September 2013 Issue No 190 At the personal invitation of Bishop Colin, Megan McKenna, Scripture scholar, theologian and storyteller extraordinaire, moved throughout the diocese from one event to another with energy and verve, sharing knowledge and wisdom with her audiences. Megan has written more than fifty books. “Why She Writes” is a poem of hers. The opening lines tell us much about her motivation: I write to remake the world. I write to make the world right. I write to get beyond survival to life. I write for the right to life for all, beginning with earth and creatures and all things that begin in seed and seek to sprout and change form, mature, grow old gracefully, and die well, finishing their stories themselves. Megan McKenna The Tablet September 2013 Elderly man visits his peers... On November 12th last year, present- ing himself as “an elderly man visiting his peers”, (Emeritus) Pope Benedict XVI visited a Rome residence for the elderly, urging them to see their age as a sign of God’s blessing, and urging society to value their presence and wisdom. “Though I know the difficulties that come with being our age, I want to say, it’s wonderful being old,” the 85-year-old Pope said during a morning visit to the residence run by the lay Community of Sant’Egidio. Walking with his white-handled black cane, the Pope visited several of the residents in their rooms and apartments before addressing them and members of Sant’Egidio in the garden. How will we cherish One of the residents, 91-year-old Enrichetta Vitali, told the Pope: “I don’t eat so much anymore, but prayer is my our ageing loved ones? nourishment.” She asked the Pope “to pray that I don’t lose my memory so I can Contributed by invitation - see them less often than we used to.” As keep remembering people in my prayers”. Fr. Kevin Toomey OP, Editor, Tui Motu well, we are beginning to notice more The Pope told those gathered at the signs in our society of elder abuse, some residence on the Janiculum Hill that The population of New Zealand is age- of these arising from the very fact that in the Bible a long life is considered ing rapidly. Government statistics pro- children have not got enough time for a blessing from God, but often today ject that the over 65 age group will ageing parents. (see www.ageconcern. society, which is “dominated by the logic make up over one quarter of our popu- org.nz/safety/elder-abuse). of efficiency and profit, doesn’t welcome lation by the end of the 2030’s, more Putting all of these factors together, it as such”. than double the 12 percent in 2005; they seem like a toxic cocktail! It is easy “I think we need a greater commitment, from 500,000 people over 65 in 2005 to see that some elderly people may beginning with families and public to 1.33 million in 2051. Just interest- begin to feel that they are a burden institutions, to ensure the elderly can stay ing facts and figures? Not at all. It may both to their children and on society; in their homes, and that they can pass on mean that many elderly people will something that their children may their wisdom to younger generations. face their future without the economic, reinforce wittingly or unwittingly. The quality of a society or civilisation physical, emotional, and spiritual sup- These factors raise some interesting can be judged by how it treats the ports that they have a right to as hu- questions. How do we as a community elderly,” he said. man beings. How? want to treat our senior loved ones? Pope Benedict also insisted on On present trends with national How can we regroup ourselves to recognition of the dignity and value of economic resources stretched, public cherish their humanity? Should they all human life, even when “it becomes health facilities stretched, less public not be given all the care needed, fragile in the years of old age.” hospital health care available and without pressure on them to think they “One who makes room for the elderly, good private health available to well- are a burden on society? makes room for life,” the Pope said. “One off only, families will face increased In a recent article, Dr Anna Holmes who welcomes the elderly, welcomes life.” responsibility to look after their elderly says, “As a society we have a “At our age, we often have the kin. responsibility to ensure the weakest experience of needing others’ help, and But with smaller families, and an and most needy have good care and this happens to the Pope as well,” he told increase in the families where both support. If we fail to do this it will not the residents. parents work, the amount of time be surprising that the elderly and frail Pope Benedict said they need to see available to look after ageing parents feel they are an unwanted burden and the help they require as a gift of God, and relatives is decreasing. It is might be tempted or coerced to seek “because it is a grace to be supported and commonplace to hear elderly people death rather than life.” accompanied and to feel the affection of say, “Our families are very busy, and we others”. 2 September 2013 The Tablet Megan McKenna Megan addressed audiences totalling about 300 in Mosgiel, Dunedin, Oamaru and Gore. As well, she addressed about 400 young people at St Kevin’s College as they celebrated the Feast of the Assumption on August 15th. There she gave a powerful oration of the Magnificat, and brilliant commen- tary. On each occasion her gift as storyteller was used to good effect to illustrate Gospel passages in ways that some participants described as life-changing for them. Her depth of knowledge of Scripture and theology became evident,and the messages she shared were quite refreshing. One catch phrase was: “Every story is true. Some actually happened.” Feast of the Assumption with Megan McKenna This week at St Kevin’s we celebrated the Feast of the Assumption with a liturgy in the College Chapel. As the principal feast of Mary, the mother of Christ, it commemorates her depar- ture from this life and the assumption of her body into heaven. The liturgy was led by College chaplain, Father Wayne Healey, and we were joined by Megan McKenna, who addressed the students. It was wonderful to hear the Edmund Rice Singers perform during the liturgy. College students reflected on those who have encouraged and empowered us in our lives, and prayed for those in our community who have passed away. 3 The Tablet September 2013 Catechetical Students Graduating 2013... On the evening of August 12th, Bishop Colin celebrated Mass at the University of Otago College of Education for the participants and families of Catecheti- cal Studies. Sister Jan Ogilvy OP is the course coordinator, and organiser of the annual graduation Mass, and pres- entation of certificates. Fifteen students had completed the two year course that involves the study of theology, scrip- ture, spirituality and religious educa- tion. Practical work in teaching religious education classes is part of the course requirement. These young people have taken the initial step to acquire a qualification that prepares them to be future teachers in our Catholic schools throughout New Zealand. As well as the graduates, another large group of students has completed the first year of the two year course of study. Under Sister Jan’s guidance, they will continue their studies next year. They deserve the thanks and congratulations of the Catholic community. Sister Jan Ogilvy OP, left, and Bishop And in lighter vein... Colin Campbell, right, with a group of student graduates of the Catechetical My Get Up and Go Has Got Up Studies course delivered in cooperation and Went with the University of Otago College of Education, and Department of Theology. How do I know that my youth is all spent? Well, my get up and go has got up and went, But in spite of it all I am able to grin, When I think of the places my get up has been. Old age is golden, so I’ve heard said, But sometimes I wonder, as I get into bed. With my ears in a drawer, my teeth in a cup, And my eyes on the table until I wake up. Ere sleep dims my eyes, I say to myself, “Is there anything else I can put on the shelf?” And I’m happy to say, as I close the door, “My friends are the same, perhaps even more.” When I was a young thing my slippers were red, I could kick my heels as high as my head. Then when I was older, my slippers were blue, But still I could walk the whole day through. Now I’m still older, my slippers are black. I walk to the store and puff my way back. The reason I know my youth is all spent, My get up and go has got up and went. But really, I don’t mind when I think with a grin, Of all the grand places my get up has been. Since I have retired from life’s competition, I busy myself with complete repetition. I get up each morning and dust off my wits, Pick up the paper and read the ‘obits’, If my name is missing, I know I’m not dead, So I eat a good breakfast and go back to bed.