But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those Mission Statement who have fallen asleep. For as by a The HERALD is a Catholic man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For Weekly of the Malaysian as in Adam all die, so also in Christ Church. It endeavours to shall all be made alive. But each in communicate up-to-date news his own order: Christ the first fruits, and Christian values and strives then at his coming those who belong THE CATHOLIC WEEKLY to Christ. to dialogue with all sectors AUGUST 15, 2021 TERHAD PP 8460/11/2012(030939) ISSN: 1394-3294 Vol. 28 No. 30 1 Cor. 15:20-23 of society in order to build a (FOR INTERNAL CIRCULATION ONLY) harmonious community of Interreligious believers in God. We support Safeguarding CST: Stewardship Dialogue the formation of a participatory Children of Creation Now is the time Victim Care Taking the Church and encourage the laity for Creation path Centres and religious to make moral Justice of Solidarity decisions in the marketplace. P5 P12 & 13 P16 Climate change can no longer be ignored ASHINGTON: A UN climate report that was Wreleased on Aug 9 found that global warming is dangerously close to spiralling out of control. Severe flood, long-term drought, wildfires and extremes of heat and cold are all resulting from climate change, the report said. The massive document, running to 3,900- plus pages was written by 234 climate scien- tists and draws its conclusions based on over 14,000 studies since the last assessment report in 2013. The UN report could not have come at a more opportune time, as calls for higher am- bition and climate justice continue to grow stronger globally. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has provided a living preview of the scale of disruptions and losses that more ex- treme climate changes can inflict on countries. Catholic leaders in the environmental pro- tection movement said the Church can cement a leading role in addressing climate change based on the report’s conclusions. A file photo of the Global September Climate Strikes rally in Kuala Lumpur, 2019. (Greenpeace Malaysia photo) Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago said that really reiterates the conversations that have al- receptive ears than it has in previous reports.” Our own souls need transformation,” Schuck the report reflected what wrote ready existed. It is a call to action, if anything Key to the Church’s response will be the explained. in his encyclical Laudato Si’, on Care for Our else, for us to stand up and start doing better,” Laudato Si’ Action Platform, introduced in He also encouraged people who are pas- Common Home, which said, “Doomsday pre- she said. May by Pope Francis. It is designed to facili- sionate about protecting God’s creation to talk dictions can no longer be met with irony or Reflecting on the report, Dan Misleh,- ex tate a global grassroots movement to create a about it with others and said that the report disdain. … The effects of the present imbal- ecutive director of Catholic Climate Covenant more inclusive, fraternal, peaceful and sustain- which made headlines can be a starting point ance can only be reduced by our decisive ac- said, “I’m hoping that this is yet another wake- able world based on the Pope’s 2015 encycli- for small steps that can lead to significant ac- tion, here and now. We need to reflect on our up call. And there’s this glimmer of hope in the cal on the environment. tion. accountability before those who will have to report that we could still make it to the prom- The report also points to the need for Catho- UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres endure the dire consequences.” ised land if we do all the things necessary to lics to “understand the stakes and the realities” said in a statement following the release of the Caroline Kiiru, biodiversity and climate drop emissions, stop deforestation and all the warming temperatures pose to all life on earth, report, that if nations “combine forces now, we manager for the Laudato Si’ Movement, rest.” said Michael Schuck, co-director of the Inter- can avert climate catastrophe.” shared that thought, saying the report provides “These reports come out regularly and each national Jesuit Ecology Project at Loyola Uni- “There is no time for delay and no more further evidence of the human influence on the time the scientists are saying, this is a problem versity Chicago. room for excuses,” he said, adding that he Earth that Francis described in his 2015 social and we need to address it,” he said. “The dif- “We have to go again with Pope Francis’ counts on government leaders and all stake- encyclical. ference now is, more and more people are ex- emphasis on integral ecology, not only the holders to ensure that the 26th UN Climate “We cannot bury our heads in the sand and periencing the impact of climate change. Per- integration of the ecology and the social, but Change conference in November will be suc- say this is not happening. So, this document haps this time the message will fall on more the integration of the inner self and the outer. cessful. — Agencies A prayer for our nation Leader: O God, Judge of the nations, how wrong they are about sin, righteousness and judgment. Let us proclaim the name of the Lord; put fear into our hearts O Lord, declare the power of your works to and ascribe greatness to our God! so that we may know that we are only human. Your peoples and let us be filled with the knowledge of Father, the whole of creation groans Your glory as the waters cover the sea. All: and labours to be delivered from the bondage of corruption, Lord, your work is perfect. into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Gather us, O Lord, in Your Name And all your ways are just. and may all worship the One True God. Amen. Let Your voice be heard today Lord Jesus, send forth Your Spirit of Truth by all the nations! and let this Spirit prove to ‘the powers that be’ (A prayer composed from various Scripture verses of the Bible) 2 Forum / Reflection HERALD August 15, 2021 A God who dwelt among suffering people e live in incredibly dark and uncer- watching, learning, observing, growing in tain times. stature in wisdom and understanding, as his W Think of the pandemic, the eco- Sunday Observer mother Mary observed. nomic uncertainty, the ongoing corruption… By Augustus reached a decision in late 4BC: Then, there are the political intrigues and the on the fate of the lands formerly ruled by power struggles. Anil Netto Herod: Palestine would be carved up among In a post-truth world, it has also become Herod’s sons — Archilaus would become [email protected] more difficult for ordinary people to discern Herod’s main heir, over Judea, Idumaea and the truth in the current climate of censorship, Samaria, plus a few Greek cities along the self-censorship and authoritarianism. Switzerland, Germany, France, Sweden and legate in Jerusalem retaliated against pro- coast. Not quite a king but an ethnarch, a sort The economic impact too has been devas- Japan spend around 11 per cent of their GDP testers pelting Roman soldiers in the Temple of ruler under probation. Antipas would be- tating for many. on healthcare. Others, like Australia, New precinct. Many of the protesters were burned come tetrarch (ruler of a fourth of the land) Some 20 – 30 per cent of the middle class Zealand and Korea, spend eight to ten per alive or slaughtered. of Galilee and Perea while Philip would be are believed to have now plunged into the cent (Health at a Glance, OECD, 2019). Much of the country exploded into vio- tetrarch of Gaulanitis and nearby territories. low-income group. Clearly, these are grim times. Where is lence and rebel leaders like Judas seized the Upon his return to Jerusalem, Archilaus Another grim statistic is that 6.3 million God amid all this suffering, we might be chance to organise resistance fighters against took revenge against those who had tried to or 42 per cent of all Employees Provident tempted to ask. Why does He seem so dis- anyone associated with the Roman occu- sabotage his ambitions, engaging in more Fund contributors have less than RM10,000 tant when confronted with the suffering we pation or the Herodian regime. They even barbarity, violence and misrule. By 6AD, in their Account 1, which is meant for their are experiencing? seized weapons from the Herodian building Emperor Augustus had had enough of Arci- retirement savings. This is far short of the Let’s go back in time. Soon after Jesus in Sepphoris. hlaus, and turned Judea into a direct Roman targeted RM240,000 in retirement savings was born, the entire country was plunged To quell the rebellions, Varus, the regional province, to be governed by a Roman diplo- needed for senior citizens to meet basic ex- into turmoil after the death of King Herod Roman governor based in Syria, sent in a mat or . penses after their retirement. “the Great”. The level of suffering and un- couple of legions — thousands of troops — So, this period from around 4BC to 6AD That does not include the multitude of in- certainty reached a height as members of his to restore order. He also had the help of 1,500 coincided with Jesus’ formative years, and formal workers, migrant workers, refugees, dysfunctional family struggled among them- auxiliary troops led by Aretas, king of Ara- Jesus would have been no stranger to the and asylum seekers, many of whom have selves to fill the political vacuum. bia. These auxiliary troops moved into rebel darkness and suffering that had descended meagre savings, or none. Never mind retire- Amid all this, the land seethed with revolts areas in Galilee, engaging in an orgy of rap- upon the land. Violence, power struggles, ment savings, many of them have a moun- and reprisals from rebels who were unhappy ing, looting and burning (a ‘scorched earth’ destruction of farms, hardships, rape, looting tain of debt. So many people are out of work with the local aristocrats’ collaboration with policy of sorts) from village to village as they and plunder. and struggling to get by. the Roman emperor, the mega-projects and headed to Sepphoris, not far from Nazareth. Where is God in all this hardship? Why, Meanwhile, after years of underfunding, the heavy taxes the people had to endure. Many peasants and farmers lost their He is right among us in the suffering of or- our hospitals are struggling to cope with So intense was the power struggle that homes, their crops and even their lives. The dinary people, experiencing from close quar- extra patient loads. For far too long, govern- Herod’s son Archilaus, after brutally sup- invading troops seemed more interested in ters their hopelessness, despair, and suffer- ment spending on public healthcare hovered pressing a protest, travelled to to find looting than in capturing rebels. ing. at around two per cent of gross domestic out Emperor Augustus where he stood in Many of the peasants would have been We have a God who knows what it is like product (GDP) while private healthcare Herod’s will. But when he arrived in Rome, traumatised by this experience just as it took to experience suffering. He dwelt among us spending accounted for another two per cent. he was shocked to find that his An- a long while for those who lived through the — and still does — offering us hope that God That’s a total of about four point five per cent tipas, his sister Salome, and Salome’s son horrors of World War Two to shake off the is close at hand through it all, lighting up the of GDP. Antipater, were already there to stake their nightmare. darkness in the most unexpected places. This is only half of the estimated eight claim to the territory that Herod had left be- Where was God in all this, in the horror May we never lose hope that he will guide point eight per cent of GDP that OECD hind. unleashed on the people of Galilee — and us out of the valley of darkness. And may we countries spent in 2018. Countries such as While Archilaus was away, the Roman the grim aftermath? He was right there — also help light the path forward.

Mary and the spirituality of accompaniment y soul proclaims the great- alone and need not go it alone. This is what ness of the Lord, my spirit is so needed in this time of pandemic. We Reflecting on our Sunday Readings “Mrejoices in God, my Saviour.” need to be assured of the comforting pres- – Luke 1: 46 - 47 ence of God. There is nothing worse than The opening lines of Mary’s Magnificat the feeling that one is deserted, abandoned with Fr Gregory Chan in today’s Gospel are not a proclamation to the onslaught of the demands of eve- of self-exaltation, but a declaration which ryday life, i.e., mouths to feed, payments for the Almighty Assumption of the Blessed acknowledges the presence of God in eve- to be made on the house, loans to service, has done great things for me. ry facet of her life. The context in which bills to pay, utility bills and charges which Holy is his name, Virgin Mary this Magnificat is spoken is significant. It have to be settled. and his mercy reaches from age to age Readings: Revelation 11:9a, 12:1-6a, 10ab; is made in the context of the visitation. Elizabeth’s joyful elation indicates that for those who fear him. 1 Corinthian 15:20-26; Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth to accom- she too is aware of Mary’s condition: He has shown the power of his arm, Gospel: Luke 1:39-56 pany her during her pregnancy. The key She gave a loud cry and said, ‘Of all he has routed the proud of heart. to this is accompaniment. It’s about being women you are the most blessed, and He has pulled down princes from their the Church. So, too, her Assumption seals with someone, going along on the journey. blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why thrones and exalted the lowly. her solidarity with us. Yet Mary never los- Their encounter is one of pure joy. should I be honoured with a visit from the The hungry he has filled with good things, es her unique maternal mission to help us “Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s mother of my Lord? For the moment your the rich sent empty away. all find our way to her Son. She belongs greeting, the child leapt in her womb and greeting reached my ears, the child in my He has come to the help of Israel to the whole Church in every age. She is Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. womb leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is she who his servant, mindful of his mercy rooted in history but, by God’s grace, not She gave a loud cry and said, ‘Of all wom- believed that the promise made her by the – according to the promise bound by it. Now all generations can lay en you are the most blessed, and blessed Lord would be fulfilled.” (Luke 1: 42 – 45) he made to our ancestors – claim to her maternal help. Wherever we is the fruit of your womb. Why should I Mary’s Magnificat is therefore a reply of his mercy to Abraham and to his are on that journey, the feast of the As- be honoured with a visit from the mother which reveals the divine accompaniment descendants for ever.’ (Luke 1: 46 – 55) sumption gives us a vision of the home that of my Lord? For the moment your greet- of God, of the ever-abiding presence of In her Assumption, the fullness of grace awaits us, and the promise that is, and will ing reached my ears, the child in my womb God in her life. that Mary carried from her very first mo- be, fulfilled. Mary of Nazareth, Mother of leapt for joy.” (Luke 1: 41 – 44) ‘My soul proclaims ment has now reached its plenitude. In the God and Mother of the Church, assures us This encounter leads to an accompani- the greatness of the Lord glory of the divine presence, she is now, that the journey is worth making and that ment of some three months with Elizabeth. and my spirit exults in God my saviour; forever, who God always intended her to none of us travel alone. The spirituality of accompaniment is about because he has looked upon be. an awareness of the abiding presence his lowly handmaid. In her Assumption, Mary does not only  Fr Gregory Chan is the of someone in our life. Accompaniment Yes, from this day forward stand in the presence of her Son but again, o f t h e C h u r c h o f t h e A s s u m p t i o n , brings comfort, assurance that one is not all generations will call me blessed, as at Pentecost, she is found at the centre of Petaling Jaya. HERALD August 15, 2021 Home / Pastoral 3 Penang Diary of Bishop Towards PMPC 2026 Sebastian Francis August 2021 Diocese of Kota Kinabalu KOTA KINABALU: A virtual briefing on 17 Council of the Pan Malaysia Pastoral Convention 2026 (PMPC 2026) was held on August 7 for the cler- 18 Clergy Monthly gy, religious and members of the parish pastoral Recollection councils and commissions of the Archdiocese 19 CHARIS Malaysia Exco of Kota Kinabalu. Meeting Penang With curiosity and perhaps a little hesitancy, Diocesan Education 171 participants attended the two-hour session, Council listening to the online briefing presented by An- thoni Lim and Fr Thomas Madanan, who are on 21 PDYN – Youth Café the PMPC 2026 central organising committee, 22 Life in Christ 2021 for and Dominic Lim, the Archdiocesan Executive Newly Baptised Secretary. Datuk John Wong was Belonging to a also present. Fireplace (Penang The briefing began with morning prayer led Diocesan New by Bro Thomas Paul, SG, followed by an over- Evangelisation view of PMPC 2026 presented by Anthoni Lim. Commission) Diving all the way back to the birth of the Pen- insular Malaysia Pastoral Convention in 1976, Some of the participants of the virtual briefing on the Pan Malaysia Pastoral Convention 2026. (PMPC 2026). 25 Peninsular Malaysia an event widely known as the Aggiornamento, pastoral plan would mean another task at hand of PMPC 2026 is similar to the Kota Kinabalu Pastoral Core Team and outlining the history behind the rebirth of or scrapping the DOPP. Archdiocese’s Vision and Mission, and pointed Meeting PMPC 2026, as well as elaborating the Vision Archbishop Wong allayed their fears by ex- out that all the processes for the PMPC 2026, 26 CHARIS Malaysia and Mission, Antoni closed his session by re- plaining that, while the DOPP is still very much which will soon start at the parish level, are General Meeting minding all participants not to feel threatened by the life-system of all pastoral initiatives within complementary to the pastoral elements embed- the introduction of PMPC 2026 into the pastoral the Archdiocese, the PMPC 2026 is a comple- ded in the DOPP itself. 31 Prayer for Unity in scene of the Archdiocese. mentary plan which will serve ‘as an opportu- Closing the briefing, Archbishop Wong Malaysia (Penang Knowing well that the Archdiocese has its nity and blessing’ for all, ‘to grow in its process, thanked all the participants for attending the on- Diocesan Service own pastoral plan, known as the DOPP (Dioc- for our personal faith journey, for family, for line meeting and said he hoped that the briefing Communion) esan Organisational Pastoral Plan), many of the community, for the diocese and for the whole had revitalised pastoral zeal amidst the waves participants had earlier voiced confusion and of Malaysia’. of the pandemic. The session ended at about concern — whether the introduction of another He also explained that the Vision and Mission 11.15am. — By Peter Zeter

Diocese of Malacca Johore MJD News Update #52 Greetings and Peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with plained to her very patient husband, “All I want is peace gently needed at the many hospitals. Earlier the CBC- you, dear People of God. We recently celebrated two and quiet and some beautiful flowers.” “My dear” said MSB donated RM1 million. great saints consecutively. Both died for what they be- her husband, “I believe they call that a funeral.” 2.7 The CBCMSB, which comprises the nine Malay- lieved at the hands of the powerful. Edith Stein, a Jewish Something to think about: Vincent Van Gogh com- sian , Singapore, and , is preparing for Carmelite, died in the concentration camps of Dachau; mented, “The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous the Synod of Bishops called by Pope Francis. Officially while Lawrence, a deacon, was roasted over a fire and be- and the storm terrible, but they have never found these it will be launched on October 17 throughout the world. headed by the Romans. It is about generosity, self-giving dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore”. Where is The Pope believes in listening; listening to the poorest, and carrying the cross. Today, self-interest, the pushing your peace? Is it within you or outside of you? the smallest, the troubled and the distant Churches and through of personal agendas and self-seeking ways pos- countries. The Diocesan Liaison Teams have been set up sess many. Generosity thinks of the other. It is about shar- 2.0 Announcements for this week: to facilitate this process. Read the HERALD online. Visit ing the little we have. It is sacrificial. 2.1 A Zoom programme for parents and educators with websites on the Synod. children under 12 years of age entitled How does Media The Time of the Frontliners: Awards, titles and re- affect Children is being organised by the MJD’s Com- 2.8 Thanks again to His Royal Highness, the Sultan of wards are usually accorded to national heroes and hero- mission for Family Life & Laity, with guest speaker, Johor and the Yayasan Sultan Ibrahim, for another 300 ines. For every small achievement, ‘datuks’ have been Justin Victor, chairman of Befrienders Kuala Lumpur. food parcels sent to the Church of St Joseph, Plentong. made. That’s a feature of our land. Everyone wonders: Watch out for it on August 22 @ 8.00pm. The work with the suffering is not over. What’s the criteria? What have they done for the nation? When Bollywood and Asian stars, the notorious and self- 2.2 A webinar on Emotional Regulation, Managing 2.9 The National Recovery Plan states that Malacca and serving politicians become ‘datuks’, people are amazed. Stress and Anxiety in Tamil, with presenters, Fr John Johore are in Phase 1; no Masses, no gatherings, no wed- This time, many agree, it is the time of the frontliners. Britto, UK Clinical Psychologist & Psychotherapist and dings, no opening of churches but an allowance for fu- The doctors, the medical staff at the crisis centres, the Fr Cyril Mannayagam, Licentiate in Sacred Theology nerals (12 members permitted). Church staff or AJK, not handlers of the deceased, the countless quiet individuals comes to you on August 28 @ 7.30pm. Zoom in to watch. exceeding 12 persons, are permitted. Be ready for church openings if the situation in MJD improves. Expect new and groups, social and religious organisations who ply 2.3 This coming Sunday (Aug 15), the MJD’s MPI and the streets to feed the hungry, the jobless, the homeless SOPs such as digital vaccination certificates and other MJDYPN invite the whole diocese to pray for the world f o r m s o f r e g i s t r a t i o n . P r a y f o r o n e a n o t h e r t o r e m a i n s a f e . and those who respond to the white flags — these are the and nation. The 12-Hours with Mary prayer session be- unsung heroes. A big move by local artistes, DJs and so- gins at 9.30am and concludes, with the MJDYPN’s multi- cial media influencers to raise funds for the overcrowded, 3.0 This Week’s Question and Query. lingual at 8.30pm. THIS IS AN URGENT TIME The Q asks: Can truth lie? Can love lie? overworked and overstrained hospitals and quarantine FOR PRAYERS. Come and join us. centres, lacking beds and urgent medical equipment, is in St Teresa Benedicta (@ Edith Stein) says to us all: “Do full swing. Whether it is at Sg Buloh, Selayang or Tawau, 2.4 A special series of Eucharistic Miracles from around not accept anything as the truth if it lacks love. And do the hospital front office or spokespersons are forthright. the World and Adoration sessions brought to you by not accept anything as love which lacks truth! One with- They say, “you know lah?” The heroes and the heroines Catechetical Ministry of St Joseph Church, Plentong and out the other becomes a destructive lie”. are the frontliners, the “rakyat jaga rakyat”. Thank you Catholics Go Live is being broadcast on the groups’ You- for being there, from a Malaysian to the Malaysians out tube channel nightly from Aug 9 to Aug 15 at 8.30pm. Thank you for reading. Let us continue to build God’s there. Kingdom together. Remember the old hymn “Put your 2.5 The MJD Counselling Ministry is organising a train- hand in the hand of the man who stilled the water... ing programme for passionate and mature individu- 1.0 A Thought for the Week: who calmed the sea”. That’s the one thing each one of us als who can converse in the Tamil language to become needs to do. God bless you. Continue to be safe and keep Peace in the noise. volunteers in the ministry. Training will be conducted one another safe. A mother of five small children decided that their sum- in English. Contact the MJD Counselling Ministry for mer vacation should begin with planting a garden. So, more info. she took her little brood to the nursery where, for the next two hours, they squabbled over who got to push the 2.6 The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia, Sin- Bishop Bernard Paul cart, insisted on seeing every plant in the five-acre green- gapore and Brunei (CBCMSB) has donated an additional August 13, 2021 house, cried very hard when there were no petunias to RM500,000.00 to the Tzu Chi’s Malaysian Solidarity pick and broke a large clay pot. Home at last, she com- Fund to supply medical equipment, beds and PPE ur- Click here to watch the video 4 Home HERALD August 15, 2021

Archdiocese of Archdiocese of Chan/MC/17/2021 Kuala Lumpur Kuala Lumpur Chan/MC/18/2021 Update on Diaconal Updated Protocols in view of Relaxation Ordination of Seminarian of Restrictions for the Fully Vaccinated On Sunday, August 8, 2021, the Honour- exceeding 12 persons apart from the priest, 5.0 The Common Good and Vaccina- Michel Dass able Prime Minister of Malaysia, YB Tan provided that all volunteers are fully vacci- tion Sri Dato’ Haji Muhyiddin bin Haji Mohd nated. 5.1. Although we are aware of those who Yassin, announced that the government will 2.0 Sacraments of Infant Baptism, have expressed hesitancy and objections be relaxing the public health restrictions for First Holy Communion and against vaccination on the basis of con- persons who have been fully vaccinated Confirmation science or other reasons, please be re- with effect August 10, 2021. As these sacraments would involve infants, minded of the moral duty to protect one’s In view of the above announcement and children and young adults below the age of personal health, to pursue the common the updated SOPs from the National Secu- 18 who have not been vaccinated, they re- good and to act in a manner which is char- rity Council and the Ministry of National main suspended until further notice. itable to others. Unity dated August 10, 2021 and having heard the recommendations of the Archdi- 3.0 Weddings 5.2. For the above reasons, the Catholic ocesan Crisis Management Task Force on 3.1. Weddings may resume with a maxi- Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia in their the public health situation in our country, His mum number of 20 guests apart from the Pastoral Letter dated February 4, 2021 on Having consulted the members of the Grace, Most Rev Archbishop Julian Leow bride, bridegroom, minister and volunteers, COVID-19, Vaccines and Immunisation, College of Consultors, His Grace Most D.D., hereby decrees the following for the provided that all persons wishing to be wrote that “at the present time, given the Rev Julian Leow DD, the Archbishop Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, which will physically present are fully vaccinated. severity and urgency of the situation and the absence of other means to stop or even of Kuala Lumpur, has agreed to ordain take effect from August 13, 2021. 3.2. All guests are to be pre-registered for prevent an epidemic, the common good seminarian Michel Dass as a transitional the purpose of contact tracing. deacon on Saturday, September 11, 2021 1.0 Public Masses may recommend vaccination, especially in the chapel of Cardijn House, Rumah 1.1. All public Masses within the Arch- 4.0 Funerals to protect the weakest and the most ex- posed” (question 5, Part II). Uskup Agung, Jalan Bukit Nenas, Kuala diocese of Kuala Lumpur will remain sus- 4.1. Funeral parlours located within church- As we navigate this national and global Lumpur. pended. Although we recognise the spiritual es may remain open but are subject to the crisis in the coming weeks and months, Due to SOP restrictions, the above Mass benefit of the sacraments in the lives of the conditions set out in the SOPs. There should let us continue to pray for the safety of all will not be open to the public, but it will faithful, this suspension is made pursuant to not be any wake prayers. Visits should not front liners, the recovery of those hospi- be live-streamed on ArchKL-TV channel. the common good as the risk of infection in exceed 10 minutes and there should not be talised, the rehabilitation of our economy, Let us offer our prayerful support to Bro any public gathering remains exceedingly more than five persons within the funeral a resolution to our country’s political cri- Michel Dass as he prepares for diaconal high due to the transmissibility of new vari- parlour at any one time. ministry and service to the People of God ants and the large number of asymptomatic sis and for an end to this Pandemic. in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur. cases despite vaccinations. We also have 4.2. Funeral Masses in churches, chapels cognisance that the healthcare facilities and and Mass centres may proceed with a maxi- personnel are overstretched to the point of mum number of 20 persons (not including the priest and volunteers), provided that all collapse. This suspension will be reviewed Fr Michael Chua persons physically present are fully vacci- Fr Michael Chua in the near future as we continue to moni- Chancellor nated. Chancellor tor the developments of the current public Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur health situation. 4.3. All persons attending funerals are to 1.2. may continue to provide live- be pre-registered for the purpose of contact August 13, 2021 streaming of Masses, with volunteers not tracing. August 12, 2021 St Theresa’s Caritas-POHD team keeps an eye on the numbers MASAI, Johor: It’s easy to feel powerless as ‘Friends in Need’, they have also been com- we watch the pandemic unfold on a global mitted to responding with action to those who scale, but each one of us can make a difference request help through Caritas Malacca Johore no matter who we are or what our circumstanc- Diocese’s food aid programme. es. Even if you’re confined to your home, there In the month of June alone, approximately are still many ways to help, such as making do- 2,000 families, including foreigners, migrants, nations in cash or kind, or keeping an eye out and squatters, were registered under the food for individuals who might need assistance. The aid programme. Many were from Masai and Caritas-POHD team of the Church of St The- Pasir Gudang, a well-known industrial area, resa, with the support of parish priest Fr Adrian which comes under the jurisdiction of the par- Francis, has been on a mission to reach out to ish. as many people as possible during this time of The parish team receives data almost every adversity. day about people who need assistance, and the The team, led by Caroline Charles, has been members go that extra mile by making calls to Caritas-POHD team sending out food aid to the needy. actively involved in reaching out to the needy enquire about the welfare and well-being of the has handled more than 500 cases in just these vided an opportunity for those in need to share during this tough lockdown period. Other than families and individuals on the list. past two months. In addition to monetary, food their troubles and voice their feelings during continuously providing monthly aid for their To date, St Theresa’s Caritas-POHD team and other forms of aid, the parish team has pro- this pandemic. — By Casment Isaac JB parish produces online programme on Eucharistic Miracles for children JOHOR BAHRU: An online children’s pro- pearance of bread and wine in the Eucharistic gramme, Eucharistic Miracles Round the celebration. World, has been produced by the Catechetical This programme also allows catechists to Ministry of the Church of St Joseph, Plentong be more engaged with their students during and Catholic Go Live. the pandemic and to foster closer relationships The thirty-minute programme consists of ac- with each other as they prepare the contents tion songs, art and storytelling of approved Eu- of this programme. At the same time, it also charistic Miracles from all over the world, and encourages parents to be involved in activities Adoration with Benediction by parish priest, with their children and bond with them. Fr Moses Yap and Deacon Leslie Petrus. The programme airs at 8.30pm nightly from The objective is to remind children and the August 9 to 15 and thereafter, every Sunday at faithful about the real presence of Jesus in the 8.30pm from Aug 22 to October 17. Holy Eucharist and in the Blessed Sacrament. Parents are encouraged to watch the pro- It is hoped that after watching the programme, gramme with their children at home on You- the children will truly believe the Eucharist is Tube or log onto Catholic Go Live Facebook the true flesh and blood of Jesus under the ap- to subscribe. HERALD August 15, 2021 Home 5 Safeguarding Children Victim Care Centres KUALA LUMPUR: The Profes- explained that the VCC aims to Ong Chin Lan (retired), who had a sional Standards Office of the be victim friendly. The office - en stint with the police department in Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur’s vironment is made as comfort- UK, felt there was a great need for Committee for Child Protection able as possible to help reduce the such a programme in Malaysia. In (CCP) hosted its second series of victim’s anxiety and stress while 2003, she initiated the centre under talks on July 31 on the existence at the premises. If a victim is un- the Sexual and Child Investigation of Victim Care Centres (Pusat able to come to the VCC, the VCO Division. They recruited civilian Sokongan Mangsa). The purpose will go to their location, anywhere staff to assist in the psychology of the session was to educate peo- within the state, with the victim and counselling sector. ple on what happens to victims or the family’s approval. Before Ong also introduced the Child after a police report is lodged, and starting a session, the VCO signs a Interview Centre (CIC) within the to create awareness and prevention consent form and victims are made same department. Based on a UK of child maltreatment, child abuse, aware that all information shared system, the CIC was created to and child neglect. is confidential and only used in the help reduce the traumatic scenario (UNICEF photo/Estey) The session was presented by cause of the investigation. Some for a child victim. Before this, a Deborah Herman, a Psychology children, afraid of parents, may victimised child had to be pre- in court, before the judge, so the the department. They report to a Officer of the D11, Criminal- In make up stories. So, the children sented before a police officer, law- child doesn’t need to be physi- police officer. vestigation Department, Ibupe- need to be reassured the stories re- yer, and judge to share the abusive cally present to share his or her VCCs works with other NGOs jabat Polis Kontigen (IPK) Negeri veals are confidential, and they can story. Now there is a centre with a traumatic experience in a daunting and discusses issues at hand and Sembilan. Among those who at- choose when they want to tell their child-friendly environment, and a environment. how to manage them. They visit tended the online session was KL parents. non-uniformed, trained police of- Every state in Malaysia has one victims at hospitals and homes Archdiocese CCP member Fr Wil- Prior to the establishment of the ficer present who helps build rap- VCC which is run by one VCO, (pre-COVID) to provide support, liam Michael and Archbishop of VCC, there was no follow-up psy- port with the child before the inter- who has a degree or masters in give talks and run campaigns Kuching Most Rev Simon Poh. chological care for the victim after view starts, in a soundproof room the field, and his or her assistant, to create awareness to help pre- Herman who is also known as the ordeal of making a police report furnished with a camera and mic. who has a diploma in psychology, vent more cases. — By Gwen a Victims Care Officer (VCO) to total strangers. Its founder, ACP The recording is then presented handles the administration side of Manickam Helping the child victims tell their story KUALA LUMPUR: Many of name a few. Recently, there was a viral where a 40-year-old mar- the current cases involving child 12-year-old girl was abused by her ried father was seen grooming a sexual abuse seems to stem from stepfather for three years. She said 12-year-old girl from an underpriv- social media activities. Other cases she didn’t come forward sooner as ileged family for sexual favours in include rape, child abuse, domes- she was afraid of his aggression. At exchange for treats and gifts. Fortu- tic violence, incest, and molesta- the same time, she was also con- nately, he was arrested shortly after tion, revealed Deborah Herman, fused between fatherly love and and later died while servicing his a Psychology Officer of the D11, this kind of love – and this is very sentence. Criminal Investigation Department, common among child sexual abuse The Victims Care Officer (VCO) Ibupejabat Polis Kontigen (IPK) cases,” said Herman. uses anatomy dolls to help a vic- Negeri Sembilan, during the ses- Parents need to speak to their tim tell what happened to him or sion on Victim Care Centres. children about sex and all related her. This sometimes helps the child “To help educate children and topics. Herman said there was an- share what transpired by projecting hopefully avoid abuse, we visit other case where an eight-year-old his or her feelings onto the dolls. schools and kindergartens regularly boy’s classmate told him to watch The VCO uses the proper termi- to talk about safe and unsafe touch, Deborah Herman (bottom left) with Archbishop Simon Poh, Fr William pornography and told him he nologies to describe private parts to social media, paedophiles. There is Michael and Chris Kushi in an online session. should have sex with his girlfriend. ensure the story is clear and precise. a huge increase in abuse because of a five-year-old (now eight) girl for is groomed by people they know Since this boy didn’t have a girl- All this is recorded on video, so pornography. Just recently, I had a three years, because of watching and are comfortable with like fam- friend, he molested a three-year-old the child doesn’t have to relive the case where a nine-year-old (now pornography. ily members or close friends, ba- girl his mother babysat instead. trauma by retelling the story several 12) boy had been having sex with “More often than not, the victim bysitters, and religious leaders to In July 2019, a video had gone times. — By Gwen Manickam Professional Standards Office — Committee for Child Protection KUALA LUMPUR: The Profes- worker and current Vice President Archbishop Leow can promulgate sional Standards Office Committee of the Malaysian Association of the document to the clergy and la- for Child Protection (PSO-CCP) Social Workers Amy Bala, and law- ity,” said Fr William. of the Metropolitan Archdiocese yers Christopher Kostka and Rita Pope France had requested each of Kuala Lumpur was established Wong. diocese in the Catholic world to in 2016 on the request of the Arch- Universally, every Catholic come up with its own safeguarding bishop of Kuala Lumpur Most Rev church that has started a child pro- manual. So instead of having one, Julian Leow. tection office goes by the name common safeguarding policy across Fr William Michael a canonist of Professional Standards Office, Malaysia, each of the nine dioceses of the archdiocese and who had at- which handles all kinds of abuse, be submitted its own manual to the tended an Awareness Seminar on it adults or children. In Malaysia, at CDF for approval. Safeguarding in Rome in 2014, was this point, it is known as Committee This document will be binding asked to spearhead the establish- for Child Protection as it only deals on all clergy and laity of the arch- ment of the PSO-CCP. with cases related to children. diocese who work with children. “In 2016, I formed a group of like- “The Archdiocese of Kuala Lum- In April this year, the CCP of the minded people who were qualified pur has formulated a Safeguarding Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur and experts in the relevant fields. Policy which is now with the Con- conducted a four-hour seminar for We needed child psychologists and gregation for Doctrine of the Faith some 60 priests and two bishops psychiatrists, medical doctors and (CDF) in Rome for its second vet- during their monthly clergy recol- paediatricians,” said Fr William. ting. This policy covers the most lection. The following month, they The six-member team comprises recent laws of the country and of kicked off a 16-session programme Fr William, play therapist Datin El- the Vatican’s. The CDF is respon- via Google-meet for all catechists in sie Dass, Counsellor Psychologist, sible for looking into all sexual al- the diocese. At the end of the four- Retired Social Worker and Member legations against Catholic clergy month programme, each participant of the Malaysian Board of Counsel- from around the world. We need the receives an E-certificate of partici- lors Raymond Jagan, Retiree Social CDF’s reconoció or approval before pation. 6 Asia HERALD August 15, 2021 Filipino Catholics urged to dump vulgar politicians : A priest has called on use of profanity and war on illegal ports that the government will not Catholic voters to end an “era of drugs, said the country’s new lead- distribute financial aid to unvacci- vulgarity” in Philippine politics by ers should possess integrity and nated people. voting for “more decent” leaders in competence. “This is out of desperation. This the 2022 elections. The culture of death and impuni- should not have happened. These It is time to replace the incompe- ty that Duterte has cultivated must are wounded people, wounded by tent and vulgar leaders the country come to an end at the next elec- the one [Duterte] who is supposed has endured for years, Society of tions, he said. to care for them. This is caused by Divine Word Fr Flavie Villanueva “Our next set of leaders must bad politics,” said Fr Villanueva. said in a Facebook post. possess uncompromising integrity, “I hope that in the upcoming “By voting in the next elections creative competency and a deep elections, every voter will vote for in 2022, we have the right to join sense of compassion for the mar- a new leader based on conscience. in the discussion and eventually to ginalised,” he added. Pray. Reflect. What does your decide who will replace the incom- He also lamented recent viola- conscience tell you? It is time to petent and vulgar with true leaders tions of health and social distanc- choose leaders who will re-create who possess decency and charac- ing protocols by thousands of Fili- and empower our wounded people ter,” he said. pinos because of fake news. and scorned nation to be great once Fr Villanueva, a trenchant critic Thousands flocked to vaccine again,” he added. — By Joseph Catholics wear masks as a preventative measure against the coronavirus in a of Philippine President Duterte’s sites recently following false re- Peter Calleja, ucanews.com Manila church. (UCA News photo/Ted Aljibe) Farmers’ harvests help the needy in Vietnam VIETNAM: Thirty volunteers in food. “Our aid is very small, but raincoats brave the rain daily to our heart is with our brothers and harvest vegetables and roots in sisters in these hard times,” the gardens and farms around Da Lat, 52-year-old priest said. Vietnam’s salad bowl in the Cen- The supplies reach the Thoi Hoa tral Highlands. parish in Binh Duong province, They carry the produce in trac- which serves 3,000 members and tors and farm trucks along slippery 12,000 factory workers, while Fr narrow roads to the Thanh Mau John Le Quang Viet at the Tan churchyard, where they clean and Phuoc parish in Ho Chi Minh City arrange it before transporting it distributes them to people stuck in overnight to parishes in the COV- isolated areas. ID-19 epicentres of Ho Chi Minh Caritas worker Teresa Ka Riep City and its neighbouring provinc- said Chau Ma ethnic villag- es of Dong Nai and Binh Duong. ers including children from the Most of the 1,400 members of B’Sumrac parish, collect veg- the Thanh Mau parish cultivate etables and bamboo shoots from crops and vegetables for a living. their gardens and forests and carry “We send four to seven tonnes them on their shoulders to Caritas, of vegetables on a daily basis to enabling it to supply 50 tonnes of parishes affected by the coronavi- raw food items to the needy on a rus outbreak,” said Rock Le Huu weekly basis. Phuoc, secretary of the parish Farmers harvest vegetables in Da Lat to send to people in COVID-19 epicentres at Ho Chi Minh City and neighbouring Caritas in Da Lat Diocese council. provinces in Vietnam. (UCA News photo) launched a “love products pro- The parish has seven neigh- by the COVID-19 virus. tatoes, bananas, and papayas. carry the produce from the farms gram” in July and has offered bourhoods which have been Fr Peter Mai Vinh Son, the par- Phuoc, the lay leader, said local to the churchyard. some 200 tonnes of raw food to sending 30 volunteers daily to ish priest, appealed to locals to farmers, regardless of their back- Fr Son said the raw food items parishes, convents, orphanages, harvest and collect the vegeta- donate part of their produce and ground generously offer their pro- are supplied to those affected by and houses for workers in Ho Chi bles and roots since July when even joins them in collecting the duce for free or helpfully sell them the pandemic, especially domes- Minh City Archdiocese and the Vietnam bishops called on Cath- tomatoes, eggplants, cucumbers, at low prices to the parish. Others tic migrant workers who have be- provinces of Ba Ria, Phu Cuong olics to support people stricken cabbage, cauliflowers, carrots, po- offer their trucks and tractors to come jobless and lack even basic and Xuan Loc. — ucanews.com Aceh Christians take church dispute to Jakarta JAKARTA: A group of journal- “The local authorities blatant- protests for six years, so now was ists, activists and writers have ly trampled on these people’s the time to take their case to Ja- called on the Indonesian govern- rights,” said Tantowi Anwari, karta. ment to settle disputes in which spokesman for the Journalists As- Indonesia celebrates its Inde- nine churches were demolished sociation for Diversity (SEJUK). pendence Day on Aug 17 “but by a local authority in Aceh prov- He said members of SEJUK we are not independent because ince visited the Christians in July and we still face discrimination and The churches — eight Protes- were left feeling angry. intolerance by local authorities,” tant and one Catholic — were de- “Since their churches were he said. molished in Aceh Singkil district demolished six years ago, they Bonar Tigor Naipospos, deputy in 2015. have been worshiping in shelters chairman of the Setara Institute District chiefs claimed the with no walls and with only palm for Democracy and Peace, said churches should not have been leaves for a roof,” Anwari said. the so-called 1980 agreement was built because Aceh is predomi- This was unacceptable, he said, preventing a solution being found nantly Muslim and is the only adding that President Joko Wido- at a local level. province in Indonesia that has do needed to step in and ensure “The best thing to do is let the implemented Syariah law. They their right to worship as set out in national government handle it and also claimed an agreement struck Protestants worship under a shelter covered with palm leaves in Aceh Singkil the constitution. tell the local authorities to grant between local Muslims and district. (UCA News photo/sejuk.org) Boas Tumangger from the Pa- religious minorities their consti- Christian settlers in 1980 meant Ten churches were built, so However, the demolitions have kpak Dairi Protestant Christian tutional rights,” said Naipospos. that only one church would be al- nine had to be demolished, a dis- forced thousands of Christians to Church in Aceh Singkil said lo- — By Konradus Epa, ucanews. lowed in the district. trict spokesman said. worship under makeshift shelters. cal authorities have ignored their com HERALD August 15, 2021 Asia 7 Mongolian mission resembles early Church, says bishop ULAANBATAAR, Mongolia: As the Cath- Salesians play an important role in the olic Church in Mongolia marks 30 years of Church’s mission, providing critical sup- rebirth in the country next year, the mission port for poor children and families to ensure is like the early days of Christianity, says they have equal opportunities for a better Italy-born Bishop Giorgio Marengo, the ap- future. They run a day care centre and el- ostolic prefect of Ulaanbaatar. ementary school, centres for street children The work in Mongolia is “very similar to and disadvantaged youth, and two technical the episcopal ministry of the early Church. schools. A vital service they provided is a We know how the Apostles in the early days safe water supply point at Shuwuu mission of Christianity, testified to the risen Christ centre which helps hundreds of families in conditions of absolute minority com- every day. pared to the places and cultures where they Bishop Marengo said that while evan- stayed. For me, it is a great responsibility gelisation is important, it is also equally that brings me closer to the true meaning of necessary to focus on faith-building to help the mission,” said Bishop Marengo. people grow in the faith. He also encour- A member of the Consolata Missionaries ages missionary men and women to learn (IMC), Bishop Marengo arrived in the East the local language, establish a relationship Asian country in 2003 as a priest and served with people, and try to understand their life in a small community in Arvaiheer in the and culture. Uvurkhangai region. Pope Francis appoint- Bishop Marengo has great admiration for A file photo of Bishop Giorgio Marengo of Ulaanbaatar as he celebrates Easter Triduum under a tent ed him as apostolic prefect of Ulaanbaatar, chapel in Arvaikheer, Mongolia in 2018. (AsiaNews photo). Inset photo: Bishop Giorgio Marengo. the prophetic phrase regarding missionary which covers the whole of Mongolia, on commitment famously spelled out by re- April 2, 2020. His appointment followed Church in this great Asian country, he said. and about 60 missionaries of various na- tired Salesian Archbishop Thomas Menam- the death of Bishop Wenceslao Padilla, a Catholicism arrived in Mongolia in the tionalities and congregations. They meet parampil of Guwahati in India: “We must Filipino and first prelate of Mongolia, in 13th century during the Mongol empire regularly to discuss problems, coordinate whisper the Gospel to the heart of Asia.” September 2018. but withered away with the end of the Yuan activities and plan new initiatives. “I like to apply this image to Mongolia: Bishop Marengo leads a tiny community dynasty in 1368. Although missionary ac- More than 50 per cent of Mongolians the proclamation of the Word of the Gospel of some 1,300 Catholics in a country of 3.5 tivities resumed in the mid-19th century, are Buddhists, about 40 percent are non- with a whispe, is, therefore, a constant work million. The Church was not active in Mon- they ceased to function when the commu- religious, about three per cent are Muslims, of evangelisation that requires us to enter golia for many centuries, “which is why, nist regime came to power. With the fall of two point five per cent are Shamanist, and into an authentic relationship with people; today, at a popular level, it is believed that communism and the emergence of democ- one point three per cent are Christians, ac- and, by virtue of this authentic relationship it is something new, which has come from racy in 1991, Catholic missionaries arrived cording to the 2020 national census. of friendship, to share what is most precious abroad in recent years. In 2022, Catholics again and rebuilt the Church. Among the leading missionaries are Sale- to us: our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” — will celebrate 30 years of the rebirth of the The Church currently has eight parishes sians, who arrived in Mongolia in 2001. ucanews.com China arrests leaders of Evangelical church demolished in 2018 CHINA: Authorities in China have arrested Both had previously been arrested in 2009. leaders and members of a prominent evan- Before it was demolished with explosives gelical church that was destroyed with dyna- by local authorities in January 2018, the mite about three years ago, sparking a global Golden Lampstand Church was a mega- outcry. church and one of the largest churches in Nine leaders and members of the Golden China. Its congregation was part of a network Lampstand Church, a house church in Linfen of 50,000 members and the church was con- in Shanxi province, northern China, were ar- structed at an estimated cost of US$2.6 mil- rested on Aug 7 in a “well-prepared and coor- lion, according to Bitter Winter. dinated” public security operation, reported It was the second destruction of a church in Bitter Winter, a magazine on religious liberty China in one month after a and human rights. was destroyed in the neighbouring prov- Among the detainees were Pastor Wang ince of Shaanxi, about 20 years after it was Xiaoguang and Evangelist Yang Rongli. opened, The Guardian reported. The destruction of the churches is viewed as part of a renewed crackdown on Christians in the officially atheist country as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) enforces highly re- pressive new regulations on religious affairs. Observers and rights groups say the re- pressive measures aim to dismantle Protes- tant and Evangelical churches which refuse to join the state-approved Three-Self Church. The underground Catholic Church which pledges allegiance to the Vatican and the global Church has also faced renewed crack- downs. In its 2021 World Watch List, US-based Christian group Open Doors ranked China 17th among 50 countries where Christians face severe forms of persecution. A policy of Sinicising religion has been Registration Fees: implemented across the country as the CCP relies strongly on Chinese cultural identity International delegates: USD 100 to stay in power and limits whatever it per- Local delegates: RM 250 ceives as a threat to its control of society. This screengrab shows footage of the Sinicisation aims to impose strict rules on This Congress is open to all Catholic Doctors, Nurses and Healthcarers. demolition of the Golden Lampstand Church societies and institutions based on the tenets Register now at our website: afcma2021.vfairs.com in Linfen city in Shanxi province on Jan 9, of socialism, autonomy and support for the 2018. (UCA News photo) CCP leadership. — ucanews.com 8 World HERALD August 15, 2021 Who was Fr Olivier Maire? SAINT-LAURENT-SUR-SÈVRE, France: the diocese of Besançon, he spent many On Oct 11, 2020, Maire preached at a Fr Olivier Maire, the Catholic priest mur- years in Africa, then in Rome. This biblical Mass marking the 300th anniversary of the dered in France on Aug 9, was the local scholar, passionate about the Church Fa- arrival of Blessed Marie Louise of Jesus provincial superior of the Montfort Mis- thers and Patristic Greek, also has a degree in Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre who together sionaries, a worldwide religious congrega- in psychology. For him, the writings of St with Montfort, founded the Daughters of tion founded by St Louis-Marie Grignion Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort, writ- Wisdom, a female religious congregation. de Montfort. ten 300 years ago, retain all their relevance He said: “This is what Marie Louise He was killed in Saint-Laurent-sur- for explaining and living the Faith.” could have said to everyone this morning: Sèvre, a commune in the Vendée depart- Fr Maire, 61, was a popular leader of share your life. Live a life of sharing with ment, western France. The town is home to retreats. One participant in a retreat that others, don’t waste your life by living it the Basilica of S. Louis-Marie Grignion de he led in 2011 wrote: “I appreciated his alone, isolated, protected from the world, Montfort, where the founder is buried and availability, his attentive listening to sug- protected from others — you have to pro- where St John Paul II preached in 1996. gestions, but also the freedom with which tect yourself from the virus but not from The French Bishops’ Conference and the he expressed his desires in different areas. others.” Conference of Religious of France said in Each Eucharist was an intense moment of “This symbiosis with the world in which a joint statement on Aug 9 that the man prayer and thanksgiving.” we live, this world of exclusion as Pope suspected of killing the priest “was stay- Another commented: “I lived a week of Francis would say, this world of the pe- ing with Fr Olivier Maire” at the time of calm and renewal thanks to the beauty of riphery, is what Marie Louise experienced. the murder. the place, the quality of the moments of Fraternal life, as the Pope’s latest encycli- Media named the suspect as Emmanuel Fr Olivier Maire prayer, and the depth and simplicity of Ol- cal (Fratelli Tutti) reminds us, means liv- Abayisenga, a 40-year-old man of Rwan- solemn profession with the Montfort Mis- ivier Maire.” ing in symbiosis with others, fraternal life dan origin who is also suspected of starting sionaries in 1986, at the age of 25, and was In 2016, the priest was interviewed by and living in symbiosis with God himself. the fire at Nantes in July 2020. ordained to the priesthood in 1990. the French Catholic television station KTO Let us dare to sit down for a time of fra- Fr Maire was born in Besançon, east- A biography on the website of the Dio- in Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre, in a broadcast ternal sharing, let us dare to sit down with ern France, in 1961, reported the French cese of Luçon, which comprises the de- marking the 300th anniversary of Mont- the poorest, the excluded, and the rejects Catholic newspaper La Croix. He made his partment of Vendée, said: “Originally from fort’s death in 1716. of humanity.” – CNA EWTN to present first annual Mother Angelica Award IRONDALE, Alabama: Michael P. War- gelica, seek to bring others to a deeper when you’re afraid. …. saw, Chairman of the Board and Chief Ex- knowledge of God’s love and a deeper “You know what faith is?” she said. ecutive Officer of EWTN, announced that trust in His Providence.” "Faith is one foot on the ground, one EWTN will present its first annual Mother The honouree of this first award will foot in the air, and a queasy feeling in the Angelica Award in a ceremony that will receive a bronze sculpture of Mother stomach.” be televised Aug 15, the Solemnity of the Angelica, created by Artist Kelly Somey Now in its 40th year, EWTN is current- Assumption and the 40th Anniversary of of Asheville, N.C. The project affected ly the largest religious media network in EWTN’s launch. Somey more than he thought it would. the world. EWTN’s 11 TV channels are “Not long after Mother’s death, I felt “Through sculpting Mother Angelica, I've broadcast in multiple languages 24 hours very strongly that there needed to be come to know a little bit more about her a day, seven days a week to over 350 mil- some recognition, created in her name, spirituality, her kindness, her inner beau- lion television households in more than that would honour individuals who, by ty, her courage, the courage to found and 145 countries and territories. their lives and service, have advanced the guide EWTN,” he explained. EWTN platforms also include radio cause of the New Evangelisation, just as Mother Angelica trusted completely in services transmitted through SIRIUS/ Mother did throughout her life,” Warsaw God’s providence in everything she did, XM, iHeart Radio, and over 500 domes- said. particularly in the founding of this Net- tic and international AM & FM radio af- “Through the years, we’ve been blessed work. She famously said: “You want to do filiates; a worldwide shortwave radio ser- to have many incredible people work with something for the Lord... do it! Whatever vice; one of the largest Catholic websites us, people who, like Mother herself, have you feel needs to be done, even though in the United States; electronic and print been witnesses to God’s Providence in all you’re shaking in your boots, you’re news services, including Catholic News they have done in service to the Church. scared to death – take the first step -for Agency, The National Catholic Register And so we created The Mother Angelica ward. The grace comes with that one step newspaper, and several global news wire Award. This annual presentation will rec- and you get the grace as you step. Being services; and EWTN Publishing, its book Mother Angelica Award (CNA photo/EWTN) ognise individuals who, like Mother An- afraid is not a problem; it’s doing nothing publishing division. — CNA Hollywood director, Catholic internet host take on Eucharist miracles movie WASHINGTON: A long-time Hollywood live-action movie format because they be- artist has teamed up with a Catholic You- lieve that many people — both believers Tube host to create a live-action film on Eu- and non-believers — will be willing to sit charistic miracles. down to enjoy a quality film. Ray Grijalba, host of the YouTube chan- Libutti said that many Eucharistic docu- nel The Joy of the Faith, is co-producing the mentaries have been produced, but he ques- Eucharistic Miracle Movie, along with art- tions whether the format of those docu- ist Angelo Libutti, who has worked in the mentaries has the ability to grab people’s art and animation department of famous attention for long periods of time. films such as The Lion King 3-D, Alvin and “What I’m trying to do is find the synergy the Chipmunks, and Spider-Man 2. Libutti between speakers in the movie and the live- is also directing The Incredible Dream, action scenes,” Libutti said. “So when we which is in production, as well as the TV start to feel the talking is becoming boring, series Knights of the Cross. people have had a little bit too much, that’s The two said that Blessed Carlo Acutis, when we’re going to put in the live-action an Italian teenager who died in 2006 and segments. It’s going to interact perfectly.” was the first millennial to be beatified, was The film includes Catholic figures such as their inspiration for the movie. Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler; Cardinal “I think viewers need to know that Bless- , former prefect of the Vati- ed Carlo Acutis’ mom is in this film and that can’s Congregation of Divine Worship; Fr Angelo Libutti and Ray Grijalba interviewing Nigerian Cardinal Francis Arinze for the movie. she’s a big fan of the movie,” Grijalba said Donald Calloway, author of the Consecra- (CNA photo/Angelo Libutti) in an interview. Grijalba’s YouTube video tion to St Joseph; theologian Dr Scott Hahn; Eucharist is because “the tenets of relativ- isfied by the true bread of life, the Eucha- on Eucharistic miracles gained half a mil- Catholic Answers host Tim Staples; and ism, subjectivity of truth, and ‘feel-good’ rist.” lion views. Lila Rose, president of Live Action. The theology have crept in and spread through He said that he is honoured to play the Libutti added that the goal of the movie is film also features interviews with a scientist the Church.” role of Jesus and that the film aims to to evangelise those who have been misled on the miracles. Renzi believes that every human being take the audience on a “cinematic journey about the reality of the Eucharist. The role of Jesus is being played by actor has an objective craving for the “truth, into the heart of these miracles.” — By The co-producers are excited about their Robert Renzi, who said that disbelief in the goodness, and beauty that can only be sat- Joe Bukuras, CNA HERALD August 15, 2021 World 9 Vatican launches ‘global compact’ on the family VATICAN: The Vatican is launch- emy of Social Sciences are organis- Laetitia Family Year, which began ing a research project on the family ing the Catholic Global Compact on March 19 and marks the fifth an- to be carried out by Catholic univer- on the Family with the cooperation niversary of the publication of Pope sities around the world. of the International Centre of Fam- Francis’ 2016 apostolic exhortation The results of the project, called ily Studies in Milan, Italy. on the family. the Catholic Global Compact on The compact involves the study The “year,” which will conclude the Family, will be presented at an and research centres on family pre- in June 2022, includes many differ- event held before the World Meet- sent in Catholic universities situ- ent initiatives organised by the Vati- ing of Families in Rome in June ated throughout the five continents, can’s family office. 2022. which will be collecting informa- One of the initiatives is the pro- The global compact was launched tion, conducting research on the duction of a video project with Pope to create “a shared programme of cultural and anthropological impor- Francis on each of the chapters of The Catholic Global Compact on the Family intends to promote the family in actions for promoting the family tance of the family, focusing par- Amoris Laetitia. light of the Social Doctrine of the Church. (Vatican News photo) throughout the world in light of the ticularly on family relationships, the “Pope Francis intends to address Life said last year. to marriage and family life, such as social doctrine of the Church,” an social value of the family and good all ecclesial communities through- The Vatican office will also share family spirituality, marriage prepa- Aug 6 press release said. practices of family policies at the in- out the world, exhorting each per- resources with dioceses, parishes, ration, and holiness for married cou- The Dicastery for the Laity, Fami- ternational level. son to be a witness of family love,” and other Church groups and fam- ples. — By Hannah Brockhaus, ly, and Life and the Pontifical Acad- The project is part of the Amoris the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and ily associations on themes related CNA Spanish bishop urges support Mass becomes longest-running show on Australian TV for those tempted to suicide SYDNEY: A weekly 30-minute turing fake stained-glass windows SPAIN: As Spain records a high Mass broadcast into people’s liv- and a recorded choir in August rate of suicide, a bishop in the ing rooms has become the longest- 1971. Basque Country has urged that no running programme on Australian Today, produced by the Diocese effort be spared in addressing the television. of Wollongong in partnership with crisis, “taking a stand for life.” Celebrating its 50th year in ear- the Australian Catholic Bishops’ “There are many people, youths ly August, Mass for You at Home Conference, it features state-of- and adults, who decide to put an was originally aimed at those una- the-art technology as well as sign- end to their existence. Don’t do it. ble to attend their local parish due ers for the deaf community. Wol- Life is worth living. In the dark- to illness, infirmity, being home- longong Bishop Brian Mascord ness, Christ is the Light,” said bound or in prison, but today it has said that, while much has changed Bishop Juan Carlos Elizalde Es- attracted a new audience due to in the 50 years since it was first pinal. COVID-19, and its small but loy- broadcast on free-to-air television, In addition to the common rea- al following is flourishing since the need for the Mass remains. sons why people take their own churches were forced to close. He said over the five decades, lives such as clinical depression, With a national emergency cur- hundreds of priests and laypeople Spain legalised both euthanasia “I ask that we spare no effort to (more than twice as many victims rently declared across New South contributed to the ministry’s his- and assisted suicide in December address this problem of the first as from traffic accidents) and many Wales and large numbers of the tory by celebrating Mass, reading 2020. importance, taking a stand for life, more suffer the consequences. Sui- country’s most populous state in Scripture and singing. The bishop called on “everyone, from the first moment of concep- cide is one of the biggest public lockdown indefinitely due to an “Fr Michael King’s vision public institutions, companies, tion to its natural end, alleviating health problems in Europe. The outbreak of the delta strain, the from the early 1970s was to pro- schools, families and the Church,” pain, taking care of the caregiver estimated rate of suicide is 13.9 programme is more relevant and vide spiritual nourishment to the to join together to provide the nec- and always ensuring the dignity of per 100,000 inhabitants per year.” popular than ever. housebound, and that is still rel- essary help to people contemplat- all,” he continued. By comparison, Spain has seen And it’s not just Catholics tun- evant today,” he said. ing suicide, “who need to know On average, according to official 173.1 deaths per 100,000 from ing in; producers are receiving “To bring a real sense of the that God has a plan for them and data, every day in Spain “more COVID-19. — By Diego Lopez increasing numbers of requests sacred to people, inviting them that there’s a new beginning.” than 10 people die from suicide Marina, CNA from non-Catholics wanting more to be part of a scattered yet con- information about the faith after nected worshipping community, watching a Mass. is a privilege and a great respon- Indian Church mourns Filmed at Fairy Meadow’s St sibility that we take seriously,” he John Vianney Co-Cathedral in the said, adding that diocesan staff- Diocese of Wollongong, south of ers were “humbled by the letters, ‘sin of abortion’ with special day Sydney, the broadcast has come a emails and calls we receive from NEW DELHI: The Catholic Church Church leaders said it had led to the dent of the Catholic Bishops’ Con- long way since the first Mass was our grateful community”. — By in India has observed a “Day of killing of millions of babies in the ference of India (CBCI), said in a recorded in a television studio fea- Debbie Cramsie, CNS Mourning” in memory of millions wombs of their mothers and called message that “millions of abortions of babies aborted across the world. for an end to such a practice, since have taken place in our country fol- As the country marked the 50th life is a precious gift from God and lowing that legislation and there is year of its Medical Termination of must be protected. no sign of a slowdown in this anti- Pregnancy Act, 1971, on Aug 10, Cardinal , presi- life trend.” Cardinal Gracias said that the Masses offered in every parish on Aug 10 in memory of unborn babies killed were “a reparation for the sin of abortion.” Catholics from many parts of In- dia marked the day with special pro- life online programmes and Mercy Hours in parishes, religious houses, seminaries and other Catholic insti- tutions. Catholic families were also urged to hold special prayers including recitation of the ro- Catholics from many parts of India marked the day with special pro-life sary. — By Saji Thomas, ucanews. St Francis Xavier Cathedral in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia. online programs and Mercy Hours. (UCA News photo) com (Photo/Wikipedia) 10 Editorial HERALD August 15, 2021

Editor’s Column Sustained by Grace Anti-Catholic sentiment Making a choice for against Angela Merkel’s the common good live in a guarded community which came into effect many I years ago due to a spate of break-ins and snatch thefts in potential successor my neighbourhood. I myself was a victim of snatch thieves on several occasions, with one or two incidents happening BERLIN, Germany: An anti-Catholic tarian and spokesman for religious af- right outside my front gate. So, when the residents’ asso- video targeting the election campaign of fairs of the CDU, Hermann Gröhe, also ciation decided to engage the services of a private security a potential successor to Angela Merkel weighed in, accusing the SPD of stoking company and asked that each household make a monthly has drawn criticism from bishops and anti-Catholic sentiment. contribution, I readily agreed. politicians in Germany amid growing The controversy has also sparked a Unfortunately, there were only a handful of us willing concerns about a wider erosion of reli- wider debate over concerns for religious to ‘pay for our safety’, while the others refused, saying gious freedom in an increasingly secular freedom and growing anti-Catholic sen- that, irrespective of whether they paid or not, their house Europe. timent in German society, with one ex- was ‘safe’ because the security guards would still keep an The video was published online and pert on constitutional law, who is also eye on the entire neighbourhood. Since the payment was shown at an election event of the Social a Catholic canon lawyer, warning of a optional, these residents could not be forced to pay. They Democratic Party (SPD) in early August. break with Christian tradition in German basically wanted the rest of us to pay for safeguarding our It depicts Armin Laschet, the Christian society. Professor Hans Michael Heinig neighbourhood while they had a free ride. Democratic Union’s candidate to succeed told the Berlin newspaper Tagesspiege” I see a somewhat similar scenario when it comes to get- Chancellor Angela Merkel, as a Russian on August 7 that the SPD spot constituted Matryoshka doll which “hides” several a "paradigm shift” that identified the mi- ting vaccinated. Despite record high infections and deaths other dolls inside. nority of practicing Catholics as problem- being reported almost daily here in Malaysia, there are still “Whoever votes for Armin Laschet atic in wider society. He warned that this those who argue that the choice of whether to be vacci- and the CDU, votes for ... ultra-Catholic shift “could undermine religious freedom Armin Laschet nated or not is personal. So while many of us are getting Laschet confidants for whom sex before and blur the distinction between religion be one of the challenges facing the new our first and second doses, there are some who choose not marriage is a taboo,” an ominous voice- and politics.” government. to get vaccinated. While cautioning that they are not ‘sil- over tells viewers, while a further Rus- Attacking political opponents, and The Church in Germany received 6.76 ver bullets’ and cannot eliminate the transmission of the sian doll, bearing face the face of a close in particular their religious faith, has so billion euros from Church tax in 2019, an virus, experts have indicated that the vaccines are expected aide to Laschet, is revealed inside the big- far been considered a taboo in modern increase of more than 100 million euros to significantly reduce the number of cases and the need for ger doll. German elections. The socially power- compared to 2018. The rise is believed to hospitalisation. The aide is a 35-year-old Catholic in ful consensus so far has been that elec- be due to the growth of Germany's econ- Although there is no Church law or rule that obligates charge of the Laschet’s office in the State tion commercials and campaigns should omy in 2019. a Catholic to receive a vaccine — including a COVID-19 of North Rhine-Westphalia by name focus on policies and issues, not polem- Although the number of Catholics vaccine, conscience protection is absolutely critical for us of Nathanael Liminski. As a practicing ics and populist claims about opponents. abandoning the faith has increased stead- as people of faith. There is also an obligation to promote Catholic, Liminski in 2010 defended the Nonetheless, Liminski’s Catholic faith ily since the 1960s, the Church’s income the common good of all people. Church’s views on pre-marital sex and has come under intense media scrutiny in has risen. In 2019, a record number of The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has de- homosexuality in a TV show. He also recent months, with a number of secular- Catholics left the Church in Germany, clared the COVID-19 vaccines to be morally licit and has co-founded the group “Generation Ben- ist and left-wing media such as the “Tag- with 272,771 people formally leaving. said they can be used in good conscience. The Catholic edict” following World Youth Day 2005 eszeitung” running critical portraits of Pope Francis took the historical step of Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia, in their Pastoral Let- (the organisation changed its name to “Laschet’s right-hand man". writing a 28-page letter to German Cath- ter dated 4th February 2021 on COVID-19, Vaccines and “Pontifex Initiative” after Pope Benedict German voters will go to the pools on olics in 2019, urging them to focus on Immunisation, wrote that “at the present time, given the XVI’s resignation from office). September 26 to vote for a new federal evangelisation in the face of a “growing severity and urgency of the situation and the absence of In response to the video clip, the Ger- government and a successor to long-time erosion and deterioration of faith’ in their other means to stop or prevent an epidemic, the common man Bishops’ Conference called for a fair Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has led country. More recently, Pope emeritus good may recommend vaccination, especially to protect the election campaign. “We consider the way the country since 2005. The question of Benedict XVI., who hails from the Ger- weakest and the most exposed.” (Q5, Part II). in which the election commercial deals how a clearer separation of Church and man State of Bavaria, expressed strong With the COVID-19 digital vaccination certification be- with the expression of a religious convic- State can be achieved in light of an in- concern about the lack of faith within ing a requirement by our authorities to verify an individ- tion to be inappropriate,” a spokesman of creasing number of German Catholics Church institutions in Germany. — By ual's immunisation status, even at places of worship, the the conference told media. A parliamen- turning their backs on the Church will AC Wimmer, CNA Church has both the opportunity and the obligation to en- courage the faithful to get vaccinated as we eagerly await the reopening of our churches and the resumption of public Catholic students in Ireland bullied for their faith Masses. DUBLIN, Ireland: A report on a sur- said. be a lonely experience in modern Ire- A recent media report quoted our Prime Minister as say- vey of 214 religious education teachers The report blamed growing secular land,” one teacher was quoted as saying. ing that the government is contemplating taking action in Ireland is raising alarm that students behaviours for why religious students Another religious education teacher against anti-vaccine groups after doing some studies and who practice a religion, particularly would be targeted, and teachers reported said that there is a “general intolerance research. The Prime Minister did not rule out the possibil- Catholicism, are being bullied for their “evidence of pressure on students to be/ of the Christian worldview which needs ity of making it compulsory for each individual to take the beliefs. identify as a non-believer.” [to be] addressed,” in Ireland, and many vaccine jabs. In Ireland, religious education is a The survey found that, while religious teachers noted that their students “pro- Our bishops and many other members of the clergy have compulsory subject for all pupils. The education teachers were concerned about fess no active faith.” made public their vaccination status via both this publica- survey studied teachers in post-primary bullying of any student on the grounds The report found that teachers were tion and social media. They have already encouraged the schools, which are typically schools for of religion, they were “most concerned most concerned about negative stereo- faithful to do likewise and they are continuing to do so, children over the age of 12. about the bullying of Catholic students.” types regarding their Catholic students. reiterating the importance of getting vaccinated as a means The report, Inclusive Religious Edu- Atheist students prompted the fewest Teachers in the report blame a cultural to protect not only oneself but also others. But more needs cation: The Voices of Religious Educa- concerns about bullying, said the report. shift towards secularism for the fact that to be done to turn the tide. tion Teachers in Post Primary Schools in “This echoes the growing field of re- these students are being negatively ste- There is a moral burden on every person to do what it Ireland, Identity, bullying and inclusion search which suggests that, in a rapidly reotyped. takes to avoid infecting others. Being fully vaccinated is an was authored by Dr. Amalee Meehan secularising society, those who continue “A Catholic student is more likely to and Derek A. Laffan, MSc. The National to practice any faith, especially the once- be ridiculed or laughed at for their faith, important step in keeping not only ourselves, but also our Anti-Bullying Research and Resource majority faith, are vulnerable to bully- so they tend to be silenced by the pre- families and others in the broader community, safe. If ever Centre and Dublin City University pub- ing,” said the report. vailing trend towards a secular humanist there was a moral obligation, this is it. lished the report, which was released in One teacher said “there can be hostil- worldview,” said one teacher. August 2021. ity from non-religious students towards Another added that Catholicism and HERALD — The Catholic Weekly “Students of faith are vulnerable to students who express faith at times,” Catholic values are viewed as “archaic,” Jointly published by the bullying. The negative view of faith and and that students who express “strong and another said that “It is socially ac- Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, faith schools contributes to this effect, beliefs” are subject to bullying, even by ceptable in Ireland to insult or belittle Diocese of Malacca Johore, Diocese of making students of faith a vulnerable members of the staff. Catholics or Catholicism.” Penang and Diocese of Keningau group,” said the report. “Teachers singled out Christians as In 1961, 94.9 per cent of Ireland iden- Editor: Patricia Pereira HERALD, 5, Jalan Robertson, 50150, KL “The most vulnerable group of second the most vulnerable group: ‘expressing tified as Catholic. By 2016, that figure Tel: 03-20268290/20268291 level school students to emerge from the religion-based convictions such as anti- had dropped to 78.3 per cent, with “no Online: www.heraldmalaysia.com. open forum are practising Catholics; the abortion views can lead to low level bul- religion” making up the second-largest E-mail: [email protected] least vulnerable are those who profess a lying by staff members,’” said the report. religious affiliation. — By Christine nonreligious or atheist worldview,” they “Holding a religious worldview can Rousselle, CNA HERALD August 15, 2021 Focus 11 Spiritual abuse more frequent than thought he Vatican is investigating about a Archbishop Rodríguez also said he was dozen founders of congregations of not counting communities or institutes of Tconsecrated or religious life, and the consecrated life which the Congregation most common allegations involve abuse of has already investigated and responded to, power or conscience, financial corruption such as by appointing an outside delegate or problems associated with “affectivity,” or, in some cases, suppressing the institute. said a top official. “It should also be noted that there have Spanish Archbishop José Rodríguez been some cases in which, after the neces- Carballo, secretary of the Congregation sary investigation, the female founder has for Institutes of Consecrated Life and So- left consecrated life or the male founder cieties of Apostolic Life, spoke about his has been reduced to the lay state,” Arch- office’s work overseeing religious congre- bishop Rodríguez said. gations in an interview with Vida Nueva, a “All of this does a lot of damage to con- Spanish weekly magazine on religion. secrated life and to the Church itself,” he He said the Church has very “clear and said. “Therefore, much more attention precise criteria” when it comes to discern- should be paid when discerning the need, ing the authenticity of a religious charism benefit and usefulness for the Church when and determining whether to approve a new approving associations whose canonical congregation or religious order. recognition is underway.” Among these criteria, he underlined, are It is a bishop’s right to approve such as- “communion with the Church; the presence sociations, he said, “but also a grave re- of spiritual fruits; the social dimension of sponsibility,” and discernment is needed. evangelisation; high regard for other forms He said the most common motives for Archbishop José Rodríguez Carballo, secretary of the Vatican Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) of consecrated life in the Church; and the opening an investigation are one or more profession of the Catholic faith,” referring of the following: problems with the insti- The is abuse rooted in “clericalism,” that the charism belongs to the founders to the doctrinal congregation’s 2016 letter tute’s assets being used for personal gain; which affects not just the clergy, but any and not to the Church,” he said. Iuvenescit Ecclesia to the world’s bishops abuse of power or spiritual abuse, includ- man or woman with authority, he added. “In such cases, the Church has the right regarding charismatic gifts in the life and ing abuse of conscience, and “problems When it comes to sexual abuse, in gen- and the duty to intervene to overcome a the mission of the Church. related to affectivity.” eral it is against other members of the re- disordered exercise of the charisms, as the “Sadly, it must be confessed that, at Abuse refers to “any psychological, ligious institute, “but sometimes it can be early Church did,” he said. times, it is difficult to discover the authen- physical or sexual violence that takes place against minors or other vulnerable people,” “In many of these cases, a general sense ticity and originality of a charism in some in a religious context, or any manipulation he said. It is also important to remember of ‘persecution’ by the Church is created” realities,” the archbishop said. that damages a person's relationship with that sexual abuse is not always the only and, he said, often it is accompanied by “a At the moment, the congregation is in- God and with their own inner being,” he problem, since then can also be spiritual spirituality that is very superficial and is vestigating about a dozen founders of insti- said. abuse or an abuse of power at its core. barely grounded in a healthy theology and tutes which come under his office’s author- When asked whether spiritual abuse was In the interview with Vida Nueva, Arch- in the magisterium of the Church.” ity, he said, without naming the founders very common, the archbishop said such bishop Rodríguez was asked why some The archbishop said that this process of or the communities involved. abuse or the abuse of conscience “is usu- new forms of religious or consecrated life sectarianism can lead to fundamentalism, “In most cases, these are associations ally more common than you think. Pope tend toward “sectarianism,” in the sense which Pope Francis has said is the result whose canonical recognition is underway,” Francis defines it as spiritual harassment, that they seem to have a spirit of division, of an “ideology that mutilates the Gospel” he said. manipulation of conscience, brainwash- prejudice or competition. which, unfortunately, can be seen in sev- However, he said, in addition to that ing. This type of abuse usually occurs in Sometimes it is a way to defend a char- eral of the so-called “new communities” or number, there are some institutes which the sphere of spiritual direction or within ism or “preserve it from possible contami- new forms of consecrated life. have already been canonically recognised a community, especially when the internal nation that may come from outside,” he “Fundamentalism fossilises a charism,” and whose founders are being investigated forum (the individual’s conscience and said. The mentality is “we are the best” or he said, and “a charism is like water. It too, “so the number increases significant- spiritual state) is not distinguished from the only ones who are faithful. does not flow, it stagnates.” — By Carol ly.” the external one.” “In groups like this, it is also believed Glatz, CNS Catholic apologist debunks ‘Jesus Is a Myth’ argument WASHINGTON: The historical evidence a revitalisation of this ‘Jesus is a myth’ sort behind Jesus Christ’s existence is “over- of thing,” Staples said. “And now on the In- whelming,” according to a senior apologist ternet, lies tend to spread very, very fast so at Catholic Answers. you have this new-fangled ‘Jesus is a myth’ Tim Staples is challenging the “Jesus is a claim. myth” argument that he says has been cir- “But it simply does not hold up under culating online and flooding social media. scrutiny,” he concluded. “The historical He walked through the evidence, including evidence is overwhelming.” historical records, miracles, and the Gos- He also addressed another piece of evi- pels, during EWTN News Nightly on July dence: Jesus’ miracles. 30. His comments complemented a piece “The miracles of Christ are extremely recently published by his organisation important because they’re attested to, not called On Historical Evidence, Jesus Wins. just by friend, but also by foe,” Staples said. Staples said that Jesus’ existence, histori- He also highlighted the importance of cally, is “just really a no-brainer.” the four Gospels and challenged those who “It’s only been in the last 150 years or deny their contents. He cited Sir William so that this sort of ‘Jesus is a myth’ thing Ramsay, a late 19th-century sceptic, who has been revitalised,” he said. “We have an attempted to expose the Gospels (particu- enormous amount of evidence from earliest larly Luke – Acts) as “fabrications.” That sources.” didn’t happen. Instead, during his investi- He pointed to Roman historians, includ- gation, Ramsay found Luke – Acts “to be ing Cornelius Tacitus and Suetonius. He the most accurate work of ancient history also listed Lucian, a second-century sati- Crucifix at Mount Lusen in Bavaria Germany. (CNA photo) he had ever encountered” and converted to rist, Flavius Josephus, an early Jewish his- thus, an early Gnostic, Simon Magus, a in the Jewish Talmud.” Christianity. torian, and Thallus, a Gentile historian in Samarian magician, and Celsus, a Greek In other words, “the fight is really over Staples called the Gospels and the book the first century. philosopher. who He is.” of Acts “extraordinary” because of “the de- Staples added that even the “enemies of None of the “various enemies of Chris- Still, he said, the Christ-myth controver- tail.” As in this case, he said, scrutiny often Christianity in the early centuries” didn’t tianity” attempt to “deny the historicity of sy persists. leads to the scrutinisers “becoming believ- dispute Jesus’ existence. He listed Cerin- the person, Jesus,” he said, not “even later “Especially in the Soviet Union, you had ers.” — By Katie Yoder, CNA 12 CST: Stewardship of Creation HERALD August 15, 2021 Now is the time for Creation Justice 1 “There is a time for everything, The globe is the Earth, the “Blue Planet” teeming with life. The three-di- establish living pathways of creation and a season for every activity under mensional equilateral triangle in the centre represents the Trinity (Fa- justice and resilience through build- the heavens: ther, Son and Holy Spirit) in all creation, and the Trinitarian relation- ing leadership capacity, ecological 4 a time to weep and a time to spirituality education, the ecologi- ship between people (the human hand), other created beings (the fern laugh, a time to mourn and a time to cal movement, and ecological focal dance, frond and paw print), and God at the apex (the Cross) for Christ points. We invite all people of good- 5 a time to scatter stones and a holds all creation together (Col 1:17). There is perfect balance and will to take up the call to ecological time to gather them, a time to em- harmony. The key message is: “We Are One”. We are all brothers conversion and ecological citizen- brace and a time to refrain from em- and sisters, children of our one Heavenly Father-Creator who loves ship (LS#217, 211). bracing, us tenderly and asks that we love one another in the same way. The When God created the world, He 7 a time to tear and a time to colours of the three smaller triangles within the large triangle corre- had a dream for all of us. That dream mend, a time to be silent and a time spond with the earth colours of the hand, paw print and frond showing was always love. In Genesis 9, He to speak, that we are all interconnected and interdependent. established a covenant with man and 8 a time to love and a time to hate, “all living creatures”. He did not for- a time for war and a time for peace” last decade has been the warmest on that there is a time for everything. So is infused with the Spirit of God, our get them. When did we? Ecc. 3. record with 2016, 2019 and 2020 be- what is it time for now? It is a time Creator, and that all living creatures Perhaps the logo of the ECCJ- ing the three hottest years at close to for us to open our eyes and see the have the right to live with dignity. It MSB best illustrates the ecological Laudato Si’ (LS) is the first social 1.2 (± 0.1) °C above pre-industrial destruction for what it is, to see the acknowledges that we, humans, are spirituality that Pope Francis alludes encyclical in the Catholic Church times. In January 2021, an interna- warnings written in the sky by cli- creatures too, meant to live as one to in Laudato Si’, using St. Francis of to address the complex social and tional group of scientists warned that mate change and COVID-19 that if with all the rest of creation, and that Assisi as His inspiration (LS#10-12). ecological crisis in a direct and spe- the planet is facing a “ghastly future we do not stop and change, the con- we carry a special responsibility to — By Clare Westwood cific way. Written by Pope Francis of mass extinction, declining health sequences will be catastrophic. It is a care for and love our created brothers and published on June 18, 2015, the and climate-disruption upheavals” time for the genuine sorrow of Psalm and sisters, from the poor and mar- l Clare Westwood encyclical focuses on broad threats which threaten human survival be- 51 and a weeping with creation. It is ginalised in society, to the moss in is the Regional to the flourishing of people within cause of ignorance and inaction, a time to make the only right choice the forests and the fish in the oceans. Director of creation. It addresses climate change lamenting that “people still haven’t to stand up and speak up for justice It embraces the interconnection and the Episcopal among various other issues, such as grasped the urgency of the biodiver- for all creation. It is a time to mend a interdependence of all beings (in- Commission for the loss of biodiversity, the extinction sity and climate crises”. hurting world. cluding natural entities) in the Earth Creation Justice of species, and the culture of waste. It is the poor who suffer most from Indeed, the Pope declares that it community. Creation Justice (called of Malaysia, In essence, it is a letter addressed to the devastating impacts of global is the duty of the Church “to pro- ecological justice in the broader so- Singapore, and “every person living on this planet” warming and who are suffering most tect mankind from self-destruction” ciety) thus encompasses justice for Brunei. about the dire state of the world and from the global pandemic. Behind (LS#61) and in order to do that, we Mother Earth, climate justice, intra- what we needed to do about it. It dis- the cry of the poor is the cry of the need to be humble enough to rec- generational and inter-generational 1. World Meteorological Associa- solves the boundaries between what Earth (LS#49), where innocent be- ognise that we were always merely justice, gender justice, and social, tion. Jan 15, 2021. 2020 was one of three warmest years on record. was considered secular and Church ings in nature suffer in silence as the stewards, never the dictators of economic, cultural, political, food, https://public.wmo.int/en/media/ and sits us right in the centre of the species after species is wiped out creation, and we need the Earth more energy, and technology justice. press-release/2020-was-one-of- “one complex crisis” that we were all year after year from man-made than it needs us. We envision a world where people three-warmest-years-record responsible for (LS#139). causes such as deforestation, over- Many people ask us what creation are living in oneness with all crea- In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis hunting/fishing, pollution, and - cli justice is. The Episcopal Commis- tion, upholding creation justice, ris- 2. https://www.theguardian.com/ warned that we were reaching break- mate change. Indeed, we know that sion for Creation Justice of Malay- ing up on fire with the mission to ad- environment/2021/jan/13/top-sci- ing point (LS#61) – that was six God hears all cries, the question is: sia, Singapore, and Brunei (ECCJ- vance creation justice and resilience. entists-warn-of-ghastly-future-of- years ago, and many would say we do we? MSB) defines it as justice for all To do this, we need to grow a global mass-extinction-and-climate-dis- have already reached that point. The The Book of Ecclesiasticus states creation, recognising that all creation movement of ecological citizens and ruption-aoe New archbishop of Manila reaffirms Indian priest on bike tour to call attention to environment commitment to Laudato Si’ message INDIA: A Catholic priest in In- cle and who promotes organic ag- MANILA, Phillipines: Cardinal tive duty as trustworthy stewards dia is riding across the country by riculture, gardening, and promot- Jose Advincula of Manila reaf- of the environment.” motorbike to call attention to the ing concern for nature. firmed his commitment to advance The prelate encouraged the environment. Fr Prashanth acquired four acres environmental protection as one of faithful “to make Laudato Si’ hap- Fr Prashanth Palakkappilly, a of paddy fields in Arayankavu, the priority campaigns of his arch- pen in our daily lives,” adding that Carmelite missionary, will take a near Kochi, to establish a center diocese. the celebration of the “Season of tour of India “to spread the mes- for biodiversity where students “Environmental protection is an Creation” is a response to the call sage of peace and a sense of con- are introduced to nature. important part of my life,” he said of Pope Francis for “everyone to cern for the environment,” said a The 56-year-old priest said he in a message during the general have an ecological conversion.” report in The Hindu. will use a motorbike in his “Trust- assembly of the Ecology Ministry The “Season of Creation” is The priest, who used to be the Green-Peace journey” this week of the Archdiocese of Manila on a global celebration which runs school principal of the Sacred “because it is lighter on the envi- August 7. from September 1 to October 4 Heart College in Thevara in cen- ronment.” “The faithful can expect my every year. This year’s theme is A tral Kochi in the Indian state of The journey took off from The- full support and patronage to our Home for All? Renewing the Oikos Kerala, is known to only ride a bi- vara on Aug 10 for Kottayam and struggle to protect and defend the of God. cycle to travel short distances. will proceed to Kashmir and Kol- environment,” he said. Lou Arsenio, coordinator of the People in the area call him the kata, Kutch and Konkan in the Cardinal Advincula appealed to Ecology Ministry in the archdio- “padiri” (priest) who rides a bicy- next two months. — LiCAS.news everyone “to prioritise and address cese, said a series of activities in environmental concerns” which preparation for the celebration of affect the lives of the vulnerable the “Season of Creation” is ongo- sectors of society. ing. “Although our focus nowadays Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila. “We have already started train- is on the pandemic we are going of our environment,” he said. ing and workshops on Laudato through, we cannot ignore envi- More than 220 church work- Si’ Action Platforms and Goals to ronmental issues. It is a concern ers and priests in the archdiocese capacitate parish church workers that must be prioritised,” he said. joined the online gathering, which in cascading the campaign to com- The prelate likened environmen- was part of preparations for the munity members,” she said. tal protection to a person’s health, observance of the “Season of Cre- “We are gathering and docu- saying the public must protect all ation” in September. menting all ecological concerns creations “just as we protect our- Cardinal Advincula said it is in the parish level to the vicari- selves from the coronavirus.” “only fitting that even in the midst ate level. This is a bottom-up ap- “Just as we do everything we of the pandemic, we continue to proach to allow everyone, espe- can to prevent the infection and celebrate the Season of Creation cially in the parish community, to spread of COVID-19, so we also voice their concerns,” she said. – and raise the awareness of our Fr Prashanth Palakkappilly, a Carmelite missionary is on a ‘Trust-Green- do everything we can to take care brothers and sisters of our collec- LiCAS.news Peace journey’. (LiCas News photo/The Hindu) HERALD August 15, 2021 CST: Stewardship of Creation 13 Prison vegetable garden dedicated to Laudato Si’ hanks to the “Libere Tenerezze” asked to plant them in the grounds of prison in Ragusa. The project was to vegetable garden project dedi- the prison. The additional seeds were make masks for the community to be Tcated to Pope Francis’ Laudato donated to him, with the approval of donated to hospitals and centres for Si’, since the Spring of 2020, vegeta- the prison authorities, by an associa- the disabled.” With the help of his col- bles have been growing in the grounds tion of social workers that has been of- league Alessandro Vitrano, and other of a prison in the Sicilian town of Ra- fering its services to prisons, hospital social workers, he said “we gave a gusa. Run by an association of social patients, oncological clinics and chil- sewing machine to the 180 inmates of workers together with the prison in- dren’s wards, as well as to disabled the penitentiary as a gift, along with mates, the vegetables are grown us- persons and to the elderly since 2007. useful material for the production of ing biodynamic farming techniques. Fabio Ferrito, president of the “Ci the masks. About a thousand masks The first seeds planted were those of Ridiamo Sù” association, himself were made and, to thank the inmates a local species of courgettes, but crops The typical Sicilian “tinniruma” courgettes. a social worker who specialises in for their work, we gave them the ‘tin- recently sown include tropical and gusa prison, had the idea of planting a Sicilian “tinniruma” courgettes as a performing arts, said “In April last niruma’ seeds: delicate symbols of the subtropical fruits. Laudato Si’ vegetable garden when he gift. The gift brought to his mind the year, during the pandemic, a project delicacy they expressed in producing Bruno, one of the inmates of the Ra- received a packet of seeds of typical teachings of his farmer father, and he was launched that involved the local the masks”. The Libere Tenerezze - Laudato Si’ vegetable garden ith Bruno’s help, a part of could create a vegetable garden and dialogue, exchange and openness to “Wthe prison grounds that the project took off” with the name the community, while also providing was not in use was set aside and Libere Tenerezze - Laudato Sì’, after the detainees with the opportunity to ‘the seeds were planted, almost as a Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical. acquire professional skills.” Espe- game. A garden of tender courgettes The aim, the president of the As- cially in prison, he said, we need to was born’,” Ferrito explained, “we sociation explained, is to give pris- remember that "Work is a necessity, are talking about almost 100 plants.” on inmates “the chance to express part of the meaning of life on this Then, in agreement with the director themselves, to be able to go beyond earth, a path to growth, human de- of the prison, Giovanna Maltese, “we a sense of isolation, frustration, per- velopment and personal fulfilment” suggested planting more greenery, sonal and collective tension. We as the Pontiff points out in Laudato A view of the Libere Tenerezze - Laudato Si’ vegetable garden. including trees. Thus, with the help have called it a ‘humorous garden’, Si’ (128). oserved. “The inmates’ external con- they could get together was for Sun- of sponsors, we bought 1,500 plants. because we are ‘clowns’ who try to During the pandemic, “every ac- tacts, especially with their families, day Mass”, celebrated by the chap- That’s when we realised that we foster new relationships based on tivity project came to a halt,” he were cancelled, and the only time lain, Fr Carmelo Mollica. Vegetables, fruit and quantum music The relationship with the other he vegetable garden project has fungicides or antibiotics are utilised, authorities, seasonal vegetables are n the world of agriculture there the fact that we relate to them with- Tevolved over time, taking on a but everything is recycled using a being grown, from tomatoes to sal- Iis no lack of hard work. There out filters, and we joke with them, very particular connotation: “with compost bin to avoid the dispersion ads, from aubergines to fennel. In is, however, the need for profound when a smile breaks the fatigue of the help of an agronomist, Alessan- of aggressive minerals in the soil the largest of the three, some 2,500 knowledge and an uncommon ca- a day in the fields, the true selves dro Scrofani, we have chosen to use which can be a source of pollution square meters, “an experiment with pacity for innovation. The operators of each other really emerge.” These probiotics and biodynamic farming for groundwater. We also use nettle legumes, artichokes, tropical and of the “Ci Ridiamo Sù” association are people who “have not seen their techniques, aiming for a garden that and garlic insect-repellents, organic subtropical plants, such as mangoes, work side by side with the inmates children for a long time: they have ensures the quality of the produce fertilizers and manure to stabilise the papayas, avocados, as well as kiwis — not all of them, of course, but long jail sentences.” He noted that and respect for the earth. We recog- crop and prevent bacteria and fungi and gooseberries has been started.” those who have received authori- some, like Bruno, who left his chil- nise ourselves in Laudato Si’,” Fer- from attacking it.” The association and the inmates are sation to do so: Bruno has recently dren when they were toddlers and rito pointed out, explaining that the also proud of the fact that they have been joined by Antonino – also be- now, they are teenagers, manage “vegetable garden is a closed-cycle Organic fertilizers and insecticides built a greenhouse “for strawberries, cause, as Laudato Si’ notes, “every to keep up a constant and continu- project because it uses kitchen waste In little more than a year, on the three with hydroponic cultivation, using form of work is a concept of the re- ous relationship, even though he and organic waste. No chemicals, plots of land granted by the prison quantum music: it has been observed lationship which we can and must sees them very little. “I would dare that certain sound frequencies have have with what is other than our- say, more than a father who sees his a positive effect on the health of selves.” (125). son 24-hours a day: he writes them the plants, facilitating germination, a letter every day and the children growth and greater resistance to Agricultural work in confide in him, ask his advice as disease. It is also a fascinating initia- if he were home with them. These tive for children, because it conveys Ragusa’s prison are impromptu tales born of daily a message of equilibrium between “We do everything together,” Fer- work”, commitment and above all man and nature. Among other things, rito explained: “we plan the gar- trust, Ferrito said: this is what the those involved in the gardening are den, choose the plants, make the detainees have found in the Ragusa acquiring a very high level of com- irrigation systems, work the land, prison, “a prison with an all-female petence that can also be useful in the fertilize it, sow the seeds and har- staff,” including the director and the future,” with a view to offer them “a vest the crops. These are men who commander of the Penitentiary Po- Organic fertilizers and insecticides. dignified life through work” (128). “appreciate working together, and lice. An opportunity for the future rison Director Giovanna Maltese, the Ragusa prison, which is the sec- he will be able to find a job with the Pwas struck by the significance of tor that deals with the recovery and experience he will have acquired.” the Libere Tenerezze - Laudato Si’ social reintegration of inmates, hopes The Prison Director agrees, adding vegetable garden project during the “that it will continue and become a that an experience such as this could pandemic lockdown because, thanks structural project for the prison, so lead to new professional opportuni- to the project, “the inmates were able that other inmates can have this op- ties in the farming industry, includ- to have “continuity of contact with portunity in the future”. Passing on ing the possibility of starting one’s the earth and its values”. An oppor- the knowledge of biodynamic ag- own business with the contribution tunity, she said, “to escape idleness” riculture “is very important,” Noto of a law introduced in the year 2000 and to enjoy “the concreteness of emphasised, “especially for those (Legge Smuraglia) which favours results, every time a seedling was inmates who do not have a high level the employment of former prison in- successful", producing its own fruit. of education: it is we who give them mates. This is Bruno’s dream, as well The project has been included in the training so that when they leave as that of many other Ragusa detain- the three-year planning of the 2021- prison they can find employment ees. They have another dream as 2023 Sicilian Regional Penitentiary more easily.” Bruno himself, she well, Fabio Ferrito pointed out: that Administration. says, has “great hopes in the project. “of being able to make a delivery of Rosetta Noto, head of what was He understands its value and hopes their produce as soon as possible to known as the Educational Area of that once he has served his sentence, Pope Francis.” — Vatican News Prison inmates of Ragusa prison helping in the agricultural work. 14 Spiritual Reflection HERALD August 15, 2021 Complexity and paradox

eading the Letters of Doro- training for the priesthood should injustice, racism, violence, and war. of course, was that great minds thy Day recently, I ran into be living with everyday families. Small wonder her favourite saint aren’t simple, that they know the Rthis line, “doubtless we Many of us are familiar with his was Therese of Lisieux, a pious importance of nuance, that they need a Savonarola as well as a St “Ode to the Church” within which tucked away in an obscure convent don’t work in terms of black and Francis.” She was speaking about both his piety and his iconoclasm in France, writing mystical treatises white, that they can hold things in what spirituality needs in order to are manifest. on how much Jesus loves us. tension without prematurely resolv- be healthy and balanced. That trig- How much I must criticize you, Moreover, Therese was herself a ing them, and that they can shock gered something inside me, some- my church and yet how much I wonderful example of a piety that you equally by their capacity for thing I have never been able to sort love you! can look saccharine and yet have reverence and for iconoclasm. out. I have always been comfort- How you have made me suffer a disarming capacity for critical Jesus fits that description. He able, perhaps too much so, in both much and yet owe much to you. insight. Therese of Lisieux is the scandalised his contemporaries circles of piety and circles of icono- I should like to see you destroyed same person who, while posturing and continues to scandalise us with clasm. I’m drawn to the warmth and yet I need your presence. in her writings as a little girl, some- what seem like inconsistencies, but of the even as I am You have given me much scan- one of no consequence, the Little these are really born of the capac- stimulated by Nietzsche, and I see dal and yet you alone have made Flower, can pivot radically and ity of a great mind and heart to hold Merton’s raw sense of humour as me understand holiness. Fr Ron Rolheiser suddenly become the wise, aged truth in paradox, in tension. Small issuing forth from the same unique Never in this world have I seen Sophia, dishing out hard spiritual wonder there are so many Chris- place within him as his faith, one anything more obscurantist, more Carretto was both. He could love counsel: “Be careful not to seek tian denominations today. We, his leaning on the other. compromised, more false, and yet the Church, fiercely, piously, with yourself in love, for you will end up followers, cannot hold the whole One of my favourite spiritual never in this world have I touched childlike devotion, even as inside with a broken heart that way. I felt truth as he did, and so we live out writers is the Italian monk and her- anything more pure, more gener- of that very devotion he could criti- it more valuable to speak to God pieces of it rather than the whole mit Carlo Carretto. When you are ous, and more beautiful. cally acknowledge and speak out rather than to speak about Him, for Gospel. The same might be said for reading a Carretto book, you are Many times I have felt like slam- against her faults. That’s a rare ca- there is so much self-love intermin- other great figures in history, like St never sure what you will meet next ming the door of my soul in your pacity, seen in some saints. gled with spiritual conversations. Augustine, who is cited alternately in terms of either piety or its (seem- face – and yet how often I have Dorothy Day, not unlike Carretto, There are no miracles, no raptures, as the root for both orthodoxy and ing) opposite. On one page, he prayed that I might die in your was an exceptionally pious woman, no ecstasies – only service.” Ther- heresy in theology. might be offering a handmade toy sure arms! a unanimity-minus-one defender of ese had a keyboard that could play There are indeed real contradic- to the Blessed Virgin Mary to give Not many spiritual writers have chastity in the circles she moved very diverse melodies. tions and genuine inconsistencies; the infant Jesus and a page or two this range on their keyboard. As in, and a woman who believed that The late Irish biblical scholar but there is also the paradox seen later he will be offering a blistering Ernst Kasemann once said, the reverence was a non-negotiable Jerome Murphy-O’Connor used in great minds, minds which know critique of clericalism or calling on problem in the Church and in the moral virtue. Yet, like Carretto, she say, (partially tongue in cheek) that exactly when to honour an icon and the Pope to shut present-day semi- world is that the pious are not lib- could be blistering in her criticism consistency is the product of small when to smash it. — By Fr Ron naries because he believes those eral and the liberal are not pious. of piety whenever it was blind to minds. What he was highlighting, Rolheiser, all rights reserved

Reflecting on the Psalms Send Forth your Spirit and Renew the Face of the Earth

he small nation of Israel was is the supreme god. Given the Tsurrounded by its bigger situation, Egyptian faith was very neighbours, who wielded quite optimistic, believing that the sun an influence on it. Israel was even brought blessings to their fields familiar with much of the literary and the floods of the river Nile texts that came from these great brought fertility. nations of the time. These texts Our psalmist purifies this hymn described the kind of faith the with his Yahwistic faith and com- Egyptians, Babylonians and Ca- poses a hymn in praise of God us- naanites believed in. The Israel- ing the images contained in Gen- ites discovered that the Yahwistic esis 1. After the usual invitation faith was not only different but in verses 1-2, he goes on to speak even opposed the notions of these of the firmament and the waters countries. However, they were above. Verses 3-4 show that God able to even transform an ancient is master of the heavenly world. text to conform with their faith in Verses 5-18 show how the Lord Yahweh. has dominion over the waters. Psalms of Praise to Creator He describes how the earth was and Saviour (5) Ps 103 (104) DO founded on a strong base with (Everyday Prayer) Week 2 Sun the waters covering it until God Office of Readings page 1165. had to rebuke the waters and put Please insert the verse numbers in a limit so that the earth was now (UNICEF photo/Josh Estey) your Everyday prayer book from plainly visible. Once the earth was your Bible. formed, then God could provide it out in praise of God who created tion and the praise that wells up mation, holy orders and anoint- This is a magnificent hymn in with rain so that the animals and such a world in his wisdom. in the psalmist as he makes music ing of the sick. The responsorial praise of God the creator of the birds could profit from it. Within Verses 25ff proceed to show to this God. However, the author psalm at Pentecost has this psalm universe. That God had created these verses man is mentioned that all living beings look to prays in the final verse that - sin with the refrain, “Send forth your the whole world and filled it with having wine to cheer his heart and God for their well-being. God ners disappear so that the beauty spirit, O Lord, and renew the face his riches was already the belief bread to strengthen him. is present at every step so that and integrity of the works of the of the earth.” of the Israelites. This had been Verses 19-23 show God’s mas- the world is not just a mechani- Lord be preserved. As Christians today we must clearly spelt out in the priestly tery over the darkness. Genesis 1 cal entity moving automatically Christ is the Word through pay attention to what the Holy Fa- account of creation in Genesis 1. is being played out poetically as without any need for its creator. whom the world was created. We ther has pronounced in Laudato The author of Psalm 103 (104), a faith expression of the psalmist. All living beings depend on the can imagine Jesus as he admired Si’. The earth is our home and we however, seems to have been in- Day and night have begun. Even breath, the spirit, the ruah Yah- creation and its wonders. He even have a duty to discover its beauty spired by the hymn to the sun god, the beasts of the forest profit by weh for their life. Therefore, the picked out two important gifts of and protect it. We need to have Aton, which was composed by the darkness of the night as they psalmist prays that Yahweh will God, wine and bread, to repre- an optimistic vision of creation Pharaoh Amenophis IV Akhnaton go asking for their food from send forth his spirit so that the sent himself in the eucharist so and be ready to defend it against in the 14th Century BCE. This God. But when morning breaks face of the earth is renewed. The that man is strengthened in joy to evildoers who want to obliterate Pharaoh had brought about a re- the beasts return to their habita- following verses of the psalm go on building the kingdom. The its riches. Our work of re-creating ligious reform in Egypt under a tion while human beings can go summarises the feelings of joy Church also uses the gift of oil in the world continues. — By Msgr kind of monotheism where Aton about their work. Verse 24 breaks in the Creator gazing at his crea- the sacraments of baptism, confir- James Gnanapiragasam HERALD August 15, 2021 Children 15 LittleLittle CCatholicsatholics’ CCornerorner

Dear children, be buried and break down. This the Angel Gabriel brought Mary come, body and soul, into happens because of original sin. the message that God want- Heaven. Today we are celebrating the When Adam and Eve commit- ed her to be His mother, she Our Lady is now in Heaven feast of the Assumption of ted the first sin, people could gave herself totally to God. All with Jesus, waiting in happi- Mary into Heaven. When her no longer live forever on earth. through her life, even when He ness for us to come and join life on earth was over, Our But Our Blessed Mother was died on the cross, she did eve- her in loving and praising God Lady was assumed — taken kept free from original sin so rything for Jesus. forever. body and soul — into Heaven to that she could be the perfect So God decided that instead be with God. mother for Jesus. of being buried like everyone Love When we die, our bodies will At the Annunciation, when else, His holy mother should Aunty Eliz

JESUS MARY THRONE LISTEN HEAVEN QUEEN BLESSED P R AY Today we celebrate Our Lady’s Assumption into Heaven. EARTH APOSTLES MOTHER OUR When Mary’s life was over and the disciples came to bury her body PERFECT MARTYRS LOVE HELP they found that it was gone and her tomb was full of flowers. SAINTS PROPHETS CARES LADY Can you draw enough flowers to fill Mary’s tomb?

Mary visited Elizabeth Spot The Difference Compare the picture below. Circle the 15 things that are different HERALD

Social BEC Communication (1976) (1996)

Dialogue Formation (1976) (1976) INTEGRAL EVANGELISATION Poor Unity (1976) (1976)

Family (1996) Youth (1986) YOUTH YOUTHAugust 15, 2021 Taking the path of Solidarity ENANG: The Penang Dioc- nature. He also spoke about his hopes for the esan Youth Network organ- youth and “youngsters” to receive a better education and reminds such people not to ex- Pised a Zoom session on Soli- pect “instantaneous results”, relating a story darity on July 31. of one of his own students. His hopes are for The four panellists, representing different Malaysia to live in greater harmony, regard- religions, shared their experiences of encoun- less of race. tering solidarity, a term commonly used to Then, Sam Tan Guen Seng, symbolise unity and harmony. a Taoist, spoke on how he had The first speaker wasSukhindarpal Singh, had a great curiosity about his a Sikh. He began by saying religion from a young age. that discussion is crucial to un- His beliefs are simple yet derstanding one’s identity bet- complex: following the laws ter and it can also be a medium of nature, and recognising that everyone and to connect with other people in everything has good and bad (Yin and Yang), society. He also shared three he believes that helping others creates bonds main teachings or points of which are the foundation of healthy and his faith, which were “honest living, praying happy relationships. The young Taoist hopes to show gratitude, and sharing and caring for that Malaysians will use the art of discussion others”. He ended by highlighting the lone- to create a healthier society. He also warns liness faced by prisoners, who are isolated Panelists, youth and adults at the Interreligious Dialogue session. against technology overshadowing decisions, from society and usually forgotten. He shared their area. She shared how dialogue with the her daughter’s talent with tech when she cre- simply stating that we can use it for greatness how he went once to a prison to give out poor can help re-establish a sense of dignity in ated a charity network on her phone in uni- if we form the correct foundation. He finally masks and vividly related their joy on meet- their hearts. She then spoke of the time when versity. reminded youngsters to accept the hardships ing someone from our world. her mother had cancer and her difficulties jug- Loo Keat Seng, a Buddhist, shared an in- of life and not get absorbed by technology. The second speaker was Juanita Chin, a gling time between work and home as she teresting story of Buddha’s The session was ended by Fr George Har- Catholic. As a child, she wit- was the only one who had a job at the time. life, stating that “suffering is rison, the moderator, who bade each viewer nessed solidarity through her The surprising thing, she said, was that peo- usually the result of our ac- to help others, spark discussion and create parents’ good deeds in the com- ple from other religions, including those from tions”. He simply related that dialogue — especially during this time. These munity, and through acts of Thailand, offered to help her and this made one must have compassion are not just words commonly spoken, but sol- kindness from other people to- her crumble in heartfelt joy at the sight of such when helping others to achieve id paths to glorifying God. Remember, God wards her once she had grown solidarity. Juanita Shum ended by highlight- happiness in this world, and believes that all loves everyone no matter what their religion, up. Growing up, Juanita’s mother would ing that teenagers should use their phones and religions thrive because they share similar so stop staying at home - go out there virtually make sandwiches for the poor living around technology for good, humbly musing about core values that are linked to harmony with (right now)! — By Jeffrey Jobs Australian outback school named for teen on way to sainthood SYDNEY: An Australian outback diocese has inspiring lives for others.” He said he knows of announced what is believed to be the world’s only one other school named after the young first high school to be named after a teenage saint-in-the-making, an online school based in computer programmer beatified by Pope Fran- Canada. cis last year. Anthony Gordon, diocesan director of Cath- Hugo Ditroia, chancellor of the Australian Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes, and Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green. Blessed Carlo Acutis College will have a lib- olic education, said the college would serve the ty of Catholic life and culture.” he died of leukaemia in 2006. The boy from eral arts focus, and Bishop Columba Macbeth- community of Moama and surrounding areas, In a letter announcing the college, Macbeth- Milan has been called the first millennial saint Green of the Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes beginning as a small school with highly per- Green said he hoped that since Blessed Carlo and “God’s influencer.” He was devoted to the hopes to build it in Moama, a fast-growing sonalised pastoral care and tuition for students was known for using technology to spread the Eucharist from the day of his first Communion Riverina town in the southern part of his vast in state-of-the-art facilities. Gospel, he would show today’s young people and used his gifts to promote the world’s eu- sprawling New South Wales diocese. “Our demographic research suggests that how media can be used for the good of society. charistic miracles and the Catholic faith. “It is an honour to name our school after Blessed Carlo will grow to a medium size col- He said the college would “have at its heart” Well-liked among his peers, he enjoyed such an inspiring young person who showed lege over the next 20 years, capable of main- a daily life of prayer and devotion to the computer games and sports, especially soccer. that children and teenagers can live lives de- taining this level of personalised approach,” Eucharist, and all students would have the op- He was devoted to daily Mass and the praying voted to God and to caring for those around he told The Catholic Weekly, newspaper of the portunity to build a deep friendship with Jesus. of the rosary, encouraged his mother to return them,” Macbeth-Green said of the new college, Archdiocese of Sydney. “I couldn’t think of a more uplifting or rel- to the practice of her faith, and said he was hap- designed by ClarkeHopkinsClarke Architects. “The learning will have a ‘liberal arts’ feel evant model for the young people of Moama,” py to die “because I lived my life without wast- “All the students will be proud of their about it due to the choice of texts and content, the bishop said. ing even a minute of it on anything unpleasing school name knowing that they, too, can live which will immerse our students into the beau- Blessed Carlo Acutis was only 15 when to God.” — By Marilyn Rodrigues, CNS HERALD August 15, 2021 Youth 17 SICYM Virtual Youth Gathering: Seeking the answers to our questions PETALING JAYA: We all have ques- Praise and Worship session. The tions about our faith. But when our youth ministry had planned this re- faith is tested, how do we answer cording weeks before. Its members these questions? While this situation did all the music, singing, composi- sounds like it has a simple solution, tion and video editing. As a result, the finding answers can be much more participants could sing along to the complicated than we think. If some- Praise and Worship session smoothly one says that Mary can’t be a virgin without interruptions as they lifted because Jesus’ brothers are men- their praise to the Lord. tioned in Mark 6:3, what would be During the second half, the for- your response? mation was conducted by members This topic, What If You’re Wrong, Benny Ow and Ryan Teh. Through was the central theme of the Virtual Ryan’s demonstration of a Rubik Youth Gathering on July 25, hosted cube, we learnt that finding answers by the St Ignatius Church Youth Min- to our faith questions will take time. istry (SICYM). We may struggle in our search but The restrictions of the COVID-19 we should remain patient. By taking pandemic and being confined at a step back and seeking knowledge home do not stop the youths of SI- from suitable sources, we can clear CYM from reaching out to other our doubts and answer any challeng- youth. Every 4th Sunday of each ing questions about our faith. month, SICYM hosts a Virtual Youth The youths are not sent out to Gathering for Catholic teens in Kuala spread God’s word without practice. Lumpur aged between 13-17. How- In this session, participants were also ever, youths from other states, other given case studies of people question- Christian denominations, and even ing the foundations of their faith. It other religions, are not unfamiliar was comforting to see how mature participants. and calm the participants were in re- The gathering started with some sponding to these scenarios. The ap- fun icebreakers. In smaller breakout propriate answer and approach were rooms, the youths played charades, revealed later in the session. guessing phrases such as “Tap danc- It is amazing to see the Spirit of the ing” and “Jumping into a pile of Lord alive in these youths despite our leaves” as their friends acted out the church buildings being closed. Jesus phrases with their mics off. Groups is truly present when two or more are which struggled did fun challenges to gathered in his name! — By Kristen get clues. The whacky movements of Phang the players allowed the participants to open up and feel comfortable with If you would like to join the next vir- one another. tual youth gathering, follow the SIC Following the icebreakers, the Youth Ministry on Instagram for the youths sang along to a pre-recorded latest updates. @sic_ym Youth from other denominations and other faiths join the St Ignatius Church Virtual youth gathering. St Joseph’s Choir Club wins at National Virtual Choir and Vocal Festival KUCHING: St Joseph’s Private What the choir members say: Secondary School (SJPSS) Choir was second runner-up in the Gold ersonally, I believe that the B, Secondary category, with a to- “PMalaysian Choir Eistedd- tal mark of 85.00. They sang Kenai fod is a very enlightening experi- Ame Amai and Persembahanku. ence as it provided the platform The Choir Club participated in for us, as a choir, to participate the MCE National Virtual Choir in a local competition. This not and Vocal Festival 2021 through only allowed us to gain a bit of Zoom. Choirs from all over Malay- recognition, but it also gave us the sia took part in this three-day festi- opportunity to get to know other val from June 25–27. people who possess the same pas- There were many workshops sion and drive for choral singing conducted during the festival in- as well. It is also great as we get cluding workshops on choral con- to assess how we are as a choir in ducting, composition and arrange- terms of control, harmony, rhythm ments, as well as some sharing and of course melody.” — Bryan from prominent choral conductors, Eng Yen Khai musicians and arrangers in Malay- sia. he recent MCE has been a They also learnt singing and cho- “Tvaluable experience for me. ral techniques shared by an amaz- I got to learn many new things and ing pool of professional musicians. The St Joseph’s Private Secondary School Choir Club members. meet new people. It was amazing It was also a fun interactive sian choral tradition. Some of you choral artistry in an open, cheerful, of music. We hope to have more to see the passion our choir and time bonding with the other choirs are new to the choir this year and and nurturing environment. Young exciting projects in the future, as the other participants have put around Malaysia. have done exceptionally well in choristers develop their skills well as more students joining our into this competition. I hope that “Congratulations to all Choir this competition. In SJPSS Choir, through practise, performance, and Choir group to continue our choral I will be able to join more events Club members for reaching this we nurture young people’s per- education, and emerge as confident adventure,” said their teacher Ben- like this in the future.” — Joyce significant milestone in Malay- sonal growth through high-level young adults with a lifelong love edict Lo. — Today’s Catholic Singai anak Dickson 18 HERALD August 15, 2021 For enquiries, please contact: Email: [email protected] Cardinal Eduardo Martínez Somalo, memoriam Tel: 03-2026 8290 / 03-2026 8291 8th Anniversary 2nd Year Anniversary In Loving Memory of In Ever Loving Memory of retired camerlengo, dies at 94 our beloved Dad VATICAN: Cardinal Eduardo second-in-command, in the Secre- Martínez Somalo (pic), a for- tariat of State for nine years. mer camerlengo of the Catholic Martínez was Prefect of the Church, died at his home in Rome Congregation for Divine Worship on Aug 10. and the Sacraments from 1988 The 94-year-old Martínez suf- to 1992, before being named ca- fered a heart attack last month. merlengo, a position he held from He had a history of cardiovascular 1993 to 2007. The cardinal re- disease and had undergone a triple signed as camerlengo on his 80th Sandanasamy Anthony Pillay (JPN) bypass surgery in 2003. birthday, March 31, 2007. J. D. NEVIS RAJ Gift from God: 8th April 1934 Originally from the Rioja prov- . As a cardinal, he presided over Gift from God: Returned to the Lord: 7th August 2019 ince of Spain, Martínez managed The cardinal had a long career in two assemblies of the Synod of 25-03-1928 Wife: Late Ruth Mary Michael Pillay the administration of the Holy See the Roman Curia under the papacy Bishops as president delegate: Returned to the Lord: 16-08-2013 Eternal rest grant unto him, as camerlengo between the death of John Paul II, whom he joined on the first special assembly for Eu- Oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. of St Pope John Paul II and the his many trips in Italy and abroad. rope of 1991 and the ninth gen- Forever cherished and loved by May his soul rest in peace. AMEN. Children, election of Pope Benedict XVI St Pope John Paul II made Mar- eral assembly on consecrated We Love and Miss you in 2005. His duties also included tínez a cardinal in June 1988, after life on 1994. — By Hannah daughter-in-law, grand-daughter and Forever loved & dearly missed by overseeing the preparations for the which he served as sostituto, or the Brockhaus, CNA loved ones. family members, relatives and friends. 40th Day Memorial For this light In Everloving Memory of a kind soul who brings joy and laughter to everyone Casket Paradise momentary affliction is & Funeral Care Sdn. Bhd.(311899-W) preparing for us an eternal weight of glory PERSONAL ATTENTION AT ALL TIMES beyond all comparison, JOHN SEBASTIAN * Specialised In Christian Funerals 18 as we look not to ARUL * Exclusive Handmade And Polished Wooden Casket Brought into this world * Restoration And Cosmetology the things that are seen on the 5 October 1962 * British Trained & Qualified MBIE Embalming Service (Only One In but to the things that Returned to his Maker Malaysia) on the 6th of July 2021 * Member Of The European Association Of Embalmers are unseen. For the * Private Chapel Of Rest And Coldroom Facilities things that are seen are * Economical, Budget Planned & 24 hrs Service “There are some who bring a light so great to the world that transient, but the even after they have gone their light still remains” things that are unseen Dearest Appa though your leaving was so sudden yet it feels 19B, Jalan Lapangan Terbang Lama, as if you are still here with us. Your presence with us made our TEL: 03-2148 5776, 2148 4855 50460 Kuala Lumpur. are eternal. lives whole. We will forever cherish your precious memories. FAX: 03-2143 1442 H/P: 012-333 4899 / 012-333 4646 / 019-777 5537 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 Deeply missed and forever remembered by loving wife, beloved daughter and son, brothers, sisters and a host of relatives and friends HERALD August 15, 2021 Saints of the Week & Short Readings 19 Daily Short The Assumption of the Reading Sunday, August 15 (Isaiah 61:10) Blessed Virgin Mary I exult for joy in the Lord, oday, Catholics and many other Chris- my soul rejoices in my God, tians celebrate the feast of the Assump- for he has clothed me in the gar- tion of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This ments of salvation, T he has wrapped me in the cloak significant feast day recalls the spiritual and physical departure of the mother of Jesus of integrity, Christ from earth, when both her soul and her like a bride adorned in her jewels. body were taken into the presence of God. Monday, August 16 Venerable Pope Pius XII confirmed this (Judith 8:25-26,27) belief about the Virgin Mary as the perennial teaching of the Church when he defined it for- Let us give thanks to the Lord mally as a dogma of Catholic faith in 1950, our God who, as he tested our invoking papal infallibility to proclaim, “that ancestors, is now testing us. Re- the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever-Vir- member how he treated Abra- gin Mary, having completed the course of her ham, all the ordeals of Isaac and earthly life, was assumed body and soul into all that happened to Jacob. For heavenly glory.” as these ordeals were intended His Apostolic Constitution Munificentis- by him to search their hearts, so simus Deus (Most Bountiful God), which now this is not vengeance that defined the dogma, contained the Pontiff's God exacts against us, but a accounts of many longstanding traditions by the Jewish Messiah and has “the moon under had carried the creator as a child at her breast, warning inflicted by the Lord on which the Church has celebrated the Assump- her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve should dwell in the divine tabernacles.” those who are near his heart. tion throughout its history. stars.” Accordingly, Catholic iconography of In Eastern Christian tradition, the same Tuesday, August 17 The constitution also cited testimonies from the Western tradition often depicts the Virgin feast is celebrated on the same calendar date, (Isaiah 55:1) the early Church fathers on the subject and Mary's assumption into heaven in this manner. although it is typically known as the Dormi- Oh, come to the water all you described the history of theological reflection Eastern Christians have also traditionally tion (falling asleep) of Mary. Eastern Catholic who are thirsty; on many Biblical passages which are seen as held Mary’s assumption into heaven as an celebration of the Dormition is preceded by a though you have no money, indicating that Mary was assumed into heaven essential component of their faith. Pius XII two-week period of fasting which is similar come! following her death. cited several early Byzantine liturgical texts, to Lent. Pius XII, in Munificentissimus Deus, Buy corn without money, and eat, Although the bodily assumption of Mary as well as the eighth-century Arab Christian mentioned this same fasting period as belong- and, at no cost, wine and milk. is not explicitly recorded in Scripture, Catho- theologian St John of Damascus, in his own ing to the traditional patrimony of Western lic tradition identifies her with the “woman authoritative definition of her assumption. Christians as well. Wednesday, August 18 clothed with the sun” who is described in the “It was fitting,” St John of Damascus wrote The feast of the Assumption is always a (Deuteronomy 4:39-40) 12th chapter of the Book of Revelation. Holy Day of Obligation for both Roman and in a sermon on the assumption, “that she, who Understand this today, therefore, The passage recalls that woman’s appear- Eastern-rite Catholics, on which they are had kept her virginity intact in childbirth, and take it to heart: the Lord is ance as “a great sign” which “appeared in obliged to attend Mass or Divine Liturgy. — should keep her own body free from all cor- God indeed, in heaven above heaven,” indicating that she is the mother of CNA ruption even after death,” and “that she, who as on earth beneath, he and no other. Keep his laws and com- mandments as I give them to you St Stephen of Hungary today. he Church is universal, but its expression is Thursday, August 19 Feastday: August 16 Talways affected — for good or ill — by lo- (Romans 8:18-21) cal culture. There are no “generic” Christians; Patron Saint of: there are Mexican Christians, Polish Christians, Bricklayers  Hungary What we suffer in this life can Filipino Christians, and so on. This fact is evi- never be compared to the glory, dent in the life of Stephen, national hero and He was crowned on Christmas day in 1001. as yet unrevealed, which is wait- spiritual patron of Hungary. Stephen established a system of tithes to sup- ing for us. The whole creation Born a pagan, he was baptised around the age port churches and pastors and to relieve the is eagerly waiting for God to re- of 10, together with his father, chief of the Mag- poor. One out of every 10 towns had to build a veal his sons. It was not for any yars, a group which migrated to the Danube area church and support a priest. He abolished pagan fault on the part of creation that in the ninth century. At 20, he married Gisela, customs with a certain amount of violence, and it was made unable to attain its sister to the future emperor, Saint Henry. When commanded all to marry, except clergy and reli- purpose, it was made so by God; he succeeded his father, Stephen adopted a pol- gious. He was easily accessible to all, especially but creation still retains the hope icy of Christianisation of the country for both the poor. of being freed, like us, from its political and religious reasons. He suppressed In 1031, his son Emeric died, and the rest of slavery to decadence, to enjoy a series of revolts by pagan nobles and welded Stephen’s days were embittered by controversy the same freedom and glory as the Magyars into a strong national group. He over his successor. His nephews attempted to the children of God. asked the pope to provide for the Church’s or- kill him. He died in 1038 and was canonised, Friday, August 20 ganisation in Hungary — and also requested along with his son, in 1083. — Franciscan (Galatians 2: 19b-20) Media that the pope confer the title of king upon him. With Christ I hang upon the cross, and yet I am alive; or rath- er, not I; it is Christ that live sin St John Eudes me. True, I am living, here and t John Eudes was a French missionary and In 1641, he founded the Congregation of now, this mortal life; but my real Sthe founder of the Congregation of Our Our Lady of Charity of the Refuge, to provide life is the faith i have in the Son Lady of Charity, and was also the author of a refuge for prostitutes. In 1643 he founded of God, who loved me, and gave the liturgical worship of the Sacred Hearts of the and Mary for the educa- himself for me. Jesus and Mary. tion of priests and for missionary work. Saturday, August 21 St John was born at Ri, France on Novem- He was also instrumental in encouraging (2 Peter 3: 13-14) ber 14, 1601. At the age of fourteen he took devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the a vow of chastity and from the time he was a Holy Heart of Mary, writing the first book What we are waiting for is what child, he tried to live in imitation of the Lord ever on the devotion to the Sacred Hearts, Le he promised; the new heavens Jesus. When he was ordained a priest in 1625 Coeur Admirable de la Très Sainte Mère de and new earth, the place where at the age of 24, he was immediately thrust Dieu. He died at Caen on August 19th, 1680. righteousness will be at home. into the service of victims of the plague, His virtues were declared heroic by Leo So then, my friends, while you whom he cared for at great risk to his own XIII, on January 6, 1903. The miracles pro- are waiting, do your best to live life. He also began preaching missions and posed for his beatification were approved by lives without spot or stain so that was known as the greatest preacher of his age, Pius X, May 3, 1908, and he was beatified he will find you at peace. Think of preaching missions all over France, especially April 25, 1909. He was canonised in 1925. our Lord’s patience as your op- throughout Normandy. — CNA portunity to be saved. Evangelisation: The Church Let us pray for the Church, that She may receive from the Holy Spirit the grace and strength to reform herself in the light of the Gospel.

Download the Click To Pray updates now. THE CATHOLIC WEEKLY August 15, 2021 Pope expresses hope in young people on UN International Youth Day VATICAN: Pope Francis has great pandemic has highlighted the dire tural Organisation, UNESCO, urged faith in young people, whose youth- need for the kind of transformational young people to continue engaging ful spirit, he says, can bring about a change they seek – and young people with their communities and invited more just and equitable world, es- must be full partners in that effort”. all of civil society to tap into the im- pecially for the poor and needy. The “Solutions developed by young mense potential of young people’s Holy Father expressed his feelings in innovators to address challenges to uniqueness, productivity and capa- a tweet on Aug 12, on the occasion our food systems,” he said, “are tack- bility. of the United Nations International ling food security, biodiversity loss, She pointed out that even young Youth Day. threats to our environment and much people are vulnerable and subject “With the help of young peo- more”. This drive, creativity and to instability, as shown by the crisis ple and their innovative spirit, we commitment is evident also in other brought about by the COVID-19 can make the dream come true of a areas such as gender equality in edu- pandemic. International Labour Or- world where bread, water, medicine cation and skills development. ganisation (ILO) data indicates that and work flow abundantly and reach However, the UN chief pointed out after women, young people have those most in need first,” the Pope that young people cannot do this on been the hardest hit by job losses. said in a post on his Twitter account. Pope Francis at the World Youth Day 2019 in Panama. (Panama2019 photo/James Logan) their own. “They need allies to make Youth employment fell by 8.7 per Adopted by the General Assembly today’s global society. participation of young people. sure they are engaged, included and cent in 2020, compared to a 3.7 per in 1999, the UN’s International Youth The theme of International Youth In a message for International understood.” In this regard, the UN cent drop for people over 24 years Day has been observed every year Day 2021 is Transforming Food Sys- Youth Day, UN Secretary-General is strengthening its work for and with of age. Azoulay said the pandemic on August 12 since 2000. The com- tems: Youth Innovation for Human Antonio Guterres also stressed that young people worldwide, through its crisis has also created a mental health memoration brings young people’s and Planetary Health. It highlights “young people are on the frontlines system-wide Youth2030 Strategy. and education crisis for young peo- issues to the attention of the inter- the fact that the successful transfor- of the struggle to build a better future In a separate message, Audrey ple, the consequences of which could national community and celebrates mation of food system cannot be for all”. Azoulay, Director-General of the last for many years. — By Robin the potential of youth as partners in achieved without the meaningful He pointed out that “COVID-19 UN Educational, Scientific and Cul- Gomes, Vatican News Stability in times of uncertainty KUALA LUMPUR: The Catholic Francis to be launched in our local di- effective. There may be some - reor Bishops’ Conference Bishops Conference of Malaysia- oceses on October 17, 2021. Second, ganising taking place. As an exam- Singapore-Brunei (CBCMSB) opted be aware of the Federation of Asian ple, the commission for Family, Laity launch website for stability in the election of their Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) 50th and Life has been separated into two office bearers at their recently- con Anniversary gathering postponed to commissions: Family Life and Laity cluded Conference. The term of of- November 2022. The process will – that it can function more effectively. fice normally comes to an end after pass through the local churches or The President, Bishop Sebastian two years, and is renewable. How- dioceses, which are asked to study Francis was re-elected easily. The ever, the bishops decided to maintain various emerging realities and pro- new vice-President is Archbishop most of the offices for two practical pose how we can respond. The third William Goh of Singapore. Arch- reasons. is our homegrown Pan-Malaysia bishop Julian Leow remains the Given the pandemic we are endur- Pastoral Convention 2026. It requires President of the Bishops Conference ing, and adverting to the fact that all the animation of parish, diocese and of Malaysia. dioceses and parishes are grappling regional assemblies if it is to succeed. The bishops have scheduled a with the consequences, it is prudent However, the of late follow-up meeting on the Conference to focus energies on the ongoing ef- Cardinal Cornelius Sim had to be structure and secretariat. It will be fa- forts of relief and rebuilding being filled. He was vice-president of the cilitated by Archbishop Julian Leow carried out by various offices rather Conference and headed the regional on August 24. There will be further than on a change of office-bearers. Biblical and Social Communications announcements after the meeting. — Three major ecclesial events re- commissions. The bishops are re- By Charles Bertille quire our attention. First, there is the viewing the working structures to see Synod of Bishops announced by Pope how best to make the commissions l More to follow next week Office bearers - 2021 to 2023 Executive Body 7. Creation Justice: President : Bishop Sebastian Francis, Penang Bishop Joseph Hii, Sibu Vice President : Archbishop William Goh, Singapore “We wish to be a sharing and listening Episcopal Secretary : Bishop Richard Ng, Miri 8. Migrants & Itinerants (ECMI) church, drawing close to you …” said Bishop Treasurer : Bishop Bernard Paul, Malacca Johore 9. Caritas Bishop Sebastian Francis, President Exe Secretary : Charles Bertille Bishop Bernard Paul, Malacaa Johore of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference Presidents of Commissions and Offices 10. Youth & Campus Ministry of Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei 11. Pontifical Mission Societies / New Evangelisation (CBCMSB). 1. Biblical Commission Archbishop Simon Poh, Kuching The launching of the Catholic 2. Diocesan Priests & Seminaries Bishops’ Conference website this 12. Liturgy Bishop Richard Ng, Miri August is a sign of the Church’s presence 3. Social Communication Bishop Sebastian Francis, Penang in the public space, offering you the 4. Consecrated Life 13. Healthcare service of her commissions and Archbishop William Goh, Singapore Bishop Cornelius Piong, Keningau offices, and being accessible 5. Family Life 14. Ecumenism & Inter-faith Affairs to you. Archbishop John Wong, Kota Kinabalu 15. Malaysian Catechetical Commission Visit the website at: https://cbcmsb.org/ 6. Bishop for Laity 16. Malaysian Catholic Education Bishop Julius Gitom, Sandakan Archbishop Julian Leow, Kuala Lumpur