CATH DOHERTY: ACN reports MASS for We must be on Iraqis who parish committed to face death safeguarding God and each over Christian coordinators. other. Page 10 Faith. Page 5 Page 3
No 5590 VISIT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER ONLINE AT WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK Friday October 10 2014 | £1 Love is the answer to marriage crisis I Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow tells extraordinary synod of need to heal and support couples and the family in Scotland and beyond
By Ian Dunn vision of the joy, beauty and wonder of The archbishop said he believed the marriage that will counter that.” Church needs to find new ways ARCHBISHOP Philip Tartaglia The archbishop said he expected of addressing families who had told the extraordinary synod on the ‘frank and heated’ debate at the synod, broken apart. family at the Vatican that the which runs until October 19 and will “[We must] find a way to uphold Church must find the love to heal address issues such as Communion for God’s holy purpose in marriage and in the crisis in marriage in Scotland divorced Catholics and pastoral care for the family while also upholding those for and beyond. those in irregular unions, but said that a whom that purpose has become almost “We must have compassion for the message of hope was possible. impossible to attain,” he said. “In times pain and laceration of the human hearts “There will have to be a sober, realis- of distress and misfortune, people still caught up in separation, betrayal and tic acknowledgement of the crisis of mar- instinctively turn to the Church for hope divorce,” the Archbishop of Glasgow riage and the family in the post-modern and consolation and inspiration. We must said when giving the morning prayer on era,” he said before adding: “I hope we not fail them.” Wednesday to the synod, called by Pope will be able to offer people in difficult sit- Francis to assess modern challenges to uations hope and a way forward.” Post-referendum the family. The archbishop also referenced the recent Archbishop Tartaglia added that love Synod Scottish independence referendum in his was the only way to heal divisions, such Archbishop Tartaglia is one of 263 synod morning prayer on Wednesday, saying as those caused by the recent Scottish participants summoned by Pope Francis it had been ‘absorbing, passionate and independence referendum. to address a range of ‘pastoral challenges partisan.’The archbishop said it had been Speaking before the Pope’s synod of the family’ in preparation for a larger so intense that afterwards he had asked opening Mass on Sunday, the archbishop world synod in October 2015. himself: “Could there possibly be unity said the gathering was a vital moment for During his morning prayer address on again in the country? Would communi- the Church as ‘marriage and the family, Wednesday,Archbishop Tartaglia told the ties and families and friends be able to which are central to Catholic life but also synod the Church must enter the sadness reconcile their differences?” the general wellbeing of humanity’ were of fractured families with words of love The answer came to him through a pic- facing a ‘crisis’in Scotland and through- to heal division and give children peace ture he saw on social media, which he out much of the world. of heart. said was indicative of the love that heals “When husband and wife are happy all wounds. Crisis together and are blessed with children, “A photograph which was posted on Archbishop Tartaglia, president of the then love expands from two to three and social media caught the imagination,” he Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said four and five,” he said. “And when those said. “It was of two family homes side by ahead of the synod that the Church and things happen, we are privileged to side somewhere in Scotland. One dis- society here face problems of ‘marriage behold the beauty and simplicity and played a yes sign and the other displayed breakdown and people not listening to strength of married love and of family a no sign. Pope Francis greets Archbishop Philip the Church’s teachings.’ love, a love which truly through the grace “And the remarkable thing was that in- Tartaglia of Glasgow at the Vatican “The major pastoral problem that con- of Christ endures all things. between the two residences, there was a cerned the Scottish bishops is the large “But when families fracture, love is the third sign, which read: ‘We love I Pope Francis opens the synod, number of people who delay marriage for first casualty. Children’s peace of heart is our neighbour.’It was a delightful image, pages 6-7 a long time, or don’t marry and form shattered and they find themselves both and powerful too, which pierced the I Editorial, page 9 some other form of de facto union,” he loving and hating their parents at the tension of the situation with typical Scot- I Fr McGhee, Cath Doherty, page 10 said. “I’m hoping the synod will offer a same time.” tish humour.” I Archbishop’s full prayer, page 11
SCO, 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6BT I tel 0141 221 4956 I fax 0141 221 4546 I e-mail [email protected]
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Pipers for primary’s 100th
By Daniel Harkins Nicholas Hodgson and Fr Alex Davie, and focused his homily CHILDREN, teachers and on the theme of 100. local dignitaries gathered To mark the centenary, the with Archbishop Leo Cush- parish presented St Kenneth’s ley of St Andrews and Edin- with a plaque made from the burgh as St Kenneth’s marble of the original St Ken- Primary School in Ballingry neth’s church which burned marked 100 years supporting down. the community. “It was a great day and we A celebratory Mass this month were delighted that Archbishop kicked off with colour and Cushley could join us,” head- plenty of noise as the pipe band teacher Fraser Gillan said. “The from nearby St Columba High whole day from start to finish lead the Archbishop into the was a real celebration of 100 church of St Kenneth’s and years and a look ahead with opti- Bernard’s. mism to the next 100.” Archbishop Cushley was joined by parish priest Fr PICS: PAUL McSHERRY
Dunkeld Diocese recently celebrated PICTURE OF THE WEEK Mass for vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and religious life in St Andrew’s Cathedral on the memorial of the Guardian Angels. Bishop Stephen Robson was the main celebrant,Andrew McBride read the liturgy and Deacon Leonard Moir read the holy Gospel.The diocesan choir sung the Mass under the direction of Fr Kevin Golden.The offertory procession was taken up by schoolchildren with in the diocese PIC: EDDIE MAHONEY Pupils packed St Mirin’s Cathedral in Paisley recently for the Paisley Diocese Primary 7 Vocations Mass with Bishop John Keenan. More on vocations, see page 23 PIC: PAUL McSHERRY
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WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER NEWS 3 Carnegies grateful for By Daniel Harkins
SAFEGUARDING coordinators from new wave of donations across Scotland came to Edinburgh’s Gillis Centre last Saturday for a first A FATHER and son team ple—including the city’s national conference looking at who recently gathered thou- Catholics and representatives protecting the vulnerable in the sands of pounds in food from Glasgow Archdiocese— Catholic Church. donations have thanked the donated so much food the father Around 120 coordinators from the Scot- people of Glasgow for their and son team are now distribut- tish borders to the northern isles joined generosity. ing the excess to other charities with diocesan safeguarding advisors and Andrew and Darren Carnegie and churches. representatives from the McLellan Com- (below), who run the Glasgow’s Andrew Carnegie thanked the mission for talks and a Mass celebrated by Needy foodbank, staged a peace people of Glasgow, and empha- Bishop Joseph Toal of Motherwell, the and fundraising rally in the city’s sised that charity alone will not president of the Scottish Catholic Safe- George Square three weeks ago, solve the problem of poverty. “It guarding Service (SCSS). The service organised to show the true side wasn’t just the food side of it,” helps oversee the work and training of of Scotland following the disor- he said. safeguarding coordinators who, appointed der that broke out after the inde- “Glasgow’s Needy went there by the parish priest, ensure the safety of pendence referendum. as a peace rally—we are quite children and vulnerable people in Scot- Unionist had attacked inde- lefties—and with an awareness land’s parishes. pendence campaigners who had of austerity cuts and the plight of Taking place two days after the Feast of gathered in the city’s main civic poverty. It sent a message to the Guardian Angels, the conference space, and the following day the Glasgow. included the blessing by Bishop Toal of a Glasgow’s Needy campaigners “We’d like to thank anyone new window of an angel, and the dedica- spoke to assembled crowds and who came along and donated. tion of the SCSS to the protection of the received spontaneous donations The people of Glasgow have a Guardian Angels. Safeguarding experts unite from the public. voice and they deserve to be Bishop Toal spoke during his homily of A subsequent event was held thanked.” the importance of not imposing but of the following week in George The work of the Carnegie’s being supportive and caring for those who in Edinburgh for conference Square with music and enter- was first featured in the SCO in are vulnerable, and talked about the qual- tainment, and hundreds of peo- August. ities of the guardian angels—their strength (Above) The and courage—and how important they are National to safeguarding. Safeguarding Following Mass, conference attendees Coordinators listened as Tina Campbell, national coor- Conference Mass dinator for safeguarding for the Church, was celebrated spoke about sexually offending behav- by Bishop iours and the management of sex offend- Joseph Toal in St ers who want to worship in parishes. Ms Margaret’s Campbell is a former safeguarding advi- Chapel. (Left, sor and trainer in Motherwell Diocese and front row) was head of counselling services at national Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS before safeguarding coordinator her appointment as national coordinator Tina Campbell last year. She said the event was the PICS: PAUL biggest conference since the SCSS was set McSHERRY up almost a decade ago and that the strong attendance said a lot about the commit- ment and interest of the volunteers. “We follow a protocol if there is an alle- was the Mass—the first time many coor- “It was a lovely and wonderful atmos- gation that comes in from someone… the dinators have come together to pray about phere,” she said. “People were very posi- priest needs to be removed from the parish safeguarding—and Ms Campbell praised tive and really engaged. I felt really immediately,” she said. “And sometimes Bishop Toal for being ‘very actively energised by it and very reassured by the the parish are left very distressed, and I involved’ in safeguarding and being very commitment of parish safeguarding coor- think we need a system whereby the parish approachable. dinators; that people genuinely want to is supported. Feedback from conference attendees work together collaboratively and they “Because the parish will inevitably feel will now be taken onboard by the SCSS genuinely see the purpose in having good divided but they need to feel supported; and fed back to parishes, including calls standards in safeguarding.” they will have questions that they need for more work on domestic abuse and on Ms Campbell said that safeguarding is answers to. And that is not just for clergy; child exploitation. not just about policing but also about how it is for laypeople too.” to support people. The highlight for many of the delegates I [email protected]
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PIC: PAUL McSHERRY First Divine Mercy conference
By Daniel Harkins
DEVOTEES of the Divine Mercy will gather at St Mirin’s Cathedral Hall in Paisley this month for a day of workshops and talks from leading figures in the Church in Scotland and beyond. The first national Divine Mercy Conference, which is open to all, will see Bishop John Keenan of Paisley join with other renowned speakers in giving workshops to the gathered Faithful. Amongst those speaking at the Paisley conference, to be held on October 25, is Fr Peter Prusakiewicz, a member of the Order of St Michael the Archangel and an expert on the spirituality of Divine Mercy. His opening talk will be followed by workshops that will cover all aspects of the devotion. Bishop Keenan (right) Headteacher bows out after fun run will lead one meeting on ‘Mary: Mother of Divine Mercy,’ while Fr Joe Burke, spiritual director of the event’s organising committee and By Daniel Harkins really our mission. The academic “You take the youngsters parish priest of St Margaret’s in Johnstone, will side is supremely important— and you see them grow and they discuss the development of Divine Mercy in RENFREW’S Robertson we know that and we don’t lose develop and become mature modern times. Park was the venue for a sight of that—but it is also and responsible young adults Ros Powell (far right), a Christian evangelist colourful run for life as about developing the children who move on and begin to have and spiritual adviser on pro-life issues, will discuss pupils from Trinity High as young people and its also families of their own. We have spiritual warfare at the conference, a theme, she School raised thousands of about developing them with a a number of staff in the school said, that Sr Kowalska spoke of many times in pounds for charity with a social conscience that is who used to be pupils so that in her writing. [the largest pro-life group in the north of Ireland] sponsored 5K, one of the informed by the Gospel values. itself tells you something about “For many Catholics, spiritual warfare is it’s my job to teach the new members about the last events to be overseen by And that means the children the ethos of the school.” something they have never heard of, but spiritual battles they will face when defending the current headteacher. maximise their abilities. In Allan MacDonald, a religious ignorance is something we can no longer afford,” the unborn, and the need to live a Holy life.” Around 200 pupils from S1- terms of the mission of the education teacher at the school, she said. “We live in an age when evil has been The conference is the first of what is intended S6 took part in lapping Renfrew’s Catholic school, that is part and who organised the fun run, said unleashed against all that is good and holy, to be an annual event, with next year’s gathering 102-year-old park in order to parcel of what we do.” Mr Nellaney was a ‘fantastic against the family life and especially against the taking place in Glasgow Archdiocese and the highlight and fund the work of Mr Nellaney came to the guy’ and the best headteacher precious unborn. We must learn to fight back location rotating between a number of different the Cardinal Winning Pro Life school in August of 1994, he has worked under, and spoke with the spiritual weapons which Paul tells us dioceses. Organising the event are the Friends of Initiative, St Vincent’s Hospice having previously been deputy highly of the school and its about in Ephesians 6. Divine Mercy Scotland, an initiative that was and the mental health charity head at Notre Dame in charitable philosophy. “As spiritual director of Precious Life Ireland created just over a year ago by Helen Border of Breathing Space. Greenock and worked in St “I’ve only been in this school Each of the generous students Pius, Drumchapel, and St just over a year and I’ve never raised a minimum of £6 with Gregory’s in Cranhill. been in a school that does so most encouraging family and Contemplating his retirement, much for people,” he said. “It’s Celebrating 40 years at St Vincent de Paul’s friends to give more, resulting the long-serving teacher said he an amazing place.” in the four figure sum which was feeling mixed emotions. Mr MacDonald said that PARISHIONERS of St After Mass, the clergy joined Bishop of Motherwell Joseph will be used to help the three “It’s time for someone else to pro-life work is a part of the Vincent de Paul’s in East the parishioners and guests in Toal in 2005. life-giving charities. take on the school and I’m lifeblood of the school, with Kilbride marked the the church hall for a cup of tea Over the years, the parish has The 5k run is an annual event pleased that there are great staff emphasis on the positive church’s 40th year as a part with time to walk down memory contributed in many ways to the at Trinity High School, and kids and parents to carry on aspects of helping mothers and of the community with an lane and meet old and new life of the Church in Scotland, organised by the pro-life group the reputation of the school and babies and those affected by the anniversary Mass celebrated friends. An exhibition board in with one parishioner on duty there, and is part of a wide the work of the school,” he issue. Pupils are involved in by Bishop Joseph Toal. the hall held photographs and with St Andrew’s Ambulance range of charitable efforts said, before reflecting on his pro-life events and the work of The Bishop of Motherwell memorabilia, among which Service in Bellahouston Park pupils and staff take part in. two decades at Trinity High the Cardinal Winning Pro Life joined parish priest Fr Ivan there was a press cutting from during both St Pope John Paul The fun run was the last for School. “You reflect on the Initiative, and take an active Boyle and visiting priests Fr the SCO showing the first II and Pope Emeritus Benedict headteacher Jack Nellaney, number of kids that do interest in other charities, seeking Logue and Fr Donnelly, as well parish priest Fr Martin XVI’s visits to the country. who is retiring today at the age exceptionally well and the jobs with St Vincent’s Hospice, as Parish Deacon Joe Gallagher O’Keeffe cutting the first turf. Linking up with Mary’s Meals, of 60 after 21 years leading number of staff who enjoy their and raising a total of £32,000 (right), in celebrating Mass for Forty years ago, Bishop Francis the parish contributes to feeding Trinity High School. time here. You reflect on it by last year in funds. gathered parishioners and Thomson of Motherwell presided schoolchildren in Malawi, and “I’m incredibly proud of the the number of parents who send “This school is a network of guests, including Rev John over the solemn opening of St earlier this year conducted a school and the young people not just their first but second people supporting other people,” Brewster from Greenhills Parish Vincent de Paul, with 30 priests mission led by the Sion Catholic and staff, and the parents that and third child to the school. Mr MacDonald said. “It’s Church, South Lanarkshire processing into the new £300,000 Community for Evangelism support us,” Mr Nellaney said, And you reflect on the fact that amazing.” SNP councillor Archie church under a cloudless sky. that involved visiting many speaking about the fun run. “In by any measure the school Buchanan, and headteachers The building was renovated homes in the parish for terms of service to others this is serves the community very well. I [email protected] from local schools. in 2004 and dedicated by then meditations and prayer. Bishop Toal leads the Feast Day Mass celebrations at Holy Cross High School
BISHOP Joseph Toal of in the presence of many invited Bishop Joseph Toal leads the Feast guests, including headteachers Day Mass celebrations at Holy Motherwell led the school Cross High School in Hamilton, community of Holy Cross from local primary schools and flanked by his brother priests High School, Hamilton, in members of the Holy Cross the celebration of their High School parent council. Patronal Feast Day Mass, The school community were chaplain Fr Patrick Duffy, all of The Triumph of the Cross. joined by Fr Dominic Towie of whom concelebrated Mass with The youngest children from St John the Baptist, Fr Thomas Bishop Toal. S6 and S1 represented the school Doyle of St Bride’s and school School captain Olivia Jackson welcomed the congregation to the school and vice captain Jack Anderson delivered the vote of EWTN CATHOLIC TV IS ON SKY EPG 589 thanks, including a presentation Sky Freesat £175 total cost , no monthly charges. to the bishop. 200 Free channels including EWTN TV & Radio. The school’s music department Call Sky on 08442411602 for installation. enhanced the celebration with a Call EWTN on 020 83502542 or e-mail [email protected] selection of hymns throughout for free monthly posted programme guide and the Mass, including a well- visit www.ewtn.co.uk for more info. received solo of Panis Angelicus from S6 student Michael Ferguson. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LOCAL NEWS 5 aims to enrich our spirituality
