, Port Glasgow, who will The diocese has been vacant since April 2014 “I cannot deny that it is a wrench for me to leave the miss him.” when Bishop became the Bishop of Diocese of Paisley,” the bishop-elect said. “This was Bishop Keenan added that Argyll and the Isles is . Bishop-elect McGee will be ordained at where I wanted to minister from my youth and I have getting ‘a pastor who will give his all to serving them St Columba’s Cathedral at a date to be confirmed, always been very happy there. I would like to thank with justice and who will lead them with energy and and his ordination as bishop will bring the hierarchy Bishop John Keenan, and his predecessors, as well vision’ and that he ‘will be a valued member of the of Scotland back up to full strength. as the clergy, religious and lay faithful of Paisley Bishops’ Conference which will benefit from his Diocese for their encouragement over many years.” fresh perspective and thoughtful discernment.’ Stepping up Born in Greenock, he was ordained in 1989 and Mgr MacNeil also offered a warm welcome to his The new bishop said he was very aware that he is has served in several parishes in Paisley diocese new bishop. going from the geographically smallest diocese in including St Charles, Paisley, St Joseph’s, Clarkston, Scotland to the biggest. and latterly Holy Family, Port Glasgow. He also had I Exclusive interview with the bishop-elect, page 3 “I’m ready for a lot of travelling over land and a two-year spell as spiritual director of the former I [email protected]

SCO, 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6BT I tel 0141 221 4956 I fax 0141 221 4546 I e-mail [email protected] 2 POPE AT CHRISTMAS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY JANUARY 8 2016

(Clockwise from top left) Pope Francis greets the crowd after delivering his Christmas blessing Urbi et OrbI (to the city and the world) from the central balcony of St Peter's Basilica on Christmas day; The Pope kneels in prayer as he celebrates Christmas Eve Mass in St Peter’s Basilica; Carla Maria Valenzi, 6, wears a Christmas hat in St Peter’s Square after Pope Francis' Christmas Eve Mass; The Holy Father uses incense as he visits the Nativity scene at the conclusion of Christmas Eve Mass

Pope focuses on peace in a world shaken by violence

POPE Francis used his Christmas message with grave repercussions for the entire region.’ are most vulnerable, especially child soldiers, Doubt and indifference, he stressed, should be to tell the world peace for the whole world He also prayed that recently approved agree- women who suffer violence, and the victims of left to skeptics who ‘by looking to reason alone, is possible through Christ. ments would bring a quick end to the wars human trafficking and the drug trade,” he went never find the truth.’ There is no room for the “Only God’s mercy can free humanity from afflicting Syria and Libya, two countries ravaged on to say. indifference which reigns in the hearts of those the many forms of evil, at times monstrous evil, by war for several years. He also prayed that the As the Church celebrates the Holy Year of unable to love for fear of losing something,” he which selfishness spawns in our midst,” the Pope international community would find ways to end Mercy, the Pope said mercy is the ‘most precious said. “All sadness has been banished, for the said on Christmas Day. “Where God is born, atrocities in Iraq, Yemen, Congo, Burundi, South gift which God gives us’ and that Christians ‘are Child Jesus brings true comfort to every heart.” hope is born. Where God is born, peace is born. Sudan and Ukraine. called to discover that tender love of our heav- The day after Christmas, the Feast of St And where peace is born, there is no longer room Victims of terrorism were also in the Holy enly Father for each of us.’ Stephen, the Pope again addressed a crowd in St for hatred and for war.” Father’s thoughts and prayers as he remembered The bells of St Peter’s Basilica pealed at mid- Peter’s square telling them the path forward from Heightened security around St Peter’s Square the victims of the Russian airliner bombed in day, just as they did late the precious night when Christmas can be found in the martyrdom of St did little to dampen the spirits of an estimated Egyptian airspace and terrorist attacks in Beirut thousands packed the church for Christmas Stephen, especially in his transforming forgive- 50,000 people attending the Pope’s solemn and Paris; Bamako, Mali and Tunis, Tunisia. Mass. Hundreds of people who could not find ness of his persecutors. Christmas blessing Urbi et Orbi (to the city and Christians persecuted for their faith were remem- room in the basilica braved the cold weather on “If we want to move forward in faith, first of the world). Many in the crowd dressed festively bered as the Pope prayed that ‘the Child Jesus Christmas Eve and watched on giant screens all we must receive the forgiveness of God. We and applauded the music of the Vatican’s march- grant consolation and strength’ to those suffering. from St Peter’s Square. must meet the Father, who is ready to forgive ing band. However, police and anti-terrorism task Recalling the thousands of refugees and With his voice noticeably hoarse from a bout everything and always,” the Pope said. forces were a visible sign of a world shaken by migrants fleeing poverty and war, Pope Francis of flu, the Pope said in his homily that the Forgiveness ‘heals the heart and revives love,’ violence and extremism in 2015. compared the lack of respect for their dignity to prophetic words of Isaiah are those of a fulfilled he added. “We must never tire of asking God’s The Pope prayed that Israelis and Palestinians the situation of Christ who was born into the promise of joy and gladness that are ‘a sure sign forgiveness, because only when we are forgiven- would reach a peaceful agreement that would world suffering ‘cold, poverty and rejection.’ that the message contained in the mystery of this —when we feel forgiven—we learn to forgive,” end the ‘conflict which has long set them at odds, “May our closeness today be felt by those who night is truly from God.’ the Pope advised.

INSIDE YOUR SCO INDEX TO NEWS, OPINION AND FEATURES THIS WEEK EWTN CATHOLIC TV IS ON SKY EPG 589 Sky Freesat £175 total cost , no monthly charges. NEWS pages 1-6 LETTERS page 7 CHILDREN’S PAGE page 18 200 Free channels including EWTN TV & Radio. POPE AT CHRISTMAS page 2 COMMENT pages 8-9 BISHOPS’ ENGAGEMENTS page 15 Call Sky on 08442411602 for installation. LOCAL NEWS pages 3,4 and 5 CENTRE SPREAD pages 10-11 INTIMATIONS pages 15-17 Call EWTN on 020 83502542 or e-mail [email protected] WORLD NEWS pages 6 SPIRITUAL REFLECTION page 13 SPECIAL OCCASIONS page 19 for free monthly posted programme guide and VATICAN NEWS pages 6 PUZZLES pages 14 and 18 CATHOLICISM & ISLAM page 20 visit www.ewtn.co.uk for more info.

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY JANUARY 8 2016 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER NEWS 3 Coalition forms to oppose Following in footsteps of St Columba liberalisation of abortion law

By Ian Dunn RELIGIOUS groups and “Already, well in advance of SCO EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW pro-life organisations have the transfer of legislative formed a new coalition to authority, we are hearing a THE new bishop of Argyll and the oppose any liberalisation of clamour for further extension of Isles has said he’s humbled and hon- abortion law in Scotland. the existing excessively liberal oured to be travelling in St Columba’s The new group, called Don’t law. This could see abortion footsteps. Stop a Beating Heart, has the legalised from the existing 24- In an exclusive interview on the day of support of the Scottish Church, week limit, in most cases, up the announcement Bishop-elect Brian and has formed as the Scottish until the point of birth. In Mcgee told the SCO he had huge respect Parliament prepares to take response to these deeply for the unique culture of Argyll and the control of the issue later this year. disconcerting demands, pro-life Isles, intended to learn Gaelic, and would First Minister Nicola supporters from different be inspired by Pope Francis in promoting Sturgeon has said the current backgrounds, people of faith Mercy as vital to the Church. time limit on abortion won’t be and none, in addition to Mgr Brian McGee, previously parish changed but pro-abortion concerned organisations and priest at Holy Family Port Glasgow and campaigners have urged MSPs individuals have decided that vicar general of Paisley diocese said he was to consider a number of measures we must stand together in the ‘very surprised and very humbled’when he to ease access to abortion. face of this onslaught.” was told he was to become a bishop. Philip Tartaglia, Mr Deighan said the new “The papal nuncio had asked me to come president of the Bishops’ group was intended to ‘amplify down to London to see him,” he said. “I’d Conference of Scotland, has the voice’ of all the pro-life never been contacted by the nuncio before given his support. movements in Scotland, engage so I was quite apprehensive. So when he “I wholeheartedly support with more organisations and told me I was very surprised but also hum- the aims of the Don’t Stop a individuals and make civic bled that I’d be considered and I accepted.” Beating Heart campaign to Scotland engage with ‘the reality Since then however he says he’s ‘done defend and protect unborn human of abortion.’ quite a lot of reflecting and praying and I life and to call legislators not to The Rev David Robertson, feel at peace with it. If this is what God has further extend abortion time Free called to do, I’m happy to surrender to he’s keenly aware of. Mgr Brian McGee (left) celebrated Mass at St limits,” the Archbishop of Moderator, said the church was that.” “There is a long heritage, a long com- Columba’s Cathedral in Oban with Diocesan Glasgow said. happy to join an alliance Administrator Mgr James MacNeill on the day Stepping from parish priest to bishop is a mitment to Faith in Argyll and the Isles all of the announcement The group has been coordinated ‘which will spread the fight huge step and he said he was very grateful through a number of different periods,” he PIC: ANTHONY MacMILLAN by Society for the Protection of for justice in a bid to influence for the time he spent as vicar general in said. “You’re aware there’s a sacredness Unborn Children Scotland. legal attitudes to the right Paisley giving him some practical manage- here, a sense of fidelity to God, that fol- “The rights of the unborn of life.’ ment experience. lows not just from Columba but all the building a rapport with young people child are facing new threats Also on board is the Muslim He admitted he had less experience with Saints that have been here.” which is something I’ve admired very with the impending devolution Council of Scotland, The the unique traditions and language ofArgyll That tradition stretches all the way to much. Bishop Toal is someone I’ve always of powers to the Scottish Abortion Recovery Care and and the Isles but said the time he had spent the present and the new bishop said that it been impressed by and will doubtless go Parliament from Westminster,” Helpline, Christian charity Care holidaying and hillwalking with in the dio- was a great honour to be appointed by the to for guidance.” SPUC Scotland director John and Cardinal Winning’s Pro-life cese had made him ‘familiar with Celtic Pope in this Holy Year of Mercy. He says he will miss much about his old Deighan said. Initiative. and Gaelic culture that’s unique here and I “I think Pope Francis has a wonderful life: “Parish life, going into the school, will support it.’ way of engaging people and has reminded meeting the staff people, going round giv- To that end he does intend to learn us mercy lies at very center of Christian ing communion to the sick. You really get Primary teacher by council authorities after a Gaelic. message,” he said. “God’s mercy for to know people and to leave them behind under investigation newspaper revealed her activity “I hope to celebrate Mass in Gaelic in humanity should make us acknowledge will be a wrench.” on twitter. time and have basic discussions,” he said. our need for mercy. Help us recognise that Though he asks his new flock ‘to pray A PRIMARY teacher at a She posted under her username “I don’t’ speak any other languages so it we are sinners but God loves us. The for me as I strives to be the shepherd they Catholic school has been x---annemarie. won’t be easy but it’s important so I’m more God shows mercy to me the more it deserve’ he says the core of his life will arrested after she posted “A 24-year-old woman has going to try.” inspires me to show mercy to others.” not change. material on social media that been arrested in connection with On his travels in Argyll and the Isles Other examples he hopes to emulate is “My main challenge will still be seek- was allegedly supportive of alleged offensive comments he’s also been to Iona many times and said Bishop John Keenan of Paisley who made ing inner conversion,” he said. “The more the Provisional IRA. made online,” a Police Scotland while there he had always felt a ’sense of him vicar general of Paisley and the for- I can strive to become one with Christ the Anne-Marie Clements, 24, spokeswoman said. “She was the continuity of Faith on that beautiful mer bishop of his new diocese Bishop more all else will fall into place. That’s who works ar St Mark’s Primary released on an undertaking and island, which leads you to reflect on the Joseph Toal of Motherwell. what I try to do as a priest and that wont School in Barrhead, will appear will appear at court at a later continuity of Faith itself, and the impact “Bishop John was very kind to me,” he change. I’ll still be striving every day for in court later this month. She date. A full report will be that community of Faith has had’. said. “He was very easy to work and has closer unity with Chris.” was already under investigation forwarded to the Procurator Fiscal.” The ancient Christian legacy of the dio- also been very good at reaching out cese, going back to St Columba, is one beyond just the usual Church circles and I [email protected]

The bishop of Galloway meets Christians in Gaza

BISHOP William Nolan of the building of a separation wall Galloway is meeting Chris- in the Cremisan Valley. The bish- tian communities in Gaza, ops will also meet refugees in Bethlehem and refugees in Jordan where one million people Jordan this week as part of the have been forced to leave their annual meeting for the Holy homes due to the conflict in Syria Land Coordination. and Iraq. The number of refugees The bishop is part of a delega- currently in Jordan stands at just tion of bishops from Europe, over one million people, accord- South Africa and North America ing to the United Nations. who are in the Holy Land from Bishop Declan Lang of January 7 to 14. The group has Clifton, England, who is leading returned to the Holy Land for the the trip, said it is important that third consecutive year, during the bishops ‘stand with those which time more than 2000 Christians, who believe they have Gazans have died since the con- been forgotten.’ flict of 2014. The Christian com- “We need to hear peoples’sto- munity in Gaza is made up of ries so we can be advocates for 2500 people, of whom Catholics them in our home countries on number around 300. our return,” Bishop Lang said. In Bethlehem, the group will The Holy Land Coordination visit the Christian community in was set up at the invitation of the Beit Jala, which lost land and to offer support to the their livelihood following the local Christian communities of annexation of their property and the Holy Land. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 4 LOCAL NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY JANUARY 8 2016 St Barbara’s mural is for miners

By Daniel Harkins ground fire in Auchengeich Colliery, Lanarkshire, which was caused by an PARISHIONERS at St Barbara’s electrical fault. Church in Motherwell Diocese began On December 14 last year, a packed St 2016 with a freshly renovated church Barbara’s saw the unveiling of the mosaic complete with a stunning mosaic win- tribute, and the blessing by Bishop Toal. dow that pays tribute to those killed in Music was provided by the diocesan choir a nearby mining disaster. and pupils from nearby St Barbara’s Pri- Three years of hardwork and fundrais- mary School. ing efforts has seen the church in Muir- Parish priest Fr Kenny Campbell said head undergo much needed renovation. the mosaic adds ‘the finishing touches to Roof repairs, new flooring, a re-furbished what was a long programme of refurbish- altar and the installation of external light- ment,’ and said he feels it adds a ‘real ing have made the popular church a more spiritual dimension to the church and will welcoming environment for local church- act as a focus both of group celebration goers. The culmination of the refurbish- and personal prayer and reflection.’ Architectural wonder parish ment programme saw the commissioning Fr Campbell’s home parish is St of a work of art (far right) to be installed Joseph’s in Blantyre which recently behind the main altar of the church. The underwent its own renovations pro- closes for £2m renovation mosaic stretches from floor to ceiling and gramme, commissioning a stained glass consists mainly of bright shades of blue window to commemorate the 1887 min- By Daniel Harkins Bronze Medal from the Royal and green. ing disaster in the town. Fr Campbell said Institute of British Architects. An open call was put out for artists to his mother and grandmother would talk Millport. A number of ‘substantial’dona- ONE of Scotland’s most In December, The National design the work, with the shortlist dis- about the disaster and passed the knowl- tions were also made, with the mosaic architecturally disntinctive Churches Trust awarded the played in the church by parish priest Fr edge of it down to his generation, and that funded outwith central funds and entirely churches has been temporar- church £40,000 towards Kenny Campbell. a similar thing happens in St Barbara’s. through contributions. ily closed as it undergoes £2 repairs, and the money compli- Following a vote, a design by Tomasz “There are still families living here who Margaret Donnelly, 81, a lifelong million worth of renova- ments more than £100,000 Tuszko, a partner in WITRAZE s.c. stu- lost brothers and fathers in that pit disas- parishioner at the church, said the mosaic tions. raised by the parish last year dio in Warsaw, Poland, was selected. ter,” he said. “There are at least three fam- really brightens the building. “It was good St Bride’s in East Kilbride and awards from Viridor Cred- The bulk of the mosaic, blessed by ilies who hand in anniversaries each year to get involved in fundraising for such a celebrated its last Sunday Mass its, Historic Scotland and the Bishop Joseph Toal of Motherwell (right), for people who died.” lovely mosaic,” she added. “All our hard in the church for six to nine Heritage Lottery Fund. is taken up by a depiction of the Crucifix- Fr Campbell added that the mosaic work paid off.” months last weekend, with its A number of renovations to ion. Underneath Christ’s feet, there is a looked ‘a thousand times better than I St Barbara’s is situated in the north of final Mass in the church held the church’s interior already crossed hammer and chisel, the emblem thought it would look’and that it was nice Motherwell Diocese in Elmira Road, on Tuesday. took place last year, including of miners. The hammer and chisel, encir- to have it in for Christmas. Muirhead. It was founded in 1947 and A new roof will be installed installation of new external cled within a gearwheel, commemorates The mosaic has been well received by five men from the parish have been on the church and the build- doors, upgrading of the toilet the 47 miners who lost their lives in the the congregation at St Barbara’s, who ordained to the priesthood since 1996. ing’s brickwork will be facilities, installation of a Auchengeich mining disaster in 1959. helped fundraise for the artwork with restored. wheelchair ramp, relocation of Only one miner survived an under- bingo nights and a sponsored cycle to I [email protected] Masses in the meantime will the piety stall, removal of glass take place until at least July in screens and installation of new St Andrew’s and St Bride’s pews in the side chapel. High School and in the parish St Brides’ was designed by centre, celebrated by Fr Rafal Izi Metzstein and Andy Sobieszuk who has been serv- MacMillan of Gillespie, Kidd ing the parish since administra- & Coia, who designed St tor Fr Bill Bergin took ill last Peter’s Seminary in Cardross year. as well as the library at Wad- St Bride’s, which celebrated ham College, Oxford, and other its 50th anniversary in 2014, university buildings. was constructed in the brutalist It is regularly visited by architectural style, and its architecture students and is imposing brick structure has internationally renowned for its picked up numerous awards unique style that has provoked since it’s opening, including a much debate. Storm damage closes EK parish for next 6 months

