PAGE 3 PAGE 4 PAGE 26 PAGES 7-22 Priest’s Meet the New series: 16-page 90th mother 24 new The Pilgrim’s birthday turns 106 cardnals Trek 2010 supplement October 27 to November 2, 2010 www.scross.co.za R5,50 (incl VAT RSA) Reg No. 1920/002058/06 No 4699 SOUTHERN AFRICA’S NATIONAL CATHOLIC WEEKLY SINCE 1920 We are 90 N October 16, 1920, The Southern Cross published its debut edition, fea- Oturing a photo and message of Pope Benedict XV on the front-page. This week, one week short of our 4 700th edition, we look back at 90 years of The Southern Cross— and also to the future. Much has changed in the Church and the world since The Southern Cross first appeared. The newspaper has lived through economic crises, a world war, apartheid, and anti- Catholicism in South Africa. It has reported on eight popes, the first locally-born bishop and Vatican II. The Southern Cross evolved to reflect the Church of its times and adapted to keep up with technological advances. The Southern Cross has been an integral part of the life of the Church for almost a century, providing a home for the Body of Christ throughout our vast territory. It will doubtless continue that mission. Addressing Catholic communications specialists in Rome earlier this month, Pope Benedict noted the importance of Catholics making use of the New Media, but also emphasised that the printed Catholic press—such as the newspaper you are hold- ing right now—remains essential for Church communities. Indirectly, Pope Benedict restates the call made by a succession of his predecessors: that every Catholic home should have a Catholic newspaper. The pontifical expectation has not been fully realised in South Africa, where the Catholic media is not found in every Catholic home. Nonetheless, The Southern The current staff of The Southern Cross on the steps of St Mary’s cathedral in Cape Town, near the newspaper’s offices. Standing (from left): Joan Cross celebrates its 90th anniversary in King, Pamela Davids (business manager), Elizabeth Hutton, Michael Shackleton (advisory editor), Claire Mathieson, Jean van der Westhuizen. robust health. At a time when newspapers Sitting: Avril Hanslo, Claire Allen, Desiree Chanquin, Nadine Christians and editor Günther Simmermacher. PHOTO: ROSS VAN DER PAS are struggling to survive, The Southern Cross has managed to hold its circulation steady. This achievement has been recognised by South Africa’s Marketing Mix magazine, which earlier this year named The Southern Cross as one of the top performing newspa- Congratulations! pers in the country. The credit for this is not due alone to the Archbishop James Patrick Green, Apostolic of Southern Africa is significant not so much staff of the newspaper, nor to the commit- Nuncio: for the length of time it has survived, but for ted board of directors of the Catholic News- s the representative of His Holiness Pope the fact that it has served as an instrument of paper & Publishing Company Ltd, which ABenedict XVI, I am pleased to extend to hope for that community. publishes The Southern Cross. The achieve- you and your staff my sincere congratulations Recently Pope Benedict urged the Catholic ment also belongs to those people in the on the auspicious occasion of The Southern media to be at the service of hope for human- From left: Archbishop James Green, Cardinal parishes who distribute and promote The Cross’ 90th anniversary. ity. Catholic journalists and other media pro- Wilfrid Napier, Archbishop Stephen Brislin Southern Cross—the parishioners who receive Since the founding of The Catholic News- fessionals are called to do this by reflecting the weekly parcels, the priests who mention paper and Publishing Company Ltd and the decisively and critically on current events in the newspaper in the notices at Mass, and the light of faith and truth, in particular their this effort to make The Southern Cross the those who ensure that their fellow Catholics printing of the first edition of The Southern paper that speaks for Catholics in Southern Cross, this Catholic newspaper has served the own faith in Jesus Christ. buy it, and to those who loyally buy and By carrying out this service of publishing Africa and indeed in the World read the newspaper. And the biggest credit, Church in Southern Africa with distinction. Our prayer is that the next ten years will Recently the Holy Father reminded us of news and views about the Catholic Church, of course, is due to Our Father, whose Holy The Southern Cross has built up the reputation see The Southern Cross continue to make its Spirit we feel present in our work every day. the important role the Catholic media has in illustrious contribution to the growth of the regard to humanity’s search for truth: “The of being a unique Catholic voice not only for The Southern Cross is South Africa’s only South Africans, but as one of the venerable Church as an instrument of hope which nationally distributed Christian weekly search for truth must be pursued by Catholic builds peace, justice, and reconciliation journalists with a passionate mind and heart, Catholic print voices. This is a legacy that we newspaper. It is a notable distinction that, are rightly proud of and upon which we must through the New Evangelisation to which we alone among the country’s denominations, but also with the professionalism of compe- are all called. tent staff who are equipped with adequate continue to build so that the voice of the Catholics manage to sustain a weekly news- and effective means.” Church can be heard clearly. paper—more so one that is financially Archbishop Stephen Brislin, Archbishop of entirely independent. As you now celebrate all the good moments It is gratifying to note initiatives which the Cape Town: In compiling this week’s special 16-page of the past, it is my fervent hope and prayer board of the Catholic Newspaper and Publish- supplement we were acutely aware that The that all at The Southern Cross will heed the ing Company have taken to ensure that The ONGRATULATIONS to the editor, board Southern Cross is up to the mark in regard to and staff of The Southern Cross on your Southern Cross is a community newspaper in words of the Holy Father, orient themselves to C the best sense of the word: we rely on Christ, “and keep burning the flame of hope the use of “New Media”, “smart technologies” 90th birthday. and “convergence”. We believe that by doing For a nonagenarian you are indeed full of friends and supporters to collaborate in the in the world and live worthily our today and social communications apostolate: our to build the future appropriately”. this, The Southern Cross is rising to the chal- life, energy and youthfulness. Your ability to lenge not only to maintain its current reader- adapt to the challenges of the computer age, friends and supporters, our generous Associ- Finally, in the name of the Holy Father, I ates, our advertisers, and those who con- willingly impart to you and all the staff of The ship, but also to broaden its readership to with your digital edition and e-newsletter, reflect the broader reality of the Catholic shows that you are going into the future with tribute towards the content. Southern Cross the Apostolic Blessing as a Naturally we review the long history of pledge of his affection and paternal care. Church in Southern Africa. confidence and determination. For this reason I earnestly urge all parish Over these 90 years The Southern Cross has the newspaper as well as look ahead to the priests and parishioners to do all they can to never missed the publication of a single issue future, and present the good wishes from Cardinal Wilfrid F Napier OFM, Archbishop increase subscriptions to The Southern Cross by and it is clear that you have no intention of advertisers whose kind support has made of Durban and spokesman for the Southern Africa at least 10%. However, for this to be achieved, letting it happen. I have no doubt that all the this special supplement possible. Catholic Bishops’ Conference: we Catholics will have to change the way we editors and staff who have gone before you We hope that our valued readers have HE 90th anniversary of The Southern Cross see The Southern Cross. We will need to do are rejoicing in heaven at this accomplish- enjoyed the company of The Southern Cross Tis a milestone for the Catholic Church in what we can to make it truly the Voice of ment. on their lives’ pilgrimage so far, and will Southern Africa. The Southern Cross’ history of Hope in Southern Africa. We are sure that the May you go from strength to strength and continue to do so in the future. dedicated service to the Catholic community Southern Cross board and staff will join us in reach an ever-increasing number of readers. Günther Simmermacher (Editor) 22 The Southern Cross, October 27 to November 2, 2010 LOCAL What’s new Send your news and photographs to: The Southern Cross, PO Box 2372, Cape Town, 8000. You can also with you? email [email protected] Why the strong rand hurts the weak BY CLAIRE MATHIESON of the country’s high interest economists now believe it is in”. rate. Mr Brand said investors Fr Chatteris said the weak HE strong South African borrow yen, dollars and pounds dollar makes the rand strong, rand is bad news for the at almost 0%, then exchange which makes our exports more Teconomy and does not aid these borrowed funds for the expensive.