goes out and gets even just one more person involved then the conference is a great way of spreading the message.” Ms Border had high praise for Bishop Keenan, who, in addition to leading a workshop, will open the conference and celebrate Mass in the afternoon. “Bishop John has been my strength,” she said. “He has been my spiritual director for years. It was him that inspired me. I said ‘I can’t do this,’ and he told me ‘yes you can.’I feel that I was inspired by God but very much led by Bishop John Keenan. He lives the Gospel. He doesn’t just preach it; he lives it every day.” Other speakers at the conference include Fr Bill Keogh, a former prison chaplain in America and missionary in Peru; Fr Frank Hannigan, vocations director for Paisley Diocese; and renowned musician James MacMillan. The Divine Mercy Devotion calls people to a deeper understanding of God’s mercy, forgiveness and love and began in the 1930s, based on the writings of St Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun who received visitations from Jesus. St Faustina Kowalska was born in 1905 into a poor Polish family in a town west of Warsaw. She died aged 33 and for the last seven years of her life received revelations and visits from Christ. The devotion to divine mercy grew even Glasgow University Chaplaincy and the then Fr before her death. On April 18, 1993, Sr Kowalska John Keenan, the university’s chaplain. was Beatified and she became a saint on Divine Enjoy a monastic retreat experience next month “I had a meeting with Fr Keenan and said Mercy Sunday, April 30, 2000. we needed something for Divine Mercy in Glasgow,” Ms Border said. “He said: ‘No let’s I For a full list of speakers and more info on WHAT is it like to be a we are happy to share that with de Guzman whose charism to have it for Scotland.’ So that’s how the friends the conference visit www.gla.ac.uk/services/ religious? What do people do those who will attend the retreats,” contemplate and to give to others of Divine Mercy came about. catholicchaplaincy/divinemercy, search Friends all day in convents and Sr Anna Christi, OP, superior at the fruits of contemplation— “I think this is the time for Divine Mercy— of Divine Mercy Scotland on Facebook, or abbeys? What if I might be Greyfriars Convent, said. ‘Contemplare et contemplata prayer groups are opening up all over. I just feel contact Helen Border on 01505 336 269 called to join them? The richness of the histories, aliis tradere’—is lived out that God wants me to spread this and the best This November, young single traditions, and charisms of the in a contemplative monastic way is a conference. If every person who attends I [email protected] Catholic men and women will Benedictine and Dominican framework which nurtures an have the opportunity to find Orders will form the backdrop of active preaching apostolate. answers to these questions in the weekend, enriching each The Dominican sisters at Elgin, Scotland at the Monastic participant’s own spiritual Greyfriars Convent are members Experience Retreats hosted at journey. of St Cecilia Congregation from Pluscarden Abbey and Greyfriars The Benedictine Order was Tennessee in the US.Their Convent. founded in 529AD by St monastic life of prayer,community, The weekend, which runs Benedict with the charism of and study is the foundation for from Friday November 7 to prayer and work, giving rise their active apostolate of faith Monday November 10, will to the Order’s motto ‘Ora formation in Aberdeen Diocese provide the environment for et Labora.’ young men and women to The monks at Pluscarden I For more information about the encounter Christ in personal Abbey live a contemplative life monastic experience weekends prayer, the Sacrifice of the Holy balanced with manual labour on and to register, young men may Mass, and the Divine Office; to the abbey grounds, chanting in access www.pluscardenabbey experience the rhythms and choir seven times each day the .org and young women may balance of the monastic schedule; full Divine Office. access www.dominicansisters. and to live with religious, working The Dominican Order was dioceseofaberdeen.org. There is beside them, asking questions, founded in 1206 by St Dominic no charge for the retreats. and enjoying recreation times with them. There will be talks on the various aspects of religious life and the chance to put into practice the principles explained in the talks, within the context of the religious community setting. JOE WALSH TOURS “This is a rare and unique experience,” Fr Benedict Hardy, MEDJUGORJE PILGRIMAGE OSB, prior and vocation director Fr Sweeney appointed director of youth ministry of Pluscarden Abbey, said. “Our last monastic experience retreat 1st - 8th July 2015 ARCHBISHOP Philip here was in 2007.” Tartaglia has appointed Fr While the men and women Contact Hugh: 01698 824359 John Sweeney as the new will have separate retreat director of youth ministry experiences with the monks and or [email protected] and chaplain to young sisters respectively, there will be people in the archdiocese. a time to come together for Fr Sweeney (right) is parish common reflection. The young 26th August - 2nd September 2015 priest of Saint Maria Goretti, women will attend High Mass Cranhill and Ruchazie. He was and have a tour of Pluscarden ordained on July 3, 2010, and Abbey Sunday morning, and the Contact Frances: 01698 813156 appointed as assistant to Holy young men will tour Greyfriars Cross, Crosshill, before moving and hear a talk on discernment or 07931203021 to his current parish last year. from the Dominican Sisters Fr Sweeney, a former pupil (above with retreatants) in the of St Roch’s Primary and afternoon. There will be a shared Secondary, will work over the meal at Greyfriars Convent Half Board £569 (includes insurance) coming months with youth when the retreatants from both officer Rachel Romain to from NET Ministries, Ireland, of retreat days—‘Encounter religious houses can reflect with Special Offer if paid in full by 29th December £100 discount formulate concrete proposals to the archdiocese. They will be Days’—in all the archdiocese one another on their experiences for the development of the youth based in the Presbytery of Our secondary schools, as well as of the weekend. service in the archdiocese. Holy Redeemer’s, Clydebank, organising a monthly encounter “There is a good friendship - £469 Glasgow has welcomed a with their ministry focusing for young people in St between the Benedictines and new team of six young adults predominantly on the provision Andrew’s Cathedral. Dominicans here in Elgin and WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 6 WORLD/VATICAN NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014 Vatican Secretary of State urges peace Pope Francis greets prelates to be made a priority in the Middle East No offence as he arrives for the Monday afternoon session on the first working day of the VATICAN Secretary of State extraordinary synod of Cardinal Pietro Parolin has bishops on the family at the to be taken Vatican urged a comprehensive road map for peace in the Middle East after meetings between the region’s Papal nuncio and top officials in his at synod office. In a joint statement after the meetings, the nuncios also called By Ian Dunn for the international Community to unite against the Islamic POPE Francis has urged the participants at State. the extraordinary synod on the family to Fr Federico Lombardi, ‘speak without fear’ and ‘listen with respect’ director of the Holy See Press as they discuss pastoral care on issues as far Office, said the agenda included ranging as homosexuality and divorced an opening address by Cardinal Catholics. Parolin, an intervention by Israeli “You have to say all that which in the Lord you nuncio Archbishop Giorgio Laz- feel you have to say: without human respect, with- zarotto, and a report by Bishop of Christians and other minority response; the problem must be out timidity,” the Pope told synod participants in Brian Farrell, secretary of the groups as full citizen, and the dealt with more radically by his remarks at Monday’s opening session at the Pontifical Council for the Pro- respect of human rights, and par- addressing the root causes which Vatican. “And, at the same time, you must listen motion of Christian Unity. ticularly the right to religious are exploited by with humility and accept with an open heart what According to Fr Lombardi, freedom.’ fundamentalist ideology,” it your brothers say.” “No one say ‘You can’t say this; think of me this Cardinal Parolin outlined a gen- The joint statement realeased went on. “Religious leaders, The extraordinary synod is discussing—in way or that...’You have to say everything that you eral scenario of the Middle East after the meeting deploried the both Christian and Muslim, Italian, not traditional Latin, at the Pope’s feel with frankness,” he said. and stressed the inspiring princi- actions of the Islamic State (ISIS). should play an important role by request—a range of ‘pastoral challenges of the Pope Francis recalled how he received an email ples of the diplomatic action of “The activity of some cooperating together in family’ in preparation for the world synod in from a cardinal after the consistory that took place the Holy See. extremist groups is a cause of promoting dialogue and October next year. This month’s gathering, which in February, saying ‘it’s a shame that some cardi- Cardinal Parolin (above right) grave concern, particularly the education for the fostering of will make recommendations to Pope Francis, nals didn’t have the courage to say some things out said that peace must be so-called ‘Islamic State,’ whose mutual understanding, and in concludes with the Beatification of Pope Paul VI, of respect of the Pope, feeling, perhaps, that the sought through a ‘regional and violence and abuses cannot be denouncing clearly the institutor of the synod of bishops on October 19. Pope was thinking something different.’ comprehensive solution,’ which met with indifference,” the state- instrumentalisation of religion to “This is not good, this is not synodality, because takes into consideration the ment notes. “One cannot be justify violence.” Opening session you have to say all that which in the Lord you feel interests of each party and which silent, nor the international com- Archbishop Lazzarotto also Addressing the synod rapporteur, secretary-gen- you have to say,” the Pope explained, adding that is not pushed by unilateral munity remain inactive, in the reported about the Palestinian- eral and the three president delegates of different those participating at the synod must also be hum- choices. face of the massacre of Israeli conflict and on the episcopal conferences present, Pope Francis ble and open to the opinion of others. The Secretary of State has persons merely because of their presence of Christians in the explained on Monday that they bring to the meet- also underscored that religious religion or ethnicity, in the face Holy See. The nuncio has ings ‘the voice of the particular Church, gathered Married view leaders have an important role in of decapitations and crucifixions reportedly stressed that the solu- at the level of local churches by the Episcopal One of the first speeches to the synod on Monday fostering the inter-religious dia- of human beings in public tion of the Palestinian-Israeli Conferences. was from a married couple who told the Pope, logue and combating the funda- squares, in the face of the conflict is a central issue for the “This voice you bring in synodality,” he said. cardinals, bishops and others gathered that mentalism at the basis of exodus of thousands of persons peace in the Middle East. “It’s a great responsibility: To bring the realities and Catholic parishes should openly welcome same- terrorism. and the destruction of places of The archbishop added that problems of the Church, to help them walk that road sex couples. Fr Lombardi stressed that ‘for worship. The participants at the ‘hopes of peace had opened with that which is the Gospel of the family.’” “The Church constantly faces the tension of what concerns the political situ- meeting reaffirmed that it is licit Pope Francis’ pilgrimage to And one basic condition of attendance, he said, is upholding the truth while expressing compassion ation in the Middle East and to stop the unjust aggressor, Holy Land and the following to ‘speak clearly.’ and mercy,” Ron and Mavis Pirola of Sydney more in general relationship always in accordance with inter- meeting for the prayer in Middle with countries with a majority of national law.” East in the Vatican,’ but ‘the Muslim population, the Holy “Nevertheless, the resolution recent conflict in Gaza’ signals See has always set as primary of the problem cannot be that ‘the situation is grave and Pope urges free speech on marriage issues the protection and respect entrusted solely to a military difficult.’ OPENING the two-week third extraordinary general assem- extraordinary synod of bish- bly of the synod of bishops, deliv- ops on the family, Pope Fran- ered what is traditionally one of the Pope accepts Bishop Conry’s resignation cis last Sunday warned most important speeches at a participants against the temp- synod: The relatio ante discepta- POPE Francis has accepted all,” he said. “As it happens, I tations of hypocrisy, pride tionem, or report before the dis- the resignation of the Bishop know Bishop Kieran had and greed, urging them instead cussion. of Arundel and Brighton. intended a letter about the to serve the Church with ‘free- In his Monday address, the car- Bishop Kieran Conry (right) Church to be read out to you dom, creativity and hard work.’ dinal called for fidelity to teaching tendered his resignation to the today. In it he says: ‘The “We can thwart God’s dream if of the Magisterium on marriage Pope after admitting to being Church is what joins us to we fail to let ourselves be guided and family life and for mercy in ‘unfaithful to (his) promises as Christ and builds and supports by the Holy Spirit,” the Pope said addressing difficult pastoral situa- a Catholic priest.’ The departing that relationship. It is also what during the opening Mass of the tions. “Jesus Christ is our Master bishop has also apologised for binds us to one another. It is synod in St Peter’s Basilica on before all others and our only the ‘shame that I have brought where we find healing and for- Sunday (right). Lord,” he began. “He alone has the on the diocese and the Church.’ giveness. It is where we find “The Spirit gives us that wis- ‘words of eternal life’ (Jn 6:68). Over the weekend letters The archbishop also reminded support and encouragement.’” dom which surpasses knowledge, they prevent God from realising This is also true regarding the written by Archbishop Peter all of the ‘the words of Pope The cardinal added ‘we all and enables us to work gener- his dream for the people he has vocation of the person and the Smith of Southwark, and Cardi- Francis in his letter to the need that healing and forgiveness ously with authentic freedom and chosen,” the Pope said. family. The message of Christ is nal Emeritus Cormac Murphy Church, Evangelii Gaudium, as Bishop Kieran does at this humble creativity.” “We are all sinners, and we too not easy to accept, because it O’Connor were read out during which he said ‘struck me as time. We are all dependent Pope Francis’ homily drew on can be tempted to take over the places demands, requiring a con- Masses in Arundel and particularly appropriate at this upon one another for prayer, the day’s reading from the Gospel vineyard, because of that greed version of heart. Nevertheless, it is Brighton. difficult time: ‘I invite all support and encouragement in of Matthew (21: 33-43), in which which is always present in us a truth which sets us free... Archbishop Smith told Christians everywhere, at this times of trouble and failure. I Jesus describes the people of God human beings. God’s dream “Only God’s mercy can achieve parishioners the news had been very moment, to a renewed per- know that you will pray for as a vineyard, farmed by tenants always clashes with the hypocrisy true forgiveness of sins,” he said. a ‘great shock and was very sonal encounter with Jesus Bishop Kieran as he seeks who betray its owner and seek to of some of his servants. “In sacramental absolution, God distressing.’ Christ, or at least an openness God’s guidance for the time take it over for themselves. “Synod assemblies are not forgives us through the ministry “My heart goes out to you at to letting him encounter them; I ahead, and for all those who Addressing his words to the 184 meant to discuss beautiful and of the Church. this difficult time, and I just ask you to do this unfailingly have been hurt by these events.’ bishops and 69 other participants clever ideas, or to see who is more “Mercy does not take away the wanted to write and let you each day.’’ Speaking to a Sunday who would take part in the synod, intelligent. They are meant to bet- commitments which arise from know that I have offered Mass Cardinal Emeritius Murphy newspaper, the former bishop the Pope said Jesus aimed his para- ter nurture and tend the Lord’s the demands of the marriage for you and all those hurt or O’Connor said he wanted the said he would like to remain a ble at the ‘chief priests and the eld- vineyard, to help realise his dream, bond,” he continued. “They will distressed by Bishop Kieran’s people Arundel and Brighton priest if possible. ers of the people, in other words his loving plan for his people. In continue to exist even when actions,” he said. “I will be Diocese ‘to know that my “I’ve never regretted being a the experts, the managers,’ whose this case the Lord is asking us to human love is weakened or has keeping you and all those thoughts and prayers are with priest,” he said. “I’ve never felt job it was to ‘nurture, tend and pro- care for the family,which has been ceased. This means that, in the involved in my prayers in the you at this time.’ unhappy, I’ve enjoyed it and tect’ God’s people. from the beginning an integral part case of a (consummated) Sacra- coming weeks and months as “The resignation of Bishop tried to do whatever was asked “But Jesus tells us that those of his loving plan for humanity.” mental marriage, after a divorce, you continue your preparations Kieran and the events of me. I’ve always gone where farmers took over the vineyard. The next day, as the synod got a second marriage recognised by to celebrate the golden jubilee accompanying it have been a I’ve been sent and I hope to do Out of greed and pride they want under way, Cardinal Péter Erdo of the Church is impossible, while of the diocese next year.” great shock and sadness to us the same again.” to do with it as they will, and so Hungary, the relator general of the the first spouse is still alive.” WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER WORLD/VATICAN NEWS 7
81. He died on Friday, October Beatified last Saturday in the NEWS ROUNDUP 3, the vigil of the feast of St state. The Beatification was the Francis of Assisi. first to take place in the US. Vigil prayers for Fr Groeschel (below) helped “Yesterday Sr Miriam Teresa October consistory to found the Community of Demjanovich, of the Sisters of open exchange of on Middle East crisis Franciscan Friars of the Charity of St Elizabeth, was pro- Pope Francis has called the Renewal (CFR) with other claimed Blessed in the United views on the family College of Cardinals to a spe- Capuchin Friars in New York States,” Pope Francis reflected cial meeting that will discuss City in 1987. The community, in his remarks following the the crisis facing Christians in based in the Bronx, quickly midday Angelus in St Peter’s POPE Francis appealed for a ‘sincere, the Middle East. The October Square last Sunday. open and fraternal exchange of views’ at 20 meeting was originally “We thank God for this the family synod at a prayer vigil in St scheduled as an ordinary con- Faithful disciple of Christ, who Peter’s Square hours before the long- sistory to approve decrees for led an intense spiritual life,” he awaited gathering began on Sunday. causes of saints. But the Holy said about the late sister, who is The Holy Father prayed before the 40,000 Father has expanded the scope now one of seven Beatified people gathered that the synod fathers would of the meeting to include dis- Americans. express themselves and listen to each other cussion of the Middle East. An Born in 1901, Sr Miriam openly, trusting in God to reconcile their dif- ‘ordinary consistory’ is a gath- Teresa Demjanovich (left) was ferences. ering of all the cardinals who a nun for only two years at a “Let us invoke openness to a sincere, are present in Rome at the time. convent in New Jersey before open and fraternal exchange of views, that it On October 20, an unusually she died in 1927 at the age of might lead us to take pastoral responsibility large number of cardinals will 26 of acute appendicitis. for the questions that this changing time be in the city, since the synod became known for its service brings with it,” the Pope said. on the family will have for- of the poor, innovative Biggest threat facing “Let them fill our heart, without ever los- mally closed just one day ear- evangelisation methods, and Vatican is gossipers ing peace, but with serene trust that in his lier. The plan for the special distinctive grey habits and beards. THE biggest threat facing the time the Lord will not fail to lead us back meeting was announced on A professor of pastoral Vatican isn’t a bomb or bullet to unity. Doesn’t the history of the Church Tuesday and Cardinal Pietro psychology, he was a renowned but the insidious work of said. “Families face this tension all the time. Take perhaps tell us of so many analogous situa- Parolin, the Secretary of State, spiritual writer and became gossipers who plant discord homosexuality as an example. Friends of ours tions, that our fathers knew how to over- will provide the meeting with a famous internationally through and resentment, Pope Francis were planning their Christmas family gathering come with stubborn patience and thorough overview of the situa- his appearances on the Eternal told the Vatican’s security force. when their gay son said he wanted to bring his creativity?” tion in the Middle East, and a Word Television Network “There are bombs in here, partner home, too. They fully believed in the Pope Francis spoke about the need for report on the recent meeting of (EWTN). very dangerous bombs in here,” Church’s teachings and they knew their grand- pastoral solutions suited to the present day- papal nuncios serving in that On January 11, 2004, Fr he told security personnel. children would see them welcome the son and his during the prayer vigil for the synod, which region. Six patriarchs of the Groeschel came close to death “Please, keep your eyes partner into the family. Their response could be is focusing on a range of ‘pastoral chal- Eastern Catholic churches will after he was hit by a car. His open, because in the darkness summed up in three [sic] words, ‘He is our son.’” lenges of the family’ in preparation for a participate, as will the Latin- recovery was considered by of so many wicked lives, the “What a model of evangelisation for parishes larger world synod in October 2015. rite Patriarch of Jerusalem. some to be miraculous. enemy has sown weeds,” he as they respond to similar situations in their “We must lend an ear to the rhythm of our said in his homily. neighbourhood.” time and perceive the odour of people today, Franciscans mourn Holy Father praises To help celebrate the Vatican that we might be imbued with their joys and death of Fr Groeschel Sr Maria’s example security service’s patron saint, Challenges hopes, their sadness and anxiety: at that point FR BENEDICT Groeschel, a POPE Francis has held up to the St Michael the Archangel, the Later in the synod delegates were due to discuss we will be able credibly to propose the good founder of the Franciscan Friars world the example of a beloved Pope celebrated Mass for a controversial proposal by German Cardinal news on the family,” he said. of the Renewal, has died aged New Jersey nun security personnel. Walter Kasper that would make it easier for The vigil featured, prior to the Pope’s divorced and civilly remarried Catholics to arival, the spoken testimonies of three Ital- receive Communion. ian families, including a couple with two Pope Francis has said the predicament of such children who were separated for six years Catholics exemplifies a general need for mercy in before reuniting with help from Retrou- the Church today. vaille, a retreat programme of Catholic 1st NATIONAL origin. I [email protected] DIVINE MERCY CONFERENCE Hosted by Friends of Divine Mercy Scotland
25 OCTOBER 2014 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. St Mirin’s Cathedral Hall, Paisley Free entry
Bishop John Keenan Ros Powell Fr Bill Keogh
James Macmillan Fr Peter Prusakiewicz “Jesus Christ, yesterday and today and the same for ever” Heb 13:8 VIEW FROM THE VATICAN
Dancer Simona Atzori, was hugged by Pope Francis after performing for him as part of the Believe to Be Alive paralympic gala which was held at the Vatican last Saturday. The name of the event combines Pope Francis’ REGISTER AT: www.glasgow.ac.uk/catholicchaplaincy/divinemercy message conveying the ethical principles of Christian faith, with the values of Paralympic Sport CONTACT: [email protected], Helen Border: +44 (0) 1505 336 269
WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 8 WORLD MISSION MONTH SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014
PICS: CM AUSTRALIA
More than just bricks and mortar In a special feature for World Mission Month, MISSION MATTERS SCOTLAND explains how its work is rooted in God’s love
NNUALLY, the Church identifies the energy that can make harmony, justice and funds and resources, it is a long and drawn-out back, and she knows what it will mean to Mabanda month of October as World Mission communion grow among persons, races and process. Nevertheless, the townspeople have banded to have its own place of worship. “It is crucial to Month. But why a whole month? peoples for which everyone is searching. together to raise funds for the purchase of 40,000 have a local church,” she says. “I donated the land Because Jesus’ mission of creating bricks, 40 bags of cement and 10 truckloads of so our people can have a place to pray.” a world where all can live a fully o what happens to your World Mission Sunday sand. They pay for hired labour as well, even dignified life is still a long way off and because donation? One story from a village in Uganda though many also get their hands dirty helping with r Matthias believes that the new church this mission is central to the Catholic Church. shows how PMS use your money to bring the the construction. building is greater than simply bricks and AThe whole month of October has been dedicated SWord of God to mission dioceses and to work with The project costs are expensive, but the mortar. For the people of Mabanda, it has a to reflection in the hope that all the Baptised will local communities. commitment of the people to the completion of the Ffar more significant connection. He speaks of the be always more committed to Christ's mission of The sun is yet to rise over a village on the outskirts job remains steadfast. Despite mostly being benefits: “It will become easier for church leaders salvation for the world. of Kampala as a small community awakens and subsistence farmers, the workers in the parish have to know parishioners’ lives better and this will World Mission Sunday is the day set aside for sets out on a three kilometre trek along a muddy managed to raise over £660 through the sale of allow them to move among the community and Catholics worldwide to recommit themselves to road. It is a Sunday, and the Catholic folk of rural crops, beans, coffee, mangoes and sugar cane. It is give better advice on important issues. the Church’s missionary activity through prayer Mabanda, located one hour north of the Ugandan a tremendous effort given the average annual wage “Through the church, the people of Mabanda and giving. It is celebrated every year, in every capital, are making their regular voyage to the ranges from only £110 to £220. hope to have more services, such as schools and country, wherever there are Catholics committed nearest church. health clinics. The people here rely on the church.” to building a better world for all of God’s people, There are some 200 Catholic families in this his is very much the same selfless community While Mabanda is only small, the Catholic a world where everyone has all they need to live a small outstation in the diocese of Kasana-Luweero; spirit possessed by Joan Nansubuga (above population awaiting completion of the church is dignified and fulfilling life. It is the day on which most are without access to cars or transport, meaning right), one of the parishioners. Mabanda has significant (above left bottom). Of the roughly 700 we reflect on the urgency to proclaim the Gospel in the only way to get to Mass on Sunday is by foot. Tbeen Joan’s home for many years; as a retired Catholics in the area, between 30 and 60 attend our times. Every year, World Mission Sunday is On a weekly basis, they will hike for hours through farmer herself, she understands the people of her Mass regularly. At major feasts, such as Easter and celebrated on the second-last Sunday in October. often treacherous conditions, and when the heavy community and the daily challenges they face. One Christmas, the attendance can swell to 500. With In 2014, World Mission Sunday is celebrated on rains hit, the path becomes impassable, leaving of these is the great need they feel for a church of the ongoing support of PMS, the project nears Sunday October 19. parishioners stranded far from home. A spiritual their own so the 92 year old donated her own block completion, and the parishioners know the wait As described by St Pope John Paul II, World community, the people of Mabanda knew a local of land to be the site of the new construction. will be worth it. The new church will finally provide Mission Sunday is ‘an important day in the life of church was essential; so, two years ago, they began Although she can no longer help with the heavy an ample space for the parish to celebrate Mass, the Church because it teaches us how to give: as an building it. Held together by their Faith, they get lifting and manual labour, Joan contributed what however much it rains outside. offering made to God, in the Eucharistic celebration by knowing that soon, with the ongoing support of she could. and for all the missions of the world.’ The offerings PMS, Sunday worship will be a whole lot easier. Not long ago, Joan lost the use of both legs as a I Mission Matters Scotland is the working name that will be collected on World Mission Sunday are Fr Matthias Jjooga (above left top), the parish result of a stroke. Remarkably, even at 92, she still of MISSIO Scotland. It is the only organisation to destined for a common fund of solidarity distributed, priest in nearby Mulajje, is the project manager. makes it to Mass every Sunday to receive guarantee support for every one of the 1100 in the Pope’sname, by the Pontifical Mission Societies “Having a church is a great need,” he said. Communion. Joan has a great connection to mission dioceses in the world. To support Mission (PMS) among the missions and missionaries of the “With no church, it is hard to bring the community Mabanda; she moved there after her husband of Matters Scotland call: 01236 449774 or e-mail: entire world. together in the same place.” many years passed away. Now living with a carer, [email protected] Missionary activity is a response to the love with Fr Matthias says that the villagers contribute Joan is also supported financially and physically which God loves us. God’s love is the spiritual what they can to the effort, though with such limited by the community. She wants to give something I www.missionmattersscotland.org WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LETTERS 9
LETTER OF THE WEEK The real clear and present dangers on Scotland
I FEEL Mr Quail didn’t get the jist of my recent letter. I was trying to point out that we need to rid ourselves of sectarianism before we embark on Independence. Although I never mentioned nuclear weapons, I can assure him I to am against them. However, since the Second World War there have been no nuclear weapons used on humanity. No one has been killed by them but they are of course a threat. Reality on the other hand is that since 1980 the number of abortions worldwide has risen to 1,350,495,450 and counting, that’s approximatley 78 per minute. We now have to contend with the assisted suicide bill which I fear will be passed in this country (Scotland). How many more will be killed? In Holland 2008 there were 2331 cases which rose to 4829 in 2013 this did not take in an estimated 47 percent thought to have been carried out without them being reported. In Belgium the same pattern is developing with an annual increase of about 24 percent each year with 954 cases in 2010 up to 1432 in 2012 again not taking in those gone unreported. Add to this that their government has passed a law that made it legal to terminate the lives of sick children. Doctors in these countries who supported euthanasia are now beginning to change their minds. The point regarding the Orange Order was that the yes voters during their campaign constantly heckled and harassed any group not sharing their views but opted out when it came to the march in Synod need balanced, love the elements of family as a core element of Edinburgh. In Mr Quail’s own words they of God approach our faith, Mr Warner writes an article that were ‘keeping well away from seems designed to put the ‘fear of God’— trouble,’admitting that the yes [camp] AS SOMEONE who does not normally rather than the love of God—at its very ESTABLISHED IN 1885 recognised there was a threat from that part of comment on articles in The Scottish core. the Scottish community. That threat would Catholic Observer, but through our In my humble opinion, the fact that such not go away in an independent Scotland. subscription supports its intent to reflect an approach is still around is concern I voted no because I personally do not trust issues of faith, I feel I need to express my enough but to have it published in a the words of the governing body in Scotland. concern at Gerald Warner’s Family synod seemingly unbalanced fashion by a Nor do I think we are ready for independence, aftermath risks schism article (SCO respected paper sends all the wrong not for any loyalty to a flag, or an nuclear idol. September 26) [printed ahead of the messages. A listening Church can still My allegiance is to my faith. extrordinary synod.] Eddie Kelly Instead of embracing the synod as a M Valentine uphold God’s law, and love BY E-MAIL means of reflecting on and refocusing on BY EMAIL
HE Church is not wrong in holding marriage up to be a Marriage must be on the bans on same-sex marriage. God bless Scotland, I am lifelong commitment between a man and a woman that mandate for social justice A federal court judge in the United States proud of my countrymen provides a safe and stable environment in which to raise a has ruled that their Constitution does not stop family. Anyone who wants the final outcome of the LAST year, by ignoring thousands of Louisiana from defining marriage as the THE build up to the referendum was such a extraordinary synod on the family to be a Church admis- verifiable postcard votes from the Scottish union of one man and one woman. This is the boost to me, I saw a pride in my sion of being wrong on that is not only misguided but is also setting electorate in defence of marriage, and third federal judge to rule that traditional countrymen that was missing for many themselves up for disappointment. quoting those from unverifiable and marriage laws are not unconstitutional. At the years. I wrote to many papers reminding TNor, however, is the health and happiness of married couples and possibly global Internet sources, which end of August, the US Supreme Court the ladies of Scotland that very brave families here on earth an arena for point scoring among theologians latter only showed a marginal preference unanimously delayed same-sex marriages suffragettes fought and died to give them and academics, as the Holy Father himself pointed out in his homily for change, marriage in Scotland was taking place in Virginia. the right to vote. at the opening Mass of the synod when he said such gatherings were defined down by the Scottish Executive to It does not follow in a civilised society [There was] a record voter turnout for not ‘meant to discuss beautiful and clever ideas’ but to ‘better nur- meet the demands of militant global that sexual attraction of any sort must the referendum. I was so proud. ture and tend to the Lord’s vineyard.’ ‘equality’ politics. necessarily lead to sexual activity. It is Well done to the young people who The most telling synod comments by the Holy Father so far, how- This was achieved by cross-party unjust that the Scottish voter and taxpayer, voted. It is their future, their country. ever, is his instance of frank and open discussions by the near 200 collusion. However, Scotland for Marriage having accepted civil partnerships—equal Watch this space, it isn’t over yet. My synod participants, which include Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of states that European Court of Human to those of marriage—for co-dependent countrymen will not allow our brave troops Glasgow and Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster. Rights has ruled that there is no human couples, on the very promise that marriage to put foot on Iraqi soil again. We will take “You have to say what you feel the Lord tells you to say, without right to same-sex ‘marriage.’ would not be attacked, have found to the streets first. God bless Scotland. concerns of human respect and without fear,” the Pope instructed the Quite on the other hand, European Human marriage undermined, to the intimidating Josephine Thomson bishops at the start of their first meeting on Monday. Rights law, the judgement says, recognises catcall of the offensive and PENICUIK In the spirit of his words, the daily summaries of prepared comments the ‘fundamental right of a man and woman specifically-invented pejorative at modern synods have been scrapped to foster more free, candid dis- to marry and to found a family’ and ‘homophobia.’ cussion without fear of judgement or reprisals, or a media frenzy. ‘enshrines the traditional concept of Every child has a right to know its roots, Two sides to Alex Salmond’s Catholic teaching is often at odds with modern life, just as the Mag- marriage as being between a man and a both mother and father, and we have no defence of the Faith isterium of the Church and the Faith are sometimes labelled as woman.’ right to divert to others the resources which ‘counter cultural.’Nonetheless, Catholic couples and families are sub- Furthermore, Slovakia in June of this morally belongs to legally married and I NOTE the statement of the Scottish ject to the same stresses and strains of the modern world as everyone year amended its constitution to define responsible couples and their children. Bishops’ Conference (SCO, September else, a world which knows marital and family breakdown. The Faith- marriage as being between a man and a The restoration of real marriage should 26), in praise of Alex Salmond on his ful, in a state of grace or not, require pastoral care and the family, the woman. Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, be on the mandate of every modern party resignation as First Minister. bedrock of our Christian society, needs support. Bulgaria, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, claiming social justice. There is no doubt of Mr Salmond’s This month’s synod on ‘pastoral challenges of the family’ is in Armenia, Ukraine, Russia, Moldova, MT Kielty repeated praise for the quality of Catholic preparation for a larger world synod in 12 months time. Rather than Belarus and Estonia all have constitutional CLYEDBANK education, but the statement omits the fact looking for radical change in Church teaching, or fearing schism, per- that he and his administration pushed haps we should look for radical change within our own hearts, our G SCO reserves the right to edit letters to conform with space or style requirements through the same-sex ‘marriage’ bill own families and our own relationships. Only then should he or she G This page is used solely for reader opinion and therefore views expressed are not necessarily despite fierce opposition from Catholic, without sin cast the first stone. shared by SCO Christian and other groups. Our God is a God of mercy and compassion. While absolute love, G If you would like to share your opinion, send your correspondence to the above address peace and happiness may only be possible when we return to our Name and address Heavenly Father, why on earth should His Church not look to help G Whether you use e-mail or post, you must provide your full name, address, and phone number or supplied your letter will not be used and support all kinds of families? A listening Church can still uphold God’s law, and share His love. WRITE TO LETTERS, SCO, 19 WATERLOO STREET, GLASGOW G2 6BT [email protected] 10 COMMENT SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014 We must be committed in life and Faith As the extraordinary synod meets on the family, we naturally look at weddings, marriage and God
OW long will it last?’ Jesus is challenging the people of ‘Can we take photographs His own time and place to take this during the ceremony?’ relationship seriously and not keep on Where can we put the coming up with excuses for their flowers?’ These are just failure to continue to build God’s a few of the myriad of questions that Kingdom. Jesus is reminding the accompany marriage preparation. people of their own very public failure HMost of the questions before a to engage with God’s plan because weding these days relate to how the they were too intent on formulating event will look as a spectacle, few to their own plans. In the 21st century the nature of this hugely important these same words of Jesus are commitment that is about to be made. addressed to us? In my experience, weddings bring a We too can confidently come up unique tension with them. This tension with our list of excuses for our failure is directly related to the sheer level of BY CATH DOHERTY to engage with God’s plan for today. expectation that tends to go into this We are experts when it comes to one day. As a church organist, I can making excuses. Mostly we are too enjoy the spectacle and I try to defuse package and since cost it always a busy. There a million things that need some of the tension. Once the wedding factor, where weddings are concerned, our attention. God comes in low on ceremony is over in the church, it is small wonder that people choose our priority list. another kind of ritual begins. the more cost effective option. One Typically, the next two to three hours venue is tempting. Unfortunately, as od has become, for many, the are spent taking photographs. the rules of the Church stand at the even better offer. We wonder and we about a wedding, He is using an image God of the difficult situation. Sometimes the wedding party moment, those of us who minister in ponder and we determine which of the with which the people are familiar. When all else fails, turn to disappear altogether to a more parish communities are not allowed to many possible excuses that we can The wedding feast is the feast in God’s GGod! That may seem cynical but in suitable, scenic, or photogenic celebrate weddings in hotels. The come up with for non attendance is kingdom. Everyone is invited to par- 21st century society it is real. location. This frees the remainder of bishops meeting in Rome for the going to be most plausible. Eventually ticipate in this feast. The prophets used We have advanced so much as a the guest to begin their own party [at Synod are considering issues that are we run out of grannies who have this symbolism to encourage the peo- society, solved so many seemingly the nearest bar] where they wait and critical to the family, this may be one died—the favourite excuse—and we ple to engage with God’s plan. In impossible problems, done some then wait and usually wait some more. of the difficulties that they need to have to face up and make our choice, telling the story about the wedding incredible things, things that would This kind of waiting has the potential consider. yes or no. feast, Jesus have been unthinkable even a few to cause more tension, particularly Being pro- Jesus is reminding the is tapping generations ago. With each step of among long established couples. he story that Jesus offers this f o u n d l y people of their own very into the material progress that we have made, These days fewer and fewer wed- week is the story of a wedding. human, if experience with each confident step forward that dings are celebrated in church. In a It would appear that there are we decide public failure to engage with and the humankind has taken we have come to busy year, (and I cover three significantT parallels between not to attend understand- rely more and more on our own efforts churches,) I would help celebrate no weddings then and now. Certainly the the event we God’s plan because they were ing of the and abilities. more than four weddings. There are level of expectation was high. begin to p e o p l e . The Gospel this week reminds us many reasons for this. Increasing sec- Unfortunately the level of ‘call offs’ wonder if too intent on formulating This is not that we are invited by God to partici- ularisation in society is one of the more than significant. How very we have their own plans. new fan- pate in his creative work. The gifts and more obvious reasons why church ordinary and how very human! made a poor gled thing talents that have taken us forward are weddings have declined. Fewer Most of us, myself included, have c h o i c e , that Jesus is God given even if we have used them people attend church so fewer opt for pondered the wisdom or otherwise of alternatively we can go and then wish teaching, it is something profoundly selfishly. a church wedding. attending some great social event. we had stayed at home. The third old and profoundly important. We are invited this weekend to take There is a degree of authenticity Usually when an event is mooted, it option is the most likely. We will go, our relationships, especially our about this choice. There has undoubt- seems like a great idea. The nearer it however unwillingly, and end up he relationship between God relationship with God, seriously. God edly been a move away from what gets the more reservations about enjoying ourselves tremendously. and people is no mundane rela- has committed to us. Can we offer the used to be the traditional wedding. attending we have. We are too When Jesus tells the story He is not tionship. It is sacred, it is bind- same commitment to Him and the Many hotels now offer a complete busy.We are too tired. We have had an just telling a human interest story ingT and it is forever. people in our lives in in return? The views expressed in the opinion What do you think of CATH DOHERTY’S comments on COMMITMENT? Send your points of pages of the SCO are those of view to the SCO. Write to or e-mail informed individuals and groups and Letters, SCO, 19 Waterloo St, Glasgow G2 6BT [email protected] not necessarily those of the newspaper or the Church It is indeed time for full and frank dialogue on marriage and family
THE Third Extraordinary Synod thing of a neglected subject by the tine marriage...Declaration de rights for marriages. It is almost to any children of the union. When of Bishops, convened by Pope Church. Recent posturing by politi- Praesenti, Promise susequente beyond belief that a Catholic mar- they are sure, then marry. Unac- Francis is underway, its theme cians on family values is too late, Copula and Cohabitation by Habit riage was deemed irregular or clan- ceptable or understandable? I say The Pastoral Challenges of the Fr Eddie and smacks of insincerity. Instead, and Repute. destine by law until the middle of the latter, not only because of the Family in the Context of Evange- we should regard with optimism The first form was allowed on the 19th century. world in which we now live, but lisation. Interest has been McGhee the imminent launch of a new arch- consent to present marriage, the Older people remember the days also, I think, because help is not expressed at the Holy Father’s use diocesan marriage preparation pro- second allowed martial rights on when there were ‘mixed mar- always available from the Church of the word ‘reconciliation’ in the gramme, supporting couples who the promise of marriage and the riages’ and in the event of a bride when marriage difficulties are context of marriage, this referring set apart, unable to receive Holy intend to marry in the Catholic third still exists today. The forms or groom not being Catholic but encountered. Many parish priests to those who have perhaps Communion, but patiently return- Church. were removed from statue books in having the right to be married in have become distanced from their stepped outside the requirements ing, finding their way back, but There are still those who con- 1940. Despite the passing of the the Catholic church they had to be people. Laity, however well quali- of the Church in that particular being kept at arm’s length in a sider the requirements or fulfilment long-awaited Relief Act of 1794, content with the marriage taking fied, are not always deemed respect. There has been wide- manner of speaking. It is not of certain conditions set down by this marking the end of Penal times place quietly at a side altar or in acceptable as arbiters in difficulty. spread speculation about his always the case. These days, some the Church for a Catholic marriage for Catholics, marriages carried out the sacristy. Catholic marriage was Little is known about the actual recent words. Will rules change? priests waive the rules. as being unreasonable, dictatorial. by priests were not recognised ferociously protected. Given its conditions governing possible Will there be a sort of amnesty for Marriage, the foundation stone To study the history surrounding under Scots Law and were deemed history, this was not surprising. annulment when all else fails. some, or will it be made easier for of family has, in general terms, Catholic marriage is to understand irregular or clandestine until the Today, more and more of our Those who have not kept the rules them to find their way back from become almost unrecognisable. in part why these conditions were Marriage (Scotland) act was passed young people choose to live governing marriage remain ‘out- difficulty and begin again? Society, for instance, has torn up put in place. This history begins as in 1834. Even then, marriage bans together outside of marriage. It is side.’ If they are trying to find their the blueprint for a wedding and has far back as the 16th century. In had still to be called in the local easy to say that this is morally It is indeed time for full and way back to the Church, will they replaced it with party where the 1563, the council of Trent forbade, parish church (Presbyterian). Fees wrong. A closer look shows that frank dialogue, bringing with it be allowed to receive the Sacra- bride must be ‘a princess for a day.’ under Canon Law, clandestine or for both Catholic marriages and many of them continue to go to healing and reconciliation. It is ments? Whatever transpires, there In the midst of this, we should irregular marriages in Catholic baptisms were payable to the Clerk Mass, to bring up their children in reassuring to learn that such is sure to be disagreement among be truly thankful for the Sacrament countries. The Reformation of of session. It was not until 1878 the Faith, to have open dialogue dialogue will not be fodder for the Faithful about the most sensi- of Holy Matrimony. However, it 1550 meant that Scotland was no that bans of marriage did not have with their parish priests. They hesi- press releases, that will remain tive of subjects. Whatever your seems that a significant number of longer a Catholic country. Irregular to be called in the local parish tate on the threshold of a lifetime confidential. And, as the synod opinion, you must feel a sense of Catholics are choosing to live marriages, though condemned by church, but were posted at the local commitment rather than risk things proceeds, we thank God again for sadness when you see those who together before marriage. Now and the Catholic Church, were still Register’s office. Catholics, then, going wrong and having to live the the wisdom of Pope Francis... have not fulfilled the require- then, it does seem that marriage accepted by Scots law. There were had to wait for three centuries rest of their lives with the burden ments of the Church in marriage and all it entails has become some- three forms of irregular or clandes- before being allowed full legal of that, the cost to themselves and I [email protected] WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER COMMENT 11 Find a way to uphold Keeping our young, inspired by God’s holy purpose in referendum, involved in Church marriage, in the family
there is much to endure. The choice of readings for weddings includes this text. ARCHBISHOP Preparing for their wedding, spouses read it and think, TARTAGLIA “That’s so beautiful. I want my love, our love, to be like that, patient, and kind, trusting, The Archbishop of Glasgow enduring, faithful, lasting for gave the morning prayer at the ever.” extraordinary synod on the And when husband and wife family in Rome on Wednesday. are happy together and are Below is the full text of what blessed with children, then love he said. expands from two to three and BY MICHAEL four and five. In a family, there McGRATH RECENTLY in Scotland, is every opportunity to be we had an independence ref- patient and kind and excusing erendum. It was a simple and trusting. There is every N THE early weeks after choice—yes or no. In the opportunity to renew faithful- the referendum it is not end, the majority did not ness to one another by laughing surprising that some choose independence and together, crying together, sup- emotions are raw and voted to stay within the porting one another, saying that passions are still United Kingdom. sorry to one another, giving one aroused. This was inevitable, The pre-referendum debate another the benefit of the doubt, whatever the result. Whenever was absorbing, passionate and embracing one another, being hopesI are stirred and expecta- partisan. Engagement with the happy for each other, just tions are built up, feelings of issues was intense. 85 percent knowing the right word at the disappointment and frustration of the electorate cast a vote. right time. And when those are bound to result for some The referendum divided cities, things happen, we are privi- when the outcome does not towns, neighbourhoods, fami- leged to behold the beauty and meet expectations. lies and friends, even husbands simplicity and strength of mar- Of course, it could be argued and wives. There were meet- ried love and of family love, a that the outcome has not yet ings and rallies, and cards and love which truly through the met the expectations of most posters everywhere advocating grace of Christ endures all of our country. Most agree that yes or no. things. the both yes and no supporters Would we ever come But when families fracture, shared a desire for change in together again after this? Could love is the first casualty. The how Scotland is governed, love which was the glue even if they don't agree on how We must have between spouses turns to hate that change should occur. compassion for the very quickly. Intimate com- However, I want to focus grammes were broadcast to only be a good thing. It shows Young people attend a meeting munion of life is replaced with briefly on other points of large audiences in Scotland a deep level of interest and with Pope Francis at the pain and laceration a terrible logic of division. agreement which have and beyond. commitment and a determina- Sanctuary of Solmoe in South of the human hearts Children’s peace of heart is Korea on August 15 emerged throughout the refer- For many, the use of social tion to bring about change. caught up in separa- shattered and they find them- endum debate. I do so, not out media came to the fore with tion, betrayal and selves both loving and hating of a wish to make any political the immediacy it offers and the o I wonder what lessons Perhaps we can capture some divorce their parents at the same time. comment, but to draw compar- opportunity for a rapid fire of we who belong to the of the zeal of the ‘Yessers’and Into this sadness, the Church isons between the Scottish views being exchanged. Catholic Church in Scot- bring it to our own level of “ has to find a way to speak St public’s recent engagement in Hopefully, from this experi- landS can learn from this expe- engagement with Church life, Paul’s words of love, which affairs of state and the engage- ence, some will have learned rience. For if ever there was a both at the local and the global there possibly be unity again in compassionately excuse and ment of Scottish Catholics in to pause and reflect before time when we needed people in levels. This is certainly what the country? Would communi- forgive, but which also heal and Church affairs. clicking to send a tetchy Tweet our Church to get involved, to Pope Francis has been calling ties and families and friends renew and lift up again; where or to post a sarcastic comment. show an interest, to become for since the start of his Pontif- be able to reconcile their forgiveness is not accommoda- ommentators around Even in passionate icate—a joyful proclamation differences? tion or indifference but genuine the world have greatly the imme- in their of the Gospel. A photograph which was and sometimes hard-won rec- If ever there was a ” admired the level of diate after- desire for posted on social media caught onciliation, engendering new publicC participation in the math of the time when we needed things to erhaps the synod on the the imagination. It was of two trust, new hope, new political process brought about result, peo- people in our Church to i m p r o v e , Family will enliven the family homes side by side endurance, and new faithful- by Scotland’s Referendum. ple remain get involved, to show an it’s now. faithful and motivate somewhere in Scotland. One ness, a new page in the story of The statistics show that incred- engaged. interest, to become L o o k i n g CatholicsP to express their displayed a yes sign and the love of husband and wife and ible numbers of voters turned Some want passionate in their internally, views and to engage with the other displayed a no sign. And their children. out in areas where non-voting to continue desire for things to we can see Church in addressing some of the remarkable thing was that St Paul’s inspiring words on has been the norm for a genera- the debate, improve, it’s now. that the the issues which affect all fam- in-between the two residences, love that we have heard today tion or more. This indicates sig- p e r h a p s “ lack of ilies today. While most of us there was a third sign, which mean that we must have com- nificant levels of motivation and looking for vocations are not qualified in theology, read: We love our neighbour. It passion for the pain and lacera- public awareness. People knew a n o t h e r to the we are expert witnesses to the was a delightful image, and tion of the human hearts caught that their votes counted and that referendum. Others want to priesthood is resulting in parish challenge of trying to live powerful too, which pierced the up in separation, betrayal and they could make their voices defend or justify their voting rationalisation and closures. faithfully in today’s ‘faith-lite’ tension of the situation with divorce. St Paul’s words heard. They believed that their decision. At least one new (or Many parishes struggle to world. typical Scottish humour. encourage us to find a way to responsibility to vote (more than revised) political campaign has attract sufficient members to During the referendum cam- “Love is always patient and uphold God’s holy purpose in their right to vote) was what mat- sprung up while there are Sunday Mass and the age pro- paign, it was clear that many kind… love is never rude or marriage and in the family tered for themselves and for reports of large numbers joining file of active parishioners is 16 and 17 year olds made a selfish,” St Paul teaches us in while also upholding those for future generations. some political parties to express increasing” rapidly. Looking strong impression through today’s text. Paul speaks pas- whom that purpose has become People turned out in large their solidarity with particular externally, Christians and peo- their confident and articulate sionately and eloquently about almost impossible to attain. In numbers at public meetings, in positions. ple of other faiths are becoming expression of hopes and aspi- love. There is nothing dis-ena- times of distress and misfor- parish halls and town halls, at While I—genuinely—do marginalised and isolated as rations for Scotland. Let us gaged about this love. Love tune, people still instinctively lectures in colleges and uni- not wish to enter the political society is becoming increas- hope and pray that young always has to reach in to the turn to the Church for hope and versities and at rallies across debate, I can’t help but be ingly secularised. Indeed, it’s Catholics will be inspired by realities, the practicalities, the consolation and inspiration. We the country. They desired to amazed at this phenomenon disturbing to see how, in some the Holy Spirit to engage with sometimes messy circum- must not fail them. know more about both sides of which has gripped our country parts of the world, Christians the Church, to express their stances of real life, family, On the cross, Jesus suffered the argument; they needed to in a relatively short time. Mil- are being persecuted even to the hopes for its development and friendship, work, and politics. patiently, He excused his exe- understand the issues; they lions of people—ordinary, point of death. to contribute actively to their “Love is always ready to cutioners, He trusted the Father, wanted answers to important everyday people—have taken In this context the Church local parish communities. excuse, to trust, to hope and to and He opened His arms to questions. the trouble to participate in, or surely could benefit from some endure whatever comes,” says embrace and welcome all sin- Many newspaper columns at least to respond to, some of of the energy, interest and I Michael McGrath is our text. And in the ups and ners and all those who are in were filled and countless hours the most important political ‘sign-up’ which we have seen director of the Scottish downs of real life, there can be pain and anguish. In this sacred of television and radio pro- issues of our time. That can in the referendum campaigns. Catholic Education Service so much to excuse, so much mission of divine love, Jesus need for trust, and so often calls us to follow Him. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 12 AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014 FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED 13