ST LEONARD’S Church in celebrated in the side chapel, East Kilbride has been sub- which is unaffected. stantially damaged by strong Arrangements are being made winds and rain from Storm to handle upcoming baptisms, Frank. weddings, funerals, and Sacra- Six to seven months of repairs ments for schoolchildren. will be needed to restore the A statement on the church building after the roof was par- website called for parishioners tially blown off the church and to follow in the footsteps of Scot wins Vatican backing to stage Passion in prison torrential rain flooded the ceiling those who worked with Fr and floors. Kieran O’Farrell to establish the Sunday and Saturday Masses parish in 1966. By Ian Dunn the Pontifical Council for Cul- this very exciting and worth- shortened story for Greenock will now be celebrated in St Anyone needing further infor- ture following the intervention while project to celebrate the Prison. Leonard’s Primary School, mation is asked to contact the A SCOTTISH aristocrat has of Archbishop Leo Cushleyof life of Christ.” Sir Jack, 86, has previously while weekday Masses will be parish office on 01355 247471. been given Vatican backing St Andrews and Edinburgh, a The play will be produced said he believes dramatising the to stage a Passion play in a former aide to both Pope Fran- by both Sir Jack’s Dundas life of Christ can help with maximum security Italian cis and Pope Emeritus Bene- Foundation and the Euro Pas- prisoner’s rehabilitation as well jail. dict XVI. sione per Italia, an organisation as change people’s views of EWTN - THE CATHOLIC SATELLITE CHANNEL Sir Jack Stewart-Clark Archbishop Cushley said he that puts on productions telling prisoners saying inmates ‘can (above right) was helped by was delighted to have been able the story of Christ and Easter become redeemed in prison, The perfect Christian present of St Andrews and to give the ‘vision’ the hearing Week. even if you’re never getting Edinburgh to win Vatican it deserved at the Vatican. Sir Jack, has a history of out.’ Tel: SAS 0141 774 5000 or 07463 683655 approval to take a play drama- “Sir Jack is clearly a man staging on Passion plays (above The aim is to stage the play for our Special Offer tising the last days of Christ to with a passion for the Passion,” left) including his own Dundas during the Year of Mercy. the high-security Opera jail, in the archbishop said. “I am sure Castle in West Lothian using SAS - SCOTLAND’S CATHOLIC SATELLITE COMPANY Milan. that the Italians will respond his loch for scenes of Jesus The project was backed by very willingly and positively to walking on water, as well as a I [email protected] WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY JANUARY 8 2016 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LOCAL NEWS 5 New year messages of mercy from archbishops lost in disaster SCOTLAND’S archbishops only human after all. But the have called on the faithful to message of Christmas is that follow Pope Francis and there is always hope. endeavour to show mercy in Emmanuel means ‘God is with PICS: BRENDAN MURPHY 2016. us’ and there can be no greater In their separate New Year ground for hope than that! messages, Archbishops Philip “The year ahead has been Tartaglia and Leo Cushley of designated a Year of Mercy. Glasgow and St Andrews and Mercy is something we all need Edinburgh respectively, spoke to experience in our lives when about the Extraordinary Jubilee we fall and sin. But it’s also Year of Mercy which will run something we can express to until November next year. others. It would be a great New “At this time of year it’s nat- Year’s resolution if we could Father, Son and Holy Spirit. world an opportunity to learn ural for us to look back in nos- endeavour to show mercy and Amen. Happy New year.” of God’s mercy upon us so that talgia and look understanding of those around In his New Year message, we can share God’s mercy with forward—ideally in hope and us every day of the year ahead. Archbishop Cushley (above) each other.’ expectation—but sometimes “And so as the old year draws spoke about how 2016 will be a “I’d like to wish you and with a little anxiety and dread,” to a close and the new one special year as we celebrate your families a good, a peace- Archbishop Tartaglia (far right) begins, may God bless you and with Pope Francis and ‘with the ful and a prosperous New said. “That’s natural. We are your families and loved ones… throughout the Year,” he added.

‘Only humans who are merciful can ever live in peace’

I Continued from page 1 “That is why we have a day human beings. We need God’s of prayer for peace, for we need mercy to heal the rifts and Though we are currently God to change us. This year we divisions that fracture our rela- focused on religious fundamen- pray for peace during the Year tionships. talism as the cause of war, he of Mercy. “We need God’s mercy to writes, history is ‘littered with “For only human beings who soothe away the hurts and pains isms: nationalism, imperialism, are merciful to each other can that keep bitterness alive in our communism, capitalism, ever live in peace and harmony hearts. racism,’ which have lead to and in a world free of violence “We need God’s mercy to conflict. and war,” Bishop Nolan con- teach us to be merciful our- “The birth of Jesus into our cludes. selves.” world 2000 years ago is a “Keeping in mind the theme Justice and Peace Scotland is reminder to us that we cannot of this Holy Year, may our the Scottish Commission of the save ourselves,” he writes. “Our prayer for peace enable us to Pontifical Council Justitia et flawed human nature means become Merciful like the Pax, whose goal is to ‘promote that any peace we achieve is Father.” justice and peace in the world, often a flawed peace carrying in He added that: “We need in the light of the Gospel and of itself the seeds of its own God’s mercy to touch our hearts the social teaching of the destruction. and the hearts of our fellow Church.’

SPOTLIGHT ON

The New Year came to Mother- well with the opening of a Holy Door of Mercy at . On the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, parish priest Fr Francis McGachey and Deacon welcomed Bishop Joseph Toal of Mother- well to the grotto for the cele- bration. The bishop also celebrated Mass in St ’s Church for parish- ioners. The Holy Door is one of two in Motherwell diocese, with the other at Our Lady of Good Aid Cathedral opened last month. The Holy Year of Mercy was opened by Pope Francis on December 8 and will last until November 20, 2016, the Solem- nity of Christ the King

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 6 WORLD/VATICAN NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY JANUARY 8 2016 Walsingham shrine granted basilica status Holy Father calls on media to cover more ‘good’ news By Stephen Reilly THE Holy Father urged the POPE Francis has given the Catholic media to cover more ‘good National Shrine of Our Lady at news’ in his final homily Walsingham in England a rare honour of 2015. by granting it minor basilica status. Pope Francis led some 10,000 The announcement of the honour for the worshippers in a traditional shrine—specifically the Slipper Chapel year-end solemn Te Deum (right), the Chapel of Reconciliation and the vespers service of thanksgiving Domain—was made by Bishop Alan Hopes in St Peter’s Basilica. of EastAnglia on the feast of the Holy Family. In his brief homily, the Pope Walsingham now joins only three other (right) said the outgoing year had locations in Britain with minor basilica status been marked by many tragedies. —Corpus Christi in Manchester, Downside “There has been violence, Abbey in Somerset and St Chad’s Cathedral death, unspeakable suffering by in Birmingham. Walsingham is the first site so many innocent people, to be given such status since 1941. refugees forced to leaves their According to tradition, the shrine at countries, men, women and Walsingham, known as England’s Nazareth, children without homes, food dates back to the 11th century, when the or means of support,” he said. Virgin Mary appeared in a vision to the lady He added, however, there of the manor, Richeldis de Faverches, who the shrine. I am quite sure that this moment Walsingham as a pilgrim in 1971, and I hope the had also been ‘so many great prayed that she might undertake some will bring many blessings and graces to all new status the Pope has granted Walsingham gestures of goodness’ to help special work in honour of Our Lady. In pilgrims in the coming years.” will encourage many more people to discover those in need, ‘even if they 13 Paris attacks in which 130 response, the Virgin Mary led her in spirit to Mgr John Armitage, rector of the Shrine the spiritual treasures of England’s Nazareth.” are not on television news people were killed. Nazareth, showed her the house where the of Our Lady, said: “This is wonderful news Basilicas were originally Roman court programmes because good Police are checking the bags Annunciation occurred and asked her to because it represents so much of what has buildings. The term was then applied to things don’t make news.’ of people as they approach the build a replica in Walsingham to serve as a been happening in the shrine for so long. It’s certain large churches with a nave and He said the media should not Vatican area and then have to perpetual memorial. a recognition by the Holy Father of the long central aisle, though since the 18th century allow such gestures of solidarity go through additional, airport- “The Holy See’s recognition of the history of this shrine. the architectural style has not been important. to be ‘obscured by the arrogance style screening if they want to importance of the church in Walsingham is a “It’s recognition of the remarkable The four major basilicas in Rome outrank all of evil.’ enter St Peter’s Square or St recognition of the growth and witness of the devotion, particularly of the people who other churches and cathedrals in precedence. The Argentine Pope, marking Peter’s Basilica. shrine over these many years since its re- work here, the volunteers and all the loyal These are all Papal basilicas (known as the third New Year’s season The Pope also condemned a establishment after its destruction during the pilgrims who come from so far, for so often patriarchal basilicas until Pope Benedict since his election in 2013, political corruption scandal that period of the Reformation, for its constant and from such great distances.” XVI changed their name in 2006). There are condemned the ‘insatiable thirst hit Rome, the city of which he witness to the importance of marriage and The Anglican Bishop of Norwich, the Rt also three minor papal basilicas. There are for power and gratuitous violence’ is also bishop. The scandal, family life and its pastoral care of the tens Rev Graham James, said: “In a BBC survey more than 1600 minor basilicas around the the world had seen in 2015. known as ‘Mafia Capital,’ has of thousands of pilgrims who make their nine years ago Walsingham was given the world. Many, like Walsingham, are the site In his Christmas message last spawned a massive trial with 46 journey to the shrine every year,” Bishop accolade of being England’s most spiritual of pilgrimages. week, he urged the world to defendants that began last Hopes said. “It has also come at a very place. Now the Pope has added to the honour A basilica has the right to include the unite to end atrocities by month. Mobsters, bureaucrats important moment in the life of the shrine as in which Walsingham is held.” Papal symbol of the crossed keys in its Islamist militants who he said and politicians are accused of it seeks to develop and refurbish its facilities “Anglicans as well as Roman Catholics banner and seal, and its rector may wear a were causing immense suffering siphoning millions of euros in the light of the ever growing number of come to Walsingham in big numbers and the distinctive mozzetta. A plenary indulgence in many countries. from public contracts for pilgrims, a work being led by Mgr John relationship between the two shrines is close may be granted to those who pray in a basilica Security has been very tight everything from refugee shelters Armitage, the recently appointed rector of and supportive,” he added. “I came first to on certain days. at the Vatican since the November to refuse collection. Treaty confirms Vatican’s recognition of Palestine A TREATY confirming the the same Agreement,” The Holy In May 2014, the Pope also Vatican’s de facto recognition See said in a statement, released visited Bethlehem where he gave of the State of Palestine has on Saturday. a speech stating both Israel and come into effect. The move seals support for the Palestine had a right to exist, laying The Vatican announced on 2012 UN General Assembly the groundwork for the treaty. January 2 that its ‘comprehensive resolution granting Palestine a “The Agreement… regards agreement’ with the ‘State of non-member observer status. This essential aspects of the life and Palestine,’ has now come into was welcomed at the time by the activity of the Church in Palestine, force. The treaty was signed in Vatican, which has the same status. while at the same time reaffirming June 2015. In October 2014, Sweden the support for a negotiated and The agreement called for moves acknowledged Palestine, drawing peaceful solution to the conflict to end the Israeli-Palestinian condemnation from Israel. in the region,” the Vatican said. conflict and backed a two-state Israel has previously called the The treaty aims to secure the solution, referring to Palestine as Vatican involvement a hasty move rights of the Catholic Church on a ‘state’ meaning the Vatican that could be damaging to attempts Palestinian territories in exchange SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY SUBSCRIPTION OFFER recognises it as an equal partner. to reach a peace agreement and for backing the two-state solution, “The Holy See and the State of impact the country’s diplomatic and gives more weight to Palestine have notified each other relations with the Holy See. Pope Palestine politically. It is also 12 ISSUES FOR ONLY £12 that the procedural requirements Francis has already played a been said it could safeguard the for its [the agreement’s] entry diplomatic role, having previously holy sites in Palestine. In April We want you to experience the benefits of having into force have been fulfilled, called for the Israeli-Palestinian 2014, a Catholic monastery was The Sco'sh Catholic Observer delivered to your door every week – and under the terms of Article 30 of talks to resume. vandalised by Israelis. to show you how good our newspaper is. That is why we are making God’s mercy can set people free, Pope says you this excep&onal offer, which has gone down a storm with readers who are keento get anintroduc&onto Scotland’s GOD’S ability to forgive “The door we have opened is, Mother of mercy because she na&onal Catholic weekly newspaper. ‘knows no limits’as His mercy in fact, a Door of Mercy,” he said bore ‘the very face of divine frees people from bitterness in his homily, referring to the mercy,’ the Son of God ‘made and despair, Pope Francis Roman basilica’s large bronze incarnate for our salvation.’ said on New Year’s Day. doors depicting Mary presenting “Mary is an icon of how the 12 ISSUES FOR ONLY £12 “The Church’s forgiveness Her resurrected Son, Jesus. Church must offer forgiveness Return with cheque to:Scosh Catholic Observer, must be every bit as broad as “Those who cross its threshold to those who seek it. The Mother 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6BT or telephone that offered by Jesus on the are called to enter into the of forgiveness teaches the Church cross and by Mary at His feet. merciful love of the father with that the forgiveness granted on 0141 241 6112 to order and pay by card There is no other way,” he said complete trust and freedom Golgotha knows no limits. after opening the Holy Door of from fear; they can leave this Neither the law with its quibbles, Name: the Basilica of St Mary Major basilica knowing with certainty nor the wisdom of this world January 1, the feast of Mary, that Mary is ever at their side,” with its distinctions, can hold it Address: Mother of God, and the World especially during times of trouble back,” he said. Mary offers the Day of Prayer for Peace. and sorrow, he said. world Jesus, who in turn, offers On January 1, the Pope opened At the church dedicated to that forgiveness that ‘renews the last holy door in Rome as Mary and on Her feast day as life, enables us once more to do part of the extraordinary Holy Mother of God, the Pope God’s will and fills us with true Email Address: Year of Mercy. explained how Mary is the happiness,’ the Pope concluded. Telephone Number: WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK This offer is only available to new subscribers & can only be used once FRIDAY JANUARY 8 2016 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LETTERS 7

LETTER OF THE WEEK Hundreds flocked to Glasgow Remembers The PICTURE OF THE WEEK Queen Street Tragedy first Anniversary Service at Our Church’s work is never Glasgow Cathedral on December 2015. First Min- done, nor is our own ister Nicola Sturgeon MSP,Archbishop Philip Tartaglia, Lord Provost of Glasgow Sadie CHRISTMAS is barely over and yet so Docherty, Rev Dr Laurence Whitley are seen here much has happened for our Church. The in procession after the service that was also long-awaited announcement of a new attended by the Rt Rev Dr Gregor Duncan Bishop bishop for Argyll and the isles was made of Glasgow and Galloway, and members of Glas- between Christmas and New Year. For gow Churches Together. those who missed it, Pope Francis’ Archbishop Tartaglia offered this prayer at appointment of Mgr Brian McGee brings memorial of the bin lorry tragedy in Glasgow: God of unending mercy, the not so long ago sadly depleted We pray with those who cry: Bishops’ Conference of Scotland up to full For women and men who are battered in body or strength once more. spirit, I am also glad to see John Deighan, the For children who sleep the fitful sleep of grief, former parliamentary officer for the For all who are imprisoned by walls or worries, Church, use his substancial influence in his For all who wonder if they can ever live again, new role with SPUC Scotland to unite both For the least, the lost and the last, and for the dead. religious and pro-life groups in a new Christ, have mercy on those who cry; coalition to oppose an attempt to lessen Christ have mercy on us when we turn away from abortion time limits not that the Scotland the cries of others. has taken over regulation in this area for Give us the strength of compassion, itself. That we may never shield our eyes and hearts Many believe that, with holidays and from pain, celebrations, Christmas and New Year But seek to heal and bless. mark slow ‘news days.’ Not so for the Bless us with courage and arm us with hope, Scottish Church. The rampant That we may lessen the sufferings and pain in our secularisation of our post-Christian country world. was brought to the brink by the recent vote A candle was lit for each of those who died on independence. While we may like and after the vehicle careered out of control with its relate to some of our politicians on a driver unconscious at the wheel: Erin McQuade, personal level, we need groups such as the Jack Sweeney, Lorraine Sweeney, Stephenie Tait, new Don’t Stop a Beating Heart in an Jacqueline Morton, and Gillian Ewing. Henry Toal overseeing role. The push for same-sex and Matthew Telford, the two crew men who marriage, which started in Scotland and were travelling in the bin lorry when it crashed, came to pass here, and the further inroads were among those gathered. on assisted suicide that were made last PIC: PAUL McSHERRY year, not to mention a shifting tide on Catholic education, are just a few examples of the direction our politicians would take Scotland in if left unchecked. And then Good news for us all this I appreciate that the SCO remains a there is the horrible mess they got us all Christmas and beyond campaigning newspaper—for Catholic into with the The Offensive Behaviour at schools, against assisted suicide for Football and Threatening Communications IT WASN’T long after I had finally worked example—and it also bring us important ESTABLISHED IN 1885 (Scotland) Act 2012. my way through my bumper edition of the Vatican news such as events in the Year of We must be ever vigilant. Our Church SCO this Christmas that I heard Pope Mercy. I just hope to also continue to read cannot be silenced in the public square nor Francis appeal for more ‘good news’ about the joyful events at diocesan and marginalised any further. stories in the media. I was glad that the parish level and, to this end, would May we all be issues voters, not blinded SCO was once again ahead of the game encourage schools and parishioners to by party loyalty, in the upcoming Scottish It was pleasant to take a break with share their news with our national Catholic Parliamentary elections. lighter content—such as Richard Purden’s press, as the Holy Father is urging. Help us make the good Packy Bonner article (not my team) and Mr Crawford James Barclay’s short story (more one for Mrs Brown news go viral in 2016 EDINBURGH my gran and the granchildren). RUTHERGLEN

HE world is generally prepared to hear the Pope’s mes- Unlikely Evangelists in One afternoon God fielded a ringer, the Winter can be a lonely time sage in early January on the World Day of Prayer for unusual places head chef of the canteen. A man with a for the eldery peace. This year was no different. And yet it was. Pope volcanic temperament, made worse by a Francis has his own way of inspiring, of urging human EVANGELISM by the laity is a recurring punitive financial settlement following a FOR many old people winter is a lonely kind to do and be better. He regularly comes into contact topic that always left me feeling a bit recent divorce which occupied his every time. Small chrities like ours provide vital with media and communication professionals, and social media, so clueless as to what a practical application waking moment. As the atheist began his daily support to the elerly isolated in our therefore he sees the scope for God’s message to reach a wider audi- of it might look like. In one sense I was rant against God I could sense that the chef communities. Our work over 53 years has enceT through them. And yet he still directly cuts to the chase when quite impressed by the way protestant was in no mood for it and without even been supported by friends, local business, required. This New Year, in addition to his message for peace and his churches approached this. They trained delaying to put his teeth back in he declared charitable trusts and, of course, Glasgow programme for the Year of Mercy, the Pope urged the world’s media their congregations, had programs, “He died for your sins’ City Council. The finanacial situation is to make more room for ‘good news.’ strategies, were quite creative and yet what Whether or not there was silence in difficult, however a little goes a long way. ”How many great gestures of goodness, love and solidarity have emerged was often cloned evangelists with heaven, I don’t know; but there was in the Thanks to all our supporters and those of filled the days of this year, even if they are not on television news stock rhetoric, there was something missing. tearoom. The atheist was glued to the spot, other Third Sector projects in Glasgow. programs?” he said. “Good things don’t make the news.” I discovered what it was when I worked head bent over and visibly shaken. The chef Let’s hope this next year is good to us all. This does not mean, however, we have to stop reporting the chal- for a chemical company years ago in the tea put his teeth in and thought about his Gerry Healy, secretary, lenges presented by global news headlines or whitewash when things room on one of the plants I visited. One of ex-wife. The tobacco man took a long drag THE ST MUNGO OLD FOLKS CENTRE FOR go wrong for and in the Church, an accusation often levied in the past the managers, who also had his tea break on his roll-up and lowered his tattooed arm WELLBEING at the Catholic press. The Holy Father doesn’t want the world to there, was very antagonistic towards God into position on his knee and the atheist ignore the suffering of so many people. He is calling, instead, for the and the church and, like many atheists and looked into the image of his saviour’s eyes press to stop sensationalising and even milking the bad news—a trend God-haters, would deliver his anti-God without wincing this time.The Gospel had Abortion and miscarriage in the secular press that worringly crosses over into other specialist sermons almost every day. It was clear that a been preached to him in its fullness, his own need to be separated publications—and make room (in our reports and in our lives) for the conversation would be pointless so I prayed soul’s condition revealed to him like a joy and wonder of what is being achieved, what is being put right as for him instead month after month. violent lightning bolt, the sword of the Spirit GERALD Warner uses the word, ‘abortion’ opposed to only focusing on what is going wrong. I was not the only player in the piece of had found its mark and his life would never in a singular sense. Yes it is the loss of an Communicators and consumers of news alike must not bury our theatre that was about to unfold though. The be the same again. embryo or foetus and may come into the heads in the sand, instead we must redouble our efforts not be to next was ‘the tobacco man’ who used to tour God is always looking, always preparing, category of being a, miscarriage. dragged into the pit of despair that so often dominates each news the plant selling pouches of tobacco assembling teams of evangelists, creating a The distinction should be made as to broadcast and find the positivity to balance our reports and publica- smuggled in from Europe on the Lorries. His space to do His work and completing the whether or not it was ‘induced.’ Many tions. In effect, we are being called to redefine the very meaning of role was that he had a full forearm tattoo of task, often with people who are not religious women have been saddened when their ‘what is news?’ the Crucifixion scene. Each time he came in, at all, untrained, and even totally unaware. miscarriage is known as an abortion. If the bad news is what people wanted then newspaper sales would the atheist winced as his eyes were Stephen Clark Most of what Mr Warner wrote [in the not be dipping, according to Church spokesmen in Scotland. Perhaps inexplicably drawn to the cross. PHILIPPINES SCO towards the end of 2015] is alas all this is an over simplification and yet what goes viral on digital and too true. social media? The silly, the trival, yes, but also the joyful, those sto- G SCO reserves the right to edit letters to conform with space or style requirements Perhaps, with his influence, Mr Warner ries that restore our faith. G This page is used solely for reader opinion and therefore views expressed are not necessarily might correct the legal writings on— The Catholic press has always aimed to bring you the Good News shared by SCO miscarriage, ‘induced abortion.’ of Christ. Please, in 2016 and beyond, help us also to bring the good G If you would like to share your opinion, send your correspondence to the address below news from our schools, parishes, diocese, religious orders and Tom Reilly G Whether you use e-mail or post, you must provide your full name, address, and phone number or Catholic organisations. your letter will not be used EDINBURGH And for those who have written off the Catholic press in the past, have mercy and take another look at what is being achieved. WRITE TO LETTERS, SCO, 19 WATERLOO STREET, GLASGOW G2 6BT [email protected] 8 COMMENT SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY JANUARY 8 2016 Do try to take this amazing journey of life one day at a time in the year ahead ELL, we’ve made it to 2016 and it’s my fervent hope and prayer that this com- ing year will bring you much joy and peace. 2015, for many and varied reasons, Wwas not one of the best. I hope I’ve come out of it stronger and wiser, but who knows? I know it’s a cliché and I think it’s one of the worst songs ever (sorry all you Lena Martell fans, especially Fraser), but I find life really can’t be tackled any other way than ‘one day at a time.’ If 2015 BY SR ROSEANN REDDY taught me anything, it was that. As you know, I’m a great one for times and seasons; I simply can’t closer to God? Because ultimately help myself. I always see January as that’s what all of our lives journeys a time to plan ahead, to set goals, to are about. For all of us, this too shall review the previous year and to pass. Our human concerns shall be as somehow try and find the desire and nothing as we face judgement and energy to really live 2016 to the eternal life. full—but, as that other great expres- In this great jubilee of mercy what sion says, ‘the spirit is willing but the am I doing to prepare myself and, flesh is weak’ and how true that indeed, others for that moment when seems to be when faced with a dark, we too will stand before the Father of dreich January morning. Mercy and present our life for judge- So aware of how weak and vulner- ment? In 2015, I shared the loss of able we can all become in a moment, too many people suddenly and with- I plan to take 2016 one day at a time. out warning to know that as the poet Last year also taught me how power- John Donne famously said, “Never ful the send to know human spirit So aware of how weak for whom the can be. bells tolls—it How, despite and vulnerable we can all tolls for whatever tri- thee.’ als and tribu- become in a moment, I Some of lations may you may now come our be reaching way, we can plan to take 2016 one for some- rise up and thing conquer for day at a time. Last year stronger than another day, tea to drink, especially if also taught me how thinking: we have ‘Thanks Sis- Christ by our powerful the human spirit ter, reading side. this is really I don’t can be. cheering me know if it’s a up!’ but don’t natural con- despair. It’s a sequence of getting older but last happy thought if you embrace it—for year seemed to be full of nothing but we who believe know that life illness and death. My life, for the changes and does not end, and the first time ever, was full of doctors happy bit of all of this is the chal- and hospital appointments. At times I lenge and perspective that this felt as if I was being MOT’d at every knowledge of eternal life gives us to turn and failing miserably. Toes, live our every day here on earth to teeth and eyes were the main culprit the full. of my MOT failures! But, the amaz- So, yet again, despite everything ing thing is that, with a little bit of that troubles me, I want to embrace patience on my part and a remarkable this new year of 2016 as one in amount of skill and expertise from all which I set goals and priorities with sorts of health professionals, I’m still eternity in mind. here, and almost intact and hopefully A few years ago when I first recharged for the year ahead—one started out on the big adventure of day at a time. religious life, I wrote out a little As with everything in life, from something, perhaps you could call it the smallest trial to the greatest disas- a prayer or, more accurately, a wee Will it bring me closer to Christ? Christ? especially in my heart, there is noth- ter, the main reflection for me is ‘note to self,’ which I’d like to share Will it help me to live out holy Am I ready to die for Christ? ing I cannot endure, embrace and what have I learned from this experi- with you as an idea or aid to hope- poverty? Am I ready to die? indeed conquer. ence? Am I more understanding? fully help us all focus on the truly Is my chastity real, deep, meaningful, So bring it on, say I! Am I kinder? important things in life. fruitful and constant? If it aids anyone else in their Am I less selfish? Am I more Prayer to keep me reminded of all Am I obedient always to the will of prayer life then I’m delighted to I Sr Roseann Reddy of the Sisters of grateful? Am I still heading in the that is for my good: God? share it. I’m now quite excited to see the Gospel of Life works at the Cardi- right direction? This, for me, is the For me or for Christ? what this new year brings because I nal Winning Pro-Life Initiative key point: have all the experiences of Should I have said that? For me or for my neighbour? know that, no matter what it brings, https://cardinalwinningprolifeinitia- 2015, good and bad, brought me Do I need this? Am I ready to live every moment for with Christ ever at my side and more tive.wordpress.com/

The views expressed in the opinion What do you think of ST ROSEANN’S comments on LIFE? Send your points of view to the pages of the SCO are those of SCO. Write to or e-mail informed individuals and groups and Letters, SCO, 19 Waterloo St, Glasgow G2 6BT [email protected] not necessarily those of the newspaper or the Church

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY JANUARY 8 2016 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER COMMENT 9 The Christian message Improving religious education in can be challenging for our increasingly secular society the more prosaic of us By Fr Thomas Boyle retaining the flock rather than increasing it. For some reason that review I WONDER if like me you of TS Eliot made me think about enjoy reading book reviews the Pope. Is Pope Francis the in newspapers and maga- poet in our midst, in the midst of zines. They can also allow us the Church, exhorting us by a glimpse into areas we sim- words and images not to settle ply don’t understand perhaps for the status quo but to reach out inspiring an unlikely pur- beyond the bounds of governing chase. For many people a and administering to witnessing, review of a book about quan- welcoming and celebrating. He tum mechanics might afford can have harsh words for those some idea of what that in the Church, especially among incomprehensible subject is the clergy, who seem to overlook BY MICHAEL about as a recent book in Italy the mercy of God. In this the McGRATH has managed to do for many; Pope most resembles the for me it’s any review about prophets of the Hebrew Bible, poetry. Reading a review the prophecies being written RECENT inquiry about a recently published almost wholly in a poetic style. into the place of edition of the poems of TS The Psalms, some of the Wis- religion in mod- Eliot I once again felt the dom writings and other parts of ern society has pang of not being able to the Old Testament are poetic as called for public understand poetry. In respect is John’s Gospel. life in Britain to be systemati- of great poetry and novels I The Samaritan woman’s cally de-Christianised. It says am a philistine. I wish they encounter with Jesus at the well Athat the decline of churchgoing could move me as I see that in the midday sun is my and the popularity of other they do other people but I’m favourite scene in all of the faiths mean that a ‘new settle- afraid that it just doesn’t hap- Gospels (Jn 4:4-42). The way in ment’ is needed for religion in pen. which Jesus takes this hurt the UK, giving more official In relation to poetry at school I woman from suspicion and hos- influence to non-religious was noted only for getting the tility to dialogue and self-confi- voices and those of non-Chris- name of the author of Dulce et dence is a lesson to anyone who tian faiths. decorum est spectacularly works with the wounded. I The Commission on Reli- wrong. My English teacher, who always picture her like the kind gion and Belief in Public Life, still reminds me of this, tossing of hostile third or fourth year girl chaired by former senior judge my jotter to me across the class- you can come across in any sec- Baroness Butler-Sloss, was room informed the class: ‘Mr ondary school, looking at you critical of religious education Boyle seems to think it was writ- with adult eyes but basically still in schools. While supporting ten by Winnifred Owen’. It was a child underneath. The Samari- the value of education about a slip of the pen, I knew that Wil- tan woman may have had five, or religion and belief in schools, fred Owen was the author of the is it six, husbands but her vulner- the Commission insists that the poem but somehow my pen did- ability is what stands out when subject should be re-named (to n’t follow that knowledge. My you get under the surface as appear less ‘religious?’) and teacher was magnanimous Christ managed to do. should not contain elements of enough at my ordination as a Elsewhere in John’s Gospel, ‘confessional instruction or priest to give me as a gift the col- 8:2-11, Jesus is teaching when indoctrination’in faith schools. lected works of WBYeats (no the leaders of God’s people drag I suspect that the term possibility of gender reassign- a woman before him to attempt ‘indoctrination’ provides an ment in that name). Having been to trap him over the question of interesting insight into the to Yeats’ grave at Drumcliff and sin and punishment, in this case Commission’s perspective on PIC: PAUL McSHERRY to the Lake Isle of Innisfree I at adultery. Two immortal lines the value of schools which are least knew who he was but I’m emerge from this scene: ‘Let him shaped by religious traditions. At the launch of the senior social justice, moral and ethi- rchbishop Philip afraid that the gift has rarely who is without sin cast the first I wonder whose views were phase syllabus, I spoke about cal dilemmas, the devastation Tartaglia (above), been opened these almost stone’ and ‘Has no-one con- sought, which schools were how Religious Education in of warfare. Critically, they are speaking on behalf of 30 years. demned you? Neither do I, go visited, how many young peo- Scotland’s Catholic schools encouraged to learn from the Athe Scottish Bishops at the The late Mario Cuomo, who and do not sin anymore.’And ple and parents were asked for had developed over the past 50 wisdom offered in Scripture launch of the Senior Phase served three terms as governor of therein lies the poetry of the their experience of religious years since the second Vatican and in the Tradition of the Religious Education syllabus, New York State, once wrote: Christian message, no condem- education in today’s schools. I Council. I demonstrated how Church as they develop their reminded the audience that “You campaign in poetry. You nation but no sin either. Unlike doubt that many could point to its contents had reflected own personal relationship with ‘every Catholic school is first govern in prose.” Maybe that’s Pope Francis, for the more pro- experiences of ‘indoctrina- changes in how the Catholic God and respond to these and foremost a place where part of my problem, maybe I’m saic of us they can both be quite tion,’ of being coerced into Church had engaged with the questions. They also learn young people encounter Jesus too much of a pragmatist and an challenging accepting Church doctrine world and with other faiths. about other religious traditions Christ, a school where faith opportunist to be a poet; too busy without conscious thought or And yet, during these years of and about the viewpoints of has been placed at the heart of governing, not enough time cam- I Fr Thomas Boyle is assistant free will. seismic social change, the con- those who do not adhere to any the curriculum. It can never be paigning. As a preacher of course general secretary of the Bish- tent of religious education pro- religious belief or tradition. a ‘bolt-on,’ a minority subject, that could be fatal, leading to ops’ Conference of Scotland ecently the Scottish grammes in Catholic schools In all this learning they are merely a statutory obligation. simply maintaining the status and parish priest of Our Lady of Catholic Education remained constant and true to invited to grow in faith and to It should be our first priority, quo rather than to inspiration, , Bishopton Service published its Church Tradition. acquire values which are life- our central focus, to ensure syllabusR for Religious Educa- Across 50 years, very sig- enhancing—good for them that the religious education tion for the Senior Phase— nificant changes can also be and for the world—and to experienced by our young peo- pupils in S4, S5 & S6. This seen in the learning and teach- become people of virtue whose ple is relevant, engaging and, builds on our existing syllabus ing approaches adopted in reli- habits of the heart compel indeed, transformational.’ for the Broad General Educa- gious education in Catholic them to turn outward to the This is a vision which is tion phase—P1 through to S3. schools. Today’s pupils are not world and to offer loving serv- being realised in Catholic Both documents had been expected to sit in passive ice to their neighbour, near schools across the country, a developed over a number of silence, accepting ‘religious and far. vision which offers great hope years and have been carefully instruction’ obediently and Out of these experiences of to the Church in Scotland. I constructed to reflect the statu- unquestioningly. They are learning, reflection and action, hope that it might find reso- tory position of Scotland’s expected to be inquisitive, to some young people are nance with many people, even Catholic schools. So, while the enquire and research, to seek enabled to develop a maturing with members of the Commis- earlier document is in line with people’s views and experi- personal relationship with sion on Religion and Belief in the Scottish Government’s ences. They address the ‘big God. Others may benefit from Public Life. Curriculum for Excellence, its questions’ of today—about the developing as people of moral contents were also approved origins of our planet and our and social conscience who do I Michael McGrath is by the Vatican as authentic species, the causes and impact not affiliate to any religious director of the Scottish Church teaching. of climate change, issues of tradition. Catholic Education Service

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 10 LIFE MATTERS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER JANUARY 8 2016 JANUARY 8 2016 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER ARTS FEATURE 11 Finding his feet in the world of film RICHARD PURDEN speaks with writer/director JAKE GAVIN about his new film Hector which chronicles a homeless man’s journey

ECTOR starring Peter Mullan tells Writer/director Jake Gavin the story of a homeless man making with actor Peter Mullan on the long and complex journey from the set of his new film Hector Glasgow to London to meet other homeless friends who have become an important part of his community over many years. First time screen writer/director Jake Gavin explainsH what inspired him to take on the subject. “I had been looking for a screen-play for a while when I was volunteering for Crisis at Christmas,” he said. “There were some very interesting stories. One man told me he had been living on the motorways, in service stations, which made sense because you can get a hot shower, some food at end of the day when the sandwiches get thrown out and if you have a wee bit of money you can stay in a lodge then hitch to the next place. He had travelled from Scotland to London and it had taken him a total of two weeks. He told me a bit about the journey and it occurred to me three or four days later that it would be a good starting point for a screen-play. I didn’t know anything about the character’s real life, a couple of weeks before Christmas he was at Stirling services. It turned out that I was sitting there for six hours and that was the starting point of the story.” A strange coincidence or perhaps meant to be. Jake had found inspiration in one homeless Scot’s journey, but who was going to play him?After seeing Hector it’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role apart from Peter Mullan, but with the film being delayed for some time due to financial problems and Peter having other acting commitments it was touch and go whether he would be able to make the film. “Originally a friend introduced me to Amy Hubbard who is a fantastic casting director, she said this was the first British script without guns she'd seen that year,” Mr Gavin said. “Amy asked me who I could see in the role, I gave her a picture of the singer JJ Cale and she said ‘that looks just like Peter Mullan.’ I said that we’d never get him. A special lady and a special year Once he was attached everything mushroomed from that. I had my first meeting with Peter about three years ago, there were moments when we were MICHAEL McCARTNEY gives an insight into some of the fundraising activities that helped support the work of ST MARGARET nearly there and got very close to making the film but didn't quite manage and had to pull the plug. OF SCOTLAND HOSPICE and explains why 2015 was a landmark year for the hospice and its chief executive, Sr Rita Dawson By that stage I didn't want to even contemplate not having him in the role.” VERY special year for St Margaret of in the company of her family, who had come over locations at weekends. The costumed volunteers Tuesday, December 22, with second prize of £1000 Scotland Hospice was topped off in from her native Tipperary to share in the celebrations. carried out door-to-door bucket collections each and a third prize of £500. All three winners were r Mullen drew on his own journey from memorable fashion in December 2015 “I am delighted to have been made a Freeman evening and the lights, decorations and Christmas delighted to receive their winnings in time for when he was a young man sleeping rough when the community gathered to of West Dunbartonshire, in addition to receiving music on the Christmas bus proved a big hit with Christmas, while the hospice was once again grateful for a week, he also spoke about the honour the achievements of hospice the Honour of an MBE from Her Majesty, the families and people of all ages who came out to for the support of all those who took part. The hos- M‘vulnerability’ he felt. He has also suggested that Chief Executive Sr Rita Dawson. Queen,” she said. “It was a wonderful ceremony in watch or even have a seat on the bus. Despite the pice’s regular monthly draw, the Hospice Lottery, we are facing a homeless ‘epidemic’ due to the Sr Rita’s tireless dedication to ensuring the the Town Hall, a wonderfully relaxed night for my often wet and windy weather in recent weeks, was also promoted during the month as our housing crisis, benefits cuts and sanctions. The Ahospice offers its patients, their families and friends family, the sisters, board of directors and staff, and members of the public turned out in force to fundraising team recommended a subscription for film’s director comes from another angle. the highest standards of care were recognised this all the hospice supporters who have given so much support the bus and the Hospice is grateful to all the lottery as an ideal Christmas gift. “Personally I don’t think it’s a political film with year with two major awards. In January, it was to help the Hospice over the years. the people who helped including employees from Aside from our regular activities, the hospice a big or small ‘P’ it’s very much a character study— announced that she had been awarded an MBE “I am grateful to West Dunbartonshire Council a number of companies, school pupils, girl guides, engaged in a couple of one-off promotions to it’s a portrait of a man,” he said. “The fact that he under the Queen’s Special Honours list for for all their support for the hospice and myself over rugby and Gaelic football players and Police publicise what it does and thank its supporters. On is homeless is relevant, but I don’t want people to services to nursing—one of only a few non-British the years, and for rewarding me with this recognition, Scotland youth volunteers. We also wish to thank December 17, staff from Turners Facilities—who see it as an issue film. Peter is a political guy and nationals to receive the award—while in September which I share with all those who support the Nustar who kindly supported the Christmas Bus had kindly offered their services to carry out I respect that. If people come out of the cinema she was given the Freedom of West Dunbartonshire. hospice and help it to continue in its work for those with sponsorship. landscaping on the hospice grounds and supply and looking at the world a little differently and they walk And at a glittering gala dinner in Clydebank Town who need it.” Another important event in the busy festive fit decorations to the hospice and our Christmas down the street and notice, I would be very happy.” Hall on Thursday, December 10, Sr Rita (above) calendar—Light Up a Life—also looked likely to Bus—were welcomed back for a cup of tea to I asked Mr Gavin in what way he would like the was officially presented with both the Freeman’s Fundraising feats be hit by poor weather, but thankfully the rain allow our fundraising staff to say thank you. And audience to connect with the film? Ticket and her MBE medal from Buckingham Palace. Since joining St Margaret of Scotland Hospice relented during a poignant ceremony which was the next night we embarked on a social media “I don’t think of it as a homeless movie or a For both Sr Rita and the hospice, it was a fitting nearly 30 years ago, Sr Rita has helped to raise the attended by over 1500 people in the Hospice campaign to take us through 4000 Facebook likes, Christmas film, but Christmas is a time for family way to mark 2015—a year in which the hospice millions of pounds needed every year to keep the grounds on Sunday, November 29, 2015. Light Up which was superbly supported by our followers and when people think of others less fortunate than celebrated its 65thAnniversary and the Congregation 58-bed hospice open. The qualified nurse has also a Life allows participants to pay tribute to family or who liked and shared our post with their friends, themselves, it’s a definite winter film,” he of the Religious Sisters of Charity, who founded overseen the construction of a second floor and the friends who have passed away by dedicating a light moving us well beyond the target. The lucky answered. “I can imagine a family going and the Hospice in Clydebank, marked the 200th year building of a new wing for care of elderly patients to them on the hospice Christmas tree. Everyone Facebook user who became our 4000th ‘like’ was watching it together even though it’s not exactly a since their foundation by the Venerable Mary with complex medical and nursing needs, as well who took part by donating had a Christmas card also rewarded with a bottle of champagne. feel-good movie but it is heart-warming. It’s not Aikenhead. The ceremony itself was also historic, as a hydrotherapy pool and a hospice restaurant. Sr sent to them or a chosen family member, confirming an art-house film either, it’s a film I hope will grow as revealed by Michael Gregory, Lord Lieutenant Rita now leads an organisation with well over 150 that a light on the tree had been dedicated to their Upcoming events and have a life. It’s a hard sell on paper—it could for Dunbartonshire, who presented Sr Rita with staff that is open to everyone of any or no religion, loved one, whose name also appeared on the card. With a very significant and successful year now appear to be misery tourism. I hope it is going to be her MBE. and offers services including counselling and The lights on the tree will remain continuously lit drawing to a close, attention has already turned to the sort of film that grows by word of mouth. I either, but what appeared on screen was as if by the middle of a story, we were losing a lot of time. there I went into portraiture and then onto film. “This is a really significant moment in West outpatient facilities as well as end-of-life care for until Wednesday, January 6. next year’s major events and campaigns. wouldn’t complain if the BBC wanted to show it at magic. You write a character from yourself and put I realised all I had to do was call ‘action’ and he “I want to go on and make more films. There’s Dunbartonshire’s history,” he said. “As far as I am people with a wide range of medical needs “We have already received some feedback from First up will be our Celtic Ceilidh, which takes Christmas time (laughing).” the script in the hands of an actor and they produce would go straight into the character.” a script that I’m half way through and I’ll just have aware, it is the first time ever that an individual has The supporters mentioned by Sr Rita were supporters who felt it was a lovely service,” Sr Rita place on Friday, March 11, 2016, at Glasgow’s Alongside the talent of Peter Mullen are some something completely different.” I also asked him what led him into directing, as to see how it goes, the trouble with being a writer/ been made a Freeman and received an MBE at the especially generous in the run-up to Christmas, said. “Although the event raises funds for the Oran Mor with all the annual favourites including fine cameos including Keith Allen, Irish actor John I also quizzed Mr Gavin on what it was like to it sounded like he had had a varied career thus far? director is that the process is enormously long. same ceremony. These two prestigious honours are which was, as always, a very busy time for hospice hospice, it is all about allowing families and the Sports Dinner, Ladies’ Lunch, Midnight Walk Cleary and Scottish broadcaster Hardeep Singh Kohli. work with Peter Mullan as a first-time director? “I’d worked as a photo-journalist covering the Martin Scorsese was asked what his favourite thing testament to Sr Rita’s decades of selfless dedica- staff and volunteers, particularly those involved friends to remember loved ones and offering them and Annual Ball following later in the year. “Hardeep was amazing, he told jokes the whole “Peter would tell story after story and would civil war in Sri Lanka, I’d worked on the West about directing was, he said that it was moving onto tion to looking after people in need of complex and in fundraising. support when they are grieving at this time.” We wish to take this opportunity to thank all day,” he said. “I didn’t realise his brother also have everyone in fits of laughter, he literally never Bank and Gaza when I was 23,” he said. “It the next stage. I know what he means. My emotionally challenging care. It was my privilege Many residents of the west of Scotland would Other annual events over the Advent period those who have supported the Hospice in what has played a shopkeeper in the Scottish comedy Still stopped for five weeks, I never heard the same story transpired that I was either too clever or not brave favourite bit was working with actors. I’d be happy to be part of this recognition of her fantastic work.” have seen the Hospice Christmas Bus on its rounds included the Hospice Christmas Draw, which been a very special year. We hope you had a Happy Game. He had never done straight acting before twice apart from once and about a few seconds in enough. When the shooting started I would be on to direct another person’s work, at the moment in recent weeks, stopping off in the evenings in offered people a chance to win one of three top Christmas and wish all of you a peaceful New Year. and it is quite nerve wracking going up against the he said: ‘Jake’s heard this one but anyway,’” he the ground wondering what I was doing. Then I anything is possible.” A family affair several West Dunbartonshire locations and in cash prizes and all in time for Christmas. The great Peter Mullan. John Cleary is also a stand-up replied. “At first I didn’t want to interrupt him as became an intellectual property barrister, with that Sr Rita was happy to be able to enjoy the occasion Glasgow City Centre and other major shopping winner—who received £2000—was drawn on I www.smh.org.uk comedian and he hadn’t done any straight acting we were ready to shoot a scene but Peter was in I felt I had gone too much the other way. From I Hector is out now at selected cinemas WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 10 LIFE MATTERS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER JANUARY 8 2016 JANUARY 8 2016 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER ARTS FEATURE 11 Finding his feet in the world of film RICHARD PURDEN speaks with writer/director JAKE GAVIN about his new film Hector which chronicles a homeless man’s journey

ECTOR starring Peter Mullan tells Writer/director Jake Gavin the story of a homeless man making with actor Peter Mullan on the long and complex journey from the set of his new film Hector Glasgow to London to meet other homeless friends who have become an important part of his community over many years. First time screen writer/director Jake Gavin explainsH what inspired him to take on the subject. “I had been looking for a screen-play for a while when I was volunteering for Crisis at Christmas,” he said. “There were some very interesting stories. One man told me he had been living on the motorways, in service stations, which made sense because you can get a hot shower, some food at end of the day when the sandwiches get thrown out and if you have a wee bit of money you can stay in a lodge then hitch to the next place. He had travelled from Scotland to London and it had taken him a total of two weeks. He told me a bit about the journey and it occurred to me three or four days later that it would be a good starting point for a screen-play. I didn’t know anything about the character’s real life, a couple of weeks before Christmas he was at Stirling services. It turned out that I was sitting there for six hours and that was the starting point of the story.” A strange coincidence or perhaps meant to be. Jake had found inspiration in one homeless Scot’s journey, but who was going to play him?After seeing Hector it’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role apart from Peter Mullan, but with the film being delayed for some time due to financial problems and Peter having other acting commitments it was touch and go whether he would be able to make the film. “Originally a friend introduced me to Amy Hubbard who is a fantastic casting director, she said this was the first British script without guns she'd seen that year,” Mr Gavin said. “Amy asked me who I could see in the role, I gave her a picture of the singer JJ Cale and she said ‘that looks just like Peter Mullan.’ I said that we’d never get him. A special lady and a special year Once he was attached everything mushroomed from that. I had my first meeting with Peter about three years ago, there were moments when we were MICHAEL McCARTNEY gives an insight into some of the fundraising activities that helped support the work of ST MARGARET nearly there and got very close to making the film but didn't quite manage and had to pull the plug. OF SCOTLAND HOSPICE and explains why 2015 was a landmark year for the hospice and its chief executive, Sr Rita Dawson By that stage I didn't want to even contemplate not having him in the role.” VERY special year for St Margaret of in the company of her family, who had come over locations at weekends. The costumed volunteers Tuesday, December 22, with second prize of £1000 Scotland Hospice was topped off in from her native Tipperary to share in the celebrations. carried out door-to-door bucket collections each and a third prize of £500. All three winners were r Mullen drew on his own journey from memorable fashion in December 2015 “I am delighted to have been made a Freeman evening and the lights, decorations and Christmas delighted to receive their winnings in time for when he was a young man sleeping rough when the community gathered to of West Dunbartonshire, in addition to receiving music on the Christmas bus proved a big hit with Christmas, while the hospice was once again grateful for a week, he also spoke about the honour the achievements of hospice the Honour of an MBE from Her Majesty, the families and people of all ages who came out to for the support of all those who took part. The hos- M‘vulnerability’ he felt. He has also suggested that Chief Executive Sr Rita Dawson. Queen,” she said. “It was a wonderful ceremony in watch or even have a seat on the bus. Despite the pice’s regular monthly draw, the Hospice Lottery, we are facing a homeless ‘epidemic’ due to the Sr Rita’s tireless dedication to ensuring the the Town Hall, a wonderfully relaxed night for my often wet and windy weather in recent weeks, was also promoted during the month as our housing crisis, benefits cuts and sanctions. The Ahospice offers its patients, their families and friends family, the sisters, board of directors and staff, and members of the public turned out in force to fundraising team recommended a subscription for film’s director comes from another angle. the highest standards of care were recognised this all the hospice supporters who have given so much support the bus and the Hospice is grateful to all the lottery as an ideal Christmas gift. “Personally I don’t think it’s a political film with year with two major awards. In January, it was to help the Hospice over the years. the people who helped including employees from Aside from our regular activities, the hospice a big or small ‘P’ it’s very much a character study— announced that she had been awarded an MBE “I am grateful to West Dunbartonshire Council a number of companies, school pupils, girl guides, engaged in a couple of one-off promotions to it’s a portrait of a man,” he said. “The fact that he under the Queen’s Special Honours list for for all their support for the hospice and myself over rugby and Gaelic football players and Police publicise what it does and thank its supporters. On is homeless is relevant, but I don’t want people to services to nursing—one of only a few non-British the years, and for rewarding me with this recognition, Scotland youth volunteers. We also wish to thank December 17, staff from Turners Facilities—who see it as an issue film. Peter is a political guy and nationals to receive the award—while in September which I share with all those who support the Nustar who kindly supported the Christmas Bus had kindly offered their services to carry out I respect that. If people come out of the cinema she was given the Freedom of West Dunbartonshire. hospice and help it to continue in its work for those with sponsorship. landscaping on the hospice grounds and supply and looking at the world a little differently and they walk And at a glittering gala dinner in Clydebank Town who need it.” Another important event in the busy festive fit decorations to the hospice and our Christmas down the street and notice, I would be very happy.” Hall on Thursday, December 10, Sr Rita (above) calendar—Light Up a Life—also looked likely to Bus—were welcomed back for a cup of tea to I asked Mr Gavin in what way he would like the was officially presented with both the Freeman’s Fundraising feats be hit by poor weather, but thankfully the rain allow our fundraising staff to say thank you. And audience to connect with the film? Ticket and her MBE medal from Buckingham Palace. Since joining St Margaret of Scotland Hospice relented during a poignant ceremony which was the next night we embarked on a social media “I don’t think of it as a homeless movie or a For both Sr Rita and the hospice, it was a fitting nearly 30 years ago, Sr Rita has helped to raise the attended by over 1500 people in the Hospice campaign to take us through 4000 Facebook likes, Christmas film, but Christmas is a time for family way to mark 2015—a year in which the hospice millions of pounds needed every year to keep the grounds on Sunday, November 29, 2015. Light Up which was superbly supported by our followers and when people think of others less fortunate than celebrated its 65thAnniversary and the Congregation 58-bed hospice open. The qualified nurse has also a Life allows participants to pay tribute to family or who liked and shared our post with their friends, themselves, it’s a definite winter film,” he of the Religious Sisters of Charity, who founded overseen the construction of a second floor and the friends who have passed away by dedicating a light moving us well beyond the target. The lucky answered. “I can imagine a family going and the Hospice in Clydebank, marked the 200th year building of a new wing for care of elderly patients to them on the hospice Christmas tree. Everyone Facebook user who became our 4000th ‘like’ was watching it together even though it’s not exactly a since their foundation by the Venerable Mary with complex medical and nursing needs, as well who took part by donating had a Christmas card also rewarded with a bottle of champagne. feel-good movie but it is heart-warming. It’s not Aikenhead. The ceremony itself was also historic, as a hydrotherapy pool and a hospice restaurant. Sr sent to them or a chosen family member, confirming an art-house film either, it’s a film I hope will grow as revealed by Michael Gregory, Lord Lieutenant Rita now leads an organisation with well over 150 that a light on the tree had been dedicated to their Upcoming events and have a life. It’s a hard sell on paper—it could for Dunbartonshire, who presented Sr Rita with staff that is open to everyone of any or no religion, loved one, whose name also appeared on the card. With a very significant and successful year now appear to be misery tourism. I hope it is going to be her MBE. and offers services including counselling and The lights on the tree will remain continuously lit drawing to a close, attention has already turned to the sort of film that grows by word of mouth. I either, but what appeared on screen was as if by the middle of a story, we were losing a lot of time. there I went into portraiture and then onto film. “This is a really significant moment in West outpatient facilities as well as end-of-life care for until Wednesday, January 6. next year’s major events and campaigns. wouldn’t complain if the BBC wanted to show it at magic. You write a character from yourself and put I realised all I had to do was call ‘action’ and he “I want to go on and make more films. There’s Dunbartonshire’s history,” he said. “As far as I am people with a wide range of medical needs “We have already received some feedback from First up will be our Celtic Ceilidh, which takes Christmas time (laughing).” the script in the hands of an actor and they produce would go straight into the character.” a script that I’m half way through and I’ll just have aware, it is the first time ever that an individual has The supporters mentioned by Sr Rita were supporters who felt it was a lovely service,” Sr Rita place on Friday, March 11, 2016, at Glasgow’s Alongside the talent of Peter Mullen are some something completely different.” I also asked him what led him into directing, as to see how it goes, the trouble with being a writer/ been made a Freeman and received an MBE at the especially generous in the run-up to Christmas, said. “Although the event raises funds for the Oran Mor with all the annual favourites including fine cameos including Keith Allen, Irish actor John I also quizzed Mr Gavin on what it was like to it sounded like he had had a varied career thus far? director is that the process is enormously long. same ceremony. These two prestigious honours are which was, as always, a very busy time for hospice hospice, it is all about allowing families and the Sports Dinner, Ladies’ Lunch, Midnight Walk Cleary and Scottish broadcaster Hardeep Singh Kohli. work with Peter Mullan as a first-time director? “I’d worked as a photo-journalist covering the Martin Scorsese was asked what his favourite thing testament to Sr Rita’s decades of selfless dedica- staff and volunteers, particularly those involved friends to remember loved ones and offering them and Annual Ball following later in the year. “Hardeep was amazing, he told jokes the whole “Peter would tell story after story and would civil war in Sri Lanka, I’d worked on the West about directing was, he said that it was moving onto tion to looking after people in need of complex and in fundraising. support when they are grieving at this time.” We wish to take this opportunity to thank all day,” he said. “I didn’t realise his brother also have everyone in fits of laughter, he literally never Bank and Gaza when I was 23,” he said. “It the next stage. I know what he means. My emotionally challenging care. It was my privilege Many residents of the west of Scotland would Other annual events over the Advent period those who have supported the Hospice in what has played a shopkeeper in the Scottish comedy Still stopped for five weeks, I never heard the same story transpired that I was either too clever or not brave favourite bit was working with actors. I’d be happy to be part of this recognition of her fantastic work.” have seen the Hospice Christmas Bus on its rounds included the Hospice Christmas Draw, which been a very special year. We hope you had a Happy Game. He had never done straight acting before twice apart from once and about a few seconds in enough. When the shooting started I would be on to direct another person’s work, at the moment in recent weeks, stopping off in the evenings in offered people a chance to win one of three top Christmas and wish all of you a peaceful New Year. and it is quite nerve wracking going up against the he said: ‘Jake’s heard this one but anyway,’” he the ground wondering what I was doing. Then I anything is possible.” A family affair several West Dunbartonshire locations and in cash prizes and all in time for Christmas. The great Peter Mullan. John Cleary is also a stand-up replied. “At first I didn’t want to interrupt him as became an intellectual property barrister, with that Sr Rita was happy to be able to enjoy the occasion Glasgow City Centre and other major shopping winner—who received £2000—was drawn on I www.smh.org.uk comedian and he hadn’t done any straight acting we were ready to shoot a scene but Peter was in I felt I had gone too much the other way. From I Hector is out now at selected cinemas WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 12 FR ROLHEISER SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY JANUARY 8 2016 Soul searching is best done in silence

in silence. However uncovering the PIC: THOMAS LEUTHARD secrets that silence has to teach us is not easy. Silence, until properly befriended, is scary and the process of befriending it is the soul’s equivalent of crossing a hot desert. Our insides don’t easily become calm, restlessness doesn’t easily turn into solitude, and the temptation to turn to the outside world for consolation doesn’t easily give way to the idea of quiet. But there’s a peace and a meaning that can only be found inside the desert of our own chaotic and raging insides. The BY FR RONALD deep wells of consolation lie at the end of an inner journey through heat, ROLHEISER thirst, and dead-ends that must be pushed through with dogged fidelity. HE Belgian spiritual writer, And, as for any epic journey, the task Bieke Vandekerckhove, is not for the faint of heart. comes by her wisdom Here is how Ms Vandekerckhove honestly. She didn’t learn describes one aspect of the journey: what she shares from a “Inner noise can be quite exhausting. book or even primarily from the good That’s probably why so many flee to example of others. She learned what the seduction of exterior background Tshe shares through the crucible of a noises. They prefer to have the noise unique suffering, being hit at the tender just wash over them. But if you want to age of 19 with a terminal disease that grow spiritually, you have to stay inside promised not just an early death, but also of the room of your spiritual raging and a complete breakdown and humiliation persevere. You have to continue to sit choice but to align ourselves with the is usually found only after we have The most spiritually rewarding trip we of her body enroute to that death. silently and honestly in God’s presence religious depth inside us. Sadly, for reached an impasse, a ‘dead point’ can make is an inner pilgrimage, into Her attempt to cope with her situation until the raging quiets down and your most of us, we will learn this only by where the only thing we can do is “to the desert of our own silence. drove her in many directions, initially heart gradually becomes cleansed and bitter conscription when we have to pierce the negative.” Human beings are constitutively to anger and hopelessness, but eventually quieted. Silence forces us to take stock actually face our own death. In the In her book, The Taste of Silence, social. This means—as the Bible so to monasteries, to the wisdom of of our actual manner of being human. abandonment of dying, stripped of all she recounts how an idealistic friend bluntly puts it—that it is not good for monasticism, and, under its direction, And then we hit a wall, a dead point. options and outlets we will, despite of hers shared his dream of going off the human person to be alone. We are into the deep well of silence, that No matter what we do, no matter what struggle and bitterness, have to, in the by himself into some desert to explore meant to be in community with others. desert that lurks so threateningly we try, something in us continues to feel words of Karl Rahner, allow ourselves spirituality. Her prompt reaction was Heaven will be a communal experience; inside each of us. Away from all the lost and estranged, despite the myriad to sink into the incomprehensibility of not much to his liking. but, on the road there, there’s a certain noises of the world, in the silence of ways of society to meet our human God. Moreover, before this surrender “A person is ready to go to any kind deep inner work that can only be done her own soul, inside the chaos of her needs. Silence confronts us with an is made, our lives will always remain of desert,” she said. “He’s willing to alone, in silence, away from the noise raging, restless insides she found the unbearable bottomlessness, and there somewhat unstable and confusing and sit anywhere, as long as it’s not his of the world. wisdom and strength not just to cope appears no way out. We have no choice there will always be dark, inner corners own desert.” with her illness but to also find a but to align ourselves with the religious of the soul that scare us. How true. We forever hanker after I Fr Ronald Rolheiser is a priest and deeper meaning and joy in her life. depth in us.” But a journey into silence can take idealised deserts and avoid our own. member of the Missionary Oblates of There are—as John Updike poetically us beyond our dark fears and shine The spiritual journey, the pilgrimage, Mary Immaculate. He is president of puts it—secrets that are hidden from here’s a profound truth: Silence healing light into our darkest corners. the Camino, we most need to make the Oblate School of Theology in San health, though, as Ms Vandekerckhove confronts us with an unbearable But, as Ms Vandekerckhove and other doesn’t require an airline ticket, though Antonio, Texas. Visit his website at makes evident, they can be uncovered Tbottomlessness and we have no spiritual writers point out, that peace an experienced guide is recommended. www.ronrolheiser.com The views expressed in the opinion What do you think of FR ROLHEISER’S comments on SILENCE? Send your points of view pages of the SCO are those of to the SCO. Write to Letters, SCO, 19 Waterloo St, Glasgow G2 6BT or e-mail [email protected] informed individuals and groups and not necessarily those of the newspaper or the Church

at St Augustine’s College and St Jude’s in the sprawling OBITUARY ordained by Bishop Daniel Glasgow housing scheme PRAYERS FOR THE WEEK Colohan, of Waterford and of Barlanark. FR THOMAS HURLEY Lismore, in Waterford in 1960. The mining village of NOVEMBER 20, 1935- Priests were in plentiful Croy in East Dunbartonshire DECEMBER 21, 2015 supply in Ireland at that time was quiet by contrast with and, like many of his fellow Barlanark when Fr Tom was FR THOMAS Hurley, who countrymen who received appointed parish priest of was a parish priest in Glas- Holy Orders in that era, Holy Cross by Cardinal gow Archdiocese, has died, Fr Tom chose to work Thomas Winning. aged 80. in Glasgow. From 1969, Fr Hurley Archbishop Philip Tartaglia His first appointment in was a part-time Master of said: “We thank God for Fr the city was to one of Ceremonies in the archdiocese Hurley’s long ministry and the busiest parishes, St and worked as a religious pray that he may now enjoy Philomena’s in Provanmill, education examiner in eternal rest. Please pray for which was then an area of schools. his family and friends. “ multiple deprivation with a In January 2002, he WHILE St London’s rapid those who are going to work Fr Tom Hurley was a hard- high crime rate. returned to St Philomena’s as transport system is called ‘the for the last time today; for the working pastor in some of Fr Hurley was much loved an assistant priest before Underground’ or ‘the Tube,’ the emergency services who will the most deprived areas of by the parishioners there and retiring to the Little Sisters of system in Paris is known as travel at high speed on land, Glasgow and devoted he got on well with them. the Poor residential home in ‘the Metro. water or in the air, to bring help himself unselfishly to his His quiet demeanour made Robroyston. January 10 marks the to others; for those starting a parishioners. him a natural choice to Fr Hurley’s remains were anniversary, in the year 1863, new life as they move house; His fellow priest, Mgr become chaplain to the two received into the chapel of St of the opening in London of the for those travelling to or from Peter Smith, of St Paul’s, hospitals at Gartnavel in the Joseph's Home, Robroyston world’s first underground prison; for people who will go Whiteinch, said: “He was West End from 1973 until (Little Sisters of the Poor), railway system. London into hospital today; for young 110 per cent committed to 1980 when he was appointed on Monday, January 4, at Underground is the world’s people on their way to school the people he cared for, a assistant priest at StAugustine’s 5pm. His Funeral Mass longest—over 250 miles in and university; for those who quiet man who was totally in Milton, Glasgow. was celebrated on Tuesday, length. Let us pray for all who are lost on the journey of life; dedicated to his work as a He then spent a year as January 5 at 11.30am. He will be making journeys today. for those who will die today priest.” assistant priest in St Eunan’s, was then taken back to and make their final journey. Born in Ballinard, Ballineen, Clydebank, before being Ireland for burial. We pray, Lord, for those who are On all these people we ask your County Cork, he was educated appointed parish priest of BILL HEANEY going to a new job and for blessing, Lord. Amen WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY JANUARY 8 2016 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER REFLECTION 13 EWTN PROGRAMMES

SUNDAY JANUARY 10 8PM 8.30AM EWTN LIVE LIVE SOLEMN MASS FOR THE 9PM FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF SAINT GIANNA BERETTA THE LORD MOLLA: A MODERN DAY HERO 11AM OF DIVINE LOVE ANGELUS WITH POPE FRANCIS THURSDAY JANUARY 14 1PM 1PM LIVE SUNDAY MASS FROM DAILY MASS EWTN 5.30PM 6PM EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY THE WORLD OVER LIVE 8PM 8PM EWTN LIVE THE CHURCH UNIVERSAL 9PM 9PM MGR VINCENT FOY: CHAMPION SUNDAY NIGHT PRIME FOR LIFE 10PM FRIDAY JANUARY 15 VATICANO 1PM MONDAY JANUARY 11 LIVE DAILY MASS 1PM 5.30PM LIVE DAILY MASS FROM EWTN LIVE EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY 9PM 8PM SAINTS VS SCOUNDRELS THE WORLD OVER TUESDAY JANUARY 12 9PM 1PM ECHOES OF OUR CHOICES LIVE DAILY MASS FROM EWTN SATURDAY JANUARY 16 5.30PM 1PM EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY DAILY MASS 9PM 5.30PM SAINTS VS. SCOUNDRELS EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY Faith journey includes failure, WEDNESDAY JANUARY 13 7PM 1PM GOD'S DOORKEEPER: SAINT DAILY MASS ANDRE OF MONTREAL 5.30PM 9PM but don’t stray from its path EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY CONVERSATION WITH CARDINAL In the latest article on our series on spirituality, MARK CAIRA from NUNRAW ABBEY, explains how a new year can mean a new beginning LAY READERS’ GUIDE

HRISTMAS and the New Year Gospel. When someone sinned they weren’t are not unconnected. In January A SPIRITUAL so much scolded as told to pick themselves there is the customary talk about up and start again. They were not total failures; New Year resolutions to make a REFLECTION they should just keep persevering. Rather SUNDAY JANUARY 10 difference in some way in our than feel sorry for themselves, they should The Baptism of the Lord. Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7. lives. Linking this to the celebration of the always get up again and continue on their Response: The Lord will bless His people birth of Christ is good strategy in our battle way as they journeyed in the Lord. The just with peace. Acts 10:34-38 or Isaiah 40:1-5, Cto be better persons. man, or woman, falls seven times a day. In 9-11. Response: Bless the Lord, my soul! We all feel a certain warmth and sense of scriptural terms that means many times. It newness when we meet with a newly born also follows that there will normally be a Lord God, how great you are. Titus 2:11- baby. There is a certain spirit of continuity certain amount of dirt, bruises or scars that 14; 3:4-7. Luke 3:15-16, 21-22. and renewal of the family. Each of us has a they picked up on the way. That is all part of small part to play in all of this insofar as the the journey. It is a sort of badge of our MONDAY family lies at the heart of society. The profession as followers of Christ. It doesn’t 1 Samuel 1:1-8. Response: A thanksgiving positive things we do in our lives influences matter about the scars we receive. It all adds sacrifice I make to you, O Lord. our immediate family or any community that up to the fact that any real improvement in we are part of. The more we respond to the become better and more realistic—humble? our lives are gifts from God. Our efforts are Mark 1:14-20. challenges that life throws at us the better —in our behaviour. There is a sense of used by Him to prepare us to enter more becomes the small world we live in. humility in all great people, whether that be fully into the life His new-born Son has TUESDAY In most cases our families form us for the in the religious or secular sphere. They know come to give us. 1 Samuel 1:9-20. Response: My heart good from the beginning of life. They teach that their knowledge and experiences are Some people give up sweets for Lent. On exults in the Lord. Mark 1:21-28. us how to live with others, like being limited. Their great knowledge gives them a occasion, if in spite of their resolve they eat courteous and respectful, and show us how profound awareness that there is still much a sweet in a moment of weakness, they to learn from life. We take on more of that to learn. might feel they might as well give up the WEDNESDAY responsibility when we move away from idea of continuing altogether since they have Feast of St Kentigern. Exodus 32:7-14. home and set out on our chosen paths. he new birth of Christ and the broken their resolution. The Desert Fathers, Response: O Lord, remember me out of It isn’t easy to hold on to the training that beginning of a new year give us a however would tell them otherwise. Their love you have for your people. Mark 2:1-12. formed us in the family and later at school. good opportunity to rise from past reply would be to swallow their pride and However good that has been, the knocks and failuresT of sins. This new life Christ came to remember that the just man still falls seven disappointments we receive later on may give us is not something to be taken for times a day. They will be humbled—which THURSDAY dent our confidence. How well we have granted. It is a gift to be used. It is a living is good for them. They will also be the wiser 1 Samuel 4:1-11. Response: Redeem us, learnt from our earlier upbringing will show thing and needs to be fed and looked after. and better for the experience. O Lord, because of your love. Mark 1:40-45. itself in how we react to the mishaps of later It is not unusual for children to be given a Good resolutions are not about trying to life, whether we can pick ourselves up and pet as a Christmas present. The various be perfect all the time. They are about FRIDAY stand by our principles. No matter how Societies for the prevention of Cruelty to attempting to make more of our lives. The 1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22a. Response: I will helpful our earlier training has been, we will Animals are deluged with unwanted animals intention of being more human, prayerful only grow if we rise above our falls and use after the initial thrill of a new pet has worn and pleasant is all to aim for. We will sing forever of your love, O Lord. that experience as a stepping stone to better off. Likewise, our good intentions need to become more like that if we sincerely try to. Mark 2:1-12. things. The wise of this world tell us that we have the resolution and care given to them if We shouldn’t bother too much about our will never succeed unless we have failed they are to survive and thrive. good image in the process. It is, after all, the SATURDAY many times. It’s not surprising that the early saints in Year of Mercy. God will always forgive how 1 Samuel 9: 1-4, 17-19; 10:1a. Response: The failures we have in our work or the Church—especially the Desert Fathers we look or behave. Even our neighbours will relationships are occasions for strengthening who lived in primitive conditions—were do that if we let them. They, too, are on the O Lord, your strength gives joy to the king. our resolve and finding out how we might extremely realistic in their following of the same journey as we are. Mark 2:13-17. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 14 FAITH IN CULTURE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY JANUARY 8 2016 Beautiful game offers hope in darkness FAITH IN CULTURE looks at a life-affirming story that shows how the love of God can allow us to forgive and move on

police at the Hungarian border when he was tripped by a television camera women while trying to escape from a chaotic stampede. While the Hungarian woman apologised suggesting it was an accident she lost her job for what looked like a By Richard deliberate act. Many—including Mr Mohsen—felt the incident had intent, but he also spoke about Purden forgiveness suggesting it was all ‘water under the bridge.’ Some in the media suggested the act HE heart-rending televised images of was symbolic of Hungary’s hostility towards Europe’s refugee crisis has left us all refugees. After tumbling to the ground Zaid distraught and there were many poignant suffered both physical and psychological trauma stories that captured the public’s as a result. Running from war, bloodshed and imagination. Many of 2015’s end of seeing their homeland destroyed—the incident year addresses focused on the continued need for was yet another indignity and painful experience compassion and solidarity with those starting a for a father trying to protect his family. newT life throughout Europe. A recent report on the Unknown to the father and son involved in the BBC’s Newsnight told the story of Osama Abdul incident, the footage went viral. Amazingly that coach, was offered a place to live and a job with a that no matter where we are in the world there is Mohsen and his son Zaid. On September 8, the dark moment was the pivot point when life began Spanish football club in Madrid. Father and son something about finding a piece of ground to kick father, carrying his son, was filmed running from to change for the better. Mr Mohsen, a football were also invited to a Real Madrid match where a ball around to help us gain focus, perhaps find a Zaid was led out as a mascot alongside football new friend or even give us a little bit of hope. hero Cristiano Ronaldo (above) who also gifted Mr Mohsen and his son Zaid could have been the boy a signed shirt. Undoubtedly it led many to any of us trying to survive while carrying a football Gordius No 226 suggest the story had a ‘fairytale’ element to it, but and some bits and pieces. He was tripped up while CROSSWORD with his wife and two other children currently still trying to find a better tomorrow. It’s true that we all stuck in Turkey things are far from settled. stumble in life, for many reasons but it’s how we First entry out the hat on Despite that the beautiful game represented recover that defines our future and our character. 123 4 5 6 7 FRIDAY JAN 15 will be the something hopeful and human in the darkest of With our knowledge and love of God we have the winner. Send your completed times, so often football is in the headlines for the opportunity to forgive, move on and start again. crossword entries—along with wrong reasons but this story illuminated the good that These are the stories that are worthwhile carrying 89 your full name address and the sport and its institutions can do. Significantly in our hearts and minds as we begin 2016 and the daytime phone number—to Mr Mohsen was asked what was in the plastic bags Year of Mercy. CROSSWORD CONTEST SCO 19 he was carrying when he was tripped up on film, I Richard Purden is a freelance journalist, author 10 11 12 WATERLOO ST GLASGOW G2 alongside all his worldly possessions? He replied 6BT. Winners’ names will be that it was a football which Zaid kicked around of We are Celtic Supporters, an SCO feature writer and a married father of two. Another of his books, 13 14 printed in this section. with his brother—also in Madrid—during the report. The ball represented something of their new Faithful Through and Through has been released The editor’s decision is final found freedom; for those of us who play and watch in paperback form with new and updated chapters, now titled Celtic: Keeping The Faith 15 16 17 the game there is something liberating in the fact DEC 25 SOLUTION 18 ACROSS 19 20 1 Over the top 6 Spellbound SUDOKU 11 Stuffed 14 Orbit 15 Insomnia 21 22 23 17 Saint Stephen’s Day 19 Abode 20 Enchant 23 Fee 24 Prayers 25 Ash 28 Leek SIMPLE 30 Orison 33 Eats 36 Waffle 763 4 5 24 25 37 Diary 38 White 39 Balmoral 40 Desist 42 Enigma 44 Toy 45 Bleating 47 Aide 48 Icarus 8 19 5 674 3 2 49 Aunt 50 Silent Night 574 8 5 382 9 7 6 14 26 27 53 Macadamia nut 56 Jerome 57 Donate 58 Tick 59 Tithe 4 6 273 1 8 9 5 61 Leo 62 Nasal 65 Now 67 3 7 Funny 68 Ore 70 Tempt 74 Alto 3 1 4 6 7 9 2 5 8 ACROSS 75 Wisdom 77 Sleeve 947 286135 1 Hot work with a beer ingredient (3) 78 Lie in wait 79 Tavern 80 Stud 6 8 1 9 4 3 Some radical test—it’s so prudish! (6-5) 83 Braver 84 Want 86 Operated 6 2 8 4 1 5 3 97 8 Give ear (6) 88 Pyx 89 Reveal 93 Honshu 2 849 7 5 3 1 6 95 Multiply 98 Elfin 100 Gratis 9 Affirmed (8) 101 East 103 Begone 105 Land 7 64 1 9 2 5 8 3 10 Spin a baton (5) 106 Boa 108 Woo 110 Recycle 1 5 3 8 4 6 9 7 2 11 Small, light boat (5) 111 Due 112 Tastier 113 Shiny 328 7 6 13 Blazer the firm encountered (5) 116 Compliments of the season 117 Smuggler 118 Igloo FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A WAY 15 Liberty (7) 119 Athlete 120 Tenderness 1 9 AS EVERY ROW AND COLUMN 16 The saintly espy the Pope’s diocese (4,3) 121 Adam and Eve AND EVERY 3 BY 3 BOX CONTAINS 20 Type of fruit you can fool? That’s about right (5) THE NUMBERS 1 TO 9. NO GUESS 21 Attempts to disrupt rites (5) DOWN 5 4 9 1 1 O Come All Ye Faithful WORK IS REQUIRED AND THERE 23 Ponders Erato and her colleagues (5) 2 Embraced 3 Tattoo 4 Exile 24 What the Romans called Ireland (8) 5 Oysters 7 Philanthropist 8 List 9 3 6 2 8 IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVE 25 Colony of rabbits (6) 9 Omit 10 Dashed 11 Sleepy IS THE DEC 18 SIMPLE SOLUTION 12 Upheaval 13 Finger food 26 Labour is puzzled to see one perform miracles (4,7) 16 Macon 18 Isle 21 Tarts 27 The longest river in Scotland (3) 23 Feta 27 Adorn 29 King 30 Ordained 31 Rye MODERATE DOWN 33 Obscure 34 Abbey 35 Sloth 7 2 6 36 Wad 43 Innocence 45 Band 1 Keep things going temporarily in the absence of 46 Geckos 47 Ardent 51 Tow 1 8 97462 3 5 another (4,3,4) 52 Faint 53 Meat 54 Mistletoe 1 4 8 7 6 5 8 3 1 9 2 4 2 Type of sweet that makes one sick in the glue? (8) 55 All roads lead to Rome 3 Purloin (5) 59 Twist 60 Eft 63 Cygnet 3 2 4 6 9 5 7 1 8 64 Potato 65 Newt 69 Pot 9 84 2 6 3 5 7 1 4 This body of knowledge is knowledge of body! (7) 71 Merry Christmas 72 Leaves 9 3 5 Yorkshire city (5) 73 Overrule 76 Maid 21547 8 3 9 6 77 Scrooge 81 Tripe 82 Stays 6 It hangs out with branches of the feline family (6) 3 9 2 6 3 7 5 1 9 842 7 Father, however you view it... (3) 85 Altar cloth 87 Patio 90 Veil 91 Bus 92 Pilot 94 Hen 95 8 72345 1 6 9 12 ...this association will provide building materials, Mince pie 96 Late 99 Navy blue gratis (11) 100 Girl 102 Two 103 Bling 271964 1 8 7 2 5 3 13 A bringer of rain (5) 104 Gargled 106 Beside 5 1 3 9 2 6 4 8 7 107 Advent 109 Vision 14 It's not these that changed the ethos (5) 113 Strum 114 Used 115 Afar 6 48 17 How one stank, sir, is written in Asian language (8) FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A WAY 18 Yellow dessert food (7) 8 3 9 AS EVERY ROW AND COLUMN 19 Would Timothy be right to provide wood? (6) Scottish Catholic Observer: AND EVERY 3 BY 3 BOX CONTAINS 22 Threaded fastening piece (5) Scotland’s only national Catholic THE NUMBERS 1 TO 9. NO GUESS 23 Complains on seeing the Austrian leader in a Belgian weekly newspaper 1 7 WORK IS REQUIRED AND THERE city (5) printed by Trinity Mirror, Oldham. 24 Chop, cut (3) Registered at the Post Office IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVE IS as a newspaper. 9 6 5 THE DEC 18 MODERATE SOLUTION WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY JANUARY 8 2016 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CHURCH NOTICES 15 CHURCH & PUBLIC NOTICES FUNERAL DIRECTORY

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Thomas OUR TIMES (founded 1970) arin email: [email protected] Vocation info from FUNERAL DIRECTORSM & MEMORIAL CONSULTANTS Bro Patrick Mullen, 62-64 St Mary’s Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SX The Jericho Society, Tel: 0131 556 7192 Part of Dignity Funerals Ltd Mater Salvatoris, Harelaw Farm, Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, PA10 2PY BISHOPS ENGAGEMENTS ScottishCharity SC016909 Tel: 01505 614669 RECRUITMENT Email: ARCHBISHOP TARTAGLIA [email protected] , www.rcag.org.uk Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate: Job Opportunities Committed to lay partnership, the Missionary Oblates are a Catholic congregation of priests and SAT JAN 9 12PM St Mungo’s Reading at the Mitchell Library. SUN brothers founded by St. Eugene de Mazenod to work with those on the margins of Church and Society. 4.30PM Ecumenical Service for the Feast of St Mungo, Glasgow Cathedral. TUE 11AM The Mungo Foundation Board Meeting. Pastoral Associate Youth Ministry Worker WED 7.30PM Mass for the Feast of St Mungo at St Mungo’s Town- Do you feelthat head. THU 2PM Meeting of the Archdiocesan Finance Council St.Mary'sStar of the Sea and St. John Do you have vision, creativity and energy? God is calling Ogilvie Parishes, Edinburgh offer vibrant, We are looking for a dynamic individual ARCHBISHOP CUSHLEY you to the inclusive and welcoming communities to join our Youth Ministry team who will committed to living and sharing the help foster and co-ordinate the and Edinburgh Missionary good news of Jesus Christ. development of new and existing www.archdiocese-edinburgh.com Priesthood projects and youth initiatives. Then we As the successful candidate you will be SUN JAN 10 9.30AM Sunday Mass, Church of Our Lady, Stoneyburn 10.45AM Sunday Mass, , Blackburn. can help responsible for: This position will carry a salary between you £22,000 – £27,500 subject to BISHOP TOAL • Promoting a vibrant liturgical and qualifications and experience. Contact: sacramental life. Motherwell, www.rcdom.org.uk • Developing formation and catechetical SAT JAN 9 11AM Safeguarding Advisers Meeting Glasgow. MON opportunities 6.30PM Diocesan Education Committee Meeting. • Encouraging the faith life of existing The Vocations Director Parish Groups and the development of BISHOP GILBERT SMA FATHERS newgroups. Aberdeen, www.dioceseofaberdeen.com St Theresaʼs Clarendon Place, Dunblane This position will carry a salary SUN JAN 10 9.30AM Mass St Mary’s, Blairs. 11.15AM Mass St Perthshire FK15 9HB between £25,000 – £31,000 subject to Mary’s Cathedral. 6.30PM New Year Reception, Bishop’s House. TUE 7.30pm Newman Association meeting, Fr Stuart Chalmers, qualifications and experience. ‘Year of Mercy’. WED 12PM Safeguarding Meeting, Bishop’s House. THU 7PM Friends of God meeting, Bishop’s House. SAT FOLLOW THE The successful candidates will be based primarily at the Oblate Parishes in 6PM French Mass, St Francis’, Mannofield. SCOTTISH Edinburgh but will also be expected to travel to other locations as part of their BISHOP ROBSON normal working schedule. CATHOLIC Dunkeld, www.dunkelddiocese.co.uk Both posts will be a 3 year fixed term contract that will be subject to review after OBSERVER the end of the contract. For a detailed job description and an application form SUN JAN 10 11AM Jubilee Mass for Families, St Andrew’s AT Cathedral, Dundee. THU AM & PM Visit to St Stephen’s Primary please contact: Fr. Lorcan O’Reilly OMI, Partners in Mission Office, School, Blairgowrie. SCO_NEWS 14 Quex Rd, Kilburn, London NW6 4PL, UK. ON or Tel +44 20 76247296; email [email protected] BISHOP NOLAN Closing date for completed applications is January 22nd and interviews will take Galloway, www.gallowaydiocese.org.uk TWITTER. place in early February. WED JAN 6 - THU 14 Visit to the Holy Land and Jordan 16 FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY JANUARY 8 2016 FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

RELIGIOUS DEATH RELIGIOUS MEMORIAM CHAMBERS McALLISTER 2nd Anniversary 12th Anniversary In loving memory of Joseph, In loving memory of Joe, a MacINNES (Callum) who died on January 8, loving husband, dad and Formerly from North 2014, much loved son, papa, who died January 4, Boisdale, South Uist. brother, brother-in-law and 2004. Rest in peace. Rev. Brother Kevin passed uncle. From Anne and family. away peacefully, aged 93, St Joseph and Our Lady of on December 14, at the Little Lourdes, pray for him. Sisters of the Poor, Preston. CONROY He was buried on December Please pray for the soul of 21 in Chorley. Alan James Conroy, loving FAULDS Brother Kevin was a Brother husband, father, and 16th Anniversary of Charity for 68 years grandfather, who died on Of your charity, please pray (Melrose, Chorley). PEAT January 13, 1990. for the repose of the soul of Please remember in your Fond memories of a kind On whose soul, sweet Thomas (Tommy) Faulds, prayers Father Jim Peat, late and fun brother, Jesus, have mercy. beloved husband of Shirley Parish Priest of Ss. John brother-in-law, uncle and Our Lady of Lourdes, pray and dear brother-in-law of Cantius and Nicholas, great-uncle. for him. John, who died on January Broxburn, who died on Inserted by his loving family. 9, 2000. McANENA Our Lady of the Isles and January 8, 2003. We hold you close within our Loving memories of John, Venerable Margaret Sinclair, Sadly missed. DAVIES hearts, died January 11, 1998. pray for him. Gone but not forgotten. 24th Anniversary And there you will remain, As we loved him, so we miss From the family. him, Love from all the family. CAMPBELL/MACPHERSON Treasured memories of our To walk with us throughout 11th Anniversary beloved Joanna, died our lives, In our memories he is dear, DEATH Loved and remembered Remembering with love and January 11, 1992, aged 13 Until we meet again. Thought of always, deep sorrow, our dear years. So rest in peace dear DOYLE Her loving ways, her gentle Bringing many a silent tear. Calum, Archie, Murdina, Tommy, Peacefully at Hairmyres smile, touched all our lives From your loving wife Annie Andrew and Hannah, who And thanks for all you’ve done, Hospital, on Tuesday, and will remain with us and family. went to God together on We pray that God has given December 29, 2015, forever. January 11, 2005. you, Patricia, beloved wife of A precious gift now safe in MacDONALD Our Lady of the Isles, pray The crown you’ve truly won. Harry, much loved mother of the warmth of God’s care. Precious memories of for them. From all the family. If we could have one lifetime Norman, a much loved Harry, Gregory and Andrew Inserted by all the family. wish, and daughters-in-law, Lara husband, dad, grandfather, One dream that would come great-grandfather and and Rebecca. Momo to CAMPBELL true, father-in-law to Helen, Gabriel, Olivia, Patricia, Treasured memories of We would pray to God with Adam, Russell and Peter, Teddy, Max and Isabella, RODGERS Chrissie Campbell, who died In loving memory of Father all our hearts, who died on January 6, 1995. sister to Margaret and aunt peacefully on January 12, For yesterday and you. George Rodgers. Second Kind was your nature to her nephews and nieces. 2004, a precious wife, Our Lady, Star of the Sea, Anniversary January 2. True were your ways, Fortified by rights of the Holy mother, sister and gran. pray for him. We will treasure the Deeply missed by all his Church, R.I.P. We hold you close within our Inserted by Tommy’s loving memories family, former parishioners hearts, Reception and vigil at St wife Shirley and For the rest of our days. and friends. R.I.P. And there you shall remain, brother-in-law John, Inserted by your loving wife Mary’s Church, Cadzow St, To walk with us throughout Hamilton, on Friday, January Whiteinch, Glasgow. Emma. MEMORIAM our lives, We miss you dad, we always 8, at 6pm. Funeral Mass to Until we meet again, DEVLIN will, BOYLE FOY be held at 9:30am Saturday So rest in peace dear loved 11th Anniversary You left a place no one can fill. Mary Ann on her 29th 12th Anniversary and thereafter to one, Treasured memories of my Thank you dad for those dear husband and our dear In loving memory of our dear S. Lanarkshire Crematorium Anniversary on January 11. And thanks for all you’ve done, precious years. father, James Devlin, who mother, Mary Foy, who died at 11am. From Willie, Gerard, Mary, We pray that God has given Fiona, Essex; Annette, died on January 12, 2005. R.I.P. Family flowers only; Angela and Neil and all our you, January 11, 2004. Carnoustie; Roddy and Our Lady of Lourdes, pray families. The crown you’ve truly won. No one can truly measure Georgina, Dumbarton. donations if desired to Chest for him. You are always alive in our Merciful Jesus, grant eternal mother’s special love, Miss you lots. Heart and Stroke Scotland. Loved and missed by all rest to the souls of the f God bless, we love you Grandchildren. thoughts, prayers and love. grandchildren and great 80TH BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE aithful departed. always, Remembering also loved Inserted by her loving grandchildren. Guide us from above. ones gone before and after. SHALLOO husband and family, her Our Lady of Lourdes, pray Do you have a loving sister and family. DUFF, David Inserted by her loving John, born 06/01/36 – died In loving memory of David, daughter Julie and Angela. for them. 24/10/14. birth, birthday, CAMPBELL dear husband and father, Happy 80th Birthday died January 9, 2006. McDONALD sweetheart. 6th Anniversary Treasured memories of our wedding or In loving memory of my Deep in our hearts you will Miss you and love you so always stay, beloved parents, Annie, who beloved mother, Christina, much. Loved and remembered died on January 7, 1998, anniversary who died on January 2, I will love you all my life. every day. John, who died June 12, 2010. Also remembering my Your loving wife always and to announce? Our Lady of Lourdes, pray 1977. Also brothers and forever. dear father, Roddy, who died for him. sisters, John, Michael, Charlie, Eileen. on June 11, 2010. Kathleen and family. Denis, Annie and Flora, Blessed Mother look after John. You were so thoughtful, whose anniversaries occur Call loving and kind, at this time. BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE Intimations These are the memories you Forever in our thoughts. left behind. Our Lady of Perpetual KEATINGS On Inserted by your loving son HENRY Succour, pray for them. Precious memories of a John. In loving memory of our dear St Martin, pray for them. much loved husband, dad 0141 Dad, whose 16th Anniver- From all the family. and grandad, Larry, who CAMPBELL sary will be on January 9 died December 3, 1998, and 241 6106 to 6th Anniversary and who will remain in our McGAVIGAN whose birthday occurs on Loving memories of our hearts, minds and prayers In loving memory of Jimmy, January 13. speak to sister-in-law, Christina, who forever till we meet again. who died January 9, 2008, Our home is empty without died on January 2, 2010. Please remember him in aged 76. you, Patricia or Also her dear husband, your prayers. Early in the morning you The heart of it is gone, Roddy, who passed away on God bless Dad and Mum heard the quiet call, The light went out the day email June 11, 2010. from Willie, Gerard, Mary, You took the hand Jesus you died, Always in our hearts and Angela and Neil and all our offered and quietly left us all. How do we carry on. patricia@ prayers. families. Jimmy – you were God’s gift St Lawrence, pray for him. sconews.co.uk Inserted by Seonaid and Our Lady of Lourdes, pray to all of us. Kathleen and family. Katie Bell. for him. Bessie and family. FRIDAY JANUARY 8 2016 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS 17 FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

McGUIRE MacLEAN MacPHEE MURRAY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 45th Anniversary In loving memory of Rodina, 9th Anniversary Remembering our lovely In loving memory of my who died January 10, 2015. In loving memory of our dad son, Paul, who sadly died on MIRRILEES, Margaret Mary beloved mother, Dorothy You are always close beside and grandad, Dougald January 9, 2011, aged 46. (Smith), who died January Christopher, died January We will never forget you. Michael and James Cole, us, cousins of the late Margaret 14, 1971; also my dear 13, 2007. Our Lady of the Holy , In everything we do, Mary Mirrilees, wish to father, Edward, died June 19, Always in our thoughts and pray for him. You were our greatest extend their thanks and 1981, and my beloved brother, prayers. All the family. treasure, Our Lady of the Isles, pray gratitude for all the Mass Terence, died June 30, 1986. cards and sympathy cards May God keep them safe. God’s gift to us was you. for him. From Donna, John Roderick Inserted by Kathleen, Allan, received. Our special thanks Inserted by Margo, Joe and to all her wonderful friends family. and Ronalda. Jennifer and Christopher, McGUIGAN Glasgow. and neighbours, the 3rd Anniversary Glasgow Lourdes Hospitality, In loving memory of my dear MacINNES MacLEAN Ashton Grange Care Centre 3rd Anniversary 1st Anniversary MacPHEE wife Sadie, who died on 12th Anniversary and all the staff of the Treasured memories of a For our beloved Granny Respiratory Wards of January 12, 2013. In loving memory of much loved sister and auntie, Rodina, who died on Glasgow Royal Infirmary. I do not think you have gone Margaret Anne (Peggy), who Effie, died January 11, 2013. January 10, 2015. We would also like to thank away died January 12, 2004, a Your journey is still going on, Rest in peace. Sadly missed. Rev. Fr. L. McMahon, St Your memory is so precious, dear aunt, grand-aunt and Michael’s Catholic Church, Life held so many things From Neil John, Rhoda, sister-in-law of the family. Earth was only one. Your presence missed so Marion and Louise. PRENTICE, John Parkhead and T & R. St Martin de Porres, pray for 12thAnniversary on January 11. O’Brien, Eastend Funeral I just think of you as resting much, her. You are beside us in all we do, Home who carried out the From the sorrows and the You will always be Inserted by all the family. Your love and guidance will arrangements. tears, remembered, And loved by all of us. see us through, The Holy Sacrifice of the You are now in a place of Inserted by sister Annie, MacPHERSON As each day dawns we Mass will be offered for the warmth and comfort nieces and nephews. 14th Anniversary whisper low, intentions of all. Where there are no days or In loving memory of our dear God Bless you Dad, years. mother and grandmother, We love and miss you so. THANKSGIVING Nothing but our sadness can MacINTYRE In loving memory of Chrissie Annie, who died on January Mary-Ann, David, grandsons really pass away to MacIntyre, died January 6, 10, 2002. Stephen and David and HEARTFELT THANKS I think of you living in the Our Lady, St Joseph of 1986, aged 48 years, Eternal rest grant unto her, great-grandchildren Skye hearts of those you loved Cupertino, St Clare, St Jude beloved wife of Donald, died O Lord, and baby Johnny. xxxx and touched, Remembering my dear and Dear Heart of Jesus. – September 1, 2007, aged 78 And let perpetual light shine Nothing loved is ever lost for brothers Johnny and Jimmy. D.P. years. McLEISH upon her, you were loved so much. Always in my thoughts. Fois shiorruidh thoir dhaibh 3rd Anniversary May she rest in peace. Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, R.I.P. a thighearna, Treasured memories of Queen of the Holy Rosary, O DEAR ST JOSEPH OF pray for her. Loving sister Elsie. , who, by your Agus solus nach dibir Andy, loving husband of pray for her. CUPERTINO Sadly missed. prayers, did seek from God dearsadh orra. Loving daughter Morag Ann, Loving husband Ian. Rosemary, father, SMITH, Christina that you should be asked at Sadly missed by their family Norman and family. father-in-law and 9th Anniversary your examination the only in Glasgow and South Uist. grandfather, who died on In loving memory of my McGUIGAN MORLAND propositions you knew, pray 3rd Anniversary January 8, 2013. In memory of my darling beloved wife and our dear that I too, like you, may McKINNON mother, Christina, who died In loving memory of Sadie a St Paul and St Andrew, pray Mary, died on January 14, succeed in the examination Remembering with love and January 10, 2007. dear sister, aunt and for him. 2010, aged 70. for which I am preparing. In affection, Annie, a beloved Although you are not beside us, great-aunt, who died on Your smiles could brighten return I will make you known sister, mother and You are never far away, January 12, 2013. and cause you to be grandmother, died January any moment, You are always in our invoked; publication This day is remembered and 9, 1976. Your hugs put joy in all my days, hearts, quietly kept promised. – D.P. God grant her eternal Your love will stay with me With every passing day, No words are needed we forever, happiness. As time goes by without you, shall never forget, Family and sisters. And touch my life in precious GRATEFUL thanks to the And days turn into years, For those we love don’t go ways. Sacred Heart, Our Lady, St They hold a million memories, away MacKINNON 62 years ago we met, at a Anthony and St Joseph for They walk beside us every 1st Anniversary fairground on Ayr shore, Of one we loved so dear. prayers answered. – A.O. day. In loving memory of Calum, I loved you then, Fois shiorraidh thoir dhi a Unseen and unheard but who died January 3, 2015. I love you still, Thighearna. NOVENA TO ST CLARE always near Our Lady Star of the Sea, And will forever more. Inserted by her loving Say nine Hail Mary’s for nine pray for him. days with a lighted candle; So loved, so missed, so very MacNEIL Immaculate Heart of Mary, husband John and her sons Inserted by the family. publication promised. – C.J. dear, First Anniversary of our I entrust My Mary to You, Iain and Donald A. Your life was a blessing lovely mum, gran and Having great confidence that MacLEAN you will intercede for her Your memory a treasure, great-granny, Morag (née You are loved beyond words 1st Anniversary salvation. New baby, a special birthday MacDonald) Garrynamonie, And missed beyond meas- In loving memory of a much LU2TMUZ your Billy. South Uist, who died or wedding anniversary: ure. loved mother and mother-in-law, Rodina, who Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray January 9, 2015. whatʼs important to your died January 10, 2015. for her. What we would give to say Death leaves a heartache no family this month? St Roch, pray for her. “hello mum” one can heal, What we would give if we Loving sister Kathleen and Love leaves a memory no could say family. one can steal. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray Hello mum in the same old McGUINNESS for her. way. In loving memory of our dear Loved and remembered To hear your voice, see your mother Elizabeth, who died every day. smile, Celebrate the Family January 11, 1984, our dear Patricia and Duncan. To sit with you and chat a father, Charles, who died while. by having your March 13, 1976, our dear MacLEAN Also remembered our MULLAN congratulations published in the SCO brother, Charlie, who died 1st Anniversary dearest dad and granddad, 19th Anniversary May 10, 1996, also our dear In loving memory of my dear William, who died August 20, In loving memory of a dear brother, Jackie, who died mother, Rodina, who died 2001. husband, father and grand- August 29, 1985, and dear January 10, 2015. R.I.P. father, Johnnie, died Janu- Both loved and remembered sisters, Lizzie and Helen, Kind was your nature, true ary 12, 1997. Contact Patricia every day. dear nephew, Charles, died were your ways, Sadly missed. for further information on August 21, 2004, and dear I will treasure your memories Our Lady of the Isles, pray Eternal rest grant unto him, cousin, John, who died May, for the rest of my days. for them. O Lord. rates and T&Cs 1996. St Martin de Porres, pray for Inserted by the MacNeil May he rest in peace. on 0141 241 6106 or family, Neilston, Glasgow St Andrew, pray for them. her. Inserted by his loving wife email [email protected] Inserted by the family. Morag and Neil. and Barra. Margaret and family. 18 CHILDREN’S PAGE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY JANUARY 8 2016

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

picture for the group to use. Under the jar, write of serving others. Some of us can speak with CHILDREN’S the words: ‘Make a difference.’ From the list of wisdom, while others can speak with ‘spiritual gifts/fruits’ choose one and talk about knowledge, but these gifts come from the same CROSSWORD 113 how the children can live it in practical ways Spirit. To others the Spirit has given great faith during the week. Place the ‘gift word’ in the jar. or the power to heal the sick or the power to Choose another word and continue until the jar work mighty miracles. 1 2 3 4 5 is full of ‘good gifts’ that the children will use to Some of us are prophets and some of us ‘make a difference’ during the week. recognise when God’s Spirit is present. Others can speak different kinds of languages and still Prayer others can tell what these languages mean. But 6 7 Dear Jesus, we love to sing and pray about your it is the Spirit who does all this and decides love for us and for all of Creation. Thank you which gifts to give to each of us. for all the good gifts we have to share because you The Word of the Lord have called us by name to be one in You. Amen. 8 9 10 11 Second Sunday of Ordinary Time Alleluia First Reading 2 Thessalonians 2:14. 12 You will be a glorious crown in the hands of your God. (R) Alleluia, Alleluia. Reflection A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah 62: 1-3. 13 God has called us with the Gospel, to share in IN TODAY’S Gospel, John tells of the first Jerusalem, I will speak up for your good. I will the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ 14 15 sign Jesus performs revealing His power and never be silent till you are safe and secure, (R) Alleluia, Alleluia. mission. It is appropriate that it is a wedding sparkling like a flame. Gospel 16 17 feast. It is not performed in a synagogue, but Your great victory will be seen by every nation within the context of a family setting where and king and the Lord will give you a new The first of the signs given by Jesus was at Cana in 18 love brings all people together. Jesus is name. You will be a glorious crown and a royal Galilee. A reading from the Holy Gospel according to invited to perform the special favour at his headband in the hands of the Lord your God. John 2:1-12. 19 mother’s request so that the bride and groom The Word of the Lord Mary, the mother of Jesus, was at a wedding will not be embarrassed. Mary knows Jesus feast in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus and will do ‘whatever’ is necessary to make the Responsorial Psalm His disciples had also been invited and were ACROSS situation right. 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8a. there. When the wine was all gone, Mary said to 1 Hair over a man’s lip (9) Love is the operative dynamic. A marriage (R) Proclaim God’s marvellous deeds to all the Jesus: “They don’t have any more wine.” 6 Collect (6) 7 Close to (4) is used in the Hebrew (Old Testament) nations. Jesus replied, “Mother, my time has not yet 8 Mumbai is in this Asian country (5) Scriptures as a symbol of God’s love for Sing a new song to the Lord! come! You must not tell me what to do.” 10 Sweet, sticky liquid (5) God’s people. Jesus, too, builds on this most Everyone on this earth, sing praises to the Lord, Mary then said to the servants: “Do whatever 12 What a boy grows up to be (3) 13 You'll find peas in it (3) basic expression of love. Love is the unity all sing and praise His name. Jesus tells you to do.” 14 He’s ruler over an empire (7) Christians seek in Jesus Christ—it is Jesus’ (R) Proclaim God’s marvellous deeds to all the At the feast there were six stone water jars 16 Fool (5) gift to the world. nations. that were used by the people for washing 18 Piece of torn clothing (3) Jesus’ loving sign—changing the water to Day after day announce: “The Lord has saved us!” themselves in the way that their religion said 19 Canal boats (6) choice wine—makes a difference. It is a Tell every nation on earth:“The Lord is they must. Each jar held about 20 or 30 gallons. DOWN simple and unassuming gesture. Each of us wonderful and does marvellous things!” Jesus told the servants to fill them to the top 1 Bird which steals shiny objects (6) has been invited by God to be the simple, yet (R) Proclaim God’s marvellous deeds to all the with water. Then after the jars had been filled, 2 Messy, not neat (6) 3 Part of the foot (3) powerful, instruments of love to change the nations. He said: “Now take some water and give it to 4 Sweet stuff made by bees (5) world. It is the simple every day gestures of Tell everyone of every nation: “Praise the glorious the man in charge of the feast.” 5 Rubbed harshly against (7) love, care, peace and joy that makes power of the Lord.” The servants did as Jesus told them, and the 9 The USA is the United States of ‘whatever’ we are doing better. To think that He is wonderful! Praise Him! man in charge drank some of the water that had ______(7) 10 Making a noise while asleep. (5) we have what it takes to make a difference! (R) Proclaim God’s marvellous deeds to all the now turned into wine. He did not know where 11 Mends. (7) Now that is a worthy New Year’s Resolution: nations. the wine had come from, but the servants did. 14 Nobleman (4) Make a difference with your actions of love. He called the bridegroom over and said: “The 15 In the movie, Babe was one (3) Second Reading 17 Turn it on to get water (3) best wine is always served first. Then after the Discussion There is one and the same Spirit giving to each as the guests have had plenty, the other wine is served. LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION I What would happen if we considered this Spirit wills. A reading from the first letter of Paul to But you have kept the best until last!” new year as the beginning of a new relationship the Corinthians 12:4-11. This was Jesus’ first miracle, and He did it in ACROSS with God, something like a wedding? Brothers and sisters, there are different kinds of the village of Cana in Galilee. There Jesus 1 Jingle Bells 5 Socks 9 Leap year 12 Grey 13 Red I 15 Younger 17 Roast 19 Lie 20 Oops 22 Instant How would the world change if each one of spiritual gifts, but they all come from the same showed His glory and His disciples put their 24 Station 26 Mass 28 Noel 29 Top 30 Act us took hold of even one of the marvellous Spirit. There are different ways to serve the faith in Him. After this, He went with His 31 Great 34 Gravy 35 Emu 37 Traffic 40 Stay gifts/fruits that we have been given by the same Lord and we can each do different things. Mother, His brothers and His disciples to the 43 Nativity play 45 Angels 46 Pork 47 Little Donkey Spirit? The same Spirit, the same Lord, the Yet the same God works in all of us and helps us town of Capernaum, where they stayed for a DOWN same God works in us. in everything we do. few days. 1 Jelly 2 Lay 3 Boa 4 Log 6 Carols 7 Suddenly I What gifts/fruits do we have that can be The Spirit has given each of us a special way The Gospel of the Lord 8 Seasonal 10 Pine 11 Ewe 14 Present shared with others to make the world a 16 Reindeer 18 Tots 21 Sing 23 Amen 25 Ticket 27 Star 32 Eye 33 Buy 36 Manger 37 Tinsel better place? 38 Artist 39 Five 40 Stamp 41 Spain 42 Dance 44 Tied Activities G Talk about how and why ‘spiritual gifts/ fruits’ bring out the best in a person and always The Children’s Liturgy page is are ‘given for some benefit’of others. The Letter published one week in advance to to the Corinthians lists gifts: Wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing powers, the ability to perform allow RE teachers and those taking mighty deeds, prophecy, discernment of spirits, the Children’s Liturgy at weekly tongues and their interpretation most often asssociated with Confirmation. But ‘every good Masses to use, if they wish, this gift comes from Heaven above’ for all of us page as an accompaniment to their to enjoy. G Have ready a drawing/picture of a large jar teaching materials for each child—or if you choose, one large jar

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY JANUARY 8 2016 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CELEBRATING LIFE 19 PIC: PAUL McSHERRY Airdrie parish honours its altar servers over Christmas

THE work of our church’s Joseph, a morning Mass was altar servers can often go celebrated to mark the great uncelebrated, but not in the work and ministry of the parish of St Edward’s in Air- church altar servers who serve drie, who decided to high- the parish. light the work of their The previous day, December young parishioners. 26, was the Feast of St Stephen, On the Feast of the Holy the First Martyr and the Patron Family of Jesus, Mary and Saint of Altar Servers.

St Peter’s pupils help refugee children

By Daniel Harkins refugees travelled to Europe pupils and finally installing the was added to the tree. The having fled violence and poverty tree in the school foyer. money will now be donated to PUPILS at a Paisley primary in the Middle East and Africa, Throughout the Christmas Renfrewshire’s Syrian Humani- school spent Advent this year with many escaping from the period, the school held Tree of tarian Crisis through its praying for fellow children in war in Syria. Hope Advent Services around GoFundMe website. France who had a much more With the conditions in Calais the tree where primary 7 pupils The project was overseen by difficult Christmas living in a in mind, pupils at St Peter’s Pri- sang Advent hymns, and depute head Maura McRobbie, sprawling refugee encamp- mary created a Syrian Tree of reflected on hopes for them- who was full of praise for her ment. Hope to hold their advent serv- selves, their families, their pupils. “The children’s thoughts Hundreds of children spent ices around. school, their community and the and prayers will be offered to the Christmas in the mud of Calais’ The school has an eco garden world during the run up to children in Calais living in tents ‘Jungle’ refugee camp. More within the grounds and holds a Christmas. and temporary accommoda- than 6000 people live in the weekly gardening club. Children The children managed to raise tion,” she added. camp, regularly going without from the club created the hope £100 by encouraging other food and reliant on the help of tree, dedicating their free time to pupils to pay small amounts to aid agencies to survive. The raising money from their fellow decorate a recycled CD which I [email protected]

SPOTLIGHT ON

Uddingston pupils spell out mercy

ST JOHN the Baptist Primary at school they took part in a prayer serv- School in Uddingston celebrated the ice during advent where they prayed for beginning of the Year of Mercy in each of us to show love to one another, unique style recently as they helped and later shared their year of mercy to spell out the year’s theme. signs. As part of the school’s advent home- P7 children at the school who had The chapel of St Vincent’s Primary School, Dundee, was officially opened on December 11 by Bishop . Many past work, the schoolchildren were encour- enrolled in the Pope Francis Faith and present friends of St Vincent’s gathered to celebrate Mass during which Bishop Stephen blessed the school chapel with a aged to make a sign with their family Award gathered in the school hall and special dedication to Our Lady. Also remembered at the Mass was former teacher Pauline Murphie who sadly died of cancer earlier using the word Mercy to celebrate the used themselves and their signs to help this year. Mrs Murphie had been instrumental in helping to set up the school chapel and some of her family (above), including extraordinary Jubilee Year. spell out, literally, the theme of Pope husband Jim, attended the Mass PIC: EDDIE MAHONEY Each morning as the children arrived Francis’s Jubilee Year E-MAIL CELEBRATING LIFE EVENTS TO DAN McGINTY AT [email protected] 20 CATHOLICISM AND ISLAM SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY JANUARY 8 2016 Progress cast a hypnotic spell on almost everyone DR HARRY SCHNITKER’S series tracing the history of Islam and its relationship THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND ISLAM with Catholicism looks, in greater depth, at the Islamic attempts at revival

N THE previous instalment of this series, we examined how there was an undercurrent in Islam that reacted to the increasing impotence of Muslim monarchies in the face of western encroachment by ‘going back to basics.’The argument proffered was a simple one: Muslims only had to rediscover the lost golden age toI prosper once again. There were divisions amongst these renewal movements on what that golden age had looked like. Some, in particular the Salafists, believed that almost every technical invention of the modern age was permissible, but that the vast number of cultural expressions of Islam that had grown up since the days of the early Caliphate should be removed. This left no place for the hugely influential Sufi movements, for the veneration of saints, for music as worship and many other elements that had become normative for most Muslims. They were also totally dismissive of Shi’a Islam. For most of the 19th century these reform or renewal movements were rather marginal to the mainstream of Islam. Arguably their best-known exponent was Muhammad Ahmad bin Abd Allah, better known as the Mahdi. Originally, Muhammad had been a Sufi, a student of the Samaniyya Order, who shone through his ascetic practice and his learning. He soon became a Shayk, and gained a large following. However, he fell out with the leadership of the order because of his insistence on rejecting music, ritual and dance, and because of his denunciation of the veneration of saints. Clearly inspired by Wahhabi reforms in Arabia, he broke with the Sufi movements and, in 1881, declared himself the Mahdi, the leader of Islam who would precede the final judgement when Jesus would appear in Damascus to judge the faithful, in accordance with Islamic tradition. It was an audacious move. Sudan was part of the Egyptian state—itself a nominal subject of the Ottoman Sultan in Constantinople. The Sultan was, of course, the Caliph of Islam, and the proclamation was, therefore, a rejection of the leadership of the Grand Turk over Islam. The Ulema or religious leadership of Egypt rejected the claim, and this should have carried great weight, since the Egyptian Ulema was led by the Shayk of the leading institute of Islamic thought, the Al-Azhar. Just as the Sultan- Caliph was ignored, so was the Egyptian Ulema and the Al-Azhar. The self-proclaimed Mahdi replaced the duty of pilgrimage to Mecca—one of the five pillars of Islam—with the duty of military Jihad. By 1885, the Turks, under their foreign commanders, including the famous British adventurer, Charles George Gordon, had been ejected from Sudan. A British their ascetic form of Islam through religious for the continuation of his culture and acutely All this went hand-in-hand with the rapid force sent in to rescue Gordon and to re-impose schools or Madrasas they became astoundingly aware of the threat this could pose to the Islamic modernisation of Constantinople, including the the control of their puppet rulers in Cairo, failed. influential, but external pressures also caused nature of that culture, Muhammad Abdullah Hassan construction of a metro and the opening of many Sweeping into southern Sudan, the new Islamic fragmentation amongst the Deobandi; they split, began his two-decade long defensive Jihad. This playhouses, frequented by the city’s Muslim, state managed to gain control over a huge region. for example, over the question of whether there was a most unusual situation, however. The main Greek and Armenian population alike. The Mahdi also defeated an army led by the should be one India or a Muslim state and a Hindu thrust of the Catholic missions during the colonial His Young Turk opponents, nationalists who Christian Emperor of Abyssinia. The Mahdi died India after independence. period lay in non-Islamic parts of the world. wished to create a Turkish nation, also embraced in 1885, and his successor, the Khalifa, eliminated The Deobandi became influential, but did not Muhammad Abdullah Hassan traditionalism is modernism, but went further. When the Caliphate all his internal opponents. Rejecting any pact with gain any real power. This was the story of the reflected in the official alliance with the Ottoman tumbled in the 1920s, the leader of republican African neighbours to resist European colonisers Islamic renewal movements all across the Muslim Sultan, who, as Caliph, recognised his Jihad. Turkey, Mustafa Kemal, declared the former Muslim on the basis that they were non-Muslims, the world during this period, the precedent having The usually hidden, but sometimes spectacular country a secular state like France. We shall come regime isolated itself and fell to the forces of been created with the crushing of the Wahhabi- revivalist Islamic resistance to western political back to the agnostic or secularist Muslim nationalist General Kitchener in 1898. Saudi state early in the century. By stark contrast, dominance and to the continuous decline of Muslim later in this series, but for now it is important to a very traditional Islamic movement did manage political power was sometimes mainstream, but note that those who led Islamic countries, as well lsewhere, reformist Islam also reacted to for many decades to keep the British, French and usually quietist and in the background. For most as the majority of those who wished to reform those colonial intrusion. In British-controlled Italians at bay. Unusually, the Catholic Church Muslims, and, indeed, for most Muslim rulers, countries, were hardly in thrall to the prescriptions India, the Deobandi movement was started played a minor role in sparking this particular compromise with the seemingly irresistible rise of the of the Islamic purists and revivalists. The latter Ein 1867 by Muslims concerned with the corrosive movement, which had its base in Somalia. Led by west and its values seemed the more logical route. suffered from the same problem as the Catholic effects of colonial rule on Muslim behaviour. Here, Muhammad Abdullah Hassan (above), known to The same was true for those seeking modernisation Church did in the west: Most people, including the concern was very much with the secularism that the British press as ‘The Mad Mullah,’ Somali Sufi as the best way to preserve their countries. most believers, simply did not think it possible to the British brought. Unlike the Mahdi movement Dervishes organised armed resistance against Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II, for example, return to a golden age. Instead, their imagination was in Sudan, the Deobandi embraced the classical British, Italian, French and Christian Abyssinian followed the Sufi practices of his House, but also fired by the past, but only as a source of inspiration. schools of Islamic jurisprudence and were not forces, which was terminated only in 1920 with the aid enjoyed recitals of music by Offenbach and going William Morris or Pugin would be the perfect necessarily opposed to some of the key cultural of aircraft, modern weapons and chemical warfare. to the opera in Constantinople to listen to Verdi. examples in this country. The past was interpreted exponents of Sufism, a fact explained perhaps by The Catholic ‘spark’ came when their pious Sufi He read widely, including the most modern French and improved upon. The notion of progress was their Sufi roots. It was only after the end of the Raj leader came across a Catholic mission for orphans, novels, with themes that were hardly Islamic. He exercising its hypnotic spell on almost all, and this that Deobandi schools became more deeply and, upon asking for their clan, received as an patronised a school of fine arts, which taught, was as true for Catholics as for Muslims. It would influenced by the Wahhabi form of Islam. Spreading answer that they were ‘of the Catholic clan.’Fearful amongst many things, painting the human figure. take the First World War to break it. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK