Books: Reflections for a season of pain and great joy – Pages 36 & 37

HIGH NUALA CEILING SIERRA O’LOAN THE DEAL Our unlikely friendship Abortion stalks Deciphering the Sistine with an African jewel coronavirus in Chapel artwork at Pages 16-17 North Page 8 Newman Pages 20 & 21 f L Thursday, March 19, 2020 €2.00 (Stg £1.70) The-Irish-Catholic-Newspaper @IrishCathNews www.irishcatholic.com Catholic Plea for churches to remain publisher to offer free books open as millions tune in for to parishes Staff reporter The publisher of Columba books and The Irish Catholic online Masses from Ireland has offered free books and and pray and reach out nigan, operations man- e-books to parishes so that Chai Brady, Róise to others and be inspired ager, said that this was Bud blooms for Lily Baptism parishioners can engage in McGagh and Aron by that faith in Jesus,” he up on the approximate spiritual reading while Masses Hegarty said. half a million viewers around the country are Fr Bill Dailey CSC of they expect on a normal Irish churches plan on disrupted during . staying open as places ’s popular New- weekend. “‘Beautiful books to lift of prayer during the cor- man Church said it is your spirit’ is our motto and if onavirus scare, so long “very important” for Platform ever people needed a lift it is as authorities permit it. people to be able to visit ChurchServices.tv, now. Catholics are dispensed It comes as Francis churches to pray. which provides a simi- pleaded for churches to He said that the lar platform, said it did from Mass, but the churches remain open for people. “safety and well-being not have figures but that are open and it’s a wonderful of Waterford of our community is that there was four to opportunity to catch up on and Lismore Dr Phonsie our first priority. That five times more people spiritual reading because Cullinan told The Irish said, so long as we are watching their lives- it’s also Lent and it’s time to Catholic that it is impor- permitted to keep these treams compared to reflect on life and its meaning,” tant for churches to stay buildings open for quiet average figures. according to publisher Garry open so people can “go prayer and reflection, we At Knock Shrine, Fr O’Sullivan. in and find a quiet space must”. Richard Gibbons said The books include titles from they saw the number of and pray – that’s won- Meanwhile, millions renowned authors such as Sr people watching online derful”. However, he of people tuned in to Stan, Donal Harrington, Finbar Masses rise by a third said that parishes must weekend Masses online from 20,000 to 30,000. O’Leary and many more. be prudent. according to figures “It’s an extraordinary “The churches staying open “We draw a distinc- obtained by this news- thing, it took us by com- is also a great sign of hope to tion between the health paper. plete surprise. It’s great the community and a reminder of the body and the MCN, which provides people are joining in in that there is a heart and a health of the soul, we streaming services for from our parish and all centre in the parish. This is do have to listen to the many Irish parishes, over the world. why we are reporting from all medical people about confirmed that approxi- Fr Mícheal Murphy PP anoints Lily Grace Clavin with a cotton “There was a great over the country so Catholics these things and heed mately 12 million people bud during her Baptism at St Mary’s Church in Clonaghadoo, sense of solidarity. can get reliable information on their good and prudent watched Masses online Co. Laois. Pictured with their baby are parents JJ and Mary. The Even for our own par- what’s happening,” he said. advice but we also invite over the weekend using new Baptism measures were put in place to contain the spread of people to reach out to go their platform. Joe Bran- » Continued on Page 2 Covid-19 (coronavirus). i See page 3.

MARY KENNY DON’T BELIEVE VIRUS DAVID QUINN LIES OR RUMOURS Open church is a Teacher college must symbol Bishop of Ossory reverse bioethics PAGE 5 PAGE 3 course decision PAGE 9

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Inside this week US Dead Sea A St Patrick’s Day like no other Don’t believe ‘lies’ about Scrolls are all fake ith most Masses Staff reporter Love Notes cancelled, this is the first Sixteen fragments in the Museum St Patrick’s Day since I Start your day of the in Washington DC are was an infant that I was Editor’s Comment coronavirus says bishop water every 15 minutes Bishop Farrell said: “The Genuine hope will keep us concern for our neighbours,” not from the ancient Dead Sea the right way not physically at the Celebration of Chai Brady washes the virus into the challenge posed by this above the water as we face Bishop Farrell said. Scrolls but elaborate fakes, it has theW Eucharist. And yet in tuning in to Page 34 Michael Kelly The Bishop of Ossory has stomach, killing it. This has aggressive virus will require a range of difficult decisions “As we now enter the emerged. my parish’s online Mass at Newman’s called on people not to be been proven to be false by the deepest outpourings of and challenges.” painful and prolonged Despite the fact that they were University Church in Dublin I felt very fooled by “lies or rumours” the World Health Organi- faith, hope and love, and the He asked that people uncertainty of grappling purchased for millions of dol- connected and the ancient regarding the coronavirus sation and media organisa- most rigorous exercises of pray for those who have died with the coronavirus, we lars, they have now been exposed faith seemed very much (Covid-19), at a time when tions. There was also claims justice, prudence, resilience, and their loved ones, those pray that this will be a as worthless forgeries probably alive. several Government bodies Steady as it goes Our 132-year record is your guarantee that Ireland would be put self-control and courage. who are ill or facing financial shared undertaking for the made from old shoe leather. Church leaders have have warned people of dis- l This is an uncertain time for newspaper emailed to you so that it can under ‘status red’ lockdown “We cannot lose hope at hardship. “The coronavirus benefit of all humanity, a However, the hoaxers did such correctly followed the information circulating on L’Arche remains parish communities, and it is also an be distributed to parishioners who are ill or with the army patrolling the this unprecedented time in poses a threat that knows no time when we realise that a good job that even scholars of advice from healthcare social media. unprecedented time for confined, we will be happy to provide it free streets – a claim denied by our history. God’s hope is in borders. As people of faith, we are one family living in the scrolls – which were found in a model of professionals that larger The Irish Catholic. In a homily over the Government officials. us, not just our hope in God. neither does our love and our common home.” 1946 and are priceless fragments solidarity gatherings of people We are extremely grateful for all that you do of charge. weekend Bishop Dermot should not go ahead in to promote the newspaper and the value of Some of you may also have concerns Farrell encouraged the of the Hebrew bible – were taken Page 14 a bid to slow down the bringing Catholic media into homes in your about unsold copies of the newspaper. Be Faithful to keep their hope in. spread of coronavirus. parish. assured that we will be absolutely flexible in and that “lies and rumours” Praying on The actual scrolls – 100,000 This is a painful time for I appreciate that it will not be as easy this regard and there is no need to worry or don’t come from God. fragments of which are in Jeru- Catholics, but it is also to distribute the newspaper as it normally cancel the newspaper. “Genuine hope will keep salem – are one of the most sig- Fr Ron Rolheiser a time when we must would, however most Churches will remain If there is anything we can do to help us above the water as we face empty streets nificant archaeological finds of all accept that sacrifices open and we ask you to leave The Irish make this uncertain time easier, please do a range of difficult decisions time An alternate have to be made for the Catholics on display so that parishioners can not hesitate to contact us. We will continue and challenges. Don’t lend in ... expression of common good: in this buy it. People are struggling to discern real to do what we have been doing for the credence to lies or rumours, Report case, the elderly and news from fake news about this emergency past 132 years – delivering a high quality or give in to panic. These A report released at the weekend love and trust vulnerable people who are and I would appeal to you to help us do newspaper filled with news, views and do not come from God. We revealed that “after an exhaus- what you can to ensure that people still have inspiration. Page 30 most at risk of contracting pray because we place our tive review of all the imaging and the virus. access to The Irish Catholic newspapers and For any further queries, please feel deepest hope in providence scientific analysis results, it is its up-to-date news from our professional free to contact Mahak Verma on mahak@ of God – in a goodness and evident that none of the textual Solidarity journalistic team. irishcatholic.ie or call 01-6874028 (Mon-Fri, in a power that transcends fragments in [the] Museum of the Managing Editor: Michael Kelly, [email protected] It is a time for solidarity If you would like a digital edition of the 9.30am – 5.30pm). our own capabilities. Prayer Bible’s Dead Sea Scroll collection with those who may is hope in execution,” Bishop are authentic”. Northern Correspondent: Martin O’Brien, [email protected] of solidarity for people of the Blessed Sacrament – is who – either because of be already suffering Farrell said. The forgers are believed to have faith is first and foremost Multimedia Journalists: Chai Brady, [email protected] from Covid-19 and their profoundly felt. This is why the absence of a priest or Some of the misinfor- used Roman-era leather, possibly prayer. the image on page three of indeed persecution – cannot Róise McGagh, [email protected] loved ones, for people mation includes claims from boots or sandals, to imitate who are concerned That’s why it is so going to pray in regularly attend Mass or that Japanese doctors were parchment, and attempted to rec- Aron Hegarty, [email protected] or anxious about the important so long as it is a Roman church associated receive the Eucharist. advising that keeping your reate the handwriting of ancient Newsroom: [email protected] 01 6874026 current pandemic and prudent for churches to with prayers to end the St Paul wrote that we can mouth dry and sipping Pope Francis walks down an almost deserted Via del Corso to pray at the Church of St Marcellus in Rome on March Hebrew scribes. remain open as sanctuaries Plague is so moving. do all things through Christ 15 as the city faced lockdown because of the spread of the coronavirus. Photo: CNS Books Editor: Peter Costello, [email protected] for our health and critical care professionals and of prayer and solace. The absence of public who brings us strength. Layout: Declan Moroney everyone working to At times of crisis, the Masses is also a time for With prudence and prayer, need for prayer in holy us to think of the many we will overcome these Publisher offers free books to parishes Advertising: [email protected] 01 6874094 overcome this crisis. He added: “The current a great sign of hope to the The most concrete form places – particularly before Catholics around the world current difficulties. EASTER RETREAT AT KYLEMORE ABBEY Accounts: [email protected] 01 6874020 Aron Hegarty crisis pares back all the non- community and a reminder sense and make us appreciate that there is a heart and a Magnificat: [email protected] The publisher of Columba books and The Irish Catho- our health and loved ones.” centre in the parish,” says - NOTRE DAME GLOBAL CENTRE Office hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Plea to keep churches open amid crisis lic has offered free books Columba Books is the lead- O’Sullivan. “We are reporting 9.30am–5.30pm Communion. was vital for the Church to “co-operate and e-books to parishes, so ing independent publisher of from all over the country so Join the Benedictine Nuns of Kylemore » Continued from Page 1 religious and theological books Catholics can get reliable infor- Shop: [email protected] “If people have the desire to go to with the principle of social isolation”. that parishioners can engage Abbey/Notre Dame Global Centre for ish, neighbours and family are setting a church and it is considered still safe, He said that his plan, for now, in spiritual reading while in Ireland. The organisation, mation on what’s happening.” Managing Director: Garry O’Sullivan the celebration of the Paschal Triduum up computers for older people in their and it doesn’t defy regulations, surely was to keep his Booterstown church Masses around the country which takes its name from He adds: “We are also giv- are disrupted during Lent. the 6th-Century Irish saint, St ing free access to the digital 9th - 12th April 2020. Annual Subscription Rates: Ireland €145. Airmail €250. Six months – €75. homes that wouldn’t be tech savvy as we should be respecting the deep felt open. “We also have a webcam so we Colmcille, covers a broad range edition of the Magnificat so ISSN 1393 - 6832 - Published by The Irish Catholic, it were and they can connect with it,” beliefs of people and allowing them to can celebrate Mass and put it on the “‘Beautiful books to lift of areas including pastoral people can have the daily 23 Merrion Square, Dublin 2. he said. draw strength from where they draw webcam. your spirit’ is our motto and Printed by Webprint, Cork. In Wexford, Fr John Carroll said that strength,” Fr Carroll said. Ferns Diocese “We’ll probably look at other if ever people needed a lift it resources, spirituality, theol- readings, and our app Your- Parish App (available on App prayer at a time like this is vital. did not introduce a blanket ban, some devotions that we have, Eucharistic is now,” says publisher Garry ogy, the arts and history. The liturgical services including the daily Divine Office on Holy Thursday, “I think it would be important to parishes proceeded with Mass, others adoration, maybe a live rosary, and O’Sullivan. Books being offered Store and Google Play) is also Place an Advert available for individuals who Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday will be led and interpreted by take the lead from the Pope: he said it’s did not. keep the church open during the day “Catholics are dispensed include titles from renowned Phone 01 687 4094 or [email protected] authors such as Sr Stan, are looking for the daily read- easier to get pizza in Rome than Holy In Dublin, Fr Gerry Kane said that it for people to go to pray,” he said. from Mass, but the churches Fr. George Vakkachan OSB, Chaplain at Kylemore Abbey and Fr. Steve Gibson, are open and it’s a wonderful Donal Harrington, Finbar ings and reflections.” Director at The Fr. Peyton Centre, Attymass, Co. Mayo. IrishCathNews opportunity to catch up on O’Leary and many more. “The i For more information, visit spiritual reading.” churches staying open is also www.columbabooks.com The Retreat begins with Mass on Holy Thursday at 6.00 p.m. The Retreat ends Support Irish Missionaries with Mass on Easter morning at 9.00 a.m. followed by Brunch. JOE WALSH TOURS What do PILGRIMAGES 2020 TIMES OF SERVICES: Cost: Full residential at the you think? Mass on Holy Thursday at 6.00 p.m. followed by Notre Dame Centre. Eucharistic Adoration. €410.00 PILGRIMAGE TO LITHUANIA & POLAND Veneration of the Cross on Good Friday at 3.00 p.m. € Non-residential participation. 6 JULY 2020 | 7 NIGHTS Follow Paschal Vigil at 9.00 p.m. on Holy Saturday. (meals and access to Solemn Mass of the Resurrection on Easter amenities during the day) • In the footsteps o The Irish f St Faustina and Blessed €955 Sunday at 9.00 a.m. €230.00 pps Catholic Let us know Michael Sopocko by writing to: Leaving As usual, any visitors wishing to participate in any of the services, without being • Visiting the Way of Mercy in Vilnius, Blessed on Twitter Letters to the resident or accessing amenities, are very welcome. Michael’s tomb in Bialystok, Divine Mercy Shrine on Editor, A Legacy – ‘NET helped me make my faith SO much stronger The Irish Zytnia St in Warsaw and Lagiewniki in Krakow. Remembering the TIMES FOR LITURGY OF THE HOURS than it’s ever been, and it’s really helped me Catholic, Leaving a gift to Hospice in your will. Vigil Office and Lauds on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday: 8.00 a.m. • Fully escorted pilgrimage, led by a spiritual director improve as a man of God.’ – Michael (19), Dublin 23 Merrion Our Lady's Hospice & Care Services in Harold's Cross, Blackrock MIDDAY PRAYER daily: 12.15 p.m. Square, Jackie Slattery For more information please contact: or Wicklow can help us provide expert and loving Legacy Manager 01 241 0800 | [email protected] Please help support young NET missionaries like Dublin 2, care for this generation and the next. Tel:(01) 491 1072 VESPERS Holy Saturday: 5.00 p.m. | Easter Sunday: 6.00 p.m. To find out more about the simple steps involved in leaving Email:[email protected] www.joewalshtours.ie | 143 Lower Baggot St, Dublin 2 D02 PH39 Michael to minister to the youth of Ireland. or email: a gift in your will, big or small, please contact us in Find us on complete confidence, with no obligation. For further details or to register for the Retreat please contact Mary Carroll on 095 52011 FOLLOW: Joe Walsh Tours @joewalshtours letters@ Visit: Olh.ie/legacy Licenced by the Commission for Aviation Regulation, TO 052 and TA 0689 in compliance with the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangement Package Regulation 2018 or email [email protected] IrishCathNews Phone 074 919 0606 to make a donation today. irishcatholic.ie Thank you. CHY:1144 RCN:20001827 2 | Comment || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 | News ||3

Inside this week US Dead Sea A St Patrick’s Day like no other Don’t believe ‘lies’ about Scrolls are all fake ith most Masses Staff reporter Love Notes cancelled, this is the first Sixteen fragments in the Museum St Patrick’s Day since I Start your day of the Bible in Washington DC are was an infant that I was Editor’s Comment coronavirus says bishop water every 15 minutes Bishop Farrell said: “The Genuine hope will keep us concern for our neighbours,” not from the ancient Dead Sea the right way not physically at the Celebration of Chai Brady washes the virus into the challenge posed by this above the water as we face Bishop Farrell said. Scrolls but elaborate fakes, it has theW Eucharist. And yet in tuning in to Page 34 Michael Kelly The Bishop of Ossory has stomach, killing it. This has aggressive virus will require a range of difficult decisions “As we now enter the emerged. my parish’s online Mass at Newman’s called on people not to be been proven to be false by the deepest outpourings of and challenges.” painful and prolonged Despite the fact that they were University Church in Dublin I felt very fooled by “lies or rumours” the World Health Organi- faith, hope and love, and the He asked that people uncertainty of grappling purchased for millions of dol- connected and the ancient regarding the coronavirus sation and media organisa- most rigorous exercises of pray for those who have died with the coronavirus, we lars, they have now been exposed faith seemed very much (Covid-19), at a time when tions. There was also claims justice, prudence, resilience, and their loved ones, those pray that this will be a as worthless forgeries probably alive. several Government bodies Steady as it goes Our 132-year record is your guarantee that Ireland would be put self-control and courage. who are ill or facing financial shared undertaking for the made from old shoe leather. Church leaders have have warned people of dis- l This is an uncertain time for newspaper emailed to you so that it can under ‘status red’ lockdown “We cannot lose hope at hardship. “The coronavirus benefit of all humanity, a However, the hoaxers did such correctly followed the information circulating on L’Arche remains parish communities, and it is also an be distributed to parishioners who are ill or with the army patrolling the this unprecedented time in poses a threat that knows no time when we realise that a good job that even scholars of advice from healthcare social media. unprecedented time for confined, we will be happy to provide it free streets – a claim denied by our history. God’s hope is in borders. As people of faith, we are one family living in the scrolls – which were found in a model of professionals that larger The Irish Catholic. In a homily over the Government officials. us, not just our hope in God. neither does our love and our common home.” 1946 and are priceless fragments solidarity gatherings of people We are extremely grateful for all that you do of charge. weekend Bishop Dermot should not go ahead in to promote the newspaper and the value of Some of you may also have concerns Farrell encouraged the of the Hebrew bible – were taken Page 14 a bid to slow down the bringing Catholic media into homes in your about unsold copies of the newspaper. Be Faithful to keep their hope in. spread of coronavirus. parish. assured that we will be absolutely flexible in and that “lies and rumours” Praying on The actual scrolls – 100,000 This is a painful time for I appreciate that it will not be as easy this regard and there is no need to worry or don’t come from God. fragments of which are in Jeru- Catholics, but it is also to distribute the newspaper as it normally cancel the newspaper. “Genuine hope will keep salem – are one of the most sig- Fr Ron Rolheiser a time when we must would, however most Churches will remain If there is anything we can do to help us above the water as we face empty streets nificant archaeological finds of all accept that sacrifices open and we ask you to leave The Irish make this uncertain time easier, please do a range of difficult decisions time An alternate have to be made for the Catholics on display so that parishioners can not hesitate to contact us. We will continue and challenges. Don’t lend in Rome... expression of common good: in this buy it. People are struggling to discern real to do what we have been doing for the credence to lies or rumours, Report case, the elderly and news from fake news about this emergency past 132 years – delivering a high quality or give in to panic. These A report released at the weekend love and trust vulnerable people who are and I would appeal to you to help us do newspaper filled with news, views and do not come from God. We revealed that “after an exhaus- what you can to ensure that people still have inspiration. Page 30 most at risk of contracting pray because we place our tive review of all the imaging and the virus. access to The Irish Catholic newspapers and For any further queries, please feel deepest hope in providence scientific analysis results, it is its up-to-date news from our professional free to contact Mahak Verma on mahak@ of God – in a goodness and evident that none of the textual Solidarity journalistic team. irishcatholic.ie or call 01-6874028 (Mon-Fri, in a power that transcends fragments in [the] Museum of the Managing Editor: Michael Kelly, [email protected] It is a time for solidarity If you would like a digital edition of the 9.30am – 5.30pm). our own capabilities. Prayer Bible’s Dead Sea Scroll collection with those who may is hope in execution,” Bishop are authentic”. Northern Correspondent: Martin O’Brien, [email protected] of solidarity for people of the Blessed Sacrament – is who – either because of be already suffering Farrell said. The forgers are believed to have faith is first and foremost Multimedia Journalists: Chai Brady, [email protected] from Covid-19 and their profoundly felt. This is why the absence of a priest or Some of the misinfor- used Roman-era leather, possibly prayer. the image on page three of indeed persecution – cannot Róise McGagh, [email protected] loved ones, for people mation includes claims from boots or sandals, to imitate who are concerned That’s why it is so Pope Francis going to pray in regularly attend Mass or that Japanese doctors were parchment, and attempted to rec- Aron Hegarty, [email protected] or anxious about the important so long as it is a Roman church associated receive the Eucharist. advising that keeping your reate the handwriting of ancient Newsroom: [email protected] 01 6874026 current pandemic and prudent for churches to with prayers to end the St Paul wrote that we can mouth dry and sipping Pope Francis walks down an almost deserted Via del Corso to pray at the Church of St Marcellus in Rome on March Hebrew scribes. remain open as sanctuaries Plague is so moving. do all things through Christ 15 as the city faced lockdown because of the spread of the coronavirus. Photo: CNS Books Editor: Peter Costello, [email protected] for our health and critical care professionals and of prayer and solace. The absence of public who brings us strength. Layout: Declan Moroney everyone working to At times of crisis, the Masses is also a time for With prudence and prayer, need for prayer in holy us to think of the many we will overcome these Publisher offers free books to parishes Advertising: [email protected] 01 6874094 overcome this crisis. He added: “The current a great sign of hope to the The most concrete form places – particularly before Catholics around the world current difficulties. EASTER RETREAT AT KYLEMORE ABBEY Accounts: [email protected] 01 6874020 Aron Hegarty crisis pares back all the non- community and a reminder sense and make us appreciate that there is a heart and a Magnificat: [email protected] The publisher of Columba books and The Irish Catho- our health and loved ones.” centre in the parish,” says - NOTRE DAME GLOBAL CENTRE Office hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Plea to keep churches open amid crisis lic has offered free books Columba Books is the lead- O’Sullivan. “We are reporting 9.30am–5.30pm Communion. was vital for the Church to “co-operate and e-books to parishes, so ing independent publisher of from all over the country so Join the Benedictine Nuns of Kylemore » Continued from Page 1 religious and theological books Catholics can get reliable infor- Shop: [email protected] “If people have the desire to go to with the principle of social isolation”. that parishioners can engage Abbey/Notre Dame Global Centre for ish, neighbours and family are setting a church and it is considered still safe, He said that his plan, for now, in spiritual reading while in Ireland. The organisation, mation on what’s happening.” Managing Director: Garry O’Sullivan the celebration of the Paschal Triduum up computers for older people in their and it doesn’t defy regulations, surely was to keep his Booterstown church Masses around the country which takes its name from He adds: “We are also giv- are disrupted during Lent. the 6th-Century Irish saint, St ing free access to the digital 9th - 12th April 2020. Annual Subscription Rates: Ireland €145. Airmail €250. Six months – €75. homes that wouldn’t be tech savvy as we should be respecting the deep felt open. “We also have a webcam so we Colmcille, covers a broad range edition of the Magnificat so ISSN 1393 - 6832 - Published by The Irish Catholic, it were and they can connect with it,” beliefs of people and allowing them to can celebrate Mass and put it on the “‘Beautiful books to lift of areas including pastoral people can have the daily 23 Merrion Square, Dublin 2. he said. draw strength from where they draw webcam. your spirit’ is our motto and Printed by Webprint, Cork. In Wexford, Fr John Carroll said that strength,” Fr Carroll said. Ferns Diocese “We’ll probably look at other if ever people needed a lift it resources, spirituality, theol- readings, and our app Your- Parish App (available on App prayer at a time like this is vital. did not introduce a blanket ban, some devotions that we have, Eucharistic is now,” says publisher Garry ogy, the arts and history. The liturgical services including the daily Divine Office on Holy Thursday, “I think it would be important to parishes proceeded with Mass, others adoration, maybe a live rosary, and O’Sullivan. Books being offered Store and Google Play) is also Place an Advert available for individuals who Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday will be led and interpreted by take the lead from the Pope: he said it’s did not. keep the church open during the day “Catholics are dispensed include titles from renowned Phone 01 687 4094 or [email protected] authors such as Sr Stan, are looking for the daily read- easier to get pizza in Rome than Holy In Dublin, Fr Gerry Kane said that it for people to go to pray,” he said. from Mass, but the churches Fr. George Vakkachan OSB, Chaplain at Kylemore Abbey and Fr. Steve Gibson, are open and it’s a wonderful Donal Harrington, Finbar ings and reflections.” Director at The Fr. Peyton Centre, Attymass, Co. Mayo. IrishCathNews opportunity to catch up on O’Leary and many more. “The i For more information, visit spiritual reading.” churches staying open is also www.columbabooks.com The Retreat begins with Mass on Holy Thursday at 6.00 p.m. The Retreat ends Support Irish Missionaries with Mass on Easter morning at 9.00 a.m. followed by Brunch. JOE WALSH TOURS What do PILGRIMAGES 2020 TIMES OF SERVICES: Cost: Full residential at the you think? Mass on Holy Thursday at 6.00 p.m. followed by Notre Dame Centre. Eucharistic Adoration. €410.00 PILGRIMAGE TO LITHUANIA & POLAND Veneration of the Cross on Good Friday at 3.00 p.m. € Non-residential participation. 6 JULY 2020 | 7 NIGHTS Follow Paschal Vigil at 9.00 p.m. on Holy Saturday. (meals and access to Solemn Mass of the Resurrection on Easter amenities during the day) • In the footsteps o The Irish f St Faustina and Blessed €955 Sunday at 9.00 a.m. €230.00 pps Catholic Let us know Michael Sopocko by writing to: Leaving As usual, any visitors wishing to participate in any of the services, without being • Visiting the Way of Mercy in Vilnius, Blessed on Twitter Letters to the resident or accessing amenities, are very welcome. Michael’s tomb in Bialystok, Divine Mercy Shrine on Editor, A Legacy – ‘NET helped me make my faith SO much stronger The Irish Zytnia St in Warsaw and Lagiewniki in Krakow. Remembering the TIMES FOR LITURGY OF THE HOURS than it’s ever been, and it’s really helped me Catholic, Leaving a gift to Hospice in your will. Vigil Office and Lauds on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday: 8.00 a.m. • Fully escorted pilgrimage, led by a spiritual director improve as a man of God.’ – Michael (19), Dublin 23 Merrion Our Lady's Hospice & Care Services in Harold's Cross, Blackrock MIDDAY PRAYER daily: 12.15 p.m. Square, Jackie Slattery For more information please contact: or Wicklow can help us provide expert and loving Legacy Manager 01 241 0800 | [email protected] Please help support young NET missionaries like Dublin 2, care for this generation and the next. Tel:(01) 491 1072 VESPERS Holy Saturday: 5.00 p.m. | Easter Sunday: 6.00 p.m. To find out more about the simple steps involved in leaving Email:[email protected] www.joewalshtours.ie | 143 Lower Baggot St, Dublin 2 D02 PH39 Michael to minister to the youth of Ireland. or email: a gift in your will, big or small, please contact us in Find us on complete confidence, with no obligation. For further details or to register for the Retreat please contact Mary Carroll on 095 52011 FOLLOW: Joe Walsh Tours @joewalshtours letters@ Visit: Olh.ie/legacy Licenced by the Commission for Aviation Regulation, TO 052 and TA 0689 in compliance with the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangement Package Regulation 2018 or email [email protected] IrishCathNews Phone 074 919 0606 to make a donation today. irishcatholic.ie Thank you. CHY:1144 RCN:20001827 4 | News || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 | Comment ||5

‘Stay in touch with self-isolating elderly’, NEWS s I left Mass last Christian persecution weekend, one of the says Alone charity IN BRIEF parishioners came after me to say – Open churchand a placeis of peace a to all. In symbol Aron Hegarty Church bells “There will be no more Mass Dublin, I pass Donnybrook Irish charity Alone has called on com- must be ‘major’ for Anow for four weeks.” Actually, it church regularly on the bus, A poignant munities to maintain regular communi- ring around could be longer. In Kent, where Mary Kenny and each time I look, that cation with older people in self-isolation Waterford for I am presently sequestered (and portal is open. during the coronavirus outbreak. sequestered is the word), the thought for Grainne Loughran, Alone Communica- next Irish govt – FF TD prayer and authorities are talking about tions Officer, is calling for “community ally highlighted with our EU partners “strongly condemns all forms of per- compelling all older people to Perhaps it will Mother’s Day... co-operation” when it comes to reaching Chai Brady solidarity remain in self-isolation for four ❛❛ and partners in the United Nations as secution on the basis of religion or It was the anniversary of my mother’s Bells were rung in churches make us appreciate out to support vulnerable elderly who The “frightening” extent of Christian well.” belief, irrespective of where they months. Quite a stretch. death on the Ides of March, nearly 30 throughout Co. Waterford on are on their own. persecution must be a “major part” Mr Smith invited Church in occur”. It’s obvious that we all many things we didn’t years ago, and it’s often a “There has been an increase in the St Patrick’s Day as a call to have to do the responsible of any new Government’s foreign Chains, a group dedicated to tackling “We regularly advocate for effec- appreciate before – day of bitter self- number of calls as there has been an policy, according to Fianna Fáil’s Christian persecution, to an Oireach- tive action to counter the persecu- prayer and social solidarity. thing to contain and deter the recrimination. The increase in the number of older people The Bishop of Waterford coronavirus as much as possible. Chair of the Committee on Foreign tas Committee on Foreign Affairs to tion of Christians and other religious In Penal including the life of the weather had been who are in isolation. and Lismore Phonsie Cullinan We have to protect ourselves in Affairs and Trade. highlight “the abuse of Christians in minorities in all relevant interna- times, Faith bad in the months dedicated the prayers to those “It is important that communities Brendan Smith TD told The Irish so many countries”. tional fora…” order to protect other people. survived Faith community” leading up to her come together and let older people know affected by the coronavirus And yet, my thoughts went Catholic that whatever form Ireland’s He added: “I think the issue of The Director for Aid to the without a Perhaps, on the other death, and I had that support is available.” persecution of Christians has not Church in Need, Dr Michael Kinsella, (Covid-19) and asked Our back to the Penal times in put off travelling new Government takes the increas- church. side of the coin, this crisis is She adds: “We are asking people to been given the attention, there is not described his response as a “plati- Lady to “intercede for us”. Ireland when despite all the to see her. How ing amount of persecution against also a message to us to ‘love stay in touch with relatives and loved enough awareness of the huge issue tude”. “The bell ringing is a call deterrents and punishments, stupid, selfish Christians around the world must be to lose that connection with Christianity, but few of us have ones.” of the persecution of Christians. I to prayer and a reminder of people sought out Mass on wild our neighbour’, and to be as and heedless I tackled. “What Simon Coveney said in the real presence, and with the calling to be hermits. Alone, which stands for ‘A Little Offer- the faith that has sustained rocks or down by the seashore altruistic as we can in thinking had been! I was so “I think it would be preferable if would sincerely hope that this will the Dáil was a serious of thought the community too. There is The open church is such a ing Never Ends’, launched a new national the people of our island where the authorities could not about the impact on others. wrapped up in my the next Government adopts it as a be an issue on the agenda again for terminating clichés. It was an insult a tradition of the hermit in symbol of spiritual comfort helpline on March 9 for older people fac- major part of their international pol- the next Foreign Affairs committee.” to persecuted Christians, it was an throughout the centuries,” he follow. Perhaps it will make us own busy life, I didn’t ing increased difficulties due to the virus icy,” Mr Smith said, “I think it would This comes after Mr Smith asked insult to the intelligent of those who said. In England itself, Catholic appreciate many things we even anticipate the fact that, epidemic. be important to highlight because the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign work on the ground with persecuted “The bell ringing is also an priests risked being hung, Licensed to thrill for another term didn’t appreciate before – at 89, she might so easily depart this Affairs and Travel, Simon Coveney, in Christians.” drawn and quartered – and including the life of the Faith world. I know that all of us at committee, expression of social solidarity, l I think I may have to let go of my ‘bucket list’ dream of doing a the Dáil earlier this month the out- some were – if they said Mass I recall it all so well: I was at the Advice irrespective of our political belief, or He added: “The vast majority of an encouragement to care petrolhead lap in a sports car at Mondello Park, which I had fantasised community. The organisation, founded in 1977, has dentist when I got a message to call my political party or no party at all…it’s come of discussions at recent EU people who suffer persecution are for one another, and for all of for secret Recusants. They about for a senior birthday. There comes a moment when we have to It’s also an opportunity for also added and mobilised more volunteer frightening the increasing level of Foreign Affairs Council meetings in Christian. There is very little spe- us to be inspired and remain willingly took that risk. priests to exercise pastoral care uncle. He gave me the news. I lay down face our limitations and I guess a Lewis Hamilton- stunt is out. on my bed, sort of stunned, and read a support staff to give advice, outreach, abuse and persecution of Christians. relation to the persecution of Chris- cialness, or sense of a unique case hopeful at a difficult time.” Still, I’m grateful that my driving licence has been renewed – a in other, alternative ways. I favourite poem of hers, Goldsmith’s The collection and drop-off delivery services “I think that’s an issue that we tians in many countries throughout of what’s happening to persecuted Electronic means welcome birthday present. Older people really need to be able to use hope they can show that care, Deserted Village. including post, meals and prescription. need to highlight to the general pub- the world. Christians that comes through in Circumstances are different their cars, if only for short local journeys – and that’s especially true Online resource and that spiritual and moral I know we should consign the past “Many older people already live in iso- lic as well and it needs to be continu- Mr Coveney replied saying Ireland Simon Coveney’s words.” today. Nobody is closing for anyone living in the countryside. I know 90-year-olds still zooming leadership too. to the mercy of God, but regret is one lated circumstances and this crisis will for students churches to persecute faith. around the wild Atlantic ways of Connacht – bravo to them. Walking away from weekend of the most painful of all emotions. And lead to further isolation and worry for And Mass can be accessed via Younger generations are actually driving less, and fair play to them. on Magdalene Mass, for the last time for a long blessed are those who are there for their them,” says Ms Loughran of the demand electronic means – the Vatican They are looking at a new world where, hopefully, there will be more time, was a kind of valediction. mothers at the departure. to meet the needs of elderly people dur- heritage itself plans to “stream” the and better public transport, and new solutions to the problems of air Who knows when I shall dip my That is my thought for Mother’s Day, ing the crisis. Easter ceremonies. pollution. But for the moment, for a senior generation – it’s drive on, finger in that font again? this Sunday. “They are asking us ‘Should I still be launched But still, it’s all pretty sad Macduff! going out? Should I be going to Mass? An online resource for schools Should I be seeing or visiting family?’” which aims to help the next Ms Loughran says the organisation generation understand has extended its opening times to week- Ireland’s Magdalene history ends in order to assure older people that has been developed by there is support for them every day of researchers at Waterford WE LIVE IN SUBSCRIBE TODAY the week. “Our advice to those in self- Institute of Technology (WIT). isolation is to remain calm and know that ‘Exploring Waterford’s support is available. Magdalene Heritage: An 3 MONTHS FOR ONLY “Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask activity & resource pack’, for help. You are not alone, just call or developed by Dr Jennifer EXTRAORDINARY speak to someone.” O’Mahoney and Dr Kate i The new Alone national support McCarthy, was released at helpline is 0818 222 024. www.waterfordmemories.com on March 13. TIMES… €9.99* The 60-page pack, Former Bishop of Kerry, Bill Murphy, Fr Niall Howard and Cathedral Sacristan for over 50 developed in consultation years Tadhg Fleming, celebrated Mass in St Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney, behind closed doors CODE: ICSPRINGOFFER with survivors’ testimonies, on Sunday. As with churches addresses many important *REGULAR PRICE €15 throughout the country, DON’T MISS BREAKING NEWS DIRECTLY themes such as human rights Mass went ahead but with- and social change via the out a congregation in light TO YOUR INBOX OR TABLET EACH THE BOOK OF MIRACLES of the present health crisis. case study of Waterford’s Magdalene Laundry. IS AVAILABLE Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan WEEK WITH THE IRISH CATHOLIC. LET'S WORK FOR A BETTER SOCIETY FOR v Capuchin Day Care Centre v OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN. 29 Bow Street, Dublin 7 Stay up to date with analyses that represent LEAVE A LEGACY FOR LIFE. your voice on the national stage. View Entire Book Regular contributors provide commentary Support the Pro Life Campaign in your will. Online and Order at The Pro Life Campaign promotes pro-life www.bookofmiracles.co to hot button issues of the day. education and defends human life at all stages. For more info visit www.prolifecampaign.ie Local voices highlight the ongoing work Contact us today to order a copy of our Wills leaflet. Every day The Capuchin Day Care Centre provides of parishes and communities 600 Meals for people who are homeless and each week 1000 Food Parcels for those on the poverty threshold. throughout the country. Help Bro. Kevin continue providing WWW.IRISHCATHOLIC.COM this caring service. 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s I left Mass last weekend, one of the parishioners came after me to say – Open churchand a placeis of peace a to all. In symbol “There will be no more Mass Dublin, I pass Donnybrook Anow for four weeks.” Actually, it church regularly on the bus, A poignant could be longer. In Kent, where Mary Kenny and each time I look, that I am presently sequestered (and portal is open. sequestered is the word), the thought for authorities are talking about compelling all older people to Perhaps it will Mother’s Day... remain in self-isolation for four ❛❛ make us appreciate It was the anniversary of my mother’s months. Quite a stretch. death on the Ides of March, nearly 30 It’s obvious that we all many things we didn’t years ago, and it’s often a have to do the responsible day of bitter self- thing to contain and deter the appreciate before – recrimination. The coronavirus as much as possible. In Penal including the life of the weather had been We have to protect ourselves in times, Faith bad in the months order to protect other people. survived Faith community” leading up to her And yet, my thoughts went without a Perhaps, on the other death, and I had back to the Penal times in put off travelling church. side of the coin, this crisis is Ireland when despite all the to see her. How also a message to us to ‘love deterrents and punishments, stupid, selfish to lose that connection with Christianity, but few of us have people sought out Mass on wild our neighbour’, and to be as and heedless I the real presence, and with the calling to be hermits. rocks or down by the seashore altruistic as we can in thinking had been! I was so the community too. There is The open church is such a where the authorities could not about the impact on others. wrapped up in my a tradition of the hermit in symbol of spiritual comfort follow. Perhaps it will make us own busy life, I didn’t In England itself, Catholic appreciate many things we even anticipate the fact that, priests risked being hung, Licensed to thrill for another term didn’t appreciate before – at 89, she might so easily depart this drawn and quartered – and including the life of the Faith world. l I think I may have to let go of my ‘bucket list’ dream of doing a some were – if they said Mass community. I recall it all so well: I was at the petrolhead lap in a sports car at Mondello Park, which I had fantasised dentist when I got a message to call my for secret Recusants. They about for a senior birthday. There comes a moment when we have to It’s also an opportunity for willingly took that risk. priests to exercise pastoral care uncle. He gave me the news. I lay down face our limitations and I guess a Lewis Hamilton-style stunt is out. on my bed, sort of stunned, and read a Still, I’m grateful that my driving licence has been renewed – a in other, alternative ways. I favourite poem of hers, Goldsmith’s The Electronic means welcome birthday present. Older people really need to be able to use hope they can show that care, Deserted Village. Circumstances are different their cars, if only for short local journeys – and that’s especially true and that spiritual and moral I know we should consign the past today. Nobody is closing for anyone living in the countryside. I know 90-year-olds still zooming leadership too. to the mercy of God, but regret is one churches to persecute faith. around the wild Atlantic ways of Connacht – bravo to them. Walking away from weekend of the most painful of all emotions. And And Mass can be accessed via Younger generations are actually driving less, and fair play to them. Mass, for the last time for a long blessed are those who are there for their electronic means – the Vatican They are looking at a new world where, hopefully, there will be more time, was a kind of valediction. mothers at the departure. itself plans to “stream” the and better public transport, and new solutions to the problems of air Who knows when I shall dip my That is my thought for Mother’s Day, Easter ceremonies. pollution. But for the moment, for a senior generation – it’s drive on, finger in that font again? this Sunday. But still, it’s all pretty sad Macduff!

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01 6874028 | [email protected] | 23 MERRION SQUARE NORTH, DUBLIN 2 | || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 LUMINOUS MYSTERIES: Christ’s Baptism • Miracle of Cana • Proclamation of the Gospel • Transfiguration of Our Lord • Institution of the Eucharist

6 News SORROWFUL MYSTERIES: Agony in the Garden S

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D

I ‘Be not afriad, ‘Dear friend, I G N I T R I go before you I pray that you may P B A N T T Bishop sends out message S A I always.’ enjoy good health.’ R I C K DEUTERONOMY 31:8 JOHN 3:1 The Finding in the Temple the in Finding The of hope amid isolation • creativity and all they are “There is confusion and programme, to quote Dickens, Bishop Phonsie said if St his word. “This epidemic has In response to the grave challenges facing our Church Róise McGagh doing to keep the faith alive. there is a sense of isolation, as ‘It is the worst of times but it Paul were here now, he would spurred me on to start using Bishop Phonsie Cullinan is “So much news arrives to I said this morning on a radio is also the best of times.” be using technology to spread those media much better.” sending a message of hope me from Lombardy about this and our world, Holy Mass will now be live-streamed out to Irish people as many creativity,” Francis said. parishioner’s self-isolate in “Priests [there] who think,” A blessing across the internet the wake of Covid 19 he reflected, “of a thousand daily from the ACN Ireland website on ways to be close to the peo-

He has been making a • video every day since March ple, in order that the peo- Scourging at the Pillar ple do not feel abandoned; 13 on the Facebook page of priests with apostolic zeal, acnireland.org/mass Waterford and Lismore dio- that understood well that in cese. Each video contains a times of a pandemic.” message of hope for his dio- Lord Our of Presentation The cese. • Every Friday, a priest from the su¡ ering and persecuted Church will also celebrate “This is a small effort by Sense of meaning The bishop feels that while me to try and reach out to the virus will make life dif- Holy Mass for the health and welfare of all benefactors of ACN Ireland. people to let them know that ficult, it will hopefully urge they are not forgotten. That people to search for a sense

God has not abandoned them, Please feel free to forward your special prayer intentions to [email protected] •

of meaning, he said: “I think Nativity The Crowning with Thorns that he is still with us and it it’s going to bring a lot of good • is a message of hope that I’m out of people, I think people and prayer communities across Ireland will pray for you, your family and trying to put across and it is a will see the deeper things way of reaching out,” he said. the things that we can really our country - especially frontline healthcare and pastoral workers. He said that he was count on, and ultimately its impressed by priests in north- only God.” ern in how they have The videos have gotten a The Church is always, and everywhere, a sign of Hope – calling us to Pray The Visitation Visitation The

been able to keep close to very positive response with • their people. Pope Francis, in comments of thanks flooding as a Community who ‘share one another’s burdens’ (Galatians 6:2) his midday Angelus address in and 51 shares on the first thanked these priests for their video. in union with Christ and His Mother, our Blessed Lady. • Carrying of Carrying the Cross Crucifixion Fr Paul Dunne celebrating Sunday Mass in Our Lady Mother of Divine Grace Church, Raheny, Dublin via webcam. Photo: John McElroy “The Our Father is one of the most Charity offers online

Falling faith in overseas aid Annunciation The

precious gifts Jesus left to us” ‘sanctuary’ after

A I

S N

L E L T I

-Pope Francis C

cancelling meditation B ‘could be solved’ by Irish M

R L

E

classes O N

missionary structure C

Aron Hegarty D Bring the Our Father into your home UK and self-proclaimed atheist has T

ACN Ireland calls on all Catholics to unite in prayer through the most A

An Irish charity is offering free online medi- N Staff reporter pointed to the work of missionaries for N with this beautiful hand carved cross tation classes to “everyone and anyone” after I A recent report showed that trust in an example of a different way of doing A Holy Rosary, asking our Blessed Mother to intercede for us before Her Son suspending all public classes and scheduled S from the Holy Land, which also includes the effectiveness of Irish overseas aid development. “That may be impact- for the life and health of the Church and the World. ing to some degree on that 4% fall. But courses due to the coronavirus outbreak. has dropped by 4% since 2017, but Matt MYSTERIES: JOYFUL earth from Bethlehem at the foot. The Sanctuary, based in Dublin city centre, Moran ex-chairman of Misean Cara certainly, on the missionary side, I’m is looking to promote social change over the GLORIOUS MYSTERIES: Resurrection of Our Lord• Ascension into Heaven • Descent of the Holy Spirit • Assumption of Our Lady into Heaven• Coronation of Our Lady feels that the missionary structure not aware of any evidence that would web having been forced to close its doors last could improve this. The 2019 survey show any decline in the perception of its effectiveness due to the nature of week. by Kantar Survey of Public Attitudes it,” said Mr Moran. “We are offering free online mediation Please indicate the towards Overseas Aid is now in its third ✁ Price: According to the report, 31% of peo- classes to anyone and everyone, both mem- I would like to make type and number of Yes, I would like to donate to Aid to the Church in Need year. It is jointly-funded by partners ple named support to overseas mis- bers and non-members,” says Jane Megrych, Masses required. TITLE FIRST NAME SURNAME including Christian Aid, Oxfam, Action a Mass O ering sionaries as one of the efforts the Irish Managing Director of The Sanctuary. Aid, Self Help Africa, Plan International, €29.99 government makes in helping people “There is a link posted on our website, GENERAL TRIDUUM FULL ADDRESS Including Concern, Trócaire, Vita and Dóchas. in poorer countries. Facebook and Instagram pages where you can ACNIC_190320 It shows that 83% of Irish people Mr Moran says that due to the way click and join a virtual meeting on Zoom for NOVENA GREGORIAN P&P! believe that overseas aid is effective missions are run they have a more the classes. in improving lives in poorer countries effective, all round holistic approach, “Our classes will be on Mondays at 10am, Suggested donation per Mass are as follows: and 94% of Irish people believe it is “These are people who bring particular Wednesdays at 7.30pm and Thursdays at General - €10 | Triduum - €30 | Novena - €70 | Gregorian - €270 PHONE NUMBER EMAIL important to support poorer countries qualities of accompaniment and soli- 1.15pm, all free of charge.” DONATION Please tick if you would like through overseas assistance. darity and dignity of the person. They The organisation, founded by Sr Stan Ken- AMOUNT € an appropriate card sent out. I would like to make a monthly I enclose a cheque/postal order payable to Aid to the Church in Need OR LIMITED Mr Moran said that there has bring that sort of added value; they’re nedy in 1998, says the online incentive has donation to Aid to the Church in please debit my MasterCard Visa. recently been discussion on ‘Doing far-reaching consequences that can help those MASS INTENTIONS living amongst the community they Need wherever the need is greatest. Card Number: (Laser only) QUANTITIES Development Differently’. Duncan in self-isolation to overcome loneliness and know the needs they can easily iden- DONATION AMOUNT AVAILABLE, Green, a strategic advisor to Oxfam tify the needs.” bring people closer together during the crisis. SO ORDER €10 €25 €50 Valid From: Maestro Issue No. YOURS TODAY. M M Y Y Please remember Other € Expiry Date: M M Y Y Signature strip code (last 3 digits) For Credit Transfers and THE IRISH HOSPICE FOUNDATION Signature Please remember GOAL in your Will Direct Debits our bank details are: when making your will so that everyone 42 years on we continue to deliver lifesaving support Please complete your personal and payment details and IBAN IE32 BOFI 9005 7890 6993 28 Please detach this form and return, with your gi‹ , to the address below. to the most vulnerable people in our world. Leaving a in Ireland will have access to hospice care one day. return to the address below. BIC BOFI IE2D I do not require an acknowledgment. 01 6874024 gift in your Will is priceless. www.irishcatholic.com/shop Contact: Registered Contact Courtenay on Anna Sadlier at 01 679 3188 or Charity Numbers: The Irish Catholic, 23 Merrion Square North, 01 2809779 or via email at [email protected] [email protected] (RoI) 9492 acnireland.org/donate or call us on 01 837 7516 www.hospicefoundation.ie (NI) XR96620 Dublin 2 D02 XE02 Registered Charity No. 20010980; CHY 6271 Aid to the Church in Need, 151 St. Mobhi Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 9 | || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 LUMINOUS MYSTERIES: Christ’s Baptism • Miracle of Cana • Proclamation of the Gospel • Transfiguration of Our Lord • Institution of the Eucharist

6 News SORROWFUL MYSTERIES: Agony in the Garden S

A

D

I ‘Be not afriad, ‘Dear friend, I G N I T R I go before you I pray that you may P B A N T T Bishop sends out message S A I always.’ enjoy good health.’ R I C K DEUTERONOMY 31:8 JOHN 3:1 The Finding in the Temple the in Finding The of hope amid isolation • creativity and all they are “There is confusion and programme, to quote Dickens, Bishop Phonsie said if St his word. “This epidemic has In response to the grave challenges facing our Church Róise McGagh doing to keep the faith alive. there is a sense of isolation, as ‘It is the worst of times but it Paul were here now, he would spurred me on to start using Bishop Phonsie Cullinan is “So much news arrives to I said this morning on a radio is also the best of times.” be using technology to spread those media much better.” sending a message of hope me from Lombardy about this and our world, Holy Mass will now be live-streamed out to Irish people as many creativity,” Francis said. parishioner’s self-isolate in “Priests [there] who think,” A blessing across the internet the wake of Covid 19 he reflected, “of a thousand daily from the ACN Ireland website on ways to be close to the peo-

He has been making a • video every day since March ple, in order that the peo- Scourging at the Pillar ple do not feel abandoned; 13 on the Facebook page of priests with apostolic zeal, acnireland.org/mass Waterford and Lismore dio- that understood well that in cese. Each video contains a times of a pandemic.” message of hope for his dio- Lord Our of Presentation The cese. • Every Friday, a priest from the su¡ ering and persecuted Church will also celebrate “This is a small effort by Sense of meaning The bishop feels that while me to try and reach out to the virus will make life dif- Holy Mass for the health and welfare of all benefactors of ACN Ireland. people to let them know that ficult, it will hopefully urge they are not forgotten. That people to search for a sense

God has not abandoned them, Please feel free to forward your special prayer intentions to [email protected] •

of meaning, he said: “I think Nativity The Crowning with Thorns that he is still with us and it it’s going to bring a lot of good • is a message of hope that I’m out of people, I think people and prayer communities across Ireland will pray for you, your family and trying to put across and it is a will see the deeper things way of reaching out,” he said. the things that we can really our country - especially frontline healthcare and pastoral workers. He said that he was count on, and ultimately its impressed by priests in north- only God.” ern Italy in how they have The videos have gotten a The Church is always, and everywhere, a sign of Hope – calling us to Pray The Visitation Visitation The

been able to keep close to very positive response with • their people. Pope Francis, in comments of thanks flooding as a Community who ‘share one another’s burdens’ (Galatians 6:2) his midday Angelus address in and 51 shares on the first thanked these priests for their video. in union with Christ and His Mother, our Blessed Lady. • Carrying of Carrying the Cross Crucifixion Fr Paul Dunne celebrating Sunday Mass in Our Lady Mother of Divine Grace Church, Raheny, Dublin via webcam. Photo: John McElroy “The Our Father is one of the most Charity offers online

Falling faith in overseas aid Annunciation The

precious gifts Jesus left to us” ‘sanctuary’ after

A I

S N

L E L T I

-Pope Francis C

cancelling meditation B ‘could be solved’ by Irish M

R L

E

classes O N

missionary structure C

Aron Hegarty D Bring the Our Father into your home UK and self-proclaimed atheist has T

ACN Ireland calls on all Catholics to unite in prayer through the most A

An Irish charity is offering free online medi- N Staff reporter pointed to the work of missionaries for N with this beautiful hand carved cross tation classes to “everyone and anyone” after I A recent report showed that trust in an example of a different way of doing A Holy Rosary, asking our Blessed Mother to intercede for us before Her Son suspending all public classes and scheduled S from the Holy Land, which also includes the effectiveness of Irish overseas aid development. “That may be impact- for the life and health of the Church and the World. ing to some degree on that 4% fall. But courses due to the coronavirus outbreak. has dropped by 4% since 2017, but Matt MYSTERIES: JOYFUL earth from Bethlehem at the foot. The Sanctuary, based in Dublin city centre, Moran ex-chairman of Misean Cara certainly, on the missionary side, I’m is looking to promote social change over the GLORIOUS MYSTERIES: Resurrection of Our Lord• Ascension into Heaven • Descent of the Holy Spirit • Assumption of Our Lady into Heaven• Coronation of Our Lady feels that the missionary structure not aware of any evidence that would web having been forced to close its doors last could improve this. The 2019 survey show any decline in the perception of its effectiveness due to the nature of week. by Kantar Survey of Public Attitudes it,” said Mr Moran. “We are offering free online mediation Please indicate the towards Overseas Aid is now in its third ✁ Price: According to the report, 31% of peo- classes to anyone and everyone, both mem- I would like to make type and number of Yes, I would like to donate to Aid to the Church in Need year. It is jointly-funded by partners ple named support to overseas mis- bers and non-members,” says Jane Megrych, Masses required. TITLE FIRST NAME SURNAME including Christian Aid, Oxfam, Action a Mass O ering sionaries as one of the efforts the Irish Managing Director of The Sanctuary. Aid, Self Help Africa, Plan International, €29.99 government makes in helping people “There is a link posted on our website, GENERAL TRIDUUM FULL ADDRESS Including Concern, Trócaire, Vita and Dóchas. in poorer countries. Facebook and Instagram pages where you can ACNIC_190320 It shows that 83% of Irish people Mr Moran says that due to the way click and join a virtual meeting on Zoom for NOVENA GREGORIAN P&P! believe that overseas aid is effective missions are run they have a more the classes. in improving lives in poorer countries effective, all round holistic approach, “Our classes will be on Mondays at 10am, Suggested donation per Mass are as follows: and 94% of Irish people believe it is “These are people who bring particular Wednesdays at 7.30pm and Thursdays at General - €10 | Triduum - €30 | Novena - €70 | Gregorian - €270 PHONE NUMBER EMAIL important to support poorer countries qualities of accompaniment and soli- 1.15pm, all free of charge.” DONATION Please tick if you would like through overseas assistance. darity and dignity of the person. They The organisation, founded by Sr Stan Ken- AMOUNT € an appropriate card sent out. I would like to make a monthly I enclose a cheque/postal order payable to Aid to the Church in Need OR LIMITED Mr Moran said that there has bring that sort of added value; they’re nedy in 1998, says the online incentive has donation to Aid to the Church in please debit my MasterCard Visa. recently been discussion on ‘Doing far-reaching consequences that can help those MASS INTENTIONS living amongst the community they Need wherever the need is greatest. Card Number: (Laser only) QUANTITIES Development Differently’. Duncan in self-isolation to overcome loneliness and know the needs they can easily iden- DONATION AMOUNT AVAILABLE, Green, a strategic advisor to Oxfam tify the needs.” bring people closer together during the crisis. SO ORDER €10 €25 €50 Valid From: Maestro Issue No. YOURS TODAY. M M Y Y Please remember Other € Expiry Date: M M Y Y Signature strip code (last 3 digits) For Credit Transfers and THE IRISH HOSPICE FOUNDATION Signature Please remember GOAL in your Will Direct Debits our bank details are: when making your will so that everyone 42 years on we continue to deliver lifesaving support Please complete your personal and payment details and IBAN IE32 BOFI 9005 7890 6993 28 Please detach this form and return, with your gi‹ , to the address below. to the most vulnerable people in our world. Leaving a in Ireland will have access to hospice care one day. return to the address below. BIC BOFI IE2D I do not require an acknowledgment. 01 6874024 gift in your Will is priceless. www.irishcatholic.com/shop Contact: Registered Contact Courtenay on Anna Sadlier at 01 679 3188 or Charity Numbers: The Irish Catholic, 23 Merrion Square North, 01 2809779 or via email at [email protected] [email protected] (RoI) 9492 acnireland.org/donate or call us on 01 837 7516 www.hospicefoundation.ie (NI) XR96620 Dublin 2 D02 XE02 Registered Charity No. 20010980; CHY 6271 Aid to the Church in Need, 151 St. Mobhi Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 9 8 | Comment || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 | Comment ||9

Nuala O’Loan Teacher college must reverse The View bioethics course decision In other words, the need important than pleading a Mary Immaculate College. Focus on coronavirus as abortion for a bioethics course which lack of financial resources busy chaplains can attend for a course that would not is clear, especially now that be very expensive given they are often working in its short length, and the hospitals that carry out fact that it not aimed at a stalks lives in Northern Ireland abortions. large potential number of he world is a very committee in Parliament, and Wales pays private students, is building up the strange place today. but still we, and I as a providers between £400 and Demand intellectual resources of Whereas a couple of member of the House of £600 a time. So, a budget They may not have the people doing very important weeks ago we were Lords, do not know what it of some £500,000 should MIC is there time to do longer, more work. focussed almost entirely says. be allocated. I have not demanding diploma or It is exactly the sort of onT Brexit, wondering how It seems likely that we degree courses, but a one- seen any sign of any budget to inform on course a college that takes will be presented with year certificate course could everything would work out, allocation. its Catholic identity very today, it seems to me we abortion on demand up to issues like suit them well. All this is happening in seriously would go out of its are in an entirely different 12 or 14 weeks, abortion up Some doctors and nurses way to run. world. Outwardly it looks to 22 or 24 weeks where the a health service described this, might also want to avail of David Mary Immaculate College, the same; but it is utterly physical or mental health just two months ago by such a course. which does excellent work, changed. of the woman, her existing striking nurses as ‘broken’. That is why Mary Quinn and has some superb Now we are becoming children or her family would It is happening at a time Immaculate College was ary Immacu- paralysed by the fear of this be adversely affected if the when Covid-19 is affecting asked to run a one-year lecturers, needs to reverse late College in new coronavirus, Covid-19. pregnancy continued, and thousands across the bioethics certificate. its decision and agree to run Limerick is one of It is something which we abortion up to birth if the country, when it is known air. When the atmosphere what can be said to her that big problem is that spare Unfortunately, it refused. As this course. It was requested the few Catholic cannot see, cannot hear, baby has a disability. surrounding Catholic schools is both sensitive, and true embryos are created that reported by this newspaper, for a reason. that we do not have the teacher training colleges in cannot feel. We may not Such a law would go way is no longer so friendly, and to Catholic teaching? And might be indefinitely frozen, which broke the story, it did And maybe such a course resources and staff to Mthe country. Given that more know when it has touched beyond what is permitted can even be toxic, Catholic afterwards, what support or worse, destroyed. How so on the grounds of a lack of would actually make it provide treatment for all than 90%of primary schools us and we have been in England and Wales or in schools will find it extremely can she be given without many chaplains currently resources. Frankly, this isn’t easier for the college to who may be affected. In Italy in Ireland are still Catholic, infected until we become Ireland. hard to be truly Catholic. seeming to condone what know how to explain this good enough. raise money, both here and doctors are already choosing and about 70% of second- ill, and all that time we In addition to this the Catholic teacher training happened? properly? What is much more abroad. who to treat because they ary schools are also in this will be capable of infecting consultation indicates that colleges exist in this fast- A few years ago, a category, these colleges are others. We now recognise other medical professionals cannot treat everyone. There changing environment. priest who worked in the obviously of vital impor- an invisible enemy, against will be able to carry out is a terrible fear that that It can sometimes be hard Netherlands told me that tance. which we have no defence. abortions and that there will happen in NI. for them to find lecturers one day he was phoned We live in a country If we get it, we must suffer will be no requirement for The UK Government can who are fully on the same by a man who asked him where the Catholic ethos its symptoms until they a registered doctor to be only seek to fight Covid-19, wavelength as the Catholic to come and pray for his of institutions, including pass; for some of us it will present. Such a law would to try to stem the loss of life Church, and they are father who was going to schools are under serious become a fight for life, and also go far beyond what was teaching students who are die tomorrow at 3pm. How and to heal those who suffer. pressure. Outright hostility already people are losing required by the Act passed often, in practice, secular, or could he possibly know this? The doctors, nurses, to Catholicism – which is that fight. at Westminster last summer. adhere to what amounts to It suddenly dawned on the physios, pharmacists will, I very real – is only part of How did it happen? How The law will come into ‘Catholicism lite’. priest; the man’s father was am sure, give their all to the the problem, and not even did it happen so quickly force when it is tabled in and other people going to be given a lethal fight against the virus. They the greatest part. An even and what can we do? Parliament. No vote will be in positions of authority and injection, albeit at his own will do this in the context bigger challenge is the rise of This faceless, odourless, necessary. No change can responsibility in the Church request. Euthanasia and of a health service which indifference, and ignorance. invisible enemy has already and loneliness can be very, think, people hardly know: Ireland Assembly. The be made to that Law once look to these colleges for assisted suicide are legal in A lot of parents who stopped us in our tracks. very hard to endure. It will matters, too, of life and Permanent Secretary at tabled. It could be “prayed was broken before the intellectual support. This the Netherlands. send their children to The world is struggling to be critical that we all do death. Inside the next week the Ministry of Justice, against” in an attempt to coronavirus struck, which is why Mary Immaculate Catholic schools, sometimes all we can. Above all, we or so the UK Government Peter May, said recently: reject it completely. It is could not even then, provide College was approached create a vaccine, a suitable because there is nothing else It is exactly antiviral drug, and to keep must pray for healing, for will table new abortion “No-one has seen any of the unlikely at this stage that surgery and medical care for by hospital chaplains ❛❛ available, do not practice. grace, for generosity and law for NI. The preparation proposals which are being the Westminster Parliament all its people. who want to gain a better the sort of course its factories open, its supply Some don’t practice because compassion at this terrible of this law, following the brought forward.” Nobody would reject the whole new The NHS, which cannot understanding of Catholic chains moving and its they have a principled a college that takes time. flawed consultation which has, as is normal, shared abortion law. bioethics. people fed. cope with all the demands objection to Catholicism, but suggested grounds for draft regulations with It is as if the newly- Those chaplains find its Catholic identity The answer we are told already made on it, many other don’t because abortion way beyond those stakeholders for comment. themselves working in is isolation – if we are not The NHS, which returned NI Assembly will not be able to cope they are following the new required by the Act passed Nobody knows exactly what environments that often very seriously would in contact with those who ❛❛ did not exist. Yet the NI with abortion on top of convention, which is not cannot cope with all by Parliament in July, has it is going to say. offer a very different carry the virus, we will not Assembly and especially coronavirus, and there is to go to Mass, except on go out of its way to get it. It is all very alarming been a very strange and Why? We Minister Robin Swann will understanding of bioethics a terrible irony, at a time special occasions, and to give the demands already secretive process. understand than the Catholic version. run” and in some places it must have to provide the whole Catholicism no real thought. Government has seen the it has been when the medical and An obvious example is be terrifying. In the diocese made on it, will not abortion service. This attitude can extend Again, what should a results of the consultation. referred nursing professions are in the area of abortion. It is of Bergamo alone, in Italy, There has been no to teachers. How many priest (or chaplain) do in this be able to cope with It has even responded to to a struggling to preserve life, not simply a matter of being many people have died, impact assessment, no teachers in Catholic schools situation? Again, whatever it. No one else has seen that government should clear that direct abortion among them six priests; abortion on top of preparation (because go to Mass regularly, and he (or she in the case of either the results or the be set on inflicting on us is wrong, but, for example, 20 priests are in hospital nobody knows what is how many believe, or some chaplains) might fighting the condition, men coronavirus” Government response. coming), no training of legislation designed to end what kind of spiritual care do should not be seen to The Northern understand, what the Church who went out among their While all this is going on, staff, no allocation of the life of unborn babies; should a Catholic chaplain condone the action. Ireland Executive has believes on a range of issues, sick parishioners. while we are trying to equip ringfenced budget to pay legislation against which the especially those pertaining offer to a woman about to The list could go on not been consulted for the anticipated 1,000 people of Northern Ireland undergo an abortion, or who and on. What do you say ourselves for an uncertain about the provisions to human sexuality and Responsibility Minister new procedures a year: have campaigned, protested has just had one? to a couple who want to future, other things are of the new law, nor relationships? We have much to do to Robin procedures for which and fought in their tens of Obviously, no impression use IVF, which the Church happening in Northern has the Northern It is very hard to maintain keep ourselves healthy Ireland (NI): things which, I Swann. the NHS in England thousands. the ethos of a Catholic can be given that what she opposes? Using IVF might so that we can look after schools when many of the is about to do is correct, seem pro-life, because a those for whom we have parents don’t really believe but if she asks for guidance, child could result. But one responsibility and those There has been no impact assessment, no preparation in it or understand it, and the who have no one to look ❛❛ same thing applies to some The need for a bioethics course after them. Prolonged teachers. ❛❛ isolation seems to be being (because nobody knows what is coming), no training of staff, which busy chaplains can attend is recommended for the Friendly elderly, yet we are by nature Catholic schools thrive when clear, especially now that they are social, convivial creatures. no allocation of ringfenced budget to pay for the anticipated they exist in a friendly, Loneliness will be the hospitable environment, the often working in hospitals that carry consequence of isolation, 1,000 new procedures a year” same way we thrive in fresh out abortions” The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 | Comment ||9 Teacher college must reverse bioethics course decision In other words, the need important than pleading a Mary Immaculate College. for a bioethics course which lack of financial resources busy chaplains can attend for a course that would not is clear, especially now that be very expensive given they are often working in its short length, and the hospitals that carry out fact that it not aimed at a abortions. large potential number of students, is building up the Demand intellectual resources of They may not have the people doing very important MIC is there time to do longer, more work. demanding diploma or It is exactly the sort of degree courses, but a one- to inform on course a college that takes year certificate course could its Catholic identity very suit them well. issues like seriously would go out of its Some doctors and nurses way to run. this, David might also want to avail of such a course. Mary Immaculate College, Quinn That is why Mary which does excellent work, Immaculate College was and has some superb ary Immacu- asked to run a one-year lecturers, needs to reverse late College in bioethics certificate. its decision and agree to run Limerick is one of air. When the atmosphere what can be said to her that big problem is that spare Unfortunately, it refused. As this course. It was requested the few Catholic surrounding Catholic schools is both sensitive, and true embryos are created that reported by this newspaper, for a reason. teacher training colleges in is no longer so friendly, and to Catholic teaching? And might be indefinitely frozen, which broke the story, it did And maybe such a course Mthe country. Given that more can even be toxic, Catholic afterwards, what support or worse, destroyed. How so on the grounds of a lack of would actually make it than 90%of primary schools schools will find it extremely can she be given without many chaplains currently resources. Frankly, this isn’t easier for the college to in Ireland are still Catholic, hard to be truly Catholic. seeming to condone what know how to explain this good enough. raise money, both here and and about 70% of second- Catholic teacher training happened? properly? What is much more abroad. ary schools are also in this colleges exist in this fast- A few years ago, a category, these colleges are changing environment. priest who worked in the obviously of vital impor- It can sometimes be hard Netherlands told me that tance. for them to find lecturers one day he was phoned We live in a country who are fully on the same by a man who asked him where the Catholic ethos wavelength as the Catholic to come and pray for his of institutions, including Church, and they are father who was going to schools are under serious teaching students who are die tomorrow at 3pm. How pressure. Outright hostility often, in practice, secular, or could he possibly know this? to Catholicism – which is adhere to what amounts to It suddenly dawned on the very real – is only part of ‘Catholicism lite’. priest; the man’s father was the problem, and not even Bishops and other people going to be given a lethal the greatest part. An even in positions of authority and injection, albeit at his own bigger challenge is the rise of responsibility in the Church request. Euthanasia and indifference, and ignorance. look to these colleges for assisted suicide are legal in A lot of parents who intellectual support. This the Netherlands. send their children to is why Mary Immaculate Catholic schools, sometimes College was approached because there is nothing else It is exactly by hospital chaplains ❛❛ available, do not practice. who want to gain a better the sort of course Some don’t practice because understanding of Catholic they have a principled a college that takes bioethics. objection to Catholicism, but Those chaplains find its Catholic identity many other don’t because themselves working in they are following the new environments that often very seriously would convention, which is not offer a very different to go to Mass, except on go out of its way to understanding of bioethics special occasions, and to give than the Catholic version. run” Catholicism no real thought. An obvious example is This attitude can extend Again, what should a in the area of abortion. It is to teachers. How many priest (or chaplain) do in this not simply a matter of being teachers in Catholic schools situation? Again, whatever clear that direct abortion go to Mass regularly, and he (or she in the case of is wrong, but, for example, how many believe, or some chaplains) might what kind of spiritual care understand, what the Church do should not be seen to should a Catholic chaplain believes on a range of issues, condone the action. especially those pertaining offer to a woman about to The list could go on to human sexuality and undergo an abortion, or who and on. What do you say relationships? has just had one? to a couple who want to It is very hard to maintain Obviously, no impression use IVF, which the Church the ethos of a Catholic can be given that what she opposes? Using IVF might schools when many of the is about to do is correct, seem pro-life, because a parents don’t really believe but if she asks for guidance, child could result. But one in it or understand it, and the same thing applies to some The need for a bioethics course teachers. which❛❛ busy chaplains can attend is Friendly Catholic schools thrive when clear, especially now that they are they exist in a friendly, hospitable environment, the often working in hospitals that carry same way we thrive in fresh out abortions” 10 | News || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 Emmanuel concert proves very big hit in the Helix

Gallagher told The Irish Catholic: “It’s Chai Brady a fantastic, fun-filled and Faith-filled Hundreds of school students took part musical evening and a joy to be part of. in a “fun and Faith-filled” concert in The first three nights were brilliant. It’s the Helix on Dublin City University’s a non-competitive event, hence many campus, with the last of four nights schools really enjoy taking part in it.” being cancelled due the coronavirus The event ran from March 9-12, (Covid-19), due to the guidelines with the Thursday night being issued by Government. suspended after new guidelines were This was the 14th Emmanuel given to the public by the Department concert, with 20,000 school students of Health regarding the coronavirus. taking part over the years. The aim is Many students take solos, play in to improve liturgical music in school the orchestra and some participate and students can take part in a variety as speakers. Among others of styles of music which they perform Emmanuel is made possible by Fr Pat in the Helix with an orchestra. O’Donoghue, the diocesan musical Pastoral Co-ordinator for the director, and the musical director on Archdiocese of Dublin Gerard stage Ian Callanan. Legacy-ad-2019-IrishC-343x263.qxp_Layout 1 5/29/19 7:19 AM Page 1

10 | News || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 Emmanuel concert proves very big hit in the Helix It’s been said that if your name is held in the hearts of others, you will never truly die.

hen you set aside a gift of most everlasting gifts of all made indifference, and exploitation Wany size in your Will to by caring people just like you worldwide, we believe that even Trócaire, your good and across Ireland. though you pass on, your good generous name will never die. So whether you ultimately name should never die. Every year after your passing, include Trócaire in your final Request your free and we'll honour your name in legacy – or another worthy cause – confidential legacy planner gratitude and love at a special we have a free and easy planner from Trócaire today. Then Remembrance Mass where all you can bring to your solicitor to bring the planner to your

Gallagher told The Irish Catholic: “It’s faiths are welcome. get started. We're happy to post family solicitor for an open Chai Brady a fantastic, fun-filled and Faith-filled We’ll keep your name safe it to you, discreetly, and with and honest conversation. Hundreds of school students took part musical evening and a joy to be part of. in a “fun and Faith-filled” concert in The first three nights were brilliant. It’s and warm in our Books of our heartfelt thanks for your the Helix on Dublin City University’s a non-competitive event, hence many campus, with the last of four nights schools really enjoy taking part in it.” Remembrance, too, where all consideration and for being a being cancelled due the coronavirus The event ran from March 9-12, We’ll remember your (Covid-19), due to the guidelines with the Thursday night being the people who’ve loved you faithful Irish Catholic reader. issued by Government. suspended after new guidelines were name. This was the 14th Emmanuel given to the public by the Department can come to see it. For the relief your legacy concert, with 20,000 school students of Health regarding the coronavirus. Simple bequests of any size will bring to people living in taking part over the years. The aim is Many students take solos, play in to improve liturgical music in school the orchestra and some participate by Will are some of the greatest, fear from poverty, injustice, and students can take part in a variety as speakers. Among others of styles of music which they perform Emmanuel is made possible by Fr Pat in the Helix with an orchestra. O’Donoghue, the diocesan musical Pastoral Co-ordinator for the director, and the musical director on Archdiocese of Dublin Gerard stage Ian Callanan. To request your free legacy planner now, including bequest wording and a simple 4-step worksheet you can share privately with your solicitor, ring Grace Kelly on 01 629 3333, or email [email protected]

Charity Regulatory Authority No. 20009601; Revenue Number CHY 5883 12 | Comment || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 The Church as a pioneering ethical leader n May 3, 1983, some 247 Catho- lic bishops of the Confronted with eye- gath- ered in Chicago to issue their watering technological Opastoral letter on war and developments Catholics to participants in the congress must guarantee an outlook in soft and IBM (or even Face- peace and the use of nuclear on child dignity in the digital which AI is developed with a book) to a distinctly ‘religious’ technology. The immedi- have an important role world last November, Fran- focus not on technology, but ethical charter. The point is to ate context was the ongoing cis spoke of how “the ethical rather for the good of human- lay down clear ethical param- nuclear arms race between to play, writes David development of algorithms” ity and of the environment, eters for the development of the US and the Soviet Union. or more simply “algor-ethics” of our common and shared AI that can enjoy the wid- That letter is now consid- Mullins could be used to identify and home and of its human inhab- est possible consensus and ered to be one of the most eliminate illegal and harmful itants, who are inextricably garner the greatest level of insightful moral assessments ‘Rome Call for AI (Artificial of the apparent novelty and images from circulation on connected. In other words, a ‘industry’ support. the internet. ever published on the dan- Intelligence) Ethics.’ incongruity in witnessing the vision in which human beings On the other hand, we can The declaration itself gers that can emerge when Among the first signato- Vatican and two of the world’s and nature are at the heart also accept that at a deeper proposes six key principles, the use of powerful technol- ries were the president of largest computer technology of how digital innovation is level the very language of which it says should shape ogy becomes untethered from the Pontifical Academy for firms embark on such a col- developed, supported rather person-centred rights and the application of artificial basic human goods. Life, Vincenzo laboration. than gradually replaced by human dignity, which the The letter is also nota- intelligence and the develop- technologies that behave like Paglia, along with Microsoft Microsoft’s Brad Smith Rome Call’s declaration is ble for the way it which it ment of ‘algor-ethics’: rational actors but are in no steeped in, are concepts that president Brad Smith and IBM hinted as much when he l Transparency; incisively and pragmatically way human.” are dependent on the Catho- executive vice-president John acknowledged that at least on l Inclusion; applied fundamental insights For those who keep a close lic philosophical tradition for Kelly. the face of it the collaborators l Responsibility; from the Catholic ethical tra- eye on these matters, the their coherence. Of course, the immediate made “strange bedfellows”. l Impartiality; dition to a pressing issue of ‘Rome Call’ is perfectly con- Indeed, acknowledgement geo-political and military This initiative is being l Reliability; enormous global concern. sistent with a number of other of the debt which the western context of the Rome Call dec- enthusiastically supported by l Security and privacy. Now, 37 years on, some- actions that the Church and in ethical tradition and modern- laration is nothing like the Pope Francis; who has repeat- While there is limited thing similar has also particular, the Commission of day human rights discourse occurred with respect to the explicitly apocalyptic one that edly voiced concerns around space here to provide a the Bishops’ Conferences of formed the backdrop to the how an unjust application of broader outline of how the owes to Christianity and to dangers and potentialities the European Union (COM- Catholicism in particular US bishops meeting in 1983. technology may widen the declaration understands ECE) has initiated within this within another scientific and is enjoying something of a technological arena-that of gap between rich and poor, these terms, the following is sphere in the last number of renaissance lately. Artificial Intelligence (AI). Attention increase online exploitation a key paragraph from the text years. This is especially clear in I am referring specifically Nevertheless, it has drawn and lead to the violation of that fairly summarises the A fairly recent example is the historical and scholarly to the signing last month of considerable attention from the ecological integrity of the basic rationale and the moti- the publication by COMECE in work of people like Tom Hol- a Vatican-inspired declara- the media and the wider AI earth. vation in prioritising them: 2019 of its reflection, Roboti- land and Larry Siedentop. tion that has been named the industry-not least because In fact, during an address “Now more than ever, we sation of Life – Ethics in view The Rome Call for AI Eth- of new challenges. ics can be seen then as but That specific document the latest example of how the also set out to reaffirm the application of science and primacy of the human person while promoting “a rights- technology can be shaped and based and person-centred informed by the vast histori- approach in reviewing the cal richness of the Catholic FASTING for LENT? main principles that define intellectual tradition, while the relationship between losing nothing of their own human persons and robots”. legitimate autonomy. Learn the History Before You Start! So, between the ethical Through such a process all vision of the COMECE docu- sides can emerge enriched ment and the Rome Call dec- and rejuvenated. The demands of Christian life have laration there is significant It can only be lamented traditionally required some degree of common ground. therefore, that this point, which has been clearly reflection and consequent action – grasped as almost self-evi- fasting from food and abstinence from The document dent by the likes of Microsoft meat or alcohol. With Lent just beginning ❛❛ has consolidated the and IBM, would doubtless why not learn about the history of ethical leadership receive a distinctly frostier Christian fasting and reflection by that the Church has reception in the current intel- perusing Food, Feast and Fast. Learn lectual environment of ‘mod- how Christians have negotiated the demonstrated” ern Ireland.’ relationship between food and religion That being said there also Ultimately, however, The throughout the ages – the impressive, significant differences. Rome Call for AI Ethics has excessive, and even amusing ways. For while documents like consolidated the pioneering the US bishops’ 1983 pastoral ethical leadership that the Discover the compelling facts letter, and the COMECE docu- Church has demonstrated in behind the tradition now. ment both situate the human this field over the last num- person within a distinctly ber of years. Christian anthropology, the We should celebrate this Price: €19.99 Rome Call declaration makes ongoing contribution as an Postage Included no mention of God or Crea- exciting adventure in the tion whatsoever. moral and ethical imagination On the one hand this is of humankind. Phone 01 6874096 | Visit www.columbabooks.com perfectly understandable Post Cheque Columba Books, 23 Merrion Square North, Dublin 2, D02 XE02 given that the intention is not i David Mullins is a to sign up the likes of Micro- bioethicist. 12 | Comment || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 | Comment ||13

Fisherman’s Bastion within Buda Castle Hungary’s ‘family and, inset, The Church as Hungarian President a pioneering friendly’ response Viktor Erban. The consequences of population to the EU’s ethical leader decline will be n May 3, 1983, seismic unless we demographic some 247 Catho- lic bishops of the Confronted with eye- act quickly, writes United States gath- watering technological Ray Kinsella ered in Chicago to issue their crisis Opastoral letter on war and developments Catholics to participants in the congress must guarantee an outlook in soft and IBM (or even Face- nce upon a time, peace and the use of nuclear on child dignity in the digital which AI is developed with a book) to a distinctly ‘religious’ when Ireland was technology. The immedi- have an important role world last November, Fran- focus not on technology, but ethical charter. The point is to less self-obsessed, ate context was the ongoing cis spoke of how “the ethical rather for the good of human- lay down clear ethical param- issues like the nuclear arms race between to play, writes David development of algorithms” ity and of the environment, eters for the development of financial burden of getting the US and the Soviet Union. or more simply “algor-ethics” of our common and shared AI that can enjoy the wid- Omarried and starting a That letter is now consid- Mullins could be used to identify and home and of its human inhab- est possible consensus and family were the lifeblood of ered to be one of the most eliminate illegal and harmful itants, who are inextricably garner the greatest level of elections. No longer. insightful moral assessments ‘Rome Call for AI (Artificial of the apparent novelty and images from circulation on connected. In other words, a ‘industry’ support. Our skewed fiscal system the internet. ever published on the dan- Intelligence) Ethics.’ incongruity in witnessing the vision in which human beings On the other hand, we can discriminates against The declaration itself gers that can emerge when Among the first signato- Vatican and two of the world’s and nature are at the heart also accept that at a deeper marriage and starting a The consequences, like it or The extent, and the marry and – the government social and economic mind- friendly policies. It’s the the use of powerful technol- proposes six key principles, of how digital innovation is ries were the president of largest computer technology level the very language of family. Instead of fixing not, will be seismic. practicality, of Hungary’s underline this point – to set – the social economics of political X-factor that’s ogy becomes untethered from which it says should shape developed, supported rather the Pontifical Academy for firms embark on such a col- person-centred rights and this anti-marriage bias, The current Croatian EU fiscal supports encouraging enjoy the experience of Konrad Adenauer’s Christian missing from our endless basic human goods. the application of artificial than gradually replaced by Life, Archbishop Vincenzo laboration. human dignity, which the recent governments have Presidency has put tackling marriage and household rearing their family. Democracy which rebuilt talk about coalition options. The letter is also nota- intelligence and the develop- technologies that behave like Paglia, along with Microsoft Microsoft’s Brad Smith Rome Call’s declaration is exacerbated it. None of the Europe’s population decline formation are striking. In other words, to help post-war Germany. ble for the way it which it ment of ‘algor-ethics’: rational actors but are in no steeped in, are concepts that main political parties see president Brad Smith and IBM hinted as much when he l Transparency; at the very top of its agenda. Women who have four alleviate the financial A European Union i Ray Kinsella was formerly incisively and pragmatically way human.” are dependent on the Catho- this – which is bad – or they executive vice-president John acknowledged that at least on l Inclusion; The Financial Times recently children are exempt for pressures and time pressures confronted by a demographic Professor of Banking applied fundamental insights For those who keep a close lic philosophical tradition for don’t want to see it, which is Kelly. the face of it the collaborators l Responsibility; reported that “Croatia is life from personal income that deter many couples crisis is having to re-learn and Financial Services at from the Catholic ethical tra- eye on these matters, the their coherence. even worse. Of course, the immediate made “strange bedfellows”. l Impartiality; asking the EU to weigh up tax. Every married couple here from getting married: the strengths of family- University College Dublin. dition to a pressing issue of ‘Rome Call’ is perfectly con- Indeed, acknowledgement Europe is confronted by geo-political and military This initiative is being l Reliability; a host of family-friendly is eligible for a €30,000 pressures which can so easily enormous global concern. sistent with a number of other of the debt which the western an existential demographic context of the Rome Call dec- enthusiastically supported by l Security and privacy. policies…as it seeks ways of interest free loan where the lead to breakup, with all of Now, 37 years on, some- actions that the Church and in ethical tradition and modern- challenge every bit as laration is nothing like the Pope Francis; who has repeat- While there is limited reversing dismal birth rates”. mother is between 18-40 the stress that this entails, thing similar has also particular, the Commission of day human rights discourse pressing as climate change. occurred with respect to the explicitly apocalyptic one that edly voiced concerns around space here to provide a the Bishops’ Conferences of Perhaps the most and expecting a child. and the growing costs of formed the backdrop to the how an unjust application of broader outline of how the owes to Christianity and to EU member states are innovative societal response state interventions to try Sr Stan’s latest masterpiece dangers and potentialities the European Union (COM- Catholicism in particular projected by the UN to US bishops meeting in 1983. technology may widen the declaration understands ECE) has initiated within this to the EU’s demographic to mitigate the collateral within another scientific and is enjoying something of a experience population technological arena-that of gap between rich and poor, these terms, the following is sphere in the last number of crisis has been in Hungary. damage. is available now renaissance lately. decline by 2050. The impact It’s the single Artificial Intelligence (AI). Attention increase online exploitation a key paragraph from the text years. The Hungarian economy, like Hungary’s policies are This is especially clear in is already evident in eastern ❛❛ I am referring specifically Nevertheless, it has drawn and lead to the violation of that fairly summarises the A fairly recent example is Ireland’s, came through a most important working – marriage is at a Through her work at The Sanctuary, the historical and scholarly and south-eastern Europe, to the signing last month of considerable attention from the ecological integrity of the basic rationale and the moti- the publication by COMECE in torrid banking and economic record high, birth rates are Sr Stan has witnessed and helped a work of people like Tom Hol- where, according to Eurostat, and productive a Vatican-inspired declara- the media and the wider AI earth. vation in prioritising them: 2019 of its reflection, Roboti- crisis. It’s recovery has been rising and there has been number of people seeking to land and Larry Siedentop. ten EU member countries tion that has been named the industry-not least because In fact, during an address “Now more than ever, we sation of Life – Ethics in view impressive, with GDP growth a significant decline in The Rome Call for AI Eth- recorded an absolute decline investment any become more mindful and of new challenges. of between 4% to 5%, low abortions. ics can be seen then as but in population in 2018. The aentive in a world full of That specific document inflation and unemployment country can make in Katalin Novacks, the latest example of how the distraction. Now, in her new also set out to reaffirm the equivalent of small cities are around 3%. Its debt ratio is Hungary’s innovative application of science and its families” primacy of the human person disappearing every year. down to around 70%, with Minister for Family collection of poems and while promoting “a rights- technology can be shaped and The consequences of the economy in budgetary as There are subsidised and Young Adults, is an meditations she encourages us based and person-centred informed by the vast histori- falling population – of low well as external balance. loans, with interest rates economist, deeply-versed in all to tap into awe-inspiring cal richness of the Catholic birth rates, rural decline approach in reviewing the But what makes it capped at 3%, for married European politics, languages every day moments to find a FASTING for LENT? main principles that define intellectual tradition, while and the emigration of different to Ireland is that couples building and and culture. She is also very greater sense of presence. the relationship between losing nothing of their own young educated adults – are Hungary has rejected purchasing their home clear that her most fulfilling human persons and robots”. legitimate autonomy. deeply negative for any secularism. The overriding and grants to encourage role is being a young wife Aer all, if you take the Learn the History Before You Start! So, between the ethical Through such a process all economy. They include a focus is on supporting grandparents to participate and mother. She wants time to pay aention to vision of the COMECE docu- sides can emerge enriched contraction in the tax base marriage, family and in caring for their that option – marriage and the world around you, and rejuvenated. ment and the Rome Call dec- and in the Labour force – household formation. Its grandchildren where one a young family as well as you’ll discover the It can only be lamented with a loss of intellectual professional aspirations – to The demands of Christian life have laration there is significant government continues or more of the parents are sacred in the ordinary traditionally required some degree of common ground. therefore, that this point, capital and, therefore, the to systematically extend going back to work. be accessible to other young which has been clearly capacity for future growth and mundane. reflection and consequent action – this ‘Hungarian Model’ The backdrop to the couples. grasped as almost self-evi- of the ‘knowledge economy’. fasting from food and abstinence from The document transforming the country Hungarian model is simple. But, a family friendly dent by the likes of Microsoft Ireland’s foreign direct economy on these lines costs meat or alcohol. With Lent just beginning has❛❛ consolidated the into a ‘family friendly’ Hungary is one of the EU and IBM, would doubtless investment ‘business model’ nation. Some 5% of its countries most severely money. Currently, Hungary why not learn about the history of receive a distinctly frostier ethical leadership is vulnerable. strong growth – twice the impacted by the political allocates 5% of its GDP to Christian fasting and reflection by reception in the current intel- that the Church has EU average – is allocated for burden of low birth rates support and extend this perusing Food, Feast and Fast. Learn lectual environment of ‘mod- Impacts family friendly supports and (well below replacement model. how Christians have negotiated the demonstrated” ern Ireland.’ The societal impacts of incentives. rate) a legacy of communism relationship between food and religion Ultimately, however, The population decline are That being said there also Hungary defines marriage followed by a liberal socialist Auction politics throughout the ages – the impressive, Rome Call for AI Ethics has equally far-reaching: an significant differences. and family the way Ireland regime prior to 2010. Mrs Novacks insists that excessive, and even amusing ways. consolidated the pioneering aging population, increase For while documents like did until a few years ago. In The focus of policy is not this is not an economic ethical leadership that the in dependency rates and the US bishops’ 1983 pastoral fact, both countries changed just on reversing population expenditure and she is, of Discover the compelling facts Church has demonstrated in a sapping of the energy, letter, and the COMECE docu- their constitutions at more decline – now an EU course, correct. Instead, it’s this field over the last num- enterprise and social behind the tradition now. ment both situate the human or less the same time – but imperative. It’s on enabling the single most important ber of years. solidarity of young and person within a distinctly in totally opposite directions. women and young couples to and productive investment Christian anthropology, the We should celebrate this growing families across a any country can make in its Don’t wait Price: €19.99 Rome Call declaration makes ongoing contribution as an country. Ireland’s present families and in its future. The Postage Included no mention of God or Crea- exciting adventure in the birth rate reflects our former The focus of policy is not just on contrast with the billions PRICE €14.99 to find your tion whatsoever. moral and ethical imagination attitudes to marriage and ❛❛ pledged in election promises + €3.40 P&P On the one hand this is of humankind. traditional preference for reversing population decline...it’s on in Ireland’s auction politics Phone 01 6874096 | Visit www.columbabooks.com inner peace perfectly understandable large families. could hardly be greater. Post Cheque Columba Books, 23 Merrion Square North, Dublin 2, D02 XE02 given that the intention is not i David Mullins is a The aggressive State enabling women and young couples to The Hungarian model to sign up the likes of Micro- bioethicist. secularisation of Ireland’s represents a radical ORDER NOW at 01 6874096 Christian democratic marry and to enjoy the experience of renewal of what was once [email protected] | www.columbabooks.com tradition is changing this. rearing their family” a distinctively European 14 | Feature || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 In a world of division, the L’Arche community remains a model of true solidarity After Jean Vanier, how can L’Arche go forward creating places of belonging for those whom society rejects, asks Dr Liam Waldron n a YouTube video recorded in 2018 to celebrate his 90th birthday, Jean Vanier, the founder of and inspiration for the international network of Iover 150 intentional communities, known as L’Arche, spoke about his ‘ten rules for life’. In reminding us that one day we must all die, he says: “I’m not the one who’s the king of the world and I’m certainly not God. I’m just somebody who was born 90 years ago and will die in a few years’ time and then everybody will have forgotten me”. Until recently, Jean Vanier, who died in 2019, was likely to be remembered chiefly as the inspirational figure who taught us how to love our brothers and sisters with disabilities. Sadly, we now have another reason to remember him with the news reported by L’Arche International that, “on the balance of probabilities”, Jean I asked him how people who L’Arche, which now mourns the working and celebrating together. leads us to become more fully Vanier had abusive relationships appeared to have differing starting death of a particular image of its The organisation, which now human, echoing the title of one of with a number of women “under points for conversations about founder, were to lose courage. In has a presence throughout the Mr Vanier’s books. L’Arche could be conditions of psychological hold”, disability could find common her book, Gateway to Hope: An world, began in a small house said to be an example of what the relationships which broke “the ground. While some use primarily Exploration of Failure, Sr Maria north of Paris in 1964 when Jean theologian Werner Jeanrond calls, bond of trust expected of those the language of personal rights and Boulding writes that “at the heart Vanier invited Raphael Simi and “an institution of love”. providing spiritual accompaniment equality and inclusion, others use of our bitterest experience of Philippe Seux, two men with jjjjjjj to others”. the language of vulnerability, and failure, there is an open doorway to intellectual disabilities, to leave These revelations have been met brokenness and fragility, which the joy of God”. the grim hospital where they had Love must be at the heart of all with disbelief and great sadness was Mr Vanier’s own language. For been placed to come and live with relationships for a Christian, and have caused much pain to some, success was to be found in Opportunity him. The three men did everything and institutions of love, which those who regarded Jean Vanier as overcoming the limitations that L’Arche has the opportunity now together – worked, laughed and can include clubs, associations, a ‘living saint’. disability imposes on us, while for to enter through this open this celebrated life. churches, parishes and all manner others, Mr Vanier included, people door and enter into a new phase The core members and of partnerships, are places where Loneliness are beautiful the way they are. of witnessing to the importance of assistants in L’Arche today do just love is practiced according to I heard Jean Vanier speak twice Did he think these were every human person. that, and they are a living sign to the traditions or priorities of the while carrying out research for institution. mutually exclusive positions? L’Arche is a worldwide the world that a life worth living my PhD dissertation which was a The traditions of L’Arche, which How could they be reconciled federation of intentional Faith- does not require us to be successful theological study of the problem include solidarity, hospitality and given Mr Vanier’s insistence based communities where people in the widely accepted meaning of loneliness among people true friendship are practiced in the that all human persons, with or with intellectual disabilities (the of the word, but rather involves with learning (or intellectual) everyday ordinary activities of their without a disability are fragile and core members) and assistants the embracing of our own fragility disabilities. communities – working, eating, vulnerable, language many dislike share their lives through living and and vulnerability which is what On both occasions, I listened in the context of disability? It was and celebrating – to the extent spellbound to his insights on an inspiring conversation, full of that, as Mr Vanier once said, it was belonging and brokenness and warmth and of hope, for which I The organisation...began in a small house not possible to really know who is loving friendship, delivered as they am grateful. ❛❛ helping whom. were in his characteristically soft Given then the recent evidence north of Paris in 1964 when Jean Vanier These traditions represent and calming tones. If theologians that Jean Vanier acted contrary what L’Arche is all about, namely have heroes, and they frequently do to the values of the organisation invited Raphael Simi and Philippe Seux, two communion and belonging which (often other theologians!), then I he founded, how can L’Arche go is what distinguishes it from some had found mine. forward with confidence in living men with intellectual disabilities, to leave the other institutions that provide At the second conference, I its mission of creating places of care ‘for’ people with disabilities. approached him and he gave me belonging for those whom society grim hospital where they had been placed to Rather, L’Arche is where people 15 minutes of his valuable time. rejects? It would be tragic if come and live with him” who have perhaps experienced 14 | Feature || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 | Feature ||15 In a world of division, thethe L’ArcheL’Arche communitycommunity basis of fraternity is found in the story of the walk to Emmaus God’s fatherhood, and in God’s in Luke’s gospel we meet Jesus’ family, and where all are sons and followers, lonely and despondent, daughters of the same Father, there encountering a stranger on the are no ‘disposable lives’”. road. remains a model of truetrue solidaritysolidarity Such friendship is not based on Their conversation made their superficial similarities in interests hearts “burn within them”, and After Jean or temperaments however. Rather they invite the stranger to stay and it is about learning how to give and eat with them. Through the sharing Vanier, how receive love. of this meal, where the bread is Through this friendship blessed, broken and shared, Jesus’ can L’Arche practiced in L’Arche, humanity’s followers, until that point filled Pope Francis visits a true nature is revealed, namely with sadness, have their eyes go forward L’Arche community that we are brothers and sisters of opened and are renewed. in Ciampino, Italy, each other which is the antidote The recognition by the disciples on May 13, 2016. to the terrible loneliness that of their Lord in the breaking of creating places Photo: CNS. Inset, is so widespread in our society bread sends them back to the city Jean Vanier. of belonging today. This fraternity, expressed full of joy which they want to in radical friendship, has an even share with everyone. L’Arche, in its for those whom greater benefit where the love and practice of hospitality where bread acceptance that marks it can renew is broken and shared witnesses society rejects, the spirit of those who experience to the hope that loneliness and it to the extent that they regain the rejection can be transformed into asks Dr Liam hope they had lost. joy. Friendship of this kind involves Waldron a risk - that of dying to the self for the sake of ‘the other’, and L’Arche We have to give the n a YouTube video recorded witnesses to this in its life and experience❛❛ time to come in 2018 to celebrate his 90th work. birthday, Jean Vanier, the home to us before it can founder of and inspiration l HOSPITALITY for the international network of L’Arche practices hospitality in become a motive for hope Iover 150 intentional communities, the way it practices solidarity and and a promise of fuller known as L’Arche, spoke about his radical friendship – with a special ‘ten rules for life’. concern for those who are rejected life” In reminding us that one day we or lonely. One of the most familiar L’Arche should be proud of its must all die, he says: “I’m not the expressions of hospitality is the quiet witness to the sacredness one who’s the king of the world sharing of a meal. It is food that of every person, irrespective and I’m certainly not God. I’m just provides nourishment for the body, of ability or disability. Many of somebody who was born 90 years while conversation and the sharing our brothers and sisters with ago and will die in a few years’ of stories renew the spirit. disabilities who find a home in time and then everybody will have I remember vividly the two L’Arche had previously lived in forgotten me”. occasions on which I had the hospitals and institutions where Until recently, Jean Vanier, great pleasure of visiting L’Arche they were ignored and forgotten. who died in 2019, was likely to and sharing a meal with the Some had even been rejected by be remembered chiefly as the core members and assistants. family, unwilling or unable to care inspirational figure who taught us I remember it because I have for them. how to love our brothers and sisters rarely experienced such joyous The presence of L’Arche in a with disabilities. Sadly, we now hospitality. L’Arche’s way of world that understands and values have another reason to remember showing hospitality has the feel of success in a manner that would him with the news reported by a celebration to me. Nothing was exclude many with disabilities L’Arche International that, “on rushed and we all took our time the balance of probabilities”, Jean offers hope to those who are so I asked him how people who L’Arche, which now mourns the working and celebrating together. leads us to become more fully terrible loneliness and isolation in eating, telling stories and listening Vanier had abusive relationships often cast aside and ignored. appeared to have differing starting death of a particular image of its The organisation, which now human, echoing the title of one of their lives find their home in an Pope Francis too reminds us of the to stories from others. with a number of women “under points for conversations about founder, were to lose courage. In has a presence throughout the Mr Vanier’s books. L’Arche could be ❛❛ There were arguments and Since the publication of the atmosphere of true friendship – conditions of psychological hold”, recent report, many in L’Arche are disability could find common her book, Gateway to Hope: An world, began in a small house said to be an example of what the that is, friendship understood as a necessity of sharing our very selves disagreements too, but I learned relationships which broke “the now in mourning. Reflecting on ground. While some use primarily Exploration of Failure, Sr Maria north of Paris in 1964 when Jean theologian Werner Jeanrond calls, ‘mystery’ reflecting the common that true hospitality is about bond of trust expected of those when we act in solidarity with others” loss and death, Sr Maria Boulding the language of personal rights and Boulding writes that “at the heart Vanier invited Raphael Simi and “an institution of love”. origin of all in God. opening the heart to the other, even providing spiritual accompaniment equality and inclusion, others use of our bitterest experience of Philippe Seux, two men with if at first we feel that we have little writes that we need time to come jjjjjjj So, what can we learn from Francis too reminds us of the all those who see themselves to others”. the language of vulnerability, and failure, there is an open doorway to intellectual disabilities, to leave in common with that ‘other’. to terms with it. “We cannot L’Arche? necessity of sharing our very as godless or godforsaken can These revelations have been met brokenness and fragility, which the joy of God”. the grim hospital where they had Love must be at the heart of all It is about forging relationship short-circuit human processes,”she l selves when we act in solidarity experience communion with him”. with disbelief and great sadness was Mr Vanier’s own language. For been placed to come and live with relationships for a Christian, SOLIDARITY through the sharing of our time writes, “we have to give the with others; without faces and In a world of division, L’Arche is and have caused much pain to some, success was to be found in him. The three men did everything and institutions of love, which L’Arche witnesses to the and our stories, and paying loving experience time to come home to Opportunity stories, human lives become a model of true solidarity. those who regarded Jean Vanier as overcoming the limitations that L’Arche has the opportunity now together – worked, laughed and can include clubs, associations, importance of solidarity – of attention to others, and being open us before it can become a motive statistics, and we run the risk of a ‘living saint’. disability imposes on us, while for to enter through this open this celebrated life. churches, parishes and all manner standing with and for others. These l RADICAL FRIENDSHIP to receiving all of that in return. for hope and a promise of fuller others, Mr Vanier included, people of partnerships, are places where bureaucratising the sufferings life.” door and enter into a new phase The core members and others, particularly those with L’Arche began with the question, jjjjjjj are beautiful the way they are. love is practiced according to of others. Bureaucracies shuffle That the life of someone with Loneliness of witnessing to the importance of assistants in L’Arche today do just disabilities are not ‘clients’, in the ‘will you be my friend?’, and since Christine Pohl, writing about the I heard Jean Vanier speak twice Did he think these were the traditions or priorities of the papers; compassion (not pity, but a disability, regarded by many as every human person. that, and they are a living sign to common understanding of the 1964 the answer continues to be practice of hospitality, comments while carrying out research for mutually exclusive positions? institution. com-passion, suffering with) deals L’Arche is a worldwide the world that a life worth living word. ‘Yes’. The daily loving encounters that those who are hosts “make being of little value, can indeed my PhD dissertation which was a How could they be reconciled The traditions of L’Arche, which with people. federation of intentional Faith- does not require us to be successful Rather, in L’Arche, each is a between its members confirms it as room for those with no place, be a life lived to the full, is what theological study of the problem given Mr Vanier’s insistence include solidarity, hospitality and L’Arche is not just a fellowship based communities where people in the widely accepted meaning brother or sister and neighbour a place of radical friendship. Jesus sharing themselves and their L’Arche gives witness to, and my of loneliness among people that all human persons, with or true friendship are practiced in the with intellectual disabilities (the of the word, but rather involves of the other. Solidarity is not, in of people who are nice to one said he came that we might have lives rather than only their skills. hope and prayer is that it continues with learning (or intellectual) without a disability are fragile and everyday ordinary activities of their core members) and assistants the embracing of our own fragility the words of Pope St John Paul another. At its heart, it understands life in abundance. They offer hospitality in response to do so. L’Arche is necessary, and disabilities. vulnerable, language many dislike communities – working, eating, share their lives through living and and vulnerability which is what II, merely “a feeling of vague and embraces human suffering This fullness of life comes to us to the people and needs they we should support its work in On both occasions, I listened in the context of disability? It was and celebrating – to the extent compassion or shallow distress at and vulnerability, and it is that through loving and being loved have encountered – need for whatever way we can. spellbound to his insights on an inspiring conversation, full of that, as Mr Vanier once said, it was the misfortunes of so many people, very fragility which draws people and is the mark of the life lived nourishment, place, safety, justice, belonging and brokenness and warmth and of hope, for which I not possible to really know who is The organisation...began in a small house both near and far. together into communion. There is in L’Arche. Reflecting its Christian friendship, and the knowledge of i Dr Liam Waldron is a pastoral loving friendship, delivered as they am grateful. helping whom. ❛❛ On the contrary, it is a firm solidarity between core members, heritage, L’Arche practices this type God’s love and grace”. theologian, writer and lecturer. His were in his characteristically soft Given then the recent evidence These traditions represent north of Paris in 1964 when Jean Vanier and persevering determination to assistants, and the wider L’Arche of loving friendship that finds its It was difficult to distinguish PhD dissertation was a theological and calming tones. If theologians that Jean Vanier acted contrary what L’Arche is all about, namely commit oneself to the common family, blessed by the God who, as source in Christ and his radical love host from guest at that dinner treatment of the problem of have heroes, and they frequently do to the values of the organisation invited Raphael Simi and Philippe Seux, two communion and belonging which good; that is to say to the good of Jurgen Moltmann writes, “humbled of ‘the other’. table. It was as if each was both loneliness among people with (often other theologians!), then I he founded, how can L’Arche go is what distinguishes it from some all and of each individual, because himself and takes upon himself the In this way, we become true host and guest. intellectual disabilities. He writes had found mine. forward with confidence in living men with intellectual disabilities, to leave the other institutions that provide we are all really responsible for all”. eternal death of those perceived brothers and sisters of each other. One of my favourite stories about and speaks internationally At the second conference, I its mission of creating places of care ‘for’ people with disabilities. Solidarity is achieved in L’Arche as worthless, of the godless and Such fraternity is the mark of about the transformation of on issues related to disability and approached him and he gave me belonging for those whom society grim hospital where they had been placed to Rather, L’Arche is where people when each puts himself or herself the godforsaken, so that all those the shared life in L’Arche. Indeed, loneliness and fear, into hope health care from a theological 15 minutes of his valuable time. rejects? It would be tragic if who have perhaps experienced come and live with him” at the service of the other. Pope the world sees as worthless, and Pope Francis writes that “the and joy, centres on a meal. In perspective. 16 | Feature || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 Sierra Leone

The after and Ireland – an effect of Ebola, education equality and unlikely friendship evangelisation of Sierra Leone are all in a day’s work for the Bishop of Kenema, writes Róise McGagh ishop Henry Aruna of the Kenema Diocese in Sierra Leone on his visit to Ireland was reunited withB schoolteachers of his from the Holy Ghost Mis- sions. Today known as the Spiritans, they have been present in the west African country for 156 years. Dur- ing these years an unlikely bond has formed between the people this small green aisle and dry lands in Sierra Leone. The Irish missionary movement brought men and women of all denomi- nations to this foreign land. Sierra Leone and then a con- At the time of his school- town. Bishop Aruna lectured Now, the Church in versation in Kimmage about ing, many young people still in the seminary; in History Sierra Leone is maintained missionaries now and then. went abroad as missionaries and Systematic Philosophy. by indigenous clergy and He was also welcomed by and there was a community He also was a Director of Pas- faithful, who are moving it Archbishop of Irish people in the area, a toral Work, Dean of Students forward and integrating it at his residence in Drumcon- mix of priests, nuns and lay and Seminary Bursar in the into their own culture. dra. missionaries. seminary. Fr Henry Aruna became SLIP helps support Sierra After his final exams and As well as these pastoral the first Sierra Leonean Leone through projects in Ire- then a year at St Kizito’s Pre- and seminary duties he was bishop of Makeni. He went land and provides advice for Major Seminary, Henry Aruna the in charge of the Blessed on to become the Bishop of people travelling there. They went into St Paul’s Major Michael Tansi Catholic Com- Kenema, his home place. aim to keep Sierra Leone in Seminary in Gbarnga, Liberia munity at Goderich barracks the thoughts of the Irish gov- in 1985. in Freetown. Missionaries ernment, business people and On April 16 1993, he was jjjjjjj development agencies. ordained to the priesthood His life was heavily influ- Sierra Leone in 2020 is a place enced by Irish missionaries Dr Staneala Beckley, chair in Kenema. He then went of opportunity, but also many who worked in Kenema, the of the Teaching Service Com- on to work in the Diocese of hardships and challenges. third largest city in Sierra mission of Sierra Leone was Kenema from 1993 to 1994, Bishop Aruna said he hopes and the school environment is It was the world’s worst Leone. also invited to speak on the the then Archdiocese of Free- to do his best to help the also important to the Bishop recorded outbreak of the dis- “My education is really topic. town and Bo for the next year, local community face these as keeping high standards of ease. The issue of gender ine- down to the fact that the Two or three of those at then in the Kankan Diocese in challenges. education has been an issue quality is prominent in plans Irish missionaries estab- the SLIP events were Bishop the Republic of Guinea from He said his main duty was for many schools in Sierra to move education opportuni- lished a school there, Aruna’s teachers. “One of 1995 to 1996. He returned to of course, Church evangelisa- Leone. ties forward. many of whom would be the Irish missionaries, Fr Ray Sierra Leone and worked from tion but he “would also want “There are advocacy issues, Schools were closed for my teachers,” said Bishop Barry actually took me in as a 1996 to 1999 in the Diocese of to continue the tradition justice issues in Sierra Leone. nine months, but with help Aruna to The Irish Catholic. mission boy,” he said. Makeni. of improving on education. Our peace and justice apart- from the Global Partnership He attended St. Paul’s “I stayed with him in the In between his studies he We have so many Catholics ment want to strengthen that for Education (GPE) 2,700 primary school, Kanike, parish house until I finished served in various capacities in schools, I want to focus on and play a key role in advocat- schools were disinfected and Fadugu and Kabala in the my schooling and then even- the pastoral field. He entered the ethos and standards try- ing for justice for the people 5,970 schools were cleaning 1970s, all Roman Catholic tually, I went to the seminary, the priestly formation minis- ing to maintain the ethos of of Sierra Leone especially in supplies and hand washing schools. He got his second- I was also taught by Austin try in 1996 at St Paul’s Major the Catholic Faith.” ary education at Holy Trin- my Diocese of Kenema, for stations. The International Healey and Tom Wheelan.” Seminary, Makeni and Free- Curriculum development ity in Kenema. example gender issues, more Rescue Committee (IRC) Bishop Aruna came to Curriculum development and the school males will have access to edu- assisted the government to Ireland on the invite of the ❛❛ cation, I want to bridge that run two shortened academic Sierra Leone Ireland Part- gap” says Bishop Aruna. years with an accelerated syl- nership (SLIP), who hosted environment is also important to the Bishop as Education has been a topi- labus so that there was no loss a seminar in Maynooth on cal issue since schools reo- in opportunity for students to strengthening education for keeping high standards of education has been an pened after the Ebola crisis be educated. girls and young women in issue for many schools in Sierra Leone” that hit the country in 2012. Education up to secondary 16 | Feature || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 | Feature ||17

qualified teachers, gender inequality persists in the country as opportunities to be educated are not granted pregnant women. Sierra Leone There was a large spike in teenage pregnancies of (18,000 girls) during the Ebola outbreak according to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA). Rape, abusive relationships The after and Ireland – an and prostitution contributed to the increase. effect of Ebola, Pregnant girls are barred from attending school. The education education ministry felt that equality and exposing these women to unlikely friendship classmates would humiliate evangelisation them and encourage others Ciaran McGoey (left) and Eddie Finnegan (right) present Bishop Henry Aruna with a to become pregnant. €21,200 donation for Yengema Secondary School in his Diocese of Kenema, Sierra Leone. of Sierra Leone Only 56% of girls aged 15 but I can tell you it was very zens benefit from the miner- Mel’s Cathedral Longford on to 24 are literate, compared to devastating. als not only the multinational October 25, together dona- are all in a 73% of boys in the same age “Families were wiped out. companies who exploit it tions and marathon sponsor- day’s work for range, according to the United We have a lot of orphans because they have the capac- ship, raised the funds. Nations. Around 15% of girls know who lost their families, ity to mine.” jjjjjjj the Bishop of get to secondary school. The their parents. Of those who Another issue, that has crisis highlighted the need for survived, the after effects of recently been prominent in Ciaran McGoey, a native Kenema, writes work on equality. the medicine that we used some parts of Africa, namely of Abbeyshrule now living “Although there are many cause some to have eye Burkina Faso, is the threat of in Carlingford, taught the Róise McGagh more girls coming into school problems, some to go blind, extremism. The Inter-Reli- Spiritan-founded school, in now, because of cultural fac- or have other health related gious Council of Sierra Leone the late 1960s along with Fr ishop Henry Aruna tors, many of them don’t con- issues.” has estimated that of Sierra John Flavin as Vice-Principal, of the Kenema tinue until the end because of He said it is a very diffi- Leone’s population, around Paddy McDermott, Joe Prior, Diocese in Sierra early marriage. cult task to care of and puts 77% population are Muslim, Paddy Daly and Eddie Finne- Leone on his visit “I would say they have pressure not only on the 21% are Christian, and 2% fol- gan, as part of an interna- to Ireland was reunited gone a long way, for those communities but also the low traditional African reli- tional teaching staff. They are withB schoolteachers of his who stay on, they do very government. gions. all now members of SLIP. from the Holy Ghost Mis- well but nowadays they don’t Bishop Aruna feels that The founding Principal of sions. want to go into the teaching the country currently man- the school was the late Fr Ray Today known as the I don’t think it profession. Long ago there ages the balance between Barry from Drumshambo. Spiritans, they have been ❛❛ were many more women would be easy for religious groups well. “I’m Ciaran, assisted by his niece present in the west African teachers than male teachers, confident that it would be Kathryn Keenan and his old country for 156 years. Dur- but I think in a way we should families to rise up very difficult to succeed in colleague Paddy McDermott, ing these years an unlikely not bemoan that fact too much destroying this relationship. arranged the fundraising bond has formed between against each other because it shows that the girls It’s not impossible but dif- concert in tribute to those the people this small green empowerment is working, girls but not impossible, ficult because each family is deceased Spiritan Missionar- aisle and dry lands in Sierra are now going into faculties of ies of the Ardagh and Clon- Leone. The Irish missionary we have to keep an mixed up. In my family there law, medicine. The girls don’t macnois Diocese. movement brought men are Muslims there are bish- eye on things” Around 70% of the total and women of all denomi- see themselves as limited ops. raised will be placed in a trust nations to this foreign land. Sierra Leone and then a con- At the time of his school- town. Bishop Aruna lectured anymore to being teachers or Bishop Aruna said people “So, I don’t think it would fund account for the school, Now, the Church in versation in Kimmage about ing, many young people still in the seminary; in History nurses,” said Dr Staneala. come to the Church for sup- be easy for families to rise up administered by Bishop Sierra Leone is maintained missionaries now and then. went abroad as missionaries and Systematic Philosophy. The Ebola crisis not only port and guidance, “They against each other but not Henry Aruna for improve- by indigenous clergy and He was also welcomed by and there was a community He also was a Director of Pas- impacted education but had think we hold the answers impossible, we have to keep ment of the school’s Catho- faithful, who are moving it Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Irish people in the area, a toral Work, Dean of Students a huge effect on the commu- to everything every prob- an eye on things. lic ethos, teaching, learning forward and integrating it at his residence in Drumcon- mix of priests, nuns and lay and Seminary Bursar in the nity in Sierra Leone. “It was lem, problems with school His parents became Cath- and curriculum enrichment into their own culture. dra. missionaries. seminary. quite the devastating,” Bishop fees, problems of hardship, olics and attended catho- once new and more reliable Fr Henry Aruna became SLIP helps support Sierra After his final exams and As well as these pastoral Aruna tells The Irish Catholic. problems of illness, problem lic schools themselves. The the first Sierra Leonean Leone through projects in Ire- then a year at St Kizito’s Pre- and seminary duties he was “Ebola was quite devastating of relationships, relationship Bishop says there used to be administration and leader- bishop of Makeni. He went land and provides advice for Major Seminary, Henry Aruna the in charge of the Blessed we never knew it; we were problems.” little signs of any extremism ship are in place, planned for on to become the Bishop of people travelling there. They went into St Paul’s Major Michael Tansi Catholic Com- never explained such. Sierra Leone is also still but they are slowly creeping the start of the new School Kenema, his home place. aim to keep Sierra Leone in Seminary in Gbarnga, Liberia munity at Goderich barracks “People are very ignorant feeling the affects of unrest in. Year 2020-21. the thoughts of the Irish gov- in 1985. in Freetown. of Ebola and the precautions in the country from 1991- “When I was going to The rest, with an addi- Missionaries ernment, business people and On April 16 1993, he was jjjjjjj A conversation about missionaries then and now to take against the spread of 2002. Dr Stanaela stated: school, I never saw women tional £6,000 from the development agencies. ordained to the priesthood in Kimmage with Bishop Henry Aruna of Kenema Ebola. They were very igno- “The challenges have lived dressed in all black in Sierra Finnegan Family Fund, will His life was heavily influ- Sierra Leone in 2020 is a place Diocese and Dr Staneala Beckley, chair of Teaching rant about that and people with us although we are try- Leone but now we can see be donated to Kenema’s enced by Irish missionaries Dr Staneala Beckley, chair in Kenema. He then went of opportunity, but also many Service Commission of Sierra Leone. were also very superstitious.” ing to overcome them, since them. They are very much in Diocesan Pastoral Centre to who worked in Kenema, the of the Teaching Service Com- on to work in the Diocese of hardships and challenges. He said that the cultural we finished the civil war we the conservative the Islamic be administered by Bishop third largest city in Sierra mission of Sierra Leone was Kenema from 1993 to 1994, Bishop Aruna said he hopes and the school environment is It was the world’s worst school in Sierra Leone became educated Country Reps, Field aspect of burials in Sierra are still feeling the effects dress with the hijab covering Aruna, specifically for courses Leone. also invited to speak on the the then Archdiocese of Free- to do his best to help the also important to the Bishop recorded outbreak of the dis- free in 2018. Dr Staneala Officers, etc. on salaries they Leone where bodies are in that we lost a lot of our up the head. in Catholic school ethos and “My education is really topic. town and Bo for the next year, local community face these as keeping high standards of ease. The issue of gender ine- spoke about the Teaching can never make in the class- washed caused a lot of trou- human resources in all fields Catholic Social Teaching for down to the fact that the Two or three of those at then in the Kankan Diocese in challenges. education has been an issue quality is prominent in plans Service Commission’s efforts room or even as principals or ble. “People lost their lives because people left the coun- Extremism young women teachers, as a Irish missionaries estab- the SLIP events were Bishop the Republic of Guinea from He said his main duty was for many schools in Sierra to move education opportuni- to improve the standards of headteachers”. and of course that influenced try and their spaces were These are signs of extrem- means of restoring gender- lished a school there, Aruna’s teachers. “One of 1995 to 1996. He returned to of course, Church evangelisa- Leone. ties forward. teaching and training. She “Nobody would say that the economy.” filled by people who are less ism and we want to respect balanced teaching staff for many of whom would be the Irish missionaries, Fr Ray Sierra Leone and worked from tion but he “would also want “There are advocacy issues, Schools were closed for said she was inspired by peo- every good teacher must competent them but also want to be very the co-educational Catholic my teachers,” said Bishop Barry actually took me in as a 1996 to 1999 in the Diocese of to continue the tradition justice issues in Sierra Leone. nine months, but with help ple who talked of possible spend their lives in the class- “But now we were trying attentive to them.” schools of the Diocese. Aruna to The Irish Catholic. mission boy,” he said. Makeni. of improving on education. Projections Our peace and justice apart- from the Global Partnership room but there’s an irony in According to projections in to build a capable work force. Bishop Aruna told The “It’s really heart-warm- He attended St. Paul’s “I stayed with him in the In between his studies he We have so many Catholics improvements to the Sierra ment want to strengthen that for Education (GPE) 2,700 finding struggling schools 2014 from the World Bank The good thing is that people Irish Catholic that his week ing to know that there are primary school, Kanike, parish house until I finished served in various capacities in schools, I want to focus on Leone education system. and play a key role in advocat- schools were disinfected and bereft of the best and bright- Guinea, Liberia and Sierra are slowly returning to the in Ireland was a welcome and people here who worked in Fadugu and Kabala in the my schooling and then even- the pastoral field. He entered the ethos and standards try- “Going forward I would ing for justice for the people 5,970 schools were cleaning est just because World Vision, Leone lost an estimated $2.2 country and young people relaxing break. He says he is Sierra Leone and who still 1970s, all Roman Catholic tually, I went to the seminary, the priestly formation minis- ing to maintain the ethos of like to see a stringer partner- of Sierra Leone especially in supplies and hand washing Concern, PLAN, GOAL, or even billion of their GDP in 2015. are coming as well.” saddled with a lot of these have a passion for the coun- schools. He got his second- I was also taught by Austin try in 1996 at St Paul’s Major the Catholic Faith.” ship between Ireland, the ary education at Holy Trin- my Diocese of Kenema, for stations. The International CAFOD, Trócaire, CARITAS Sierra Leone is only now Sierra Leone is rich in nat- issues as people come to the try despite the terrible things Healey and Tom Wheelan.” Seminary, Makeni and Free- Curriculum development education institutions and ity in Kenema. example gender issues, more Rescue Committee (IRC) our institutions.” Internationalis or CARITAS-SL beginning to recover from ural minerals including dia- church for guidance and as a that happened to us,” said Dr need competent and cultur- this blow. monds, rutile, bauxite, gold, source of hope. Stanaela. Bishop Aruna came to males will have access to edu- assisted the government to jjjjjjj Ireland on the invite of the Curriculum development and the school cation, I want to bridge that run two shortened academic ally fluent readymade reps “Eventually we got our act iron and limonite. However, On his visit the bishop “Personally, I owe a lot ❛❛ Eddie Finnegan from SLIP Bishop Aruna feels that the received a cheque for €21,200 to the Irish missionaries for Sierra Leone Ireland Part- gap” says Bishop Aruna. years with an accelerated syl- at minimal cost in training or together and we partnered nership (SLIP), who hosted environment is also important to the Bishop as Education has been a topi- labus so that there was no loss raised the point that often wages… schools should never with agencies to sensitise country has been left for poor towards restoration of my education and where I a seminar in Maynooth on cal issue since schools reo- in opportunity for students to senior teachers are “snapped suffer in the name of develop- people on the precautions to by the multinational compa- Yengema Secondary School in am now,” said Bishop Aruna strengthening education for keeping high standards of education has been an pened after the Ebola crisis be educated. up by National and Interna- ment.” take. The no touch measures nies who come in and mine. the Diocese of Kenema. The who returned to Kenema on girls and young women in issue for many schools in Sierra Leone” that hit the country in 2012. Education up to secondary tional NGOs in need of well- As well as a lack of fully that helps to combat Ebola “I want to see that the citi- Fr Liam Lawton Concert at St March 10. 18 | Feature || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 The untold story of Jews forced to flee Arab states Despite being far away from his Edwin Shuker native Baghdad, it was a random encounter while he was living in is an Arab England that brought Mr Shuker closer to home. Jew from Iraq “We rebuilt our lives and then one day, someone in the audience with a truly who heard my story told me ‘this is fascinating, I didn’t know remarkable there were Jews in Iraq?’ and that became a sentence which changed story he wants my life. “I saw with my own eyes to share with that a legacy of 2,600 years was disappearing and we were being the world, written out of the narrative of the very places where we were the writes Aron indigenous population. The Jewish community across these countries Hegarty had been living there 1,200 years before Islam and Arabs came out is story is the unheard from the Arabian desert into these narrative of the Jewish lands.” refugee, whose history He reflected: “To think that of being the original in my lifetime, having being an people in Middle Eastern coun- eye witness, having lived in these Htries – dating back more than places that our history is no longer 2,000 years – risks being forgot- taught anywhere. ten about. “That our language is dying After fleeing in 1971, Mr and our cemeteries – where my Shuker uses a long-awaited grandfather is buried – in Iraq are return to his homeland to inspire disappearing literally in front of my the next generation and offer eyes. hope of a future in Iraq, where “I made a promise that if I Jews and Arabs can co-exist once could push that to even one more again. generation - to show my own The Iraqi national attended children where they came from - Trinity College Dublin in January who knows what will happen?” to promote the screening of Remember Baghdad which was jjjjjjj followed by a talk on the film and Mr Shuker, who also served as his life. Vice President of the European Remember Baghdad, directed Jewish Congress, helps to maintain by filmmaker Fiona Murphy, Jewish shrines and sites in order to traces the 64-year-old’s journey keep the connection between his back to the country of his native Iraq and its displaced Jewish Edwin birth after decades of war and community intact. Shuker. instability, to buy a home and He hopes documenting his give hope that Jews can return to return to Baghdad will prove to be between the Jews and their speaker” and says his first-hand on suffering by one side. Both set live there. a watershed moment in the history, homeland…or it could die with accounts are what set him apart of refugees have paid dearly for Ahead of the event in Dublin, and future, of Arab Jews. me.” from other commentators. national conflict. Mr Shuker spoke to The Irish “After the fall of Saddam “The talks that I give are a “But for decades the story of Catholic about the documentary, Hussein in 2003, I made sure I was It doesn’t matter testimony, an eye witness account. the Jewish refugees was not heard his life, the history of Arab Jews there in Iraq,” said Mr Shuker. ❛❛ It is a history, but not a history that at all and, as I find myself getting and acceptance of all faiths. “I was the first Jew to go back to if the audience is in has been adapted or interpreted; older, I find myself saying ‘I have to Baghdad to look for my old house, it is an eye witness which makes tell our story to as many people as Tensions my school, the cemetery and that thousands or just six or all the difference. It’s the reason I possible’. Born in Baghdad in in 1955, Mr was then followed by further visits seven because I want the take my story and the story of our “The more people that hear Shuker recalls how he and his in 2004 and 2005. people all over the world. about it from me directly, the family managed to flee Iraq amid “Then in 2015, I was convinced narrative of my people to “It doesn’t matter if the audience more I will be giving gratitude rising tensions: “It took us two and persuaded by a director (Fiona be heard” is in thousands or just six or seven to the legacy and history of the and half years to find a way to Murphy) – who was making a because I want the narrative of my civilisation that my ancestors escape through the northern documentary about Iraqi Jews – As well as being a businessman, people to be heard and absorbed by built.” Kurdish mountains. There the Mr Shuker is an international as many people as possible. to go back to Iraq to film and get jjjjjjj Kurdish population helped us pictures that would add hugely to activist and public speaker on “Everyone has heard of the cross the border into Iran in the film. the Middle East. He has engaged Palestinian refugee, but very few The earliest reference to Jews in August 1971.” “The documentary is 69 minutes in and supported many projects people have heard of the concept of Ireland was in 1079 in the Annals of At the age of 16, he and his long and tells the story of me, how which promote human rights and the Jewish refugee. Inisfallen, which recorded ‘five Jews family arrived in the United I went back to Baghdad, looked for freedom in the region. “My story is never to undermine came over from the sea with gifts Kingdom as United Nations the house I grew up in, found it Mr Shuker reportedly describes the Palestinian narrative, but to Tairdelbach [King of Munster]’. refugees. and later bought a house to prove himself as an “Arabic and Hebrew rather to say there is no monopoly A permanent Irish settlement Mr Shuker graduated from a point as a symbolic gesture to Leeds University with a Bachelor say: ‘I’m not done here, there’s Everyone has heard of the Palestinian refugee, but very of Science degree in Mathematics unfinished business’. ❛❛ then moved to London, where “That is the story of the film he established himself as a and it ends on an optimistic note few people have heard of the concept of the Jewish refugee. prominent businessman. He later suggesting that maybe in 10, 20 or became the Vice President of the even 50 years’ time this house will My story is never to undermine the Palestinian narrative, but Board of Deputies of British Jews. be the beginning of a reconnection rather to say there is no monopoly on suffering by one side” The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 | Feature ||19

❛❛ I have been working with all faiths to make sure that The untold story of Jews everyone realises that an attack on one faith is an attack on all faiths” forced to flee Arab states doubled in size over short period 1945. of time. They took in refugees then This year’s theme for the put them into transit camps for Holocaust Memorial was for many years until they managed to people to ‘stand together’ and build houses for them. focused on the role that other “People like my grandparents faiths have contributed to saving suffered a lot adjusting to a Jewish lives. new country and language but In addition, January 27 also the young people were already marked the 75th anniversary of integrated,” said Mr Shuker on the liberation of Auschwitz - Nazi Israel. Germany’s largest concentration camp – where all faiths gathered The situation in unison for a soul-searching ❛❛ exercise of reflection, confession became worse as we and atonement for past mistakes. approached another Mr Shuker believes that Jewish people cannot fight anti-semitism Israeli-Palestinian-Arab on their own and will need the help of all religions to work war and again the Jews together to protect each other who stayed behind in the from acts of hatred. “We need all faiths to Arab countries paid the understand and stand by us,” he price” said. “Therefore, we are building alliances with all people. “There was a minority (7-8%) “I have been working with all who did not go to Israel and faiths to make sure that everyone stayed in these Arab countries; realises that an attack on one faith, one of them was my father, the is an attack on all faiths. other was my mother. My father “One cannot stand by and was finishing university, so he watch a faith being attacked and didn’t want to go and then after stand aside because eventually the graduating realised that it wasn’t other faiths will suffer too, then easy to integrate in a new country there is no one to defend them. so he married. “I have made sure that as Vice “We stayed behind in Baghdad President (of the Board of Deputies and life was good. In the late 1950s of British Jews) we are more than there was a king, there was order inclusive; that we go out of our and there was a parliament in Iraq. way to introduce ourselves to “But life changed in 1958,” said anyone that welcomes us. Mr Shuker of living in Iraq. “The royal family was annihilated, a general took over and then in 1963 Every faith group “I am interested every faith group. the ‘bad’ party came along for the For them to join our story and for first time. us to join their story.” “One of the first things On the issue of contemporary they did was ask the Jewish anti-semitism, he commented: community of Iraq to queue; “If only those who advertise and bringing with us our Iraqi A monument, ‘Prayer’, in Ramat Gan, in memory of the Jewish people who were killed in Iraq in the 1941 promote (anti-semitism) would nationality and we did. I was Farhud pogrom and in the 1960. know that there is another side eight years old at the time when for Jews was established in the community in the world and Jerusalem and establish a second to the story, then the solution I was standing waiting; we gave late 15th Century. The first of three traces its roots back 2,600 years,” temple, whereas many others would be more fair, positive and our identity cards and in return synagogues based in Dublin was he explained. “It started when the stayed behind and developed a accepting for all sides. they issued us with a yellow card. founded in 1660 with later ones Babylonian King (Nebuchadnezzar more mobile form of Judaism; “You would get all sides “This made us the ‘other’ built in Belfast and (until its closure II) attacked Jerusalem and wherein they could live with their co-operating rather than (second, third class citizens) in in 2016) Cork. destroyed Solomon’s Temple then Jewish identity without a temple or competing over who suffered the our own country and you had to The Jewish community in marched all the Jews to Babylon. having to go back to Jerusalem. produce this yellow card for all most.” Ireland grew rapidly between 1871 There they sat by the rivers of “This carried them through and financial dealings. Immediately Mr Shuker says Ireland is “very and 1911 from 230 to 3,805. By Babylon reading Psalm 137 as they kept their identity until the middle you got earmarked as Jewish. important” to him for its good 1946 there was a record 3,907 Jews wept for Zion. of the 20th Century when three “The situation became worse as relations in the Middle East and living in Ireland. “After the temple was destroyed, factors changed everything. The we approached another Israeli- as a country which has generally However, the Jewish population they didn’t know what to do. first was anti-semitism through Palestinian-Arab war (the Six-Day accepted and shown tolerance to on these shores has been in decline Judaism was based on a temple and Nazism in Europe, the second was War of June 1967) and again the the Jewish community. since then; dropping to a low of suddenly they are now in foreign Arab Nationalism and then the Jews who stayed behind in the The much-travelled 1,581 in 1991. lands and don’t know who to refer third was the establishment of the Arab countries paid the price.” philanthropist hopes he can There was a rise to 2,557 in to. state of Israel. spread his story and build the latest 2016 cenus, but today “Fortunately, they were guided “Arab armies attacked Israel on jjjjjjj relationships with more trips to this figure is reportedly closer to by Prophets such as Jeremiah, the day it was declared, but they The annual Holocaust Memorial the ‘Emerald Isle’ in future. the 2,000 mark ahead of the 2021 who said to them: ‘What are you were unsuccessful. The armies Day commemorations took place “This is my second visit to cenus. weeping about? Get up and start went back to their countries, at the Mansion House in Dublin on Dublin,” he said of his ties with working, be faithful and pray for feeling frustrated and demoralised, January 26. Ireland. “The first time I came was Timeline the peace of wherever I exile you. and they found almost 856,000 The event cherishes the two years ago when I gave a talk The history and timeline of the So there (where you are exiled to) Jews living there and that was memory of six million Jews and in the Mansion House, which was Jewish people in Iraq though goes you will find your own peace’. resented after the defeat. millions of others who were very well received. back much further than most “That was the marker for the “By 1951, over 90% of Jews who persecuted and murdered by the “I succeeded here in passing people realise, according to Mr next 2,600 years,” continued Mr lived in those areas were displaced. Nazis because of their ethnicity, the message to be absorbed and Shuker. Shuker on his story of the Jewish Their assets were frozen, their disability, sexual orientation, welcomed, and I look forward to “The Jewish community in community. nationalities were revoked and political affiliations or their the next opportunity to come back Iraq is in fact the most ancient “Some decided to go back to they were sent to Israel, which religious beliefs between 1941 and again.” 20 | Feature || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020

Ruadhán Jones from Cork with Tessa Carizio from Michigan and Shane Jenkins from Denver who are both living in Dublin. Photos: Chai Brady Speaker Liz Lev with Aisling Byrne from Kildare and James Bradshaw from Kilkenny. Deciphering the Sistine Chapel at Newman University Church Dozens of people gathered in a Dublin church to hear more about the art that has made the Sistine Chapel one of the most famous places in the world in an event held last week. Art historian and author Liz Lev travelled from Rome to discuss the Sistine Chapel and its special place in the worlds of both art and faith in Newman University Church at St Stephen’s Green. The free evening lecture was entitled ‘Behind the Veil: Deciphering the Sistine Chapel’ and was followed by a Matthias Conroy and Adam O’Neill from Dublin, Clare Driscoll who’s staying in Wexford but from reception. Indiana, Maddie Lottin, in Dublin from Georgia and Shannon Daley from .

John O'Carroll who lives in Dublin but hails from Kerry and Dominique le Goffe – living in Dublin but from Paris.

Oscar Benavides and Fernada Flores, living in Dublin but Michael Donohue, Katherine Dunne and Deacon Ted Clement who is on loan to the Archdiocese of Dublin from South from Mexico. Carolina. 20 | Feature || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 | Feature ||21

Ruadhán Jones from Cork with Tessa Carizio from Michigan and Shane Jenkins from Denver who are both living in Dublin. Photos: Chai Brady Speaker Liz Lev with Aisling Byrne from Kildare and James Bradshaw from Kilkenny. Brigit and Kathleen Hirsch from Conneticut and Laura O’Keefe from Canada, currently in Deciphering the Sistine Dublin studying in TCD. Catherine O’Flynn, Alice Davy and Brian O’Flynn from Dublin. Chapel at Newman University Church Dozens of people gathered in a Dublin church to hear more about the art that has made the Sistine Chapel one of the most famous places in the world in an event held last week. Art historian and Ciara O’Rourke and Ben Conroy from Dublin, David CJ Conroy from Kildare and Fr Bill Dailey Columnist with The Irish Catholic David Quinn with his wife Rachael, lecturer Liz Lev and her author Liz Lev travelled CSC, the Director for the Newman Centre for Faith and Reason. husband Thomas Williams. from Rome to discuss the Sistine Chapel and its special place in the worlds of both art and faith in Newman University Church at St Stephen’s Green. The free evening lecture was entitled ‘Behind the Veil: Deciphering the Sistine Chapel’ and was followed by a Matthias Conroy and Adam O’Neill from Dublin, Clare Driscoll who’s staying in Wexford but from reception. Indiana, Maddie Lottin, in Dublin from Georgia and Shannon Daley from Ohio.

John O'Carroll who lives in Dublin but hails from Kerry and Dominique le Goffe – living in Dublin but from Paris.

Oscar Benavides and Fernada Flores, living in Dublin but Michael Donohue, Katherine Dunne and Deacon Ted Clement who is on loan to the Archdiocese of Dublin from South from Mexico. Carolina. ‘The Last Judgment’ by Michelangelo Buonarroti. Photo: CNS Visitors tour the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican Museums on February 21. Photo: CNS 22 | Events || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 Out&About St Joseph’s celebrates 50 wonderful years

DOWN: St Joseph’s PS Killough celebrated 50 years on their current site with a special Mass in St Joseph’s church in the village. Fr Peter O’Kane PP officiated. Afterwards there was a reception in the school hall with a host of archive memorabilia on show.

DUBLIN: Students from Holy Child Secondary School in Killiney are presented with their Pope John Paul II Awards. Overall, 11 students received the award, four 6th Year LIMERICK: The Archdiocese of Cashel & Emly’s Lourdes Fundraising Committee pictured at the students and seven 5th Year students achieved gold, silver and bronze medals. launch of their annual draw as the archdiocese plans for its 50th annual pilgrimage. ▲ ▲ TYRONE: Children take part in a candlelit Rosary procession in the Oratory in Newtownstewart. As each prayer was recited, a person bearing a candle processed up the centre aisle. As the parishioners arrived, they were directed to take up stationary positions. By the end of the Rosary recitation the congregation had taken the shape of Rosary beads. Photo: Nicky Canning

22 | Events || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 | Events ||23

Edited by Chai Brady Events deadline is a week in advance of publication Out&About [email protected] l In the current climate, St Joseph’s celebrates 50 wonderful years CLARE readers are advised Cloughleigh Oratory will continue to check with local to pray the Novena Prayer to St organisers to ensure Anthony every Tuesday morning at the 9.30am Mass. events will take place. lege Road, Kilkenny (opposite St CORK Kieran’s College). Medjugorje prayer meeting in the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Presence of the Blessed Sacra- in the Church of the Assumption, ment every Wednesday night at Urlingford, every first and third 8pm in Holy Trinity Church, Fr Friday, from 2.30-5.30pm. Matthew Quay. Prayers for healing first Wednesday of every month. LOUTH A Pro-Life Mass is held on the last Mass in reparation to the Immaculate Friday of every month at the Poor Heart of Mary will take place at Clares Monastery, College Road, 10.30am every first Saturday of at 7.30pm. the month in St Malachy’s Church, Anne Street, Dundalk. Organised DERRY by the Legion of Mary, Presidium of Our Lady of the Listening ARMAGH: Archbishop stands with Fr Peter McAnenly, Vocations Director, Sr Carmel Flynn, member of the Dungiven Parish: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Monday to Heart. Spiritual Director: Fr Bede vocations team, Fr Mark O’Hagan, Deacon Eric Cooney, Director of the National Vocations Office, Fr Willy Purcell, National Friday, 8-12pm and 3-9pm. McGregor OP. Director of Vocations, Fr Sean McGuigan and member of vocations team Bredge Casey, after launching a brochure on St Maria Goretti Prayer Movement: A Centre Prayer Meeting is held at priesthood in the Archdiocese of Armagh at a recent priests’ conference. Prayer for healing for victims Mount Oliver (near Ballymascan- ▲ lon, Dundalk) every Wednesday CORK: Bishop of Cork of abuse and reparation for the Church. First Holy Hour of prayer evening at 7.30pm. Contact 00353 and Ross Fintan Gavin in the Immaculate Conception 863623361 from the North of presided at the Rite of Church, Trench Road, at 8.15pm Ireland or 0863623361 from the Election of Catechumens led by Fr Sean O’Donnell on the Republic of Ireland. (RCIA) at the Cathedral of Ss third Tuesday of every month. Mary and Anne. The bishop is MAYO pictured with catechumens, DONEGAL Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Rahul and Christopher of the New Holy Face of Jesus prayer takes place in the Church of St Joseph and the Immaculate Con- meeting: The oratory St Mary’s Cathedral parish, Remy from ception Bohola every Wednesday Buncrana, Tuesdays following Ss Peter and Paul’s parish, from 10am until 10pm. Paulo and Ivana from Bandon Rosary after 10am Mass. Contact: 085 252 5612. DOWN: St Joseph’s PS Killough celebrated 50 years on their current site with a special Mass in St Joseph’s church in the village. Fr Peter O’Kane PP officiated. Afterwards there was a parish and Katerina from MEATH reception in the school hall with a host of archive memorabilia on show. Bantry parish and Fr Charlie DUBLIN Enfield Prayer Group meets every Kiely – the Director of Pastoral Monday afternoon from 2.30- Our Lady of Knock prayer meetings Planning & Development 3.30pm in the Oratory, Enfield, for take place on the last Thursday of Adoration, Rosary, Chaplet and who coordinates the RCIA every month in St Gabriel’s Nurs- petitions. Also once per month a programme in the diocese. ing Home. Glenayle Road, Ra- Lay Apostle meeting. heny, Dublin 5 from 8-9pm. Adoration in St Patrick’s Church, Sta- Adoration Hour for Healing during mullen, after 10am Mass every

▲ Lent in St Laurence O’Toole DERRY: Some of the 75 Thursday until 5pm, and in St Church, Seville Place, Dublin 1 at young people aged between Mary’s Church, Julianstown, on 8pm every Tuesday in Lent. Pe- Wednesdays from 9am and after 15 and 18 with organisers riods of silence, reflective music, 10am Mass. from across the Diocese of individual prayers for healing all in Derry who attended an all- the presence of the Blessed Sac- Trim parish – ‘Life in the Spirit’ semi- night Sleep Out–Stay Awake rament www.northwallparish.ie. nars continue Thursdays, 7.30pm, in the parish centre. in St Eugene’s Cathedral. The Encounter: Join other young The event, organised by the adults in their 20s and 30s for a Derry Diocesan Catechetical night of live acoustic music, reflec- OFFALY tive prayer in adoration, with guest Clonmacnois prayer vigil in Lent at Centre, sought to raise speaker on life, faith and purpose. awareness of, and money Cluain Chiarain prayer centre on Followed by socialising, pizza and Friday March 21. Begins with Mass to prevent, homelessness. refreshments on Friday March at 9pm. Adoration and prayers fol- To date £3,700 has been 20 at 8pm. For more info email: low until 2.10am. Enquiries Dave: raised. The money will be [email protected] or Ins- 085-7746763. divided equally between five tagram @theyoungchurchdublin DUBLIN: Students from Holy Child Secondary School in Killiney are presented with charities, Damien House, The Dublin Diocese youth pilgrimage to Knock will take place on Satur- ROSCOMMON their Pope John Paul II Awards. Overall, 11 students received the award, four 6th Year LIMERICK: The Archdiocese of Cashel & Emly’s Lourdes Fundraising Committee pictured at the the Simon Community, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament students and seven 5th Year students achieved gold, silver and bronze medals. day April 25. There will be a youth launch of their annual draw as the archdiocese plans for its 50th annual pilgrimage. De Paul Ireland, Ashmore programme with activities, prayer, at St Bride’s Church, Ballintubber, House and Methodist City games and more in the Hub from every Wednesday, 7.30-8.30pm. Mission. 11am-2:15pm. For more informa- Eucharistic Adoration takes place in tion and to book your place email Drumboylan Church on the first Fri- [email protected]. day of the month from 9am-11pm. INSHORT to the Shrine of Our Lady event each year is the Grand be conducted in Lourdes GALWAY TIPPERARY Cashel and Emly of Lourdes. Approximately Draw which this year offers on June 15. Booking details Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Three Hour Vigil organised by the Fa- celebrate 50th 100 assisted pilgrims travel €1,500 as the first prize are available at local parish at St Croan’s Church, Ballymoe, tima Apostolate in honour of Our on our pilgrimage. This is as well as 16 further cash every Monday, 10-11am and Lady of the Annunciation in the Lourdes pilgrimage level or from JWT. Assisted Thursday, 8-10pm. Pallottine Chapel in Thurles, March only possible because of the prizes. Archbishop Kieran pilgrims wishing to travel with ‘Grand Draw’ 24, the eve of the Annunciation, generosity of so many others O’Reilly was to launch the should contact the Assistant KERRY from 7.30-10.30pm. Eucharistic The Diocese of Cashel and who come as medical staff, draw at a Lourdes Event Pilgrimage Director, Fr Joe hour: Fr George Ranahan SCA, Weekly Monday prayer meetings led Marian hour and Mass: Fr John Emly is gearing up for a male and female helpers, in The Millennium Centre, Tynan at 061-384213. bumper ‘Grand Draw’ with youth group, clergy. Caherconlish on February by Ben Perkins, from 8-9.30pm in Regan SCA. For the past 50 years the the Ardfert Retreat Centre. the first prize being the “Many of the assisted 15 but Storm Denis was Archdiocese of Cashel and tidy sum of €1,500 as part pilgrims will be sponsored to intervene making him WESTMEATH Emly has led a diocesan of fundraising efforts for by their local parish unable to travel. However, KILDARE Holy Face of Jesus prayer meeting: pilgrimage to Lourdes. The sick pilgrims on their 50th Lourdes Committee but the against the odds a crowd Praying, reading and sharing the fol- La Verna retreat centre beside pri- lowing Sunday’s Gospel in Resur- annual Lourdes pilgrimage. archdiocese also has a very gathered and the draw was first pilgrimage took place vate hospital Ballinderry, Mullingar. in 1971 led by Archbishop rexit, Kilmeague, every Wednes- Thursdays at 7.30pm. Contact: ▲ Fr Joe Tynan PP of Kilteely active fundraising committee launched by the Pilgrimage day from 8-9.30pm. See www. 085 2525 612 ▲ TYRONE: Children take part in a candlelit Rosary procession in the Oratory in and Dromkeen said: “While too who work hard to Director, Fr Jimmy Donnelly. Thomas Morris. From 200 resurrexit.ie for details, or ring Newtownstewart. As each prayer was recited, a person bearing a candle processed up many make the journey help subsidise pilgrim and Planning is well under pilgrims in 1971 to the 087-6825407. WICKLOW the centre aisle. As the parishioners arrived, they were directed to take up stationary with us each year, the staff fares and meet the way for their 50th annual height of 1000 pilgrims in the 2005, this year 500 The Glencree Parish Group hold positions. By the end of the Rosary recitation the congregation had taken the shape of assisted pilgrims are our considerable costs involved pilgrimage to Lourdes which KILKENNY a special Mass for healing in St Rosary beads. Photo: Nicky Canning main focus in making it in running our pilgrimage.” this year takes place from pilgrims are expected to Traditional Latin Mass every Sunday Kevin’s Church, Glencree on the possible for them to travel The main fundraising June 13-18. The draw will travel. at 5pm in St Patrick’s Church, Col- first Saturday of the month. 24 | International news || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 World Report IN BRIEF Church dismay at ‘neglected’ UN report shows an increase of Indian schools report l Church leaders in India have voiced concerns over a recent persecution of Christians in Sri Lanka survey on education which found almost half of government- A Christian group has hailed A These challenges appear to be run schools have no electricity or playgrounds. In its report, the significance of the find- Catholic related primarily to the state- the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Human Resource ings of a United Nations’ spe- church religion relationship which Development (HRD) says 40% of government schools lack cial rapporteur’s report on destroyed offers majoritarian privileges, infrastructure – classrooms, libraries and laboratories. violations of freedom of reli- in Sri undermining equal protection “The government has repeatedly neglected education for gion in Sri Lanka. Lanka. of the law for minorities. unknown reasons,” said Fr Joseph Manipadam, secretary of the The report, which was “Moreover, there have Indian Catholic Bishops’ Office for Education. recently presented to the been recurrent inter-com- “Every year the government earmarks a huge amount of UN Human Rights Council munal violence and religious money for education and most times the funds are misused (UNHRC), details how Chris- extremism in the past years or underused, but with the new findings we hope things will tians and other religious before the Easter bombings improve.” minorities have suffered from in 2019.” extreme violations of free- community leaders following minority people’s hopes for Religious minorities face New diocese created in dom of religion or belief since the 2019 Easter bomb attacks. sustainable peace at its low- restrictions, their places of Sri Lanka’s civil war ended in “Assurances made for est ebb. We continue to pray worship are desecrated and Nigeria for bishop 2009. change made by the govern- for Christians in Sri Lanka and their religious activities such l The British Pakistani Chris- ment of Sri Lanka never came within the whole of the South as worship are disrupted by A new diocese has been established in Nigeria with the first to fruition and known per- Asian subcontinent.” appointed bishop being named by Pope Francis last week. tian Association (BPCA) says locals and authorities. the findings tally with its petrators of war crimes have Ahmed Shaheed, the UN’s “Aggressive campaigns by The announcement of the Diocese of Ekwulobia in Amambra thus far escaped justice,” she special rapporteur on free- State was presented at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Awka and will own book, ‘UK Home Office militant nationalist and reli- Denialism of the Persecution said. dom of religion or belief, said gious groups against ethnic, be led by Bishop Peter Ebere Okpaleke. “By withdrawing from the in his report there has been The Ekwulobia diocese, according to Bishop Paulinus of Christians in Sri Lanka’, due religious and other minorities to be published in May. UNHRC co-sponsored resolu- no closure on several issues are particularly concerning,” Ezeokafor of Awka, was formed from part of the territory of Authored by Desmond tion [to undertake accounta- relating from the 26-year civil the report said. Awka diocese and would cover Akpu, Ekwuluobia and Achina Fernandes, the book pro- bility and reconciliation after war. Fernandes of the BPCA regions. vides extensive documenta- the civil war], the Sri Lankan “While there have been commented: “The minor- “It is a great relief,” he said. “Here in Awka Diocese we tion drawn from a variety of government has exhibited some elementary steps taken, ity communities are feeling have the highest number of priests and Awka is too big for one sources to support the spe- little or no passion to correct lack of accountability and extremely vulnerable with person to handle.” cial rapporteur’s contention the wrongs of the past and it impunity remains a wide- the constant threat of hate Philippine bishop asks Catholics to that religious minorities face has been a devastating blow spread concern, perpetuating speech and hate crimes while restrictions in the manifesta- to campaigners. a sense of insecurity among they have no recourse for jus- postpone pilgrim trips tion of their religion. all religious communities,” tice. l A Church recently declared a state of BPCA trustee Juliet Sustainable peace stated Shaheed in the report. “Most of them have lost official has made a plea to public health emergency in Chowdhry said the asso- “Moreover, societal divisions “The transitional period their faith in the state and Catholics to rethink going the country, are also calling ciation’s book was commis- have persisted and persecu- has been marked by sim- law enforcement agencies on overseas pilgrimages on its citizens to avoid trips sioned immediately after tion in the country is evi- mering tensions between after multiple traumas from due to the spread of the to the Holy Land and other members met with Sri Lankan dently increasing, leaving ethno-religious communities. the violence.” coronavirus. religious sites. Bishop Ruperto Santos “What we have to do is of Balanga suggested last pray more,” said Santos, Venezuela bishops join pro-democracy week that all pilgrimages asking the faithful to “be should be postponed more cautious with our until the virus has been personal hygiene and always contained. follow the medical directives marches against Maduro regime The government, who of our government officials.” Thousands of Venezuelans including peace, without family has created social in politics, the economy and the clergy took to the streets in Caracas instability and greater poverty.” leadership that go beyond ideological Canonisation process for parents and other cities to demand democratic The marches against the regime of interests or to holding on to power at of Polish Pope begins change last week, amid on-going President Nicholas Maduro were led all costs,” said Azuaje. economic, political and social crises in by opposition leader Juan Guaidó, and l The canonisation process for the parents of St Pope “Hence the challenge to continue to the country. organised to present to the National John Paul II has started following an announcement by the build a citizenry that facilitates a more “Today [March 10] the Venezuelan Assembly a call for free and fair Archbishop of Krakow Marek Jędraszewski on March 11. just and free society, which permits the people have returned to the streets presidential elections. The faithful are being asked to forward any documents, promotion and protection of the dignity demanding their rights and manifesting As Guaidó led the marchers toward letters or messages concerning Emilia Wojtyła née of the human person and encourages their desire for a change of direction the National Assembly building, they integral human development.” Kaczorowska and Karol Wojtyła to the investigation in the economy and the political order were blocked by security forces. Police Metropolitan Curia by May 7. to permit democracy,” said Archbishop used tear gas to turn them back before The president of the Venezuelan Fr Andrzej Scąber, canonisation officer, said there are “many José Luis Azuaje of Maracaibo. they reached the building. bishops’ conference also expressed texts that confirm that they were exceptional people” and that “The deterioration in the quality of Opposition party lawmakers held an his dismay that an unnamed member Pope Francis described the Wojtyła family as “saints from the life, which has led us to get by as best impromptu, but legally valid, outdoor of Maduro’s government called for a neighbourhood”. we can, without electricity, without session of the legislative assembly in a “counter-march”, and criticised those The Polish Bishops’ Conference and the Congregation for water, without just compensation for nearby city square. “who have had to bow to official the Causes of Saints in Rome gave their approval last October. our work, without gasoline, without “Structural changes are needed purposes for different interests”. New German Church leader supports ordaining women US Christian health groups ordered to cease plans l The new leader of the in Germany has made clear his intention to back women deacons as part of the Two Christian groups in Cali- faith-based cost-sharing their Christian members “Consumers who bought synodal procedure for Church reform. fornia have been ordered to health ministries are mislead- because they do not cover these plans thinking they Bishop Georg Bätzing, 58, said he was convinced that the shut down their cost-shar- ing consumers by operating procedures such as abortion, purchased comprehensive most important challenge of his six-year term as president of ing health plans and cease outside of the laws regulating contraceptives, transgender health insurance deserve the the German Bishops’ Conference would be women’s equality in conducting business by the the insurance industry. surgery and assisted suicide full protection of our laws,” the Church. State’s Department of Insur- Healthcare Sharing Minis- which they find morally said Insurance Commissioner “That is where the Church really has a backlog,” said Bätzing ance. tries (HCSMs) allow for mem- objectionable. Ricardo Lara. “Consumers of the issue last week. The State issued the Cease bers to pool their resources, However, the plans are not should know they may be He mentioned if, at the end of the two-year procedure, and Desist order against so healthcare costs are paid traditional insurance plans able to get comprehensive members decided to apply to Pope Francis for a resolution in Aliera Healthcare, Inc. and by other members. and do not come with a guar- coverage through Covered favour of women deacons, that he was prepared to “convey that Trinity Healthshares, Inc., In addition to their lower antee that healthcare costs California that will protect to Rome”. on the grounds that the two costs, they are attractive to will be covered. their health care rights.” The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 | International news ||25

Edited by Aron Hegarty Vatican [email protected] roundup Honouring Fr Grande

Pope rules out East Timor visit, other trips doubtful l The Vatican representative to East Timor says a visit by Pope Francis to the region has been cancelled due to the coronavirus, with other possible trips likely to be scrapped as well. Msgr Marco Sprizzi, Chargé d’Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature, told reporters in Dili that the Pope had previously indicated his willingness to visit there later this year. However, Msgr Sprizzi cited the Holy Father’s concerns about large crowds attending, saying that “because he (Pope Francis) did not want his people affected by the coronavirus, he cancelled his visit”. The Vatican did not confirm that the Pontiff would visit Indonesia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea, but had previously been open to the possibility of traveling to South- East Asia at some stage this year. The only foreign travel that the Vatican has confirmed for the rest of 2020 so far is a day-trip to Malta on May 31, which is also likely to be called off after Malta recently barred all air traffic to and from Italy. The Vatican has adopted similar sweeping lockdown measures, which has been imposed throughout Italy in order to contain the spread of the virus. Via Crucis meditations prepared by Padua prisoners l Pope Francis has to be “a choral work”, Catholic school students commemorate the 1977 murder of Jesuit Fr Rutilio Grande in El Paisnal, El Salvador. March 12 announced this year’s with contributions from marked the 43rd anniversary of his death. Photo: CNS meditations for the all “the various faces Way of the Cross at the of the world of prisons: Colosseum on Good victims, prisoners, guards, Friday have been written volunteers, families, by prisoners in the Italian judges, teachers, the Australia High Court defers justice system. Church, innocent people In a letter to the people who at times are unjustly of the Veneto region of accused”. Cardinal’s final appeal Italy, the Pope has shared Prison, according Cardinal has had his “leave enough to dispel reasonable doubt uphold the original December 2018 “a beautiful page of charity” to Pope Francis, is “a to appeal” ruling deferred by the about guilt, and are appealing on two guilty verdict. for this year. kaleidoscope of situations”, Australian High Court last week in what grounds. The court will effectively hear Pell’s The Holy Father asked where there is a risk prisoners from the “Due of focusing on a single is a final attempt to have his conviction The first is that the Court of Appeal appeal in its entirety before they can for sexual assault overturned. majority made an error in requiring Palazzi” penitentiary in detail, to the detriment technically decide on whether they can Pell was sentenced last year to Pell to prove that the offending Padua to compose the of the whole. He said: entertain his appeal or not. six years in prison for molesting two was “impossible” in order to raise meditations for the Way “The resurrection of a 13-year-old choirboys in Melbourne’s reasonable doubt. They could decide he does not have of the Cross celebrated person is never the work St Patrick’s Cathedral, while he was the The second is that the majority permission to appeal, or that he has annually on Good Friday. of an individual, but of city’s archbishop in 1996. made an error in concluding the guilty permission to appeal but can be denied, The Pope said he the community working Prosecutors took turns in presenting verdicts were not unreasonable. or that he has permission to appeal and wanted the meditations together”. arguments to the High Court on March can be upheld. 12, which was the second and final day Further questions The judges could also send Pell’s Vatican prays to Mary ‘Health of the cardinal’s bid for special leave to If leave is given, the judges may ask appeal back to the Victoria Court of appeal. further questions of counsel then retire Appeals to be reheard by three other of the Sick’ for protection The panel of seven judges then for a period, often several months, l judges. The Church has entrusted to Jesus’ mother Mary the reserved its’ judgment at the close of before delivering written reasons for suffering and anguish of millions of faithful affected by the Pell is currently serving his sentence the hearing, with no clear indication of their verdict. coronavirus pandemic worldwide. at the maximum-security Barwon when a decision will be released. They could send the case back to the In a video message last week, Pope Francis prayed The priest’s lawyers argue that Appeal Court of the Victoria Supreme Prison near Geelong, southwest of before a portrait of Our Lady of Divine Love, beseeching her an apparently truthful victim is not Court, which decided in August to Melbourne. to “deliver us from every danger”. “We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who at the Cross were near to the pain of Jesus, keeping your faith Singapore restores public Masses and liturgical prayers firm,” the Pope prayed on March 11. “You, Salvation of the Roman people, know what we Singapore resumed public resumption of public gath- ments and following the Precautionary measures need, and we trust that you will provide for those needs so Masses and liturgical prayers erings for the city-state’s directives of the govern- taken at 32 parishes under that, as at Cana of Galilee, joy and celebration may return at the weekend with gov- 300,000 Catholics were “sub- ment,” he said, advising any the archdiocese include the after this moment of trial. ernment-issued directives ject to guidelines” from the sick or elderly faithful to stick installation of thermal scan- “Help us, Mother of Divine Love,” he continued. “We and precautionary measures government’s Ministry of to watching online Masses, ners and thermometers for seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God. being taken. Health. which are to continue until temperature screening. “Do not despise our pleas – we who are put to the test The Archdiocese of Singa- Father Stephen Yim, who further notice. They also planned to – and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed pore, who had previously sus- heads the archdiocesan task Church leaders met with increase the frequency of Virgin.” pended all Church programs force on the coronavirus out- Health Minister Gan Kim The Pope’s message was aired on TV2000, the TV in February, announced their break, said they would work Yong and Culture Minister cleaning in church buildings, channel of the Italian bishops’ conference, and the Diocese plan to resume religious ser- hard to minimise risks at Grace Fu, who encouraged reduce the sharing of com- of Rome’s Facebook page. Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, vices on March 14 and 15 last restored services. the Church to resume activi- mon items and to continue papal vicar of Rome, celebrated Mass at Rome’s Shrine of week. “Our Catholic Medical ties with the necessary pre- awareness campaigns on per- Divine Love after the Holy Father’s broadcast. The archdiocese said the Guild is reviewing develop- cautionary measures. sonal hygiene. 26 | International analysis || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 LetterfromAmerica Biden and Sanders eye up the Catholic vote Christopher White

ne of the more intriguing events that takes place during the US presidential election cycle every four years is the annual OAl Smith Memorial Foundation dinner, which has traditionally brought together the leading two contenders with the Archbishop of and New York sandwiched in between Bernie Sanders them, responsible for keeping the (far left). peace and attempting to bridge the divides in an increasingly toxic political process. The white tie affair raises several million dollars for Catholic charitable programs throughout New York and it’s a rare occasion in the heat of the political season for the two candidates to put politics aside for an evening, share a meal, and roast one another for a good cause. Smith, a four-time governor of New York, was the first Catholic to ever be nominated for the presidency in 1928 – no small feat at a time when anti-Catholic bigotry was part and parcel of American public life. This year’s dinner, set to take place on October 1, is still over half a year away, but as the presidential campaign begins to take shape, it’s instructive to consider how the candidates will intersect with the Catholic which protects undocumented In 2016, Sanders met with economic populism (which has Biden’s support for abortion Church during what is most likely migrants who entered the country the Pope while participating in a certainly attracted the support of rights has already prompted one to be one of the more contentious as minors. Vatican conference and since that a number of US Catholics) would priest to deny him Communion elections in modern American In recent years, immigration time, he’s been quick to use his result in him steering clear of while he was attending Mass history. has been the single issue, which Twitter account to echo the Pope’s culture war issues in an attempt while on the campaign trail has managed to unite the Catholic messages regarding healthcare and to push through the economic earlier last year. Popular bishops in this country – and climate change. reforms that he’s more passionate Despite such controversies, As the republican nominee, though their ability to witness about, rather than say, focusing on Biden can almost certainly count Catholics already have four years of in the public square has been abortion or transgender rights. on the full throated support of experience dealing with President severely damaged by the clergy Biden can almost Nuns on the Bus – socially active Donald Trump. As I wrote in last abuse scandals, the fact that the US certainly❛❛ count on the full Personal loss month’s column, for single-issue bishops are now led by a Mexican As for Biden, should he clinch religious sisters who have toured pro-life voters, he remains widely born immigrant adds further throated support of Nuns the nomination, he’ll be the only the country by bus during recent popular and with the prospect that punctuation to the fact that the US Catholic candidate in the race – election cycles and have made he’ll be able to name two to three hierarchy doesn’t intend to back on the Bus – socially something he’s never been shy no efforts to hide their fondness potential Supreme Court justices down on this issue. active religious sisters” about discussing. Throughout of the former Catholic schoolboy and shape the direction of the court On the other side of the aisle, his nearly 50 years in public life, turned politician. for decades, he can easily count on the Democratic contest for the Despite the fact that his wife is Biden has frequently discussed Over the next eight months, Catholic, some Church leaders in their support. nomination has essentially his Catholic Faith – citing it was there will be inevitable sharp his home state of Vermont have The same goes with those dwindled into a two-way race what has gotten him through divisions and disagreements told me over the years that he’s primarily concerned with religious between progressive candidate tremendous personal loss or the between both the politician and not been particularly enthusiastic liberty. For Catholics wanting to Senator Bernie Sanders and former motivation for his support for potential voters and however the about partnering with the Church ensure that the baker and the Vice President Joe Biden as the workers’ rights and expanded race shapes up and whatever its establishment favourite. on a local level. On the other hand, access to healthcare. candlestick maker will have robust eventual outcome will be, most conscience rights protections, Sanders, who is Jewish, has Catholic commentators, such as If he is nominated, however, Catholics will be a bit like the they’re likely to ally with the arguably quoted Pope Francis more conservative New York Times expect a potential repeat of archbishop during the Al Smith president, if they have concerns than any other candidate in US columnist Ross Douthat, have the Communion debates that Dinner: often caught in between, over his own personal character political life. argued that Sanders’ message of dominated the early 2000s as flaws. expressing occasional agreement Such support, however, and laughter, but with a fair bit dwindles when it comes to Latino Some Church leaders in Sanders’ home state of of cringing, too. Catholics – nearly 20 million ❛❛ at the moment and climbing – Vermont have told me over the years that he’s not i Christopher White is the who have taken serious issues national correspondent for Crux with the president’s hardline on been particularly enthusiastic about partnering with and newspaper of the immigration, and in particular, his diocese of Brooklyn. Follow him on efforts to end DACA, a program the Church on a local level” Twitter @CWWhite212. The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 | International analysis ||27

Five former Sodalitium members accuse founder Luis Fernando Figari of offenses of criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, and serious injuries, among others, they suffered during their time spent in the religious organisation, at the prosecutor’s office in Lima.

Peru Cardinal Jimeno at a news conference for the Integral Ecology summit in Washington DC. Photo: CNS opportune” and said that, given the prevalence of sexual abuse and financial obscurities, “it’s necessary to dissolve it, but in a specific way”, and that the decision of how will be taken by everyone. Peru Cardinal “The situation is complicated,” said Castillo, adding that “there must be a clear, profound and firm measure” taken. In the past, Barreto has taken seeks dissolution of issue with the SCV for keeping its current name and has spoken out Elise Ann Allen against one archbishop – who is a member of the SCV – for starting eruvian Cardinal Pedro legal criminal proceedings against Barreto believes the Sol- religious group journalists reporting on the dalitium Christianae Vitae psychological and sexual abuse and and “it’s not that Pope Francis and person like this cannot convey the scandals. (SCV), a scandal-ridden was prohibited by the Vatican in the organisms of the Holy See are sanctity of life that Pope Francis Preligious lay group in the country, 2017 from having further contact in disagreement”. himself, in an , Complaints ought to be dissolved and says the with members of the group. has encouraged”. In June 2018, Archbishop Jose Vatican feels the same way. Figari is currently living in Eguren Anselmi... When it comes to an Antonion Eguren Anselmi of Piura In a recent interview, Barreto Rome and has yet to return to ❛❛ organisation like the SCV, which filed two complaints of criminal said: “My personal opinion, which the country’s capital Lima to face eventually dropped has had accusations of sexual defamation against journalists I believe is shared by some, is numerous legal charges that have charges after facing abuse and financial impropriety Paola Ugaz and Pedro Salinas, who that I insist that this religious been raised against him, leaving since before the Vatican gave it are co-authors of the book Half organisation should be dissolved many victims and Peruvian blowback from the official recognition as a “society Monks, Half Soldiers, detailing and that those who are inside can Catholics claiming that Figari is leadership of the national of apostolic life”, Barreto said his years of sexual, psychological and be definitively helped to live with getting off easy, and leaving victims personal opinion is that “it must be physical abuse inside the SCV. an authenticity of life. without justice. bishops’ conference” dissolved,” adding that as bishops, Eguren Anselmi, who has “This is an issue which we continually insisted that his Archbishop of Huancayo and He noted that when a priest “we are on this path, and I know completely share (opinions complaints against Salinas and vice president of the Peruvian commits a crime, whether it be that the Holy See is on this path”. on) as the presidency of the Ugaz were related to other bishops’ conference, Barreto got sexual abuse or financial crimes, Barreto’s interview on March bishops’ conference,” he said, and, reporting and not the book they his red hat from Pope Francis in he can be defrocked, whereas 9 was made on the same day that indicating that they have been in co-authored, eventually dropped March 2019 and was hand-picked with the laity “we don’t have this Pope Francis met privately with contact with the Vatican about the charges after facing blowback by the Pope to help organise the option. The only sanction is to the Archbishop of Lima, Carlos dissolution of the SCV, added that from the leadership of the national October 2019 Synod of Bishops on excommunicate him.” Castillo Mattasoglio, who is also they have found it difficult to make bishops’ conference, which at the the Amazon. He is widely viewed to Barreto stressed that there are president of the Peruvian bishops’ a move on the proposal. time indicated that Pope Francis have the Pontiff’s ear. many good people within the SCV, conference, at the Vatican. “It’s not that they don’t want it, shared their concerns regarding his In his interview, Barreto said “and we cannot put everyone into In a March 10 interview, Castillo but they don’t see a way to require actions. that within the bishops’ conference, the same box”. said he agreed with Barreto’s it,” he said, noting that there are Since then, Ugaz has faced “many of us are speaking about” The problem, he said, is that assessment of the SCV’s situation. clear rules in canon law for dealing numerous legal threats and the proposal to dissolve the SCV, Figari “is a perverted person, and a He called Barreto’s opinion “very with clergy who abused, but several other criminal defamation almost nothing for lay people or lay complaints from individuals movements. Archbishop Barreto noted that when a priest and groups associated with the ❛❛ SCV – cases she said are meant Controversial commits a crime, whether it be sexual abuse or to dissuade her from publishing One of the best-known and most a second book she is writing on controversial religious groups financial crimes, he can be defrocked, whereas with financial impropriety within the in Latin America, the SCV was SCV. established in Peru in the 1970s the laity ‘we don’t have this option. The only sanction by Peruvian layman Luis Fernando i Elise Ann Allen is a Senior Figari, who is accused of physical, is to excommunicate him.’” Correspondent for Cruxnow 28 | Opinion || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020

Post to: Letters to the Editor, The Irish Catholic, 23 Merrion Square North, Dublin 2, Letters or email: [email protected] Letter of the week acebook community Each week we publish a selection of comments We must respond to virus epidemic from The Irish Catholic Facebook page responsibly as Christians ‘Pray like St Patrick’ says Primate as Dear Editor, I am pleased to see the stop gathering together for prayer? every day as a result of hunger (the outbreak worsens result of your social media poll (IC Will they give up going to see and Food and Agriculture Organisation of 05/03/2020), that 85% of respondents help their fellow man? Apart from the United Nations estimate); 13.5% Pray for people to return to the true Faith not the à la carte are in favour of the Irish Church not measures of elementary prudence that of the world’s population is battling faith they are used to getting by on. And if people are to cancelling Masses over coronavirus everyone takes spontaneously to not hunger. And we must pray, too, for observe the advice to curtail movement well then it will be fears. The overall view, it was reported, contaminate others when you’re sick, the unborn children whose lives are necessary to stock up on food and medical essentials. This is an act of charity toward ones neighbour and the is that Mass is needed now in Ireland it’s not advisable to add on more.” terminated by abortion. wider community. After all, a fridge or larder can only hold more than ever. I think that we who are Christian Infectious diseases have always so much. – Eilín Glynn This response echoes the statement should be very careful to respond been a challenge to humanity, and by Bishop Pascal Roland of Belley-Ars to the coronavirus outbreak in an Christians have always been bravely to Most public Masses in Ireland not to go in France, issued on March 4: “More appropriate, balanced way, and not the forefront in the service and care of ahead over coronavirus than the epidemic of coronavirus, add to the media-generated hysteria. victims. we should fear the epidemic of We must not hesitate to serve and I appeal to our priests to avoid I’m glad people were dispensed from the Sunday obligation fear! For my part, I refuse to yield to care for victims of the illness. In our prayers of the faithful which add (many never observe this, in any case, but the elderly, the the collective panic and to subject prayers it is good to remember those to the impression that the virus is most vulnerable, just might). This is sad, but I have read myself to the principle of precaution dealing with the COVID-19 illness and apocalyptic in its enormity. It isn’t, and a good deal on Facebook today about entire dioceses that seems to be moving the civil the family members and healthcare will cause a mild illness for most. cancelling public worship. – Elizabeth Colette Melillo institutions. So, I don’t intend to workers who look after them. Yours etc., I would welcome suggestions as to how to keep issue any specific instructions for We would also do well to Shane Hogan, attendances at funerals below 100. – Peter O’Reilly my diocese. Are Christians going to remember the 25,000 people who die Bruff, Co. Limerick. In our church Mass will be said, as there is a webcam, but no congregation. The directives came from the government The theological question most people avoid and HSE. – Adeline Chapman Dear Editor, I think the your actions have only their intentions in their rejection happiness quest. To them Who attends Mass in the majority these days? It’s the most interesting theological immediate consequences or of God. these two concepts of ‘truth’ elderly. Who is most at risk from this virus? It’s the elderly. question to ask someone an ordered universe where They know deep down and ‘happiness’ aren’t a Taking the obligation off them re Sunday worship alleviates is not whether or not they there is justice and there is – even if they won’t admit perfectly overlapped Venn any pressure that they might feel to attend. It’s looking after believe a God exists. But hope. it – that if there is a God to diagram. As G.K. Chesterton the vulnerable. That is the whole mission of the Church. – whether or not they want Of course, the latter is the judge them, they won’t fair pointed out “the whole truth Donna Ní Laighléis there to be a God. preferable scenario that a well. The obligation to live a is generally the ally of virtue; What do you think? Join in the conversation This question gets to just person would idealise, moral lifestyle is oppressive on The Irish Catholic Facebook page the root of the atheist’s but as we know there are to them. They don’t like a half-truth is always the ally gripe with Christianity. people who would rather ‘the truth’ of their actions; of some vice”. This question gives us the have the former. Their they prefer the concept of Yours etc., deliberation between a preference of a meaningless ‘my truth’. They aren’t on a Ruairi O’Connell, Admiring Asia Bibi’s meaningless chaos where chaos shows their true truth quest, they are on a Cahirciveen, Co. Kerry response to persecution Speculation on the next Dear Editor, I have been following your coverage of the tragic story of the persecuted Catholic Asia Bibi who was Dublin archbishop released from almost a decade of incarceration on death row Dear Editor, I very much enjoyed the article on in Pakistan because of their vile blasphemy laws that target the potential candidates for the next archbishop minority religions. of Dublin (IC 27/02/2020. Although it could be Now we see this brave woman saying she forgives those described as idle speculation, the candidates who treated her so badly and stole so much of her life seem to be well-chosen and seem like they have (IC 05/03/2020). Asia is an example to all of us Christians great credentials (although I would certainly be that forgiveness is a powerful gift, not just for those being opposed to a few of them). Whatever happens, forgiven but also the person who has the courage to forgive. I hope and pray that our next archbishop has the May her life in Canada, where she and her family had courage and fortitude to make tough, innovative to flee due to death threats in Pakistan, be peaceful and decisions in the coming years to set us on the right prosperous – she deserves so much for her powerful witness. track. Archbishop Diarmuid Martin has done a lot It also must be said that those fighting against these for the archdiocese, particularly in how he handled inhumane blasphemy laws, which carries the death sentence the abuse crisis, for that I believe the faithful will in Pakistan, should be supported. be forever grateful. But it is time for new blood Yours etc., and it seems he also knows this to be true. Deirdre O’Malley, Yours etc., Tallaght, Co. Dublin. Darren Casey, Cherrywood, Dublin. Letters to the Editor Our Church must always protect the fifth commandment All letters should include merits of letters. We do not Dear Editor, A quotation from the Church leaders seem reluctant to speak is re-elected as he is helping to stem the the writer’s full name, postal publish pseudonyms or American letter (IC 5/03/2020) states out loudly for the basic teaching of the push for abortion. It is not necessary address and telephone other formulae to conceal ‘The Church’s job is not to discern which Church. As happened in the abortion to agree with him on all matters but it numbers (day and evening). the writer’s identity, such political, partisan or military force we referendum, the majority of those would be wise to realise that the media Letter writers may receive a as “name and address should support in order for good to tri- who voted for abortion claimed to be in general have not a good record in subsequent telephone call with editor”. We do not umph’. However, surely it is the Church’s Catholics despite their action being in accurately reporting on his activities, from The Irish Catholic as print letters addressed job to point out that a Catholic in good total contradiction of a fundamental and the alternative Democratic part of our authentication to someone else, open conscience is never free to vote against teaching of the Church. candidate in the presidential election process which does not letters, or verse. Letters to the fifth commandment – you shall not Surely there should have been more most certainly will be fully supportive of amount to a commitment to the Editor should only be kill. comment on this from those who are abortion, as such candidate will only be publish. sent to The Irish Catholic, Regarding abortion being one issue, charged with promoting the teaching of accepted if they do so. We regret that we and not other publications. cannot give prior notice of Letters should not exceed it has to be said that it is the most the Church. It is well to remember that a letter’s publication date, 300 words and may be important one as it denies the right Jesus said that those who do not point Yours etc., acknowledge unpublished shortened for space to life, without which no other right out an error are guilty as well. Mary Stewart, letters or discuss the requirements. may apply. It is so sad that so many I hope and pray that President Trump Ardeskin, Co. Donegal. The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 | The week in pictures ||29 Around the world

▲ ARGENTINA: A nun prays during a pro-life rally outside the Basilica of Our Lady of Lujan in Buenos Aires. The Argentine bishops conference recently expressed opposition to government plans to decriminalise abortion.

▲ TOGO: People check for their names at a polling station during the presidential election in Lome. President Faure Gnassingbe was re-elected with 70% of the vote.

SRI LANKA: Cardinal of Colombo looks at the explosion site following MEXICO: Joanely Martinez displays a sign during a women’s march in Mexico City last a suicide bomb attack on a church. Ranjith says he will launch street protests if the week. Her sign claims the Mexican government ‘does nothing’ to protect women against government does not find the culprits. Photos: CNS violence and murder.

ITALY: A man wearing a protective mask walks by an empty St Peter’s Square. The Vatican LEBANON: Employees from a disinfection company sanitise a bench as a precaution has closed the Square and Basilica to tourists until April 3 to prevent the spread of the against the coronavirus in Beirut. The number of cases is steadily increasing in the country. coronavirus. 30 | Spirituality || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020

ore tortuous than all strength. experiencing? Their pain will not else is the human For example, as Christians feel ‘clean’. heart, beyond An alternate we have a special admiration for In effect, what they’re feeling remedy; who Jesus’ mother as we imagine what is more what Jesus felt as he was can understand it. The Prophet she must have felt as she stood being crucified rather than what MJeremiah wrote those words beneath the cross, watching her his mother felt as she witnessed it. more than 2,500 years ago and expression of son, goodness and innocence itself, They’re experiencing what St Paul anyone who struggles with the suffer a brutal, violent injustice. refers to in his Second Letter to the complexities of love and human Not to lessen in any way the pain Corinthians when he writes that, relationships will soon enough that she would have been feeling though innocent himself, Jesus know of what he speaks. then, standing helplessly as she did became sin. That single expression, love and trust in that awful injustice, she did have Who indeed can understand unless properly read, can be one the human heart, given some of the consolation of knowing that of the most horrifying lines in the curious and cruel ways we her son loved her deeply. scripture. Yet, understood within sometimes have of expressing love. the dynamics of love, it powerfully For instance, Nadia Bolz-Weber Fr Rolheiser When we’re hurt highlights what love really means shares something we all have a www.ronrolheiser.com ❛❛ beyond fairytales. Real love is the propensity for: “Inevitably, when and unable to direct our capacity to absorb injustice with I can’t harm the people who anger and accusations understanding, empathy and with harmed me, I just end up harming integrity officially represents a where this person can lash out only the other’s good in mind. the people who love me.” How moral agency or a Church, it can without fear of retaliation and have against those who hurt Of course, sometimes the anger true. When we’ve been hurt most be good to know this. Otherwise his or her bitterness absorbed. directed at us from persons we every instinct in us screams for us...we often end up it’s too easy to misread some of If you don’t grasp the peculiar love is justified and speaks of our retaliation; but, most times, it’s the anger and recrimination that dynamics of love that are at play harming the people who betrayal, our sin and our breaking not possible, nor safe, to retaliate will come your way and take it here you will inevitably take this of trust. against the persons who hurt us. love us most” Sometimes the angry too-personally and not for what it too-personally, be torn up inside, Or, perhaps we aren’t even clear accusations directed at us validly really is. lament its injustice and struggle Her pain would have been as to who hurt us. accuse us of our own sin. In that When someone whom you’ve to carry it with the love that’s excruciating, as would be the So, needing to lash out at pain of any mother in that case, what we’re asked to absorb loved is angry at you it’s hard to unconsciously being asked for. someone, we lash out where it’s situation, but her pain had a has a very different meaning. As recognise and accept that you’re But this can be very hard to safe to do so, namely, at those certain (dare I use the phrase) well, we need to recognise that we probably the object of that anger accept, even when we understand whom we trust will absorb it, at ‘cleanliness’ about it. She also do this to others. When we’re those with whom we feel secure even though you aren’t the cause of why it’s happening. This kind of was free to fully and openly hurt and unable to direct our anger enough to do this. We lash out at it, but rather are the one safe place love demands an almost inhuman empathise with her son, knowing and accusations against those who them because we know they won’t that his love was giving her hurt us, then, as Nadia Bolz-Weber retaliate. Simply put, sometimes we As Christians we have a special permission to feel what she felt. so honestly shares, we often end need to be really angry at someone ❛❛ But many is the loving up harming the people who love and since we are unable to vent mother, loving father, a faithful us most. that anger on the person or persons admiration for Jesus’ mother as we spouse or trusted friend whose Love has many modalities, responsible for it we vent on imagine what she must have felt as she heart is breaking at the anger some warm, kind and affectionate, someone whom we unconsciously and accusation being directed some accusatory, bitter and angry. trust will safely accept it. stood beneath the cross, watching her at them by someone they’ve Yes, sometimes we have strange, If you’re a loving parent, a loved and to whom they’ve been anomalous ways of expressing our faithful spouse, a trusted friend, son, goodness and innocence itself, faithful. How can they not feel love and trust. a true counsellor, a good minister accused, guilty, and responsible Who can understand our or even just someone who with suffer a brutal, violent injustice” for the bitter crucifixion they’re tortuous hearts! 30 | Spirituality || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020

Personal Profile Family& It is in giving that we receive

Page 34 LifestyleThe Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 Stressed out ore tortuous than all strength. experiencing? Their pain will not else is the human For example, as Christians feel ‘clean’. heart, beyond An alternate we have a special admiration for In effect, what they’re feeling remedy; who Jesus’ mother as we imagine what is more what Jesus felt as he was can understand it. The Prophet she must have felt as she stood being crucified rather than what MJeremiah wrote those words beneath the cross, watching her his mother felt as she witnessed it. more than 2,500 years ago and expression of son, goodness and innocence itself, They’re experiencing what St Paul anyone who struggles with the suffer a brutal, violent injustice. refers to in his Second Letter to the complexities of love and human Not to lessen in any way the pain Corinthians when he writes that, relationships will soon enough that she would have been feeling though innocent himself, Jesus know of what he speaks. then, standing helplessly as she did became sin. That single expression, love and trust in that awful injustice, she did have Who indeed can understand unless properly read, can be one the human heart, given some of the consolation of knowing that of the most horrifying lines in the curious and cruel ways we her son loved her deeply. scripture. Yet, understood within sometimes have of expressing love. the dynamics of love, it powerfully For instance, Nadia Bolz-Weber Fr Rolheiser When we’re hurt highlights what love really means shares something we all have a www.ronrolheiser.com ❛❛ beyond fairytales. Real love is the propensity for: “Inevitably, when and unable to direct our capacity to absorb injustice with I can’t harm the people who anger and accusations understanding, empathy and with harmed me, I just end up harming integrity officially represents a where this person can lash out only the other’s good in mind. the people who love me.” How moral agency or a Church, it can without fear of retaliation and have against those who hurt Of course, sometimes the anger I am so stressed.” A state- Martin Rogan, CEO of Mental Fixating on the thing that is true. When we’ve been hurt most be good to know this. Otherwise his or her bitterness absorbed. directed at us from persons we ment you might flippantly Róise McGagh looks at Health Ireland says, “You’re causing stress can cause people every instinct in us screams for us...we often end up it’s too easy to misread some of If you don’t grasp the peculiar love is justified and speaks of our repeat to yourself on inclined to interpret things as to ruminate and begin to lose retaliation; but, most times, it’s the anger and recrimination that dynamics of love that are at play harming the people who betrayal, our sin and our breaking the daily or consistently what stress really is and being dangerous, sometimes interest in the things they once not possible, nor safe, to retaliate will come your way and take it here you will inevitably take this of trust. remind friends and family of. But magnifying small threats as being found enjoyable. “It becomes a against the persons who hurt us. love us most” Sometimes the angry “ bit isolating,” says Martin. too-personally and not for what it too-personally, be torn up inside, what does it really mean to be the impact it can have life threatening. We’re inclined Or, perhaps we aren’t even clear accusations directed at us validly Some people may not realise really is. lament its injustice and struggle Her pain would have been stressed, and what kind of effect to catastrophise, sometimes as to who hurt us. accuse us of our own sin. In that can it have on a person? how often their body is under too When someone whom you’ve to carry it with the love that’s excruciating, as would be the on your body and mind. those things lead to what we So, needing to lash out at pain of any mother in that case, what we’re asked to absorb Stress is our natural reaction call avoidance mode, like an much stress; if they have become loved is angry at you it’s hard to unconsciously being asked for. someone, we lash out where it’s situation, but her pain had a has a very different meaning. As to things we perceive as a threat. ostrich and it’s probably the most desensitised to the issue or have recognise and accept that you’re But this can be very hard to We are built to be able to deal This could leave you feeling safe to do so, namely, at those certain (dare I use the phrase) well, we need to recognise that we It was once a good thing, as dangerous you can do. been coping with distractions probably the object of that anger accept, even when we understand with some amount of stress. stuck or fretful and rather than whom we trust will absorb it, at ‘cleanliness’ about it. She also do this to others. When we’re when we were out in the wild “We encourage people to avoid like technology or substances. In even though you aren’t the cause of why it’s happening. This kind of Most people can deal with one address the stress a common Ireland people often use alcohol those with whom we feel secure was free to fully and openly hurt and unable to direct our anger and we felt threatened, that stress at a time. However, if we reaction can be avoidance. avoidance so whatever you’re enough to do this. We lash out at it, but rather are the one safe place love demands an almost inhuman empathise with her son, knowing and accusations against those who rush of adrenaline would give afraid of, think it through, talk to cope, which is just replacing get a number of stresses in our Stress is meant to make you stress with a depressant. them because we know they won’t that his love was giving her hurt us, then, as Nadia Bolz-Weber us a surge of energy required to to somebody about it. Whatever lives happening at once or we feel energised and alert, however If stress is left unchecked, retaliate. Simply put, sometimes we permission to feel what she felt. so honestly shares, we often end react to the situation and keep you’re afraid of if you can, without don’t feel as able to cope with a this isn’t always a positive thing eventually the body will start need to be really angry at someone As Christians we have a special But many is the loving up harming the people who love ourselves safe. The ‘fight or doing anything ridiculous, try and ❛❛ certain area of our lives, it can – it makes your heart beat fast, to show physical symptoms. It and since we are unable to vent flight’ reaction. face it, expose yourself to the scary mother, loving father, a faithful us most. start to have a negative impact. your breath quicken or your affects every person differently, admiration for Jesus’ mother as we Oftentimes when people are situation but with supports around that anger on the person or persons spouse or trusted friend whose Love has many modalities, Some people can be really stomach churn. but people can experience using the word stress they’re you and in your own time.” responsible for it we vent on heart is breaking at the anger some warm, kind and affectionate, good at dealing with financial There are also mental side everything from cardiac imagine what she must have felt as she actually describing distress, this In less extreme situations someone whom we unconsciously and accusation being directed some accusatory, bitter and angry. problems but a relationship issue effects, one is that you start to problems, to nausea, cramps, trust will safely accept it. stood beneath the cross, watching her at them by someone they’ve Yes, sometimes we have strange, is when your inbuilt resources could be something they don’t fast process everything that’s people can simply become totally If you’re a loving parent, a loved and to whom they’ve been anomalous ways of expressing our and energy are overextended. feel as confident about. happening around you. preoccupied with being stressed. » Continued on Page 33 faithful spouse, a trusted friend, son, goodness and innocence itself, faithful. How can they not feel love and trust. a true counsellor, a good minister accused, guilty, and responsible Who can understand our or even just someone who with suffer a brutal, violent injustice” for the bitter crucifixion they’re tortuous hearts! i 32 | Family & Lifestyle || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 Family News Beauty in the eye AND EVENTS EASTER CAMPS Looking to occupy kids over the two-week break for Easter? There are plenty of camps all over the country to choose from, some are one week long and others run for two. The of the beholder break can be a great opportunity for kids to try out something new or spend time at a hobby. There’s a camp to suit pretty much anyone. If you have someone interested in art the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA) gallery in Dublin is hosting an art camp. All the materials are supplied, and kids can explore clay, plaster, collage, costume, painting, drawing, sculpture, nature and more. Kids Cook Cookery School in Meath will be running Kids Cookery Easter Camps for kids aged 5 to 13 years. Trinity Walton Club have an Easter S.T.E.M. camp for secondary school students who haven’t done their junior cert. Canoeing Ireland Training Centre will run Kayaking Camps for children between 10 and 16 over the Easter holidays.

BED HEAD BAND It’s not uncommon to find it difficult to something about the world. ’ve been thinking a lot about Worse, we’re making the world sleep, many people find it difficult to switch art lately. I’ve been catching a flatter, less interesting place off after a stressful day or after looking at up on the excellent Risk- Everyday for ourselves. Much of the best a computer for over eight hours. ing Enchantment podcast, art in the world, the art that Acousticsheep SleepPhones is a Iwhich discusses beauty in art philosophy will touch us the most, requires headband with ultra-thin, flat speakers and culture and its place in the a certain amount of effort and Catholic faith. And I recently that are comfortable enough to wear while thought to appreciate. If we had the privilege of hearing the Ben Conroy convince ourselves that it’s all lying down or sleeping on your side. art historian Elizabeth Lev talk subjective anyway, we might Instead of wearing bulky headphones, about Michelangelo’s Sistine of art if there’s nothing morally other hand, you can say that stop ourselves from putting in getting tangled in earbuds or losing an Chapel paintings. I don’t know offensive about it. Nor does you don’t like Shakespeare. the effort to seek out the truly Air pod, this can be used to listen to your much about visual art, but Lev it seem wrong to fail to be You can say that his particular great stuff. is a master speaker and helped sounds of choice: white noise, ocean enthusiastic about any given kind of art isn’t the one that even a novice like me to appreci- piece of art. sounds or maybe a podcast. speaks to you most, or even ate the aesthetic and theological It’s easy to make the You can even They could be really useful for bedtime as that it doesn’t appeal to depth of the work. ‘beauty is objective’ position ❛❛believe that Dan well as for travelling. Listening to sounds The whole thing had me look absurd. Does that mean you at all. But you can’t say as you sleep. Listening to something while thinking about a question in the that beauty is measurable, “Shakespeare is a bad artist”. Brown’s books you sleep might even help if you have philosophy of art. Aesthetics, quantifiable, scientific? Can The same goes for Mozart, or aren’t very good indeed Michelangelo. a bed partner or roommate who snores the philosophy of beauty and we count the beauty units? Can we, perhaps, place every and still enjoy loudly or gets up a lot. art, has never really been my area, and so there are a lot work of art on some kind of reading them of questions about it that I ranked list? Is Beethoven’s fifth CRY IT OUT None of this means we have am going to steer clear of. I symphony better than Jane to go back to a strict ranking Researchers have found that leaving infants to know nothing about whether Eyre? Are Monet’s Water Lilies scale (both Shakespeare and cry has no adverse effects on attachment to their beauty is a true transcendental better than Breaking Bad? Objectivity about aesthetics Tolkien are infinitely more mother and behavioural development but could in Thomistic philosophy, or even what beauty in art is can’t be worth much if it turns rewarding than Brown, but it help them develop self-control. in its essence. But I’ve long discourse about art into the doesn’t really matter which of The debate isn’t totally over though as been interested in a narrower adult equivalent of playground those two is the greatest). Professor Dieter Wolke, a co-author of the question: whether and to what discussions about which Nor does it mean that you study from the University of Warwick, said extent beauty is objective or Pokémon would win in a fight. should only seek out ‘worthy’ (Not, to be clear, that there’s art and ignore your own the result shows that parents shouldn’t be subjective. anything wrong with those.) preferences. Forcing yourself too worried about what approach they take: Nor does it Nor is there anything attractive to spend lots of time engaging “We may have made a mountain out of a ❛❛ about an art snob, sneering with art that you don’t enjoy molehill,” he said. seem wrong to fail at the masses because they at all is usually a bad idea: by The study followed 178 babies in the UK to be enthusiastic enjoyed the latest Fast and grimly slogging through a book Furious movie. from birth to 18 months and the team that you hate reading because about any given All that said, I think On the other hand, to say explored how sensitive the mother was you know it’s objectively good, piece of art. objectivity about art and that Dan Brown, renowned you’re likely to ruin the book towards their infant at three and 18 months, beauty is the correct position. author of The Da Vinci Code, is for yourself forever. But if we by videoing their interactions. The Guardian The subjective side of the But in order to think about a bad artist is quite OK. It’s not challenge ourselves a little bit argument is the dominant one things in the right way, it’s that his books are necessarily reported that several experts don’t agree at a time, gradually pushing in the popular mind, and it has worth drawing a bit of a bad (although they mostly that leaving babies to cry may help develop ourselves slightly out of our plenty of folk wisdom behind distinction between what you are): it’s that the possibility is self-control. The researchers state: “We artistic comfort zone, we it. “Beauty is in the eye of the like and what is good. legitimately up for discussion. neither recommend leaving infant to cry out beholder”, “De gustibus non A useful place to start is You can even believe that Dan could ultimately come back nor responding immediately”. Prof. Dieter est disputandum”, etc.. There’s with the ‘Stupidity of Saying Brown’s books aren’t very good to that book and find that its said their findings suggested parents know a lot of intuitive strength to Shakespeare Sucks’ principle. and still enjoy reading them. treasures are now accessible. the position. There seems to Recognising that there is an intuitively the best response for their child The principle is pretty self- If we don’t acknowledge be something doubtful about explanatory: you can’t say that that William Shakespeare is objective element to beauty and this adapts over time. saying that a person is wrong William Shakespeare sucks really a better writer than Dan makes us better seekers after to appreciate a particular piece without being silly. On the Brown, we’re failing to notice that kind of treasure. 32 | Family & Lifestyle || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 | Family & Lifestyle ||33 Family News » Continued from Page 31 Beauty in the eye AND EVENTS EASTER CAMPS Looking to occupy kids over the two-week break for Easter? There are plenty of camps all over the country to choose from, some are one week long and others run for two. The of the beholder Bairbre Cahill break can be a great opportunity for kids to try out something new or spend time at a hobby. he past few weeks to go off Facebook and the There’s a camp to suit pretty much anyone. If have got me think- news updates on my phone you have someone interested in art the Royal ing about Lent as a so that morning I had none Hibernian Academy (RHA) gallery in Dublin spiral journey. I’ve of that social media noise is hosting an art camp. All the materials are writtenT before about how we buzzing in my brain when I sat supplied, and kids can explore clay, plaster, learn in a spiral rather than down. Praying in the kitchen a straight line, how we come reminded me, I realised collage, costume, painting, drawing, sculpture, back to things to understand later, of being in Loyola Hall, nature and more. Kids Cook Cookery School them more deeply, to gain the Jesuit retreat centre in in Meath will be running Kids Cookery Easter a new perspective on them Liverpool. I had spent a lot of Camps for kids aged 5 to 13 years. Trinity or simply to be reminded of time on retreats there often Walton Club have an Easter S.T.E.M. camp for what is important. staying in a little cottage with a Prayer is not always easy. couch in the kitchen. It was a secondary school students who haven’t done Sometimes it feels more like a place where I had experienced their junior cert. Canoeing Ireland Training chore. St Ignatius advised that prayer and the presence of Centre will run Kayaking Camps for children when prayer is dry we should God in a very powerful way. between 10 and 16 over the Easter holidays. pray more not less – which is Somehow, I reconnected a great idea but isn’t always to that in my own kitchen – easy. I generally pray with there’s that spiral again. BED HEAD BAND scripture, usually the gospel Our modern world has become It’s not uncommon to find it difficult to something about the world. gastro troubles, breathing difficulties, friend or a family member they can of the day but for a good while ’ve been thinking a lot about Worse, we’re making the world panic attacks or even physical skin increasingly digitalised and so we do this with then talk to your local I had been getting little pleas- sleep, many people find it difficult to switch art lately. I’ve been catching a flatter, less interesting place rashes or hair loss. have begun to move away from our GP where there’s any number of ure or inspiration from it. It felt off after a stressful day or after looking at up on the excellent Risk- Everyday for ourselves. Much of the best The fight or flight reaction drains natural habitat. People who live health helplines like Samaritans,” like I was doing little more a computer for over eight hours. ing Enchantment podcast, within 600 metres of a green space or art in the world, the art that resources from other systems to he says, explaining how having to than keeping the engine which discusses beauty in art large muscle groups so you can live below the 6th floor are less likely Acousticsheep SleepPhones is a will touch us the most, requires lay out your problems in a logical ticking over. I philosophy react. This can leave your immune to have mental health problems. and culture and its place in the One day the gospel headband with ultra-thin, flat speakers a certain amount of effort and manner to explain to someone else Catholic faith. And I recently system lowered or the digestive “We have lost the old-fashioned that are comfortable enough to wear while thought to appreciate. If we was the woman with the had the privilege of hearing the system slowed. community. When you think of can be very clarifying for people. Ben Conroy convince ourselves that it’s all haemorrhage (Mark 5:25- lying down or sleeping on your side. art historian Elizabeth Lev talk Stress often affects peoples sleep from the community psychology This can also be done through 34). Now I’ve often prayed subjective anyway, we might Instead of wearing bulky headphones, about Michelangelo’s Sistine in that they find it difficult to get to point of view, we have lost the writing a journal. with that piece of scripture of art if there’s nothing morally other hand, you can say that stop ourselves from putting in getting tangled in earbuds or losing an Chapel paintings. I don’t know offensive about it. Nor does sleep initially. Not being able to get doing something in the village Karen recommends doing one before and found it rich in you don’t like Shakespeare. the effort to seek out the truly Air pod, this can be used to listen to your much about visual art, but Lev it seem wrong to fail to be up or waking up very early is more to help your community by small thing every day to make meaning and inspiration. This You can say that his particular great stuff. is a master speaker and helped synonymous with depression. volunteering, even taking it back yourself feel good, and even that can time however the image in sounds of choice: white noise, ocean enthusiastic about any given kind of art isn’t the one that even a novice like me to appreci- piece of art. “‘We have nothing to fear itself’ to the idea of the Sunday meeting my mind was of being stuck sounds or maybe a podcast. speaks to you most, or even make a big difference to any stressful ate the aesthetic and theological It’s easy to make the You can even but sometimes these people forget at church or mass or whatever in a crowd, at a distance from They could be really useful for bedtime as that it doesn’t appeal to burden. Taking a minute to breathe, depth of the work. ‘beauty is objective’ position ❛❛ what the initial thing they were your domination, it’s that kind of Jesus and, being rather short, believe that Dan deeply, or going for a walk at lunch At Mass later in the Cathe- well as for travelling. Listening to sounds The whole thing had me you at all. But you can’t say concerned about was they’re so gathering where you check in with finding it impossible to work look absurd. Does that mean or popping into your local chapel to dral, out of nowhere, I had an as you sleep. Listening to something while thinking about a question in the that beauty is measurable, “Shakespeare is a bad artist”. Brown’s books afraid of being afraid,” says Martin. each other. my way through the crowd to “We’re living in a world of social say a prayer – whatever you feel helps image of not just being close you sleep might even help if you have philosophy of art. Aesthetics, quantifiable, scientific? Can The same goes for Mozart, or aren’t very good Feeling stressed or overwhelmed him – frustrating. indeed Michelangelo. over a long period of time can burn platforms where we don’t have that you – can provide a nice moment of enough to hold on to Jesus’ a bed partner or roommate who snores the philosophy of beauty and we count the beauty units? cloak but of being wrapped up Can we, perhaps, place every and still enjoy up a lot of psychical energy and can same connection,” says Karen. reflection that can be calming. loudly or gets up a lot. art, has never really been my Prayer is entirely in it, his arm around area, and so there are a lot work of art on some kind of reading them have a wearing effect. It can have a Social interaction and feeling part Depression and Anxiety Disorders ❛❛ of a community are important for me, pulling me close, remind- of questions about it that I ranked list? Is Beethoven’s fifth really tiring effect on the body which are the most frequently seen mental not always easy. CRY IT OUT None of this means we have can dissuade people from doing good mental health. Martin’s main ing me of his presence. What am going to steer clear of. I symphony better than Jane health issues in the country and to go back to a strict ranking exercise and some might stop eating suggestion for dealing with stress is Sometimes it feels had shifted me through the Researchers have found that leaving infants to know nothing about whether Eyre? Are Monet’s Water Lilies these issues account for about a scale (both Shakespeare and well. “Left unchecked a person can to talk to someone who makes you crowd, moving me from frus- cry has no adverse effects on attachment to their beauty is a true transcendental better than Breaking Bad? third of Ireland’s GP visits. more like a chore.” Tolkien are infinitely more become very anxious or will actually feel like yourself and to lay out the trating distance to wonderful in Thomistic philosophy, or Objectivity about aesthetics In 2002 Professor Corey Keyes Ignatius advises us to go closeness? That gospel story mother and behavioural development but could rewarding than Brown, but it become depressed if you burn up issues you’re having. even what beauty in art is can’t be worth much if it turns from Emory University conducted back again to pray with scrip- kept drawing me back in, help them develop self-control. doesn’t really matter which of enormous amounts of psychological “It’s easier said than done but in its essence. But I’ve long discourse about art into the research in a number of diverse ture which has provided us despite my frustration with it. The debate isn’t totally over though as adult equivalent of playground those two is the greatest). energy,” says Martin. it can be hugely beneficial. If the been interested in a narrower The other way it can be expressed person feels that they don’t have a cultures, including Ireland which with some consolation, insight Physically being in a space Professor Dieter Wolke, a co-author of the question: whether and to what discussions about which Nor does it mean that you or challenge. Ignatius under- which reminded me of times Pokémon would win in a fight. should only seek out ‘worthy’ is a person can find that they become found that approximately 17.2% of study from the University of Warwick, said extent beauty is objective or short tempered, irritable and stood the spiral. I found myself when prayer was rich and (Not, to be clear, that there’s art and ignore your own a population enjoy good mental the result shows that parents shouldn’t be subjective. distracted. You could find yourself going back to the image of this meaningful sparked something anything wrong with those.) preferences. Forcing yourself health, 56.6% reported moderate too worried about what approach they take: chewing the head off of a colleague woman with the haemorrhage, within me. Stepping out of the Nor is there anything attractive to spend lots of time engaging mental health, a further 14.1% have because they did something small; not because I wanted to but buzz of social media created “We may have made a mountain out of a Nor does it about an art snob, sneering a mental health diagnosis. The ❛❛ with art that you don’t enjoy but for you it was the straw that because the image stayed space in my mind and my molehill,” he said. seem wrong to fail at the masses because they remaining 12.1% are described as at all is usually a bad idea: by broke the camel’s back. with me. Some days it was the body. I know that Facebook enjoyed the latest Fast and The study followed 178 babies in the UK to be enthusiastic grimly slogging through a book Due to some, or a large amount of languishing, not enjoying life. image of just about holding on and a constant diet of news Furious movie. from birth to 18 months and the team that you hate reading because your headspace being taken up by a This study was repeated with to the end of a tassel on Jesus’ messes with my equilibrium. about any given All that said, I think On the other hand, to say explored how sensitive the mother was you know it’s objectively good, stressor, people can experience being the same people a number of years cloak. Other days it was of I know that and yet I seem to objectivity about art and that Dan Brown, renowned piece of art. you’re likely to ruin the book a bit befuddled, forgetting things, later and the numbers of those with holding a thread in my hand – need to learn it again at regu- towards their infant at three and 18 months, beauty is the correct position. author of The Da Vinci Code, is for yourself forever. But if we having accidents, getting distracted. good mental health, moderate, ill a reminder that there had been lar intervals. by videoing their interactions. The Guardian The subjective side of the But in order to think about a bad artist is quite OK. It’s not challenge ourselves a little bit Stress is a natural alarm system, and languishing did not change. times when holding on to his So, you can see why that argument is the dominant one things in the right way, it’s that his books are necessarily reported that several experts don’t agree at a time, gradually pushing and Martin explains that we cloak had come easily to me. image of Lent as a spiral in the popular mind, and it has worth drawing a bit of a bad (although they mostly However, the members had changed. that leaving babies to cry may help develop ourselves slightly out of our can’t shut it out or we will make Ash Wednesday coincided journey makes sense to me. It plenty of folk wisdom behind distinction between what you are): it’s that the possibility is Martin says, “So just because the problem worse; he uses the with us getting some work gives us space to remember, to self-control. The researchers state: “We it. “Beauty is in the eye of the like and what is good. artistic comfort zone, we you’re enjoying good mental health legitimately up for discussion. metaphor of using pain relief for done at home. The place understand, to reconnect. For neither recommend leaving infant to cry out beholder”, “De gustibus non A useful place to start is could ultimately come back today doesn’t mean that you’re You can even believe that Dan a toothache, continuously taking was upside down and I found me it’s a couch in a kitchen and nor responding immediately”. Prof. Dieter est disputandum”, etc.. There’s with the ‘Stupidity of Saying to that book and find that its Brown’s books aren’t very good ibuprofen won’t get rid of an abscess, getting it light and you’ll never have myself sitting down to pray a woman trying to catch a hold a lot of intuitive strength to Shakespeare Sucks’ principle. treasures are now accessible. said their findings suggested parents know and still enjoy reading them. it has to be seen to. a problem, it just means that it’s not on a couch we had moved of Jesus’ cloak but what is it the position. There seems to The principle is pretty self- Recognising that there is an intuitively the best response for their child If we don’t acknowledge Karen Belshaw from Stress your turn today and equally because into the kitchen. It is strange for you? What is the place, the be something doubtful about explanatory: you can’t say that that William Shakespeare is objective element to beauty and this adapts over time. Management Ireland says, “We’re you have a mental illness does not how things come together. Gospel, the image, you need to saying that a person is wrong William Shakespeare sucks makes us better seekers after really a better writer than Dan time poor. We’re material rich.” mean that you’re stuck.” Being Lent I had decided rediscover this Lent? to appreciate a particular piece without being silly. On the Brown, we’re failing to notice that kind of treasure. 34 | Family & Lifestyle || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 It is only in giving that we receive 180,000 people in the diocese of Kitui about 250 Km from Nairobi the capital of Kenya. The hospital has a staff of 107 people, all Personal Profile Kenyans except for Anita. Due to a chronic shortage of water it is stored in 65 tanks when it becomes available and on occasions has to be trucked in from elsewhere in Kenya. Anita’s personal allowance is one bucket a day. Malnutrition also❛❛ responsible Róise McGagh for many deaths There is great joy and fulfilment in this community in being interested in and touching the lives of other people still, particularly in in some small way, however small. ‘It is in giving that we receive’,” children. says“ Anita McTernan, a volunteer nurse Since Anita arrived in Kenya life in a Sisters of Mercy, Mission Hospital expectancy of AIDS victims has in Mutomo, Kenya. been improved due to new drugs Anita is not a Sister of Mercy but a and the risk of babies being born committed Mercy Associate. She is a with AIDS has been minimised. lay volunteer who “decided to fulfil a Due to the work being done in the dream that I had since I was a student local area AIDS only affects 2.1% of nurse in London”. Mercy Associates people compared to 6.2% overall for follow the Ethos of the Mercy Sisters. Kenya. Those suffering from AIDS Anita is originally from have a high risk of dying from TB. Dromahair in Co. Leitrim and has and we trained them on HIV bread’ despite the fact that we were greatly encouraged and impressed African goats cost around €25 been working in Kenya for over Prevention using ‘Behaviour giving her the bread.” by the work that had been done by to €30 euro and are supplied to 20 years; she is due to retire this Change Process’. Anita says she has also been the Sisters of Mercy in the previous the carers of AIDS families. The year at the age of 70. “When I “We went to all the Secondary able to help many people in this 30 years “They built a hospital and family uses the milk and the arrived in 1999 I honestly thought and Primary Schools in the sub- position. She said one of her provided primary health care in only condition of supply is that I have come full circle to my county with the youth educating best experiences was saving the community - they founded a the first kid born is supplied to second childhood. No electricity, youth principle for the next 6 a malnourished child that she primary school and a secondary another AIDS family. no telephone, no water and years,” says Anita about their spotted in a community as she school for girls not to mention the In the Social Centre, in the no tarmac roads. That’s what I hugely successful campaign. She was distributing food. “She was part they played in evangelisation Mission grounds local girls learn experienced as I grew up and that is now the co-ordinator of the HIV gasping in her mother’s arms, 15 in this part of Kitui.” hairdressing and needlework is what I found here.” Programme at Our Lady of Lourdes, months old and weighing only Last year 700 baptisms took place thereby empowering them to be a In 1999 the community, like Mutmo Hospital and its 7 outreach 3 kgs. I provided transport for in the mission and 170 young people source of income for their families. the rest of sub-Saharan Africa was satellite clinics. “Our HIV program her to hospital immediately and were confirmed. The community “While our core focus is health badly affected by HIV and AIDS. has a total of 225 children who she was found to have TB among have Church weddings where 12 care delivery, I also coordinate an The majority of the hospital beds are living with HIV and most are other problems including severe to 15 couples might get married at education programme to give needy were occupied by HIV infected orphans.” She also co-ordinates a malnutrition. The doctor came and the same time. They also have an youth a chance to go to school, patients and about 500 people Healthy Hearts Programme. told me ‘we will not be able to save active Pontifical Missionary Children principally secondary school,” says died of AIDS every day according Malnutrition is also responsible this one Anita’. programme. Anita. For the past 8 years, with the to estimates by UNAIDS, the for many deaths in this community “But we did and today she is “My experience in Kenya help of friends she has supported United Nations Programme on still, particularly in children. almost through primary school. has been very positive and very 40 students per year through HIV/AIDS. “We decided that “The most awful experience I I met her mother recently when fulfilling throughout, despite living secondary school. “These are mainly we needed to do something on had had here is watching a child she was telling someone that I had in a hardship area which was very girls who would never have had a prevention and so with funding die of hunger. She was dying on saved Pauline’s life. It was good to remote and impoverished for the chance to go to school and would from APSO (Agency for Personal admission and it was too late for us hear that positive comment.” first 10 years,” she says. have ended up in early marriages Service Overseas) we set up a to save her. She kept saying as she Anita said she has never This hospital is the only one in as second wives. Education will Youth Group of 120 members was dying ‘give me bread, give me regretted her decision and has been the area caters for a region with minimise that risk for them.” v A better way to start your day With the pressure of everyday life, I find you to have yourself ready before your children. This give yourself and your children even more time on a myself constantly starting my mornings probably means getting up half an hour early, but it Monday morning to be ready for the week ahead. on the wrong side of the bed. How can I is worth it. Have yourself washed dressed and ready Reflect on how you spend your time in the to go, prepare all you need for school and morning, do you take 20 minutes trying to start my mornings better? breakfasts the night before, and always decide what the children and you should t is one of the modern day problems that we are give yourself 15 minutes of breathing wear? Decide on everyone’s clothes all so ‘busy’ all the time. For most people this room to allow for meltdowns, the night before. Of course, you starts in the morning, usually with your head spillages and lost keys! starting your day wrong doesn’t just spinning because you look at your phone and Saint Benedict talked about impact you, children pick up on your work day begins far too soon. This then has a how daily routines were really stress and you probably find there I important in terms of how your are more arguments about getting ripple effect on the rest of the day. The more you rush, the more you stress and cross words are probably day plays out, a bad routine can ready and out the door. It’s also exchanged before you are even out of your pyjamas. lead to impatience, inefficiency really important that your children Wendy A good morning needs to start with a good night’s and ultimately everyone being have a clear routine of who does sleep. Are you going to bed early enough? Have you unnecessarily frazzled. It’s about what in the morning. Make sure cut out electronic devices for at least an hour before making priorities, planning your day older children have specific jobs, Grace bed? Have you prepared as much as you can for the and week to figure out what are the remember whatever they are capable next morning? things that are important, and what are of doing for themselves they should be The next thing to do is look at how you start your the things that can wait? If you’re starting doing for themselves. day. Don’t start it by looking at your phone. Why not your day with things that make you feel impatient When leaving the house try giving each other start it with a short simple prayer, at the moment I am or stressed, then these are things that you need to family blessing for the day, even if things have not enjoying listening to the Dynamic Catholic 3-minute look at cutting out or moving to another time in the gone according to plan at least you can reset as you Lenten reflections. The next stress eliminator is for day. For many families Monday’s are the techiest, so pray for a happy healthy day for everybody. The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 34 | Family & Lifestyle || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 | Reviews ||35

It is only in giving that we receive Brendan O’Regan 180,000 people in the diocese of Kitui about 250 Km from Nairobi TVRadio the capital of Kenya. The hospital has a staff of 107 people, all Personal Profile Kenyans except for Anita. Due to a chronic shortage of Odd times as celebration stays behind a mask water it is stored in 65 tanks when it becomes available and on occasions ell, it was a Jonathan Rhy-Davies has to be trucked in from elsewhere strange St Pat- PICK OF THE WEEK stars in I Am Patrick in Kenya. Anita’s personal allowance rick’s Day for MASS (Netflix). is one bucket a day. sure – a more RTÉ1, RTÉ Radio 1 Extra/LW252, Sunday, March 22, sombre and sober one than 11am we’reW used to. Maybe, despite Mass on the fourth Sunday of Lent, Mothers Day, Malnutrition Mass cancellations, it was celebrating the work of Trócaire, with a congregation and ❛❛ a more spiritual celebra- also responsible choir from the Athlone Franciscian Friary. The celebrant is Róise McGagh tion than usual. At least that Fr Gabriel Kinahan. for many deaths option was certainly on offer. IN CONCERT: FAURE REQUIEM – PAAVO JARVI AND There is great joy and fulfilment The media, social and oth- in this community L’ORCHESTRE in being interested in and erwise, played their part by EWTN, Monday, March 24, 6am touching the lives of other people still, particularly in broadcasting streamed reli- The Orchestra of Paris performs Gabriel Faure’s Requiem. in some small way, however gious services across a range children. of platforms. small. ‘It is in giving that we receive’,” PILGRIMAGE: THE ROAD TO ISTANBUL says“ Anita McTernan, a volunteer nurse Since Anita arrived in Kenya life One of the religious pro- BBC2, Friday, March 27, 9pm grammes that caught my in a Sisters of Mercy, Mission Hospital expectancy of AIDS victims has Seven celebrities of differing faiths and beliefs tackle the attention was a new film, I in Mutomo, Kenya. been improved due to new drugs 2,200km Sultans Trail by road and on foot in a modern-day Am Patrick, that landed on Anita is not a Sister of Mercy but a and the risk of babies being born pilgrimage across Europe to the historic city of Istanbul. committed Mercy Associate. She is a with AIDS has been minimised. Netflix last Thursday. Regular lay volunteer who “decided to fulfil a Due to the work being done in the readers will know I’m not a He expected priests would Later that morning on dream that I had since I was a student local area AIDS only affects 2.1% of fan of docudrama (two stools tiredness as he settled down (Discovering St Patrick) and Fr funerals, Baptism and Mass. still be able to do those visits the Brendan O’Connor nurse in London”. Mercy Associates people compared to 6.2% overall for and all that) and this film to write his Confessio, partly Billy Swan who concentrated By 11.30am the axe had fallen to bring comfort and assur- programme (RTÉ Radio 1), follow the Ethos of the Mercy Sisters. Kenya. Those suffering from AIDS didn’t cure me of that preju- to defend himself and his on the saint’s close relation- on schools, colleges and gath- ance of the afterlife “which psychologist Tony Bates erings of over 100 people Anita is originally from have a high risk of dying from TB. dice. I was glad that the film ministry against accusations ship with God following the awaits us all”, but subject to emphasised the need for the makers (Christian Broadcast- from Church authorities in line of his book The Experi- indoors, so the bishops had to Dromahair in Co. Leitrim and has and we trained them on HIV bread’ despite the fact that we were greatly encouraged and impressed African goats cost around €25 precautions and norms of ordinary and the routine to ing Network) relied almost Britain. ence of God in the Writings revise their guidelines when nursing homes and except help get us through calmly, been working in Kenya for over Prevention using ‘Behaviour giving her the bread.” by the work that had been done by to €30 euro and are supplied to exclusively on St Patrick’s I’d like to have seen more of St Patrick. the virtual ink was barely dry in the most extreme circum- despite the fact that we might 20 years; she is due to retire this Change Process’. Anita says she has also been the Sisters of Mercy in the previous the carers of AIDS families. The own writings, the Confes- focus on this role as the rest of Of course what made it an on the first lot. stances. He said that gov- have a desire for big gestures year at the age of 70. “When I “We went to all the Secondary able to help many people in this 30 years “They built a hospital and family uses the milk and the sio and the Epistola, using the dramatisation was some- odd feast day this year was ernment advice to Churches – we want guns at high noon, arrived in 1999 I honestly thought and Primary Schools in the sub- position. She said one of her provided primary health care in only condition of supply is that the translations of Fr Pád- what stilted. The cultural set- the ongoing coronavirus crisis was mediated through a few he said, but we get suits at six I have come full circle to my county with the youth educating best experiences was saving the community - they founded a the first kid born is supplied to Challenges raig McCarthy and Thomas ting was well done and the which dominated news and It has been useful to keep in experts who understood both in those daily briefings. second childhood. No electricity, youth principle for the next 6 a malnourished child that she primary school and a secondary another AIDS family. O’Loughlin, so there were no cinematography succeeded current affairs programmes touch with media coverage Church life and the public Fr Brian D’Arcy urged a no telephone, no water and years,” says Anita about their spotted in a community as she school for girls not to mention the In the Social Centre, in the snakes scurrying away. The in capturing the rugged Irish during the week. I’ve rarely in the UK as well, especially health needs. He urged a bal- greater focus on prayer, and no tarmac roads. That’s what I hugely successful campaign. She was distributing food. “She was part they played in evangelisation Mission grounds local girls learn drama sequences were natu- landscape – much of it from seen a story where situations as authorities there were ance between being deter- urged priests who are or will experienced as I grew up and that is now the co-ordinator of the HIV gasping in her mother’s arms, 15 in this part of Kitui.” hairdressing and needlework ralistic for the most part and Clare and Mayo and hardly changed so quickly. taking a somewhat differ- mined and not panicking, and be celebrating Mass via web- is what I found here.” Programme at Our Lady of Lourdes, months old and weighing only Last year 700 baptisms took place thereby empowering them to be a the visions the saint spoke of changed since the saint Last Thursday morn- ent approach. Last Saturday cautioned against extremes of cams not just to run through In 1999 the community, like Mutmo Hospital and its 7 outreach 3 kgs. I provided transport for in the mission and 170 young people source of income for their families. were there but rather low key. walked those paths. ing soon after 10am, Arch- morning on the Today pro- fear or selfishness. it quickly, but to speak to their the rest of sub-Saharan Africa was satellite clinics. “Our HIV program her to hospital immediately and were confirmed. The community “While our core focus is health Three actors played Patrick I found the documentary bishop Diarmuid Martin was gramme (BBC Radio 4) there At that point the cardi- new online congregation. has a total of 225 children who she was found to have TB among have Church weddings where 12 badly affected by HIV and AIDS. care delivery, I also coordinate an at different stages in his life – sections more engaging, interviewed on Today With was a sympathetic inter- nal was preparing for the Sound advice. are living with HIV and most are other problems including severe to 15 couples might get married at The majority of the hospital beds education programme to give needy I was particular impressed by including interviews with Seán O’Rourke (RTÉ Radio view with Cardinal Vincent phase that had already hit orphans.” She also co-ordinates a malnutrition. The doctor came and the same time. They also have an were occupied by HIV infected youth a chance to go to school, Jonathan Rhys-Davies (Gimli Dr Tim Campbell from the St 1) explaining the Catholic Nicholls who spoke of the the Republic – the cancel- Healthy Hearts Programme. told me ‘we will not be able to save active Pontifical Missionary Children i [email protected], patients and about 500 people principally secondary school,” says in Lord of the Rings) as the Patrick Centre in Co. Down, Dr Bishops’ latest guidelines on challenges facing priests in ling of services. But, he said, Malnutrition is also responsible this one Anita’. programme. @boreganmedia died of AIDS every day according Anita. For the past 8 years, with the older Patrick. He added a Elva Johnston and Dr Charles dealing with the coronavirus the current outbreak, espe- he didn’t envisage the clos- to estimates by UNAIDS, the for many deaths in this community “But we did and today she is “My experience in Kenya help of friends she has supported certain gravity to the part, a Doherty from UCD, biog- – modest enough proposals cially as their duties included ing of churches as these were United Nations Programme on still, particularly in children. almost through primary school. has been very positive and very 40 students per year through certain modesty and dignified rapher Thomas O’Loughlin about sensible practices at tending to the sick and dying. important spaces. HIV/AIDS. “We decided that “The most awful experience I I met her mother recently when fulfilling throughout, despite living secondary school. “These are mainly we needed to do something on had had here is watching a child she was telling someone that I had in a hardship area which was very girls who would never have had a prevention and so with funding die of hunger. She was dying on saved Pauline’s life. It was good to remote and impoverished for the chance to go to school and would from APSO (Agency for Personal admission and it was too late for us hear that positive comment.” first 10 years,” she says. have ended up in early marriages Service Overseas) we set up a to save her. She kept saying as she Anita said she has never This hospital is the only one in as second wives. Education will Aubrey Malone Youth Group of 120 members was dying ‘give me bread, give me regretted her decision and has been the area caters for a region with minimise that risk for them.” Film v A better way to start your day Revisionist version pioneering physicist’s life tingly, a woman is behind the invented caused cancer as through came when she iso- With the pressure of everyday life, I find you to have yourself ready before your children. This give yourself and your children even more time on a Radioactive (15A) camera, the French-Iranian Rosamund well as curing it. She herself lated radioactive isotopes to myself constantly starting my mornings probably means getting up half an hour early, but it Monday morning to be ready for the week ahead. Camille Paglia once said: director Marjane Satrapi. Park stars was the main victim of this. create polonium and radium. on the wrong side of the bed. How can I is worth it. Have yourself washed dressed and ready Reflect on how you spend your time in the “There’s no female Mozart Satrapi likes directing films as Marie Her main fight, though, She named the former after to go, prepare all you need for school and morning, do you take 20 minutes trying to because there’s no female based on graphic novels start my mornings better? Curie in was against the prevailing her native country. breakfasts the night before, and always decide what the children and you should Jack the Ripper.” The com- (check out Persepolis and Radioactive. chauvinism of the time. The The script is written by t is one of the modern day problems that we are give yourself 15 minutes of breathing wear? Decide on everyone’s clothes ment was inaccurate but Chicken with Plums). She Nobel Prize she won was Jack Thorne. He also penned all so ‘busy’ all the time. For most people this room to allow for meltdowns, the night before. Of course, you typical of her penchant for does so again here, though originally only awarded to her The Aeronauts, another film starts in the morning, usually with your head spillages and lost keys! starting your day wrong doesn’t just sensationalism. (I liked Julie she hasn’t written this one, husband Pierre (Sam Riley). about a pioneering woman. spinning because you look at your phone and Saint Benedict talked about impact you, children pick up on Birchill’s comment: “The ‘g’ unlike the other two. He insisted on having her I praised it here recently. your work day begins far too soon. This then has a how daily routines were really stress and you probably find there is silent in Paglia. It’s the only It’s narrated in flashback. included in it. She was even- This is less satisfactory. The I important in terms of how your are more arguments about getting thing about her that is.”) There are some disconcert- ripple effect on the rest of the day. The more you rush, tually given a second Nobel flashbacks and flashforwards the more you stress and cross words are probably day plays out, a bad routine can ready and out the door. It’s also Something else that’s ingly prescient flashforwards Prize. Her daughter would detract from one’s involve- lead to impatience, inefficiency really important that your children often said to be in short sup- as well (to Hiroshima and Good exchanged before you are even out of your pyjamas.    go on to win one as well (for ment in the plot. A more lin- Wendy A good morning needs to start with a good night’s and ultimately everyone being have a clear routine of who does ply – again inaccurately – is Chernobyl ) and also a use of inventing artificial radioactiv- ear approachwould have been sleep. Are you going to bed early enough? Have you unnecessarily frazzled. It’s about what in the morning. Make sure female inventers. That’s why Satrapi’s familiar animation. ity). preferable. making priorities, planning your day older children have specific jobs, cut out electronic devices for at least an hour before we should champion the ones Rosamund Pike as Marie ronising. Neither do I think it She was also castigated on “I have been haunted my Curie had a great mind – and week to figure out what are the remember whatever they are capable Grace bed? Have you prepared as much as you can for the we have, especially those like Curie is spikily effective. was wise to portray Curie as a racist grounds – she was Pol- entire life trying to under- we could do with her to fight things that are important, and what are of doing for themselves they should be next morning? Marie Curie, who’s celebrated Satrapi said: “She has eyes crusader for sexual liberation. ish, but lived mainly in Paris stand the impossible,” she the coronavirus – but Pike’s the things that can wait? If you’re starting doing for themselves. The next thing to do is look at how you start your in this biopic. like razor blades and a smile She acquires the tag after her – and even anti-semitic ones declared. She had a fear of claims to iconic status for your day with things that make you feel impatient When leaving the house try giving each other day. Don’t start it by looking at your phone. Why not Greer Garson played her like sunshine.” Gone Girl isn’t husband is trampled to death (despite not being Jewish). hospitals caused by the early her are sometimes a bit too or stressed, then these are things that you need to family blessing for the day, even if things have not start it with a short simple prayer, at the moment I am in 1943 in a film directed by totally ‘gone’. by a galloping horse and she And she was criticised for death of her mother but didn’t strident. Messages are better look at cutting out or moving to another time in the gone according to plan at least you can reset as you enjoying listening to the Dynamic Catholic 3-minute Mervyn LeRoy called, simply, Some parts of the script begins a relationship with a exposing people to radio- let this deter her from her when they unfold rather than day. For many families Monday’s are the techiest, so pray for a happy healthy day for everybody. Lenten reflections. The next stress eliminator is for Marie Curie. Here, more fit- are didactic and some pat- married man. activity. The nucleus she research. Her seismic break- being pushed at you. 36 | Reviews || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020

BookReviews Peter Costello Reflections for a season of pain and great joy A selection ‘Passover approaching, Jesus goes up to of books for Jerusalem’, by James Easter selected J. Tissot, after 1886. by the Books Editor his year, as Eastertide approaches, our soci- ety is faced with the uncertain outcome ofT what would once have been seen as a plague. These days we try in a way to tame it by calling it a “pandemic”: giving it a scientific name is very close to controlling it. But nothing could under- line more the uncertainty of modern life. That for all the vaunted advances of our day – albeit that they have left many people uncared for and displaced the world over – life has such dangers in store for us all that a dimension of faith and spirituality becomes an even more essential resource. Easter, the central event of the Christian year, is one of the times when books appear which try to focus the mind and spirit on the meaning of faith and spirituality in a spe- cial way. Here is a selection of some recent titles.

Return to Me with All Your Heart: Daily Reflections for Lent of several earlier books devotion. This little book is designed to accompany the week by week towards the ing with a reading not always by Gerard Gallagher aimed at aiding the Faithful, what he calls “a thought- reader through the season of climax of Easter Week. It from the scriptures, followed (Veritas, €7.99) especially young people, to provoking selection of scrip- Lent”. is arranged in a simple but by a section to read, to reflect Gerard Gallagher, the author get more from their religious tural readings and reflections In seven chapters it moves effective way each day open- on, and then to respond to. A Catholic view of modern ‘success’ The decadent society: changes that he saw were rich, democratic) countries How we became the beginnings; what we have are not reproducing victims of our success been living with are their themselves. The fact is well by Ross Douthat transforming consequences. known though its cases (Avid Readers Press Certainly, we have lived and consequences seldom / Simon & Schuster, in a story of continuous receive the discussion that $US27.00 / £20.95) economic growth, technical its seriousness merits. Frank Litton innovations, and increasing productivity. That story is Politics, for ‘We live in a time of finished. ❛❛ unprecedented change.” This the theme of this example, proceeds Do we, really? intriguing book, written with angry slogans My Grandfather was born by Ross Douthat, a noted in 1875 and died in 1950. Catholic journalist, who that mask a dearth I reckon he experienced is the conservative in the of ideas” far more radical changes New York Times stable of Ross Douthat. in his span of life than I columnists and editorial Douthat reviews the have in mine: motor-cars, opinion writers. evidence and discusses aeroplanes, electricity as “deployed usefully refers of evidence across several revolution is coming to an the issues. Culture belongs a widely available form Decadence to economic stagnation, fields. This is an example of end. The low-lying fruit that to the complex of factors of energy, telephones, The term ‘decadence’, institutional decay and high-class journalism at its boosted productivity has all that might explain the the collapse of Empires, summons up a world of self- cultural and intellectual very best, written with style been harvested. We cannot trend. We may be better two World wars, an indulgence, deaf to the call exhaustion at a high level and wit. expect any significant off in many ways than the independent Ireland and of duty, we luxuriate in the of material prosperity and The case for economic increases in productivity generations that preceded massive increases in human sensuous. technological development.” stagnation is the best anytime soon. us. productivity. Douthat uses the He makes the case known. The case here is that Birth rates are falling Yet, somehow, we You could argue that I term in a different sense. that this is our condition, the economic growth that world-wide. WEIRD (white, have lost the relish for have missed the point. The “Decadence,” he writes, reviewing a wide range started with the industrial educated, industrialised, the human project that 36 | Reviews || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 | Reviews ||37

Readers should note that The Irish Catholic circulates throughout the island of Ireland and the book prices listed are the retail price recommended by the Irish or British publishers, in either euros or BookReviews Peter Costello sterling, as a general indication of what purchasers may expect to pay. ReflectionsReflections forfor aa seasonseason ofof painpain andand greatgreat joyjoy Resistance to tyranny This may all be familiar. book. But this in a sense pro- $US12.99) A selection ‘Passover approaching, But consider: there is a sense vides more food for thought, Paul Farren is a priest of the in which the season of Lent more stimuli to applying – Tudor style Jesus goes up to Diocese of Derry. It goes of books for Jerusalem’, by James is essentially something that what we read to the way we almost without saying that J. Tissot, after 1886. should last through the year, live. he has in Easter selected and these books which we his time have all read many over the This sense of seen a lot by the Books years, are not to be put away ❛❛ of life and after Easter Monday. They can religion as a matter death. He Editor still be dipped into through of a temporal is already the course of the year. Then the author, his year, as Eastertide they will continue to pro- with the approaches, our soci- culture, which will vide a stimulus to reflection, Rev. Robert ety is faced with the and it is reflection that leads change over time” Miller, a uncertain outcome eventually to a deepening of a He adds a dimension too in Protestant of what would once have T sense of faith and spirit. This that that he draws out what minister, of an important lit- been seen as a plague. These is essential in times like these. the Easter actions of Jesus tle book, Forgiveness Remem- days we try in a way to tame Among the many stimu- meant for the Jewish com- bers (2017), which suggests it by calling it a “pandemic”: lating ideas embedded in munity of his time — this is a that rather than “forgive and giving it a scientific name is this book, here is one which matter on which may people simply forget”, we should in very close to controlling it. is very striking, or so this are vague – but also, and just fact recall the terrible events But nothing could under- reviewer thinks: “Consider as essential what they mean of the past, yet while still line more the uncertainty of planning a family meal, just “for Christians of all times to remembering, still find for- modern life. That for all the to celebrate family and faith.” come”. giveness in our hearts. vaunted advances of our day What an attractive idea many This sense of religion as a In this new little book he – albeit that they have left may find there, an idea of matter of a temporal culture, deals with a topic that comes many people uncared for and value for all the year round. which will change over time, right home to the theme of displaced the world over – life with truths that have an eter- Easter week. has such dangers in store for Hearers of the Word: nal verity makes this a book The subject is personal us all that a dimension of faith Praying and exploring which will again last the year humiliation, this is what in and spirituality becomes an the Readings Lent and for readers. Christian rituals, a supreme way Jesus faced even more essential resource. Holy Week: Year A especially at Eastertide, are on the Cross, the deliberate Easter, the central event of by Kieran J. intended to dramatise the humiliation by the powers the Christian year, is one of O’Mahony facts of religion, but those that that be of an individual. the times when books appear (Messenger facts have still to be internal- But in writing of how we can which try to focus the mind Publications, ised and understood in rela- face the lesser humiliations and spirit on the meaning of €12.95 / tion to the way we now see in everyday life, Fr Farren Shrine of St Philip Howard in Arundel Cathedral, West Sussex. £12.95) faith and spirituality in a spe- the cosmos and the way we celebrates these moments far beyond the Diocese of conclusions regarding the Keiran The Noble Martyr: A cial way. live today. of personal vulnerabil- Spiritual Biography of Arundel in rescuing the saint enduring relevance of his Here is a selection of some O’Mahony, is ity, encouraging us to walk from near oblivion. witness, and the need to an Augus- St Philip Howard recent titles. through them in the company This small book is not fully reclaim all the Forty tinian who Vulnerable and Free: by Dudley Plunkett, with of Jesus. of course a full biography, English Martyrs for modern works as An encouragement for a foreword by the Duke Return to Me with Thus they are turned from but a “spiritual biography” , devotion. co-ordinator of biblical stud- those sharing the life of of Norfolk All Your Heart: Daily unwelcome events, into an (Gracewing, £9.99) which draws largely upon St In some ways the author ies, is a noted Biblical scholar. Jesus Reflections for Lent of several earlier books devotion. This little book is designed to accompany the week by week towards the ing with a reading not always opening to a way forward, Philip Howard’s own prison is impatient perhaps with So, by contrast, this Lenten by Fr Paul Farren, by Gerard Gallagher aimed at aiding the Faithful, what he calls “a thought- reader through the season of climax of Easter Week. It from the scriptures, followed refocusing the message that Peter Costello writings and his poetry the average Catholics of book takes a more analytic foreword by Timothy (Veritas, €7.99) especially young people, to provoking selection of scrip- Lent”. is arranged in a simple but by a section to read, to reflect after Good Friday there will This book is published at a The author (who studied today whose witness takes approach than the Gallagher Shriver Gerard Gallagher, the author get more from their religious tural readings and reflections In seven chapters it moves effective way each day open- on, and then to respond to. (Paraclete Press, £7.90/ be an Easter moment. very timely moment. With at Oxford, LSE and Chicago other forms. But it enables Hilary Mantel’s final novel in University), and who has Dr Plunkett to write about her Tudor trilogy, The Mirror several other books to his those who have on principal AA Catholic Catholic view view of of modern modern ‘success’ ‘success’ and the Light, climbing up credit (including Queen resisted the whims and the best seller lists, it is good of Prophets: The Gospel furies of tyranny. changes that he saw were rich, democratic) countries inspired them to move and would-be celebrities of however, figures only in a The decadent society: thing that those readers Message of Medjugorje) beginnings; what we have are not reproducing forward in economics, recent decades. small, though significant How we became the should remind themselves takes the view that though been living with are their themselves. The fact is well politics, and culture. It is not only in politics way, in this survey of For Irish victims of our success of other aspects of the era of many, if not most, English ❛❛ transforming consequences. known though its cases A stagnating economy that we find evidence of by Ross Douthat current secular trends. Tudor tyranny. people conformed to the readers it provides Certainly, we have lived and consequences seldom is matched to a stagnating disengagement. Outhit (Avid Readers Press Those troubled by This book focuses on what new religious regime / Simon & Schuster, in a story of continuous receive the discussion that culture. Politics, for reports how the expanding a comparison with the declining influence it means not just to be a introduced by the Tudors, $US27.00 / £20.95) economic growth, technical its seriousness merits. example, proceeds with possibilities for virtual of Christianity can be saint, but to be a martyr. And they did so in the way many our own martyrs” innovations, and increasing angry slogans that mask reality facilitate retreat. Frank Litton intimidated by the though the gross nature of conform these days to the productivity. That story is a dearth of ideas. Trump Virtual sex dispenses This is a very useful Politics, for apparent strength of martyrdom is largely a thing largely secular society of our ‘We live in a time of finished. is not an exciting, albeit with the troublesome addition to the small ❛❛ the secular whose of the past across Europe, time. unprecedented change.” This the theme of this example, proceeds disturbing, turn in politics. engagement with the library of books dealing onward march appears in parts of Africa and Asia Yet such are the curious Do we, really? intriguing book, written He shows up the wishes, aspirations, foibles, with the English martyrs unstoppable. Dothan’s it is an everyday threat, a contradictions of English life My Grandfather was born with angry slogans exhaustion of political of another person, while which are accessible to by Ross Douthat, a noted survey gives them cause for daily reality for the Christian that the foreword is written in 1875 and died in 1950. Catholic journalist, who parties unable to engage computer games deliver ordinary readers, and will be that mask a dearth hope. minorities in several by the Duke of Norfolk, the I reckon he experienced is the conservative in the with the problems of the spills and thrills, defeats and cultures. welcomed as such. In a world in which we Earl Marshal of England far more radical changes New York Times stable of of ideas” day. The decline in support victories, free from bruising For Irish readers it Ross Douthat. have, as Outhit writes: and the country’s premier provides a comparison with in his span of life than I columnists and editorial Douthat reviews the for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael engagements. “A conservatism with no Service Catholic peer, who could our own martyrs. Most have in mine: motor-cars, opinion writers. evidence and discusses has not opened up a new vision of how to revitalise Compared with say Edmund be said to lead the Catholic of Ireland confessors and aeroplanes, electricity as the issues. Culture belongs chapter with fresh ideas and Secular trends “deployed usefully refers of evidence across several revolution is coming to an Campion, John Gerard interest in the House of martyrs are clustered into a widely available form to the complex of factors new projects. Douthat is a well-known itself”, and “a liberalism Decadence to economic stagnation, fields. This is an example of end. The low-lying fruit that or Henry Garnett, Philip Lords. Thus the saint’s family the years of the republican of energy, telephones, The term ‘decadence’, that might explain the Irish readers can only American Catholic who that doesn’t recognise how institutional decay and high-class journalism at its boosted productivity has all Howard may well be an remain at the heart of the Commonwealth, a reminder the collapse of Empires, summons up a world of self- trend. We may be better agree that our culture has published two books little it satisfies the human cultural and intellectual very best, written with style been harvested. We cannot unfamiliar name. As there British establishment. that removing a monarchy two World wars, an indulgence, deaf to the call off in many ways than the stagnates when they on religious topics (Bad heart, how vulnerable it exhaustion at a high level and wit. expect any significant has been no full length But this book wishes does not remove from some independent Ireland and of duty, we luxuriate in the generations that preceded contrast the lively debates Religion: How we became would be to real challenges of material prosperity and The case for economic increases in productivity biography since 1857, or to draw the reader into democratic leaders the massive increases in human sensuous. us. on matters of public concern a Nation of Heretics and To should they ever arise”, the technological development.” stagnation is the best anytime soon. any modern editions of the saint’s interior castle, temptation towards tyranny; productivity. Douthat uses the on the Late, Late Show in Change the Church: Pope resources of the Catholic He makes the case known. The case here is that Birth rates are falling Yet, somehow, we his writings, this is hardly into the nature of his own though these days that the 60s and 70s with the Francis and the Future of tradition are far from You could argue that I term in a different sense. that this is our condition, the economic growth that world-wide. WEIRD (white, have lost the relish for surprising. Dr Plunkett has spiritual exerpiences. tyranny may well disguise procession of celebrities Catholicism). Religion, redundant. have missed the point. The “Decadence,” he writes, reviewing a wide range started with the industrial educated, industrialised, the human project that done a service to readers From this he arrives at his itself as a call to a truer way. 38 | Classifieds || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020

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By remembering World Missions Ireland Inspired by the vision and in your Will you are leaving a gift passion of Sr. Stan, many of hope for all God’s children people are choosing to leave a loving gift in their will to World Missions Ireland is the Church’s A beacon of hope to shine, official charity for overseas mission support people who are because of you… Please help your Church to survive & flourish homeless to nd safety and To learn how, call a place they can call home. For Ireland’s homeless and hungry, Eimear on 01 497 2035 To join in Sr. Stan's vision please Merchants Quay Ireland’s Riverbank Centre is or email [email protected] contact [email protected] or phone 01 881 5917 last to close at night. Those with nowhere to SERVICES The Miracle

ALL UNWANTED home waste Prayer BÓTHAR helping hand, and a fresh start, thanks to removed. Cookers, fridges, Dear Heart of Jesus, donations and legacies. beds, suites, wardrobes, In the past I have asked for PLEASE REMEMBER carpets etc. Removed and dis- many favours. BÓTHAR IN YOUR Come for Tea and a Tour, in private while posed of in a proper manner. This time I ask for a WILL. €1,800 will allow Riverbank is closed for a couple of hours. See No job too small or big. Contact special one. (mention here) us to give an Irish, in- Tommy, 087 6406015. Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and uses donations and legacies to bring relief and calf, dairy heifer to a CATHOLIC CONNECTIONS place it within your own broken hope. All welcome, bring a guest if you wish. Heart where your struggling family in BUSY AT WORK but lonely at Father sees it. Rwanda, completely Ring Emma Murphy at 01-5240965 to be included home? It does not have to be Then, in his merciful eyes, transforming their lives. on the guest list for the April 9th Tour. this way! Let ‘Heavenly Partners’ it will become your favour, Your gift will live on for introduce you to all our lovely not mine. Amen. generations. Phone the Follow The Irish Catholic on Facebook members also looking for some- Dromantine half page advert.qxp_Layout 1 02/03/2020 16:09 Page 1 Say this prayer for three days. office on 061 414142 or fThe-Irish-Catholic-Newspaper one special. Call 01 568 6558 today. S.M. [email protected] FOR ENQUIRIES OR BOOKINGS CONTACT: The Secretary Retreat & Conference Centre Dromantine DROMANTINE RETREAT Newry, Co. Down BT34 1RH & CONFERENCE CENTRE Tel : 028-3082 1964 ; ( From RoI 048 ) SILENT PREACHED RETREATS 6 DAY DIRECTED RETREATS 26th Sept. 9.30 am – 27th 4 pm Fri 22nd May 2020 6pm – Thurs 28th 2pm Fri 22nd May 6pm – Thurs 28th 2pm Sr. Nellie McLoughlin, RSM The Wonder of Creation: Our Common Home. Rev. Ruth Patterson Fr. Frank Downes, OP Fr. Des Corrigan, SMA Listening for the Divine Whisper Privilege and Responsibility. In contemplating the Scripture reveals to us that God delights to work in Tues 1st Sept 6pm – Mon 7th 2pm wonder of our Common Home and current threats to unexpected, everyday, little ways and through unknown Sr. Mary Connellan, SSL, Fr. Dermot Mansfield, SJ its integrity, we will attempt to identify and assume people. In this retreat Ruth will look at some of those our collective responsibility, especially regarding who heard the whisper, responded and became a vital alarming biodiversity depletion and global climate part of the ongoing purpose of God. 4 DAY DIRECTED RETREATS crisis. Fri 22nd May 6pm – Tues 26th 6pm Fr. Frank Sat. Oct.17th 9.30 am – 5 pm Mon 8th June 2020 6 pm – Sat 13th am Downes, OP Fr. Des Corrigan, SMA Ms. Briege O’Hare Fr. Denis McBride, CSsR Renew-refresh-revive Jesus - an unfinished portrait SHORT RETREATS / SEMINARS Christians are asked to love their founder, Jesus, as Time to slow down, space to rest in the beautiful he surely loves them. We reflect on the life and setting of Dromantine and a chance to feel the teaching of the one we worship as Christ the LENTEN RETREATS freshness of God in your own life. Blending stories Redeemer. from Scripture with light-hearted stories from daily life, Sat. 14th March; 9.30 am - 5.00 pm Briege O’Hare will lead you into gentle ways of Fr. Damian Bresnahan, SMA praying. Tues 1st Sept. 2020 6pm – Mon 7th 2pm “Lord, Open My Heart As Wide As It Can” Fr. Des Corrigan, SMA Sat. 14th Nov. 9.30 am – 5 pm Growing in years, peace and contentment; Sat. 28th March. 9.30 am - 5.00 pm Fr. Jim Cogley. A Spirituality of Ageing Fr. John Gallagher, SMA Loss and Recovery. Reflecting on positive attitudes and outlook, this This seminar will explore loss in its many facets and retreat will outline a spiritual approach to assist us as “Remember - You’re Worth It!” how it is also an invitation to wholeness. “While the we grow older. It will offer some guidelines to help us Holy Week Retreat; 8th April – 12th. heart grieves for what it has lost, The Spirit dances to let go of any regrets and to harvest the fruits of our The Dromantine community invites you to join in for that which it has found” lives, so that the final stages can be lived in peace, reflectively celebrating the Easter Triduum, beginning fulfilment, and trust. with the Seder meal. ADVENT RETREAT Fri 2nd Oct. 2020 6pm - Thurs 8th 2pm 2nd May 9.30 am – 5 pm Fr. Gerard McCarthy, SVD Praying with the Psalms Fr. Joe McGee, MSC Fri. 4th Dec. 6 – Sun. 6th Sr. Anne Morris DHS Familiarity and repetition can sometimes lead to an Spirituality of the heart as a pathway to accepting 'Advent: the other purple time in the Church's year' indifference to the insights that the Psalms offer us. In self and others. As we explore the Spirituality of the Through Scripture, images and poetry, we take time this retreat we will revisit a number of the Psalms and Heart, we will discover that, once we experience the to reflect on the God who came, who comes, and experience how they can invigorate our relationship unconditional love of God in Jesus we can learn to who will come again. We prepare for Christmas by with God, self and others. accept ourselves and find the courage to forgive others. dwelling on this mind-blowing event. E Mail: [email protected] See Website : www.dromantineconference.com 38 | Classifieds || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020 | Classifieds ||39

The deadline for advertising in the classifieds is 10.30am, the Friday before publication. Contact the Classified Team on Classifieds 01 687 40944024 or email [email protected] Leisure time Crossword Junior Gordius 323324 Crossword Gordius 446447 By remembering World Missions Ireland Inspired by the vision and Please pray for the beatification of 1 2345 67 8 in your Will you are leaving a gift passion of Sr. Stan, many 9 of hope for all God’s children people are choosing to leave Little Nellie 10 11 a loving gift in their will to World Missions Ireland is the Church’s of Holy God 12 13 14 15 A beacon of hope to shine, official charity for overseas mission support people who are “May God enrich with every blessing all those 16 17 Please help your Church to survive & flourish homeless to nd safety and because of you… 19 20 a place they can call home. who recommend frequent Communion to little 18 To learn how, call boys and girls proposing Nellie as their model” For Ireland’s homeless and hungry, 21 22 Eimear on 01 497 2035 To join in Sr. Stan's vision please – Pope St Pius X, June 4, 1912 23 24 Merchants Quay Ireland’s Riverbank Centre is or email [email protected] contact [email protected] or phone 01 881 5917 25 last to close at night. Those with nowhere to SERVICES The Miracle 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 ALL UNWANTED home waste Prayer BÓTHAR helping hand, and a fresh start, thanks to removed. Cookers, fridges, Dear Heart of Jesus, Legacy 33 34 donations and legacies. beds, suites, wardrobes, In the past I have asked for PLEASE REMEMBER carpets etc. Removed and dis- many favours. BÓTHAR IN YOUR Come for Tea and a Tour, in private while 35 36 posed of in a proper manner. This time I ask for a WILL. €1,800 will allow Riverbank is closed for a couple of hours. See for Life No job too small or big. Contact special one. (mention here) us to give an Irish, in- Across 2 Soft cheese has made the 1 The next emetic will possibly member act strangely (9) Tommy, 087 6406015. Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and Across 19 Time of vacation from calf, dairy heifer to a create a thrilling feeling! (10) 3 Dig up this and upset the uses donations and legacies to bring relief and place it within your own broken 1 “I didn’t buy it new, I got it school (8) CATHOLIC CONNECTIONS 6 Get bigger (4) voter (5) hope. All welcome, bring a guest if you wish. Heart where your struggling family in ______” (6-4) 10 It’s a grand reading stand 4 Some Alabama choirmasters Father sees it. Rwanda, completely 7 In the story, he was involved Down BUSY AT WORK but lonely at for a dance! (5) may be ostentatiously virile with forty thieves (3-4) 1 Thrown all around (9) Ring Emma Murphy at 01-5240965 to be included home? It does not have to be Then, in his merciful eyes, transforming their lives. 11 Make the moron cart away (5) 8 Part of the foot (3) 2 Boys and girls (8) the seabird (9) on the guest list for the April 9th Tour. this way! Let ‘Heavenly Partners’ it will become your favour, 5 Obsessive type of the com- Your gift will live on for 9 Creature that followed the 3 Close to (4) 12 & 28a The Napoleon of introduce you to all our lovely not mine. Amen. Pied Piper (3) puter world (4) generations. Phone the 4 Red suit in cards (6) Antarctic birdlife? (7,7) members also looking for some- 10 The coming and going of 7 & 18a The main dish of many Follow The Irish Catholic on Facebook Say this prayer for three days. There is no greater legacy that will leave a mark 5 This plant might sting you 15 The king gets to engrave a Dromantine half page advert.qxp_Layout 1 02/03/2020 16:09 Page 1one special. Call 01 568 6558 office on 061 414142 or the sea (4) a meal - made from boars’ fThe-Irish-Catholic-Newspaper on future generations than supporting our pro-life (6) boat (5) today. S.M. [email protected] 11 You might have ice-cream 17 Baking compartment (4) feet? (5,4) and pro-family work. 6 “Beauty and the _____ “ (5) at this part of the meal (7) 18 See 7 down 8 A turret of timepieces? Jeho- 11 Made a hole with a spade With your legacy commitment today we will 13 It’s a bit like wheat, and 19 Tore a Muse asunder (5) vah’s Witnesses get to look (3) FOR ENQUIRIES OR Rebuild a Culture of Life in Ireland. you can make bread and 21 It is LXX in Roman numer- at it (10) crackers from it. (3) 12 Hardly ever (6) Call for our free brochure today to find out how als (7) 9 Make the rooster turn up BOOKINGS CONTACT: 14 Horrible dream (9) 15 One twelfth of a foot (4) eastern money for the Lon- you can save countless lives for years to come. 23 What you do when you chow The Secretary 18 This one of the Seven 16 Cry like a wolf (4) down! (3,2) doner (7) Dwarfs wore glasses (3) 17 Repair, fix (4) 24 Recess found in a church 13 Empire of rare old military Retreat & Conference Centre For further advice or to avail (4) Etruscan origins (4) Dromantine of our Solicitor’s free Wills Family Life SOLUTIONS, MARCH 12 25 Sparkling wine which is Newry, service, please contact us 26 Mountjoy Square, Dublin 1 14 Ship ore over and get a wild DROMANTINE RETREAT Ph:01 8552790 | email: [email protected] GORDIUS No. 446 a central ingredient to a Co. Down BT34 1RH today on fruit (7) www.familyandlife.org Across – 1 Tie the knot 6 Epee 10 Salad 11 Afterlife 12 Incense pastille (4) 16 See a sailor as a beam 26 Member of the community Tel : 028-3082 1964 ; ( From RoI 048 ) 01-8552790 www.prolife.ie 15 Catch 17 Cuba 18 Hail 19 Drawn 21 Abridge 23 Treen leans over (4,6) & CONFERENCE CENTRE 24 Vole 25 Tips 26 Pesto 28 Erosion 33 Hollywood 34 Whine esteemed for their great age 20 Electrical machine such as a (5) 35 Pare 36 Grenadiers fridge (9) SILENT PREACHED RETREATS 6 DAY DIRECTED RETREATS 26th Sept. 9.30 am – 27th 4 pm 28 See 12 across 21 The bird can practise fight- Fri 22nd May 2020 6pm – Thurs 28th 2pm Fri 22nd May 6pm – Thurs 28th 2pm Sr. Nellie McLoughlin, RSM Down – 1 Toss 2 Eglantine 3 Hedge your bets 4 Keats 5 Oats 33 Rich cop I’m misdirecting to The Wonder of Creation: Our Common Home. 7 Point 8 Even-handed 9 Brocade 13 Numb 16 Shut up shop ing before the fight (7) Rev. Ruth Patterson Fr. Frank Downes, OP Fr. Des Corrigan, SMA Will the MSC Missions part of a computer (9) Listening for the Divine Whisper Privilege and Responsibility. In contemplating the 20 Apologise 21 Antonym 22 Giro 27 Solar eclipse 29 Rodin 22 Urban area (4) Tues 1st Sept 6pm – Mon 7th 2pm wonder of our Common Home and current threats to 34 Girl’s name - the Spanish Scripture reveals to us that God delights to work in Missionaries of the Sacred Heart bring hope to the 30 Sewed for ‘pretty’ (5) 27 Chopped into cubes (5) unexpected, everyday, little ways and through unknown its integrity, we will attempt to identify and assume 29 Throw out part of a latex Sr. Mary Connellan, SSL, Fr. Dermot Mansfield, SJ our collective responsibility, especially regarding poorest people living in over 48 countries worldwide. CHILDREN’S No. 323 35 Northern poem, identifying a people. In this retreat Ruth will look at some of those pelmet (5) alarming biodiversity depletion and global climate Across – 1 Duckling 6 Open 7 Faster 8 Often 9 Oil lump (4) who heard the whisper, responded and became a vital 30 Ravine encountered during 4 DAY DIRECTED RETREATS crisis. Please help us with a gift in your Will 11 Elephants 14 Left 16 Salmon 18 Tot 19 Little 20 Course 36 It’s best physically that his part of the ongoing purpose of God. athlete is moved (10) a Mogul chase (5) Fri 22nd May 6pm – Tues 26th 6pm Fr. Frank Down –1 Daffodil 2 Castle 3 Lie 4 Golf ball 5 Repeat 10 Apostle Mon 8th June 2020 6 pm – Sat 13th am Downes, OP Fr. Des Corrigan, SMA Sat. Oct.17th 9.30 am – 5 pm Contact: Down 31 Item of footwear (4) Ms. Briege O’Hare 12 Letter 13 Singer 15 Echo 17 Moth 1 Deciduous trees (4) 32 Forego food? Rapid! (4) Fr. Denis McBride, CSsR Renew-refresh-revive MSC Missions Office, PO Box 23 Western Road, Cork. Jesus - an unfinished portrait SHORT RETREATS / SEMINARS Christians are asked to love their founder, Jesus, as Time to slow down, space to rest in the beautiful Tel: 021 – 454 5704 Email: [email protected] Last week’s Easy 323 he surely loves them. We reflect on the life and setting of Dromantine and a chance to feel the 324 teaching of the one we worship as Christ the LENTEN RETREATS freshness of God in your own life. Blending stories www.mscmissions.ie Sudoku Corner Redeemer. from Scripture with light-hearted stories from daily life, Easy Sat. 14th March; 9.30 am - 5.00 pm Briege O’Hare will lead you into gentle ways of Hard Fr. Damian Bresnahan, SMA praying. Tues 1st Sept. 2020 6pm – Mon 7th 2pm “Lord, Open My Heart As Wide As It Can” Fr. Des Corrigan, SMA Sat. 14th Nov. 9.30 am – 5 pm Growing in years, peace and contentment; Sat. 28th March. 9.30 am - 5.00 pm Fr. Jim Cogley. When you remember It’s easy to get started, and we’ll A Spirituality of Ageing Loss and Recovery. help you every step of the way. Reflecting on positive attitudes and outlook, this Fr. John Gallagher, SMA This seminar will explore loss in its many facets and Call Grace Kelly on 01 629 3333, retreat will outline a spiritual approach to assist us as “Remember - You’re Worth It!” how it is also an invitation to wholeness. “While the Trócaire in your we grow older. It will offer some guidelines to help us Holy Week Retreat; 8th April – 12th. heart grieves for what it has lost, The Spirit dances email [email protected] to let go of any regrets and to harvest the fruits of our The Dromantine community invites you to join in for that which it has found” Will, you bring hope or write to me at Trócaire, lives, so that the final stages can be lived in peace, reflectively celebrating the Easter Triduum, beginning Maynooth, Co Kildare. Last week’s Hard 323 fulfilment, and trust. with the Seder meal. ADVENT RETREAT to people living in Fri 2nd Oct. 2020 6pm - Thurs 8th 2pm 2nd May 9.30 am – 5 pm the world’s One day, parents and their Fr. Gerard McCarthy, SVD Praying with the Psalms Fr. Joe McGee, MSC Fri. 4th Dec. 6 – Sun. 6th Sr. Anne Morris DHS children will tell the story Familiarity and repetition can sometimes lead to an Spirituality of the heart as a pathway to accepting 'Advent: the other purple time in the Church's year' indifference to the insights that the Psalms offer us. In self and others. As we explore the Spirituality of the Through Scripture, images and poetry, we take time poorest places of how your legacy of love this retreat we will revisit a number of the Psalms and Heart, we will discover that, once we experience the to reflect on the God who came, who comes, and changed their lives. experience how they can invigorate our relationship unconditional love of God in Jesus we can learn to who will come again. We prepare for Christmas by with God, self and others. accept ourselves and find the courage to forgive others. dwelling on this mind-blowing event. Thank you for considering a E Mail: [email protected] See Website : www.dromantineconference.com gift to Trócaire in your Will. 40 | Comment || The Irish Catholic, March 19, 2020

Notebook Fr Martin Delaney

A timely blessing When goodwill goes viral on a cruise ship A blessing of healing hands for all our healthcare workers: DURING ALMOST 34 years would be working alongside Brian what a way to begin Lent of priesthood I have had many I felt a little intimidated. These surrounded by every food Yours are the hands full of memorable experiences, some musicians and entertainers are his imaginable. I had been tasked experience and skill. of them very sad and heart- people, his parishioners. And yes with bringing the ashes from Yours are the hands reaching out breaking, many very joyful and he has a unique connection and home. When they arrived from with compassion, inspirational. Two weeks ago, I had genuine bond with so many in the the supplier they were all in little Taking time to show care, swiftly one of the most memorable and Irish entertainment and media plastic sachets just like packs taking action. certainly most uplifting ‘pastoral industry after more than 40 years of cocaine except black. Fearing Yours are the hands gently assignments’ ever! of ministering to them and their an interrogation at US customs I touching your patients. Over a year ago, I was families. emptied all the ash into a plastic You touch families, too. approached by a lady in the US container and it passed through Yours are the hands that show called Gertrude Byrne and asked if By the end of the multiple checkpoints without a you care. question. I would be willing to be a chaplain Drumlish, Jimmy Buckley, Brendan ❛❛ You lift the hearts of those who on a cruise she was organising in Shine, Dominic Kirwan, John week I felt I had been Many of the entertainers turned suffer. February 2020 from San Diego McNichol, Mark Roberts and a host on a retreat in the up to sing at Mass despite having Your hands celebrate the joy of California down the Mexican of other veteran and upcoming been on some stage into the early healing. Riviera. Wow! How could I refuse? hours. I met extraordinary people stars. most unique setting Your hands bless all they touch She must have known that my from the US, Canada, Australia, One of the other unique with the spirit of compassion, friends, and indeed some who are imaginable” New Zealand and elsewhere, features of Gertrude’s cruise Thank you for sharing your not, sometimes call me Martin of many of whom had left Ireland is that there is Mass every day But I need not have worried abundance and gifts, Tours! in difficult times and had made hence the need for not just one – Brian and I worked very well For touching lives and lifting successful lives for themselves and chaplain but two. And if you together. The daily Mass on spirits. their families. Their stories were Stars can cope with any more name the ship was quite memorable. Blessings and thanks for the Gertrude has been operating this sometimes sad, sometimes happy dropping, my colleague on this Upwards of 800 people came each many works of your hands. Irish charter cruise for almost 30 floating assignment was fresh in morning and so many turned up but always inspirational. years and the unique feature is from Buckingham Palace where on Sunday and Ash Wednesday By the end of the week I felt IThe Irish Catholic that the entertainment on the ship he had just received an OBE from that we ran out of Communion had been on a retreat in the most 1 2 is provided by the current stars the Queen – Fr Brian Darcy. To be hosts. unique setting imaginable. As we of Irish country music. This year’s honest, when I first realised that I Speaking of Ash Wednesday, flew home from San Diego word line-up included household names was breaking of Covid 19 hitting like the gas boiler consultant Ireland and also on another cruise l HUMOUR IN A CRISIS: Irish people have an innate ability to create from Kincasslagh, Nathan, the humour even in the most serious times of national crisis. Here is one of the ship off the coast of California. young heartthrob from Ireland’s recent messages on my phone: “This morning at the post office. While I was A week later and my memory biggest city, Liverpool (!), Michael in line two people with masks entered. There was TOTAL PANIC. Then they of this unusual ‘working’ holiday English, Mike Denver, Declan from said: ‘This is a robbery’…and we all calmed down.” might have been very different. 9 7 7 1 3 9 3 6 8 3 0 5 7

Please give Lenten alms for

poor children In 1893, St Therese of Lisieux wrote to her sister Celine: “Jesus wills that we give Countless missionaries throughout the world alms to Him as to one poor ask The Little Way Associaion for help to and needy. He puts Himself, feed, clothe and house deprived children. They as it were, at our mercy. He tell us of orphaned children let alone with no will take nothing but what one to love or care for them, and of street we give Him from our heart. children, totally abandoned, hungry and The very least trifle is precious in His sight.” The Little Way homeless, experiencing much anguish and Association hardship during their most tender years. The three pillars of Lent are Many of these children’s future depends upon prayer, fasting and almsgiving. whether a missionary can find sufficient The Catechism says: funds to care for them. “Giving alms to the poor is a Cheques should be sent and made payable to: witness to fraternal charity: it Shocking as the facts of child poverty are, THE LITTLE WAY ASSOCIATION is also a work of justice Sacred Heart House, 119 Cedars Rd, Clapham Common, London SW4 0PR things would be even worse were it not for the pleasing to God.” generosity of people like yourself. (Registered Charity No. 235703) Tel 0044 20 76 22 0466 In Lent, we can serve www.littlewayassociation.com Could you save the life of one child by giving Christ and help the I enclose €...... to be allocated to: alms this Lent? Simple measures such as To donate online go to destitute with our €...... HUNGRY AND DEPRIVED CHILDREN providing a proper diet could avoid many tinyurl.com/lwadonations almsgiving. €...... NEEDS OF MISSIONARIES tragic deaths. €...... MASS OFFERINGS DONATIONS FOR THE The Little Way Association uses (Please state no. of Masses ______) the world’s network of MISSIONS ARE SENT WITHOUT received and sent WITHOUT €...... LITTLE WAY ADMIN EXPENSES DEDUCTION FOR ANY missionaries to help those in EXPENSES. DEDUCTION to the missions, to enable a the direst need. Priests, Sisters Please tick if you would like an acknowledgement missionary priest or sister to carry the and Brothers work in some of Name (Rev. Mr. Mrs. Miss) (Block letters please) love, care and compassion of Christ to a the world’s poorest areas and in political trouble-spots. Our deprived, abandoned or orphaned child. policy is never to deduct Address anything from donations EVERY EURO YOU SEND WILL BE VERY earmarked for the relief of GRATEFULLY RECEIVED AND FORWARDED IC/03/19 poverty or for missionary work. WITHOUT DEDUCTION.