FACES OF SUFFERING OF IRAQI CHRISTIANS As the Christian settlements on the Nineveh Plains in Iraq fell, thousands of internal refugees sought shelter in Erbil in the Kurdish Region. JOHN NEWTON and MARIA LOZANO from AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED visited Erbil last Love and grief month and describe the terrible plight of those who have been driven from their homes by Islamist extremists By John Pontifex HIS country is drenched with blood… I cannot go on of getting a visa, but they keep repeating over and over again that they being to provide them with two meals a day. living here,” the man lamented. His son, David, was want to leave Iraq. They don’t care where they go, so long as it’s out HER eyes full of sorrow, a mother reaches into a killed by a bomb when Islamist jihadist group ISIS of the country. rom the beginning of the crisis Aid to the Church in Need has pocket and pulls out a photograph of her son, seized Qaraqosh—the last Christian city in Iraq. Like most of the others who left Qaraqosh they sought refuge in been working closely with the Catholic Churches’ relief efforts in Salman. Qaraqosh was home to 50,000 people, and for Erbil (above left), the capital of the Kurdish region. At one point the the country—the various Eastern Catholic Churches have come The 43-year-old had been shot through the head centuries had been one of the country’s predominantly Christian cities. Islamist forces were just 25 miles from the very gates of Erbil, but together with the Roman Catholics to organise emergency aid—and three times in Mosul. F His mother and her other son—standing alongside On August 6, the Kurdish Peshmerga fighters, who were defending airstrikes have managed to drive them back and keep the Kurdish so far the charity has given £160,000 for the Iraqis forced from their the area to the north of Mosul, withdrew. The first bomb fired after the region safe for the 70,000 displaced Christians seeking shelter there, at homes by the Islamic State. her—had taken refuge in a nearby village close to the ACN IN IRAQ ‘T ancient monastery of Mar Matti (St Matthew). military retreat fell on the house where David and his cousin Mirat least for the time being. The Churches’ emergency relief efforts are headed by Chaldean were playing in the garden, killing them both and gravely wounding a The first waves of internal refugees sought shelter in church halls, Catholic Bishop Emil Nona of Mosul, who was himself forced to flee But when the village was overrun by Islamic State third child. schools, sports centres, half-finished buildings, but these were filled when ISIS took Mosul back in June. Bishop Nona (above right) is one forces, they fled a second time to Kurdish northern The alarm rapidly spread throughout the city: “ISIS is at the gates, to capacity and later arrivals were forced to sleep rough in parks and of five bishops who have who have lost their homes. He visits the Iraq where ACN is providing emergency help. the Peshmerga are no longer defending us. Take your families and the city’s other open spaces. displaced families, accompanied by a priest, bringing packets of As they grieve a much-loved son and brother, they flee.” David’s parents, like everyone else, left taking what they could. Displaced Christians are being cared for at 22 reception points foodstuffs and noting their needs. He counsels and encourages them, reflect on reports that for the first time in 1,600 years, The only ones who remained were the sick and elderly who were scattered around the city. One of the main reception points is the St sharing in their pain. there is no Sunday Mass in Mosul. And all because the unwilling to leave or whom their relatives could not carry. The people Joseph Chaldean Catholic Cathedral in Erbil’s Christian quarter. It is This is a time when the suffering Church comes face-to-face with the last remaining Christians were forced out. of Qaraqosh were joined by those from other smaller towns in the estimated that around 670 families have sought refuge here. Many of heroic Church which truly lives the Gospel. It is a Church which needs One father, Raeed, told how he, his wife and three surrounding area, such as Bartella and Karemlesh. them are living under makeshift tarpaulin tents, or sheltering in shade of the support, the prayers and the solidarity of its Christian brothers and young children were told they could not leave the city Between June and August, up to 100,000 Christians in the Niniveh the buildings on mattresses or sleeping mats—seeking any refuge they sisters throughout the world. The precariousness of the situation unless they handed over everything—mobile phones, region were forced to leave their homes as extremists advanced north can to protect themselves against the crushing, implacable heat, which cannot be overstressed. Erbil is currently sheltering the largest watches, camera, cash. towards the Kurdish region of Iraq. can reach temperatures of 44 degrees Celsius. concentration of the country’s Christians. If the city falls it could The gunmen even demanded Raeed hand over the Speaking to David’s parents is an emotional experience. David’s There are hundreds of faces, but only one story, one witness, one signal the end of Christianity in Iraq. Please pray for our suffering battery of his six-year-old son’s hearing aid. mother—a young woman clothed in mourning—buries her head in her fate that unites them all: they are refugees, condemned to death for sisters and brothers in Iraq. hands, weeping as she remembers her dead son. being Christians. I To make find out more about ACN’s projects in the region The family tell us that they have no papers, no passports, and no way At the reception points food is distributed to the displaced, the aim I www.acnuk.org or make a donation please visit: www.acnuk.org WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 12 AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014 FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED 13
FACES OF SUFFERING OF IRAQI CHRISTIANS As the Christian settlements on the Nineveh Plains in Iraq fell, thousands of internal refugees sought shelter in Erbil in the Kurdish Region. JOHN NEWTON and MARIA LOZANO from AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED visited Erbil last Love and grief month and describe the terrible plight of those who have been driven from their homes by Islamist extremists By John Pontifex HIS country is drenched with blood… I cannot go on of getting a visa, but they keep repeating over and over again that they being to provide them with two meals a day. living here,” the man lamented. His son, David, was want to leave Iraq. They don’t care where they go, so long as it’s out HER eyes full of sorrow, a mother reaches into a killed by a bomb when Islamist jihadist group ISIS of the country. rom the beginning of the crisis Aid to the Church in Need has pocket and pulls out a photograph of her son, seized Qaraqosh—the last Christian city in Iraq. Like most of the others who left Qaraqosh they sought refuge in been working closely with the Catholic Churches’ relief efforts in Salman. Qaraqosh was home to 50,000 people, and for Erbil (above left), the capital of the Kurdish region. At one point the the country—the various Eastern Catholic Churches have come The 43-year-old had been shot through the head centuries had been one of the country’s predominantly Christian cities. Islamist forces were just 25 miles from the very gates of Erbil, but together with the Roman Catholics to organise emergency aid—and three times in Mosul. F His mother and her other son—standing alongside On August 6, the Kurdish Peshmerga fighters, who were defending airstrikes have managed to drive them back and keep the Kurdish so far the charity has given £160,000 for the Iraqis forced from their the area to the north of Mosul, withdrew. The first bomb fired after the region safe for the 70,000 displaced Christians seeking shelter there, at homes by the Islamic State. her—had taken refuge in a nearby village close to the ACN IN IRAQ ‘T ancient monastery of Mar Matti (St Matthew). military retreat fell on the house where David and his cousin Mirat least for the time being. The Churches’ emergency relief efforts are headed by Chaldean were playing in the garden, killing them both and gravely wounding a The first waves of internal refugees sought shelter in church halls, Catholic Bishop Emil Nona of Mosul, who was himself forced to flee But when the village was overrun by Islamic State third child. schools, sports centres, half-finished buildings, but these were filled when ISIS took Mosul back in June. Bishop Nona (above right) is one forces, they fled a second time to Kurdish northern The alarm rapidly spread throughout the city: “ISIS is at the gates, to capacity and later arrivals were forced to sleep rough in parks and of five bishops who have who have lost their homes. He visits the Iraq where ACN is providing emergency help. the Peshmerga are no longer defending us. Take your families and the city’s other open spaces. displaced families, accompanied by a priest, bringing packets of As they grieve a much-loved son and brother, they flee.” David’s parents, like everyone else, left taking what they could. Displaced Christians are being cared for at 22 reception points foodstuffs and noting their needs. He counsels and encourages them, reflect on reports that for the first time in 1,600 years, The only ones who remained were the sick and elderly who were scattered around the city. One of the main reception points is the St sharing in their pain. there is no Sunday Mass in Mosul. And all because the unwilling to leave or whom their relatives could not carry. The people Joseph Chaldean Catholic Cathedral in Erbil’s Christian quarter. It is This is a time when the suffering Church comes face-to-face with the last remaining Christians were forced out. of Qaraqosh were joined by those from other smaller towns in the estimated that around 670 families have sought refuge here. Many of heroic Church which truly lives the Gospel. It is a Church which needs One father, Raeed, told how he, his wife and three surrounding area, such as Bartella and Karemlesh. them are living under makeshift tarpaulin tents, or sheltering in shade of the support, the prayers and the solidarity of its Christian brothers and young children were told they could not leave the city Between June and August, up to 100,000 Christians in the Niniveh the buildings on mattresses or sleeping mats—seeking any refuge they sisters throughout the world. The precariousness of the situation unless they handed over everything—mobile phones, region were forced to leave their homes as extremists advanced north can to protect themselves against the crushing, implacable heat, which cannot be overstressed. Erbil is currently sheltering the largest watches, camera, cash. towards the Kurdish region of Iraq. can reach temperatures of 44 degrees Celsius. concentration of the country’s Christians. If the city falls it could The gunmen even demanded Raeed hand over the Speaking to David’s parents is an emotional experience. David’s There are hundreds of faces, but only one story, one witness, one signal the end of Christianity in Iraq. Please pray for our suffering battery of his six-year-old son’s hearing aid. mother—a young woman clothed in mourning—buries her head in her fate that unites them all: they are refugees, condemned to death for sisters and brothers in Iraq. hands, weeping as she remembers her dead son. being Christians. I To make find out more about ACN’s projects in the region The family tell us that they have no papers, no passports, and no way At the reception points food is distributed to the displaced, the aim I www.acnuk.org or make a donation please visit: www.acnuk.org WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 14 FR ROLHEISER SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014 The sacred permission to be human
to feel the way we feel sometimes and they give us sacred tools to help us deal with the shortcomings and frustrations of our lives. They are, in fact, both very important and very consoling texts because—to put it metaphorically—they give us a large enough keyboard to play all the songs that we need to play in our lives. They give us the laments and the prayers (right) we need to utter sometimes in the face of our human condition, with its many frustrations, and in the face of death, tragedy, and depression. BY FR RONALD To give a simple example, a friend of mine shares this story: Recently he ROLHEISER was in church with his family, which included his 7-year-old son, Michael, OMETIMES certain texts in and his own mother—Michael’s the bible make you wonder: grandmother. At one point, Michael, Is this really theWord of God? seated beside his grandmother, Why is this text in scripture? whispered aloud: “I’m so bored!” His What’s the lesson here? grandmother pinched him and chided For example, we have verses in the him: “You are not bored!” as if the Psalms, in passages that we pray sacred ambience of church and an liturgically,S where we ask God to bash authoritative command could change the heads of the children of our human nature. They can’t. When we’re enemies against a rock. How does that bored, we’re bored! And sometimes invite us to love our enemies? We see we need to be given divine permission passages in the Book of Job where Job to feel what we’re spontaneously feeling. is in despair and curses not only the angry, bitter, and vengeful. We need to submit, we have failed to sufficiently The poet, Rainer Marie Rilke, once day he was born, but the very fact that ome years ago, for all the noblest be given sacred permission to feel that give to our own children. Too many wrote these words to a friend who, in anyone was born. It’s impossible to of intentions, a religious way—though not to act that way—and young people today have never been the face of the death of a loved one, find even a trace of anything positive community I know wanted to to pray in honesty out of that space. given the symbolic tools to handle wondered how or where he could ever in his lament. Similarly, in a rather Ssanitise the Psalms that they pray My parents, and for the most part frustration, nor sacred permission to find consolation: “What do I do with famous text, we hear Qoheleth affirm regularly in the Divine Office to rid their whole generation, would, daily, feel what they are feeling. Sometimes, all this grief?” Rilke’s reply: “Do not that everything in our lives and in the them of all elements of anger, violence, in their prayers, utter these words: “To all good intentions aside, we have be afraid to suffer, give that heaviness life of this world is simple vanity, vengeance, and war. They had some of you do we send up our sighs, mourning handed our children more of Walt back to the weight of the earth; wind, vapour, of no substance and of their own scripture scholars do the and weeping in this valley of tears.” Disney than Gospel. mountains are heavy, seas are heavy.” no consequence. What’s the lesson work so that it would be scholarly and Our own generation tends to view this In the Book of Lamentations we find They are, so too is life sometimes and here? Then, in the Gospels, we serious. They succeeded in that the as morbid, as somehow denigrating a passage that while sounding negative we need to be given God’s permission have passages where the Apostles, product was scholarly and serious, but both the beauty and joy of life and the on the surface, is paradoxically, in the to feel that heaviness. discouraged by opposition to their stripped of all motifs of violence, perspective that faith is meant to give face of death and tragedy, perhaps the message, ask Jesus to call down fire vengeance, anger, and war what resulted us. But there’s a hidden richness in most consoling text of all. The text I Fr Ronald Rolheiser is a Catholic and destroy the very people to whom was something that looked more like that prayer. In praying in that way, simply states that, sometimes in life, priest and member of the Missionary they are supposed to minister. Hardly a Hallmark Card than a series of prayers they gave themselves sacred permission all we can do is put our mouths to the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. He is an exemplar for ministry. that express real life and real feelings. to accept the limits of their lives. That dust and wait! That’s sound advice, president of the Oblate School of Why are these texts in the bible? Wedon’t always feel upbeat, generous, prayer carries the symbolic tools to spoken from the mouth of experience Theology in San Antonio, Texas. Visit Because they give us sacred permission and Faith-filled. Sometimes we feel handle frustration; something, I and the mouth of Faith. his website at www.ronrolheiser.com
The views expressed in the opinion What do you think of FR ROLHEISER’S comments on prayer? Send your points of view pages of the SCO are those of to the SCO. Write to Letters, SCO, 19 Waterloo St, Glasgow G2 6BT or e-mail [email protected] informed individuals and groups and not necessarily those of the newspaper or the Church
Music Review—Kate Bush: Before the Dawn
KATE BUSH: BEFORE others breezed into the historic hell. The multimedia event convey the strange magic of found the songwriter alone at THE DAWN location clutching the golden featured the singer (left) on a Bush’s world. During Jig of the piano was an understated Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith, tickets that sold out in 15 minutes. big screen performing the Life the sound of the bodhran, highlight. The intense command London As the audience took to their beautiful ballad And Dream of whistles, uillean pipes of Cloudbusting was the last of October 1, 2014 seats for the punctual starting Sheep in the depths of the accompanied a scene that goes many emotional moments with time of 7.45pm it began like a ocean. The cinematic slice was from darkness, with strange its story about a father’s LEAVING Hammersmith typical rock gig opening with further brought to life when a fish people wrestling for the relationship with his son during tube station you could feel the epic sweep of Lily. Barefoot, ‘helicopter’ soared over the singer’s soul, to light. The boyhood. It captured perfectly just how much this, the windswept and interesting she audience in search of the Morning Fog provided some how Bush knits love of family, final night of Kate Bush’s moved around the stage with as distressed woman. Blending light respite with Bush among sentiment and atmosphere into phenomenal 22 night run at much feminine grace and poise elements of opera and theatre her loved ones perhaps in this her work. the Eventim Apollo, meant as ever, the beauty and top end Waking the Witch with a life or maybe the next. Almost The night ended with flowers to people. power in her vocal range frenzied and accusing cleric 30 years since its release the raining on the stage, the 56- It was a spine-tingling remained in-tact as she delivered circling the drowning woman section is a triumph. year-old clearly moved by the moment just to see her name in definitive singles Hounds of summoned the protagonist’s After the interval the third expressive outpouring. She paid large capital letters across Love and Running Up That groundbreaking 1985 album in-between spiritual and part of the show A Sky of tribute to her own son Bertie the venue’s entrance, which Hill both retaining a freshness Hounds of Love was one of the psychological state. During Honey from 2005’s Aerial pays who not only acted and doesn’t look like it’s changed and vitality. Her 2005 single most creative and thought Watching You Watching Me the homage to the wonder of a new performed in the show but was much since she last played here King of the Mountain also had provoking parts of a live show stage turned into a surreal day. The peak is Sunset where also very much the inspiration in 1979. more potency as Bush circled I’ve experienced. The Ninth domestic scene of the woman’s around 20 musicians fill the and drive. In our imaginations The scenes outside summoned around her backing band during Wave, the first of two narrative family having a TV dinner, stage during a communal at least Kate has now returned D A Pennebaker’s documentary a thrilling end coda. pieces, featured seven songs suddenly Bush appeared from calypso. As the moon falls to her castle in the enchanted of David Bowie in the guise of There’s not many rock telling the story of a woman behind the door watching her Bush half transforms into a forest after taking nearly his most famous creation Ziggy concerts you leave thinking lost at sea, in-between worlds family as a ghost. blackbird rising to the air in 80,000 of us on a very Stardust playing at the same about the afterlife and out-of- and drifting in and out of Perhaps more than any other another dreamlike and Celtic kind of mythical and spot in 1973. People in the queue body experiences but the consciousness while experiencing album Hounds of Love drew on characteristic moment to take affecting journey. for returns looked anguished as performance of side two of her something of both heaven and her maternal home of Ireland to flight. Among Angels, which RICHARD PURDEN WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER REFLECTION 15 EWTN PROGRAMMES
SUNDAY OCTOBER 12 CATHOLIC LIVES 11AM 7.30PM ANGELUS WITH POPE FRANCIS FORGOTTEN HERITAGE: 1PM EUROPE AND THE EUCHARIST LIVE EWTN MASS 9PM 4PM LIVES OF THE SAINTS OUR LADY OF FATIMA 10.30PM 6PM COMING TO CHRIST THE WORLD OVER THURSDAY OCTOBER 16 9.30PM 1PM LIVE OUR LADY OF FATIMA: DAILY MASS INTERNATIONAL ROSARY AND 5.30PM CANDLELIGHT PROCESSION EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY WITH MONDAY OCTOBER 13 COLLEEN CARROLL CAMPBELL 10AM 8PM LIVE HOLY MASS IN HONOUR EWTN LIVE OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA 9PM 1PM ARMENIA: A CORNER IN DAILY MASS HEAVEN 7.30PM FRIDAY OCTOBER 17 EWTN AND GREAT BRITAIN 1PM 9PM LIVE EWTN MASS CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS: 8PM FAITHFUL CHRIST BEARER THE WORLD OVER LIVE TUESDAY OCTOBER 14 9PM 1PM ARMENIA: A FAITH TO MOVE DAILY MASS MOUNTAINS 5.30PM SATURDAY OCTOBER 18 EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY WITH 1PM COLLEEN CARROLL CAMPBELL LIVE EWTN DAILY MASS 9PM 5.30PM THE HOUND OF HEAVEN EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY WITH WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 15 COLLEEN CARROLL CAMPBELL 1PM 7PM DAILY MASS THE HEART OF JESUS IN Jesus sustains us so we 5.30PM HISTORY EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY WITH 9.30PM COLLEEN CARROLL CAMPBELL CONVERSATION WITH CARDINAL can work in God’s field 7PM DOLAN In the latest article on our series, the BENEDICTINES AT PLUSCARDEN LAY READERS’ GUIDE ponder the risk of ‘spiritual obesity’ if we keep Christ to ourselves SUNDAY OCTOBER 12 FEW weeks ago I was in a food and it becomes a part of us. We eat the Isaiah 25:6-10a. Response: In the Lordʼs kitchen talking to a woman A SPIRITUAL Eucharist and we become a part of Christ house shall I dwell forever and ever. from Ghana who was making and life with his life which is eternal life and Philippians 4:12-14,19-20. Matthew 22:1-4. kenkey. Kenkey is a kind of REFLECTION he will raise us up on the last day. dumpling made from fermented maize and is a staple of the part of Ghana t is good for us to adore Christ in the MONDAY this woman comes from. Though she was a Eucharist outside of Mass in the taberna- Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, 31-5:1. Acity dweller for some time, her roots were in cle or the monstrance. Nonetheless I Response: May the name of the Lord be her village. Iremember Jean Vanier, the founder of blessed for evermore! Luke 11:29-32. When she wanted to praise kenkey, she L’Arche, giving a talk in which he said that did not praise its taste but the fact that some- Jesus does not want to stay in the tabernacle; one who had eaten one or even two of the he wants to get out of the tabernacle. Jesus is TUESDAY big dumplings could work really hard at in the tabernacle under the appearance of Galatians 5:1-6. Response: Lord, let your farming. Traditional subsistence farming in food and food is inert until it is eaten. Then love come upon me. Luke 11:37-41. Ghana is hard manual labour. Kenkey is a of food, and a basic kind of food at that. the energy can be released. Jesus is truly food fuel that sustains a day’s tough physical Where kenkey is maize and water prepared present in the Eucharist so that he can be work, growing the food that enables a fam- and cooked in one way, the Eucharist begins truly present in us. WEDNESDAY ily to survive. with wheat flour and water cooked in a dif- When Jesus became a man, He had a body Feast of St Teresa of Jesus. Galatians I do not think this attitude to food is com- ferent way. Kenkey fuels the work of a sub- with arms and legs and feet and hands and a 5:18-25. Response: Anyone who follows mon in modern Scotland. Yet I have read that sistence farmer. What is the work the voice. With them He did the work of the you, O Lord, will have the light of life. Luke 19th century fishermen in north-eastern Eucharist fuels? Father. Now that He has ascended bodily to Scotland would be given a special large We tend to think of the Eucharist in terms the Father, he is present on Earth in His body 11:42-46. nourishing meal before setting out on a fish- of what and who it is and what it does for us. the Church, that is in us. In the Eucharist he ing trip. So that all the benefit of that meal We focus on the fact of the real presence of unites Himself physically to our bodies so THURSDAY would be used for fishing they would be car- Our Lord in the completeness of his human- that we may be His body using our arms and Ephesians 1:1-10. Response: The Lord ried to the boat by their wives. ity and his divinity. There is the amazing fact legs and voices to do His work. has shown His salvation. Luke 11:47-54. Today the pattern of work in Scotland that at Communion we receive the second When Our Lord was on Earth His first means that many fewer of us do the kind of person of the Blessed Trinity under the hearers were subsistence farmers and fisher- hard labouring that would have us trying to appearance of bread and wine. men. He was one of themselves, and perhaps FRIDAY take in as many calories as possible. So As food keeps us alive and builds us up, so he shares their attitude to food. It gives us Feast of St Ignatius of Antioch. Ephesians many of us have sedentary jobs. We would does the Eucharist keep alive the new life we energy to do work that will bring a catch or 1:11-14. Response: Happy the people the like to be able to eat fewer calories while still received at Baptism, strengthens it and build a harvest. If we eat and do no physical work, Lord has chosen as His own. Luke 12:1-7. eating as much as we wanted. We do not it up. Because it is Christ we receive, he we become obese. think about or experience food the way our unites us with himself and also with all those It may be that if we receive the Eucharist great-grandparents did. others who are united to him in the body of thinking only of the benefit we receive for SATURDAY the Church. The Eucharist makes the ourselves, we can suffer a kind of spiritual Feast of St Luke. 2 Timothy 4:10-17b. was before the Blessed Sacrament Church. obesity. Christ gives Himself to us for our Response: Your friends, O Lord, make recently when my Ghanaian friend’s The Church encourages us to receive the benefit, but also so that we have the strength known the glorious splendour of your praise of kenkey popped into my head. Eucharist every time we go to Mass; it brings to work in the field of the Lord and bring in reign. Luke 10:1-9. IOur Lord gave us the Eucharist in the form so many benefits to us. We digest ordinary His harvest. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 16 THAT’S LIFE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014 Here comes the bride... and dad too! THAT’S LIFE looks at the tradition of a father walking his daughter up the aisle and how different cultures view this
quite like to watch the recent plethora of spiders same walk up the aisle of the church in which she scuttling about. was Christened. This year is a particularly special autumn as it marks 30 years of married life for us. In 1984 it n the past weddings were always considered was all doom and gloom on the political front. The the bride’s day, which, when you think about By Mary miners’ strike continued to dominate the news and it, is a tad patronising. We are all so much more McGinty the Brighton bombing shocked the nation. Iinclusive these days and now the groom gets to Meanwhile, I was putting the final touches to share centre stage. my wedding preparations and my inner glow was When the bride enters the church all eyes are HE ordeal of summer has ended. No as golden as the season itself. All our wedding upon her, but it is undeniably her father’s moment. longer am I the party-pooper seeking photos show us surrounded by a carpet of fallen Only he can say what is in his heart but in that relief in the shade. No longer do I have autumn leaves. Wedding memories are so deeply emotionally charged moment her thoughts are to pretend to be having fun as everyone etched that they last a lifetime. Not to take most likely of her future while his are of the past around me revels in the heat. My days Himself’s place in the day away from him but one and all the little moments he will treasure forever. as the human equivalent of a garden sprinkler of my fondest recollections is of walking up the But the giving away is merely symbolic and if system are over for another year. Autumn is here aisle with my dad. there is a subtle shift in their relationship its Tand I have come alive again. I can enjoy the Now a cathedral—that church of my childhood essence and their bond of love is as it always was. sunshine without melting and withering. and of my dad’s, too—is part of the story of my Some brides opt to walk down the aisle on their Autumn with its rich golden hues and sun, life. Please God, we’ll all be spared next year to own in a statement of their independence and a without the heat, is my favourite season. I even watch our eldest daughter and her dad take that rejection of the notion that a woman is a possession to be given and accepted. To my mind that is a and theologian cited fairytale Hollywood films as great loss to both dad and daughter. the source of any request in Sweden for a father In 2010 there was a right old stushie in Sweden and daughter procession, arguing that a woman has when Crown Princess Victoria made it known that the legal right to make her own decisions and ‘stands CROSSWORD Gordius No 163 her father, King Carl XVI Gustav (above right), beside her future husband of her own free will.’ would be accompanying her to the altar. Most Commentators urged the heir apparent to think Swedish couples stick to their tradition of the bride again lest she set the country and women’s rights 1 2 345 678 and groom entering the church together to signify back centuries. In the end, just days before the that they are marrying of their own free will. Some wedding, a compromise was reached and the 9 churches have issued a blanket ban on brides being crown princess was escorted half-way up the aisle 10 11 walked up the aisle by their fathers. by the king to be met by her husband-to-be. The head of the Church of Sweden, Archbishop In the end it is a matter of tradition, not of Anders Wejryd, went as far as to issue a statement doctrine. What the issues affecting the Church are I expressing his disapproval, pronouncing that it couldn’t say but they won’t be much different to those 12 13 14 15 First entry out the hat next was an unwelcome new phenomenon in the coun- concerning other churches. Today’s brides marrying 16 17 TUESDAY will be the winner try and contravened his Church’s very clear stance in the Christian tradition are the goods and chattels on the equality of spouses. of no man. If a girl wants to walk up the aisle with 18 1920 Adding her tuppence-worth, a well-known priest her old dad, that is no one else’s business. Send your completed 21 22 crossword entries—along with 2324your full name address and daytime phone number—to SUDOKU 25 CROSSWORD CONTEST SCO 19 26 27 2829 30 WATERLOO ST GLASGOW G2 31326BT SIMPLE 3334The winner’s name will be 1 5 3 9 4 printed next week 6 7 8 7 6 1 8 2 4 3 9 5 31569 7 248 35 36 The editor’s decision is final 3 4 9 6 8 8 4 32 591 6 7 9 3 5 726 4 8 1 ACROSS LAST WEEK’S 4 7 2 9 8 1 5 3 6 1 Also known as Jugendstil, a decorative style dating 1 5 2 8 from the transition from 19th to 20th century (3,7) SOLUTION 1 83654 9 7 2 6 Part of the chequebook found in a southern bath (4) 6 1 8 42 3 7 5 9 10 Fewest or smallest (5) ACROSS 2 1 11 Confused, I landed on a weed (9) 1 Nobel Prize 6 Drug 5 74 1 986 2 3 12 Cocktail attached to a motorcycle? (7) 10 Agami 11 Mass media 2 9 3 5 7 6 8 1 4 15 Sycamores, perhaps (5) 12 Knights 15 Trout 4 2 9 7 17 Thus, the Latin makes man-eater return (4) 17 Ulna 18 Imam FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A WAY 18 Stiffly formal (4) 19 Ninja 21 Spatula 19 Deduce (5) 23 Bleat 24 Owed 7 9 4 5 1 AS EVERY ROW AND COLUMN 21 C pad, D pad or F pad possibly—scribble on this! (7) 25 Avon 26 Homer AND EVERY 3 BY 3 BOX CONTAINS 23 Sudden thrust (5) 28 Abandon 24 Bet made before cards are dealt (4) 3 2 9 THE NUMBERS 1 TO 9. NO GUESS 33 Voicemail 34 Grant WORK IS REQUIRED AND THERE 25 Note, beer can create wind! (4) 35 Duty 36 Tinseltown 26 What the auctioneer uses to place five in a changing IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVE 25 across (5) 254 3 6 28 Demonstration, show (7) DOWN IS THE OCT 3 SIMPLE SOLUTION 33 Major Egyptian waterway (4,5) 1 Neat 2 Brainwave 34 Jordanian rose-red city (5) 3 Lying 4 Remit 5 Zest 35 Fine particles of dirt (4) 7 Rodeo 8 Giant panda MODERATE 36 See 30 down 9 Smetana 13 Heap 7 2 9 8 4 6 14 Sultana DOWN 16 Misbehaved 8 372 9 6 14 5 1 In competent manner (4) 20 New potato 5 7 5 1 4 8 32 769 2 Make the idiot rant about what gives a sense of 21 Started 22 Lima history and continuation (9) 27 Moist 29 Bills 30 Nigel 7 9 6 5 4 1 28 3 3 Such a change to the route is over-the-top (5) 6 5 6 2 591 4 387 4 Spirit associated with Russia, Poland etc (5) 31 Nazi 32 Stun 5 Skin complaint characterised by pimples (4) 1 4 7 8 3 5 2 9 6 7 A journey east to get offal (5) 3 8 7 6 9 8 3 726 1 5 4 8 Is every house on this London thoroughfare Last week’s winner was: numbered 007? (4,6) J MacKinnon, Eriskay 2 6 9 4 187 5 3 9 Large, triangular shoulder-muscle (7) 4 85 392 7 16 13 Hello, or good-bye, in Italian (4) 3 7 186 5 9 4 2 14 Although greatly honoured, one is always in the red (7) 16 Having said sorry, one may go aid Poles (10) 23 8 7 20 Incredibly great (9) Scottish Catholic Observer: FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A WAY 21 Lack of adequate attention (7) Scotland’s only national AS EVERY ROW AND COLUMN 22 The objectives of a top-class manuscript (4) 8 4 AND EVERY 3 BY 3 BOX CONTAINS 27 Swerves (5) Catholic weekly newspaper 29 I murder a Hebridean island (5) printed by Trinity Mirror, Oldham. THE NUMBERS 1 TO 9. NO GUESS 30&36a A letter from the pontiff about a cynical place, pal (5,10) Registered at the Post Office 4 1 WORK IS REQUIRED AND THERE 31 Presently, one will see a French refusal (4) 32 Mural structure (4) as a newspaper. IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVE IS 2 6 795 8 THE OCT 3 MODERATE SOLUTION WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CHURCH NOTICES 17 CHURCH&PUBLICNOTICES EXPERTSERVICES
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(Teas and coffees provided. Please bring a packed lunch.) Free estimates & advice 24 Hour For further information contact Teresa: Call Out 07800717949 or [email protected] TEL: 01355 261601 ALL WELCOME ADVERTISING TERMS AND CONDITIONS Advertisements submitted must contain complete and accurate information and comply with NATIONAL SHRINE OF requirements of all relevant legislation, the British Code of Advertising Practice, and the Advertising OUR LADY OF LOURDES CARFIN Standards Authority. Website Directory The publisher has the right, at its discretion, to www.jandmsewing.com www.pansionstephen.com refuse, omit, suspend, or change the position of Top quality, reasonably priced Pansion Stephen offers holiday advertisements, or require artwork or copy to be Church Robes (Bishops, Clergy, accommodation, B&B, HB and FB facilities in Medjugorje for groups amended to comply with any moral or legal Deacons, Diocesan Vestments, of up to 30 people. obligations. The publisher will not be liable for any Choirs, Servers) all made to order Sunday 12th October loss of revenue to the advertiser incurred as a in the UK. consequence of non-publication or incorrect www.sconews.co.uk reproduction of an advertisement. Advertisements With a readership of 50,000, the YOUR ROSARY SUNDAY may be cancelled within 14 days of an order being Scottish Catholic Observer is received and not less than a minimum of 24 hours Scotlandʼs only weekly Catholic WEBSITE Rosary Procession and Benediction of before deadline for entry. newspaper and is available in Any cancellations outside this period will not affect 98% of parishes. HERE!! the Blessed Sacrament 7pm the buyer’s liability for payment for the www.customartkids.co.uk advertisement. Payment for advertisements must be Made to measure, designed for received within 30 days. Any order, verbal or written, life, personalised for you. Wall art, which is placed for the insertion of an advertisement Personalised Christmas Childrens EMAIL Should the weather be inclement, the amounts to an acceptance of these conditions. gifts. Any Occassions gifts advertising@ www.forevermaria.myflpbiz.com Procession will take place in the Aloe vera products for home, health and Opinions of advertisers are not necessarily wellbeing. Specialist sports products. sconews.co.uk Parish Church. Weight Management Program. those held by The Scottish Catholic Observer 18 FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014 FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS
DEATH BEECHEY CURRIE DUFFY LOUGHRAN MacINNES In loving memory of my dear 18th Anniversary 6th Anniversary Jim, dad and grandpa. In loving memory of Alasdair, son, Henry, who died In loving memory of my dear In loving memory of my Gone but not forgotten. a dear husband, dad, father- McELROY October 12, 1966. R.I.P. mother, Sarah (Cissie), who beloved husband, John, Rest in peace. in-law and granddad, died Died peacefully at home, Queen of the Most Holy died October 15, 1996. treasured dad and granda, St Joseph, pray for him. October 13, 2005. Jack (Joe, John) on October Rosary, pray for him. In my heart you are always who died on October 11, Love Helen and your six In life we loved you dearly 2, 2014. Much loved hus- Inserted by his father and there, 2008. bears. In death we love you still, band, father, grandfather brothers, Clydebank. When a husband breathes In our hearts you hold a Loved and remembered in and great-grandfather. his last farewell, McCANN, James place every prayer. Devoted Christian who BOGAN The blow is more than In loving memory of a dear No one else can fill. Eternal rest grant unto her, dedicated his life to 17th Anniversary tongue can tell, husband, father, grandfather Loved and missed by Annie, O Lord, vocations and the Church. Please pray for the repose of Home does seem another and brother, James McCann, Donald, Iain, Kimberley, the soul of Hugh Bogan, who And let perpetual light shine place, who died October 9, 2010. Euan, Cameron, Niamh, died on October 10, 1997. upon her. Without the comfort of his St. Vincent de Paul, pray for Agnes, David, Alasdair and BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE God, our Father, You have May she rest in peace. smiling face. him. Katie. revealed Your goodness in Inserted by her loving So dearly loved. Inserted by his loving wife, Your servant Hugh. daughter Sheila. Mary. Maureen (Callaghan), MacKINNON DIVERS, James (Jim) Keep him close to You and Dad, Deirdre, Eugene, Christiana 27th Anniversary There are some who bring a Whose 97th birthday occurs reward him for his faithful- DAWSON and Sophie. In loving memory of our dear on October 15. light so great into this world ness. In loving memory of Mona, mother and grandmother, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray Breathe in him the eternal that even after you have MacDONALD Elizabeth, who died October much loved mother of for him. life of the resurrection. gone the light will shine for- In loving memory of my dear 11, 1987, and our dear Inserted by Edith, family and We ask this through Your Monica and grandmother of ever on. husband, and father, Angus father and grandfather, grandchildren. Son, Jesus, who lives with Monica Mary and the late You are with us every day in James, who died on October Donald, who died December You and the Holy Spirit, one Kevin and Michael, who died everything we do and say. 9, 1991; also remembering 14, 1962. Love always Mhairi and his dear mother, Kate, who MacINNES God, for ever and ever. October 12, 1983. Eternal rest grant unto them, Allan. died on October 9, 1978; his Precious memories of my Amen. Eternal rest grant unto her. O Lord, St Joseph, pray for him. Granda, dear sister, Annie, who died beloved wife, mother and And let perpetual light shine From his loving family. Every day you are missed so on October 13, 1999, grandmother, Mary, whose upon them, DEENY much and always will be too, remembered also loved May they rest in peace. birthday occurs on October ones gone before and after. CAMPBELL Margaret Clare For granda no one could for- Inserted by the family. 13. Our Lady of Knock and 9th Anniversary Sweet Heart of Jesus I place get someone as good as R.I.P. Lourdes, pray for her. you. To us you were someone In loving memory of a much all my trust in Thee. MacLEAN Loving husband John and loved husband, father and Hugs and kisses. special, Someone good and true, 24th Anniversary children Stuart and Karen. nen, Duncan, who died Dillan and Luke. DI MASCIO You will never be forgotten, In loving memory of my dear October 16, 2005. In loving memory of our dear For we thought the world of husband, and father, James, MacINNES To hide my sorrows I always HUGHES father, Alfred, who died you. who died October 14, 1990. Remembering with much try, Remembering with love October 6, 1990. Also Inserted by his loving wife R.I.P. love and affection, Mary, our To laugh with others, alone I today and every day, Agnes remembering our mother, Mary and family, Garryna- Fois shiorruidh thoir dha wonderful sister whose cry, (née MacAskill), our lovely Rose, who died June 5, monie. Thighearna, birthday occurs on October With aching heart I whisper mum, granny, great-granny 2002 and our sister, Rosa, and friend. Born in South Agus solus nach diabair 13. low, who died December 26, Uist and who died October McDONALD dearrsadh air. O Lord Jesus grant her eter- God bless you Duncan, 19th Anniversary 2009. 14, 2011, aged 93 years. Our Lady of the Isles, pray nal joy. I miss you so. Please pray for the repose of In our hearts you are always Also Andrew, our dear father for him. Lol and Dolina. From his ever loving wife, the soul of Eddie, a beloved Mary Kate. there, and grandfather, who died husband, father and grand- Inserted by his wife Peggy Nine years have passed Loved and remembered in April 8, 1981, and our lovely father, who died October 14, and family. Borve, Barra and since that sad day, every prayer. sister, Marion McPhilemy, 1995. Inverness. You closed your eyes and Inserted by Ralph, Francis who died November 18, Our Lady of Fatima, pray for 2003. slipped away, and Teresa. him. Eternal rest grant unto them, MacLEAN A silent thought brings many Betty and family. In loving memory of my a tear, O Lord, DIVERS And let perpetual light shine father, James MacLean, who Of a Dad we lost and loved 14th Anniversary of our died October 14, 1990. so dear. upon them, mum, Alice. A frequent mass, a daily From his children, Mary, May they rest in peace. May the love you shared prayer, Neil, John, Raebelle, Pene, Amen. Iagan, Andrew and Calum with us, Mum, live forever in Our Lady, Star of the Sea, The purest token we can and sons and daughters-in- our hearts. We will always pray for them. share, McKERNAN law. love you. The greatest thing St Therese of the Child Whatever else we fail to do, Happy Birthday Simon, 28 ‘Till roses lose their petals, that you have left behind is Jesus, pray for them. We never fail to pray for you. From all the family in on October 17. ‘Till heather has lost its dew, the gift of your memories. Inserted by Donald Joseph Glasgow and South Uist. “Haste away my beloved, ‘Till the end of time dear Inserted by Brenda, Bill, and Mary Anne. Be like a gazelle on the Nen, we will always remem- Stephen, Tommy, George Gentle Jesus up above, ber you. and Paul. LEE Give our Gen all our love. spice laden mountains” In loving memory of our pre- McENEANY, Bridget From the grandchildren & Michael Jamie and Donald cious mum, Mary Lee, Fourth Anniversary Love from mum, dad, great-grandchildren. Treasured memories of our DOOGAN whose fourth anniversary Allan. Francis, Gabriel and dear mother, Bridget McE- 7th Anniversary falls on October 13. Madeleine. CASEY neany, who passed away on In loving memory of our dear “A light shone in the dark- McMAHON Precious memories of October 10, 2010. R.I.P. mum and loving grand- ness and the darkness 14th Anniversary Elizabeth, loving mum and Lonely is the home without mother, Mary, who died on In loving memory of Bren- MEMORIAM gran, who died October 12, couldn’t put it out.” you, 2007. October 14, 2007. You are together forever with Life to us is not the same, dan, a dear husband, dad Never more than a thought Sadly missed by her family. dad now mum. All the world would be like and papa, who died on ARCHIBALD away, Our Lady of Lourdes and St Heaven, October 13, 2000. In loving memory of my dear Loved and remembered KING Pio, pray for her. Just to have you back again. We hold you close within our Marie, Clare and all the fam- mother, Sarah Connelly, who every day. Please pray for the soul of If we could have a lifetime hearts, Your loving family. ily. wish, died October 9, 1987, and our beloved father, Francis And there you shall remain, Groves King, who died We would never ask To walk with us throughout my dear father, John, who COVENTRY October 10, 2011. LINDSAY another, our lives, died September 27, 1978. In memory of a very dear 17th Anniversary Just for God to turn back the husband and father, James All I ever ask is that wher- Until we meet again. Eternal rest grant unto them, In loving memory of our dear hands of time, Scott, who died October 11, ever you may be you will mother, grandmother and Sacred Heart of Jesus, grant O Lord, and let perpetual 2013. And give us back our always remember me at the great-grandmother, Joanna, mother. him eternal rest. light shine upon them. In our hearts you will always altar of God. Loved and remembered stay, died on October 14, 1997. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray May they rest in peace. Loved and remembered Always with us. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for her. always. Inserted by their loving every day. From your beloved wife and for her. Inserted by Mary, Ann, His loving wife Bridget and daughter Claire and family. From his wife and son. all the children. From all the family. Joseph and all her family. family. FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS 19 FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS
MacNEIL NICHOLSON WARD THANKSGIVING NOVENA TO THE SACRED PRAYER TO THE In loving memory of Dolly, In loving memory of our dear 34th Anniversary HEART OF JESUS. BLESSED VIRGIN who died October 11, 2007. mother and grandmother, In loving memory of our dear O Jesus who said ‘ask and O Most Beautiful Flower of Our Lady of Lourdes, pray Elizabeth, died October 13, father, John Ward, who died GRATEFUL thanks to Dear you shall receive, seek and Mount Carmel, fruitful in the for her. 1997; and our dear father October 13, 1980; also Heart of Jesus, St Martha, you shall find, knock and it splendour of Heaven, The cousins. and grandfather, Michael, remembering our dear St Clare and St Jude for shall be opened to you,’ Blessed Mother of the Son died December 12, 1986. mother, Margaret Kane, who favours received. – M. through the intercession of of God, Immaculate Virgin, MacNEIL R.I.P. died May 1, 1998. R.I.P. Mary your most Holy Mother, assist me in this my neces- 26th Anniversary In our heart you are always Our Lady of Fatima, pray for GRATEFUL thanks to Our I knock. I ask that my prayer sity. O Star of the Sea, help In loving memory of my dear there, them. Blessed Lady and St will be granted (make me and show me herein You husband and our father, Loved and remembered in Inserted by the family. Anthony for favours granted. request). O Jesus who has are my Mother. O Holy Joseph, who died in Miami, every prayer. Publication promised. – said whatsoever you ask the Mary, Mother of God, Queen on October 14, 1988. St Anthony, pray for them. WATSON N.M.N. Father in my name, it shall of Heaven and Earth, I Fios gun robh aig anam Inserted by the family. Treasured and loving memo- be granted to you through humbly beseech You from agus aig anamannan nam ries of our darling dad, papa NOVENA TO ST CLARE the intercession of Mary, the bottom of my heart to marbh- and great-papa, James, who Say nine Hail Mary’s for nine your most Holy Mother. I succour me in my necessity. Chreideach troimh iochd died October 14, 2007. days with a lighted candle; ask the Father in your name There are none that can Dhe, Amen Midnight stars are shining, publication promised. – E.A. that my prayer be granted withstand Your power. O Oigh Mhiore nan Tonn On a grave not far away, (make request). O Jesus show me herein You are my guidhe air a shon. Where we laid our loving GRATEFUL thanks to St who said ‘Heaven and Earth mother. O Mary, conceived father, Peggy and family. Joseph for answering our shall pass away but my without sin, pray for us who Seven years ago today, prayers. – E. words will not pass away’ have recourse to Thee It broke our hearts to lose through the intercession of (three times). Holy Mary, I you, GRATEFUL thanks to Dear Mary your most Holy Mother, place this cause in your But you did not go alone, Heart of Jesus, St Martha, I feel confident that my hands (three times). O thank For part of us went with you, the Blessed Virgin, I have prayer be granted (make you for your mercy to me The day God called you never known to fail, and St request). Publication prom- and mine. Amen. Say for QUIRK/ DENNIS home, Anthony. Still praying. – I.R. ised. Say hourly for nine three days; publication In loving memory of our So put Your arms around beautiful daughter who died hours. One day only. – P.D. promised. – M. McV. him Lord, BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, suddenly in Australia on Forever keep him safe, you who can find a way BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, October 13, 2013. He was so very special, when there is no way, please Remembering you is easy And can never be replaced. you who can find a way you who can find a way help me. Repeat six times when there is no way, please when there is no way, please Deirdre Until we met again. and publication promised. – help me. Repeat six times help me. Repeat six times We do it every day, Inserted by all all his loving MILLIGAN H.F. and publication promised. and publication promised. – Ninth Anniversary Missing you is the heartache children and grandchildren. Also grateful thanks to St H.F. Remembering with love That never goes away. THANKS to Dear Heart of Joseph of Cupertino for all today and always, Michael, Mum, Dad and family. WOODS Jesus, St Joseph of Cuper- 7th Anniversary favours received. Still pray- GRATEFUL thanks to St who died on 7th October, tino and St Pio for all ing. Publication promised.– Anthony and St Martha for REYNOLDS In loving memory of Jean, 2005. Beloved husband of prayers answered. - T.W. J. McD & D. McD. favours received. - H.L. Frances and much loved 3rd Anniversary beloved mother, sister and dad of John, Rosella, In loving memory of our grandmother, who died on Michael, Francis and Anne. beloved parents, Margaret October 8, 2007. A treasured grandpa of and Gerry, who died on 12th May she rest in peace. You can try it Stephen, Danielle, Frances, and 31st October, 2011, Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray Michael, Daniel, Paul, aged 97 and 98 years. for her. for three Lauren, Sharon, Natasha, Eternal rest grant unto them, Inserted by Raymond, Liz monthsfor Francis and Samantha and O Lord. and Michaela. great-grandsons Jack, only £9. You Charlie, Casper, Archie, Ari ACKNOWLEDGEMENT will never want and great-granddaughter Have Sophie. to be without it Words cannot express how LEE (Tommy) YOU again. much we miss and think of Marie and Clare would like you every day. to thank family, friends and discovered You can also As life goes on without you, parishioners of Our Lady Of use this offer The days turn into years, Lourdes,East Kilbride, who Magnificat We hold a million memories, attended our dad’s recent to introduce a And many silent tears, Requiem Mass and Funeral yet? friend to this Eternal rest grant unto him, Rites. We have taken great O Lord, SCAHILL comfort from the numerous excellent And let perpetual light shine 4th Anniversary Mass and sympathy cards publication. upon him. In loving memory of Danny, received in the past few Requiescat in pace. my husband, our father and weeks. Special thanks to Fr To order call St Francis of Assisi and St grandfather, died October Nolan and Fr O’Connor for 0141 241 6112 Patrick, pray for him. 13, 2010, and loved ones the outstanding spiritual care ORDER FORM gone before. provided for dad during his Yes,I want to purchase Magnificat for three months at £9. MORGAN (CORRIGAN) Memories of you are proudly confinement to the house Simply Fill in the form below and send to: SCO, 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow, G2 6BT. 10th Anniversary kept, and also to Audrey, his Alternatively call 0141 221 4956 In loving memory of Someone too special to for- Eucharistic Minister. The Catherine, our dear mum get. family are grateful to Fr and gran, who died October St Patrick and St Roch, pray O’Connor, Fr O’Kane and Fr Name: ______16, 2004. for him. Seenan for concelebrating a Address: ______St Pio, pray for her. Loving wife Mamie and all wonderful Requiem Mass ______From your loving family. the family. and appreciate the amazing Always wishing you were musical input of Jamie, Postcode: ______MULHOLLAND here. Joseph and the McArdle- Telephone: ______14th Anniversary “You’ll never walk alone.” sisters which made the In loving memory of Jim, All your grandchildren. Mass so up-lifting. Sincere You can pay by a variety of methods: much loved husband and thanks to the staff of Her- By cheque or postal order made out to The Scottish Catholic Observer. father, who died October 15, TIERNEY itage Funeral Services for You can phone us or to pay by card simply fill in your details below: 2000. 1st Anniversary of Jimmy, the professional and caring Sadly missed. loving dad and grandad, Please debit my: Visa Mastercard service provided in organis- Our Lady of Lourdes, pray who died October 11, 2013. ing the funeral. Card Number: / / / for him. Loved and sadly missed for- The Holy Sacrifice of Mass From your loving wife Alice ever. will be offered for the inten- Expiry date: / Security Code: and all the family. Jean, John and families. tions of all. Signature: ______20 FUNERAL DIRECTORY SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014 FUNERAL DIRECTORY BISHOPS ENGAGEMENTS ARCHBISHOP TARTAGLIA Archbishop of Glasgow, www.rcag.org.uk
SUN OCT 12 - THU OCT 23 Bishops’ Synod on the Family To Advertise in the in Rome. Funeral Directory Contact: EST 1912 ARCHBISHOP CUSHLEY Fourth Generation Family Funeral Directors & Monumental Sculptors Francesca Moore Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh Exquisite private facilities & unparallelled quality of www.archdiocese-edinburgh.com service from an established family funeral directors [email protected] TUE OCT 14 12.45PM Metropolitan Cathedral Chapter with over 100 years local experience Mass, St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh 7PM Undergraduate Unrivalled cost for comparable funeral service Mass, St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh. WED 11AM Deanery Perfect Choice Pre-Paid Funeral Plans 0141 241 6105 meeting for St David’s and St Cuthbert’s, St David’s, Indoor memorial showrooms & bespoke designs Dalkeith. THU 11.30AM Deanery meeting for West Lothian, airdrie coatbridge St Mary’s, West Calder. 12-18 Hallcraig Street 45 Sunnyside Road MEMORIAM CARDS ML6 6AH ML5 3DG BISHOP TOAL 01236 762000 01236 424132 Motherwell, www.rcdom.org.uk www.DonaldMcLarenLtd.co.uk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for over 100 years SAT OCT 11 11AM Diocesan Safeguarding Officers Meeting, Bath Street, Glasgow. TUE 11.30AM Consultors’ For every pre-paid Meeting. WED 7.45PM Mass in Carmelite Monastery, funeral purchased we donate to Kirkintilloch. Affiliate St.Andrew’s Hospice BISHOP KEENAN Order easily online at catholicprint.co.uk Paisley, www.rcdop.org.uk For a brochure and free samples phone 01610161 873 7457 MON OCT 13 - Fri 17 Thornycroft Retreat Our caring staff are here to listen and advise you, BISHOP ROBSON 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Dunkeld, www.rcdod.org.uk
53 Morrison Street Glasgow SAT OCT 11 - 12 Pastoral Visit to St Fillan’s, Crieff and St Margaret’s, Comrie. MON McLellan Commission, Edinburgh. 0141 429 4433 TUE Safeguarding Meeting, Diocesan Office. WED Meeting Bishop Ukwuoma from Nigeria, Diocesan Office. THU Meeting, Vicars Episcopal, Diocesan Office. FRI Meeting AM Vicars General, Bishop’s house. FRI - SAT Seminary Applicants, Conforti Institute, Coatbridge. Organist BISHOP GILBERT & Aberdeen, www.dioceseofaberdeen.com SUN OCT 12 11AM Guest Preacher University of St Andrews. MON - SAT Diocesan Pilgrimage to Fatima Cantor Salamanca and Avila Available for weddings and funeral services SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY SUBSCRIPTION OFFER Listen online at: SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER www.paulcarrollmusic.co.uk 6 ISSUES FOR ONLY £5 We want you to experience the benefits of having MAIN SWITCHBOARD Tel: 0141 221 4956 Fax: 0141 221 4546 T. 01698 325 493 The Sco'sh Catholic Observer delivered to your door every week – and • to show you how good our newspaper is. That is why we are making EDITOR you this excep&onal offer, which has gone down a storm with readers Liz Leydon—Tel: 0141 241 6109 “Stay independent... who are keento get anintroduc&onto Scotland’s [email protected] na&onal Catholic weekly newspaper. DEPUTY EDITOR family-owned... Ian Dunn—Tel: 0141 241 6107 offer a prompt and 6 ISSUES FOR ONLY £5 [email protected] personal service Return with cheque to:Scosh Catholic Observer, REPORTER 24 hours a day... 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6BT or telephone Daniel Harkins—Tel: 0141 241 6103 0141 241 6112 to order and pay by card [email protected] make it affordable.” Name: SUB-EDITOR Thomas Marin 1926 Gerard Gough—Tel: 0141 241 6115 Four generations later, his words are just Address: [email protected] as important to our family business today.
Thomas Marin Email Address: FIND AND LIKE THE INDEPENDENT FUNERAL DIRECTORS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER 62-64 St Mary's Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SX Telephone Number: Tel: 0131 556 7192 or 0131 556 6874 (24 hrs) PAGE ON FACEBOOK www.thomasmarin.co.uk This offer is only available to new subscribers & can only be used once FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CHILDREN’S LITURGY 21
Our weekly series on Children’s Liturgy has lesson plans and activity suggestions for use with young people who are on the path to Christ Each week, Catechists will find readings and Psalm responses, complemented by prayer, reflection, FAITH discussion questions, and activities. Please feel free to use them as you wish The lessons are created by Adorer-theologians using the lens of the spirituality of St Maria de Mattias, which also embraces precious blood spirituality FIRST While this is the starting point for the lessons, readers are invited to approach them however the spirit moves you The Church is concerned with the availability and understanding of scripture for children who have their rightful place in the Church. In light of this SCO aims to provide a useful tool in drawing children closer to KIDS the Catholic Faith
boys and girls in the world close to you and help from the letter of Paul to the Thessalonians 1:1-5b. us to have a strong Faith so we might be good From Paul, Silas, and Timothy. To the church in CHILDREN’S sons and daughters of God who is truly the Thessalonica, the people of God the Father and Father of all of us. Amen. of the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that God will be kind to you and will bless you with peace! We CROSSWORD 52 First Reading thank God for you and always mention you in I have taken the hand of Cyrus to subdue nations our prayers. Each time we pray, we tell God our Before his countenance. A reading from the book of Father about your faith and loving work and 1 2 3 4 the prophet Isaiah 45:1, 4-6. about your firm hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord said to Cyrus, His chosen one: “I My dear friends, God loves you and we know have taken hold of your right hand to help you He has chosen you to be His people. When we 5 6 7 conquer nations and remove kings from power. told you the Good News, it was with the power City gates will open for you. Not one will stay and assurance that come from the Holy Spirit, closed. and not simply with words. “Cyrus, you don’t even know me! But I have The Word of the Lord 8 9 called you by name and highly honored you, because of Jacob, my servant and Israel, my Alleluia 10 chosen one. Only I am the Lord! Philippians 2:15d, 16a. “There is no other God. I have made you (R) Alleluia, alleluia. 11 12 strong, though you don’t know me. Now Shine on the world like bright stars; you are offering everyone from east to west will know that I am it the word of life. 29th Sunday of Ordinary Time the Lord. No other gods are real.” (R) Alleluia, alleluia. 13 14 15 The Word of the Lord Gospel Reflection Responsorial Psalm Give to Caesar the things that belong to Caesar and to IF GOD called you by name, would you answer 96:1 and 3, 4-5, 9-10abef. God the things that are God’s. A reading from the Holy 16 His call? Do you think He would be calling out (R) Give the Lord glory and honour. Gospel according to Matthew 22:15-21. to you because you have been bad or because Sing a new song to the Lord! Everyone on this The Pharisees got together and planned how they you have been good? earth, sing praises to the Lord. could trick Jesus into saying something wrong. ACROSS God calls a person not because they have Tell every nation on earth: “The Lord is wonderful They sent some of their followers and some of 1 Weed that is a symbol of Scotland (7) been bad or good but because He knows each and does marvellous things!” Herod’s followers to say to Him: “Teacher, we 3 Hatchet (3) person by name and loves them no matter (R) Give the Lord glory and honour. know that you are honest. You teach the truth 5 False (6) what they have done even if it was bad because “The Lord is great and deserves our greatest about what God wants people to do. And you 7 You wear it on your foot (4) God is pure love. praise! He is the only God worthy of our worship. treat everyone with the same respect, no matter 8 Insect which makes honey (6,3) Other nations worship idols, but the Lord created who they are. Tell us what you think! Should we 10 Black substance poured onto the road (3) Discussion the heavens.” pay taxes to the Emperor or not?” 11 You pass the baton when you finish I Paul said that he prayed for the people and (R) Give the Lord glory and honour. Jesus knew their evil thoughts and said: “Why running your part of this (5,4) asked God to bless them and give them peace, “Everyone on earth, now tremble and worship are you trying to test me? You showoffs! Let me 13 Sadness (6) do you pray for other people? If your answer is the Lord, majestic and holy.” see one of the coins used for paying taxes.” They 15 Cab (4) no, why? Announce to the nations: “The Lord is King! brought him a silver coin, and He asked: “Whose 16 It’s put up to keep birds from the I There is not greater gift than love and no God will judge the people with fairness.” picture and name are on it?” “The Emperor’s,” farmer's crops (9) better way to express that love than through (R) Give the Lord glory and honour. they answered. Then Jesus told them: “Give the prayer, what is your favourite prayer? Emperor what belongs to him and give God what DOWN I Why do you think anyone would try to trick Second Reading belongs to God.” 1 It’s on your hand, as well a your fingers (5) Jesus into saying something or doing something We are mindful of your faith, hope and love. A reading The Gospel of the Lord 2 Clean hard with a brush (5) wrong? 3 Person who trains to run, walk, jump or I What do you think Jesus meant when He throw (7) said give to God what is God’s and give to the 4 Put the plug in to use this power (11) Emperor what is the Emperor’s? 6 Some hair just above your eye (7) 9 You can get this disease from a Activities mosquito bite (7) G Wit h a pencil and paper write a short prayer 11 Popular flowers with thorny stems (4) telling Jesus how much you love Him. 12 Slice (3) G With a pencil write down as many things as 14 Number that means a single thing (3) you can remember that Jesus tried to teach the people. LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION G Think about the coins that they were talking about and try to make a drawing on paper of ACROSS what you think the coins looked like. 2 Family 5 Barge 7 Sure 8 Arrest 9 Horses G If there is someone you have not been kind 11 Needle 14 Smell 16 Weight 17 Hopscotch to in some way hurt don’t you think it would make Jesus happy if would tell that person that DOWN you are sorry? Make a list of persons you need 1 Friends 2 Feather 3 Mushroom 4 Large to tell that you are sorry to. This is only 6 Lawnmower 10 Stylish 12 Rich 13 Shop 15 Exit between you and Jesus; you do not need to show this list to anyone else, it is just to remind you to show only love to others as The Children’s Liturgy page is published Jesus would. one week in advance to allow RE teachers Prayer and those taking the Children’s Liturgy Dear Jesus, I know you love me and I hope you at weekly Masses to use, if they wish, know that I love you too. I want to grow to be a this page as an accompaniment to their good person and help make this world a good place to live. Dear Jesus please keep all of the teaching materials
WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 22 CELEBRATING LIFE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014 Charity fundraising brewing at St Thomas’ Primary School
By Dan McGinty Lauren Ansbro and Depute PIC: EDDIE MAHONEY Headteacher Mrs Linda Forsyth. PUPILS at St Thomas’ The efforts of the children Primary School in Arboath from St Thomas’ were mirrored showed their support for by people across Scotland and MacMillan Cancer Care as beyond, and in the nearby parish they planned, organised and of St Bride’s in Monifieth the managed a coffee afternoon efforts to raise money for in the school. MacMillan saw parishioner Parents, friends and parishioners Joanne McCourt host a similar were treated to a vast array of coffee morning in her home. home-baked snacks and treats Thanks to her organisation donated by the generous pupils and the generosity of her friends, as they were welcomed to the family, fellow parishioners and fundraising event, and thanks to neighbours she was able to raise the generosity and commitment more than £1500, ensuring that of all concerned more than £600 the Catholic community of the was raised for the charity. area played their part in support- Pictured are the P6/7 class who ing a cause which has touched were instrumental in organising the lives of so many people. the event and ensuring its success and their class teacher Mrs I [email protected]
Prizes starting to add up for Motherwell pupils PUPILS from Our Lady’s High School in Motherwell were celebrating as they finished runners-up in a prestigious maths competition for North Lanarkshire schools. In total 23 teams were entered, but the Our Lady’s pupils did themselves proud to beat off all but one of their opponents to progress to the national finals. The team from Our Lady’s which performed so well were made up of pupils of Magen McNulty, Michael McKenna, Niamh Simmonette and Rhodri Bevan, and they faced a number St Paul’s High School student’s design takes the cake of mathematical and practical challenges before they secured ONE talented pupil from St with the top prize. and Paul Rankin at the Dundee their 2nd place finish. Paul’s High School in Dundee For her efforts, which saw her Flower and Food Festival Among the rounds they faced was celebrating as she scooped design cupcakes (above inset) (above main), and received were a challenge to build as a top award at the Dundee based on the theme of the some advice and words of wis- long a bridge as possible using Cupcake Competition. Commonwealth Games, she was dom from the two personalities. only spaghetti and sellotape, a Leigha McCafferty was rewarded with a £50 cash prize In addition to the tips she quiz requiring them to answer a victorious in this year’s edition and the chance to meet celebrity received she was also presented variety of maths questions Along with the eventual finals that will be held in the of the tournament—making it TV chefs. with signed copies of their book within a time limit, problem winners Coltness High School Glasgow Science Centre in the second time in two years that She was delighted to be and the two veterans posed for a solving and a maths relay race. they now advance to the national November. a St Paul’s pupil has walked off introduced to chefs Nick Nairn few photos with the budding baker.
Celebrating Mass at Crossraguel Abbey
SCOTTISH Catholics when monastic institutions Scotland it remains protected travelled to Maybole and were ended by the Reformation, and open to the public. the site of the ruins of however the remaining monks In recent years, the celebration Crossraguel Abbey where were permitted to live out their of Mass has finally returned to the Mass was celebrated. lives in the abbey and it Abbey after centuries, and last The historic abbey represents remained home to Benedictines year was celebrated on the site some of the fullest ruins of any until the death of the last of the former high altar for the religious house in Scotland, and remaining monk in 1601. first time since the Reformation. remains a site of pilgrimage for Since then the site has fallen This year Catholics again Catholics from across Scotland into disrepair, even being travelled to the ruins at Maybole and beyond even to this day. plundered for stone for local and gathered once for the Formed in 1244 it was home construction work, but now celebration of Mass among the to Benedictine monks until 1560, under the care of Historic ruins (above and right). E-MAIL CELEBRATING LIFE EVENTS TO DAN MCGINTY AT [email protected] FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER VOCATIONS 23 A treasure hidden born of, in prayer DAN McGINTY reflects on the Holy Father’s words: ‘Behind.. every vocation there is always intense prayer’
HEAD of the “Vocations are born in prayer Such communion can lead to to be aware of ‘being’ priests in extraordinary and from prayer; and only a powerful missionary zeal, the midst of their flocks ‘free from synod on the fam- through prayer can they perse- which frees them from the temp- all spiritual worldliness,’ con- ily, which saw vere and bear fruit.” tation to seek their own well- scious that it is their lifestyle Pope Francis focus The Pope also used the meet- being and the approval of others, which spreads the Gospel mes- on the vocation to family, he ing as an opportunity to reiterate the Pope added. Thus freed, they sage more than their deeds. took the time to speak to clergy, that formation as a priest is not can be motivated by pastoral He concluded, reflecting that seminariansA and those feeling ‘a one-way street down which charity and by the desire to take ‘joyfulness and serenity in priestly called to the religious life, call- someone transmits theological the Gospel message out to the vocation sustains one in moments ing their vocation ‘a treasure or spiritual ideas.’ most remote suburbs. of fatigue and pain and comes hidden in a field.’ Formation accompanies the Ordained ministers then, need through prayer.’ Pope Francis was speaking to entire life of ordained ministry, a plenary meeting of the Congre- said the Pope, remarking that gation of the Clergy, and told the priests never cease to be disciples clergy present that the ordained anced; if that man is capable of “Behind and before every voca- of Jesus although they may falter need to ‘discover’ and ‘bring to giving life, of evangelising; If that tion to the priesthood or to the or fall as they follow Him. Thus, Cistercian Monks light’ this treasure which ‘is not man is capable of forming a fam- consecrated life there is always the training must integrally address meant to enrich just anyone.’ ily, and of renouncing this to fol- strong and intense prayer of some- the intellectual, human and spiri- The Holy Father spoke of how low Jesus. one,” he said. “A grandmother, a tual dimensions of each person. much more is required than the “We have many problems grandfather, a mother, a father, a Similarly, every vocation call to the priesthood, referring to today and in many dioceses community… This is why Jesus comes with the mission to evan- the need for the good judgement because of this chicanery of said: ‘Pray therefore the Lord of gelise. Evangelisation begins, the of bishops in selecting applicants some bishops to take those who the harvest,’ that is, God the Pope said, ‘through fraternity and and helping them on their journey come—sometimes expelled Father, ‘to send out labourers into communion with other ordained Do you feel called to seek God as a Cistercian monk within a to ordination. from seminaries or from reli- his harvest.’” ministers and with their bishop.’ Community, living in prayer and work, in a spirit of silence? “We need priests; vocations gious houses—because ‘I need are missing,” the Holy Father priests.’Please, think of the good Write: Novice Director, Sancta Maria Abbey, Nunraw, said. “The Lord is calling but it’s of God’s people.” Haddington, EH41 4LW Scotland not enough. Bishops have the The statement reflected the Email: [email protected] Tel: 01620 830 223 temptation to take, without dis- word of Pope Francis at earlier (Scottish Charity No. SC 022611) cernment, the young men who points in his Papacy, such as when Website: http://www.nunraw.com.uk present themselves. This is bad he spoke of the need for ordinary for the Church. Catholics to pray for and support “Please, study well the path of a both those who are preparing for vocation; examine well if that the priesthood and those who have man belongs to the Lord: if that taken their vows and are living man is healthy; if that man is bal- their priestly ministry.
FRANCISCAN MISSIONARIES OF ST. JOSEPH Are you called like Francis of Assisi to live the Gospel radically? 5RPDQ&DWKROLFSULHVWVDQGEURWKHUVVLQFH Want to know more? Let us not allowallow ourselves ourseelves to be robrobbedbed of the ideal of fraternalfraternal love. loove. Email Sister Noel – PopePope Francis [email protected] -HVXLWYRFDWLRQVRUJXNHVXLWYRFDWLRRQVRUJXN www.fmsj.co.uk DO YOU FEEL THAT GOD IS Reg. Charity no. 1135474 CALLING YOU TO THE Thinking about Life Choices? MISSIONARYPRIESTHOOD? THEN WE CAN HELP YOU JERICHO The Society of African Missionaries (SMA Fathers) Our next “The is an international group of Missionary Priests. vocations Compassion of Today we are active in Liberia, Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, Zambia, Jesus.” Tanzania, South Africa and other feature will African countries working as Drug & Alcohol Rehabs., partners in the rapidly growing Church. be in our Refuge for Victims of November 14 Domestic Violence, WILL YOU Supported Accommodation JOIN US? editon. for the Destitute, the Send the coupon for Distressed, and all being more details ‘passed by on the other side.’ I wish to know more about our To advertise about the work of the lifestyle A COMMUNITY OF Sr Franceswill help you choose Society of African Missions call: 0141 241 MEN OF PRAYER FOR 6105 or OUR TIMES (founded 1970) what’sright for you! Vocation info from NAME...... AGE...... e-mail: Bro Patrick Mullen, visit: www.sistersofnazareth.com ADDRESS...... The Jericho Society, ...... advertising Mater Salvatoris, Harelaw Farm, email: [email protected] Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, PA10 2PY POSTCODE...... Please print clearly and send to: @sconews. ScottishCharity SC016909 Tel: 01505 614669 mobile: 07906372706 FR. PATRICK McGUIRE co.uk Email: SMA, St Theresaʼs, Clarendon Place [email protected] Dunblane, Perthshire FK15 9HB WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 24 COUNCILS OF THE CHURCH SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014 Diversity of issues at the heart of growing Church DR HARRY SCHNITKER’S series on the various councils of the Church looks COUNCILS OF THE CHURCH at how synods now had to contend with more than just theological issues
FTER the Fourth Council of Christian world. As a consequence, we have none Constantinople (879-80AD), the of the dramatic splits or the rancour of those councils. old order vanished. Effectively— Out of the 41 councils, no fewer than seven dealt although not immediately recognised with the marriage difficulties of the Emperor, —the union between East and West Lothar II (left). The Emperor determined to divorce was becoming a fiction. For centuries, the Christian Theutberga in 857AD, probably since he wished Church had stretched from Syria to Ireland, from to marry his mistress, Waldrada. Now up until that theA Low Countries to Morocco. A cultural and time, the Emperor’s will was law. However, spiritual unity had been the hallmark of the lands Christian notions of marriage got in the way, and that emerged from the old Roman Empire, both in the Emperor concocted an awful story of incest, East and West. with the Empress standing accused of sleeping Even the coming of Islam in the seventh century with her own brother. The bishops of the Empire had not disrupted this essential fact of life from gave way to the Emperor, but only under duress around 300AD to around 900 AD. As late as the and to save Theutberga a worse fate; she was mid-900s, Christians still formed the majority of the allowed to take the veil and enter a monastery. population in Egypt, for example. In the Middle Not all synods were this frivolous, nor were they East, the most densely populated Muslim region, all concerned with the relationship between Church Iraq, lost its Christian majority only around and crown. Two dealt with the issue of the Photian 900, nearly three centuries after the Islamic con- schism. The Synod of Tusey of 860AD, which in quest. Elsewhere, Christianity remained the dom- part dealt with the divorce, tackled the vexed inant faith in places such as Jerusalem or problem of free will, and had echoes of the great modern-day Lebanon. debates around this in Rome during the Pelagian Christianity retained a strong presence even heresy. There is also the whole paraphernalia of where it had become a minority. As late as the Church discipline. We meet them all in the synod 880s, we learn, for example, of flourishing Christian documents: the run-away priest, fornicating communities in Baghdad, the very heart of the bishops, unchaste nuns, murderous clergy. We Islamic world during this period, of Chalcedonians, even hear how Bishop Hincmar of Laon, who Nestorians and Monophysites. This is not to argue gained great notoriety through his constant that the Islamic conquest had not changed things, conflicts with monarchs, archbishops and even the but merely to point out the continuity that was the Papacy, melted down the gold and gems from the hallmark of the period between 300AD and altar of St Mary’s, and turned them into secular 900AD. When Islam became the dominant faith in jewellery for his brother. the Middle East, Egypt and North Africa, however, We see here the other side of the fast-expanding something fundamentally changed. The cultural Church in Europe. We witness the corruption, lack continuum that had marked the Mediterranean of basic Catholic morals, the nepotism and the since Roman times had gone. sheer venality that afflicted clergy and rulers alike. We also see, however, how the synods tried hard t the same time, in Europe the old bound- to steer the leaking ship of the Church in the aries were vanishing, too. Already Christi- right direction. Bishops were trying to get their anity had reached parts that Rome could wayward brothers to think again, and with Papal not,A not least in Ireland and Scotland. Under the help were even working hard to keep the Imperial guidance of Charlemagne, Christianity had crossed family in line. the ancient limes or Roman frontier on the Rhine, Towards the end of the ninth century, the Church and had been exported to, and sometimes imposed was even moving to prevent the increasing on, the Germans living to the east of the river. This concentration of Church property in family hands. was followed by an expansion into what to the Bishops appointed nephews to parishes and Romans had been a land beyond the end of the episcopal sees, sisters as abbesses over rich houses. world: Scandinavia. Throughout the ninth century, The Synod of Tibur in 895AD finally moved to Christian missionaries made inroads into Denmark, prevent such abuse from happening. The hour for which had become at least superficially Christianised the reform-minded had not quite arrived, however. by the time the Council of Constantinople began to take effect. The rest of Scandinavia would follow n the Anglo-Saxon world, synods were also suit in the next century, but missionaries were common place, although not quite as plentiful already at work there, too. as amongst the Carolingians. Early in the ninth In Central Europe, Christianity initially arrived Icentury, the question of observance still dominated from two directions. As we have already noted, the the debate. At the Synod of Celychyth of 816AD, Greek brothers, Ss Cyril and Methodius, evangelised it was determined that no Scottish—which in this the Balkans all the way to modern-day Slovakia. context meant Gaelic either of Irish or Scottish Meanwhile, from the German lands, missionaries provenance—cleric was to be allowed to administer reached Bohemia and Moravia, and by the 880s the Sacraments in the Anglo-Saxon world. The Christianity was firmly rooted in the region. For reason was, of course, the continued use in some now, Poland was still pagan and the recently quarters in the Gaelic-speaking world of a different arrived Hungarians also resisted Christianity. But calculation for the date of Easter. in general, Christianity in Europe was expansive Once theAnglo-Saxons had sufficiently recovered and dynamic. from the Viking incursions, other matters required Of course, such a large-scale expansion of the attention. In 904AD, for example, the Archbishop Church brought with it its own peculiar problems. of Canterbury, Plegmund, presided over a synod Culturally, Christianity gained many facets, as that determined to substantially increase the number previously pagan peoples adopted the Faith, and of dioceses in the kingdom of Wessex, by then the by doing so also adapted it—acculturation avant dominant Anglo-Saxon kingdom and the core of la lettre. New kingdoms became part of Christendom, what would soon be called England. This reflected who looked to Rome to shelter them from the success that the kings had had in removing expansionism on the part of the Emperors in both pagan Vikings from their domains, and extending East and West. ‘Rome’began to change its meaning, their kingdom east and northwards. from being synonymous with the Empire to being the 20th century, or the current explosion of Carolingians held no fewer than 41 synods, Synods and councils, which were once the synonymous with the Church, and with the Papacy Catholics across the developing world, brought excluding the far more numerous diocesan ones. occasions to listen to the Spirit to elucidate the in particular. with it the need to organise. Of course, the solution The synods dealt with a staggering range of issues. teachings of the Church were now a commonplace, for these structural problems was to hold councils; Not for them the high theological drama of the opportunities to address not only theological he huge expansion of the Church, compara- underlying the changes was another noticeable Ecumenical councils—there was none of the crucial questions, but also, and perhaps more so, issues of ble only to the growth into the Americas of example of continuity. Christological debate that marked the meetings clerical discipline and issues arising out of the the 16th century, to expansion into Africa of Between 860AD and 874AD alone, the around Constantinople between the leaders of the close relationship between altar and throne. T WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK