SCO exclusives: Pope’s message; Midwife Mary Scotland’s Bishops’ Doogan, Tom Clarke messages; short MP on conscience £248-PAGE DOUBLE stories and the Year CHRISTMAS EDITION case. Pages 2- 3 SUPPORTING 50 YEARS OF SCIAF, 1965-2015 in Review inside

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I Holy Father blesses SCIAF ahead of the Bishops’ Conference aid agency’s golden jubilee in 2015 Pope blesses SCIAF’s work of love, support...

POPE Francis has praised of service to the poor by to alleviate it... the life-changing work SCIAF, the blessing called of the Scottish Catholic on the charity to ‘continue I Continued on international development in this significant work of page 2 charity SCIAF as it marks love and support in the its 50th anniversary in years to come,’ with His I SCIAF golden jubilee 2015. Holiness giving all members events throughout the year, In a written blessing— of the charity and their pages 14-15 sent via the Apostolic families and loved ones a I SCIAF year in review, ACN Nuncio, Archbishop Antonio special Apostolic Blessing. year in review, pages 26-27 Mennini—the Holy Father Echoing his Lenten thanked the Glasgow-based message, the Papal blessing charity for its service to the said: “We Christians are poor in developing countries called to confront the poverty and urged it to continue its of our brothers and sisters; work in the coming years. to touch it, to make it our Noting the last 50 years own and take practical steps

SCO, 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6BT I tel 0141 221 4956 I fax 0141 221 4546 I e-mail [email protected] 2 WHAT’S ON SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014

St Brigid’s Primary, Newmains, celebrated BREAKING NEWS Christmas with a tradi- tional nativity play. The Scottish Catholic Observer MP wants sent a photographer along after receiving a letter from P2 pupil Mirren, who conscience played a shepherdess in the play.“We want to help everyone remember it’s clause to Jesus’ birthday,” the young epistolarian wrote, display- be clarified ing an impressive grasp of the SCO style for punctuating nouns ending By Ian Dunn in s.“You can join us in SCO exclusive singing the lovely songs about the real meaning of VETERAN Coatbridge, Christmas. Happy Christ- Chryston and Bellshill MP mas.” Pictured above are Tom Clarke has told the SCO primary 1, 2 and 3 children he intends to ‘fight as hard as telling the story of Jesus at Christmas he can’ for better legal PIC: TOM EADIE protections for freedom of conscience in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling against the two Glasgow Catholic midwives. The Supreme Court ruled on ‘Pope Francis is an inspiration December 17 that Mary Doogan and Concepta Wood cannot to SCIAF,’ the charity says conscientiously object to supervising abortions performed on labour wards. I Continued from page 1 need our help.” Labour MP Mr Clarke told the SCIAF is the official interna- SCO this week that, when Parlia- “Our efforts are also directed tional aid and development char- ment returns in the new year, he to ending violations of human ity of the Catholic Church in will be ‘calling on the coalition dignity, discrimination and Scotland. Having started in a government to clarify the inter- abuse in the world, for these are small classroom in Rutherglen in pretation of peoples legal and so often the cause of destitution 1965 with just £8,000, the char- human rights’and if that doesn’t in the world.” ity now works with people in 15 happen he will introduce a private Responding to the blessing of the poorest countries in the member’s bill that ‘would protect from Pope Francis, Alistair Dut- world, giving emergency aid and those working in NHS, education ton, SCIAF’s director, said: practical long term help to people and other aspects of society so as “Pope Francis is a huge inspira- affected by hunger, poverty, war to ensure the right of conscience tion to SCIAF and me person- and natural disasters, regardless and the exercise of a conscience ally, particularly, his emphasis of their religious beliefs. judgment is beyond question.’ on mercy and compassion, and At home the charity gathers Mr Clarke said he had gone his call for us to serve those who together public support in Scotland’s seminarians in Rome received a Paisley visitor as Bishop John Keenan presented them with the ministry of to the Supreme Court to hear are poorest and suffer injustice. parishes, schools and from the Lectorate. Pictured alongside the bishop are, from left to right, Mark O'Donnell (Motherwell),Andrew McGowan (Glasgow), the arguments in this case and He challenges and inspires us to Scottish people who stand in sol- Emmanuel Alagbaoso (Argyll & the Isles) and Cameron Ferguson (Galloway) met with the midwives several do even more in our daily mis- idarity with poor people with times and he was ‘shocked and sion to help the poorest people in campaigns to tackle the causes astonished’ by the Supreme the world to work their way out of global poverty and injustice Court’s findings. of poverty and overcome the such as unfair trade and SPOTLIGHT ON “It is clear to me that in Lady injustices they face. climate change. Hale’s verdict and that of her “Receiving this blessing to In 2015, SCIAF’s well-known colleagues she went well beyond mark our 50th anniversary year is WEE BOX Lent appeal will terms of the original appeal and a huge honour. It is fitting recog- benefit from an aid-match in a very worrying way,” he said. nition for all those who been part scheme in which every £1 “But speaking personally, I am of our mission to create a more donated up to May 17 will be convinced that the 1967 act was just world for all. With their sup- doubled by the UK Government. never meant to be extended in the port, over the last 50 years, we’ve protection of NHS Greater given millions of families a better I For more on SCIAF’s 50th Glasgow and Clyde in the way chance in life and hope for the anniversary events, see page the Supreme Court decided.” future. We won’t stop while they 14-15 Mr Clarke said he had given personal guarantees to the midwives he would pursue protections for freedom of conscience through parliament. “I cannot accept that even given recent attempts to introduce secularism where it was never meant to be that we are seeking to impose upon individuals an instruction to carry out actions that are in terrible conflict with their conscience and their long Fr Jim Foley was joined by Bishop Stephen Robson of Dunkeld and Bishop Emeritus Vincent Logan as he held convictions,” he added. celebrated his golden jubilee with family in Welburn home PIC: EDDIE MAHONEY “This verdict could not be more serious.”

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A SECTION pages 22-23 BISHOPS’ ENGAGEMENTS page 36 NEWS pages 1-5,9, LETTERS page 24 B SECTION YEAR IN REVIEW LOCAL NEWS pages 4 to 5 CHILDREN’S PAGE page 25 JANUARY-FEBRUARY page 1 EWTN - THE CATHOLIC SATELLITE CHANNEL WHAT’S ON page 2. CHARITIES YEARSIN REVIEW MARCH-APRIL page 2 The perfect Christian present WORLD/VATICAN NEWS pages 9 page 26-27 MAY-JUNE page 3 PRAYER CAMPAIGN pages 10 SPIRITUAL REFLECTION pages MISSIONS MESSAGE page 4 Tel: SAS 0141 774 5000 or 07971 514 703 COMMENT pages 11-13, 17-19 28-29 COUNCILS OF THE CHURCH page 5 for our special offer JIM BARCLAY CHRISTMAS STORY JUMBO PRIZE WINNING JULY-AUG page 6 pages 20-21 CROSSWORD page 30 SEPT-OCT page 7 SAS - SCOTLAND’S CATHOLIC SATELLITE COMPANY CATH DOHERTY CHRISTMAS STORY INTIMATIONS pages 31-36 NOV-DEC page 8

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER NEWS 3 Mary Doogan: Midwife ‘devastated’ by court ruling

tion process, including their “There was an initial period “Initially I think it was a mana- needed to be done for all mid- By Ian Dunn right not to supervise other staff when we were in discussions gerial mess, not a plan or a con- wives. SCO exclusive involved. with management about this spiracy, but I think some people “This issue really does need “I think it’s very serious loss after abortions began increas- at the higher levels do have an more attention,” she said. “Peo- ONE of the Scottish mid- of liberty that everyone should ingly taking place on the labour ideology to suppress freedom of ple are sleepwalking their rights wives whom the UK be worried about because it’s a ward. They had seemed to conscience. away, but I am very defensive Supreme Court ruled cannot totally cynical attempt to restrict accept our position that they “The health board has to save of all my colleagues. Some peo- conscientiously object to freedom of conscience,” she should schedule staff accord- £58 million but they were able to ple in pro-life say they don’t supervising abortions per- added. ingly so that those who objected find all legal fees for this?” know how anyone could have or formed on labour wards has didn’t work then but it didn’t perform an abortion but any one told the SCO she is ‘devas- Hell and back seem to filter down to ground Hands on of us could do anything given tated’ by the news. Ms Doogan has been off work level. So I kept e-mailing about Ms Doogan also wanted to stress the right environment. Mary Doogan (right) said for the last four years due to ill- it and never received a response, that, as a senior midwife, she “And it’s very easy for people ‘this is a very sad, very dark day ness that she said has been then four years ago we were was very much involved in the to get caught up in that culture if for democracy.’ caused by the ongoing court case told, that wasn’t going to hap- daily activity of the labour ward. they don’t feel they can say no.” Ms Doogan and Concepta and said she had ‘been to hell pen.” “I wore an apron daily, it was She says her personal future is Wood have been in dispute with and back.’ The two women then pursued very much hands on,” she told still uncertain but, although this NHS Greater Glasgow and “I have blood pressure which the matter through the NHS the SCO. “That was very much legal battle appears to have been Clyde for several years. Both is stress related, and grievance system, before it the culture at the Southern Gen- lost, she is still hopeful. women have been midwives for also Urticaria/Angioedema syn- became a legal matter, one eral so it wasn’t like we would “I think if there was enough more than 20 years. drome which can cause my face which SPUC Scotland and the be sitting around telling others pressure on the Parliament they The Supreme Court’s decision to swell up very suddenly,” she Catholic community helped what to do. We were involved. could be persuaded to look at this on Wednesday Dec 17 overturns said. “So I do feel very them with. More than £400,000 In fact, I know of a doctor who and properly protect freedom of the ruling of the Court of Ses- worn out.” believes has behaved unfairly has been raised for legal costs, was told not to stay at the South- conscience,” she said. “That could sion in Edinburgh last year to She said part of the stress of towards her. and the figure grows every day. ern General because she would- be the only good thing that comes uphold the midwives’ right to the situation has been caused by “This has actually been going “Personally, I think people in n’t get as much clinical medical out of this, if there’s a big enough conscientiously object to be the actions of NHS Greater on for six and a half years,” she higher positions in the NHS are experience due to the increased ground swell of anger and that involved in any way in the abor- Glasgow and Clyde, which she said. pushing this,” Ms Doogan said. numbers of natural births.” could be harnessed the law could She is ‘very surprised’ to be in change.” this position, to be at the fore- front of a legal campaign, and I [email protected] though she is ‘driven’ by her Fear and disappointment at Supreme Court ruling PIC: PAUL McSHERRY Catholic Faith she feels this ADVOCATES for religious free- interpretation without providing ment states that the conscientious likely to simply lead to more liti- dom, inside and outside the any legal or jurisprudential justifi- objection clause does not apply to gation. It is not a good result for Catholic Church, have reacted cation for that choice,” he said. doctors asked to sign forms autho- the NHS, nurses or freedom.” with dismay to the Supreme “The effect will be to make it very rising an abortion... The only Courts decision to rule against the difficult or impossible for nurses chink of light is that the Supreme I Read Bishop Keenan’s hard- two Scottish midwives on or midwives with conscientious Court does accept that requiring hitting comment only on the abortion. objections to apply for managerial management of abortions could SCO website at http://preview. The Supreme Court ruled on positions in the NHS. Especially constitute indirect discrimination tinyurl.com/nbnrey3 Wednesday Dec 17 that Mary worrying is the fact that the judg- under the Equality Act but that is Doogan and Connie Wood cannot conscientiously object to supervis- ing abortions performed on labour FLEXIBILITY | DEPARTURES FROM VARIOUS UK AIRPORTS | EXCEPTIONAL VALUE wards. Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow said that the ruling set a deeply worrying precedent in restricting the rights of individuals HAPPY CHRISTMAS to follow their conscience.“I am dismayed and disappointed at this decision of the Supreme Court FROM JOE WALSH TOURS which fundamentally impacts on LEADING GROUP TRAVEL OPERATOR SPECIALISING IN PILGRIMAGES SINCE 1961 the right of every citizen in this country to follow their conscience in the workplace,” the president of DA LOURDES | SPECIAL PILGRIMAGES 2015 BRE ILY the Bishops’ Conference of Scot- AKFAS land said. “This was never a case 6 JULY | 7 NIGHTS £ LUNCH T, about the rights and wrongs of from £679 CH & perper pepersonrson & abortion. Nor was it a case about From Glasgow Preswick DIDINNNERNE religion. Rather it was a case that £ R centred on the right of ordinary cit- 10 JULY | 7 NIGHTS from£699 izens to have their conscience From Edinburgh perper pepersonrson respected in society and at work. £ All of society is a poorer, less 17 JULY | 7 NIGHTS from£719 respectful and less tolerant place From Glasgow International per person as a result of this decision.” Archbishop Leo Cushley of St Andrew’s and Edinburgh said ‘this DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGES TO LOURDES 2015 | FROM SCOTLAND Supreme Court decision is sad DIOCESE OF GALLOWAY £ news for everybody living in the from £679 United Kingdom because it affects 6 July | 7 nights per pepersonrson our human rights, it effects our £ freedom of conscience, and free- DIOCESE OF DUNKELD from£699 dom of conscience is something 10 July | 7 nights per pepersonrson that we are supposed to be able to enjoy in a free society—but that ARCHDIOCESE OF GLASGOW £ has now been narrowed by this from£719 unfortunate decision.’ 17 July | 7 nights per person He also paid tribute to ‘Connie Wood and Mary Doogan for their FATIMA WEEKLY PILGRIMAGES 2015 ALSO selfless commitment to upholding AVAILABLE freedom of conscience for MAY THROUGH OCTOBER | 7 NIGHTS £ FATIM from £ A & all those working in the medical 479 LILISBSB Thursday Departures from Edinburgh per person ON profession.’ COCOASTAST A legal specialist in religious Daily Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included freedom Neil Addison, director of the Thomas More Legal Centre, MEDJUGORJE WEEKLY PILGRIMAGES 2015 said he was gravely concerned about the decision. £ MAY THROUGH OCTOBER | 7 NIGHTS from£579 “The judgment explicitly per person accepts that there are two possible Wednesday Departures from Glasgow interpretations of the conscien- Daily Breakfast & Dinner included tious objection clause in the Abor- tion Act, a ‘broad’ interpretation E: [email protected] | www.joewalshtours.co.uk | Joe Walsh Tours Pilgrimages and a ‘narrow’ interpretation and Joe143 Walsh Lower Tours Baggotis bonded andStreet, licensed Dublin as a Tour 2, Operator Ireland and Travel | +44 Agent 141 by the 530 Civil 5060 Aviation Authority| @JWTPilgrimages in the UK | ATOL the court then goes on to deliber- Bonded and licensed as a Tour Operator and Travel Agent by the Civil Aviation Authority in the UK. T.O. 052 | T.A. 0689 | ATOL 5163 ately choose the most narrow WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 4 SCHOOLS/LOCAL NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 Bid for Beatification of Margaret Sinclair steps up a gear

By Daniel Harkins

ARCHBISHOP Leo Cushley Bishop celebrates feast day at St Ambrose of St Andrews and Edinburgh has re-launched a bid to have Margaret Sinclair declared a By Daniel Harkins saint. Declared Venerable by Pope BISHOP Joseph Toal of Paul VI in 1978—two steps away Motherwell hailed the para- from sainthood—the cause for the ble of the Good Samaritan at canonisation of the Edinburgh- St Ambrose High in Coat- born nun has since largely stalled. bridge recently as he paid his Archbishop Cushley has now first visit to the school. appointed Fr Joseph McAuley, The bishop travelled to Coat- parish priest of St Lucy’s Church bridge to mark the Feast of St in Cumbernauld, as his delegate to Ambrose, and spent time before spearhead a new campaign to have Margaret the throat in 1925, a number of celebrating Mass discussing declared Blessed and then Saint. cures and favours where attributed faith with both junior and senior “As my delegate Fr McAuley will be working to her intercession. pupils. The senior pupils gave closely with me to promote Margaret’s cause and In 1942 the cause for her Canonisation the bishop a tour of the school to spread the message of this fascinating young was introduced by Pope Pius XII and in before he met with S1-S3 pupils, woman,” Archbishop Cushley said. 1978 St Pope Paul VI declared her venerable. followed by a Q&A with those “Margaret led an exemplary life as a lay per- The cause for her canonisation has been led by a in S4-S6, who asked him what son, who was very much a modern woman, a number of the faithful including Bishop Stephen his favourite parable was. their faith journey. the chaplaincy at Glasgow Uni- woman of her times, and who was also an exem- Robson of Dunkeld. Later celebrating Mass, the “I think it’s good to have versity, and spent the afternoon plary religious sister albeit briefly before she During a visit to Scotland in 1982, Pope John bishop returned to the theme of opportunities like the bishop get- exploring the themes of Caritas. died at the age of 25.” Paul II stated that ‘Margaret could well be the Good Samaritan in his hom- ting them to engage intellectu- In the evening, Miss Smith Margaret Sinclair (above) was born in Edin- described as one of God’s little ones, who ily. Emily Kerr, an S6 Caritas ally with their faith,” she said. gave a talk on Mary the Mother burgh’s Cowgate in 1900. One of six children, through her very simplicity, was touched by God pupil at St Ambrose, said the “Things like the bishop coming of God, as part a series of lec- she was brought up in poverty in a two-room ten- with the strength of real holiness of life, whether visit was a ‘very spiritual morn- along helps them understand tures on reasons for believing. ement basement. Her father was a dustman as a child, a young woman, an apprentice, a fac- ing and very informative,’ while what their faith means intellec- “Basically we wanted to come employed by the City Corporation. tory worker, a member of a trade union or a pro- fellow Caritas enrolee Natalie tually as well as practically.” together and grow as a group,” She left school at 14 and worked as French fessed sister of religion.’ Johnstone said it was a ‘great St Ambrose’s Caritas pupils Miss Smith added. polisher in the Waverley Cabinet Works where Fr McAuley said he was both delighted and experience and it was good to have been taking part in a num- Around 1600 young people she became an active member of her trade union. surprised to be asked to take on the mission of learn more about her faith.’ ber of events since they began have enrolled in this year’s Car- In 1918 the cabinet works closed down and she promoting the cause of Venerable Margaret. Alison Smith, principal their faith journey. itas Award, which encourages found work with McVitie’s Biscuit factory. “Margaret was a person who prayed in an inti- teacher of religious education at Four days after Bishop Toal’s young people of all faiths in In 1923, Margaret entered the Poor Clare Con- mate personal way with Jesus,” he said. “To this the school, said the Bishop was visit, they travelled to the Glas- their final year of school to con- vent in Notting Hill, London, and was given the very practical Christianity also has to be added lovely and celebrated a simple gow Faith Forum, which pres- tribute to their communities and religious name Sr Mary Francis of the Five her deep humility and her heroic endurance of but moving Mass. ents catechetical talks for people parishes and share their gifts and Wounds, working to bring relief to the poor of suffering. She praised the bishop for aged 16-25 and provides support talents with the Church. that city. Following her death of tuberculosis of “Within myself I wondered how the good talking to the school’s Caritas for young Catholics. The pupils pupils and encouraging them on attended Mass in Turnbull Hall, I [email protected] St Luke’s, Barrhead, teacher visits the Queen to collect her MBE

A CATHOLIC headteacher St Luke’s in Barrhead, was Mrs Scott, 57, said meeting “We were told by staff that it travelled to Buckingham given the honour, which was the queen was wonderful. “The would be the Queen, and that we Palace recently to collect an announced on the Queen’s birth- atmosphere at Buckingham were lucky, as she doesn’t do MBE from the Queen. day in June, for services to edu- Palace, going through the front this as much now. Patricia Scott, headteacher of cation. gates and on to the red carpet, “It was wonderful. was really special and beauti- “I have really appreciated the ful,” she said. support, warm wishes and con- “The Queen was lovely— gratulations that I have received serene and smiley and from the young people, staff, absolutely professional.” parents and carers in St Luke’s Medjugorje 2015 The Queen admired Mrs school. 21 - 28 June 2015 Scott’s outfit—included a Scott “It has been my privilege to 13 - 20 September tartan wrap pinned with a poppy work in St Luke’s and be part of brooch, in honour of this year’s the community and parishes of Departing from Edinburgh 100th anniversary of the First St John’s and St Thomas’s for £544 World War. the past 30 years.” “The Queen said to me, The headteacher travelled to Book before Feb 15th for a £30 discount you’re a headteacher aren’t Buckingham Palace with hus- you?” Mrs Scott said. band Douglas and sisters Kath- contact Roger Foster 01475 793 987 “You are one of those schools leen and Veronica. that just go up and up and up. Mrs Scott has been head- “I told her I was very proud to teacher at St Luke’s for nearly EWTN CATHOLIC TV IS ON SKY EPG 589 be the headteacher of St Luke’s eight years but with the school Sky Freesat £175 total cost , no monthly charges. High School.” for 30, joining in 1984 as princi- 200 Free channels including EWTN TV & Radio. Before receiving her award, pal teacher of PE. Call Sky on 08442411602 for installation. Mrs Scott and her fellow recipi- She was later promoted to Call EWTN on 020 83502542 or e-mail [email protected] ents had to wait to find out assistant head, then depute, fol- for free monthly posted programme guide and which member of the royal fam- lowed by the headteacher’s post visit www.ewtn.co.uk for more info. ily would be present on the day. in January 2007. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LOCAL NEWS 5 Blantyre church wins building grant

ST JOSEPH’s Church in Blantyre has been given a grant of £40,000 from the National Churches Trust, bringing to £600,000 the total amount raised for the listed building. The National Churches Trust is the only independent charity dedicated to supporting church buildings of all Christian denominations across the UK. The money will be used by St Joseph’s to help put a new roof on the church and fix the win- dows, as wells as contributing the history of the church and a fine building that had a to other maintenance. the parish roots in the 19th cen- social heritage as well as a St Joseph’s had previously tury mining community. religious one. received £130,000 from Viri- Fr Brian Lamb, parish priest, “The people in this commu- dor, £125,000 from the Her- said the funding was much nity have great pride in it,” he itage Lottery Fund, and needed. “This is a big parish; it said. “It is a beautiful church. £125,000 from Historic Scot- would take us probably about Right now its covered in scaf- land. 10 or 12 years to raise the folding but when you get inside The parish applied for a money so the fact that we got it’s a beautiful church. Most of number of funding options to the grants means we can go the work is on the exterior help renovate the church build- ahead with the work without “Our church is in the heart of ing, which was opened in 1905. necessarily occurring a whole Blantyre—it’s on the main road As part of their application load of debt for the parish.” so it’s a very prominent build- enly the parish produced a DVD on Fr Lamb said the church was ing. It is important.” inter- cession. B o t h Archbishop Cushley and Fr McAuley are keen to get people praying to Margaret for favours. This will involve a new information drive through- out schools and parishes. bishop “Almost immediately after her death in 1925 could have known I a devotion to Margaret spread and spread rapidly had a devotion to Venerable Margaret. I recall and was very strong for many decades,” Arch- very many years ago being introduced to this bishop Cushley said. devotion by my mother and recall praying in the “This is something that Fr McAuley and I are THE headteacher of Our Lady’s High, school.The young people are fantastic doing the Caritas Award assisted at family at one point for some intention. hoping to build upon and strengthen to spread in Cumbernauld, was joined by family, and the staff are very supportive.It will the Mass and they were fantastic. “Thereafter whilst I would occasionally be the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh, friends and pupils as he said goodbye be mixed feelings to go.” When you see that, that’s a mark of reminded of her cause I did not pray to her. This throughout Scotland and, please God, beyond.” to the school after 11 years with a Mr Currie said he hopes he has success.” had changed as the result of a visit to the parish Archbishop Cushley is also instituting a new Mass celebrated by Archbishop Philip made a difference over the years and Reflecting on his 40 years in of St Benedict’s in Drumchapel, Glasgow, where monthly Mass at the tomb of Venerable Margaret Tartaglia of Glasgow. that he leaves the school in a good Catholic education,Mr Currie said that the parish community prayed the novena prayers in St Patrick’s Church in the Cowgate, where she Michael Currie, 63, said it was his place.“If you make a difference to just the success of the schools he has to her each day after morning Mass. As a result was baptised. This will take place on the first time to move on after more than a one youngster, to me that’s success. worked in and what they have done for decade at the school and forty years in You visit them in primary six and seven young people of all faiths shows what over the past ten years or so I began praying to Tuesday of each month starting on January 6 teaching.“I’ve been very happy here,” and suddenly they are leaving you in a poorer place Scotland would be her each day.” 2015 with the Archbishop celebrating Mass. the former depute head at Glasgow’s sixth year. You see them develop into without its Catholic schools. In order for Margaret to be declared Blessed a I [email protected] St Mungo’s Academy said. “I told the mature young adults. The youngsters PIC: PAUL McSHERRY miracle now needs to be attributed to her Heav- candidates I was interviewing to take over from me that it was a great

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By Archbishop Leo Cushley gion among the world’s cultures at revelation of God into human his- of St Andrews and Edinburgh all times and in all places. Some, tory is made manifest: Jesus however, would suggest that Christ. God Incarnate. Son of FOR TO us a child is born, to us humanity’s quest for God goes Mary. Born in Bethlehem. “God a son is given; and the govern- unreciprocated. comes to meet man,” states the ment will be upon his shoulder, The great atheist philosopher Catechism. and his name will be called Bertrand Russell, for example, This is the fulfilment of God’s Bishops’ ‘Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty was once asked what he would say gradually unfolding yet ultimately God, Everlasting Father, Prince if he found himself standing before overwhelming response to the reli- of Peace.’ Isaiah 9:6 God on the Judgement Day and gious impulse that we all have Christmas gives the Catholic God asked him, “Why didn’t you within us. God searches for man. Church an unparalleled opportu- believe in Me?” Man searches for God. For it is nity to remind the contemporary Russell replied, “I would say, only in God, says the Catechism, world of God’s loving search for ‘Not enough evidence, God! Not that man will ‘find the truth and man. From the dawn of human expression to their quest for God enough evidence!’” happiness he never stops searching history humanity has searched in their religious beliefs and The Christmas story is the ulti- for’ both in the here-and-now and for God. As the Catechism behaviour [such that] one may mate riposte to such scepticism. in the here-after. observes: “In many ways, well call man a religious being.” After centuries of prophetic fore- I therefore wish you and your throughout history down to the This religious impulse accounts shadowing from Old Testament family a very happy and holy present day, men have given for the universal experience of reli- figures such as Isaiah, the greatest Christmas.

Christmas let us give thanks for Robert Browning. is especially true for the Chris- features. the gift of faith and the bless- It always comes back to me tians. Centuries of stability One of them was its confes- ings that faith has brought us at Christmas time. have been undone by a few sionals. They were at the back through the course of our lives. It comes back especially at months of insane violence. of the church. Astonishingly, The Lord’s desire to come the Mass of Christmas Day. Nearer home too how many they were built in the form of among us, to be born as child in The 1st reading from Isaiah lives are ruined by drugs or ruins. Bethlehem of the Virgin Mary, includes the words: ‘Break into alcohol, or by circumstances What a theology of the is the beginning of our great shouts of joy together, you outside our control! And what Sacrament of Reconciliation faith story.Through our Bap- ruins of Jerusalem, for the Lord of the house of our own souls? could be built from that! Love tism and the coming of the is consoling his people, And yet this is the world and in our own personal ruins. Holy Spirit upon us we are all redeeming Jerusalem’ (Is 52:9) we are the people to whom the “Thank the Lord as he privileged to participate in the Often representations of the Lord comes, with all the deserves,” says the old man By Bishop Joseph Toal of blessings of the Lord’s Appear- stable at Bethlehem show a fragility of a child. This is the Tobit, “and bless the King of Motherwell ing and the salvation he won crooked, dilapidated shed, with world over which the mercy of the ages, that your Temple may for us through his Death and a leaking roof, and open to the God hovers. be rebuilt with joy within you, AS WE celebrate the Birth of Resurrection. elements. This is where Love has cho- and within you he may comfort OUR Lord Jesus Christ this In our worship, especially By Bishop Hugh Gilbert The ruins of Jerusalem and sen to dwell. And this is what every exile, and within you he of Aberdeen the tumble-down shack are a the liturgy of Christmas pro- may love all those who are dis- symbol of the world into which claims, year after year: even in tressed, for all generations to By Bishop John Cunningam I HAVE a friend whose house our Saviour comes. They are a the ruins God is with us, come’”(Tobit 13:10). of Galloway is called Love-in-the-Ruins.The symbol of the world today as Emmanuel. May I wish all the readers of name comes from the title of a well. How many refugees from Last September I visited a The Scottish Catholic Observer NOW that Pope Francis has novel by the US Catholic nov- Syria and Iraq, for example, fine Baroque pilgrimage church a happy and holy Christmas. accepted my resignation as elist, Walker Percy, and more have seen their own homes and in Zwiefalten in southern Ger- May we all experience Love- Bishop of Galloway, and as we remotely from a poem by lives ruined this last year. This many. It had many striking in-the-ruins! prepare as a diocese to welcome Bishop Elect William Nolan (far right) as my successor, can I take By Bishop Stephen Robson During Advent we have remem- Christmas comes our hearts the opportunity to wish you and of Dunkeld bered the promise that the Lord won’t have been crowded out your families a very happy and will come at the end of time, his with our usual anxieties about Holy Christmas. THIS Year I write to you after Second Coming, to consummate gifts and food preparations and As you may be aware, for having almost completed my his Kingdom. We are about to hospitality and parties—rather, nearly three hundred years the new Pagan celebration that had first Year as Bishop in the Dio- celebrate the First Coming of the our own ‘manger’ will be ready only feast that was celebrated by been introduced by the Emperor cese of Dunkeld. I wish you, Christ-Child at Christmas. But and we will have the time and Christians everywhere was that of Aurelian in 274 to honour the sun- first of all, a very happy and we have also remembered the space to welcome the Christ Easter. god. It was called, dies natalis Holy Christmas. What do I mean Third Coming to us of the Lord child into our hearts. According to the experts, the Solis Invicti —the Birthday of the by a Holy Christmas? in His Word, in the Sacrament— May you all have a truly won- feast of Christmas was instituted Unconquered Sun. The Season of Advent has especially the Mass—and in our derful time this Christmas! Lit- towards the end of the third cen- From the beginning of the third been for us each year a Season prayer and encounters with one erally, may you have a time of tury as a Christian response to a century, one of the titles that was of waiting, attention! A season another as our Lord promised to wonder and awe; a time of long- of anticipation; a season of long- be with us until the end of time. ing and openness to welcome ing and a season of desire. For Yet we also wish each other a Jesus into your hearts. By Mgr James L Canon appointment of a new what? Holy Christmas at this time And when the New Year MacNeil, diocesan adminis- bishop, Mgr MacNeil and the For the Lord to come to us! because Christ wants to be born, comes? Likewise, prepare to trator of Argyll and the Isles curia in the diocese wish parish- not only in the Manger, but also confront the New Year with ioners a very Happy and Holy in our hearts, at Christmas. And courage and boldness and confi- As Argyll and the Isles await the Christmas our hearts need to be ready for dence. him to be born there. Let us boldly and yet gently Our hearts need to become wear our Catholic Faith out- manger-like to receive the infant wardly and show by our actions Christ. that we really are apostles of the Hence Advent as the season of Infant Lord to bring his pres- preparation and waiting! ence, justice and peace to our CHIEF EXECUTIVE So the best service we could world, which needs him so render the Lord at this time much. You would be leading a small professional team in would be to prepare well in these A very happy and holy Christ- Glasgow and coordinating the work of volunteers last days of Advent. mas and a purposeful and apos- Then, when the Solemnity of tolic New Year! throughout Scotland in support of the Societyʼs Campaigning and Educational Work in relation to Abortion and Euthanasia. The Society has no religious affiliation and welcomes A VERY HAPPY AND HOLY CHRISTMAS FROM THE applications from all suitably qualified Pro Life supporters Salary according to Qualifications and Experience For further particulars, please visit our website http://spucscotland.org/ or phone us on 0141 221 2094 Closing Date 19 January 2015 THE SCO REFRESHES YOUR FAITH BETWEEN MASSES Defending Human Life from Conception to Natural Death WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER MESSAGES FOR THE DIOCESES 7

ing city. Glasgow’s Games were year 2014, but in the history of fice ourselves unselfishly in miles better and we were all so the universe, because God generous service of our neigh- proud. became man. Nothing can be bour—a Christmas gift which is Then in September we had the more gratuitous, more unique or given and received 365 days a Independence Referendum and more singular than the mystery year, not just on December 25. unprecedented public engage- of the Incarnation. The Commonwealth Games Messages ment with the issues around The unfolding legacy of and the Independence Referen- Scotland’s constitutional future, Christmas is also gratuitous and dum were moments when we crystallising in a massively high unique, and so much desired by glimpsed a huge common desire voter turnout all over the coun- the human heart: unconditional to improve Glasgow and to do try. Young people were stirred to and never-ending love, peace what was best for Scotland. Both share their youthful vision for a and friendship between God and were proofs of the goodwill and By Archbishop Philip better future and generations mankind, and the wonderful concern for others which still pre- Tartaglia of Glasgow who had perhaps opted out of news that God has made himself vails in human hearts. Christmas politics once more felt the desire visible in Jesus, and, because of gives us an opportunity, year AS WE prepare for Christmas to work for what they saw as the Jesus, is prepared to abide in after year, to better our city and this year, we cannot help but common good. The legacy of people who love, forgive, serve our country in the most profound reflect on 2014 as having been these very singular and one-off and reconcile. way by bringing us the nearness an exciting year for Glasgow events is still unfolding, and we It is Jesus, born of Mary, who of God in his Son, Jesus. and for Scotland. In mid-sum- hope the benefits will match the brings that legacy of Christmas I wish all the readers of the mer, Glasgow hosted a very suc- promise. to fulfilment in us and in the Scottish Catholic Observer a through our participation in the worship God and to celebrate cessful Commonwealth Games. For Christians, Christmas, the world, when we, his disciples happy, joyful and peaceful Christmas liturgies, let us renew our ancient faith we pray for Glasgow appeared to the world birth of Jesus, is the most unique and followers, are prepared to Christmas and a happy, healthy our gratitude for and our sense those denied this right and those as a confident, welcoming, smil- and singular event not just of the follow him faithfully and sacri- and holy 2015. of wonder at the Lord’s good- persecuted for their faith. In ness. Let us also strive to pass recent months the accounts of gives way, is distilled and caught on earth and His Kingdom of a new year of God’s sure presence on the beauty of our faith to the the horrors inflicted on our fel- up in the true Light who is com- truth and grace, justice and love, among us, of the unstoppable younger generations and low Christians and on others ing into the world and, even mercy, Holiness and peace will growth of His Kingdom on earth encourage their participation in seem to have grown, especially though there will always be some prevail. The light tells us that and will be one year closer to His the Church’s celebration of its in the Middle East and parts of who receive Him not, to those bishops come and go as His coming again when, after our poor holy mysteries. In that respect Africa, and we hold them in our who do accept Him He gives the unworthy servants but that the world has given its best account, let us bring our young children prayer this Christmas. As we power of children of God. Lord is our true Shepherd and we will see Him make all things to the crib and encourage within share the gift of the Lord’s The unique, solitary light that there is nothing we lack in Him new. them a spirit of prayer and ado- peace we hope and pray that shines cannot be darkened. The Who leads us to green pastures In these days I hope our ration and foster in their young war and persecution may end. Light of Christ shines in Scot- and quiet, reviving springs. Church in Scotland can be very minds a sense of what Christ- I wish all the readers of The land and tells us that neither The first light of the Advent close to Our Lady and St Joseph mas is truly about. Scottish Catholic Observer a Union nor Independence ulti- Wreath ushered in a new Litur- and live with them the wonder As we enjoy our freedom to Happy and a Holy Christmas. mately save Scotland because gical Year of grace which will be of the Emmanuel, God among Christ alone is Scotland’s true the Year of Our Lord 2015. It is us and on our side, and so hear By Bishop John Keenan Light. The light tells us that, the 2015th year of His Kingdom the song of the Angels chanting time. It is an annual reminder to of Paisley thought welcome, economic since His incarnation brought the glories of God and His peace us of how much God loves us— prosperity is not our be all and definitive grace and truth to our to all who enjoy His favour. “For God so loved the world that “A LIGHT shines in the dark- end all because Christ alone is world. Like every other before A light shines in the darkness, he gave us his only begotten Son, ness, a light that the darkness our Life. The light tells us that it, it will be a year of its own a light the darkness cannot put so that everyone who believes in cannot master.” John wrote these violent terrorism will not win the number of unpredictable events out. This encouraging thought him may not perish but may have words, they say, when he was day because Christ brings peace but it will be, more than anything, fills us with good cheer. eternal life.” (John c.3 v.16) already an old man. Looking As a diocese, we will be cele- back on his life's journey he brating the ordination of Bishop must have thought of that day Elect Nolan on February 14, and which began like any other as he so our celebrations of the event of got up and set out to work with Jesus present among us will con- his father and brother, James, as tinue long after December 25th as fishermen. That day, however, applied to Jesus Christ was ‘Sun we welcome the new shepherd of was to be like no other and set of Justice.’ the diocese. him upon an adventure of eter- The substitution of Christmas Please join with me this Christ- nity when, from the shore, he for the pagan festival cannot be mas in thanking God for my min- heard a man call, ‘Follow me.’ proved with certainty, but it istry as Bishop of Galloway, and Reflecting upon a life spent in remains the most plausible expla- pray that my successor will be service of this Good Master he nation for the dating of Christmas. blessed with wisdom, under- wrote, ‘In Him was life and that Christmas should be a happy standing and health. life was the light of men.’ The solitary candle lit on the Advent wreath in our churches is like that same light of Christ. FOLLOW THE SCOTTISH Our world has passed another CATHOLIC OBSERVER year in its history. For each of us it has had its ups and downs, its AT SCO_NEWS ON hopes and fears, its joys and sor- TWITTER. rows. It has been a year of refer- endum at home, economic Be first to find out uncertainty around the world, the latest news. diabolical terrorist acts abroad. It is a year when I became a bishop. All of this substance Prayer for our bishops O God, who hast appointed Thine only-begotten Son to be the eternal High Priest for the glory of Thy Majesty and the salvation of mankind; grant that they whom He hath chosen to be His minis- ters and the stewards of His mysteries, may be found faithful in the fulfillment of the ministry which they have received. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.

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CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

The The JERICHO COMMUNITY Thanks you for supporting Talbot Association Jericho Houses during 2014. wishes all of its supporters May Your Christmas be Happy! Daily Prayers Promised A Peaceful Christmas throughout 2015 and a Prosperous New Year “MATER SALVATORIS” HOUSE Harelaw Farm, Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire PA10 2PY and also to offer thanks for the kindness shown to homeless people throughout the year THE NATIONAL SERVICE TEAM OF SCOTTISH CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL

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May the Word made Flesh, incarnate of Mary find a home in your heart

The Friends of WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OF OUR READERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT Divine Mercy Scotland THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. wish everyone a Happy and Holy WE WISH THEM A VERY Christmas and sincerely thank every- MERRY CHRISTMAS one for their great support. AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

The Universityof Glasgow, School of Education would Seasons greetings from like to wish the Michael Burns Scottish Catholic Observer readers all the blessings & and all the staff at joys of the Christmas Burns Publications season

Wishing all readers a joyful and peaceful Christmas from staff and pupils of Holy Rood RC High School, Edinburgh.

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER WORLD/VATICAN NEWS 9 Pope warns against supporting slavery

By Stephen Reilly detained by authorities. “While many find themselves working THE Pope’s New Year’s peace message illegally or living clandestinely, others, in calls on all Catholics to beware of an attempt to act within the law, may supporting slavery by buying morally ‘agree to disgraceful living and working compromised products. conditions, especially in those cases where “Together with the social responsibility the laws of a nation create or permit a of businesses, there is also the social structural dependency of migrant workers responsibility of consumers,” Pope Francis on their employers, as, for example, when (right) said. “Every person ought to have the legality of their residency is made the awareness that purchasing is always a dependent on their labour contract,” he said. moral-and not simply an economic-act.” Instead of closing one’s eyes to this The Pope made special mention of the Referencing the 30 million people tragedy, ‘do something about it,’ he said, world’s congregations of women religious, world wide who are forced to live in slave- by joining an association or ‘offering a who are especially active in ‘enormous like conditions, the Holy Father said he kind word, a greeting or a smile’ that may and often silent efforts’ to help victims. Church in Pakistan condemns the urgently appealed ‘to all men and women give hope or change the life of someone “This immense task, which calls for of good will not to become accomplices to who might be a victim of exploitation. courage, patience and perseverance, murder of schoolchildren and staff this evil, not to turn away from the suffering Praying for an end to all wars, conflicts deserves the appreciation of the whole of our brothers and sisters, our fellow human and suffering caused by natural disasters Church and society,” the Pope said. “Yet, of THE Catholic Church in nothing now. It is just blind beings, who are deprived of their freedom and disease, Pope Francis said his thoughts itself, it is not sufficient to end the scourge Pakistan has condemned as hatred. I don’t think it was a and dignity.’ were with the many men, women and of the exploitation of human persons.” Local, barbaric and inhuman the show of strength. It is more The Pope’s message for the World Day children in the world who have been national and international governmental attack on a school in likely to be a last ditch attempt of Peace on January 1 was released earlier in robbed of their freedom and human dignity. organisations must commit themselves to Peshawar that killed at least to show what they can do.” December and he used it to call for personal His thoughts went to those subjected to ‘prevention, to victim protection and to the 132 children and nine staff. Reports from the Pakistan responsibility, grass-roots action and forced labour in the agricultural, mining legal prosecution of perpetrators,’he added. Archbishop Joseph Coutts of Army said that seven Taliban international cooperation to combat the new and manufacturing industries; domestic St Josephine Bakhita, the former Sudanese Karachi has called on the gunmen, all wearing bomb vests, and growing forms of ‘this abominable workers; sex slaves; women or girls forced slave, is ‘an exemplary witness of hope for government to step up security carried out the attack at around phenomenon’ of human exploitation. into marriages; people forced to fight as the many victims of slavery’ today, the in the wake of the Peshawar 10am local time on Tuesday. His message, which the Vatican sends to soldiers; and victims of terrorists, organ Pope said. The first International Day of school massacre. The archbishop The attackers went from heads of state around the world, invited trafficking and ‘disguised forms of cross- Prayer and Awareness against Human said Tuesday’s terrorist incident classroom to classroom at the everyone ‘to practice acts of fraternity toward border adoption’ Trafficking will be marked Feburary 8, St. at the army public school Army Public School, which those kept in a state of enslavement.’ “I think also of the living conditions of Josephine’s feast day. The new observance (above) was a ‘revenge attack’ teaches children from both Make an effort to ‘feel challenged when, many migrants who, in their dramatic is being promoted for all dioceses, against the Pakistan military military and civilian backgrounds, in our daily lives, we meet or deal with odyssey, experience hunger, are deprived parishes and church groups by the council and that the Taliban ‘will stop shooting pupils and teachers. persons who could be victims of human of freedom, robbed of their possessions or for migrants, the Pontifical Council for at nothing now’ to harm people. All the gunmen where later trafficking, or when we are tempted to undergo physical and sexual abuse,” he said, Justice and Peace and the international Speaking from Karachi, killed, though it is unclear if select items which may well have been denouncing the sometimes ‘inhumane unions of superiors general of men’s and Archbishop Coutts, president of they blew themselves up or were produced by exploiting others,’ he said. conditions’ migrants face when they are women’s religious orders. the Catholic Bishops’Conference killed by Army Commandos. of Pakistan, told the Catholic The Pakistani Taliban has charity Aid to the Church in reportedly claimed responsibility Need that the threat to schools, for the attacks, claiming it as Vatican publishes positive report into US female religious communities hospitals, churches, mosques retaliation for army operations and other public places had in areas along the border with THE Vatican has published The congregation asked the religious communities. It involved The report is distinct from grown and that tighter security Afghanistan. the results of its Apostolic women religious to ‘carefully 341 religious congregations, to the ongoing inquiry into the was crucial. The Church in India joined visitation examining the review their spiritual practices which approximately 50,000 Leadership Conference of In a statement strongly con- its neighbour in condemning quality of female religious and ministry’ to ensure that women in the US belong. Women Religious (LCWR), a demning the attack, the prelate the attack. communities across the US they are ‘in harmony with The survey presented religious canonically-approved body calls on Pakistan’s 300 or more “My soul is overwhelmed by in a report described as Catholic teaching about God, communities several questions which has over 1500 leaders of Catholic schools and colleges deep sorrow and great distress realistic yet largely positive. creation, the Incarnation and concerning religious orders’ women religious communities to hold prayers and a one- for the horrible massacre of Voicing thanks to women the Redemption.’ vocation promotion, admission as members. minute silence to remember the innocent children in the school religious for their service to the Launched in 2009 to and formation policies, and The LCWR has been 141 people who died. in Peshawar,” Cardinal Oswald Church, the Vatican congregation examine the quality of religious fidelity to and expression of assessed by the Congregation “What happened yesterday Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay, in charge of religious life also communities across the US, the their vows. The reflections also for the Doctrine of the Faith, was a sign of desperation,” said. encouraged them to remember visitation included meetings, asked respondents about their who raised concerns of dissent Archbishop Coutts said. “The “The loss of young and pre- to keep Christ at the centre of questionnaires, and visits to concerns for the future of their from Church doctrine on Taliban are prepared to carry cious lives in neighbouring their communities. about one-quarter of the country’s religious order. theological topics. out brutal attacks, killing Pakistan is a source of grief schoolchildren, shooting them and mourning also for my in the head. They will stop at country, India.” SPOTLIGHT ON US and Cuban leaders thank Pope for brokering normalisation talks THE leaders of the US and to establish diplomatic relations Cuba have thanked Pope ‘with the aim of overcoming, in Francis for helping to broker the interest of the citizens of a historic deal to begin both countries, the difficulties, normalising relations between which have marked their recent the United States and Cuba, history.’ after 18 months of secret In a statement released after talks over prisoner releases the announcement was made brought a sudden end to simultaneously by Obama in decades of cold war hostility. Washington and Castro in Presidents Barack Obama and Havana, the Vatican confirmed Raúl Castro spoke simultaneously the Pope’s role in negotiations last Wednesday to confirm the between the two countries. surprise reversal of a long-running The Vatican said it had invited US policy of isolating Cuba, Presidents Obama and Castro to detailing a series of White House ‘resolve humanitarian questions steps that will relax travel, of common interest, including commercial and diplomatic the situation of certain prisoners, restrictions in exchange for the in order to initiate a new phase in release of Americans and relations between the two parties.’ dissidents held in Havana. “The Holy See will continue The Pope had made personal to assure its support for initiatives appeals to both leaders and the that both nations will undertake Couples dance the tango in celebration of Pope Francis’ 78th birthday outside St Peter's Square at the Vatican on December 17. Several hundred people Vatican, which hosted direct talks to strengthen their bilateral gathered after the Holy Father’s general audience to dance the tango in an informal event organised on social media between US and Cuban officials. relations and promote the well- Pope Francis congratulated being of their respective citizens,” both governments for agreeing the statement said. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 10 PRAYER CAMPAIGN SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014

Knights hoping for a flowering of Faith IAN DUNN reports on the launch of the Knights of St Columba’s national prayer campaign for the family, backed by Archbishop Philip Tartaglia—president of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland—Archbishop Malcolm McMahon—ecclesiastical advisor to the order—and also by The Scottish Catholic Observer Campaign Both Archbishop Tartaglia (above left) and Archbishop HE Knights Of St Columba is launching in Blessed John Duns Scotus, Glasgow, will run McMahon (above right) have given their backing to a national campaign for Catholics to until the feast of St John Paul II in October 2015. The overall theme of the prayer campaign is: supreme knight Charlie McCluskey (above right and pray together throughout 2015, and the The order—whose members are organised into “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a left) and the rest of the Knights of St Columba in their SCO is giving the order its full backing. 32 provinces throughout Britain and the Channel stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not min- upcoming Spiritual Bouquet prayer campaign Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow Islands—will be holding similar services in each ister to your needs.” (Matthew 25.35-36) PICS: PAUL McSHERRY is also supporting the order’s ‘Spiritual Bouquet’ Province, to coincide with the launch in Glasgow. The theme for each of the 10 months will be: prayer campaign to urge its members and the wider “During these next 10 months we will be praying communityT to pray throughout 2015 for a return of for various intentions but with a single thread; that G JANUARY: WHEN DID I SEE YOU IN PRISON? family values in our country and for the protection we continue to live and offer a Lifetime of Faith In this month dedicated to the World Day of Peace, we do to ‘love our neighbour as ourselves?’ of life from conception to the grave ahead of the and call for the return of family values in our the theme is slavery. Let us consider all people 2015 General Synod on the Family next October. communities, with respect for life from conception who find themselves modern day slaves. Many G JULY: WHEN DID WE SEE YOU NAKED? Ahead of the campaign launch Mass on December to the grave,” Mr McCluskey added. “During this find themselves physically and sexually abused. As a new-born baby, we all come into the world 28, the president of the Bishops’ Conference of spiritual journey we ask you to participate by naked. Let us consider the babies who do not get Scotland said the order’s call for people to turn to praying as individuals, groups, or families for the G FEBRUARY: WHEN DID WE SEE YOU SICK? the chance, the ones that are aborted. In the month the power of prayer was ‘inspired and timely.’ intention of that month. The power of prayer is a In the month that has the feast day of Our Lady of of the feast of St Anne, the Mother of Our Lady, “I wish the Knights of St Columba every success wonderful thing and I believe that with the support Lourdes, we consider the sick. We think especially we implore all mothers and mothers-to-be to do with its inspired and timely Spiritual bouquet of the Holy Spirit, this bouquet of prayer and hope of the rights for life from cradle to grave, disabled what is right for their unborn child. prayer campaign,”Archbishop Tartaglia said. “When will send out a powerful message and that our rights, the fight against euthanasia and so on. we consider the challenges we face in life, in our country will again begin to put God back at the G AUGUST: DID WE SEE YOU IN THE YOUNG? society, especially in times of austerity and hardship, heart of our society.” G MARCH: WHEN DID WE SEE YOU THIRSTY? Children on school holidays, young adults leaving we are reminded of the real need to pray. Praying During Lent let us think of the people thirsting for education and starting their adult life—Do we together as a family, group or parish is a powerful Prayer bouquet God’s Word. As we lead up to the feast of Easter encourage and support the youth? Do we set them extension of personal prayer. It gives witness and A record of prayers, devotional acts or good deeds and see people Baptised and Confirmed into the an example? Do we see the good or the bad? is a form of evangelisation.” completed over the 10 month period of the campaign Catholic Church, what do we do to Evangelise? If Archbishop Malcolm McMahon of Liverpool— will be recorded in an electronic format in the KSC we are Godparents or confirmation sponsors what G SEPTEMBER: WHEN DID WE SEE YOU HUNGRY? the knights’ spiritual adviser—has also backed the website, to be collated in a bound book, which they support do we give? This month is the time we think of the harvest as campaign. intend to present to the hierarchy. 850 million people in the world do not have “Pope Francis has called on us to prepare for the The intention is to gather as families, community G APRIL: WHEN DID I SEE YOU A STRANGER? enough food to lead a healthy, active life. Food forthcoming Synod in October 2015 by prayer and groups or as individuals in prayer, worship, In the lead up to the general election, politicians banks are becoming more necessary. Do we consider reflection,” he said. “We are all very aware of the meditation and the Holy Rosary for particular will be discussing the subject of immigration. They the hungry when we eat? crisis which is affecting the family and the sanctity chosen intentions. A different intention has been will be trying to divide communities and stop less of life in our present time. Pray about the family selected for each month. fortunate people entering our countries. Because G OCTOBER: ST JOHN PAUL II and ask the Holy Spirit to know how to strengthen The order, the largest organisation for Catholic we can’t see them, does it mean we can ignore them? St John Paul II made marriage and family the heart marriage and family life. Above all, pray for your men in mainland Britain and the Channel Islands, of his concerns. As Pope, he went on to open the own families, that they may be strengthened in hopes that together with their local clergy, they can G MAY: WHEN DID WE NOT SPREAD YOUR WORD? Institute for the Study of Marriage and Family, love by the gift of God’s spirit.” enthuse their fellow parishioners to join with them May is the month dedicated to the ‘World Day of which is dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima. Society in this very worthwhile endeavour. Prayer for Vocations.’The need for priests is notable puts a lot of pressures on the modern family and Glasgow launch Those taking part should simply choose a form in most areas. Convents are becoming a rarity. the raising of children in the Faith is a constant Glasgow’s Charlie McCluskey, supreme knight of of prayer, devotional act or good deed and inform We need unselfish men and women to dedicate battle. They need our help and support. the Knights of St Columba, said the order invited the KSC on how you celebrated the moment. Your themselves to the religious life. ‘all Catholics to join together with members of the personal dedication will then be added to the I The SCO—as media partner for the prayer Order in a journey of faith as we embark on our collection. To see the full list of those participating, G JUNE: WHEN DID WE DIVIDE? campaign—will bring readers reports and Spiritual Bouquet on the Feast of the Holy Family.’ visit our website at where you can view the growing We are called to unite. Religion is being used to highlights of events throughout the campaign The campaign, which will be launched on Sunday, Spiritual Bouquet and have your own involvement divide and kill. Complete peace is not found in the Feast of the Holy Family, during 12 noon Mass recorded. Visit http://ksc.org.uk/ many places of the world. What small things do I [email protected] WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER COMMENT 11 There is cause for optimism, need for leadership, in 2015

to question every spending commit- Church must help people to discern ment which isn’t central to the core truth and to understand the purpose of business —of health and education. life. We must urge God’s children to BY MICHAEL Such fiscal prudence requires wise see how they can lead lives of holiness, MCGRATH leadership from those running our filled by God’s grace, even in the midst schools and hospitals, our councils and of family struggles. We must help peo- Government departments. Good deci- ple to understand how each of us can sions depend on the vision, the values embrace and deliver justice, love and HIS is the time of year and the integrity of those charged with peace—at home, at work and in society when we tend to review serving ‘the common good.’ at large. significant events from the Such leadership not only depends on year just ending and look n anticipating issues specific to bishops and priests but on individual forward to what may be Catholic education, I can see great parishioners, parents, teachers and lying ahead of us. Here I want to take cause for optimism in the year young people. Each of us must make the opportunity to look ahead to 2015, Iahead. We can already see the benefits our own contribution in whatever con- Twhere I can see reasons for hope as of work in our primary schools where text we find ourselves. well as reasons for concern—for our some excellent teaching, using ‘This Is Empowered by the Holy Spirit, country, for education and for Our Faith’, is enabling significant emboldened with the power to speak our Church. learning about so many aspects of our to people in their own language, we At a political level there are many faith. This should enable teachers to can become the ‘spirit-filled evange- uncertainties. In Scotland we don’t yet help young people at the transition lisers’ that Pope Francis calls us to be. know to what extent new devolved point into secondary school to deepen In the simple acts of kindness we powers will enable the Scottish Gov- their faith understanding and to show, in our concern for our neigh- ernment to bite into issues of injustice develop their personal relationship bours’ welfare, in our public witness and inequality in our society—poor with Jesus. level. From within our own commu- ments. There is potential for young to prayer and Sunday worship, we all health, poor housing, generational The embedding of the Caritas nity, parents, grandparents and people to be more involved in con- proclaim the Gospel to the world. Our unemployment, underachievement at Award in all our secondary schools teachers need to encourage young tributing to parish and diocesan life, if witness can be powerful and its school. The unpredictability surround- and the gradual introduction of the people to commit to a career in they are encouraged and supported impact on others can be beyond our ing the future configuration of the next Pope Francis Faith Award in primary teaching as one of the most fulfilling locally, through initiatives such as the own comprehension. Westminster Government compounds schools will promote the participation careers imaginable. Caritas Award and the Pope Francis And so, my prayer for 2015 is: the uncertainty over the direction of of young people in parish life. Faith Award. Almighty God, I praise you for the gift UK economy. Will we continue down If they are to be successful, such ini- ooking at the year ahead for our Again, the need for leadership is of life in its abundance this past year. the path of austerity, with increasing tiatives require the commitment of Church in Scotland, we might clear—in dioceses and parishes and I pray that your Holy Spirit will cuts in public services? How will this teachers, headteachers, parents and have concerns about dwindling among clergy and laypeople. We have inspire our Holy Father to lead your impact on Scottish funding for all the clergy. When all parties play their congregations,L closing parishes, a to focus on our core mission—to be Church with wisdom and to guide our services which are run by 32 councils? part, the outcomes will be assured; shortage of vocations and a lack of Church—for and with people, in the Bishops and our clergy in their vari- Being an optimist, I hope that the when one of the ‘partners’ is not com- finance. Nonetheless, there are signs midst of their lives. Now, this is not to ous responsibilities. Through Jesus old saying that ‘when the going gets mitted, success cannot be guaranteed. of new life springing up. We have confuse the Church’s mission with that Christ, your Son and my Lord, I pray tough, the tough get going’ might One particular concern in the year(s) (almost) a full quota of bishops for our of a social work department. Our priori- for the strength and the grace to com- come into play here. While no one ahead is that we urgently need teach- eight dioceses, with each bishop work- ties have to be clearly defined if we are mit my humble talents to the building wants to see cuts to budgets in health, ers in every part of the country. We ing hard to meet the pastoral needs of to build God’s kingdom—a kingdom of of your kingdom now and forever. education and so on, a shortage of need supply teachers, permanent his local diocese. We can see some truth and life, a kingdom of holiness Amen resources for public services should teachers and headteachers, as well as signs of new lay involvement in the and grace, a kingdom of justice, love cause us to review our priorities, to students on teacher education courses administration of some parishes and in and peace. In a world which is increas- I Michael McGrath is director of the commit money to what is essential and at undergraduate and postgraduate the birth of some new faith move- ingly complex and confused, the Scottish Catholic Education Service The combined small actions of many people can change history

ATTILA the Hun is still a something of that spirit in con- towards death. A recent case in medics and disability rights cam- household name even though fronting the leaders of European Belgium exposed the vulnerabil- paigners are against changing the most of us may be a bit short politics. In his addresses he diag- ity of those with depression or law. on the exact details of the war- JOHN nosed the European continent as mental illness. Tom Mortier was The Pope has said marvellous rior leader’s life that gave him having lost its fertility and vigour. devastated to be informed that his things about human dignity but to such lasting fame. DEIGHAN He compared it with a tree that mother had been euthanised. She make it a reality in society As the Roman Empire weak- withers if it does not have roots. has been suffering from depres- depends on the actions of those ened in the 5th century, the Huns He identified a multitude of social sion but her oncologist ended her who listen to his words. It can inspired fear in the citizens of today: “The Catholic Church is and economic ills yet it was a life without his knowledge. seem that a little effort here or Roman territory. Attila destroyed still confronting hostile kings with message of hope, encouraging Research also shows that many there cannot make a difference but cities at will as he expanded his the same spirit with which she Europe to build on its roots. This people are not being cared for by it is the combined small actions of territories. At last he came to confronted Attila. The number of he argued means promoting the ‘loved ones.’ The organisation many people that can change his- Rome itself but the city was ulti- her children is greater than in any dignity of the human person. The Action on Elder Abuse estimates tory. In the months ahead we each mately saved. An old, unarmed former age... She saw the com- human person needs to be the that more than 300,000 people are have the chance to add our small man went out to meet the advanc- mencement of all the govern- focus of concern he urged, noting victims of elder abuse, which voice to ensure that our laws con- ing army and called for peace, ments and of all the ecclesiastical that ‘there are still too many situ- makes the case of Kate Cheney tinue to protect the lives of all peo- urging Attila to show mercy. The establishments that now exist in ations in which human beings are particularly worrying. A psychia- ple. You may only have time to old man was of course Pope Leo the world... treated as objects … and who can Convention of Human Rights trist assessed that the elderly sign a petition or send an email to the Great andAttila is supposed to “She was great and respected then be discarded when no longer explicitly places a duty on gov- woman with dementia seemed to an MSP, or simply explain your have commented that whilst he before the Saxon had set foot on useful, due to weakness, illness or ernments to ensure its citizens’ be under pressure from her family concerns to a friend. In our small was strong enough to conquer Britain, before the Frank had old age.’ lives are not ended but prevailing to have assisted suicide. The fam- contributions we can respond to men, he was not strong enough to passed the Rhine, when Grecian This comment is a particularly attitudes have lost their horror at ily were able to go find another Pope Francis call that ‘the time conquer the Lion (Leo). eloquence still flourished at Anti- important reminder at this the prospect of assisted suicide doctor who had no concern and has come to work together in When I saw the buzz of world och, when idols were still wor- moment. Over the next three and euthanasia.Hard cases are cer- she was duly given a concoction building a Europe which revolves attention given to Pope Francis shipped in the temple of Mecca. months or so the Scottish Parlia- tainly used to win over people’s which killed her. And wherever not around the economy, but appearing before political leaders And she may still exist in undi- ment will consider whether to hearts and this can often prevent assisted suicide or euthanasia is around the sacredness of the at the institutions of the European minished vigour when some trav- legalise assisted suicide. Other serious analysis. introduced it grows. Numbers of human person, around inalienable Union and the Council of Europe, eller from New Zealand shall, in countries in Europe are already When thinking that they will be deaths grow and the pool of those values... A Europe which cares Attila was brought to mind the midst of a vast solitude, take well down that pathway and the supporting a law to allow loved eligible widens. In Switzerland for, defends and protects man, because of the great quote by Lord his stand on a broken arch of Lon- European institutions have been ones to help hasten a family mem- the majority of assisted suicides every man and woman.’ Macaulay, not a Catholic himself, don Bridge to sketch the ruins of largely unenthusiastic about stop- ber’s death, most are not aware are not for those suffering but just who had marvelled at the Church St Paul’s.” I John Deighan is the parliamen- ping the spread of this state-sanc- that they are putting vulnerable those who say they are tired of liv- tary officer for Scotland’s bishops. with words that still impress Pope Francis (right) evokes tioned killing. The European people at risk of being coerced ing. It is not surprising that most WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 12 COMMENT SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 Everything we want to do is possible I am excited about 2015 now upon realising the greatest limitations in our lives are often self-imposed

AVING written these believe we can do something then we columns now for over a are probably right and so therefore it year, I was a bit worried doesn’t get done. about repeating myself As I look around me, I daily see new until I realised two things. achievements being reached. I see peo- Firstly, who would notice? Secondly, ple overcoming fears, phobias, illnesses what’s wrong with repetition? Some- or disabilities to achieve personal bests timesH the important things in life are in speed or skill or strength. I see people worth repeating, and repeating often. So learning how to live again after illness I make no apologies for repeating the and tragedy. comments I made last year about New But I also often see people stagnate or Year resolutions. even regress in their lives. They get There is just something about the more afraid, they grow more weary and dawn of a new year, which, despite our- cautious, they lose whatever zest for life selves, makes us want to make changes. BY SR ROSEANN they may have had. They become cyni- This year, however, it’s been on my mind cal and sad, life disappoints them at that instead of making changes, instead REDDY every turn and, before they know it, they of trying new things, what I really want have developed some very destructive to do is to stop doing new things and attitudes and habits, which ultimately concentrate instead on the things I do “You never seem to have trouble eating, just bring them and those around them every day, only do them better. so why don’t you try and combine the further down. Welive in a world of constant change. two? Every time you go to eat, say a You know the kind of thing I mean. People, and especially our young peo- prayer beforehand.” When everything is pre-empted by say- ple, always seem to be looking for If I include snacking in this advice, ing such things as “I just can’t be both- something new to do, looking for the my prayer life has just increased mas- ered, what’s the point?” or “No, it’s too next new adventure, the next thing to sively (as have I!) Only joking: Com- far away, it’s too hot/cold/windy/rainy” follow. But maybe we could look into bining prayer and eating has lots of good etc. or “No, I don’t think I’d like it, I’ve our lives and ask ourselves where we knock-on effects. Morning prayer, then never tried it before but I’m not sure.” could do with a bit more order, a bit breakfast; prayer during the day, then I’m not talking about these as one-off more regularity—and then try our hard- lunch; afternoon prayer, then responses because we’re just too tired, est this year to make it happen, to dinner/supper/tea or whatever you call it or it is just too rainy or we really are not develop good habits that will endure for where you are, and, best of all, night up to a new adventure. The problem ever and prove fruitful in our lives and in prayer after a wee slice of toast and a arises when these attitudes become our the lives of others. cup of camomile before heading to bed default position, which they can so eas- So where to begin? I would suggest —not a bad way to structure your day. ily become. that the first and most important routine And, who knows? As time goes on we So perhaps as part of our planning we need to establish is in the life of may be able like St John the Baptist (Jn ahead for 2015 we could acknowledge prayer, which is at the heart of all I 3:30) to declare: “He must increase, and mended book I just feel overwhelmed getting on my nerves. Who knows? I an area of our life that, with just a little believe. My relationship with Christ I must decrease”—more prayer and less by the number of words, no matter how might even have learned a thing or two. bit of work, we could change for the bet- should always be at the heart of every- food—the P-Plan diet. few the pages. So here’s my plan. I’m One of the things I have learned over ter, and for good. Good habits are prob- thing I do. I heard an interesting story After prayer, what other areas would just going to start a good spiritual classic the years is that everything I want to do ably harder to fall into than bad ones but the other day, about a priest who went to benefit from more regular practice? and read it—one paragraph, then one is possible. I just need to make up my the rewards are worth striving for and his spiritual director and said ‘I’m hav- With me, it would definitely be spiritual page, then one chapter at a time—and mind to do it and then give it my best with perseverance they will remain with ing trouble praying’ to which his spiri- reading. I know I should do more, but before I know it, I will have read that shot. The greatest limitations in our lives us for ever. tual director responded by answering: every time I pick up a good recom- book that’s been sitting there for months are often self imposed. If we don’t I am quite excited about 2015 now.

The views expressed in the opinion What do you think of SR ROSEANN REDDY’S comments on FRESH STARTS? Send your points of pages of the SCO are those of view 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 The life of Jesus is an invitation to dance, a beautiful invitation

Gaudete, gaudete to humankind. As the Gospel the context of his life death and ment to everyone we interact with belief. Similarly, as we step into a Rejoice, rejoice, spread and faith communities resurrection. They remind us that at this time of the year. new year, it presents opportunities Christus est natus Fr Eddie developed, as well as celebrating the baby Jesus actually grew up If ever we needed a reminder for reflection. We may look back Christ is born the Resurrection of Jesus, the and lived and preached the Gospel, that time stands still for no one, and wonder but it is equally Ex Maria virgine, main feast of the faith communi- was betrayed, Crucified and raised before we have had time to draw important that we look forward Of the virgin Mary McGhee ties, the need to celebrate the birth from the dead. They offer a much breath, 2015 is upon us. What- with hope. This of course means Gaudete. of the Saviour became apparent. more holistic view of the role that ever difficulties we may have in that we have to recognise opportu- Rejoice. The darkest part of the year Jesus plays as he enters human his- keeping the focus during our nities when they present them- that Christmas is over but that he with all of its pre existing associa- tory than do many of the more Christmas celebrations New Year selves to us. THE WORDS of this Christmas promise of redemption has been tions became the new moment of modern carols which focus exclu- presents a different set of difficul- It means that as men and carol are first recorded in the Pie fulfilled in the person of Jesus. celebration. Over the centuries sively on his birth. ties. Late nights, endless booze women of faith we can not and Cantiones, a publication of 1582 The giving and receiving of gifts diverse ways of celebrating this Another of the great Medieval and lost days may seem like fun should not ever settle for ‘same of Finnish/Swedish origin. I won- reminds us of God’s gift to us in moment have become part of our carols is Tomorrow shall be my but, in the end, I wonder. Of old, same old.’ der what the 16th century publish- the person of Jesus. In this, the tradition. Today, the way that we dancing day. Capturing the same course we should celebrate New Jesus came among us to try ers would have made of the darkest part of the year, Christ the celebrate Christmas has become sense of joy that is inherent in Year. We have learned to record and stir us out of our lethargy. version of their carol that light has come into the world. something of a ‘hotch potch’ of Gaudete, this carol literally invites time and by recording time suc- Can we really rejoice? Why not? appeared, courtesy of ‘Steeley That is reason enough to rejoice differing and sometimes conflict- us to dance with joy at the gift of cessfully and accurately, we create Who knows what we may dis- Span’ in the British charts in and be glad. The first verse of the ing philosophies. Although most Jesus. Far from stopping in Beth- beginning points and end points. cover if we let ourselves go. It 1973. This rendition of the carol, carol is a further reminder of how of us complain about the commer- lehem it takes us on a prolonged These time moments have may raise a few eyebrows but the captures with its energy and tight fortunate we are to live in these cialisation of Christmas, almost journey through life, ministry and become important. In the 21st challenge of the gospel is to be harmony, the excitement of times. inevitably, we literally buy into it. death to resurrection. The life of century they have global signifi- different and to live differently. Christmas, the tradition of Christ- Strip the tinsel and wrapping Jesus is an invitation to dance. cance as we watch fireworks on Unfortunately, for so long, men mas with both its deep sense of Tempus ad est gratiae away and still at the core for men Such a beautiful invitation. Many Sidney Harbour Bridge explode and women of faith have not been joy and of hope. This is the time of grace and women of faith, we have the of us watch Strictly Come Danc- hours before the chimes of Big seen as people of joy, quite the Often it is said that Christmas is Hoc quod optabamus celebration of the Birth of Jesus. ing on TV. We are amazed at the Ben announce 2015 for us here in opposite. a time for children and of course it That we have longed for The challenge for all of us is to level of performance that it is pos- Scotland. Celebrations present us Perhaps 2015 is the year. is. Christmas is also a time for Carmina laetitiae give priority to the essentials of sible to achieve with some hard with opportunities. The celebra- Gaudete! Rejoice! Dance! Make those of us who have left child- Songs of joy Christmas. We need to remember work. Perhaps this television pro- tion of Christmas presents us with this year the year of transforma- hood behind, perhaps many years Devote redamus. that Christmas is a beginning and gramme is a metaphor for us at opportunities to put Christ firmly tion. I wish you deep happiness since. Once the frantic dash We sing with devotion not an end. this Christmas time. We are chal- on the agenda of the celebration. and endless joy at this blessed towards Christmas day is over The wonderful thing about lenged to commit to the joy of If we achieve this, far from killing time. there is time for us to pause, time Celebration at the time of the Medieval Christmas carols was being alive in faith and bring the the joy of the celebration, it for us to rejoice, to be glad, not winter solstice was no new thing that they put the Birth of Jesus in joy and energy of that commit- should become enriched beyond I [email protected] WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER COMMENT 13 God’s forgiveness is From Nativity to Crucification conditional on our JOE McGRATH finds himself on the 12th Station of the Cross this Christmas genuine repentance

most basic, is a complex religion. The sole, proven method of forming good Catholics is to teach very young children, in the home, simple prayers and religious pre- cepts. That should be followed by intensive teaching of the catechism at school, in a truly Catholic atmos- phere, reinforced in adult life by doctrinally rich sermons at Mass on Sundays. For generations, that was the nor- mal curriculum for Catholics, guid- ing them on the journey from Baptism to salvation. How many JOE McGRATH’S BY GERARD present-day Catholics recognise that experience? How much Catechesis STATION 12 WARNER is taught in Catholic schools? How many traditional devotions—the Rosary (especially said together by THERE is a passage in families), novenas, Benediction and N THE way of the Cross we Brideshead Revisited, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, have been following the that novel of literary prayer to saints whose patronage is genius and acute relevant to one’s own problem—are progress and suffering of Jesus Catholic consciousness practised today? as he made his way through by Evelyn Waugh, in which the Do priestly sermons recall and Jerusalem to Calvary. We have non-Catholic Charles Ryder reinforce Catholic doctrines? In a been looking at each situation to discover remarksT of Catholics: “They seem sex-obsessed age, do they remind what messages are contained there for us. just like other people.” congregations of the obligation to cultivate chastity, of the prohibition This Christmas we reach his Crucificion, To this his Catholic friend O Sebastian Flyte responds: “My on artificial contraception? Do they ahead of the Lenten period. dear Charles, that’s exactly what transmit the message of Our Lady of In this station we come to the death of they’re not… they’ve got an Fatima, requiring prayer and Jesus. It is a scene of loss and sadness. It is entirely different outlook on life; penance? Or are they mushy, feel- also one of relief that his suffering has come everything they think important is good confections of no doctrinal value? When did a Catholic priest to an end. His suffering has put our own pain different from other people. They last articulate from the pulpit the into perspective. Is that what this station is try and hide it as much as they can, term ‘mortal sin,’ crucial to pursuing about, relief that it is all over? but it comes out all the time.” salvation? Those lines were written 70 The pews and confessional boxes After all his suffering it comes as no sur- years ago. They spoke eloquently prise to us that Jesus dies. It did come as a are emptier; many Catholics have to Catholics reading them then, abandoned Sunday Mass; there is surprise to Pontius Pilate. As we will see who appreciated Waugh’s succinct widespread ignorance of even the later, he thought the death would have come description of their daily reality. most basic Catholic doctrine. A ludi- much later. It is worth looking at how the They did have ‘an entirely differ- crous notion has crept in that if suf- Cross kills. Death on the Cross was a slow ent outlook on life.’ Everything ficient people commit a certain sin, process. The victim is suspended by his arms they thought important was indeed that is a kind of referendum, legit- with his legs helping to support his weight. different from other people. But imising conduct loathsome to God. mandment of the Law?’ Jesus said, ‘You into a burning building when everyone is does the same apply today? This was particularly evident in the The effect of this was to restrict his breathing must love the Lord your God with all your running out? These are special people Do Catholics still have an run-up to the recent Synod, when a and as he tired more pressure on his breath- heart, with all your soul, and with all your indeed. entirely different set of priorities survey exposing the massive level of ing would eventually kill him. This was a mind. This is the greatest and the first com- We have example of priests and religious from the pagan world around apostasy around the world was slow tortuous process intended to inflict a mandment. The second resembles it: You who give up a normal family life in the serv- them? Are the things that are regarded by a revolutionary clique as great deal of suffering. must love your neighbour as yourself. On ice of the rest of us. What does that mean for important to them different? Does a mandate to approve adulterous sec- ond marriages and other aberrations. The crowd has gathered to watch the spec- these two commandments hang the whole us? In marriage we must live not only with the consciousness that the sole, overarching purpose of their tran- It is now fashionable to speak of tacle. Many laugh and jeer. We might find Law, and the Prophets also.’ (Matthew 34: each other but for each other. Our lives are sient presence in this world is to unrepentant public sinners as having this hard to understand but it is worth 34, 40. put at the service of our spouse and our chil- save their souls, and to promote to been ‘abandoned’or ‘rejected’by the remembering that public executions in this Now in his Crucifixion Jesus is revising dren. Jesus dies on the cross. Our cross is to the utmost of their ability the sal- Church when the reality is that they country only ended in the UK with the exe- that teaching. He goes much further. Jesus live for others, not too much to ask in com- vation of others, still dominate have spurned the Mystical Body of cution of Michael Barrett on the May 26 dies on the Cross to save each of us. In doing parison. their lives? Or has that Catholic Christ in order to indulge their vari- consciousness been supplanted by ous appetites. The Church is not a 1868 outside Newgate prison. In the case of so He demonstrates a love for us which is Now you might be thinking that this arti- political party guided by focus Jesus the crowd did not understand who He greater than love for himself. I think this is cle is a bit serious for a Christmas edition of the materialist and hedonist preoc- cupations of the aggressively sec- groups or composing a manifesto cal- really was. When He cried out he was the most significant message Jesus gives us the paper. Surely we should be thinking of culated to appeal to the greatest pos- ularist society they inhabit? Has sible number. Its duty is to proclaim offered vinegar to drink, probably vinegar in his last act. The message is clear: Jesus’ happier things at Christmas? Well, I think it the legitimate, moderate con- and water as a way of hydrating Him and the immutable laws of God. sacrifice was to complete the Father’s plan is a fitting topic and I’ll tell you why. formism (‘They try and hide it as While unapologetic sinners in the keeping him alive to extend the suffering. for us. He demonstrated his love for the At Christmas we are celebrating the birth much as they can’) recorded by West speak about their ‘hurt’ How did Jesus behave in His suffering? Father and his love for us. If we are to take of Jesus. A child’s birth is always a cause for Waugh in 1944—an attempt sim- because the Church will not approve He continued to teach us how to live. There up our cross as Jesus instructs us then we great celebration. But, this birth is different. ply to avoid appearing eccentric or their behaviour, in the developing were two thieves Crucified beside Him. To must love God and love our neighbour more Jesus brings joy, not only to the family and weird and thus repelling potential world Catholics submit to beheading converts—degenerated into a slav- the thief who confessed his guilt and asked than we love ourselves. those around but He brings joy for all by Muslim jihadists rather than deny ish embrace of secularism? their faith. They have taken up their to be remembered He promised paradise. Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone mankind. This birth is more important than There are still many admirable Cross, as Our Lord bade us all do, Before giving up his spirit he asked the wants to be a follower of mine, let him any other because it is the beginning of the Catholic families and individuals and followed him. Father to forgive his tormentors. There is a renounce himself and take up his cross and process of our redemption. Jesus has come, of whom that is not true. Increas- In the affluent West, self-pro- powerful message for us there. How easy is follow me. For anyone who wants to save not only to let mankind experience the pres- ingly, though, they are the excep- fessed Catholics whose lifestyles are it to forgive those who we think have his life will lose it; but anyone who loses ence of God among us but to teach us how to tions that prove the rule. The past indistinguishable from their pagan slighted us or hurt us? Yet here is Jesus for- his life for my sake will find it.’ (Matthew live with each other and to open Heaven half century has witnessed a neighbours demand, in effect, the deplorable falling away of Catech- abolition of sin. giving not only criminals but the very people 26: 24, 25) for us. esis, doctrinal knowledge, aware- There is much talk of ‘mercy,’ but who have tortured and put him to death. Does this mean we must all be martyrs if The Nativity and the Crucifixion are the ness of sin and proper cultivation God’s mercy is conditional on Pilate orders the victims’ legs to be broken we are to be true Christians? That is too sim- beginning and end of Jesus’ time on earth. of religious devotion. Pupils need repentance. To tell sinners—which to hasten their death as it was almost plistic. It really means that our neighbour’s Without the Nativity there could be no salva- to be grounded in the Faith in the we all are—otherwise would be home, the school or the parish utterly merciless, since it would con- Passover. Breaking the legs of the victims needs are not to be put aside until we have tion and without Calvary the Nativity would firm them on the path to damnation. meant they could not support their weight completely satisfied all our own needs. We be insignificant. While we are enjoying our church. Catholicism, even at its and the whole weight would act to restrict can’t put off helping the hungry until we Christmas celebrations and visiting the child their breathing. The soldiers reported that have had our lavish Christmas dinner. We in the manger let us remember that this child What do you think of Jesus had already died, much to the surprise might have to put off buying those nice came to change the world. His coming is a The views of Pilate. Jesus was not to be ruled by death shoes we saw in the shop window and threat to many and a promise of salvation for GERARLD WARNER’S expressed in the He was about to conquer death. At His death spend the money on helping the victims of all. He presents us with a choice; indulge opinion pages of Jesus has now left His human condition, His Ebola virus. comments on SIN? Send yourself in the pleasures of this world or join the SCO are work done. What was His final message We can find lots of examples of people with me in changing the world for ever. to us? who put the needs of others before them- It is tempting to just sing the carols, send your points of view to the those of Jesus had already taught His followers that selves. The medical staff who travelled to the cards and wish each other ‘Happy Christ- SCO. Write to Letters, SCO, informed individ- the commandments could be summarised in West Africa to treat Ebola victims, risking mas.’ It is surely a time for great joy and cel- uals and groups two simple commandments. their own lives, come to mind immediately. ebration. We will all be giving and receiving 19 Waterloo St, Glasgow G2 and not But when the Pharisees heard that he had Think of others whose lives are put at risk gifts but are we prepared to go further and 6BT or e-mail necessarily silenced the Sadducees they got together and for the wellbeing of others. I recall watching take up Christ’s challenge and give up our those of the to disconcert him, one of them put a ques- a fire engine racing towards a block of flats lives? [email protected] newspaper or tion, ‘Master, which is the greatest com- and thinking, what kind of person will run Happy Christmas. the Church WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 14 SCIAF 50TH CALENDAR SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH

JANUARY the start of the charity’s 50th MARCH have the opportunity to meet Pope Francis blesses the anniversary year. The Bless- A woman farmer from a woman farmer from Africa work of SCIAF. ing praises SCIAF’s ‘signifi- Africa. and find out more about the SCIAF is honoured to have cant’ work with the poor and A farmer who has changed people behind the WEE BOX received a Papal Blessing thanks everyone involved. her life with SCIAF’s help appeal. from the Holy Father to mark will visit schools and parishes across Scotland to share her MARCH story and thank you for the SCIAF at Lentfest. help she’s received. A family workshop will bring together crafts and campaign- MARCH 15 ing, looking at climate change SCIAF Sunday. and how we can all take Volunteers, staff and guests action will speak at Masses around Scotland to thank you for sup- porting the WEE BOX appeal.

FEBRUARY 4 Congo, a short video reflec- MARCH Westminster Reception. tion and an exhibition on WEE BOX Unwrapped Scottish MPs mark SCIAF’s SCIAF’s history. supporter event at SCIAF. 50th anniversary year with a Supporters and volunteers Parliamentary reception spon- FEBRUARY 12 sored by Tom Clarke MP Diocesan Mass in St Mirin’s which highlights the charity’s Cathedral, Paisley, 7pm. work and achievements. Bishop John Keenan will cel- ebrate Mass for SCIAF sup- FEBRUARY 8 porters and volunteers in National Mass in St Paisley Diocese. Columbkille’s Parish in SCIAF: 50 YEARS OF Rutherglen 12 noon. FEBRUARY 18 Bishop Joseph Toal will begin WEE BOX Lent appeal his term as SCIAF’s new launched GOD’S LOVE TO THE Bishop President, leading a This year’s Wee Box Twice celebratory Mass in the parish as Big Lent appeal will focus where SCIAF first started in on SCIAF’s work to help SCIAF DIRECTOR ALISTAIR DUTTON offers 1965. women farmers in Africa. a snapshot of the 50th anniversary The order of service will Every £1 you give will be include hymns from India and doubled by the UK Govern- of the charity in the year ahead the Democratic Republic of ment. and how you can become involved

WITH your support, over the In my work within the Caritas last 50 years we’ve given mil- family I’ve travelled to many poor lions of families a better countries to see the difference your chance in life and hope for the donations have made. Working JULY AUGUST future. together, we’ve reached out to As we look back we see the some of the most vulnerable of our enormous difference the Scottish sisters and brothers – people rav- JULY 2 Catholic community has made to aged by hunger, extreme poverty, celebrate Mass for the lives of some of the poorest war, disease and natural disasters - Mass in St Andrew’s parishioners in Dunkeld people in Africa,Asia and Latin and helped them to transform their Cathedral, Dundee, 7pm Diocese to mark SCIAF’s America. Everyone can be very lives with a hand up, and not just a Bishop Stephen Robson will 50th year. proud of the part they’ve played in hand out. the Church’s mission to create a Giving seeds, farm tools, training more just world. It’s impossible to and small loans to many thousands count the number of people whose of poor families has helped them to lives have been touched by the work their way out of poverty and generosity of Scottish schoolchild- create a better future for them- ren, parishioners and the public. selves. In times of natural disas-

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER Reception. SCIAF Ceilidhs in SCIAF’s campaigns work Edinburgh, Glasgow and which addresses the causes of across Scotland. global poverty will provide SCIAF is running ceilidhs in the focus for a planned special Glasgow and Edinburgh to event at the Scottish Parlia- bring supporters together to ment for MSPs, the media mark its anniversary year and and supporters. raise money for its life-chang- ing work. Parishes across Scotland are also being encouraged to organise SCIAF ceilidhs throughout the month. AUGUST hosting your own Lauriston Hall, Edinburgh - Why not keep parish or group Saturday 5th September, 7pm golden jubilee fundraising event St Peter’s Church Hall, Glas- efforts going by for SCIAF? gow - Saturday 19th Septem- ber, 7pm. SEPTEMBER Scottish Parliamentary

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER SCIAF 50TH CALENDAR 15 APRIL MAY JUNE

APRIL 30 A celebratory Mass for MAY 1-30 est campaign action to combat Diocesan Mass in St SCIAF supporters and volun- Cycling Pplgrimage. climate change. Andrew’s Cathedral in teers across the Archdiocese SCIAF’s new director will be Glasgow, 7pm. of Glasgow.. getting on his bike in May to MAY 1-30 lead a cycling pilgrimage Last day to double your across Scotland. Alistair Dut- 2015 Wee Box donation. ton will be dropping in at The UK government will schools and parishes in each double every £1 given to the diocese to meet the charity’s Wee Box Twice appeal by this supporters, share stories from date. the people you’ve helped over the years, and promote the lat-

HELPING TO SHOW JUNE 14 Cathedral in Aberdeen, Diocesan Mass in St Mary’s noon. Cathedral in Edinburgh, Bishop Hugh Gilbert will lead DEVELOPING WORLD 3pm. a Mass to mark SCIAF’s Archbishop Leo Cushley will anniversary in Aberdeen Dio- ters and war such as the famines so they can adapt and support celebrate Mass for SCIAF cese, Aberdeen.. supporters and volunteers in in Biafra in 1968, Ethiopia in the themselves in the future. JUNE 1980s, to the Asian tsunami of Sadly, as we start our 50th St Andrews and Edinburgh 2004, the earthquake in Haiti in anniversary year, much work still the Archdiocese. SCIAF floral display in Victoria Park, Glasgow (a 2010, the super-cyclone in the remains before everyone in our JUNE 27 Philippines in 2013, and conflicts in world can reach their full potential, colourful display like the Sudan (Darfur and in the south), live with dignity, and live life to the Diocesan Mass in St Mary’s one seen above) and more recently, Syria, we’ve full. That’s why in 2015 we won’t walked alongside the people in the be celebrating. Instead, we want to worst of times, and helped them to give thanks to everyone who has survive and develop their dreams supported us, reflect upon the mil- for a brighter future. lions of lives changed so far, and Our campaigns in Scotland have look ahead to how we can work also helped to change lives. Your together to fully realise the NOVEMBER DECEMBER role in movements such as the Church’s mission of creating a Jubilee 2000 campaign and Make more just world for all. We’re hav- Poverty History in 2005 led to the ing a number of Masses and other NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 16 cancellation of huge debts held by events where we hope you—the Remembrance Mass for St Margaret of Scotland many poor countries and a massive SCIAF family—will join us. increase in international aid to help Please do. deceased benefactors. Feast Day developing nations support their With the leadership of the Holy The annual Mass to remem- The annual Mass to remem- people. More recently, your action Father Pope Francis, the guidance ber the charity’s supporters ber the charity’s supporters helped to secure world-leading cli- of our Bishops and clergy in Scot- who have passed away and who have passed away and mate change legislation in Scot- land, and with your support, we who, through their support of who, through their support of land and a new Climate Justice won’t stop our work while people SCIAF, showed a true com- SCIAF, showed a true com- Fund which helps people already in poor countries need our help. mitment to the Gospel call for mitment to the Gospel call for affected by our changing weather Thank you. a just world. a just world.

OCTOBER

OCTOBER Observer, and to send the Time to get the details and proceeds you raised to photographs of your own SCIAF at 19 Park Circus, SCIAF golden jubilee events Glasgow, Glasgow, to The Scottish Catholic G3 6BE.

DECEMBER round, not just during Lent SUPPORT THROUGH and appeals. Why not round ADVENT. off SCIAF’s jubilee year by Remember, SCIAF needs being extra generous this your help and support all year Advent.

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 16 THAT’S LIFE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 I will be guided by Pope Francis in 2015 We all have a tendency to indulge and kick back over Christmas, THAT’S LIFE, but the New Year offers fresh possibilities

a hormonal expectant wife or a needy new-born Himself can make a mean Christmas dinner. These days we all pitch in but the planning is down to me. And when the Christmas dinner is served I By Mary sign off shift. In those mellow, lazy days of the fast-fading McGinty year I allow myself to take stock and to contem- plate my failings of the previous months. The new year heralds a new, improved me. The better ver- HE excesses of the Christmas season sion of myself is soon to be revealed. soon make their mark and not just on Settled on the sofa I turn my attention to my list the waistline. When I down tools a cou- of possible New Year’s resolutions. It never runs to ple of days before Christmas I put all less than two sides of an A4. The only problem is thoughts of work away until the baby that what I am capable of in creativity I lack in of the family has celebrated her birthday in self-discipline. Exercising more and eating less are early January. among my failed New Year’s resolutions. Some TDon’t get me started on that one. Not that I’m years just staying sane is a challenge enough. for the gentleman’s family, you understand. But, This year I have made one meaningful resolu- seriously, you wouldn’t plan to have a baby on the tion and I plan to keep to it: To be guided in my fourth of January. Every year I’m all-partied-out, lying almost comatose on the couch watching an I turn my attention to old Columbo film and I have to traipse to the shops my list of possible New which, by the way, have hardly a morsel of fresh Year’s resolutions.... The produce. The birthday girl must have her party and I must rise to the challenge. But that’s another only problem is that leaders have joined with the Holy Father in a coali- Pope Francis and other faith leaders attend a December 2 story for another time. Back to my lazy days of the what I am capable of in tion signing the joint declaration against world ceremony at the Vatican in observance of the UN Day for Christmas hols. creativity I lack in slavery which aims to eradicate world slavery the Abolition of Slavery It goes back to when the children were at school self-discipline. by 2020. and Advent was a blur of frenetic activity. Carol Modern slavery is defined as human trafficking, concerts, nativity plays and delivering them suit- “ forced labour and prostitution, organ trafficking and love.’ ably attired to their various parties dominated my prayer and actions by the Pope and his intentions. and ‘any relationship that fails to respect the fun- He told governments and organisations to diary. And even long after they had wisened up to I keep up with all the news coming from the Vati- damental conviction that all people are equal and increase their efforts to halt human trafficking and Santa’s status the preparation for his arrival took can but I confess that some days it’s more of a cur- have the same freedom and dignity, is a crime modern day slavery. But he also said that ‘every up a fair chunk of my time. sory glance than in depth consideration. against humanity.’ person ought to have the awareness that Traditionally I have indulged myself with a full Recently I have been very moved by Pope Fran- In his message for World Day of Peace on Jan- purchasing is always a moral and not simply an fortnight’s holiday. With due respect to all dads, in cis’ words on human trafficking. Fortunately this uary 1 Pope Francis speaks of ‘the scourge of economic act.’ my experience, it’s the mammies that run the crime against humanity has become the subject” of man’s exploitation by man which inhibits the We should fell challenged when we are tempted Christmas show. On account of all the years with a concerted effort in which 12 other world faith growth of relationships marked by respect, justice to buy items that may have been produced by

Last year, 888 children were on the child protection register because of domestic abuse at home. Many more will be experiencing violence in the home that nobody knows about.

Every day CHILDREN 1ST supports many children just like Rory to a safer and happier childhood.

With your help we can reach out and be there for even more vulnerable children across Scotland.

Please text the word ACT to 70444 (this will make a £5 donation to CHILDREN 1ST)*

Or visit www.children1st.org.uk/donate-now

*Text costs £5.00 plus network charge. CHILDREN 1ST receives 100% of your donation. Obtain bill payers permission. Customer care 08448479800. Registered Scottish Charity No SC016092 **Image posed by model. FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER COMMENT 17 Support for SCIAF makes a difference

buildings completely flattened. Those who survived help them recover in the long term. This included had started to venture back to the coastal areas, working with survivors to build permanent homes, looking for loved ones and sifting through the helping them get back to work and earn a much wreckage for their personal belongings. Personal needed income to provide for their families, as effects such as wedding photographs, clothes and well as supporting children to go back to school. furniture were laid to waste for all to see. I was there as part of a Caritas delegation sent to n early December I had the good fortune to return set up the Catholic Church’s emergency response to Sri Lanka, to meet many of the survivors and on the east coast of Sri Lanka. As always in these colleagues I’d worked with at the time, and also situations the local people had been first to respond Iwitness the way the people and country had moved and local Church volunteers were already cooking on. I met Malar and Michael who had both lost hot meals for survivors and giving out essentials their spouses in the tsunami. They had gone on to like clothes, water and soap. marry and I felt very lucky to visit their home, one Our main focus was to build on the work that was we had helped to build, in time to celebrate the first already happening and get people into temporary birthday of their beautiful daughter. I met many BY ALISTAIR DUTTON shelters so they could at least feel warm, dry and others who were still benefitting from the permanent secure. Between us, and working alongside many and more resilient housing that we had helped to build. other organisations, the Caritas family, including It is not possible to fully remove the heartache LANDED in Sri Lanka on January 1, 2005, SCIAF,set about building 30,000 temporary shelters. and pain of losing loved ones and experiencing a just seven days after the Boxing Day These modest little huts were made up of a small disaster on this scale, but my time in Sri Lanka Tsunami smashed into coastlines across Asia, bedroom and living area with a roof made of local gave me hope. With the love and support of people leaving 230,000 people dead and millions slate to keep the sun and rain out. We provided the in Scotland and around the world, the work of homeless, grieving and in need of immediate materials, largely sourced locally, and the survivors SCIAF and the Caritas family really does help help. themselves put the shelters together. Many local people not only to survive in the short term but to St Stephen’s Day in 2004 had started like any people volunteered to help us deliver aid to those prosper and heal physically, spiritually and other.I No doubt many of us were recovering from who needed it most in those early days. emotionally in the long-term. In many cases, we the excesses of Christmas Day. News then broke of All of this work was only possible due to the have helped people like Malar and Michael to the massive 8.9 earthquake off the coast of western extreme generosity of people in Scotland and build back better and have a more prosperous and Indonesia and the massive waves which had swept around the world. The response from the public hopeful future for themselves and their families. across its coast together with others including was bigger than any disaster before or since, with This is something you, and all who supported India and Sri Lanka. SCIAF alone receiving £2.7million. This cash not SCIAF’s response, should be very proud of this St As I entered the disaster zone it was clear that only helped us to provide food, water, clothes and Stephen’s Day. the tsunami had left a trail of complete destruction temporary shelters in the immediate aftermath, it in its wake. Trees had been snapped in half and meant we were able to stay with the people and I Alistair Dutton is the director of SCIAF We need light and hope for the future of the Church

By Hugh Dougherty Scotland as its membership, like sorrows that we bear as a and parishes. Let’s have that New I What do you think of HUGH of view to the SCO. Write to Letters, ours, mostly in the 60 plus age generation of disappointed parents. Year’s resolution to tackle our DOUGHERTY’S comments on our SCO, 19 Waterloo St, Glasgow G2 LL too soon it’s group, dies out, and, like us, That is why there will be no falling numbers. And adopt it now. Church’s future? Send your points 6BT or e-mail [email protected] New Year. Christmas presenting the secularists with an one to fill the gap when older is over. The Bells open goal as they argue from a Catholics fade away. You can are by for another factual base that fewer and fewer blame the 1960s generation, year, and a bleak, are Church members. which rejected order getting its cold and dark January stretches comeuppance. But, it has to be ahead. ithout re-opening old said that the Church didn’t ABut, look beyond the month wounds, it has to be exactly help, with sin and the that always seems to last longer said that in the two concept of personal responsibility than any other, and there are Wyears since the resignation of being pushed off its teaching better times ahead. Daylight Cardinal Keith O’Brien, an issue agenda and replaced by the fash- lengthens and, with it, the to which we have had no definitive ionable notion that God loves us realisation that the light will conclusion, our Church has all and will forgive anything and continue to strengthen as a hardly flourished. The reality is everything. harbinger of the new life of one of ageing congregations, and What I don’t think He’ll ST ALOYSIUS’ COLLEGE spring itself. ageing priests on whom increas- forgive is our inertia as a Church And that’s what we, as the ing burdens are being placed, and in denial about the gravity of its BORN FOR GREATER THINGS Catholic Church in Scotland, a continuing drop-off of in Mass situation in Scotland. Even if the need to do this New Year. We attendance. scandals of the past few years need to look forward to better My own parish in Glasgow is a had not happened, we would still times, to a revival in Church good example. We’ve been mem- be where we are, and that is in fortunes and a return to Scotland bers since 1975 when we mar- decline, and, worse, without any being a nation of faith and ried, and, in those days, three plans coming forward to reverse prayer, rather than, as we’ve been priests were in residence and that decline which, as the doing for several years now, around 2500 attended Sunday Moderator, is now saying, is not treading water. Mass regularly. Forty years on, inevitable. That’s why it was tremendously despite the parish still being encouraging to read that the vibrant and busy in today’s terms, hat’s why it’s good to hear Moderator of the Church of the last Mass census showed just that the Knights of St Scotland, the Right Reverend shy of 1000 Saturday Vigil and Columba are coming forward John Chalmers, set his church a Sunday Mass attenders, with one withT a campaign to promote family target to attract 100,000 new parish priest and one deacon prayer once again, a custom that members by 2025. looking after the parish. has all but died out. (See page 10) Writing in the Kirk’s journal, What is notable is that this drive Life and Work, the moderator he picture is much bleaker is coming from a lay organisation said he was fed up reporting that elsewhere, but, look round within the Church, and not from Church of Scotland membership our church and take out the our board of management, the www.staloysius.org was in freefall. Now, with a target, peopleT of my age group, the Scottish Bishops Conference. and, he said, using the latest ageing baby boomers of the My plea to our bishops is to social media methods, the drive 1950s. Imagine it without us in follow the Moderator’s APPLY NOW FOR 2015-16 was on to reverse the decline. 20 years or so, and there will be example, and put in place a drive Good on him for a first class few parishioners left. for recovery. We have new and New Year resolution. If we, now as parents of talented people in post, and it ENTRANCE ASSESSMENT Now, we in the Catholic grown-up children, and many of would be a shame if they were to P2 - S2: Saturday, 24th January, 2015. 9.30am Church, should take our lead us, as grandparents, stop to chat be ground down by the drudgery from him, set a target to win after Mass, we can all point to at of managing rationalisation, P1: w/c Monday, 19th January, 2015 back the lapsed and attract the least one of our children who has without making a bold attempt, KG2: w/c Monday, 26th January, 2015 unchurched, and look to a left the Church, not had their like the Kirk, at reversing the growing Church. children Baptised, is living in sin, very need for that rationalisation. KG1: w/c Monday 27th April, 2015 The Kirk is realistic about its attends Mass only for hatches, Just as we need light at this 45 Hill St, Glasgow G3 6RJ Tel: 0141 332 3190 Email: [email protected] predicament, for its leadership matches and despatches, or any time of year, we need light and sees it as a declining influence in number of combinations of these hope for the future of our Church Company Limited by Guarantee No. SC405951. Registered Charity No. SCO42545 18 GÀIDHLIG SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 ‘Cuireamaid Fàilte air Luchd In-Imrich’

In his Gaelic column this month, ANDREAS WOLFF gives an insight GÀIDHLIG into his recent visit to the Brandenburg Gate and his recollections of when the Berlin Wall came tumbling down some 25 years ago

IREACH mun àm seo fhèin o chionn 25 bliadhna ha mi air ais aig Geata Bhrandenburg o chionn ghoirid air an dh’fhosgail Geata Bhrandenburg ann am Berlin. Bha là dar a chaidh a chomharrachadh gu h-oifigeil mar a thuit am am balla a bha air an dà Ghearmailt a sgaradh ann an balla 25 bliadhna air ais. Bha Michail Gorbatchev an làthair dà leth air tuiteam gu poileatagach beagan sheachdainean Bcuideachd – am fear a thòisich na h-atharraichidhean poileatagach. ro na seo. Ach thug e greiseag cuidhteas fhaotainn dhen Thug e rabhadh seachad ro chogadh fuair eile agus e dhen bheachd bhalla fiosacach. An toiseach dh’fhosgail na stèiseanan a bh’ ann nach robh e na chuideachadh mar a làimhsich an t-Aonadh Eòrpach roimhe leithid Checkpoint Charlie dhan a h-uile duine. An uair sin suidheachadh na h-Ucràin. Aig Aifhreann ann am Berlin air an là sin chaidhD barrachd dhiubh a thogail agus dìreach beagan làithean ro àm rinn an sagart coimeas eadar balla Bherlin agus sgaraidhean a tha na Nollaig 1989 stèidhichear àite air beulaibh a’ gheata ainmeil sin. eadar sluaghan san là an-diugh fhathast. Chur e ris gum feum sinn fàilte Bha mise an làthair air an là ud agus tha na deòir fhathast a’tighinn a cheart cho bhlàth a chur ro luchd in-imrich san là an-diugh is a chuir dha na sùilean agam a’ cuimhneachadh mar a thog crann pìosan dhen muinntir na Gearmailt an Iar orrasan a thàinig thuca bhon taobh an Ear. bhalla air falbh agus daoine ag èigheachd le aoibhneas. Cha robh Thachair mi ri caraidean a bha san sgoil còmhla rium o chionn duine a’ sealltainn ris na ceadan-siubhail againn air an là sin leis gun ghoirid. Bha cuid aca air an gnothach a dhèanamh air a’ Ghearmailt robh na h-uidhir a dhaoine ag iarraidh a dhol gach taobh. Bha mi an Ear fhàgail. Cha b’ e slìghe fhurasta a bh’ ann dìreach mar nach dìreach air ceum a ghabhail a Bherlin an Ear dar a thàinig boireannach eil slìghe nam fògarrach san là an-diugh furasta. Bha iad air cead òg thugam is thug i pòg dhomh. Thachair a leithid gu bitheanta sna iarraidh bho na h-ughdarrasan falbh. Chaidh an tagradh aca a dhiùl- làithean ud, ged nach e rud a th’ann a nì Gearmailtich gu h-àbhaisteach. tadh iomadach turas. Dar a chaidh gabhail ris mu dheireadh thall Chaidh mi fhìn agus caraid dhomh suas prìomh sràid Bherlin an chaill iad cothroman ionnsachaidh, cothroman obrach agus a leithid Ear, Unter den Linden. Bha luchd-comunach Frangach nan seasamh agus bhiodh aca ri feitheamh. Là brèagha a choireigin gheibheadh air beulaibh Oilthigh Humboldt a’ feuchainn ri ar n-iompachadh. iad brath gun robh aca ri falbh taobh a-staigh 24 uairean le dìreach Cha b’ urrainn dhomh ach gàire a dhèanamh agus thuirt mi riutha màileid nan làimh. Gu leòr dhe na fògarraich a tha a’ tighinn dhan gun do thagh iad an là ceàrr – là air an robh a’ mhòr chuid againn a’ Roinn Eòrpa san là an-diugh chan eil fiù’s sin aca. dèanamh gàirdeachas gun robh sinn air cùl a chur ri comunachd. Sin e bhuamsa à Berlin. Gus an ath-mhìos: Beannachd leibh. I [email protected]

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     Would they let me out again? couldn’t have picked a worse day. back then. FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FAITH IN CULTURE 19 Remember, there is a light that never goes out The Holy Spirit is working in many ways, FAITH IN CULTURE has found, including in pop music and moments of chance

By Richard Purden

URNING on the radio The writer and academic, I began to listen to Simon Frith, once described pop what sounded like music as a ‘matter of enterprise Christmas Liturgy, it not art.’As well as writing some was in fact an of the most influential and well- unidentified voice discussing crafted pop songs of their time The Smiths song There Is A The Smiths challenged the very LightT That Never Goes Out from notion of what pop music could their 1986 album The Queen Is and should be. The context they Dead. The unidentified speaker came from infused their referred to perpetual light, God, idiosyncratic music, they were heaven, death and its role in the instantly recognisable as part of grand plan. Perhaps unusual Britain’s working class Irish for a lunchtime programme Catholic diaspora. Appearing for discussing a pop song, one of the the first time on Top of the Pops narrators spoke of the dimin- in November 1983 they were ished power of death in light of struggling underdogs pitched hope and eternity. against the ostentatious examples There Is A Light That Never we might conjure in our minds Goes Out was sidelined as a when thinking of typical pop single when The Smiths were at stars associated with the era. The their peak. Perhaps more than Smiths looked like those around any of their songs it has grown you, your neighbours, your big in stature and has been cited as brother or someone you might Ths Smiths—perhaps not the an influence on numerous know from school, work or the most obvious messengers of musicians and writers who job centre. God but who are we to judge? consider it to be the Manchester Beyond how they looked, the band’s finest moment. For many lyrics spoke of familiar situations it has become something of a and experiences; within the song torch song. and delivery there was personality Radio can stimulate our and wit that encouraged a lifting imagination in a way that TV or of the spirits. As it was in the SUDOKU the internet cannot. I subsequently 1980s the medium has once discovered what I had been again become dominated by listening to was a Radio 4 mundane money making values FILL IN THE GRID IN documentary series Soul Music, aimed at one demographic. SIMPLE SUCH A WAY AS which studies the emotional EVERY ROW AND power of music from various eturning to soul music it COLUMN AND EVERY eras and contexts. As Christmas featured another story 3 BY 3 BOX has drawn closer, I have thought about a father and son with CONTAINS THE many times about the story of a theR boy jamming his audio cas- NUMBERS 1 TO 9. NO young mother featured in the sette tape into the car stereo in GUESS WORK IS broadcast, Sharon Woolley. She the hope that his dad would get it. REQUIRED AND talked of nursing her son They shared a rare moment of through a serious illness and connection that the narrator never THERE IS ONLY ONE finding solace in Morrissey’s forgot, two weeks later his father SOLUTION. ABOVE IS melancholic words and Johnny died unexpectedly. Today, Andy THE DEC 12 SIMPLE Marr’s strangely uplifting guitar talks about the waves of emotion SOLUTION arpeggios as she looked out onto and positive feelings that rise up the lights of Manchester at night whenever he hears the song. from the hospital window. She At this time of year the losses spoke of the maelstrom of in our lives can feel more emotions she felt when health profound among the smells, professionals confirmed there sounds and sights of Christmas. was nothing more they could do My wife Louise lost her mother for her five-year-old son who was at Christmas time and as the suffering from stage four cancer. wider family gather that loss At the time she was spending feels more pronounced. The every waking hour in the hospital. arrival of my son Ryan on Boxing FILL IN THE GRID IN Once again the mother turned to Day has granted us new joy and MODERATE SUCH A WAY AS There Is A Light That Never hope during the season, but it EVERY ROW AND Goes Out, chanting the words remains an emotional time. COLUMN AND EVERY over and over again she There will be difficult 3 BY 3 BOX CONTAINS described the strength and moments for many of us over the THE NUMBERS 1 TO 9. energy she drew from listening Christmas period, a favourite to the song as the closest thing she hymn, the smell of a roast dinner NO GUESS WORK IS has had to a religious experience. or the reminder of a family REQUIRED AND Caressing her son, for what tradition can send us on wave of THERE IS ONLY ONE could have been the final time, feeling and sentiment. Capturing SOLUTION. ABOVE IS she felt a burning sensation. a radio broadcast by chance THE DEC 12 Telling the story Sharon admits reminded me that there is hope MODERATE SOLUTION that some might think she is ‘off and light, the path towards that her rocker.’ Within a day the truth can be found in something mother went from an end of life as simple as a lighted candle or a talk to being told her son was pop song. It is true that miracles improving, he gradually gained are all around us. health and strength and has been in remission for two years.As Miss I Richard Purden is an author, Woolley suggests: “It’s a big world journalist and married father isn’t it, magical things happen.” of two. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 20 A CHRISTMAS STORY SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER DECEMBER 26 2014 DECEMBER 26 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER A CHRISTMAS STORY 21

The Madonna of the Roses by Bouguereau shows the Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus among the roses and is a widely recognised depiction of the love of the ANNE’S PRAYER mother for her son

prayer not answered. She thought of all the novenas she NNE McNulty lay in her death bed listening to Anne remembered that wee Irish nurse. She was the "Our Lady has let me down," she thought sadly. had made, the candles she had lit, the pleas she had bom- the bells echoing across the snow blanketed one who saw her leaving the hospital with her baby son barded Heaven with. She had led a good life and God had streets from St Mary's.The choir, too, were in A Christmas and who pressed a five pound note into her hand. nne gave no thought to the pain in her stomach blessed her with a son... a son she had given away. It was full voice. Anne smiled weakly as the sounds And, with a kiss on the cheek, waved a cheery farewell. until she could bear it no longer. She did not tell like a smack on God's face. Maybe HE was right. What of Adeste Fideles and Silent Night filled the short story by But life became harder and Anne found it more and Tom or the girls but her husband noticed that all cheek she had asking to see her baby again... Did he go to a night air. more difficult to cope. It wasn't fair on her son. What could was not right with his wife and soon made her tell. good, Catholic home? How had he turned out? Was he mar- For it was Christmas Eve and the church would be she offer him? Nothing but poverty... nothing! It broke her AThe diagnosis was not good. The disease was too far ried? Was she a grandmother? packed for midnight Mass. JAMES BARCLAY heart as she heard him cry with hunger. advanced and nothing could be done. But she thought that HIS blessed mother would plead for ABut there would be no midnight Mass for Anne. Her He would be better off in a home where he would be The family were devastated and now Anne lay on her her. Perhaps she, too, was angry. weakness confined her to a life of stillness and memories. loved and cared for. death bed listening to the carols echoing up the street She would leave this world with tears in her eyes. But Father McGinty hadn't forgotten her—as he never did. "Oh, it's nothing," Daragh said unconvincingly...."indi- There had to be a couple somewhere in this world just from St Mary's. The chatter and whoops of the children below made her He had been up earlier with Holy Communion and his gestion." praying for a baby and would provide him with a happy Mary had joined a hostel for vagrants where she could think of might have been. Christmas blessing and made her smile. Christmas morning and the sounds of happy children in and loving life be seen every night dishing out food and listening to the Seeing Doctor Sean had raised her hopes. That was cruel, The old priest knew how Anne had suffered all of her the street below greeted them. Little girls pushing, with Anne put the hurtful thought out of her mind. It was too woes of the hungry, destitute men who packed the place. she thought. NO, Our Lady could never be cruel. life. Not just physically but with an emptiness that had effort, dolls prams covering the inch deep white blanketed horrible to contemplate... until Christmas came around. "Hello," the young, blond man said, offering his hand to Tom kissed his wife’s forehead and left the room. never left her since her young days. And always he gave asphalt. Wee boys with cowboy hats smacked their She saw happy children playing in the street with the toys Mary. "I'm Doctor Gallagher. I 'm here to help if I can." He Anne closed her eyes and clutched the Miraculous Medal her hope. behinds, as they encouraged imaginary horses to ride Santa had brought. smiled. that hung.. around her neck. "Ask and you shall receive," he kept reminding her of faster. Her son would never experience the joy of Christmas. "Oh, you can," Mary said... her heart fluttering. "I'm sorry Holy Mother for being such a pest," she whis- Our Lord's encouraging words. "One of these days it'll be OUR son down there," Anne She had no choice. It was not fair to the baby. She would During a lull and over a cup of tea, Doctor Sean Gal- pered. And Anne had been asking every day of her life for her said, squeezing her man's arm. have him adopted. lagher explained that he worked at the Royal Infirmary but, Later, Mary came into her room. She did not like the greatest wish. But it was a wish that was denied her. Per- "Not down there, I hope", Daragh said."Let's hope we'll The lady at the adoption agency was very kind. She saw as he had no commitments, thought he would like to do sound of her mother's heavy breathing and called her haps she did not deserve to be relieved of this torment. be out of here by then and in a better place." the anguish in Anne's face as she handed over her baby. some charity work in his spare time. father. Perhaps her sin was too great and only ‘good’ people were "I'd like him to go into a good, Catholic home," Anne "Very commendable,” Mary said. An anxious Tom hurried in. heard. And, despite Fr McGinty assuring her that God lis- es, that was in another life, Anne lay in her sick had said. "This is my first visit here," he smiled, and, looking "I think we should call Doctor McKenzie," Mary said, tens to EVERYBODY and especially sinners, Anne suffered. bed and remembered it all as though it were just "This is not always possible,” the lady said. "But we will Mary straight in the eye, added, "but it won't be my last." clutching his arm. This was Christmas when people's prayers and wishes yesterday. It was at this same time of the year. do our best." Mary felt a shiver running down her spine. "I think we should call the priest," Tom choked. were answered... SOME people. Anne's daughter, Mary, opened the bedroom door and "One more thing," Anne went on. "I take it that his new "Whe.. er..where are you from?" she found herself say- Mary got on the phone to the doctor first and asked him if Excited children would be tucked up in bed but sleep entered.Y She was followed by Doctor McKenzie. parents would want to give him their name?" ing. he would pick up Far McGinty. would avoid them. Their thoughts were of the joy that was "And how are we feeling today?" the good doctor asked "Oh, yes," the lady said. "From County Cork," he smiled. "Can't you tell by my "Fr McGinty isn't well," Dr McKenzie said on entering the to come. Santa was on his way, his sleigh packed with as he examined his patient. "But , if you would be so kind to ask them if they would accent?" room and, checking Anne's pulse, sadly shook his head. "Fr their dreams. Dreams that had been fulfilled. Prayers that "Oh, I'm fine," Anne said with a weak smile. include his father's name, Daragh, somewhere in it," Anne "Is your father a doctor?" she asked. Valente, a visiting Italian priest will be here right away.” been answered. The doctor finished his examination, gave Anne a said. "I don't know," Sean replied. Fr Mario Valente arrived shortly afterwards... took in the But it was not Santa Anne had been praying to all these squeeze in the arm. "Daragh?" the lady said, raising her brows. "You don't know?" Mary said, raising her brows. situation at once and, standing at Anne's bedside, adminis- years. And her prayers had never been answered. And "See you tomorrow," he said as Mary opened the door "It's Irish and it has been in his family for generations," "Well, my dad wasn't my dad, if you know what I mean. tered the Last Rites. now, as her sad life was drawing to a close she felt let for him. Dr McKenzie and Mary's eyes met. Anne explained. “The lady with the adoption agency I was adopted. My adopted dad was 'Mine Host of the Blar- Anne's eyes opened as she felt the priest's hand on her down. "Seek and you shall find," HE said . Well, all her life He sadly shook his head and left. smiled. ney Stone hostelry." forehead. she had sought and NEVER found the answer to her prayer. Mary bent over her mother and kissed her forehead. "I cannot promise you that," she said, "But I WILL pass "Oh!" Mary exclaimed. Fr Mario noticed and sat down at her bedside. He took her Maybe He didn't hear her. Perhaps HE was unaware of her "Try and get some sleep, mum,” she whispered. on your request." Mary was swept off her feet by this young, blond and blue- hand in his. misery. Or could it be that He was just punishing her? And But sleep alluded Anne. Once more her mind went back eyed, young Irishman's charm. "God bless you," he said. maybe she deserved his wrath. Yes... maybe. to that fateful, Christmas Day, all those years ago. nne never saw her son again. Guilt haunted her for "I have sinned, Father," Anne whispered. "And I've asked The carols wafting up from St Mary's never sounded There was no Christmas dinner. Just a cup of tea and a the rest of her life. Christmas was for other people. ean was at the hostel every chance he could get and for too much." sweeter.Anne closed her eyes and her mind went back to small, Scotch pie. Anne laughed as she placed on top of She never stopped thinking of him. She prayed soon they were talking ever many cups of tea. She "Your heavenly Father understands." another lifetime when she was just 17... the pie a small, lit, votive candle she had bought at Our that life had been kind to him. Had he gone into a happy told him of her mother's illness. "But my heavenly Mother doesn't," Anne said. "She Lady of Lourdes statue at the chapel. catholicA home with loving parents. Years passed but her Soon those cups of tea blossomed on to dinner dates refused me." he Christmas dance was in full swing in St Alphon- They blew it out together. son never left her thoughts andS shows and Mary couldn't wait to tell her parents of "Our Blessed Lady refuses no one," he said, squeezing sus's church hall. The young man had Anne up at "Merry Christmas," Daragh said, kissing Anne's cheek. She had one special prayer when she implored Our Lady this new man in her life. her hand. every opportunity... and the young teenager wasn't "And to you," she replied, returning the kiss. "Some day to allow her eyes to see his face, even just one more time, "He's tall, blue eyed and blond," she told her mother, Fr Valente could see that the dying woman was trying to objecting She loved his Irish brogue and he made her we'll have a REAL Christmas cake... and turkey,” she said before she died. She knew that SHE would understand a with excitement. "His father was a bar owner she talk. But it was only a weak whisper. laugh."What'sT your name"? he asked as they danced the with a smile. mother's love for her child. added..."well, I mean his adopted father." He put his ear close to her face. last waltz? "Anne," she replied..."And yours?" "That'll be the day...but we will… I promise," Daragh She bombarded St Anthony with her pleas. After all he Anne felt her poor heart jump. "I insulted God,” she gasped. "He gave me a son and I "DARAGH"" he said. said. WAS the patron saint of lost treasures.There was never a "You mean he was adopted?" gave him away." "What kind of name's that?" Anne said, puzzled. novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in the chapel "Yes, as a baby." "You musn't think that way," the priest said. "There must "It's Irish," he said "My dad was a Daragh and his ut that day never came. It happened suddenly. Car- when she wasn't there. The adoption agency was now "Oh, you must bring him up for tea," Anne said with have been a good reason and Our Heavenly Father knows father was a Daragh. I'm from a long line of Daraghs... and, rying a haundreweight bag of coal up three flights defunct. hope, And then the dreadful truth occurred to her. If this that." if I ever have a son, HE will be called Daragh." They of stairs of a tenement one day proved one too She joined the Rosary group where a dozen or so of the boy WAS her son, It was impossible for he and Mary to get Tom and the girls joined them and they said the Rosary. laughed. Soon they were walking out together and she many, Anne's young husband collapsed. The young Irish- faithful gathered every morning to offer up a Rosary for romantically involved. Afterwards, Fr held Anne's hand and spent a long time at was besotted by her handsome, young Irishman. manB died in the grace of God. Anne was devastated and it special intentions. And it was with the group that she met "I'll bring him up tomorrow night after hostel." her bedside comforting her. She could feel the warmth and "Will ye marry me?" he sprung it on her just like that. was soon after that Anne found herself going to see her Tom. Tom McNulty was a good, sober, hard working man. Mary held tightly to her young man's arm as hey love coming from this good priest and, looking into his eyes, She wasn't completely surprised. She saw it coming and, doctor. She liked him and knew that he liked her. So, she wasn't entered Anne's bedroom. her face became radiant and smiling, she gave a deep sigh poor as they were, love always triumphs. "You're pregnant," Dr Devine said smiling. surprised when, one day after their rosary, he asked her if Anne's eyes widened at the sight of this young doctor. whispering ‘MARY’ and peacefully, breathing her last... she Married, they found a wee ‘single end’ and, despite dread- In one way Anne was overjoyed... but in another...? she would like to go with him to a concert in the Burgh Oh yes, this could be her son. went home. ful poverty, Anne kept their wee palace spotless and How could she cope with a baby. She could barely feed Hall? Was this to be a happy Christmas after all? Had Our always managed to provide a meal on the table. Daragh herself. She had no family, no siblings, both her parents They had a wonderful night and walked home eating Lady answered her prayer at the last minute? She knew inally, Tom led Fr Valente to the door. He could not ignored the pain in his chest. He could not afford to stay were dead. fish and chips. Anne had not felt so alive for years. She the Blessed Mother would not let her down. After all, she thank this visiting priest enough for the comfort he off his work delivering coal and said nothing to Anne. Daragh's parents had left Ireland and emigrated to was happy and, saying her night prayers, before going to was a mother herself. She had pleaded that she would had shown his wife. It was Christmas Eve and the snow fell on the dusty somewhere in America many years ago. He had lost touch bed, added something extra. meet her son even just once before she died . "You know, Father," he said, "Anne and I have been on streets. But there would be no turkey or Christmas tree in with them. "I hope you don't mind, Daragh,” she said. "I lost you Sean sat at bedside. He held her hand and knew imme- holidayF to Italy many times. What part of Italy are you from this house. They had made midnight Mass where Anne had Life would be hard. and I lost our son. Let me find a wee bit of life. Tom is a diately how ill she was. who, after a few years of married life, were still childless." "And how are we today, Anne,?" he asked, putting his Father?" lit a candle to Our Lady and put a few coppers in the St When the time came, Anne was taken to the Southern fine man... but could never replace...." “And how are you feeling, Mrs McNulty?" he said. It was a sharp, bitter-sweet pill that stabbed Anne's stethoscope back in his bag. Fr Valente smiled. "Oh, don't let my name fool you," he Margaret's charity box by the crib.. Anne looked down on General Hospital and it was there the young, smiling, Irish She knew that her husband would give his blessing. "Call me Anne, " Anne said. heart. Anne smiled. said. "I was born here, in Glasgow, and was adopted into an the manger and said a silent prayer. She knew her man nurse, carrying a little bundle laid the baby in her arms. It wasn't long before Tom popped the question and they "That was my mother's name," Sean said. Sean said his ‘good night's’ saying he would back again. "I've just been to see Fr McGinty," he went on. Italian family. Although ‘dad’ was fiercely proud of his Ital- wanted a son. There had to be another Daragh for this "Ye have a lovely son... big blue eyes" she said, "and were married two days before Christmas. "Your adopted Mother?" Anne felt her heart miss a beat. "Oh, what's wrong?" Tom said. ian ancestry, and I was called after his father and his world. The Blessed Mother would understand, she was would ye look at that beautiful mop of blond hair," she The years passed and Anne and Tom had two beautiful "No no... my biological mother." om came in with her pills in the morning and sat by "Och, he's an old man and this is about the busiest time father's father, for some reason my adoptive mother, who sure, and answer her prayer. added, kissing the baby. daughters—Mary and Therese. They had a lovely terraced "But Mary said you were adopted?" her side. It was Christmas Day and the street had of the year for him… He needs to rest a bit." was not Italian, insisted on a non Italian name being added Anne shook the snow from her coat when they arrived "What ye gonna call him?" house on one of the nicer parts of town and life was idyllic "I was," Sean said. become a playground. Anne listened to the happy, "Aye, well, old age catches up with all of us," Tom said. to my birth certificate. at their three-up ‘penthouse’ and put on the kettle. There "Daragh," Anne said without hesitation. for Anne... as much as it could be. For she still pined for "Then how do you know your real mother's name? laughter from the children outside. Santa had been and all "Not all," Anne said in a weak voice. "Dad wasn't pleased. But, she got her own way as usual, would be no tinsel, no twinkling lights here... just a flick- "Ooh! A lovely Irish name," the wee nurse cooed. her little son. Anne saw her hope collapse. wasT well with a young world. Tom saw the good doctor to the door and he left, but not and in it went." ering candle by the statue of the Sacred Heart. Daragh "He'll be called after his father..and his grandfather... And never forgot her special plea to Our Lady— "Because, I was the illegitimate son of their cousin, "How you feeling?" Tom said, squeezing her hand. before squeezing Tom's wrist and, sadly, shaking his head. He stepped out of the door. flopped on to a chair clutching his chest. Anne noticed. and his great-grandfather and ‘way back after that,’" Anne "PLEASE let me see him before I die.” Anne Gallagher, who shamed her good Catholic family and She gave him a weak smile. Anne closed her eyes. Her life was ebbing away and she "What name was that?" Tom called. "What's the matter?" she asked, her brows narrowing. said proudly. But it was prayer that was never answered. who were pleased to see me go to cousin Tom and his wife Doctor McKenzie arrived soon after on his daily visit. knew. She was going to leave this world with her greatest "DARAGH,” Fr Valente said without turning.

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 20 A CHRISTMAS STORY SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER DECEMBER 26 2014 DECEMBER 26 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER A CHRISTMAS STORY 21

The Madonna of the Roses by Bouguereau shows the Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus among the roses and is a widely recognised depiction of the love of the ANNE’S PRAYER mother for her son

prayer not answered. She thought of all the novenas she NNE McNulty lay in her death bed listening to Anne remembered that wee Irish nurse. She was the "Our Lady has let me down," she thought sadly. had made, the candles she had lit, the pleas she had bom- the bells echoing across the snow blanketed one who saw her leaving the hospital with her baby son barded Heaven with. She had led a good life and God had streets from St Mary's.The choir, too, were in A Christmas and who pressed a five pound note into her hand. nne gave no thought to the pain in her stomach blessed her with a son... a son she had given away. It was full voice. Anne smiled weakly as the sounds And, with a kiss on the cheek, waved a cheery farewell. until she could bear it no longer. She did not tell like a smack on God's face. Maybe HE was right. What of Adeste Fideles and Silent Night filled the short story by But life became harder and Anne found it more and Tom or the girls but her husband noticed that all cheek she had asking to see her baby again... Did he go to a night air. more difficult to cope. It wasn't fair on her son. What could was not right with his wife and soon made her tell. good, Catholic home? How had he turned out? Was he mar- For it was Christmas Eve and the church would be she offer him? Nothing but poverty... nothing! It broke her AThe diagnosis was not good. The disease was too far ried? Was she a grandmother? packed for midnight Mass. JAMES BARCLAY heart as she heard him cry with hunger. advanced and nothing could be done. But she thought that HIS blessed mother would plead for ABut there would be no midnight Mass for Anne. Her He would be better off in a home where he would be The family were devastated and now Anne lay on her her. Perhaps she, too, was angry. weakness confined her to a life of stillness and memories. loved and cared for. death bed listening to the carols echoing up the street She would leave this world with tears in her eyes. But Father McGinty hadn't forgotten her—as he never did. "Oh, it's nothing," Daragh said unconvincingly...."indi- There had to be a couple somewhere in this world just from St Mary's. The chatter and whoops of the children below made her He had been up earlier with Holy Communion and his gestion." praying for a baby and would provide him with a happy Mary had joined a hostel for vagrants where she could think of might have been. Christmas blessing and made her smile. Christmas morning and the sounds of happy children in and loving life be seen every night dishing out food and listening to the Seeing Doctor Sean had raised her hopes. That was cruel, The old priest knew how Anne had suffered all of her the street below greeted them. Little girls pushing, with Anne put the hurtful thought out of her mind. It was too woes of the hungry, destitute men who packed the place. she thought. NO, Our Lady could never be cruel. life. Not just physically but with an emptiness that had effort, dolls prams covering the inch deep white blanketed horrible to contemplate... until Christmas came around. "Hello," the young, blond man said, offering his hand to Tom kissed his wife’s forehead and left the room. never left her since her young days. And always he gave asphalt. Wee boys with cowboy hats smacked their She saw happy children playing in the street with the toys Mary. "I'm Doctor Gallagher. I 'm here to help if I can." He Anne closed her eyes and clutched the Miraculous Medal her hope. behinds, as they encouraged imaginary horses to ride Santa had brought. smiled. that hung.. around her neck. "Ask and you shall receive," he kept reminding her of faster. Her son would never experience the joy of Christmas. "Oh, you can," Mary said... her heart fluttering. "I'm sorry Holy Mother for being such a pest," she whis- Our Lord's encouraging words. "One of these days it'll be OUR son down there," Anne She had no choice. It was not fair to the baby. She would During a lull and over a cup of tea, Doctor Sean Gal- pered. And Anne had been asking every day of her life for her said, squeezing her man's arm. have him adopted. lagher explained that he worked at the Royal Infirmary but, Later, Mary came into her room. She did not like the greatest wish. But it was a wish that was denied her. Per- "Not down there, I hope", Daragh said."Let's hope we'll The lady at the adoption agency was very kind. She saw as he had no commitments, thought he would like to do sound of her mother's heavy breathing and called her haps she did not deserve to be relieved of this torment. be out of here by then and in a better place." the anguish in Anne's face as she handed over her baby. some charity work in his spare time. father. Perhaps her sin was too great and only ‘good’ people were "I'd like him to go into a good, Catholic home," Anne "Very commendable,” Mary said. An anxious Tom hurried in. heard. And, despite Fr McGinty assuring her that God lis- es, that was in another life, Anne lay in her sick had said. "This is my first visit here," he smiled, and, looking "I think we should call Doctor McKenzie," Mary said, tens to EVERYBODY and especially sinners, Anne suffered. bed and remembered it all as though it were just "This is not always possible,” the lady said. "But we will Mary straight in the eye, added, "but it won't be my last." clutching his arm. This was Christmas when people's prayers and wishes yesterday. It was at this same time of the year. do our best." Mary felt a shiver running down her spine. "I think we should call the priest," Tom choked. were answered... SOME people. Anne's daughter, Mary, opened the bedroom door and "One more thing," Anne went on. "I take it that his new "Whe.. er..where are you from?" she found herself say- Mary got on the phone to the doctor first and asked him if Excited children would be tucked up in bed but sleep entered.Y She was followed by Doctor McKenzie. parents would want to give him their name?" ing. he would pick up Far McGinty. would avoid them. Their thoughts were of the joy that was "And how are we feeling today?" the good doctor asked "Oh, yes," the lady said. "From County Cork," he smiled. "Can't you tell by my "Fr McGinty isn't well," Dr McKenzie said on entering the to come. Santa was on his way, his sleigh packed with as he examined his patient. "But , if you would be so kind to ask them if they would accent?" room and, checking Anne's pulse, sadly shook his head. "Fr their dreams. Dreams that had been fulfilled. Prayers that "Oh, I'm fine," Anne said with a weak smile. include his father's name, Daragh, somewhere in it," Anne "Is your father a doctor?" she asked. Valente, a visiting Italian priest will be here right away.” been answered. The doctor finished his examination, gave Anne a said. "I don't know," Sean replied. Fr Mario Valente arrived shortly afterwards... took in the But it was not Santa Anne had been praying to all these squeeze in the arm. "Daragh?" the lady said, raising her brows. "You don't know?" Mary said, raising her brows. situation at once and, standing at Anne's bedside, adminis- years. And her prayers had never been answered. And "See you tomorrow," he said as Mary opened the door "It's Irish and it has been in his family for generations," "Well, my dad wasn't my dad, if you know what I mean. tered the Last Rites. now, as her sad life was drawing to a close she felt let for him. Dr McKenzie and Mary's eyes met. Anne explained. “The lady with the adoption agency I was adopted. My adopted dad was 'Mine Host of the Blar- Anne's eyes opened as she felt the priest's hand on her down. "Seek and you shall find," HE said . Well, all her life He sadly shook his head and left. smiled. ney Stone hostelry." forehead. she had sought and NEVER found the answer to her prayer. Mary bent over her mother and kissed her forehead. "I cannot promise you that," she said, "But I WILL pass "Oh!" Mary exclaimed. Fr Mario noticed and sat down at her bedside. He took her Maybe He didn't hear her. Perhaps HE was unaware of her "Try and get some sleep, mum,” she whispered. on your request." Mary was swept off her feet by this young, blond and blue- hand in his. misery. Or could it be that He was just punishing her? And But sleep alluded Anne. Once more her mind went back eyed, young Irishman's charm. "God bless you," he said. maybe she deserved his wrath. Yes... maybe. to that fateful, Christmas Day, all those years ago. nne never saw her son again. Guilt haunted her for "I have sinned, Father," Anne whispered. "And I've asked The carols wafting up from St Mary's never sounded There was no Christmas dinner. Just a cup of tea and a the rest of her life. Christmas was for other people. ean was at the hostel every chance he could get and for too much." sweeter.Anne closed her eyes and her mind went back to small, Scotch pie. Anne laughed as she placed on top of She never stopped thinking of him. She prayed soon they were talking ever many cups of tea. She "Your heavenly Father understands." another lifetime when she was just 17... the pie a small, lit, votive candle she had bought at Our that life had been kind to him. Had he gone into a happy told him of her mother's illness. "But my heavenly Mother doesn't," Anne said. "She Lady of Lourdes statue at the chapel. catholicA home with loving parents. Years passed but her Soon those cups of tea blossomed on to dinner dates refused me." he Christmas dance was in full swing in St Alphon- They blew it out together. son never left her thoughts andS shows and Mary couldn't wait to tell her parents of "Our Blessed Lady refuses no one," he said, squeezing sus's church hall. The young man had Anne up at "Merry Christmas," Daragh said, kissing Anne's cheek. She had one special prayer when she implored Our Lady this new man in her life. her hand. every opportunity... and the young teenager wasn't "And to you," she replied, returning the kiss. "Some day to allow her eyes to see his face, even just one more time, "He's tall, blue eyed and blond," she told her mother, Fr Valente could see that the dying woman was trying to objecting She loved his Irish brogue and he made her we'll have a REAL Christmas cake... and turkey,” she said before she died. She knew that SHE would understand a with excitement. "His father was a bar owner she talk. But it was only a weak whisper. laugh."What'sT your name"? he asked as they danced the with a smile. mother's love for her child. added..."well, I mean his adopted father." He put his ear close to her face. last waltz? "Anne," she replied..."And yours?" "That'll be the day...but we will… I promise," Daragh She bombarded St Anthony with her pleas. After all he Anne felt her poor heart jump. "I insulted God,” she gasped. "He gave me a son and I "DARAGH"" he said. said. WAS the patron saint of lost treasures.There was never a "You mean he was adopted?" gave him away." "What kind of name's that?" Anne said, puzzled. novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in the chapel "Yes, as a baby." "You musn't think that way," the priest said. "There must "It's Irish," he said "My dad was a Daragh and his ut that day never came. It happened suddenly. Car- when she wasn't there. The adoption agency was now "Oh, you must bring him up for tea," Anne said with have been a good reason and Our Heavenly Father knows father was a Daragh. I'm from a long line of Daraghs... and, rying a haundreweight bag of coal up three flights defunct. hope, And then the dreadful truth occurred to her. If this that." if I ever have a son, HE will be called Daragh." They of stairs of a tenement one day proved one too She joined the Rosary group where a dozen or so of the boy WAS her son, It was impossible for he and Mary to get Tom and the girls joined them and they said the Rosary. laughed. Soon they were walking out together and she many, Anne's young husband collapsed. The young Irish- faithful gathered every morning to offer up a Rosary for romantically involved. Afterwards, Fr held Anne's hand and spent a long time at was besotted by her handsome, young Irishman. manB died in the grace of God. Anne was devastated and it special intentions. And it was with the group that she met "I'll bring him up tomorrow night after hostel." her bedside comforting her. She could feel the warmth and "Will ye marry me?" he sprung it on her just like that. was soon after that Anne found herself going to see her Tom. Tom McNulty was a good, sober, hard working man. Mary held tightly to her young man's arm as hey love coming from this good priest and, looking into his eyes, She wasn't completely surprised. She saw it coming and, doctor. She liked him and knew that he liked her. So, she wasn't entered Anne's bedroom. her face became radiant and smiling, she gave a deep sigh poor as they were, love always triumphs. "You're pregnant," Dr Devine said smiling. surprised when, one day after their rosary, he asked her if Anne's eyes widened at the sight of this young doctor. whispering ‘MARY’ and peacefully, breathing her last... she Married, they found a wee ‘single end’ and, despite dread- In one way Anne was overjoyed... but in another...? she would like to go with him to a concert in the Burgh Oh yes, this could be her son. went home. ful poverty, Anne kept their wee palace spotless and How could she cope with a baby. She could barely feed Hall? Was this to be a happy Christmas after all? Had Our always managed to provide a meal on the table. Daragh herself. She had no family, no siblings, both her parents They had a wonderful night and walked home eating Lady answered her prayer at the last minute? She knew inally, Tom led Fr Valente to the door. He could not ignored the pain in his chest. He could not afford to stay were dead. fish and chips. Anne had not felt so alive for years. She the Blessed Mother would not let her down. After all, she thank this visiting priest enough for the comfort he off his work delivering coal and said nothing to Anne. Daragh's parents had left Ireland and emigrated to was happy and, saying her night prayers, before going to was a mother herself. She had pleaded that she would had shown his wife. It was Christmas Eve and the snow fell on the dusty somewhere in America many years ago. He had lost touch bed, added something extra. meet her son even just once before she died . "You know, Father," he said, "Anne and I have been on streets. But there would be no turkey or Christmas tree in with them. "I hope you don't mind, Daragh,” she said. "I lost you Sean sat at bedside. He held her hand and knew imme- holidayF to Italy many times. What part of Italy are you from this house. They had made midnight Mass where Anne had Life would be hard. and I lost our son. Let me find a wee bit of life. Tom is a diately how ill she was. who, after a few years of married life, were still childless." "And how are we today, Anne,?" he asked, putting his Father?" lit a candle to Our Lady and put a few coppers in the St When the time came, Anne was taken to the Southern fine man... but could never replace...." “And how are you feeling, Mrs McNulty?" he said. It was a sharp, bitter-sweet pill that stabbed Anne's stethoscope back in his bag. Fr Valente smiled. "Oh, don't let my name fool you," he Margaret's charity box by the crib.. Anne looked down on General Hospital and it was there the young, smiling, Irish She knew that her husband would give his blessing. "Call me Anne, " Anne said. heart. Anne smiled. said. "I was born here, in Glasgow, and was adopted into an the manger and said a silent prayer. She knew her man nurse, carrying a little bundle laid the baby in her arms. It wasn't long before Tom popped the question and they "That was my mother's name," Sean said. Sean said his ‘good night's’ saying he would back again. "I've just been to see Fr McGinty," he went on. Italian family. Although ‘dad’ was fiercely proud of his Ital- wanted a son. There had to be another Daragh for this "Ye have a lovely son... big blue eyes" she said, "and were married two days before Christmas. "Your adopted Mother?" Anne felt her heart miss a beat. "Oh, what's wrong?" Tom said. ian ancestry, and I was called after his father and his world. The Blessed Mother would understand, she was would ye look at that beautiful mop of blond hair," she The years passed and Anne and Tom had two beautiful "No no... my biological mother." om came in with her pills in the morning and sat by "Och, he's an old man and this is about the busiest time father's father, for some reason my adoptive mother, who sure, and answer her prayer. added, kissing the baby. daughters—Mary and Therese. They had a lovely terraced "But Mary said you were adopted?" her side. It was Christmas Day and the street had of the year for him… He needs to rest a bit." was not Italian, insisted on a non Italian name being added Anne shook the snow from her coat when they arrived "What ye gonna call him?" house on one of the nicer parts of town and life was idyllic "I was," Sean said. become a playground. Anne listened to the happy, "Aye, well, old age catches up with all of us," Tom said. to my birth certificate. at their three-up ‘penthouse’ and put on the kettle. There "Daragh," Anne said without hesitation. for Anne... as much as it could be. For she still pined for "Then how do you know your real mother's name? laughter from the children outside. Santa had been and all "Not all," Anne said in a weak voice. "Dad wasn't pleased. But, she got her own way as usual, would be no tinsel, no twinkling lights here... just a flick- "Ooh! A lovely Irish name," the wee nurse cooed. her little son. Anne saw her hope collapse. wasT well with a young world. Tom saw the good doctor to the door and he left, but not and in it went." ering candle by the statue of the Sacred Heart. Daragh "He'll be called after his father..and his grandfather... And never forgot her special plea to Our Lady— "Because, I was the illegitimate son of their cousin, "How you feeling?" Tom said, squeezing her hand. before squeezing Tom's wrist and, sadly, shaking his head. He stepped out of the door. flopped on to a chair clutching his chest. Anne noticed. and his great-grandfather and ‘way back after that,’" Anne "PLEASE let me see him before I die.” Anne Gallagher, who shamed her good Catholic family and She gave him a weak smile. Anne closed her eyes. Her life was ebbing away and she "What name was that?" Tom called. "What's the matter?" she asked, her brows narrowing. said proudly. But it was prayer that was never answered. who were pleased to see me go to cousin Tom and his wife Doctor McKenzie arrived soon after on his daily visit. knew. She was going to leave this world with her greatest "DARAGH,” Fr Valente said without turning.

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 22 A CHRISTMAS STORY SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 BLESS ALL THE DEAR CHILDREN A short story by CATH DOHERTY

EN days before the Christmas holidays, St “My Jerome will suffer psychological damage because socialise with her neighbours at last. Anthony’s Primary School left lessons behind of this. He’s such a sensitive child…” she’d told the head. Some angels had taken voluntary redundancy and had for a bit, and erupted into Christmas celebrations Mr Jolly had resisted the temptation to tell her that her son become greeters, wearing special name badges announcing with decoration of classrooms, seven Christmas had made his own protest by setting off the fire alarm twice their role. Tables had been set at the back of the assembly parties, general disorder spreading among the in the space of two days…. hall and the dinner ladies had come in specially to make tea pupils, abating only for the most important event of all… “All ready for the Primary Five party?” Miss Wiseman because Miss Hope thought teapots were too dangerous for the Nativity play. Then, the parents gathered in the Assem- poked her head round the door. Primary Two. As their visitors arrived, the greeters pounced blyT Hall with members of the clergy and the pupils, on their The headache that had been threatening Mr Jolly all on them at the front door of the school and insisted on help- very best behaviour, joined them to watch an infant class morning suddenly became a distant drumbeat. ing them remove their coats whether they wanted to keep perform the play. Calmness, indeed reverence descended “It’s the Primary Fives today… just in case you’ve lost them on or not. Miss Hope had forgotten to tell them where then on St Anthony’s as all who watched were transported count. And I hope you’ve got your dancing shoes ready, to put the coats, so they piled them in the staffroom which once more to the stable at Bethlehem. Infant teachers for- because the children have learned the steps of the Pride of was empty at the time. Some Grannies turned up as got for a little while the tantrums, mishaps and technical Erin and the Gay Gordons…” Miss Wiseman went on. well, but were admitted by the greeters after detailed ques- problems which had led up to the eventual performance and “I might be just a little bit late,” Mr Jolly forced a smile. tioning. for the duration of the Nativity Play forgot their exhaustion His head had begun to throb…. Mr Jolly let some of the Primary Ones come into the Hall in producing the finished article, and looked forward to the At that precise moment, Mr Nicholas was in Miss Hope’s to help with the singing and they sat on the floor at the front Christmas holidays as a period of recuperation… classroom. He had come to relay a complaint from the while Miss Wiseman got ready to play the piano. Then, Miss Hope, the youngest teacher at St Anthony’s, was cleaning ladies about mouldering discarded play-pieces after Mr Jolly had made his speech and said it was only a catapulted into the Nativity play with her Primary Two being found in some desks, and the difficulties of sweeping dress rehearsal and some people might make mistakes, the class, described by the headteacher as ‘budding anarchists’, up scatters of stray feathers which were described as ‘an Nativity play started. when her colleague Mrs Fitzpatrick was taken ill and her explosion in a duck-down duvet factory.’ The greeters standing sentry at the side of the hall, shook place was filled by a supply teacher. In the staffroom, the Looking at her face, he didn’t have the heart to make the their heads in disapproval when the Innkeeper forgot his general opinion was that Miss Hope, in her first year of complaint. Instead he shared an idea with her. “I was just words and pushed Joseph instead and then Joseph pushed teaching would be over-ambitious, brimming as she was thinking….” he began. him right back, but cheered up when the angels made a pro- with bright ideas. And then, as he shared his idea with Miss Hope while the cession right round the hall wearing their Dad’s white shirts “She’ll learn the hard way,” remarked Mrs Pettie, the children noisily amused themselves, she began to smile. back to front, tinsel crowns and glittery wings with feath- staffroom pessimist, opening her newspaper with a crack “Mr Nicholas,” she beamed. “You’re a genius.” And, as ers on them. Miss Hope and Mr Nicholas hid behind the like a rifle shot. he left she let the children sing Away in a Manger while she curtains and held them a little bit wider so that two angels Mrs Halloran, the staffroom news gatherer, chose that unpacked the redundant angels’ and shepherds’ costumes could stand beside the Crib. The shepherds got lost for a moment to make her entrance. from a box in the corner…. bit; then the one carrying the lamb took the Innkeeper’s “Miss Hope has had to abandon her rehearsal,” she Mrs Halloran spread the news in the staffroom. place. There was a little bit of pushing and shoving when announced. “The neighbours are being invited to the dress rehearsal the Three Kings came at last, but Miss Wiseman stopped “The stage curtains have stuck….half open, half shut. of the Nativity play… AND….” she paused for effect, playing the piano and came and sorted it all out. And she can’t find the janitor. The angels are running amok “Primary Two are giving them a tea party thereafter. in the assembly hall….” “Now what d’you think of that?” ll of a sudden, it was all over and the visitors clapped “Oh dear,” said Mrs Pettie from behind her newspaper. “It’ll be a disaster from start to finish,” said Mrs Pettie, for a very long time before the greeters came to “I’ll go and give her a hand with the angels.” Miss Wise- quenching all further discussion. show them to their tables at the back of the Hall. man, who played the piano for all the Christmas parties and TheA dinner ladies poured tea and coffee for them and the who was regarded by Mrs Pettie as something of a soft he school’s neighbours lived in two neat rows of Greeters handed round biscuits and cupcakes. Miss Wise- touch, got to her feet and made for the door… retirement bungalows, recently built. It had been man took away two of the cakes because they had teeth Mr Nicholas, the janitor, having been located attempting named Harmony Place by some optimist on the local marks on them. Jerome, who was in charge of the greeters to recover a football from a flat roof by using a yard brush, Tcouncil, but after a year of occupation, there was neither was most annoyed when the angels, still wearing their was not optimistic. harmony nor discord, because the tenants had retreated, one wings, came and started to help hand things round. Then “Health ‘n safety,” he said with a mournful shake of the by one into their well-guarded privacy. the shepherds, who were supposed to be helping Miss Hope head, “Anythin’ involving a ladder has to be notified. Made Gilly, who lived at Number One in the cul-de-sac knew tidy up, came to hand things round as well and there was a official, like. A form filled in, an inspection…stuff like that. them only by their house numbers and habits. There was bit of pushing and shoving, so Miss Wiseman started to play Proper procedure, accordin’to the Head. Piece ‘o nonsense, the retired Hell’s Angel next door who wore a leather jacket the piano again, but she didn’t play Christmas Carols. accordin’ to everybody else….” and who wheeled out his motorbike to rev it up and polish She played tunes you could dance to. So when everybody “But if the curtains aren’t fixed in time for the Nativity it now and then. Number three performed his Tai-Chi on had finished their tea and cakes they got up and had a little play, I’ll have to cut down on the angel hosts,” said Miss his front lawn at seven every morning; the couple at Num- dance…. even the grannies. Everybody joined in the Hope. “The space between the curtains is only big enough ber Seven washed their little car every week but only took Hokey-Cokey and the best dancer was a little wee lady who for Mary, Joseph and the Innkeeper…and maybe one angel it out on Saturdays;…. the list went on and on. had brought her dancing shoes in a poly bag. When Jerome at either side. I’ll have to cut down on the number of shep- Gilly had been disappointed at first. Harmony Place was asked her why she had brought her dancing shoes to the herds as well…” a disappointment as far as company was concerned, so she dress rehearsal, she said: “Just in case.” Miss Hope had begun to look almost tearful. “The chil- took to dancing again, catching the bus to the Town Hall Then, when everybody sat down for a rest and another dren will be so disappointed…” she began with her dancing shoes in a poly bag and her Rainmate in cup of tea, Miss Hope came down for a chat. She looked a Mr Nicholas nodded agreement. “No’ half as disap- her pocket, just in case…. The weekly tea dance was her bit tired, thought Jerome, but he expected that would be pointed as the Mammies,” was his parting shot. escape, her chance of a bit of company…. because she had been so busy cutting up those feather boas Her spirits rose when the invitation to the dress rehearsal from the fancy dress shop so that she could get the angels’ r Jolly, the headteacher, put down the phone with of St Anthony’s Nativity Play, delivered by Mr. Nicholas, wings just right. a weary sigh. Another complaint from a parent plopped through her letter box. The envelope pro- Mrs Pettie came in with her angry face on and Jerome whose child had been caught up in Miss Hope’s claimed….TO OUR NEIGHBOURS…. wondered if she had found the pile of coats in the staffroom cullM of angels and shepherds. Gilly smiled. Perhaps there would be an opportunity to or the tea towel he had taken from the pile in the teachers’ WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER A CHRISTMAS STORY 23

little kitchen because one of the shepherds had lost his wanted to stay behind and clear up, but the janitor of St head-dress. But Mr Nicholas brought her a cup of tea as Anthony’s reckoned that they‘d had a busy enough day, and well as bringing one for Miss Hope and everything was all with the prospect of the big performance of the Nativity right again. And because it was nearly home time then, play still to some, they’d have to conserve what strength everybody made a great big circle, even the angels and one they had left. of the shepherds who had fallen asleep because he had to In truth, he savoured the silence that fell on St Anthony’s sit at the front of the stage with all the extra angels and when the last of the children had gone home. Time to think, shepherds for such a long time. to inspect his kingdom before those who kept it shining Then the circle sang We Wish You a Merry Christmas and descended on it with clanking buckets and whining vac- everybody got ready to go home. That took ages, because uum cleaners. the coats had got all mixed up in the staffroom, but Smiling to himself at memories of the dress rehearsal, Mrs Pettie and Miss Wiseman helped Miss Hope to sort it he swept scraps of straw from the stage and sorted out tum- all out. bled piles of costumes. Then, away in a corner he found the manger. There, the he neighbours picked their steps carefully as they Baby Jesus had been firmly tucked up for the night, his made their way back to Harmony Place. It was coverlet a tea towel. frosty underfoot, so they linked arms, chatted and At that particular moment, Mr Nicholas recalled an anx- Tlaughed all the way home. And, as they paused at the end ious enquiry from a shepherd, concerned that the Holy of their street, they made plans to get together at Christ- Child might need a coverlet on His manger. He peered at mas. Names were exchanged, friendships forged before the tea towel. It looked suspiciously like one from the they closed their front doors behind them. As Gilly took staffroom…. her dancing shoes from their poly bag, a flutter of little Mrs Pettie wouldn’t be pleased about that he reflected, white feathers escaped. and then smiled to himself as he recalled her happily “Feathers from the angels’ wings,” she said, her voice singing in the big circle of the children and their guests that sounding loud in the empty room. But, gathering them up afternoon. to put them in her special Memories Box, she smiled at the He let his hand rest for a moment on the straw of the thought of things to come…. manger… Everyone had gone home by the time Mr Nicholas began “Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care” he said to tidy up backstage. Miss Hope and Miss Wiseman had quietly, thinking of Miss Hope and her Primary Two….

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER COMMENT 24

LETTER OF THE WEEK A tranquil PICTURE OF THE WEEK moment at the Attack on Jim Murphy akin recent annual to attacks on our Faith Carols by candlelight, hosted by THE Rev Robertson of the Free Church St Brides Church should be commended for condemning the Monifieth. Scottish Secular Society for its blatant Clergy and sectarian comments regarding Jim Murphy. parishioners For many years now, many of us have felt from the various the strong anti-Christian bigoted pressure churches in the exerted by the Scottish Secular Society burgh gathered (SSS), and other humanists, whose main for the event aim is to get rid of all religion, especially the Catholic religion and Catholic schools. PIC: EDDIE Another example of their persistent MAHONEY intolerance relates to their failed attempts to remove religious reps from local education committees, despite the fact that these Christian reps do a good job in trying to ensure that the heads and staff have proper values and standards when appointed in our schools. Indeed, the questions that the SSS has to answer are these: What alternative values would you offer, and how would these benefit schools and family life in Scotland? Would their system give us better family values and more stability that the sound moral values provided by Catholic education? Would our children really know the differences between right and wrong. Could the SSS unbridled pressure for secularism lead to chaos and anarchy in our schools where individual pupils fail to find any kind of moral compass to guide their lives? In their attack on Mr Murphy, it is clear the SSS has, once again, gone over the top in expressing aggressive intolerance, anti-Catholic rhetoric and bigotry, which amounts to incitement to religious hatred under current No common sense in ruling much needed, overworked and severely anti-sectarian legislation. on midwives underpaid medical professionals, according to Hugh Lynch this ruling. A terrible precedent is being set. LARBERT, STIRLINGSHIRE I AM appalled that the Supreme Court Not only witl this curtail entering the ESTABLISHED IN 1885 ruled against Glasgow midwives Mary caring professionals for those from a Faith Doogan and Connie Wood in their case background —and those with conscientious Claims of ‘not Catholic against supervising abortions. A London objections—it leaves Ms Doogan and Ms enough’ are a trap court over-ruling a Scottish one, the Court Wood in a terrible predicament. How has this of Session in Edinburgh. What does that happened? How did a common sense matter NEW Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy say about freedoms and rights within our between NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is not a saint, he is a sinner just like the rest of society? What message does that give the Health Board and loyal employees escalate? Faith, hope, charity... and us. Yet the Catholic MP has remarkably world as Christmas approaches? The world has gone mad this Advent. survived in the political process to rise to the Life issues are issues of conscience for our M Gibbons 2015 resolutions top, no mean feat when the odds are stacked MPs and elected officials, but not for our BLANTYRE against Christians in the political arena. Before Mr Murphy has even had a run at AITH, hope and charity: Three things are at the fore- the office, however, some within the Unite and rise up against Sympathy for St Joseph’s front of our minds this Christmas. Faith and charity Catholic community—and many more midwives judgement Primary to a point spring easily to mind. We prepare spiritually through- outwith—are intent on tearing him down. out Advent for Jesus’ birth and, in doing so, hopefully Now, while a great deal of political THROUGHOUT 2014 we have been I HAVE sympathy with the pupils and support charities through Christmas cards and dona- division and bitterness remains post reminded of religious persecution abroad, parents of St Jospeh’s Primary Milngavie, tions. Charity will hopefully continue throughout, for example, independence referendum, that is just not with Christians under attack in the Middle to a point. They had every right to fight for SCIAF’s golden jubilee year in 2015. Hope, well that can be a lit- Christian. I am not party political, but I East, Africa, the sub continent and even in their school’s future, and the SCO was right Ftle harder, even when we remember—at Christmas time above all firmly believe if we go down the road of the former Soviet Union. We have also to shine a light on this as a test case on others—that the infant Jesus coming into the world is our new accusing a prominent Catholic of ‘not seen the marginalisation and erosion of Catholic education. Dare I say it, though, hope. being Catholic enough,’ we shoot Christian values in our own country. But to without being unChristian, that many a Some people are struggling to find hope this Christmas: The Ourselves in the foot. Our Catholic come to Advent and discover that the latest poorer rual community has lost its school in families and retired people struggling to make ends meet let alone politicians need to stand up for our values, attack on our values is also a breach of our a similiar way without the fanfare. Perhaps stretch to a celebration; those at the fringes of our society; the that’s true, but they need to be educated freedom is the final straw. The Supreme they did not have such well-educated or marginalised who cannot speak for themselves… Then there are about them first. Something to think about. Court’s ruling against midwives in politically driven families. people such as Glasgow midwives Mary Doogan and Connie B MacKay Glasgow—who need to have their right to Mr P Murphy Wood for whom the Supreme Court ruling rejecting their right EDINBURGH conscientiously object to being involved in GLASGOW to conscientiously supervise abortion leaves them little cheer this any way with abortions recognised—is a Christmas. On a global scale, Christians are being persecuted and slap in the face. It defies common sense threatened with violence as the year ends, and Christian values Take time to pause and and beggars belief. In all my years in Inspired by SCO story on are being trampled in the UK. this Christmas Scotland, growing up and raising a family, pupil’s Malawi visit Who do we blame? That is not the question. The question is: through bigotry and sectarianism, and What can we do about it? If we choose to simply to fault our lead- WE fight the good fight all year round, in turning the other cheek, this is an outrage I IT WAS inspiring to read your story last ers and elected representatives for a perceived failure to represent our daily lives, for our Faith and, sometime cannot stand for. God willing we will unite week on the St Margaret’s pupil who our values then we fail too. We must first educate them, or re- sadly, in our families. May I ask this and rise up against this outrage. visited Malawi to teach children about educate them, in our beliefs, our society’s Christian values. Evan- Christmas that we all stop and pause, just Mrs Sullivan proper medical care. gelisation is one New Year’s resolution to make and keep, as is a for a moment. As cliched as it sounds, let’s GLASGOW I noted with interest her desire to return to prayer. count our blessings in a moment of peace become a doctor. It is great to see so many We can all get involved in the Knights of St Columba Spiritual this Christmas. Let us offer our triumphs WHAT is the next step in the battle of young women take the decision to go into bouquet prayer campaign in the run up to the 2015 Synod on the and our trials to God. May our Christmas midwives Mary Doogan and Connie Wood the health profession. Family (SCO page 10 this week), backed by Archbishop Philip peace be the outward sign of our Faith, in their case against supervising abortions? We too often take the NHS for granted in Tartaglia, the president of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, strengthened in Jesus’ birth. Amen. We cannot accept this decision as final. this country but it is a fantastic institution the campaign begins on Sunday, the feast of the Holy Family, NAME AND ADDRESS J McGuigan and we must protect it along with the and encourages members of the order, and the wider community, SUPPLIED SOUTH LANARKSHIRE doctors and nurses who work within it. to pray as individuals and groups. The campaign, which will fea- Hopefully other young people will be ture in the SCO throughout the year ahead, hopes to ‘send out a G SCO reserves the right to edit letters to conform with space or style requirements inspired by Natalie’s story and make the powerful message’ that our ‘country will again begin to put God G This page is used solely for reader opinion and therefore views expressed are not necessarily shared by SCO decision to care for others as either doctors back at the heart of our society,’ according to Charlie McCluskey, G If you would like to share your opinion, send your correspondence to the above address or nurses. supreme knight of the Knights of St Columba. G Whether you use e-mail or post, you must provide your full name, address, and phone number or your letter will Oliver McDonnell The SCO wishes you a happy and a Holy Christmas, and may not be used COATBRIDGE God keep you in the palm of His hand and fill you with hope and the Holy Spirit throughout the New Year. WRITE TO LETTERS, SCO, 19 WATERLOO STREET, GLASGOW G2 6BT [email protected] FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CHILDREN’S PAGE 25

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

such as you teacher or priest of next door neighbour people who have been kind to you and shown you love. CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS CROSSWORD G You could make each of them a card out of paper telling them how much you care for them ACROSS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 and thank them for being a part of your life. 1 Carol about how quiet Prayer the first Christmas was (6,5) 8 9 Dear Jesus, please bless our family. Amen 6 You light this stringy part of the candle (4) 10 11 First Reading 8 Go in (5) 12 13 9 Lawfully (7) Those who fear the Lord honour their parents. A reading 14 15 from the book of Sirach 3:2-6 10 Bird you might have Feast of the Holy Family Children, the Lord expects you to honour your for your Christmas 16 17 18 father, and has given your mother authority over dinner (6) 19 20 Reflection and Discussion 12 More joyful (7) you. 21 22 23 I Wha t does it mean to you to honour someone? If you honour your father, your sins will be 14 Make something I Wh o are the people in your life that you forgiven. If you praise your mother, treasure will easier to understand (7) 24 25 honour and why do you honour them? be stored up in Heaven for you. 16 Jesus used a manger 26 27 28 I as this (3) In the second reading St Paul addresses the If you honour your father, your own children 29 people as brothers and sisters, why would he will make you happy and all your prayers will be 17 Ripping (7) call them his brothers and sisters? answered. If you respect your father, you will live 19 Write this to Santa to 30 31 32 33 34 35 I Who do you think of as your brothers and a long life, and if you listen to the Lord, your tell him what you'd like as a present (6) sisters? mother can relax. 36 I In the Gospel God spoke to St Joseph in a The Word of the Lord 21 A thought (4) dream, does God ever speak to you? 23 You move this part of 37 I In what way does God speak to you? Responsorial Psalm the bike with your 38 128:1-2, 3, 4-5. foot (5) IN TODAY’S readings God shows us how to (R) Happy are those who fear the Lord and walk in 24 Green kind of fruit (4) love each other in several ways. In the first His ways. 26 Heavenly creatures 5 Sacred or blessed (4) 29 “The little Lord Jesus reading we are told to honour and love our The Lord will bless you if you respect Him and who sang to the 6 You might put this ______on the hay” (6) parents as they love and take care of us. In each obey His laws. shepherds (6) around a present to 31 Your uncles and _____ persons life there people who are special, who Your fields will produce and you will be happy 28 What a bird will do to make it look prettier may come to visit are the people in your life that are special to you? and all will go well. ‘sit’ in a branch (5) (8,5) around Christmas (5) Every day we meet people at school or at the (R) Happy are those who fear the Lord and walk in 30 Long decorations (9) 7 Soccer club in 32 Exactly the same (5) shops, everywhere we go there are people. Most His ways. 33 The Mother of Jesus (4) Glasgow with lots of 34 Long amounts of time of them we don’t even know, are these people Your wife will be as fruitful as a grapevine and just 36 The ABC (8) Irish fans (6) (5) are brothers and sisters? How should we treat as an olive tree is rich with olives, your home will 37 People from the 11 Making something 35 Lots of children want them and how should we expect them to treat us? be rich with healthy children. country the Holy with needles and wool to ___ __ very early on Jesus loves everyone and asks us to also love (R) Happy are those who fear the Lord and walk in Family ran away to (9) (8) Christmas morning! everyone. That is not always easy because the His ways. 38 Put on fancy clothes 12 Him for a boy, ___ for (3,2) other people do not always treat us as if they That is how the Lord will bless everyone who or a costume (5,2) a girl (3) love us. What are some ways we can show love respects Him. 13 Reindeer with a famous LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION to others even if they are not easy to love? I pray that the Lord will bless you from Zion and DOWN red nose (7) St Joseph was the baby Jesus’ protector and let Jerusalem prosper as long as you live. 1 It might ring as Santa 15 Have to have (4) ACROSS when he was told that Jesus was in danger he (R) Happy are those who fear the Lord and walk in is flying around (10) 18 I am; you ___ (3) 1 Trampoline 6 Tan 7 Fox 9 Upset got up and took Jesus and Mary to a safe place. His ways. 2 Carol about a 20 Love greatly or 11 Rows 13 Egg 15 Arch This is the job of the father to protect and to youngster and the worship (5) 16 Uniform 18 Smile 19 Happen teach and to love their children, to take care of Second Reading instrument he could 22 Placed together the 20 Springfield them. This is what being a family is all about Concerning the Christian life in the world. A reading from play (6,7,3) pieces of the toy (9) loving each other and taking care or the people the letter of Paul to the Colossians 3:12-17. 3 Point at the ‘top’ of 25 “All is ____, all is DOWN you love. Brothers and sisters, God loves you and has chosen the globe where bright” (4) 2 Rat 3 Minus 4 Owls 5 Enough you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, Santa Claus lives (5,4) 27 The Wise Men came 8 Draughts 10 Exams 12 Whisper I Who is your family and how do you show humble, meek, and patient. Put up with each other 4 Close to (4) from this direction (4) 13 Eclipse 14 Modern 17 Beard them love and what can you do to help them and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as and show them how much you care for them Christ has forgiven you. and be family as Jesus taught us to be? Love is more important than anything else. It is fullness of His message live within you. and His Mother back to Israel. The people who I Ar e there other people who also take care of what ties everything completely together. Each (R) Alleluia, alleluia. wanted to kill Him are now dead.” you and need your love, such as your grand one of you is part of the body of Christ and you Joseph got up and left with them for Israel. But parents and aunts or uncles? Or maybe your were chosen to live together in peace. So let the Gospel when he heard that Herod’s son Archelaus was teacher or and elderly neighbour or family friend? peace that comes from Christ control your Take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt. A now ruler of Judea, he was afraid to go there. Then thoughts. And be grateful. reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew in a dream he was told to go to Galilee, and they We all need love, so who do we know that we Let the message about Christ completely fill 2:13-15, 19-23. went to live there in the town of Nazareth. can share our love with and help feel as if they your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach An angel from the Lord appeared to Joseph in a So the Lord’s promise came true, just as the were also part of our family. and instruct each other. With thankful hearts, sing dream. The angel said: “Get up! Hurry and take prophet had said: “He will be called a Nazarene.” psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. the child and His Mother to Egypt! Stay there until The Gospel of the Lord Activity Whatever you say or do should be done in the I tell you to return, because Herod is looking for G Mat erial needed: Paper and pencil and a smile. name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the child and wants to kill Him.” The Children’s Liturgy page is published G Make a list of the people who you are in your the Father because of Him. That night Joseph got up and took his wife and one week in advance to allow RE teachers family and then write down ways you can show The Word of the Lord the child to Egypt, where they stayed until Herod them you love them. Younger children can draw died. So the Lord’s promise came true, just as the and those taking the Children’s Liturgy at pictures of those who are in their family. Alleluia prophet had said: “I called my son out of Egypt.” weekly Masses to use, if they wish, this G Write down the names of people or draw Colossians 3:15a, 16. After King Herod died, an angel from the Lord page as an accompaniment to their pictures of people who are not of your family who (R) Alleluia, alleluia. appeared in a dream to Joseph while he was still in teaching materials help you and also need to know you love them— May the peace of Christ rule in your hearts and the Egypt. The angel said: “Get up and take the child WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 26 SCIAF YEAR IN REVIEW SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014

Continuing to build a just world As 2014 draws to a close, PHILIPPA BONELLA, head of communication and education at SCIAF, looks back at a year of global charitable work that has included helping people caught up in emergencies, changing lives in some of the poorest countries in the world and campaigning for change here at home

UR work with people in Colombia in 15 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. work with poor farmers in Zambia, Burundi and SCIAF, through its regular campaigns such as Wee Box, Big Change (above left) and Real Gifts (above right), was at the heart of our Wee Box Lent Malawi, and announced that a £470,000 grant along with its emergency relief and advocacy work has appeal, which told the story of the s a member of the worldwide Caritas family from its Climate Justice Fund will help farmers in once more managed to help people all over the world native Emberá people. Many are living of Catholic aid charities, we helped people Rwanda to get water for their crops. in poverty and their traditional way in many emergencies. We continued to The UK Department for International Development new initiative between SCIAF, Mission Matters of life is under threat from conflict and mining supportA Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Jordan, selected SCIAF for its UK Aid Match scheme, so Scotland and the Justice and Peace Commission, is industries forcing them off their land. Thanks to and in August, launched an emergency conflict every £1 donated to our 2015 Wee Box appeal will designed to share the social justice work of the Othe generous donations of our supporters and funding appeal to help us get emergency aid like food, be doubled by the UK government, and will support Church and to encourage Catholics to connect from the European Union, we’re helping local clothes and medicine to people caught up in conflicts women farmers in Malawi, Rwanda and the their Faith with action for change. communities to stand up for their rights and grow in places such as Gaza, Iraq and the Central Democratic Republic of Congo. more food for themselves and their families. African Republic. hen the world came to Glasgow for We were delighted to welcome Criseria Bailarin, As the Ebola virus spread through West Africa, ur advocacy campaigns helped us to put the Commonwealth Games we warmly whose family featured on the Wee Box, along with our generous supporters in Scotland helped us to pressure on the Scottish Government to use welcomed some of the athletes from the Fr Sterlin Londoño of Quibdo Diocese and Mgr send £70,000 to give equipment for hospital staff its Procurement Bill to promote fair and islandW nation of Nauru, who wanted to visit after Hector Fabio from Caritas Colombia. They visited to keep them safe including surgical gloves and ethicalO trade and respect for human rights. As a hearing about the donation made by some of their Scotland for two weeks during Lent and had a masks, and cleaning products such as disinfectant result of SCIAF and Christian Aid campaigners fellow citizens to SCIAF when the Queen’s Baton warm welcome at schools and parishes across the to stop the disease spreading. We’re also using our taking action, then Deputy First Minister Nicola visited the South Pacific country last year. country. They also took part in a special event at church networks and local radio stations in West Sturgeon pledged to take our concerns on board, Last year, more than 200 dedicated volunteers— the Scottish Parliament where Criseria spoke to Africa to tell people how to protect themselves and the Scottish Government accepted that local five times as many people as we have staff—gave politicians about the threat to the traditional through hand washing and other hygiene measures authorities should explain how they will take fair around 7000 hours of their free time to help us, many Emberá way of life from big business. and delivering food to families who are in quarantine trade into account in their buying decisions. giving talks in schools and parishes to say thank The problems faced by the Emberá and others because of the disease. We also asked our supporters to make changes you to everyone for supporting our life-changing were explored in more detail in our new report, We are caring for their wellbeing with in their own lives to help prevent poverty overseas. work. Agroup of teachers also gave their time—and Taking Care of Business: The impact of big business counselling for families who’ve lost loved ones Throughout the year, we’ve been calling on people money —to visit Ethiopia to see our work first-hand on people living in poverty, published in July. The and can’t bury their bodies. This important part of to ‘look closer’ at what they eat and how they use so they can promote global citizenship to their report explains how the Social Teaching of the grieving is being denied to them as many bodies energy. One campaigner, Victoria Ferguson, gave pupils. Catholic Church offers a fresh perspective on our are being buried in mass graves with special up meat for Lent, after learning that nearly 40 per We continued to grow our website, Twitter and economic system, and calls for the welfare of people precautions. People need our support and prayers cent of all cereals produced worldwide go to feed Facebook communities to keep supporters up-to- and human dignity to be placed at the heart of to try to come to terms with their loss and say livestock—enough to provide food for 3.5 billion date with our latest news, including the arrival of political and economic decision-making. New goodbye to their loved ones in another way. people! Reflecting on the challenge, Victoria told our new director, Alistair Dutton, who brings with legislation making its way through the European us: “I think this Lent I have learned to seek a little him years of experience in Caritas, and will lead us Parliament to regulate the trade in conflict minerals s well as thousands of individual donations more balance in my life in regards to food and it into our 50th anniversary year in 2015. is one opportunity to get this right, and thousands each year, SCIAF receives funding from a has challenged me to consider my food choices in Our 50th year will be an opportunity for us to of our supporters signed our action card in June range of different organisations. This year the future. There is enough food in the world for reflect on the many lives that have been changed asking newly-elected MEPs to support the strongest weA heard that European Union funding worth over everyone and I want to take steps to ensure that over the past five decades, and the job that is still possible legislation. £630,000 will help us support small farmers in food and life will be there for future generations.” to be done to end poverty and build a more just Our annual report showed that over three mil- Nicaragua, and a further £500,000 from the Big Further opportunities for reflection and putting world, where everyone has the opportunity and lion people suffering because of hunger, poverty, Lottery Fund will support similar work in our faith into action were launched in the Dioceses means to live life, and live it to the full. war and natural disasters, benefitted from our both Nicaragua and El Salvador. The Scottish of Paisley, Dunkeld and Argyll and the Isles, with work, and we spent over £5million to help people Government also extended its support for our the launch of the Just Faith project. This exciting I www.sciaf.org.uk WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER ACN YEAR IN REVIEW 27 ‘…Islamic State threatens to undermine the very existence of Christianity…’

A nun leads prayer for displaced Iraqi MICHAEL J ROBINSON, Christians who fled Islamic State militants in Mosul at a school acting as a refugee camp in communications Irbil, Iraq, September 6. Irbil then hosted more than 100,000 displaced Christians and other executive for Aid to minorities the Church in Need

Scotland, looks at Thank you the Middle East and In a personal message, Lorraine McMa- hon said: “I would like to thank our Nigeria during 2014 Scottish benefactors and friends for having enabled the love of God to be shown to Christians throughout the world over the last twelve months. “The people of Scotland never cease to amaze me with their generosity of OR Aid to the Church in heart—from the schools, to the bishops Need, 2014 marks the fifth and priests and the parishes who sup- anniversary since the charity port our work. for persecuted and other suf- “On behalf of those we serve in faith, fering Christians opened an may I wish you a blessed and peaceful office in Scotland. However, we are not Christmas and ask you to keep our suf- marking it with a celebration. What is fering brothers and sisters in your thereF to celebrate when Christian perse- thoughts and your prayers throughout cution worsens year on year? 2015.” In Scotland our awareness-raising Ms McMahon went on to praise the and fundraising work this year focused friends and benefactors of Aid to the on the increasing catastrophe happen- Church in Need for supporting the char- ing in the Middle East and the crisis in ity work helping with pastoral priorities Nigeria. This year also marked the in 140 countries around the world— launch of Aid to the Church in Need’s support for Sisters, Child’s Bibles, international report Religious Freedom training seminarians, building and in the World—2014 which assessed repairing churches and providing for- human rights violations against people mation for catechists. of all faiths in 196 countries around She highlighted the charity’s work the world. for displaced Christians, especially Like the many generous benefactors in the Middle East—emporary housing, of ACN in Scotland, I am driven by the food, medicine and other urgent Gospel of good news and inspired by support. the vision of a world where all people can live in peace and justice. I joined 2015 ACN in September as the communica- We need a cultural shift in attitudes tions executive in Scotland having a towards Christian persecution. The per- limited knowledge of the scale and true secution of Christians is not simply a extend of Christian persecution. Christian issue but a matter of human We are often reminded at Mass that a rights, of concern for all. true Christian puts the Word of God into Next year will see us at ACN Scot- practice. One way of doing this is by land launching our Solidarity Campaign Scottish Christians and non-Christians and our Scottish Secondary School’s alike to stand in solidarity with perse- Youth Rally in June. We will of course cuted and oppressed Christians also be organising other events, and throughout the world. delivering parish and school workshops Together we can pray for the perse- Middle East cuted Church. Together we can provide The region in which our Lord, Jesus more aid to the church in need. Together Christ was born and began his ministry we can spread the message about the is under threat and the Christians living persecuted Church. We can do all these there are been driven out. Before 2003, and political turmoil but this year example: “In February, the group killed ences some degree of persecution. things in our schools, parishes and with there were up to 1.5 million Christians the Islamic State threatens to undermine more than 100 Christian men in the vil- However, Christians remain the most our colleagues. living in Iraq. Now, local bishops have the very existence of Christianity in this lages of Doron Baga and Izghe, but the persecuted faith in the world. Accord- Will you stand with us in solidarity, estimated that there are fewer than region.” international community did not ing to the International Society for with our persecuted brothers and 300,000 who remain—a decline of 95 respond.” Human Rights 80 percent of all sisters? percent in just over 10 years. Nigeria Archbishop Kaigama also addressed instances of religious persecution Get involved with Aid to the Church Archbishop Elias Nassar, Maronite Extremist group Boko Haram has car- an audience at Edinburgh’s Gillis Cen- worldwide are directed at Christians. in Need today and make a real differ- Archbishop of Saida, Lebanon visited ried out bloody and directed attacks, in tre in November calling on the Scottish The report found that in nearly 60 ence to the millions of Christians Scotland this year. During the Arch- which the Christian community has suf- Government and politicians across the percent of countries worldwide reli- around the world who suffer persecu- bishop’s visit he warned the audience in fered greatly. political divide to recognise the extent gious freedom was ‘compromised.’ tion, oppression and discrimination Motherwell that: “It has become On the night of April 14 2014, more of religious intolerance today and take His Royal Highness The Prince of simply because they believe in Christ. convenient for Europe to ignore and than 200 girls were kidnapped from the action to address the causes. Wales and the Scottish government both There are a number of ways in which forget about Christian Persecution in Government Secondary School in the welcomed the report. Before the Scot- you can play your part. Whether you my region.” town of Chibok, Nigeria. Most of the Religious freedom tish launch event in November, Scottish want to devote some of your time to The archbishop also asked the people girls were Christian and fears for their Religious freedom is a fundamental Government Minister Roseanna Cun- prayer, organise a fundraiser, help us to of Scotland to keep the people of the well-being grew with online videos human right recognised under Article ningham gave a statement to Aid to the spread awareness of the persecuted Middle East in their prayers. showing their forced conversion to 18 of the Universal Declaration of Church in Need: “The Scottish Govern- Church or join us at one of our prayer Archbishop Nassar provided his Islam. Reports from Nigeria also Human Rights. Religious freedom ben- ment strongly condemns the horrifying, and information events. first-hand experience of life in Lebanon described their kidnappers threatening efits everyone—it creates conditions for escalating persecution of Christians at following the vast number of refugees to sell them into slavery. peace, democratisation and other this time and all religious persecution of I For information about Aid to the from war-torn Iraq and Syria, including The incident involving the school human rights. Unfortunately there are faith minorities globally. Church in Need Scotland and ways in 2 million from Syria alone. girls was not an isolated episode increasing instances in several parts of “We urge all governments and their which you can support persecuted Loraine McMahon, ACN head of in 2014. the world where violations of this most communities to develop and strengthen Christians visit: www.acnuk.org/ operations in Scotland, recently said: Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Jos, basic human right occur. inter-faith relations as a vital way to Scotland or call Lorraine McMahon on: “Our brothers and sisters in the Middle President of the Catholic Bishops Con- The ACN report Religious Freedom challenge human rights abuses and 01698 337470 or email lorraine. East need our help like never before. ference of Nigeria spoke to ACN earlier in the World—2014 found that almost recognise what we can achieve together [email protected] or Iraqis have experienced much conflict in the year and gave the following every identifiable faith group experi- for a better world.” [email protected] WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 28 REFLECTIONS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 A look at Christ through the eyes of a child SR IMELDA ANN from the DOMINICAN SISTERS OF ST CECILIA invites us to refocus on the mystery of the Incarnation this Christmas

A SPIRITUAL REFLECTION

MONG my favourite memories of Christmas are the many moments I spent as a child playing with my family’s Nativity set. It was a simple piece of work and quite homely—earthen colours, unadorned Arobes, even the wise men could have been mistaken for shepherds if you overlooked their gifts and headgear. A three-legged sheep, another missing an ear, an ox that had lost a horn and an angel missing a wing added to the poverty of the scene. Early impressions, though, shape our imagination. That scene will always be my image of the manger where Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Although I said that I spent a lot of time playing with that set, I should have said praying with it. For children, there is a fine line between play and prayer. Both require us to enter into another world as it were, while at the same time remaining in our own. Conversation takes place with invisible persons, yet those conversations allow the child to explore the height and depth of reality with all its mysteries. Even as the sheep grazed the green shag carpet of our living room, and the wise men travelled from the dining room to the manger, I would pick up Baby Jesus and my play turned to prayer. How often I spoke to the Infant in the manger. How often I looked from Jesus lying on a bed of straw to Jesus hanging on the cross upon the wall and asked Him why. Why did He, this tiny innocent Babe, die that way? As human beings, images speak to us, often more powerfully than words. Images of the Christ Child in the manger draw us into the great mystery of the Incarnation. They remind us that God entered into our world, into our human condition, as a tiny child—a child who grew up in the midst of our messy world with all its sin and suffering and who died on a cross to set us free from all that. Yet this tiny child who was born in Bethlehem more than 2000 years ago and who we see represented today in Nativity scenes and other works of art, this child whom we welcome at Christmas is the eternal Son of God. As the Church prays at Christmas, ‘we recognise in Him God made visible’ (Preface I of the Nativity of the Lord).

he other day our parish priest pointed out a reality of which we often need to be reminded. He Tsaid: “The Incarnation was for you. God became man—entered our world—for you.” The greatest gift ever bestowed on anyone came addressed to you. What did the angels announce to the shepherds clothes and lying not under a tree, but in sought to open this Gift addressed to us? Jesus from the Nativity set and addressing Mass on Christmas Day. Whatever the on that first Christmas night? “Today in a manger (see Luke 2:12). We all bemoan the commercialisation the package to someone in the family. time, wherever the place, it is the greatest the town of David a Saviour has been Christmas trees and packages have of Christmas and are appalled when we Which child in the family will get to of birthday parties—a worldwide born to you…” (Luke 2:11). It is the their place in our celebration of Jesus’ hear children define Christmas as the place Baby Jesus in the manger this celebration—to which we bring only same message they continue to address birth, but they should not obscure our day when Santa comes. We need to be year? Who will be the one blessed with ourselves and from which we go, having to us year after year in the Gospel read at view of the Christ Child. Have we creative in our effort to return to the true the honour of receiving Christ on behalf received Christ the Lord. From a manger Mass on Christmas night. The angels enabled our children and grandchildren meaning of Christmas and to pass it on of the family? And with Baby Jesus, scene to contemplation of the mystery even tell us how to identify this great to find this Gift from God among the to our loved ones. Perhaps, amid the perhaps we need to include an invitation of the Incarnation, such prayer is possible gift—He is to be found wrapped not in many other gifts from family, relatives, packages under the tree, we need to start to his birthday celebration—a Christmas when we learn to look at reality through pretty paper and bows, but in swaddling friends and Santa Claus? Have we a tradition of gift-wrapping the Baby Eve vigil Mass, the midnight Mass, or a the eyes of a child. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER REFLECTION 29

God is our good, our light, our bread and our life A BENEDICTINE MONK from PLUSCARDEN ABBEY looks closely at Psalm 38 and explains how God will always welcome us back

“[O]f all the psalms, none has deeper—going inside. Then we may fall in their hearts. However, the fearful step of humility is that a monk always expressed greater vehemence of grief, A SPIRITUAL into the trap of wanting to see the outcome apostles certainly ran far away, so we manifests humility in his bearing no less none has declared more passionate rather than walking by faith. can more simply and obviously refer than in his heart, so that it is evident at the intensity of sorrow, than Psalm REFLECTION the saying to them, understanding it to Work of God, in the oratory, the 37[38]; and it teaches us to live ‘in n the psalm itself, there is the idea mean that some of them drew near and monastery or the garden, on a journey or accordance with the spirit… as one that the psalmist is left alone. When others stood far off, since even Peter, in the field, or anywhere else. Whether he totally given to God.” (St Ambrose) Abraham, in obedience to the call of who had been bold enough to follow sits, walks or stands, his head must be IGod, goes to the land of Moriah to Our Lord, was so far off that when bowed and his eyes cast down. Judging SALM 38 is about a person sacrifice his son, Isaac, Abraham sees questioned, and frightened, he three himself always guilty on account of his dying, losing his faculties one the place that God has chosen for the times denied the Lord, with whom he sins, he should consider that he is already by one. “The psalmist is crying sacrifice from afar (Gn 22:4). Luke in had earlier promised to die. (See Mt at the fearful judgement, and constantly out to the Lord and weeping the story of the prodigal son shows that 26:69-74: 35). But afterwards he came say in his heart what the publican in the as he prays… [H]e is sobbing to see from afar can also be an opportunity back from that far-off place to draw Gospel said with downcast eyes: “Lord, I out loud,” pouring out his ‘heart as water for compassion: “And he arose and close again; for he heard the risen Christ am a sinner, not worthy to look up to before the face of the Lord (Lam 2:19).’ during the Passion in all three Synoptics. came to his father. But while he was yet ask ‘Do you love me?’and he repeatedly Heaven.” (Luke 18:13). And with the PFor scholars and the Liturgy, the Earlier in these Gospels, Peter has at a distance, his father saw him and had answered: “I love you (Jn 21:15-17). He Prophet: “I am bowed down and humbled central verse is 12 and is related to the watched from afar when Jesus is led compassion, and ran and embraced him who by denying the Lord had put in every way (Ps 37[38]:7-9; Ps Passion of Christ. “Friends and into the high priest’s house: “Peter was and kissed him.” (Lk 15:20). himself far away was now coming 118[119]:107)” (RB 7.62-66). companions stand aloof from my pain; following Him [Jesus] at a distance as “Friends and companions stand aloof nearby his confession, until by his triple We make our own St Augustine’s those closest to me stand afar off.” far as the high priest’scourtyard, and going from my pain; those closest to me stand declaration of love he blotted out his triple exposition of this psalm. Contemplating (v12). Liturgy gives at the head of the inside he sat down with the servants to afar off.” (v12). St Augustine comments: denial. And my neighbours stood far off. God’s glory and seeing Him face-to- Psalm a quotation from Luke 23:49: see the outcome.” You can see this as an “This people honours me with its lips face we shall be enabled to praise Him “And all His acquaintances and the image of our efforts both in lectio divina (that means they are physically near), arlier in our psalm we hear: “I am forever, without wearying, without any women who had followed Him from and in our Christian life. Like Peter but its heart is far from me (Is 29:13). bowed and brought to my knees.” pain of iniquity… For we shall be in Galilee stood at a distance and saw these (above) we often follow Jesus at a The same people are said to be near, and This psalm is St Benedict’s that city where God is our good, God is things.” The women watch from afar distance. Sometimes we continue, go yet far—near with their lips, far away Etwelfth step of humility: “The twelfth our light, God is our bread, God is our life. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 30 CROSSWORD SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014

1 2 345 67 8 9 10 11 12 13

141516 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 First entry out the hat when we return after Christmas will 38 39 40 be the winner of the above digital radio courtesy of 41 42 43 Premier, Christian Communications. 44 45 46 47 48 49 Send your completed 50 crossword entries—along with 51 525354 55 56 your full name address and daytime phone number—to 57 58 CROSSWORD CONTEST SCO 19 WATERLOO ST GLASGOW G2 59 60 61 62 63 6BT 6564 66 67 The winner’s name will be printed in January 9, 2015.

68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 The editor’s decision is final 76 77 78 79 80 81 DECEMBER 19 82 83 84 SOLUTION 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION 92 93 94 95 ACROSS 1 Tow 3 Loose cannon 96 97 98 99 100 8 Guilty pleasure 10 Title 11 Tract 13 Final 101 102 103 104 105 106 15 Sadness 16 Bath bun 20 Syrah 21 Dream 23 Takes 1107 109 110 24 Hallmark 25 Collie 108 26 Medicine man 27 Bid 111 112 113 114 DOWN 1 Tight-fisted 2 Whistled 115 116 3 Litre 4 Soprano 5 Apart 6 Nougat 7 Nee 117 118 119 120 12 Turn of speed 13 Fists 14 Leach 17 Book club 18 Trickle 19 Healed 22 Mimic 23 Troon 24 Hen 121 122 123 Last week’s winner was: TBC

ACROSS 68 Dodge (5) depiction of genealogy? (6,4) equipment (5) 1 The metro heaps up plenty of breathing 69 Travel on snow or water (3) 123 Highly-popular book that shows where 49 Expense, expenditure (6) space (10) 71 Mallards, for example (5) the finest wines are stored, by the 53 Allow the French a kiss, being careless (3) 6 Type of lottery (10) 75 Jason gave it a right go in this ship! (4) sound of it (4-6) 54 These Bethlehem 47 across were a little 11 It allows the feline access—to rip up a 76 Pampered pet (6) sheepish (5) flat cap (3,4) 78 A cup of acidity in a besieged city (6) DOWN 55 Sweet that will freshen your breath (4) 14 Group of pundits (5) 79 It seems the conifer is always 1 As quiet as a snake can be (3) 56 She sings in church (9) 15 Visionaries one gains from, by the environmentally conscious (9) 2 Frank gets from one chap to another (3-2-3) 60 Puts an end to parts of the organ (5) sound of it (8) 80 Shellfish found right among some 3 Superb fish (6) 61 Seasonal colour (3) 17 The ‘Anonymous Giver’ cassette ran chessmen (6) 4 We hope your Christmas is this! (5) 64 Paltry (6) out (6,5) 81 Opera by Verdi (4) 5 Santa's landing strip (7) 65 A severe behind! (6) 20&38a Oohh, tingly reaction may be caused by 84 Greek and Roman god whose name 7&45d Carol about a tiny trio of monarchs from a 66 Furnace for firing pottery, making bricks, etc (4) this beautiful carol! (1,4,5) was given to the NASA lunar London soccer club, by the sound of it! 70 Something given to pacify someone (3) 21 Such 46 acrosses distract a servant (7) programme (6) (2,5,5,2,6,3) 72 Shorten Pontoon to make another card 24 Part of the circumference of a circle (3) 85 Borrow (5) 8 Theatrical production that's fun to do? (4) game (8,6) 25 61 down book of the Bible identifying a 87 One might have an ivy taint to the 9 Elephant’s tooth (4) 73 Cooked with lubricant in bed (6) town in Cornwall (7) sacred birth (8) 10 Enhance, make wealthier (6) 74 Here, most unusual statements need 26 Vegetable found in a pod (3) 89 Did Noah build it using, not 11 Provides food and drink from broken proving (8) 27 Belonging to him (3) four-by-twos, but two-by-twos? (3) crates (6) 77 It’s a horse of a different colour! (4) 29 Repast (4) 90 Trundled (6) 12 Some may find this exit to be beneath 78 Pudding made from cassava root (7) 31 One of the Magi has 1 down in a motor (6) 94 'e found a way of providing a melted them (8) 82 As above; same again (5) 34 Talon (4) cheese treat (6) 13 It will show just how acid are some smut 83 The composer of 'Carmen' (5) 37 Two cats are needed make this drum (3-3) 96 Might a rat elect to make a Swiss titles (6,4) 86 Destitute (4,3,3) 38 See 20 across cheese? (8) 16 Maintain flight in one position (5) 88 Shining (5) 39 Group of geese in flight (5) 98 Type of shell (5) 18 Southern 103 down is not for real (4) 91 I leave the Scottish landowner some fat (4) 40 A bat riot has broken out in the 99 Is the cardinal fair? Chic, certainly (5) 19 How fleet conmen breach a regular 92 Pub (3) slaughterhouse (8) 101 One of the reindeer occupies part of Anglican get-together (7,10) 93 Native American carving (5) 41 In a spooky way (6) London, nervously (6) 22 One left for an Adriatic city (5) 95 Avail of (3) 44 Pointed parts of certain plants (6) 102 Solemn vow (4) 23 Waterproof coat (3) 96 About the electronic book—light it up 46 Roomless establishment in Bethlehem (3) 104 See 59 across 24 Husband of Jezebel or captain obsessed again (8) 47 Those who come to call (8) 106 Surrealist Spanish painter who has with Moby Dick (4) 97 Remove Kate in confusion (4) 49 X’s? Frequently! (5) been laid up (4) 28 Bury (5) 100 Nocturnal predator (5,3) 50 One gobbles this when it gobbles no more (6) 107 Beard of barley (3) 30 One telling fibs (4) 101 Famously extinct bird (4) 51 Piece of money (4) 109 Grow older (3) 31 Old joke roasted at Christmas (8) 103 Meaty son of Noah (3) 52 Middle-Eastern country (6) 111 See 59 across 32 Consumed (3) 104 The longest river in France (5) 55 See the moth cause chaos—right under 112 Be in debt (3) 33 Illness (7) 105 No wonder they're out for a long time—we your nose, perhaps (9) 113 Being more tipsy, find 120 down in the 35 Pass into disuse (5) can see 500 or 1000 on the hard stuff! (7) 57 Draw an alien hen (6) churned mire (7) 36 This requires the cardinal to get insects (5) 107 Spies one lavatory? (6) 58 Spiced sausage (6) 114 Given under 102 across (5) 37 Gratuity (3) 108 Fall asleep with only Wynken and Blynken 59,104a&111a A number of female 'Strictly' 117 The centrepiece of Midas' Christmas 42 Seldom (6) left on? (3,3) contestants? It's a gift! (4,6,7) feast? (6,5) 43&116d Carol that recommends the minimum 110 Whipped cream dessert (6) 60 Less risky (5) 118 Glue (8) number of sojourns in Bethlehem? 114 The saint swallows a little bonbon (5) 62 A sharp bite (3) 119 Purloined a wrap (5) (4,2,5,6,4) 115 The Abominable Snowman (4) 63 Embellish with some radon (5) 121 The overheads of Santa’s 45 See 7 down 116 See 43 down 66 Equipment (3) transportation? (7) 47 Competes, contends (4) 120 Make a mistake with the cardinal, right? 67 Creature found in part of 40 across (3) 122 Might one twig one’s place in this 48 Perplexes with pieces of cricket Right again (3) WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CHURCH NOTICES 31 CHURCH&PUBLICNOTICES

CatholicCharismaticRenewal The Society of the Innocents Glasgow MONTHLY Motherwell Branch invites you to celebrate on MEDJUGORJE 16th January 2015 The Feast of the Holy Innocents 7pm - 9pm EVENING and ST JOHN THE BAPTISTʼS CHURCH Concelebrant: Bishop Toal 17th January 2015 Lower Millgate 10am - 4pm UDDINGSTON Monday 29th December at 11am onMonday 29th December 2014 St Bernadetteʼs Church, Logan Road, G Rosary at 7.00pm Mass at 7.30pm Motherwell Light refreshments in the hall afterwards ALL WELCOME ALL WELCOME VOCATIONS EXPERTSERVICES

For further information contact Teresa: 07800717949 or [email protected] Thinking about Life Choices? G EORGE P. R EILLY ALL WELCOME Sr Frances Painter and Decorator will help you choose 3 0 Years of Experience what’s right for you! Diocese of Paisley Free Estimates www.sistersofnazareth.com 07974379811 [email protected] 01698 822215 Carols in the Cathedral 07906 372 786

Visit: FRANCISCAN Email: MISSIONARIES Mobile:OF ST. JOSEPH Are you called like Francis of Assisi to live the Gospel radically? Want to know more? Email Sister Noel – Website Directory [email protected] www.jandmsewing.com www.pansionstephen.com Sunday 28th December 2014 @ 4pm www.fmsj.co.uk Top quality, reasonably priced Pansion Stephen offers holiday Reg. Charity no. 1135474 Church Robes (Bishops, Clergy, accommodation, B&B, HB and FB St Mirinʼs Cathedral with carols led by the diocesan choir Deacons, Diocesan Vestments, facilities in Medjugorje for groups Choirs, Servers) all made to order of up to 30 people. Special collection for JERICHO in the UK. “The SPRED Paisley & Compassion of www.sconews.co.uk YOUR Do you feelthat With a readership of 50,000, the Diocesan Youth Funds Jesus.” Scottish Catholic Observer is God is calling Drug & Alcohol Rehabs., Scotlandʼs only weekly Catholic WEBSITE you to the Refuge for Victims of newspaper and is available in 98% of parishes. HERE!! Missionary Domestic Violence, PRAYER MEETINGS Supported Accommodation www.customartkids.co.uk Priesthood Made to measure, designed for for the Destitute, the life, personalised for you. Wall art, Then we Distressed, and all being Personalised Christmas Childrens EMAIL can help Archdiocese of Diocese of Paisley ‘passed by on the other side.’ gifts. Any Occassions gifts you Glasgow A COMMUNITY OF advertising@ N Rhema Prayer www.forevermaria.myflpbiz.com N St Anthony’s & St Contact: MEN OF PRAYER FOR Aloe vera products for home, health and Community sconews.co.uk Aidan’s Prayer Group (founded 1970) wellbeing. Specialist sports products. OUR TIMES Weight Management Program. St Marys RC Church Vocation info from 89 Abercromby Street, St Aidan’s Hall, Bro Patrick Mullen, The Jericho Society, Calton, Glasgow G40 Tower Road, The Vocations Director Mater Salvatoris, Harelaw Farm, 2DQ Johnstone SMA FATHERS Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, PA10 2PY Scottish Charity SC016909 St Theresaʼs Opinions of advertisers are not necessarily WEDNESDAY 8PM TUESDAYS 7PM Tel: 01505 614669 Clarendon Place, Dunblane Email: those held by The Scottish Catholic Observer Perthshire FK15 9HB [email protected] 32 FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

SIX MONTHS MIND JOHN McKEOWN Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I Remembering our parents, wonder where you are. – Je Thomas, died September 12, T’aime. 1961, Elizabeth, died October 26, 1989, our brothers, Patrick, JOHNSTONE/HOWARD died December 20, 1999, Billy, Treasured memories of my died December 7, 2000, John, died September 13, 2013, our beloved husband Robert. Also sister, Catherine, died February remembering my parents 22, 1940, aged 3, niece, Laurence and Flora Howard, Catherine, died November 17, brother Lachie, my grandpar- 2000 and nephew, James, died ents Lachlan and Kate MacNeil January 11, 2011. FLAHERTY, John of Ardmhor, Barra and uncle and LEYDON A Mass and a prayer are all we Christmas and treasured memo- aunt Chon and Kirsty MacLean, In loving memory of dearly have to give, ries of John, who died suddenly missed John, beloved husband and cousins Eion, Katie and These you shall have as long as McHUGH on July 26, 2006, dearly loved of Rosemary, father of Carol, Martin, died June 29, 2014 in Lachlan of Cleat, Isle of Barra. we live. husband of Kathy, loving dad of Callum, Elizabeth and John From your loving family. Spain. Husband of Claire. Bernadette, father-in-law of Also remembering my dear Paul, brother and grandfather, Hail Hail Martin. Brian, and devoted papa of brother-in-law, Angus John who died on May 19, 2004 and McQUILLAN You’ll never walk alone. Lorraine and Jennifer. Buchanan (Coddie). whose birthday was on All family and friends. In loving memory of our dear To know we never said good- Always in our thoughts and December 9. father and grandfather, Thomas, bye, prayers. As the years go by we miss you our loving mother and gran, Will always bring regret, CHRISTMAS GREETINGS Sweet Jesus, have mercy on still and remember you with love Alice Theresa, and beloved But the hearts that truly loved them. this Christmas and always. You sister and aunt, Rose Mary. you, Our Lady and St Anthony, pray are in our hearts, our thoughts Forever in our hearts. CASEY Are the hearts that won’t forget. and our prayers when we put up DUFF Remembering with love at for them. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for Always in our thoughts and the Christmas decorations, Aunt Norah would like to wish all Christmas our dear parents, our Inserted by May and family, them. prayers. when we go to Mass on her family and friends a Merry loving father, Joseph, whom Govan. St Anthony and St Joseph, pray Saint John XXIII and Blessed Christmas Eve and when we Christmas and a Happy New God called home on November for them. John Henry Newman, pray for gather round the table as a fam- Inserted by Bobby, Sarietta, Year. 20, 1970. him. Also our darling mother, Helen, ily on Christmas Day. We love Bobby and Thomas. Requiescat in pace. and miss you. Macrae who went home to God on July Our thoughts are always with Betty and Gemma Macrae wish 18, 1997. FRYARS Go home in peace Mum and you, to send Christmas Blessings to 8th Anniversary Dad, we love you. Your place no one can fill, all our friends this wonderful Loving memories of John, who Infant Jesus, Child Divine, In life we loved you dearly, season of advent. died December 16, 2006. Also Make our hearts like unto Thine. In death we love you still. Thank you for all your prayers. 7th anniversary of my dearest Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, From the Leydon family of Deo Gratias. son, John (Jnr) who died on We place all our trust in Thee. Cambuslang, Glasgow. November 7, 2007. Inserted by your loving daughter We are thinking about you at CATHIE WALKER, 4 Casimir Missing you both at Christmas Sheila and all the family. Christmas, Grandad Leydon. Place, Daliburgh, would like to and always. wish all her family, neighbours Love from Ryan, Heather and Forever in our hearts. LEES, Margaret Ross. and friends in South Uist, COLLINS Your loving wife Ellen and all the Remembering Jane, loving mum Please pray for our mum. Benbecula, Mallaig, Glasgow, family. xx Newcastle and Stornoway a and gran at Christmas Time. We often lie awake at night, McFARLANE very Merry Christmas and a Died May 23, 2002. While the world is fast asleep, Remembering at Christmas GALBRAITH prosperous New Year 2015. Remembered always. We think about the mum we Jessie and James McFarlane, Morag, aged 74 years, who died formerly Raglan Street; Kearney John, Joe and families. lost, on September 8, 2008. R.I.P. family, formerly Raglan Street. With tears upon our cheeks, Deep in our hearts you will Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for CHRISTMAS REMEMBRANCE We cannot get over losing you, always stay, them. No matter how we try, Loved and remembered in every Always missed. We’ll keep you in our hearts, AUSTIN way. Charlie and Nancy. Until the day we die. Christmas memories of Cathy, No tears no verse can every Little Flower in this hour, pray who died March 2, 2008, dearly say, for her. loved sister-in-law and aunt and How much we miss you every Billy, who died March 19, 2010, Missing you always, love you day. brother, uncle and best friend. forever. By your husband and family, McSHANE Sadly missed and loved by Daughter Tracey and son Cherished memories of our lov- home and away. Kathy and family. Gerard. ing parents, grandparents and Requiescant in pace. great-grandparents, John and GEMSON Mary McShane. Also our In loving memory this Christmas LEES BOYD Margaret Weatherall beloved sister Rosemary Treasured and loving memories of our parents and family, Alice, MacIntyre. God called your name so softly, at Christmas of our brother, Justin, John, Paul, Marie, We hold you close within our That only you could hear, Martin, who died on August 21, Douglas and Pat and our friend hearts, And no-one heard the footsteps, 2008. Mary. And there you will remain, Of angels drawing near, McGUIGAN To live in the hearts of those we May they rest in peace. To walk with us throughout our It broke our hearts to lose you, Treasured memories at loved is not to die. Our Lady of Knock, pray for lives, Thinking of you at this special But you did not go alone, Christmas time of my beloved them. Until we meet again. time of the year. For part of us went with you, wife Sadie. Their loving family. Your loving family. The day God called you home. They say time heals many St Pio, pray for her. things, McSHANE BOYLE Love and miss you Mum. But not the sadness Christmas Christmas memories of our Treasured memories of my dear COSGROVE Daughter Roselynn, Wullie and brings, beloved mum and gran, aunt, Theresa, died September Bernadette, who died June 24, In loving memory of Helen and grandchildren Barry, Nicola and The pain in my heart will always 26, 1989. William Cosgrove. Remember- 2005. Liam and great-granddaughter remain, I hold you close within my heart, ing you both at Christmas. Until the day we meet again. You left us quietly your thoughts And there you will remain, Riley Rose. unknown, From the family. Loving husband Ian. To walk with me throughout my You left us memories we are No presents to give you, life, CURRIE McCANN proud to own. Until we meet again. Catherine Harvie In loving memory of our mother, No wishes sincere, Eternal rest grant unto her O Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for No one knows the broken heart, Annie Carr, died December 3, Only the heartache, Lord, her. That lies behind my smile, 2011 and our father, Pat, died Of not having you near. And let perpetual light shine Catherine. No one knows the loneliness, GRAY August 3, 2013. Kathleen and family. upon her. That’s with me all the while, Remembering at Christmas, Both are missed very much. Her loving family. CLARKE Silent tears do gently fall, Alex, who died on August 2, Together again. McGUIRE Remembering at Christmas my Which others do not see, 2004, beloved husband of Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for Remembering our dear parents, MONAGHAN dear sister Anne, who died on For the kind and loving mum, Patrick, who died September In loving memory of our parents, Teresa, much missed dad of them. August 17, 1984. Who meant the world to me. 26, 1996, and Catherine, who Bill, who died September 16, Gerry, Hilary, Frances, Stephen Also Jordan Waters, daughter of It does not need a special day, St Pio, pray for her. died July 22, 1994, also our 1969, and Nancy, who died to bring you to our minds, Loving son William and and Patti, a dear papa and Carol Anne. dear brother-in-law, Roy Moon, August 25, 2004. For days we do not think of you Roselynn and grandchildren friend. Sleeping with the Angels. who died September 28, 1998. Those who die in grace go no Anne, are very hard to find. Barry, Nicola and Liam and Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for From the family in Kilsyth, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for further from us than God, and Inserted by Margaret, Angus, great-granddaughter Riley him. Kirkintilloch, Cumbernauld and them. God is very near. Matthew and Mark. Rose. May he rest in peace. Hamilton. Sadly missed by all the family. Inserted by the family. FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS 33 FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

WALKER/HENDERSON/ MOUNT MORRISON Special thoughts of Kathleen, a Christmas Remembrance loving daughter and sister, died 36th Anniversary of my dearest June 29, 1976, aged 10 years, husband, Donald Andrew, and whose birthday falls on our father and grandfather, who Christmas Day. died on December 24, 1978. Every day without you Always in our thoughts and Since you had to go, prayers. Is like summer without sunshine Our Lady of the Isles, pray for And Christmas without snow. him. We always feel you close to us Inserted by his loving wife And though you’re far from Cathie and family at home and sight, MARTIN, Betty Boyle PRETE away. We’ll search for you among the PEAT My dearest wife, mother and Remembering with love at Also remembering my dear stars Please remember in your granny, died August 30, 2011. Christmas, Annie (Tracey), a grandson, Alistair Stephen Hen- That shine on Christmas night. prayers Father Jim Peat, late There’ll be one missing dear wife, beloved mum and derson, who died suddenly on Sleep in heavenly peace Parish Priest of Ss. John Christmas, much loved gran and great- July 1, 2011 and whose 38th Kathleen. Cantius and Nicholas, Broxburn, One place at table – bare, gran, who sadly died on October birthday occurs on December Also Charlie and loved ones who died on January 8, 2003. One smiling face we’ll yearn for, 6, 2001 and remembering with 26, 2014. Remembering son-in- gone before. Sadly missed. Just knowing you’re not there. love John Prete, a dear hus- law, Ronnie Morrison, died From Mum and all the family. Gone but not forgotten. Love from all the family. We’ll have to gather all our faith band, beloved dad and much March 2013. And be of one accord, loved granda and great-granda, Rest in peace with the angels ROBINSON Knowing you are safe with Him who sadly died August 17, 2005. and saints. Treasured memories of my dear Spending Christmas time with Special memories of you both Granny Cathie. husband, John (Jackie), a MEMORIAM Our Lord. this Christmas and always. devoted husband and father, Her ever loving husband PARK May the winds of time blow gen- Treasured memories of my who died on March 7, 2000, and Ronnie. tly, whose birthday occurs on ADAMS beloved husband, Tommy, who BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE Helen, died December 28, 2007. Holy Family, keep her close. And whisper so you’ll hear, December 21. died very suddenly on Decem- Remembering a special mum If tears, heartaches and longing That we will always love you, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for ber 3, 1990, and our beloved and gran, who fell asleep seven Could make special dreams And wish so much you were McCLAFFERTY him. son, Jim, who died tragically on years ago – never a day goes come true, here. Mary Rose, beloved mother and Inserted by his loving family. October 29, 2005, much loved by without us thinking about We’d be celebrating Christmas In our hearts you have left a granny, who died June 15, 1990, husband of Rosie, father of you. Once more dear mum with you. gap, and whose birthday occurs on Andrew, Karen and Lynsey, TIERNEY Still greatly missed. Daughters Liz-Anne, Elaine, That no one else can fill, December 29. Loving memories of Matthew, father-in-law of Annemarie, Mum and dad now recently Marie-Louise, son-in-law Arthur You have gone and yet it St Anthony, pray for her. loving dad and grandad, who granda of Connor and Dylan. reunited with Ben. and “The Magnificent Seven.” seems, Inserted by her loving family. died May 2, 1999 and whose We often sit and think of you, Love always Julie, Robert, That you are with us still. birthday occurs on December And think of how you died, Lorraine, Peter, Nicole, Lesley, NOLAN We picture a beautiful garden, 27. To think you could not say Alison and Craig. xxxxxxxx Treasured memories of my dear And by that gate you stand, A silent prayer keeps us in goodbye, son and brother of Clare, Brian One day that gate will open, touch, Before you closed your eyes, And you will take our hand. With the one we loved and miss ALEXANDER Joseph, died August 1, 1989, Just a prayer from us to you, 21st Anniversary Sacred Heart of Jesus, grant so very much. aged 21 years, also his dearest Just a memory fond and true, In loving memory of my dear them eternal rest. Eternal rest grant unto him O dad, Dominic, died July 12, In our hearts you will remain, husband, Calum, and our dear Love and miss you both so Lord, 2001. Until the day we meet again, father, who died on December much. And let perpetual light shine Find your softest pillow, Lord, Always in our thoughts and 28, 1993. Till we meet again. upon him. To rest his head upon, prayers. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for From your loving family. xxxx Your loving family. Place a kiss upon his cheek, Inserted by his loving wife, The many things you did for us, him. And tell him who it’s from. mother and family. In your kind and loving way, Agnes and family. Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Give us memories to treasure, RELIGIOUS MEMORIAM pray for them. PRENTICE On this Christmas Day. McGUNNIGLE ANDERSON In loving memory of James, Mum. In loving memory of Harry, lov- Gran and Granda – you were Treasured and loving memories ing father and grandfather, who the best. dear husband and father, died Watch beside him, Guardian of our dearly loved Joseph, son, DONNELLY died June 4, 2003. Love and miss you both always. December 24, 2000. Angel, brother, brother-in-law and Of your charity please pray for A smile for all, a heart of gold, From your loving grandchildren Deep in our hearts you will Virgin Mother, light his way, uncle, whose birthday occurs on the repose of the soul of Fr One of the best this world could and little great-grandchildren. Andrew Joseph Donnelly, always stay, Heart of Jesus, grant him mercy, December 30, also remember- hold, xxxx O.Carm. who died on December Loved and remembered every That’s my prayer for Brian each Silent thoughts of time together, ing your much loved dad, day. Hughie. R.I.P. 26, 2006. Also his brother, Fr day. Hold Christmas memories that RUDZINSKI Patrick Donnelly, W.F. who died Ann and family. Each Mass we hear, each Clare and Richard. will last forever. Joyful memories of many happy on February 13, 1997. Our Lady of the Isles, pray for Missing you always but espe- past Christmas celebrations with prayer we say, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray him. NOLAN cially at this time of the year. our parents Susan and Jan Is offered up for you. for them. Treasured memories of our dear Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for Rudzinski. In our hearts you will always St Thérèse of the Child Jesus, BEECHEY In loving memory of my dear nephew and cousin, Brian him. Special memories of Raymond stay, pray for them. wife, and mother, Annie Joseph, died August 1, 1989, Inserted by all your loving family and Andy. Loved and remembered every at home and away. day. Beechey, who died January 2, aged 21 years. Oh so dearly loved. 1976. St Joseph, pray for him. Quietly today your memory we So sadly missed. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for treasure, Sleep in heavenly peace. Inserted by his loving Mum, five her. Loving you always, forgetting We love you. sisters and families. St Bernadette, pray for her. you never. From all the family. Inserted by her husband and St Joseph, pray for him. MacMILLAN family, Clydebank. Uncle Pat and Aunt Catherine. SHALLOO Remembering with love my dar- My gift is just a simple prayer, John, died October 24, 2014. ling Husband and Dad, Angus, BONNER God Bless and keep you in His May the Christ Child welcome who died July 30, 2005, and 30th Anniversary care. you, may Our Blessed Mother whose birthday falls on January In loving memory of our beloved dad and grandad, Thomas, who Kevin. cover you with her mantle this 6. died January 6, 1985, loving Gentle Jesus, in Heaven above, Christmas. I thank God for the precious gift of love from the husband I FRIEL husband of the late Mollie Give Uncle Brian all our love. Love you forever. 29th Anniversary MacLellan. adored and the memories I’m His godson Kevin, Stephanie SMITH Your loving wife Eileen. In loving memory of Sister Anna No time was spared for us to blessed to hold in my heart. and Michael. Christmas Remembrance Friel, M.M.M. (Brazil and say, In loving memory of Sadie, a WALKER Love Mary. Kenya), who died suddenly on Goodbye, farewell dear Tom. O’NEIL much loved wife and mother, Treasured memories of Alice Please God take this message December 27, 1985, at the Our Lady and St. Francis, pray Remembering with much love born to eternal life May 27, Walker, loving wife of the late to the Dad I loved, you’ll never Motherhouse of the Medical for them. Frank. 2002. Alistair, loving mother and walk alone. Missionaries of Mary, Drogheda, Inserted by his loving daughters Thank you for the love, joy and We thank You, Almighty God, for grandmother, who died October Love Marian and Neil. Ireland. and grandchildren. happiness you brought to our the treasured gift of love, for 12, 2001. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for those we have shared our lives lives. Thinking of you this Christmas O’DONNELL her. BRADY, Patrick with, and the memories we are In loving memory of John, who Treasured memories of Patrick, Inserted by Marie and Gerard and always. blessed to hold in our hearts. died on May 20, 2008, and HARDING a loving and devoted husband, and family. Never more than a thought Remembered with love this day whose birthday occurs on In loving memory of Fr John father and grandad, who died Remembering also our dear and every day. away, December 15. Also his son, Harding OFM, who died on December 24, 2005. mother, Rebecca. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for Loved and remembered every Dominic, who died on March 4, December 26, 2012, aged 56. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for Missing you at Christmas and her. day. 2007, and whose birthday Our prayers to Our Lady and him. always. Inserted by Joe, Josephine and St Pio, pray for her. occurs on December 21. Jesus will go on especially at Inserted by his loving wife Betty Inserted by the family. Bill. Your loving family. May they rest in peace. this time. and family. 34 FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

BRENNAN GRANT McCOMISH MacDONALD 3rd Anniversary Please remember in your In loving memory of our dear Precious memories of Norman, In loving memory of our much prayers my dear husband, John, mother, Margaret McGowan, a much loved husband, dad, loved mother, granny and wee who died December 15, 1989, a who died January 6, 1966. R.I.P. grandfather, great-grandfather granny, Lizzie, (née Donnelly), loving dad and granda. St Anne, pray for her. and father-in-law to Helen, who died January 6, 2012. Also Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for Inserted by the family, 38 North Adam, Russell and Peter, who our dear father, Frank, who died him. Elgin Street, Clydebank. died on June 6, 1995. April 28, 1986 and also our Frances and family. Kind was your nature brothers Frank and Joe. McCRORIE True were your ways, Our Lady of Knock, pray for HENRETTY 17th Anniversary We will treasure the memories them. 37th Anniversary In loving memory of John, For the rest of our days. From all the family. Of your charity, please pray for beloved husband of the late Inserted by your loving wife the repose of the soul of our Helen, much loved dad, Emma. CONVERY, John mother, Ellen Fitzgerald, LENNON grandad and father-in-law, who We miss you dad, we always BRITTON In loving memory of our Dad, In loving memory of our dear Please pray for the repose of beloved wife of the late William passed away on December 30, will, Vince, who died on Christmas mother Annie (Bradley) who the soul of John Convery, who Henretty, who died January 6, 1997. You left a place no one can fill. died January 7, 1994, aged 62 Eve 2004. died December 28, 1982 and 1978. In our hearts you are always Thank you dad for those pre- years. Ten years have now gone by but also our dear father William who O compassionate Lord Jesus, there, cious years. Still loved and still missed by our memories of you Dad will died April 26, 1983. grant her eternal rest. – 120 Loved and remembered in every Fiona, Essex; Annette, Sadie and all the family. never die. May they rest in the peace of Gala Street. prayer. Carnoustie; Roddy and Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray We love and miss you always. Christ. Our Lady, St Joseph and St Georgina, Dumbarton. for him. From all of your family. Inserted by the family. JELLY, Maria Theresa Anthony, pray for them. Miss you lots. Precious memories of Maria Joseph, Jean, Liz, Ian, Marion, Grandchildren. CREELEY McALEER CAMPBELL Theresa, who died on Decem- Pat and the grandchildren. Remembering also loved ones In loving memory of our dear In loving memory of my dear 1st Anniversary ber 17, 2004. gone before and after. parents, John Creeley, died Jan- mother, Elizabeth Knight, who In loving memory of David, lov- Love and miss you always. xx Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for uary 5, 1996, and Margaret died December 22, 1991, also ing dad, granda and great- Your loving family. them. Gielty Creeley, died March 24, my dad, James, who died granda, who passed way on 1994. February 25, 1985 and also my January 4, 2014. LAVERY MacDONALD (Angus) Eternal rest grant unto them, O wee sister, Margaret McKeown, We often sit and think of you, Of your charity, please pray for In loving memory of our dear Lord, who died December 22, 2000 And think of how you died, the repose of the souls of our father, Angus, who died January And let perpetual light shine and her husband, Bill, who died To think you could not say your 3, 2008. upon them. parents George, who died October 11, 2004. goodbyes, Always in our thoughts and May they rest in peace. Amen. December 27, 1985 and Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for Before you closed your eyes. prayers. R.I.P. Lovingly remembered by their Kathleen (McGlynn), who died them. A silent prayer keeps us in Inserted by Kim and Emma. daughters Margaret, Elizabeth December 27, 2009. Loved always, Mary. touch, Forever in our thoughts and and Mary Frances. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Loved and remembered always, With the one we loved so much. prayers. Lord, Leam. Too dearly loved to be forgotten. Inserted by his family in South Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for DURNING And let perpetual light shine McCULLOCH Uist. 36th Anniversary McCABE him. upon them, In loving memory of our dear Please remember in your In loving memory of a dear St Pio, pray for him. May they rest in peace. mother, Ellen, who died on MacGILLIVRAY prayers our dear father and father and grandfather, John A, Inserted by your loving family St Joseph, pray for them. December 29, 1973, and our 5th Anniversary granda, James, who died sud- who died December 25, 1985. home and abroad. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for dear father, Edward, who died In loving memory of our dear denly on December 29, 1978. Beloved husband of the late them. on March 1, 1996. mother, Dolina, who died Inserted by Mary Milarvie and Sadie. Our Lady of Lourdes and St December 20, 2009. CAIRNS Inserted by the family. family. Our Lady of Fatima, pray for Theresa, pray for them. If we could visit heaven, 13th Anniversary him. In loving memory of our father, On this our saddest day, LAVERY Inserted by the family. Then maybe for a while, John, who died January 3, In loving memory of our dear 2002, aged 82 years, beloved Our pain would go away, parents, Sarah, who died on We’d put our arms around you, husband of the late Stella January 1, 2003, and John, who Simaitis, who died May 20, And whisper words so true, died on March 24, 1962. For living life without you mum, 1999, aged 78 years. Those who die in grace go no Is very hard to do. Both sadly missed. further from us than God, Remembering our dear father, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for And God is very near. Duncan, who died March 23, them. Inserted by the family. 1986 and brother, John, who From the family. died February 7, 1970. Also LEES nieces Ellie Joe and Katie Lee CASSIDY 34th Anniversary of our dear and brother-in-law Rob. In memory of my beloved hus- mother, Margaret (Maggie Our Lady of the Isles, pray for band, Tony. FOLEY Wilson), who died on December them. Every day without you 8th Anniversary 20, 1980. Inserted by all the family. Since you had to go, In loving memory of my beloved We had a mother with a heart of McCAFFERTY Is like summer without sunshine husband, Terence (Terry), who gold, 16th Anniversary And Christmas without snow. died on December 22, 2006. Who was more to us than In loving memory of Jacqueline, I wish that I could talk to you Deep in my heart you will wealth untold, our daughter, sister and aunt to There’s so much I would say, always stay, If we had all the world to give, Life has changed so very much Loved and remembered every We’d give it, yes and more, Lily, who died on December 22, Since you went away. day. To hear her voice and see her 1998. I miss the bond between us Your loving wife Catherine smile, Forever in our thoughts. And I miss your kind support, (Cathie). And greet her at the door. Inserted by her family. You’re in my mind and in my Sacred Heart of Jesus grant him Little Flower at this hour, pray heart eternal rest. for her. And every Christmas thought. Son Bobby, grandchildren and MacDONALD I’ll always feel you close to me GIBBONS great-grandchildren. Please pray for the repose of And though you’re far from In loving memory of our dear Forever treasured are memories the soul of our dear mother, McGLOIN sight, father and grandfather, Jim of you. Rona. Also our beloved father, 16th Anniversary I’ll search for you among the Gibbons, who died January 16, Today, tomorrow and all life Iain MacDonald of Eriskay. Remembering with love my dear stars 1998, our mother and grand- through. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for husband, John, our loving That shine on Christmas night. mother, Bridie Gibbons St Francis Xavier, pray for her. them. father, father-in-law and devoted Your loving wife Elsie. xx (McClorey), who died December Son Andrew and Agnes Julie. granda, who died on December A day to remember, sad to 20, 1994, and our sister, Anne You were always there when we MacDONALD 27, 1998. recall, Hill (Gibbons), who died June needed you, Treasured memories of our dear A loving husband and father so Without farewell you left us all. 17, 1998. No task too great or small, parents and grandparents, Rona true, Sadly missed. R.I.P. Infant Child Jesus of Prague, With willing hands and a heart MacLellan, died January 2, No one on earth we’ll find like Love Mary-Ann, David and pray for them. of gold, McCARTAN 1990, Iain Mor, died September you, boys. For us you did them all. In loving memory of our mother, 12, 2008. For us you always did your best, In the shelter of Thy Sacred God grant your soul eternal rest. GILDAY St Anthony, pray for her. Ellen, who died on December CLARK Treasured and happy memories From Tress, Dave, grandchil- Heart, Dear Jesus may they Those we love don’t go away, 35th Anniversary of Eddie Gilday, who died dren and great-grandchildren. 27, 1995, and our father, Arthur, rest. They walk beside us every day, In loving memory of my mother, December 29, 1986, devoted A thought for all, a heart of gold, who died January 2, 2002. Sadly missed. In our hearts you are always Annie, who died December 27, father of John and beloved hus- One of the best this world could Those who die in grace go no there, 1979. band of Patricia. hold, further from us than God, and MacDONALD Loved and remembered in every Remembering Archie, who died Will those who think of her May he rest in peace. Never selfish, always kind, God is very near. prayer. today, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for These are the memories you left January 8, 2000. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for A little prayer to Jesus say. him. behind. St Pio, pray for him. him. Inserted by Margaret Anne, Jim Our Lady of Fatima, pray for St Margaret, pray for her. them. Always remembered by his lov- Inserted by his loving wife Anne and family. him. Son Peter. Inserted by the family. ing family. and all the family. FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS 35 FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

MacNEILL MULVEY Treasured memories of Ian, who In loving memory of my beloved died on December 31, 1999, a husband, Tommy, died April 8, dear husband, loving father and 2012, dear daughters, Margaret grandfather, also remembering Rose, died January 6, 1979, and Catrina, died March 1969, my sister and aunt, Chrissie also uncle Donald, died Febru- Ann, who died on December 14, ary 2001. 2006. Also my brother, Robert, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for who died on January 26, 2009. them. Time may change in many Inserted by Rose and all the ways, family, Newarthill. But one thing changes never, (née Mullen) McGRORY McLAUGHLIN The memory of those happy MULRANEY O’HARE REILLY 5th Anniversary Precious memories of a loving 1st Anniversary days, 10th Anniversary In loving memory of our much Precious memories of Paul, our husband, Neilly, died January 2, Remembering with sadness our When we were all together. In loving memory of Joseph, lov- beloved brother, Gerard O’Hare, darling boy, who died December 2000. ing dad and grandpa, who died who died on December 21, much loved and special 29, 2009. A life well lived is a precious gift, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for mammy, gran and sister, Betty, them. January 3, 2004. 1976. Always remembered, always Of hope and strength and grace, Loved and missed every day. died December 28, 2013, aged Morag and family, Glasgow, God, grant him eternal rest. loved. From someone who has made Your loving family. 75. Also our dear dad and From his loving mum Josephine. our world, Cranwell and Dublin. God the Holy, granda, died June 7, 2013. A brighter, better place, God the strong, If we could have a lifetime wish NEILSON Immortal God, have mercy on MacINNES It’s filled with moments sweet McNULTY In loving memory of our dear And one dream that could come him. 17th Anniversary and sad, 16th Anniversary daughter, Ann Maree, who died true, In loving memory of our dear With smiles and sometimes Treasured memories of Kevin on December 26, 1999. From Aileen, Margaret, Lucy, We would pray to God with all mother and granny, Kate Effie, tears, John, who died peacefully on Although you are not beside us, John, Joseph, Rosie, Frances, our hearts With friendships formed and who died January 1, 1998. R.I.P. December 30, 1998, precious You are never far away, Thomas and Theresa. Just to see and speak to you. January comes with sad regret, good times shared, A thousand words won’t bring son of Monica and the late You are always in our hearts, It brings back the day we’ll And laughter through the years. you back John, twin of the late Michael, With every passing day. POTTER (née Thompson) never forget, Always in our hearts and 11th Anniversary We know because we’ve tried, beloved brother of Monica, As time goes by without you, You fell asleep without goodbye, prayers. Precious memories of a dear And neither will a million tears loved and loving uncle of And days turn into years, But memories of you will never St Anthony, pray for him. They hold a million memories, and loving mother, grandmother, We know because we’ve cried. Niamh, Mairead, Michael and die. Loving wife May and family. And many a silent tear. sister and aunt, Julia, who died You’ve left behind our broken Louis, lovingly remembered by Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for St Columba, pray for her. on January 1, 2004. Also our hearts her. McLAUGHLIN his aunt, uncle and cousins. Love Mum and Dad and all the dear brother, Tommy Thompson, And precious memories too, Inserted by her loving family. In loving memory of Sally, who Inserted by his loving mum and family. who died November 16, 2013. But we’ve never wanted memo- To us you were someone spe- died December 2000. sister. Also their dearly loved niece, ries cial, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for We only wanted you. NEILSON Elizabeth Robertson, who died Someone good and true, her. We miss you mam and always McNULTY 15th Anniversary on April 3, 2014. You will never be forgotten, From the family. will. Please pray for our much loved In loving memory of my cousin, Just a prayer from the family Granny, St Roch, pray for them. nephew and cousin, Kevin, who Ann Maree, who died December who loved you, Because we thought the world McLAUGHLIN Stephen, Gerard, Kathleen, Liz, died on December 30, 1998. 26, 1999. In our hearts you will live for- of you. In loving memory of our dear ever. Maureen and Colette. His memory lives on. When the emptiness of missing Her loving grandchildren. mother and grandmother, you, Our Lady of Fatima, pray for Gran, your life was full of loving Helena Mary, who died on Holy Innocents, pray for him. Is just too much to bear, them. deeds, December 24, 2003. Inserted by the McVey, Deeny MacINTYRE We whisper that we love you, May they rest in peace. Forever thoughtful of all our Our Lady, Queen of the Holy 12th Anniversary and Winter families. And feel somehow that you’re Inserted by their loving family, needs, Rosary, pray for her. In loving memory of our dear there. Castlemilk. Today, tomorrow, our whole lives Inserted by her loving family. brother, brother-in-law and McNULTY Inserted by Margaret and Erin. through, uncle, Alistair, who died January Remembering with love, my We will always love and cherish 2, 2003. MacLEAN you. very dear nephew, Kevin John, NEILSON Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for 16th Anniversary a much loved cousin of Caro- 15th Anniversary Laura, Patrick, Keiran and him. Of your charity, please pray for In loving memory of Ann Maree, Aimee. Inserted by his brother and sis- the repose of the soul of my line, Christopher and Anne- who died December 26, 1999. No loving words were spoken, ters, home and away. beloved husband and our dear Marie, who died on December Life goes on but memories stay, No time to say goodbye, father and grandfather, John, 30, 1998. For you are remembered every You were gone before we knew who died on December 26, Sleep in heavenly peace Kevin. McKEE day. it, 8th Anniversary 1998. Rosemary and family. Inserted by Auntie Morag, Uncle And only God knows why. In loving memory of Margaret, Our Lady, Star of the Sea, pray John and Brian. Vincent and Jean. beloved wife of the late Jim, lov- for him. ing mother of Pauline, dear aunt Isabel, Hamish, Iain, Mirella and SHIELDS of Liz, died December 30, 2006. grandson Jonathan; Lenzie, Treasured memories of our Sadly missed. Prestwick and Sydney, Australia. TAYLOR mum, Elizabeth Davie, who died Inserted by her daughter Precious memories of my December 17, 1979, and dad, Pauline. MacLEOD beloved mother, Ellen, who died James (Jimmy), died March 7, 6th Anniversary on January 3, 2003, also my 1999. Hector Francis, who died on McKEE beloved father, John, who died Sacred Heart of Jesus, have 20th Anniversary January 6, 2009, aged 76. Lov- mercy on them. on October 5, 1994; also my In loving memory of Jim, ing father, father-in-law and Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for beloved husband of Margaret, grandfather. dear brother, John, who died them. dear father of Pauline, died Your memory is so precious, October 20, 1999. Inserted by the family. December 29, 1994. Your presence missed so much, If I could have a lifetime wish, McSHANE Sadly missed. You’ll always be remembered, And one dream that could come THOMSON 12th Anniversary of Brian, who May he rest in peace. And loved by all of us. O’DOHERTY true, In loving memory of Aileen Bon- Inserted by his daughter Martin, Penny and family. died December 31, 2002, aged 5th Anniversary I would pray to God with all my ner, who died December 31, Pauline. 36, loving son, brother, uncle In loving memory of my darling heart, 2003, a beloved wife, mum, MacNEIL and friend. husband, Eamonn, dearly loved Just to see and speak to you, sister and aunt. MacKINNON 9th Anniversary Loved and missed always. dad and granda, who went to A thousand words won’t bring We miss you Nainey. 29th Anniversary sleep on Tuesday, December St Martha, pray for her. Treasured memories of my In loving memory of a husband, Rest in peace. you back, 29, 2009. Inserted by Allan, Paul, Brenda, dearly loved husband, and our dad and grandfather who died Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for I know because I’ve tried, Life goes on without you, but Maureen and family. dear father and grandfather, on January 1, 2006. him. And neither will a million tears, Donald John, who died January Till memory fades and life From all the family. things are not the same, 4, 1986. It’s hard to hide the heartache I know because I’ve cried, departs, WALKER Our Lady, Star of the Sea, pray when someone speaks your You left behind a broken heart, Mar chuimhneachan air ar , Morag for him. You live forever in our hearts. MORRISON name, And precious memories too, deagh charaid agus ar nàbaidh, Mary Frances and family. Loved and remembered every 4th Anniversary We think about you always, and But I never wanted memories Iain Alasdair, a bhàsaich air a day. In loving memory of a dear mum talk about you too, Ma, cheathramh latha den Fhaoil- MacKINNON St Martin de Porres pray for and granny, who died December We will always have our memo- leach 2006. Gad ionndrainn. 3rd Anniversary of Donald I only wanted you. him. 24, 2010. Also a dear dad and ries, but wish we still had you. From your Alice, Willie and Fois siorraidh thoir dha. Iain MacKinnon (Don Dhugain) Inserted by his wife Dene, all loved ones gone before. Sadly missed, God bless, and Ruairidh agus Katie. Borve, Barra, died December family. the family and grandchildren. 7 You taught us many things in life hope you are at peace… 27, 2011. Time passes, memories stay, Of things we had to do, Your loving wife, Sarah, your WALKER Dad remembering you is easy, Northbay. Loved and remembered every But you didn’t teach us how to loving family, Rose, Brian and In loving memory of James, died we do it every day, June, Marion and Tom, Eamonn, day. December 29, 2007. Missing you is the heartache MacNEIL cope Our Lady of Lourdes and St Cherished memories of Isabella, With the hurt of losing you. and your granddaughter, Sarah. Ever fondly remembered. that never goes away. Our Lady of the Rosary, St Anthony, pray for them. In memory’s garden we meet who died December 31, 2010. Missed so much by all your Treasured memories from your Joseph and St Anthony, pray for From daughter-in-law Rosemary every day. loving family. x Donald, Iain, Lol and family. loving family. him. and family. Your loving family 36 FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 FAMILY BISHOPS ENGAGEMENTS FUNERAL DIRECTORY ANNOUNCEMENTS ARCHBISHOP TARTAGLIA Archbishop of Glasgow, www.rcag.org.uk

SAT DEC 27 7.30PM Christmas Visit to the Wayside Club.

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