TEN candles have been lit once again ina Glasgow Church in honour of theClutha crash victims one year after thedisaster that sparked the original gestureat St Andrew’s Cathedral Glasgow.Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow

joined religious and political leaders at StMungo’s Cathedral for the ecumenicalmemorial on Saturday, one year after the PoliceScotland helicopter crash in Glasgow citycentre.Archbishop Tartaglia gave the sermonat the hour-long service at GlasgowCathedralto a congregation including First MinisterNicola Sturgeon, Glasgow Lord Provost,Councillor Sadie Docherty, and the familiesof the crash victims, most of whom had beenpatrons of the bar where the Police Scotlandhelicopter crashed at 10.25pm on November29 2013, on the eve of St Andrew’s Day.

FamiliesMembers of the mourning families, whoawait the final report into the crash,expected to be published by the middle ofnext year, lit the candles on Saturday inmemory of their loved ones.“A year is not yet long enough for many

people to come to terms with bereavement,and especially with bereavement which comesfrom an unexpected tragedy,” ArchbishopTartaglia told them. “To you we say that wehave not forgotten, that we care, that wecontinue to offer you our sympathies andhelp. You will never forget, but rememberthat the remaining pain in your heart is theundying fire of love, and, even if it hurtssometimes and brings you to tears, it willalso fill you with the warmth of the personyou will always love.”

He added: “Out of this tragedy we arecalled to be better, more compassionate,more understanding human beings. And Iwould hope that we could turn that memoryinto a legacy, a legacy which would honourthe victims of the Clutha Vaults tragedy, sothat we can say once and for all that theirdeaths contributed to Glasgow and Scotlandbecoming a better place for everyone.”Pilot David Traill and his passengers,

police officers Kirsty Nelis and Tony Collins,lost their lives when the helicopter crashedon the roof of the single story bar. Thosekilled in the pub were John McGarrigle,Mark O’Prey, Gary Arthur, Colin Gibson,Robert Jenkins and Samuel McGhee. Theirloved ones await the outcome of ongoinginquiries into the cause of the crash. JoeCusker was rescued from the rubble alivebut later died in hospital.“They have never been forgotten, especially

not by those who love them most and whomiss them most sorely,” Archbishop Tartagliasaid. “I can never pass by the Clutha Vaultswithout remembering them and recallingwhathappened, and whispering a Hail Mary.”On the night of the accident, priests from

St Andrew’s Cathedral were among the firstresponders.

UnityDuring his homily at thememorial service, thearchbishop added that, in memory of the liveslost in the accident, all Scottish residents mustwork to make the country ‘a place where wecan all freely give what we are best at giving,according to the law and with respect foreveryone’s legitimate liberties, without fearand without the suspicion that we do not

belong or that we are not welcome.’“There is a feeling around that we are in a

special moment when we can shape a newScotland,” the archbishop added. “In ourcountry, no one should feel less Scottishbecause of any part of their identity, personal,cultural or religious. We are all equal inScotland, all welcomed, all valued, andabove all, all free to express our views andfollow our consciences. This, I suggest,would be a Scotland which would make StAndrew applaud, would make the CluthaVaults victims smile with pride and wouldmake us all happy.”FirstMinister Sturgeon led the congregation

in prayer at Saturday’s vigil, while BernardHiggins,Assistant Chief Constable of PoliceScotland, shared a reading from the Book ofRevelation. Lord Provost Docherty said:“On the anniversary of this black day inGlasgow’s history, a day that is indeliblyetched on all our hearts, we join together forcomfort and to pay our respects. So on thisday, for those most directly and intimatelyaffected, those enduring pain and a life withloss, we wish you strength.”The Rev Dr Laurence A B Whitley also

spoke at the memorial, which was attendedby Jim Murphy MP, who stopped to help atthe scene of the crash last year.

POPE Francis andEcumenical PatriarchBartholomew say theycannot resign themselvesto a ‘Middle East withoutChristians’ and the HolyFather has urged Muslimleaders to condemn violence.On the last day of the Holy

Father’s visit to Turkey, the twospiritual leaders issued a jointdeclaration condemning thetreatment of many Christiansin the Middle East.During his three-day visit

to Turkey from November28-30, the Pope alsodiscussed divisions betweenCatholics and OrthodoxChristians.The leader of the world’s

1.2billion Catholics issued ajoint declaration on Sundaywith Patriarch Bartholomew Iof Constantinople, the spiritualhead of 300million OrthodoxChristians, in which theyexpressed their dismay at thepersecution of Christians.Both also expressed a

strong will to promote thefull unity of Catholic andOrthodox Churches, whichwere divided 960 years ago.The Holy Father also called

for an interfaith dialogue withMuslims to counter fanaticismand fundamentalism when hevisited the Turkish capital,Ankara, and on his returnflight home to Rome on Sun-day, he called on Muslim lead-ers to condemn Islamistviolence that linked that faithwith terrorism.“So many Muslims are

offended and say ‘we are notthese people, the Qu’ran is awork of peace,’” he saidduring a press conference onthe plane.The Pope then criticised

those who say ‘all Muslimsare terrorists.’“We cannot say that all

Christians are fundamentalists,”he countered.In their joint declaration,

the two Church leaders said:“We express our commonconcern for the currentsituation in Iraq, Syria andthe whole Middle East...“Many of our brothers and

sisters are being persecutedand have been forced violentlyfrom their homes. It evenseems that the value ofhuman life has been lost, thatthe human person no longermatters and may be sacrificedto other interests. And,tragically, all this is met bythe indifference of many.”The violent conflict in

Ukraine this year hasaccentuated differencesbetween its large Orthodoxand Catholic communities.The Pope and the patriarchsaid: “We pray for peace inUkraine, a country of ancientChristian tradition, while wecall upon all parties involvedto pursue the path of dialogueand of respect for internationallaw in order to bring an endto the conflict and allow allUkrainians to live in harmony.”

� Report on Papal visit toTurkey, including Popepausing as the Grand Mufti ofIstanbul delivers a Muslimprayer, see pages 6-7

No 5598 Friday December 5 2014 || £1 VISIT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER ONLINE AT WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK

SCO, 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6BT � tel 0141 221 4956 � fax 0141 221 4546 � e-mail info@sconews.co.uk

Pope, Patriarch promoteunity, call for an end toMiddle East persecution

� Archbishop Tartaglia of Glasgow gives homily at memorial service one year onMemorial for Clutha victims

PRIESTS ANDRELIGIOUSmust ‘wakeup the world.’Page 3

SUNDAY FIRE atEdinburghchapel deemeddeliberate.Pages 4-5

MARY’S MEALSfounderlaunchesSCO Adventappeal. Page 8

PIC: PA

Ecumenical PatriarchBartholomew of Constantinople(below right) kisses Pope Francisas they embrace during anecumenical prayer service in thepatriarchal Church of St Georgein Istanbul on Saturday

By Daniel Harkins

CELEBRATIONS took placein schools across the countrylast week as the patron saintof Scotland was honoured bythe nation’s young people.The feast day festivities were

no more vociferously markedthan in the high schools and pri-maries named after the brother ofSt Peter.At St Andrew’s High, Coat-

bridge, Bishop Joseph Toal ofMotherwell was joined by head-teacher Michael McKenna,school chaplain Fr MichaelKane, teachers Mhairi Banks andBill McKew, and pupils from theMalawi project team as he vener-ated a relic of St Andrew.The bishop spent the day at the

school, taking part in a Fair

Trade coffee morning whichraised £211 for St Andrew’s Hos-pice, before celebrating Mass.The Coatbridge pupils’ Paisley

peers joined in the festivitieswith a Mass in St Mirin’s Cathe-dral. Bishop John Keenan cele-brated Mass for young peopleof all ages from St Andrew’sAcademy.In Dumfries, St Andrew’s Pri-

mary pupils jumped the gun andcelebrated St Andrew’s Dayearly with a Mass and specialactivities on the Wednesday pre-ceding the Feast Day.To mark the occasion, Fr

David Borland presented theschool with a new ciborium andtwo new chalices from TheHoly Land.

� daniel@sconews.co.uk

FRIDAY DECEMBER 5�Monthly Divine MercyMass. Mass will take place at7pm in St Margaret’s, John-stone. The celebrant will be FrJoseph Burke. Light refresh-ments are available afterwards.All Welcome.� Christmas Concert. Gettingready for Christmas Concertheld in Sacred Heart Churchin BridgetonTickets are £5 and can be pur-chased from the parish. Priceincludes refreshments andfood. Children go free. Con-cert begins at 7pm.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 6� Memorial Mass for FrGerry Hughes SJ. Mass willbe celebrated in Turnbull Hallat 11am by Bishop JohnKeenan of Paisley. All wel-come.� 1st Saturday Prayers -Fatima. Prayer in honour ofOur Lady of Fatima will takeplace in St Mirin's Cathedralbefore 10.00 am Mass and at1pm.� Eternal Light Concert - StMary’s Cathedral Choir. Tomark the Bicentenary Celebra-tions there will be a perform-ance of ‘A Requiem’ by

Howard Goodall held in theCathedral Edinburgh on at7.30pm. Organist SimonNieminiski will perform whileThomas Henderson conducts.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 7� Solemnity of the Immacu-late Conception. A vigil cele-bration of music, art andcandlelight prayer. Begins at7pm in Immaculate Concep-tion Church, Maryhill. Allwelcome.� Torchlit Procession.Churches in Perth are invitedto Light up Perth in a torchlitprocession through the town tomark the installation of anopen air Nativity scene outsidethe Concert Hall in HorseCross Plaza over the Christ-mas season. Procession. StJohn the Baptist parish inPerth will be taking part, andparticipants are asked to ssem-ble at Thimble Row car parkat 4pm.On arrival at Horse Cross

Plaza there will be carolsinging, accompanied byPerthshire Brass.The proces-sion will be followed byrefreshments offered by theOasis Church, Kinnoull Street.Don’t forget your torch!

EWTN - THE CATHOLIC SATELLITE CHANNELTThhee ppeerrffeecctt CChhrriissttiiaann pprreesseennttTTeell:: SSAASS 00114411 777744 55000000 oorr 0077997711 551144 770033

for our special offer

SSAASS - SCOTLAND’S CATHOLIC SATELLITE COMPANY

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK

2 WHAT’S ON FRIDAY DECEMBER 5 2014SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER

What’s On

E-mail dan@sconews.co.uk

A weekly guide to upcoming Church-relatedevents, more online at www.sconews.co.uk

The double Christmas and New Year edition of theSCO will be in parishes from December 24, priced £2,covering the December 26-January 2 period. It willinclude all your SCO favourites incuding the Year inReview, messages from the Bishops of Scotland,Christmas short stories and much more. Don’t missyour copy. The next 2015 edition with be January 9.

CHRISTMAS 2014DON’T MISS YOURBUMPER DOUBLE

EDITION OF THE SCO

SPOTLIGHT ON A kaleidoscope ofcolours was on show atSt Joseph’s Primary inFaifley as the schooltook part in a day offaith and fundraising forless fortunate childrenin the world. The StJoseph’s youngstersraised money forMission MattersScotland with theirspecial day in whichpupils wore differentcolours and were givenbrightly colouredrosaries with eachcolour representation adifferent part of theworld. Pictured are thegenerous schoolchildrenholding their MissionMatters Rosaries andcollection boxes withheadteacher ClaireCusik and teacherSharon LappinPIC: PAUL McSHERRY

Pupils pay tributeto St Andrew onsaint’s feast day

(Above) BishopKeenan with pupilsfrom St Andrew’sAcademy. (Left)Bishop Joseph Toalof Motherwell withSt Andrew’s High,Coatbridge schoolchaplain Fr MichaelKane, staff andpupils as hevenerated a relicof St AndrewPIC: (ABOVE)PAUL McSHERRY(LEFT) TOM EADIE

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK

FRIDAY DECEMBER 5 2014 NEWS 3SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER

VISIT OUR WEBSITE:WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK

MEDJUGORJE BYAIR FROM EDINBURGH8 days departing 10th May & 16th August

£550 per person sharing

Poland by air from Edinburgh6 days departing 18th April£595 per person sharing

Assisi & Loreto by air from Glasgow5 days departing 28th April, 16th June & 13th October

£525 per person sharing

Fatima by air from Edinburgh5 days depart 10th May & 12th July

£550 per person sharing

Contact us for a full colour brochure including Pilgrimages to Lourdes from Glasgow.

768 Manchester Road, Castleton,Rochdale, OL11 3AW0844 8551844

MancuniaMancunia

5126

ABTA No.Y5280www.mancunia.com

info@mancunia.comTelephone: 0161 883 1515

Early departure from Manchester direct to Lourdes with a full day in Lourdes with Mass and visit to the Grotto! (Limited space)

Feast of the Immaculate Conception - One day Pilgrimage to Lourdes - 8th of December - £299

Christmas in Lourdes

6th - 9th December departure from Liverpool3 nights Full board Accommodation with

transfers and full Spiritual program.£299 plus the fl ights costs at the time of booking,

please book early for cheaper deals!

23rd – 27th December - 4 nights from £390pp plus flight cost from London. Full spiritual program led by

Fr Michael Coleman - Free single room for all pilgrims

JOE WALSH TOURSPILGRIMAGE SPECIALISTS

Bonded and Licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority in the UK | ATOL 5163

Joe Walsh Tours | www.joewalshtours.co.uk info@joewalshtours.ie | 0141 530 5060 |143 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2, Ireland |

Flights from various airports in the UKFull Religious Programme led by Spiritual DirectorDaily Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner includedAssistance of Joe Walsh Tours guides & representatives throughout

GROUP & PARISH PILGRIMAGES

PILGRIMAGESTO PLACES OFRELIGIOUSDEVOTIONIN EUROPE &WORLDWIDE

Liverpool | Leeds | Salford | Wrexham | Welsh National Glasgow | Dunkeld | Galloway

UK DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGES TRAVELLING WITH JOE WALSH TOURS:

STSILAICEPSEGAMIRGLIPRUOTHSLAWWAEJO SR

STSILAICEPSEGAMIRGLIP

touhougrhtseivattnesrepre&sruoh TToslae WoJfe ocnatsissAnnih & Dcnu, LtsaffakaereBlyaiDdelemmograrPusoigileRllFuns itropris auoiram vorfsthgilF

SEGAMIRGLIPHSIRAP & PPAUORG

esidugsdedulincrren

latuirpiSybKe Uht

tDi

naler, In 2ilbu, DteertStoggar BewoL341600 531 5410|e.isourtshlaewoj@hslwaeoj.www|sruoh Tslae W

uAnoitaivAlivie Chy td besneciLdnd aednoB

foino

|dn|06

ku.oc.sruoth

tiroht Uehn ty i OTAK | 15L 36

By Daniel Harkins

BISHOP Joseph Toal of Motherwellopened the Year of Consecrated Lifein the diocese with aMass in St Bride’sChurch, Bothwell, last Saturday aheadof Pope Francis’ call to priests andthose in religious life ‘to wake up theworld.’

The year of events marking consecratedlife officially began on St Andrew’s DayNovember 30, the first Sunday ofAdvent,and will finish on February 2 2016, theWorld Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life.The Pope expressed his hopes for the year-long observance in a letter to ‘consecrated

men and women’ on Sunday.“I am counting on you ‘to wake up the

world,’ since the distinctive sign ofconsecrated life is prophecy,” he wrote.“This is the priority that is needed right now.

“Show everyone that to follow Christand to put his Gospel into practice fillsyour hearts with happiness.”

Fr Ronnie McAinsh, CSSR, fromKinnoull, preached the homily at the well-attended event in Bothwell that followedthose held in countries across the worldand in other dioceses in Scotland. Sistersfrom convents throughout Scotland alongwith local and missionary priests joinedthe celebrations.

MotherAngela of the Poor Clare Sistersin Bothwell attended the Mass and said theyear was a ‘wonderful opportunity tothank the lord for the gift of our vocation.’

“It’s not easy all the time but at the sametime we are very happy,” she said. “I thinkthis is a time where we can really thankthe Lord for all the gifts that he has givenus over the years.

“I would hope more people will becomemore aware of the consecrated life. Thereis such a great need for prayer in the worldtoday. There is an awful lot of good in theworld but also a lot of evil.”

� daniel@sconews.co.uk

Year of Consecrated Life officially begins

Paisley synod timetable releasedSPEAKING to an assemblyof priests, Bishop JohnKeenan of Paisleyannounced last Monday thetimetable for the Easter2016 diocesan synod.

During January and February2015, a preparatory commissionwill be established that willoversee—with the help of asecretariat—the running of theprocess leading to the diocesansynod. Nominations for thecommission will be received bythe bishop in January and bythe end of February a 12 personcommission—six clergy andsix laity—will be establishedalong with a secretariat.

During Lent 2015, spiritualpreparation for the Synod andcatechesis will take place basedon materials provided by thepreparatory commission. FromEaster 2015 until Easter 2016 thewhole diocese will be involvedin the process of preparation.

There will be an initialconsultation on a draft paperthat will then be revised in the

light of the consultation andconsulted upon again.

It is hoped the process willresult in documents which willbe considered at the synod.

The synod will open andclose with a Solemn Mass andwill take place in St Mirin’sCathedral. The sessions willallow time for discussion of thedocuments coming from thepreparatory commission and itsconsultations.

By summer 2016, it is hopedthat Bishop Keenan will be in aposition to issue the decrees ofthe synod that will be forwardedto the appropriate Congregationsof the Holy See for approval.

Earlier this year, BishopKeenan said in a series ofintroductory meetings with theclergy, religious and laity that‘a synod would allow us theopportunity of comprehensive,prayerful and thoughtfuldiscernment so as to reachconclusions for laying thefoundations of a significantreorientation of our diocese.’

SPOTLIGHT ON

St Margaret’s Hospice held a LightUp A Life service last Sundayevening as people came togetherwith Sr Rita Dawson, hospice staffand clergy to remember loved onesin their thoughts and prayers

PIC: ROBERT WILSON

Catholic schools attacked by secularistsCATHOLIC schools havecome under increased attacksfrom secularists as thegovernment continues to drawup proposed guidance on theteaching of sexual health.

The Scottish Secular Societycalled teaching in Catholicschools ‘inaccurate anddangerous,’which provoked a response fromthe Church.

A spokesperson said: “It’sdisappointing, but not surprising,that the Scottish Secular Societyare so intent on imposing theirown views on others that theywish to remove the right of parentsto have their children educatedin accordance with their beliefs,by suggesting that Catholic

schools should stop offering theCatholic education which somany parents, many non-Catholics among them, request.”

Michael McGrath, director ofthe Scottish Catholic EducationService, dismissed the secularistgroup as unrepresentative andsaid: “They get a lot of mediaattention, they don’t tell the truthand they misrepresent what weare about. It’s not accurate, it’snot based on fact, and really unlessthey do know what is beingtaught they should stay silent.”

The Scottish Governmentguidance is to be published atthe end of the year and isexpected to protect Catholicschools and teaching.

PIC: TOM EADIE

4 SCHOOLS/LOCAL NEWS FRIDAY DECEMBER 5 2014SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK

EWTN CATHOLIC TV IS ON SKY EPG 589Sky Freesat £175 total cost , no monthly charges.200 Free channels including EWTNTV & Radio.Call Sky on 08442411602 for installation.Call EWTN on 020 83502542 or e-mail info@stclaremedia-ewtn.co.ukfor free monthly posted programme guide andvisit www.ewtn.co.uk for more info.

Visit ourwebsite:

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK

By Daniel Harkins

THE first Catholic head-teacher at one of Scotland’sleading independent schoolshas said he hopes to bringthe Catholic ethos to hisnew pupils.Brendan Farrelly is the first

Catholic to have taken chargeat Craigholme School inPollokshields in its 120-yearhistory.Speaking to the SCO, the

new headteacher—who took uphis post in August—said thathis faith plays a big part inshaping his teaching.“I think it comes through in

who you are,” he said. “Pupilswill engage with you becauseof what you are teaching, butalso because they make aconnection with you if theythink you are interested inthem. I think that comes for mefrom my faith—showingrespect for other people. Ifthere is one thing I instil in thepupils it’s treat others well andthey will treat you well. Andthat effectively is the GoldenRule: love thy neighbour asthyself and do unto others.“I don’t go about the school

saying ‘by the way I’m aCatholic,’ but the funny thing isthat everybody knows. And Ithink it is by the way youconduct yourself and lead yourlife—that comes through andpeople pick up on that.”Mr Farrelly, a parishioner at

Our Lady and St Joseph’s inGlenboig, began his career asan RE teacher at St MargaretMary’s in Castlemilk, beforemoving on to KelvinsideAcademy, Wellington School,Ayr, and GlasgowAcademy,where he served as a deputyhead. The son of a headteacher,Mr Farrell’s ambitions began

whilst a pupil at St Ninian’sHigh School in Giffnock,where he found inspirationin his own teachers.“Their passion for their

subject came though,” he said.“They made it fun and I alwaysenjoyed going to their classes. Ithought I could emulate that.The teachers looked like theyenjoyed it and I thought if Iteach like that I’ll enjoy the joband so will the pupils.”As a Catholic headteacher at

a non-denominational school—or multi-denominational schoolas Mr Farrelly puts it—withpupils of many faiths includingCatholics, Mr Farrelly is in aunique position to judge therole of faith in education. Thegraduate of St Andrew’s Collegeof Education relates a storyabout a semester he spent in theUnited States, following a casewhere a school, which had putthe Golden Rule on its walls,was embroiled in a legal battleas a result.“That is the extreme,” he said.

“I think all religions have a placein schools. In schools socialjustice is important and peoplehaving a sense of self worthand I think that comes from faith.“If people have a religious view

and they want to bring it intoschool then who is anyone elseto judge. As a Catholic head-teacher at a non-denominationalschool I don’t promote onereligion over another butpeople see that I treat peoplewell and they begin to think,well is that because of his faith?and they start to ask questions.“Are people going to say you

can’t talk about the Scottishreferendum because weshouldn’t have politics inschools? It becomes ridiculous.Politics is how you live yourlife and religion is part of that.”

Mr Farrelly has taught inboth state and private schools,and takes over at the Glasgowall-girls school at a time when therole and status of independentschools is being debated, but hesees the issues as one mainlyof choice.“It’s all about choice and giving

people choice,” he said. “Iwould hate to think the girls arecoming out of here thinkingthat they are in any way elitistor better than anyone else. Ifthat was the case then I wouldthink the school had failedbecause that is exactly theopposite of what we try toteach; that everyone is the sameand it doesn’t matter who youare or where you are from orwhat faith you are.“I thought I would end up

teaching in a Catholic school. Isort of fell into private education,but what I found is that youngpeople are just young people.The word Catholic meansuniversal and we treat everyonethe same. It comes back to theGolden Rule. That’s what weteach the girls.”As he moves into his fifth

month in his first headteacherpost, Mr Farrelly said it is hisfaith that keeps him focused.“It keeps coming back to

how you live your life and yourfaith helps you do that,” hesaid. “You have up momentsand down moments and thereare times when you draw onyour faith and it gives you thestrength and the resilience to goon. It’s often my faith thathelps me come back to focuson why I’m here: to focus onthe pupils. It makes me go outand get into classrooms. It’salways there and it’s a big partof my life.”

� daniel@sconews.co.uk

Catholic headteacher takes charge at oneof Scotland’s leading independent schools

MUSICAL pupils from StAndrew’s and St Bride’sHigh, East Kilbride, helpedbring down the curtain on the50th anniversary celebrationsof St Bride’s Church last week.Awell-attended concert in the

church showcased the musical

talents of local pupils, joined bytheir peers from CalderglenHigh and musicians from theRoyal Conservatoire of Scotland.Pictured (above) are some of

the young musicians who enter-tained the audience with a pro-gramme that included popular

and classical arrangements.A year of celebrations have

taken place at the church to markits golden jubilee. A Mass wascelebrated by Bishop EmeritusJosephDevine in June andBishopToal came to the parish inAugust to mark its long history.

Musicians bring curtain down on church’s jubilee celebrations

ACATHOLIC school inPerthshire has been chosenas the top independentschool in Scotland by TheSunday Times prestigiousParent Power guide.Kilgraston, in Bridge of Earn,

was chosen for the accolade onthe strength of the 2013-14Intermediate 2 grades achievedby the Upper 5th year, whichsaw 98.6 per cent of girls’grades scored A-C, against anational average of 77.9 per cent.Parent Power is The Sunday

Times’ guide to top performing

schools in Britain. It publishesa ranking of 2000 schools,using the latest results frompublic examinations to assessacademic performance.Carol Ann Lund, principal at

the school, said: “We are a smallschool with a big heart. Ourpupils are our best assets; theycare about each other, work hard,and are inspirational. Our sixth-formers are extraordinary womenwho make amazing schoolleaders. I want to say thank youto every pupil, who does theirvery best in every lesson, to every

teacher who challenges thegirls to give of their best.”Alastair McCall, editor of

Parent Power said: “Kilgrastonhas had a stunning year in theexaminations hall but theschool is about so much morethan that. Girls (right) areencouraged to participate andsucceed in all walks of life andthe relatively small numbersallow the school to focus onpersonal development for eachchild. The school has a familyfeel to it and should be proudof its remarkable achievements.”

Kilgraston is Scotland’s top independent school

By Daniel Harkins

THE recently closed St Paul’s Church inEdinburgh has been badly damaged in a firethat police are treating as suspicious.The Fire Service was called to the church on

Muirhouse Avenue at 9.30pm on Sunday night,with firefighters still battling flames aftermidnight and one fire engine still at the scene onMonday morning.Anumber of former parishioners of the church

—which had been broken into a number of timessince its closure in October—had criticised thedecision to boardup the building, but the archdiocesedefended its handling of the property.“When a church falls into disuse the key priority

of the archdiocese is always to keep people safeand the best practice for doing that is to prevententry into the building,” a spokesperson for theArchdiocese said. “Any suggestion that theCatholic Church brought this fire upon itself isverging on the hurtful.“Keeping the building within community use

has been part of the criteria applied by thearchdiocese to the sale of the church. Today’s sadevents mean everybody will have to re-assesswhat happens next.”Archbishop Leo Cushley visited the church on

the morning after the fire and assured the localcommunity of his thoughts and prayers, givingspecial thanks to the emergency services. Localyouths also set fire to a skip in the grounds of thechurch the night of the last Mass in October, andfirefighters had to put it out.Police are now seeking information on a number

of young people who were seen in the areashortly before the latest blaze broke out.

Police Inspector Alan Carson said: “This wasan appalling attack on a religious building which,despite its closure, was still of importance to thelocal community in Muirhouse. It was a reckless

Police treating blaze at

FRIDAY DECEMBER 5 2014 SCHOOLS/LOCAL NEWS 5SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK

LEISURE TIME TRAVELCatholic Pilgrimages

Latest offers on facebook “Leisure Time Travel Pilgrimages”Latest offers on facebook “Leisure Time Travel Pilgrimages”

LEISURE TIME TRAVEL

www.lourdes-pilgrim.com

CHRISTMAS IN LOURDES

23 December - 6 Days - £379 - 4 Star Hotel Astrid

Executive Coach Travel

Full Board in LourdesHoly Mass in the Grotto on Christmas Day

GROUPS 2015Our booking charts are now openIn Lourdes we have added the

ST. GEORGES to our list of quality hotels.

Also ROME, ASSISI, SAN GIOVANNI, FATIMA,KNOCK, KRAKOW (Poland), PRAGUE,

MEDJGORJE,, HOLYLAND, LISIEUX and PARIS

0151 2878000

LOURDES BY AIR21 - 28 August 2015 - Hotel Helgon

Full Board in LourdesOnly £729

ARCHBISHOP Leo Cushleypresented St AndrewsUniversity with a specialPapal Mace to mark theinstitution’s 600th anniversaryat a service on the Feast Dayof St Andrew.The silver and gold mace, to

be known as the 600th Mace,was carried at the university’sgraduation ceremony alongsidethe university’s original 15thcentury maces—the St Salvator’sMace (1461), the Arts Mace(1416) and the Canon LawMace (c. 1450).The medieval faculty and

college maces have been carriedin ceremonies in St Andrewsfor over half a millennium.The mace carries an inscription

indicating that it was presentedin the Pontificate of Pope Fran-cis, who also sent a greeting tothe university as its anniversarycelebrations closed. “His Holi-ness invokes upon all the staffand students of the University,

past and present, the abundantblessings of Almighty God, as apledge of heavenly peace andjoy,” the Pope’s greeting said.

“I reminded the congregationpresent in the beautiful StSalvator’s Chapel that we weregifting the mace as a Catholic

community in Scotland withgratitude to God for the manyblessings that have beenbestowed on us through theuniversity over many centuries,”Archbishop Cushley of StAndrews and Edinburgh, said.Speaking during the

ceremony, Professor JohnHaldane of the university, and aconsultor to the Vatican’sPontifical Council for Culture,said: “Like the ancient ones,and like the university itself,this [mace] is an expression ofCatholic patronage of education.More specifically it is a gift ofthe Scottish Catholic Church tothe university.“Its design is simpler and its

treasure more modest than themedieval maces but that is apt,not only to our age but to thatfact that it comes bearing thearms of Pope Francis who is farfrom the medieval grandeur ofsovereign Popes and princecardinals.”

Archbishop Cushley presents Papal mace to St Andrews University

THREE out of four Scotsbelieve Christmas has lost itstrue meaning according to anew study released byScottish aid charity SCIAF tomark the launch of itsChristmas Real Gifts appealto help people in developingcountries.A survey of 1009 people

found that 76 per cent agreedthat the true meaning of Christ-mas—celebrating the birth ofJesus and love for one another—

has been lost, though 7 per centstill feel that the festive season isa time to help people in need.In positive news for SCIAF’s

appeal, the survey also foundthat, when given a choice, twiceas many people would ratherreceive a gift that helps peoplein need—some 46 per cent—than receive a typical Christmaspresent.The findings comes as SCIAF

launches its ethical Real Gifts—Christmas presents, which give

practical aid to people in someof the world’s poorest countries.“As we prepare for the festive

season it’s very encouraging tohear that nearly three-quarters ofScots still feel Christmas is atime when we should be reach-ing out and helping people inneed,” Alistair Dutton, SCIAF’sdirector, said.

� To buy a SCIAF Real Gift visitwww.sciaf.org.uk\realgifts orcall 0141 354 5555.

SCIAF study finds true Christmas meaning is being lost

By Daniel Harkins

A SERVICE of thanksgivingwas held at a war memorialin Fife last Sunday to honoura Polish Parachute Battalionwho had been based in thetown during WW2 and hadpresented the parish ofChapel Royal, FalklandPalace, with an icon of theVirgin of Ostrabrama.At a newly erected war

memorial, Fr Gerard Hand—parish priest of Chapel Royal—was joined by Polish ConsulGeneral Dariusz Adler, civicrepresentatives from the counciland members of the ScotsGuards Association as around100 people paid their respectsto the fallen soldiers.The war memorial includes a

special reference to the Polishdead at the bottom, with theword Dziekuje—thanks—inscribed at its foot.The 3rd Polish Parachute

Battalion was based in Falklandin 1944. Before leaving foractive service in the invasion ofEurope, they presented an iconof the Virgin of Ostrabrama—made from beaten down cornbeef tins, shells and cartridgecases—to the Chapel Royal asa mark of their gratitude for thehospitality and kindness theyhad received in the area.Until the summer of 1944,

the troops regularly attendedMass in the Chapel Royal ofFalkland Palace, often celebratedby the Battalion Chaplain Fr

Hubert Misiuda. Many Falklandpeople still have memories ofthe Polish soldiers and of theirchoir singing.It had been anticipated that

the Brigade would eventuallybe deployed in the liberation ofPoland, but, for political andlogistical reasons, it wasinstead committed to supportthe 1st Airborne DivisionaroundArnhem, the Netherlands,during OperationMarket Garden.400 Polish soldiers were killedduring the ill-fated battle.Fr Misiuda took part in the

Arnhem airborne landings. Hedied on the night of September25 or 26, 1944, whilst crossingthe Rhine, possibly assisting in

the evacuation of the wounded.He was 35 years old.During Sunday’s service, Fr

Hand thanked those in atten-dance, in particular MariettaCrichton Stuart who hadresearched much of the historyof the Polish troops in the area.“I think the key thing is that

the service was an opportunityto renew and develop friendshipbetween Poland and Scotlandand also to help us reflect onour attitude to immigrants now,and also the importance of howwe help European nations liveand work together,” Fr Handsaid. “I found the service highlyrelevant for making these pointsand praying about them.”

War memorial service honours Polish soldiers

act, which could well have resulted in seriousinjury or worse.“We are eager to talk to anyone who may have

witnessed anything suspicious around the church

on Sunday night.We are particularly keen to tracea group of youths who were seen near the churchless than an hour before the fire was reported.Tracing these young people would significantlyhelp us with our enquiries.”John Hanlin of the Scottish Fire and Rescue

Service said the cause of the fire is unknown butthat a joint investigation by police and specialistfire investigators would take place.AclosingMass of thanksgivingwas celebrated at

St Paul’s on October 10 by Archbishop Cushleyalongside then parish priest Mgr Brian Halloran.Anumber of parishioners had taken part in a campaignto keep the church open, with a petition against theplans being signed by more than 400 people and asmall group staging a candlelit and silent protestoutside the church before the thanksgiving Mass.The church, which had amounted hundreds ofthousands of pounds of debt, was built in 1971and had featured on the BBC’s Songs of Praise.It had been put on sale for £275,000.Local residents took to social media to express

their sorrow at the news of the fire. On Facebook,Colin Moyes said: “My daughter was Baptisedthere and my nana Laidlaw spent her life thereand had her funeral there. I’d [hate] to thinksomeone did that deliberately.”Christine Gartland wrote: “My wee boy was

Christened there six years ago, so sad,” withJamie Mcvay adding, ‘I was brought up in thatchurch; such a sin, feel empty watching it burn.’Apost on theSaveSt Paul’sRCChurchFacebook

page, which campaigned to stop the closure ofthe church, said: “There are simply no words todescribe this scene.”

� daniel@sconews.co.uk

St Paul’s as suspicious

Pope meets 50 youngrefugees in TurkeyPOPE Francis’ final engagementin Turkey was a meeting with agroup of around 50 young peoplethat includedmany refugees fromSyria, Iraq and other countries oftheMiddleEast andAfrica (above).The youths are being cared for

by the local Salesian communityin Istanbul.He assured the young people

that he shares their sufferingsand deplored the degradingconditions in which so manyrefugees are forced to live,calling it ‘intolerable.’“Dear young people, do not be

discouraged,” he said. “With thehelp of God, continue to hope ina better future, despite thedifficulties and obstacles whichyou are currently facing. TheCatholic Church is with you,including through the invaluablework of the Salesians.”

Jesus’ promise givesus hope, Pope saysPOPE Francis has said thatalthough sin and corruptionoften seem to win out over good,Jesus gives us a promise of hopewhich enables us to keep ‘ourheads held high.’“Do not giveway to depression:

Hope! Reality is ugly: there aremany, many cities and people, somany people who are suffering;many wars, so much hatred, so

much envy, so much spiritualworldliness and so muchcorruption. Yes, it’s true, (but) allof this will fall!” the Pope saidduring his homily last Thursdayat Mass in Casa Santa Marta.

Answers sought overmissing MexicansMGR Francisco Moreno Barrón,Bishop of Tlaxcala, has said in avideomessage that the authoritiesshould clarify the story of the 43students who disappeared inAyotzinapa, Guerrero, Mexico,as soon as possible.The bishop expressed solidarity

with the protesters who marchedpeacefully in the capital of thecountry. Stressing that peaceimplies justice, Mgr Morenoaccused the authorities to allywith the crime and to useviolence against those who aresupposed to protect.He added that the government

intends to present the peacefulprotests of citizens in a bad lightinstead of clarifying the facts anddo justice, highlighting theactions of violent groupswho infiltrated in the peacefuldemonstrations.

Find fuels notion thatwriter was a CatholicTHE discovery in France of acopy of William Shakespeare’sFirst Folio has fuelled speculationthat he was Catholic.The debate over whether the

Bard was secretly of the Faith hasraged ever since the playwright’sdeath, when it was claimed bysome that ‘he died a papi.’The First Folio identified in

Saint-Omer belonged until theFrench Revolution to a Jesuitcollege in the town.In Shakespeare’s time and the

decades afterwards, the collegeshelteredCatholic exiles and trainedwould-be priests from England.

6 WORLD/VATICAN NEWS FRIDAY DECEMBER 5 2014SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK

Pope Francis has confirmed his willingness to open the secret Vatican archives covering the period of theSecond World War to allow researchers to better assess the role played by Pope Pius XII during the Holocaust.In an interview in the Israeli newspaper Yediot Ahronot, the Holy Father said there was ‘an agreement betweenthe Vatican and Italy from 1929 that prevents us from opening the archives to researchers at this point in time.’“But because of the time that has passed since World War II, I see no problem with opening the archives themoment we sort out the legal and bureaucratic matters,” he added. The Pope has expressed worries that thecurrent debate about Pius XII was not fair or properly informed

VIEW FROM THE VATICAN

NEWS ROUNDUP

MANY people remainunaware today of the basicfacts of the life of JesusChrist, Archbishop BernardLongley of Birminghamsaid during a Civic Mass atthe Metropolitan Cathedraland Basilica of St Chad,Birmingham, on the Solemnityof Christ the King.“This is a story that needs

and deserves to be retold,” thearchbishop (above left) said.“The story of the Nativity ofChrist (above right), celebratedat Christmas, helps us to under-stand His concern for those whosuffer through oppression, neg-

lect or poverty of any kind,” hesaid “It is a challenge that manypeople remain unaware todayof the basic facts of the life ofJesus Christ—this is a story thatneeds and deserves to be retold.”Because of this, he said he

was ‘immensely grateful thatthe City Art Gallery andMuseum has reinstated thisyear the Nativity Trail retellingthe story of Jesus’s birththrough beautiful and evocativeworks of art that have thepower to touch and move us.’The archbishop also shared

that the Birmingham FaithLeaders Group are preparing to

sign a Covenant with BirminghamCity Council, which will be ajoint commitment betweenfaith communities and the localauthority. It will aim to‘remove the mistrust that cansometimes exist and promotepractical co-operation for thecommon good.’The annual Civic Mass is

celebrated for the wellbeing ofthe city of Birmingham and forGod’s blessing upon all thepeople of Birmingham. This year,Archbishop Bernard Longleyprayed especially for those whoserve the common good of thepeople of Birmingham.

Jesus’ story needs retold, archbishop says

ABOVE PIC COURTESY OF: MAZUR/CATHOLICCHURCH.ORG.UK

Interfaithsupport foranti-slaverydeclarationTHE leaders of the world’smajor religions have gatheredtogether in the Vatican tosupport Pope Francis’ drive toeliminate modern slavery.The Holy Father was joined

on Tuesday by the AnglicanArchbishop of Canterbury, JustinWelby, the Hindu guru MataAmritanandamayi, known asAmma, aswell asBuddhist, Jewishand Shiite and Sunni Muslimrepresentatives for a signingceremony of a joint declarationagainst modern slavery.The leaders gathered on the

International Day for theAbolition of Slavery to sign thedeclaration and, in doing so,committed to do everything intheir power and within their faithcommunities to work to free theestimated 35 million peopleenslaved across the world by2020.The Pope thanked all religious

leaders for their commitment toassisting survivors of humantrafficking.“Inspired by our confessions

of faith, we are gathered heretoday for an historical initiativeand to take concrete action: todeclare that we will worktogether to eradicate the terriblescourge of modern slavery in allits forms,” he added.“We declare on each and

every one of our creeds thatmodern slavery... is a crimeagainst humanity.”

FRIDAY DECEMBER 5 2014 WORLD/VATICAN NEWS 7SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK

Gift Subscriptionplease send a subscription for the Ultimate Catholic Reading Package (SCO & Magnificat)

3 months £25 6 months £50 12 months £88nameaddress

postcodeTel No: email:from (name)from (address)

from (postcode)message for greetings card (no more than 20 words)

please send an SCO subscription for13 weeks £16.50 26 weeks £33 52 weeks £60

nameaddress

postcodeTel No: email:from (name)from (address)

from (postcode)message for greetings card (no more than 20 words)

please send a Magnificat subscription for1 year (13 issues) £38 1 year (13 issues incl. Lent & Advent) £41

nameaddress

postcodeTel No: email:from (name)from (address)

from (postcode)message for greetings card (no more than 20 words)

Missionary Subscriptionplease send an SCO subscription for

13 weeks £16.50 26 weeks £33 52 weeks £60

nameaddress

postcodeTel No: email:

Scotland’s National Catholic Newspaperand

More than a NewspaperChristmas Gifts for all the Family

Wondering what to get the friends andfamily for Christmas?

Give the gift that will help those close to you to grow in Faiththrough prayer and reflection while developing a sense of being

part of the Catholic family of Faith across Scotland.The Ultimate Catholic Reading Package

Weekly copy of the Scottish CatholicObserver (SCO) and Magnificat each month

for still ONLY £88 one off payment.(Tel: 0141 241 6112 for a copy of the form)

A gift ofThe Scottish Catholic Observer

for 2015 only £60A yearʼs subscription to Magnificat is £38

Starting in January 2015 (13 issues)Sent with your own message

What about those who live away from Scotland?Keep them in touch with the Catholic news in Scotland by sending

them The Scottish Catholic Observer.Scottish Missionaries across the world look forward to

receiving their copy of The Scottish Catholic Observer eachweek. Would you consider donating one to a missionary as aChristmas gift? We currently have 8 Missionaries looking for a

subscription to the SCO.

By Beth Thomson

ONTHE last day of his visit to Turkey, PopeFrancis condemned Friday’s bomb attack ona busy Mosque in Kano, northern Nigeria atthe end of a joint Liturgical prayer servicethat he held with the Ecumenical Patriarch,Bartholomew I.A bomb exploded when two suicide bombers

blew themselves up and gunmen then opened fireon worshippers during weekly prayers at theGrand Mosque of Kano. Several reports say atleast 120 people were killed and 270 others werewoundedOn Sunday, the Pope described the bombing

and attack on the Mosque in Kano as an‘extremely grave sin against God.’The statement followed the Holy Father’s visit

to Istanbul’s Blue Mosque alongside the city’s topMuslim cleric on the second day of his visit toTurkey. The Pope stood in ‘silent adoration,’turned east towards Mecca, and clasped his handsfor two minutes as the Grand Mufti of Istanbul,Rahmi Yaran, said a Muslim prayer.The Pope later visited the Hagia Sofia—a

church turned into a mosque and then a museum.The Holy Father had participated in the

ecumenical prayer service on Saturday eveningwith the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople,Bartholomew I. After celebrating Holy Mass intheCathedral of theHoly Spirit, the Pope transferredat midday to the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchatein Phanar, the world centre of Orthodoxy.“It is not in us, not in our commitment, not in

our efforts—that are certainly necessary—but inour shared trust in God’s faithfulness which lays

the foundation for the reconstruction ofHis temple,”the Holy Father said.This Papal visit is only the fourth visit by a

Pontiff to Turkey.Early on Saturday afternoon, the Pope visited

the Latin Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, opened forworship in 1846. In the courtyard there is a statueof Pope Benedict XV, erected by the Turks in1919 during the Pope’s lifetime, to thank him forhis efforts in favour of the Turkish victims of theFirst World War. It bears the inscription: “To thegreat Pope of the world’s tragic hour, Benedict XV,benefactor of the people, without discriminationof nationality or religion, a token of gratitudefrom the Orient.”During his Papacy, Armenian Christians were

massacred in the Ottoman Empire, and PopeBenedict XV used every means available tohim—words, humanitarian aid and diplomaticactivity—to bring an end to the slaughter.On Friday, Pope Francis called for an interfaith

dialogue to counter fanaticism and fundamentalismduring a visit to the Turkish capital,Ankara wherehe called for a renewed Middle East peace push,saying the region had ‘for too long been a theatreof fratricidal wars.’There are about 120,000 Christians in Turkey

—most of the country's 80 million citizens areMuslims.

Peace call and prayers on Pope Francis’ visit to Turkey(Left) Pope Francis and Ecumenical PatriarchBartholomew of Constantinople sign a joint declarationat the patriarchal Church of St George in Istanbul.(Right) The Holy Father prays with Istanbul’s grandmufti Rahmi Yaran during a visit to the Sultan AhmedMosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, in Istanbul

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK

Mary’s Meals provides life-changing meals to some of the world’s poorest children every school day.The Scottish-based charity provides one good meal in a place of learning, drawing children intothe classroom where they can receive an education that could one day free them from poverty.Mary’s Meals is named after Mary, the mother of Jesus, who brought up her own child in poverty.

The charity’s vision is that every child receives a daily meal in their place of education.It currently feeds 923,572 children each school day in 13 different impoverished countries

around the world.For more information, please visit www.marysmeals.org.uk

8 MARY’S MEALS ADVENT APPEAL FRIDAY DECEMBER 5 2014SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER

RECENTreports fromour amazingteam in Liberia make forharrowing reading. For the pastfew months they have beenworking bravely to feed hungry

children living in communities devastated bythe Ebola outbreak.

Before this crisis we were feeding thosesame children school meals, but the schoolshave been closed for months now and thechildren are hungrier than ever.

The little town of Tubmanburg has longbeen our home in Liberia. Fr Garry Jenkins,SMA, a remarkable missionary priest, set uphis mission in the town over 30 years ago. Ifirst went there with him in 1997, the first ofmany visits during the long war years. Thelocal community loves Fr Jenkins and I wouldlike to think they love Mary’s Meals too.

From our base there we have been feedingnearly 130,000 school children every day.Manyhere work for Mary’s Meals and many morehave children who eat the food we provide.

There are also young adults whose liveshave been transformed by Mary’s Meals;likeBwokai, whowas one of the small childrenwho queued for the very first meals weserved here in 2004, having walked threemiles to get to the school. He now works asa Mary’s Meals monitor, travelling bymotorbike each day to visit village schoolswhere the next generation are eating andlearning. Or at least they were until Ebolabegan its deadly march.

On the edge of Tubmanburg is a smallgovernment hospital. Today, 58orphaned children live there, having

lost their parents to the disease. Amongstthem is Fatu who lost four members of herfamily to the deadly Ebola virus.

Her father was working as a nurse at ahealth clinic when he contracted the viruswhich led to his death a short time later.Fatu’s mother also caught the virus whilsttaking care of him at home and died less thana month later.

Fatu faced further heartbreak when thevirus spread further killing her 13-year-oldbrother and 100-year-old grandmother.

As the oldest surviving member of herfamily, Fatu is now responsible for lookingafter her five younger sisters and four childrenof her own.

“Feeding and caring for my younger sistershas been a problem as I am not working andmy husband has left me because my parentsdied from this virus,” Fatu said. “I also havethree older children together with my babyof three months. I am taking care of all ofthem alone.”

Normally, in Liberia, the wider familyprovides care for orphaned children, but thisdisease is so terrifying that many of thesechildren have been totally abandoned bytheir families. Thankfully Mary’s Meals isproviding these children the food they needeach day.

“I really appreciate the food that Mary’sMeals is giving us in this time and that wecan’t forget,” Fatu added. “It is sometimeshard to believe that we are all now orphans.”

Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, tells usthat ‘poverty today is a cry, a scandal.’Andin many ways this work of Mary’s Meals isa response to a cry: the cry of a child.

Mary’s Meals was born in 2002 afterI met a boy called Edward. I askedhim what his hopes were in life and

he told me that he would like to be able tohave enough food to eat and to be able to goto school one day.

His answer was a cry, a scandal, and thework of Mary’s Meals—to provide one mealevery day in a place of education—is ourresponse.

As we approach the end of this year, it isincredible to note that more than 920,000children eat Mary’s Meals each school day.So many lives are being transformed bythousands of little acts of love all over theworld that make this possible, both by thekind donors and the local volunteers whocook the meals.

But too many hungry children are stillwaiting. I thank each of you for hearing theircry and for responding in love.And I ask youto pray that wemight soon reach those hungrychildren still waiting, and that we alwaysstrive to do this work in a way that honoursOur Blessed Mother and points to her Son.

Please support our Scottish CatholicObserver Advent appeal and help make adifference to the lives of many impoverishedchildren like Fatuwho, thanks to your kindnessand prayers, can look forward to abrighter future.

SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVERADVENT APPEAL 2014

It costs just £12.20 to feed a child with Mary’s Meals for a wholeschool year. Please support our work and give a child the gift ofhope this Christmas.There are three ways to donate:

1) Complete the coupon below and send to Mary’s Meals, FREEPOSTNATN 448, Dalmally, PA33 1BR2) Call Mary’s Meals today on 01838 2006053) Visit www.marysmeals.org.uk

If you are making a phone or online donation, please let Mary’sMeals know that you are donating on behalf of the ScottishCatholic Observer Advent appeal.

I wish to donate £ ___________ to the Scottish Catholic ObserverAdvent appeal for Mary’s Meals.

If you are a UK taxpayer, we can reclaim25p of tax on every £1 you donate under theGift Aid scheme at no extra cost to you. Thiswill be used to help us feed more children.

I would like Mary’s Meals to treat this donation, all donations that Ihave made over the past four years and all future donations, until Inotify you otherwise, as Gift Aid donations. I have paid enoughincome tax and/or capital gains tax to cover the amount of tax thatall charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs I donate to willreclaim for that tax year. I understand other taxes such as CouncilTax and VAT do not count, and Mary’s Meals will reclaim 25p of taxon every £1 that I give. (Please tick box)�

Please make cheques/postal orders payable to Mary’s Meals andsend to: Mary’s Meals, FREEPOST NATN 448, Dalmally, PA33 1BR ordebit my Mastercard/Visa/Maestro/CAF charity card (Delete asappropriate)Card number: (16 digits)__________________________________Start date: ____________________________________________Expiry date: ___________________________________________Issue No: (2 digits)______________________________________Signature_____________________________________________Date_________________________________________________Full name_____________________________________________Home address_________________________________________Post code_____________________________________________Telephone No__________________________________________

Looking forward to a brighter futureMARY’S MEALS is the focus of the Scottish Catholic Observer’s 2014 Advent appeal. MAGNUS MacFARLANE-BARROW, the charity’sfounder and chief executive explains how your support can make a difference to the lives of the world’s impoverished children

Mary’s Meals founder and chief executive MagnusMacFarlane-Barrow (above left top) says that supportfrom Scottish donors and dedicated people such asFr Garry Jenkins (above left bottom) is helping tochange the lives of families—like Fatu’s (above)—in Liberia for the better

WRITE TO LETTERS, SCO, 19 WATERLOO STREET, GLASGOW G2 6BT INFO@SCONEWS.CO.UK

FRIDAY DECEMBER 5 2014 LETTERS 9SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER

ESTABLISHED IN 1885

We cannot pick and choosefrom Catholic teaching

I READ that Mr Murphy, a Catholic,standing for leadership of the ScottishLabour Party, is pro abortion.Isn’t it time that people in Public Life who

claim to be Catholic, but reject publicly theChurch’s moral teaching in these matters,were quietly advised that they are not inCommunion with the Church, and shouldreview their position.I notice that Cardinal Burke has also

recently commented on this topic. It is simplya matter of Canon Law. Those who publiclyreject Church teaching are excluded from theSacraments. It is not a matter for debate.In the past, those who disagreed with the

Church simply left. Today they rejectChurch teaching, but remain in the Churchseeking to alter what does not suit them.If you cannot keep the rules of an

organisation, your membership is rescinded.So would those who cannot accept theAuthority of the Church please go whereyou find rules you can follow, and leave therest of us live in obedience to the Churchwhich Christ founded.Harry KieltyCLYDEBANK

We live our Faith every day,not just at church

TO THOSE who allege our Catholic press istoo secular I say placing Faith in context ofsociety and politics is key to the future ofCatholic newspapers and the Church.Mrs GreenanGLASGOW

Real need for a livingwage for workers

I HAVE read in English and Scottishnewspapers this summer that low-incomefamilies are struggling to pay their bills.People are asking for an increase in theminimum wage or even [for a] living wage.I would like to suggest an increase in the

minimum wage of £1 per hour on each ofthe next four years, that would bring it upto £10 by 2018. After that it would be costof living increases only.

The time frame would allow employersto manage their costs and give theemployed hope and interest in thecompanies [they work for.]In Ontario, Canada, the minimum wage

is $8.When I go back there in two weeks time

I will write to the government [askingthem] to increase it by $1 each year to $10by 2017.I have read that some companies are

already paying a living wage. Good onthem. God Bless them.

John RooneyONTARIO, CANADA

Showers for homeless arejust the beginning

I READ with interest your report on thenew showers for the homeless beinginstalled in the Vatican.Many in the secular press have accused

Pope Francis of being all show and publicrelations but they underestimate the hugepower of image and little acts such ashelping the homeless.There are more than abillion Catholics on the planet, one seventhof the global population. When the Pope

speaks to these people and emphasises theimportance of helping others, of kindnessand charity rather than judgement, it has anoverwhelming net positive effect on theworld. It filters down to all of thelaypeople, the bishops and the priests. Heleads by example, Pope Francis.And then there is all the practical reform

the Holy Father is enacting, not least in theVatican Bank. The showers for thehomeless are a small act, but it is only thetip of a large iceberg of positive change.Jennifer DonnellyHAMILTON

Independence issue is farfrom settled

I TIRE of the bleatings of professionalUnionists pouring scorn on attempts topromote further referenda on the nationalissue because they see ‘No’ vote as a‘forever’ decision.It isn’t. Whilst you would’'t want to have

one every week, referenda and electionsare merely iterations of the democraticprocess. After all, if Scotland had voted forand obtained independence, it would havebeen perfectly reasonable for dissenters to

call for and obtain further referenda infuture years to ascertain whether or not thepeople of Scotland wanted to re-enter aUnion with RUK (who would of coursesupposedly have us back in the blink of aneye).Or should the result of the next

Westminster or Holyrood election beconsidered as the ‘settled will of thepeople’ and the result ossified inperpetuity?

John HeinEDINBURGH

If you are pro-life, it is timeto be anti-Trident

YOUR anonymous correspondent accusesme of being ‘obsessed’with Trident,presumably because I lack the dishonesty tosimply pretend it is not really there, as hedoes.While I sit writing, a young man alsosits at a control panel in a submarine waitingto press a button and bring death to hundredsof thousands of innocent people. This isgoing on 24/7. This is an undeniable fact, nota mere personal obsession.TheWorld Health Organisation has

calculated that it would take the detonation of200 atom bombs to create a nuclear winterand, in effect, to sterilise the planet. That isthe number we have at Coulport. Yourcorrespondent voted on ‘issues other thannuclear weapons’ as if this were not themoral problem that dwarfs all others.Ignoring it won’t make it go away.Mahatma Gandhi once asked: “Why is it

Christians are the only people who refuse tosee that Jesus was non-violent?” Jesus said:“Whatsoever you do unto these, the least ofmy brethren, you do unto me.” Each of ourtargeted nuclear missile victims is anotherChrist. That is his teaching. The early Churchwas uncompromising in its rejection of war.Tertullian said: “The Lord, in disarmingPeter, ungirded every soldier.” Justin Martyrwrote: “We who used to kill one another, donot make war on our enemies.”I am well aware of the Pope’s teaching on

abortion, and support it. What I don’tunderstand is why some people opposeabortion individually, but are happy enoughwith it is done en masse. Nuclear bombs arearguably the world’s most powerfulaboritificient. “What was a sin 2000 yearsago remains a sin today,” Pope Francis said.Trident, the world’s most powerful machinefor the mass extermination of life, is a sin. Itis the pro-Trident British state which ‘makessin acceptable.’JimMurphy (a Catholic), a leader of the no

campaign and a contender for the Labourleadership, supports the pro-abortion side.Yet your anti-abortion correspondent has ‘nofaith in people in Edinburgh,’ and wants toremain under British rule along with him.This is morally contradictory, and franklyincomprehensible.Brian QuailGLASGOW

Pope Francis’ humble stepsand our time this Advent

POPE Francis’ visit to Turkey has been widely reportedwith the emphasis on what he said about Christian unity,the middle east and interfaith relations with the Islamicworld. Yet the Pope did not arrive like a conqueror, areturning hero or, in fact, a dignitary.

Without question, his time in the country last weekend involvedhis hosts offering their best hospitality and displays of respect andhonour befitting his office. It was the pontiff himself, however, whoshowed, in the style we have become accustomed too, great humil-ity—from receiving the fatherly kiss bestowed on his head by Ecu-menical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople on Saturday tovisiting Mesrob Mutafyan, the Armenian Patriarch of Constantino-ple, in Istanbul Hospital on Sunday, not forgetting, of course, themoment the Pope stood in ‘silent adoration’ in Istanbul’s BlueMosque alongside the Grand Mufti of Istanbul, Rahmi Yaran, whosaid a Muslim prayer.From lay Catholics to refugees, the Papal itinerary to Turkey

showed Pope Frances to be as much a man of the people and of histimes as a man of God.

Some people’s Christmas card lists get longer every year, oth-ers get shorter. Recent readings about not knowing the hour ofChrist’s coming have a different meaning to each of these

groups. For the first—young people and families— there is neverseems to be enough time to prepare and plan ahead for Christmasand in life in general.For the second category, often older, retired people, there can be

too much time to reflect and think at this time of year. A third groupalso springs to mind this week in light of the Clutha Vaults one-yearmemorial service at which Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgowgave the homily.This third group contains those whose lives have been cut tragi-

cally short in the helicopter crash; others like them and those whomourn. Whether you have too little or too much time on your handsthis Advent in the run up to Christmas, there is to be a lessonlearned about cherishing every minute and everyone who has comeinto your life.As the infant Jesus brings joy to the world, spare a thought for

those in mourning and for those who find Christmas a hard or abitter-sweet period. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers oreven add them to your card or party list.

� SCO reserves the right to edit letters to conform with space or style requirements� This page is used solely for reader opinion and therefore views expressed are not necessarilyshared by SCO� If you would like to share your opinion, send your correspondence to the above address�Whether you use e-mail or post, you must provide your full name, address, and phone number oryour letter will not be used

LETTER OF THE WEEK

PICTURE OF THE WEEK The St Andrew'sDiner dance inSacred Heartparish, Bellshill.was a greatevening.Morethan 70 peopleenjoyed the goodfood by RenaGallagher anddanced the nightaway to the livemusic of Andy D.The event, in aidof the StudentPriest Fund, wasorganised by thelocal Union ofCatholic Moth-ers. Part of theproceeds fromthe evening willgo towards theordination,in thechurch next year.of DeaconJames TraversPIC: TOMEADIE

CHRISTMAS is comingand the secular, seasonalmusak is blaring in thecathedrals of con-sumerism, as business, big

and small, work hard to cash in on whatmany see as nothing more than a winterfestival.And the business thatwants yourcash, more than any other, is the alco-holic drinks industry, whose owners andshareholders enjoy a Christmas bonanzain the mega millions league.There are office parties, family

gatherings, happy people, lonely peo-ple, sad people, homeless people, richpeople, poor people, and most, almostall, will consume alcohol, and, veryoften to excess, over the comingChristmas period. Not that this shouldsurprise us, for the alcohol industryspends millions on persuading con-sumers to embrace and conformunthinkingly to the dangerous myththat no celebration is complete with-out alcohol, despite the fact that doc-tors and health authorities are,increasingly, coming to regard alcoholas a dangerous drug.If you don’t believe that, look at the

number of people admitted to hospi-tals because of alcohol-related healthissues. Ask any accident and emer-gency doctor, any paramedic or policeofficer, just what the effects of alcoholare, and they’ll agree that if it hadn’tbeen invented, they would have muchmore peaceful lives. And the lawregards alcohol as a dangerous drug,its use being carefully regulated by amyriad of licensing regulations, whilethe recent change in legislation inScotland limits drivers to a tinyamount of the substance in their bloodstream when driving a motor vehicle.

Despite its claims of encourag-ing what is called ‘responsibleuse of alcohol,’ in reality, harm

reduction, the drinks industry knows,full well, that its products cause mas-sive harm in society, from playing apart in many assault cases, fuellingmuch of the aggression in crowds atScottish football matches, especiallyat Celtic and Rangers clashes, to caus-ing actual death and bodily harm inroad crimes involving alcohol-stupe-fied drivers.At least this year the alco-hol limit for legal driving has beenlowered.There are, at last, clear signs that

opinion is beginning to shift againstalcohol, in the same way that tobaccoand smoking were first identified asmedically harmful as early as the1960s, but it will take decades to dis-mantle the conditioning that hasresulted in an uncritical acceptanceand use of alcohol in our society. Partof the problem is that alcohol is pro-moted to different groups in ways thatappeal to their self-image. We havefull-strength lager for real men, espe-cially football fans; wine for women;alchopops to lure kids, the sweetflavours masking the rasping andunpleasant taste of alcohol, andwhisky promoted as smooth, sophisti-cated and really for the older, well-off

and mature person, despite its hightoxicity levels.It is amazing the lengths the indus-

try will go to promote what is basi-cally a toxic liquid, in all its forms,which is harmful to the human body,dulls the brain and attacks the liver.And, more amazing still, is the factthat otherwise discerning consumersare willing victims of this con-trick,proclaiming their loyalty to a particu-lar brand of alcohol and even boasting,as many do, across the classes andboth genders, of their ability to con-sume alcohol, often in potentiallylethal quantities.

So, why this rant against whatmost people view, uncritically,as an inevitable part and parcel

of everyday life, and which many willimbibe over Christmas?It’s partly because, as a life-long

tee-totaller, who regards alcohol asdestructive and unnecessary, I’ve

watched so many literally drink them-selves to death, destruction and desti-tution through alcoholic drink. Notonly that, if you don’t drink alcohol,then you’re subjected to continuouspressure to conform and to join theclub, almost as though your freechoice is the wrong one.At this time of year, alcoholic drink

will lie at the heart of much familymisery. It will play its part in domes-tic violence, and be used as a short-term sticking plaster and crutch bymany to mask their disappointmentwhen secular Christmas fails to live upto its own advertising hype.But Scotland, at any time of year, is

awash with alcohol, with ample visualevidence of that fact in the aisles ofsupermarkets, where alcohol rivalsfood displays in scale and variety.Alcohol has become more and moreavailable, more promoted than everbefore and the harm it does has neverbeen greater.

The country could do with a clearmessage that Christmas is agreat Christian feast and one

that should be celebrated, but withoutwallowing in an alcoholic haze. Andthe Church cane lead the way on sup-porting better education programmes,treatment for alcohol addicts andrecognising that steering both individ-uals and the country away from theexploitative stranglehold of the alco-holic drinks industry, is a basic socialjustice must.If you do plan to drink alcohol over

Christmas, at the very least, thinkabout why you need it to celebrate.Think about the volume of alcoholyou drink, why you promote and offerit so enthusiastically to others, and ifyou would be wealthier, healthier andhappier if you didn’t drink this over-hyped chemical compound at all.Above all, would you have a hap-

pier Christmas?Mine’s an apple juice.

What do you think of HUGH DOUGHERTY’S comments on CHRISTMAS? Send your points ofview to the SCO. Write to Letters, SCO, 19Waterloo St, Glasgow G2 6BT or e-mail info@sconews.co.uk

Tis the season to be jolly, but please think before you drink this Christmas and throughout the year

Christmas time,mistletoe, too much wine

IT IS generally accepted thatgunpowder was invented bythe Chinese some time in the9th century.Why it wasinvented or discovered is thesubject of debate. I can’t imag-ine that its sole purpose was forthe creation of fireworks.Whatever the reason, a few cen-

turies after its discovery, gunpow-der was used for the propulsion ofmissiles in cannons, mortars andrifles, a new era of warfare hadbegun. It may have taken a certaingenius to make the discovery ofgunpowder, it certainly would nothave taken prophetic powers todiscern it destructive power. Thisseems, in many instances, to be thelot of great inventions.WhenWilbur and OrvilleWright madetheir first powered flight in 1903 Ihave no doubt that they had adream about the future and thepotential of air travel. When theword was engulfed in war in 1914their invention was just over tenyears old, by the end of the GreatWar in 1918 the airplane had come

into its own as a weapon of war.With less than ten years of devel-opment, theWright Brothersinvention had been recognised notfor its incredible potential as amode of transportation but for itspotential as a killing machine.How easily dreams turn into night-mares.Two of the book that influenced

my adolescence were ‘The War ofthe Worlds by HGWells and JulesVerne’s 20,000 Leagues Under theSea. Both were made into films butthe written word for me has alwaysheld more power. These storiesinvite us to use our imagination.This is what stories are supposedto do. Both were written in the19th century as the age of sciencebegan to take hold and ashumankind began to discover

some of its potential in creationand invention. It had already dis-covered long since its potential fordestruction. The world was being‘discovered’ and nations werefighting over their ‘discoveries’ notfor the betterment of nations butrather for their exploitation. This isthe one of the major themes inWarof the Worlds. Similarly, CaptainNemo and his crew have discov-ered the potential of the oceans, thesubmarine gives them undreamedof power. Potentially they have thepower to enhance the world or tocontrol the world. No prizes forguessing the choice that is made!There are those who say that

books such The War of the Worldsand 20,000 Leagues Under the Seaare quite prophetic, after all notonly have we developed theatomic powered submarine it hasbeen developed to a level ofsophistication that even Vernewould have found remarkable. Isuppose the use of the wordprophetic depends on how weunderstand prophets and prophecy.

Before HGWells and JulesVerne, beforeWilbur and OrvilleWright there was Nostradamus.This 16th century Frenchman iscredited with foretelling all mannerof things.We may or we may notchoose to believe his writings, orwhat are reported to be his writ-ings, but in the 21st century, Nos-tradamus has taken on somethingof cult status. The popular under-standing of the prophet is that he orshe foretells the future. In ancientGreece the ‘sybil’ the wise one wasalways a woman and she madeutterances that were always subjectto various interpretations. That iswhy she was described as wise!This is also true of the ‘prophecies’of Nostradamus, they are subject tointerpretation, and many would sayhave been distorted or simplyinvented.So what about the prophets of

the Hebrew Scriptures?Whatabout Isaiah and Jeremiah andAmos to name but a few?Werethey foretelling the future? Theanswer is inevitably, ‘yes’ and ‘no.’

What the prophets of ancient Israelsought to do was get the people toexamine their way of living in thepresent moment and then try to getthem to understand that the waythat they lived today had implica-tions for their tomorrow. To thatextent they were foretelling thefuture. What the prophets had tosay to the people was not popularbecause it always required funda-mental change to the way that theywere living.Here in the 21st century, for

example, you and I have had manywarnings about global warming.Do we heed them? Occasionallywe might, but these warnings havedirect implications for the future ofhumankind. Is our love affair withthe combustion engine about toend any time soon. I doubt it! It isalways hard to be the bearer of badnews. Much nearer to home, lookat the age profile of the majority ofpeople attending Mass. The kind-est thing I can say is ‘not young!’What will we look like in 20 yearsif we don’t do something radical

now?Always, it becomes someoneelse’s problem.This week we meet John the

Baptist, not for the first time! Hebegins the call to repentance thatwill be echoed by Jesus. The Bap-tist is inviting repentance. He isinviting fundamental change. Ini-tially his message is well receiveduntil people start counting the costto them personally. Like theprophets of old the Baptist meetsan untimely end. People recoilfrom the truth. The role of theprophet is to speak the truth. Thishas always been the case. Inprophecy there is no room forambiguity. If we want to be popu-lar, prophecy is not for us. So whowill speak the truth in the 21st cen-tury? It will take faith, courage andimmense commitment.At a timewhen prophets are most needed Idon’t see a queue forming for therole. God has not stopped speak-ing, maybe we have stoppedlistening.

� Edwardmcghee@btinternet.com

At a time when prophets are needed most, prophecy isn’t popular

Fr EddieMcGhee

BY HUGH DOUGHERTY

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK

10 COMMENT FRIDAY DECEMBER 5 2014SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER

The views expressed in the opinionpages of the SCO are those of

informed individuals and groups andnot necessarily those of thenewspaper or the Church

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK

FRIDAY DECEMBER 5 2014 COMMENT 11SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER

DECEMBER is afrantic time forall of us. Fromplanning whichChristmas presents

to buy to panicking over whohas been inadvertently left offthe Christmas card list, we allget caught up in the frenzy ofthe season.Schools are particularly busy

places during December—although, it’s hard to find anymonth now when schools aren’tbusy. During this month—andeven starting in November—schools organise Christmasfayres, Christmas shows, Carolconcerts and Christmas parties.All this to ensure that childrenand young people are givenopportunities to experience thejoy of the Christmas season, viamusic, dancing, games andvarious forms of entertainment.And all of it on top of all thelearning and teaching that’sgoing on at the same time.All of these activities involve

a lot of planning—rehearsing,costume-making, hall-decorating,invitation-writing, food-preparing,

gift-wrappingand soon.Teachers,support staff, parents, carersand extended family membersall get involved in contributingto the various enterprises whichhappen in nurseries, primaryschools, secondary schools andparish halls at this time of year.These activities offer testimony

to the family spirit which is soevident in our school and parishcommunities—a real ethos oflove and care for children asGod’s gift to the world. Ofcourse, that is the very messageof Christmas itself—the joy ofthe Christ child, God’s gift tothe world, offering the promiseof salvation to all.

Catholic schools, as wellas endeavouring toobserve the fun of

Christmas, are always mindfulof the need to help children andyoung people to celebrate theseason of Advent. When youvisit a Catholic school at thistime you should see on displaythe Liturgical colours andsymbols of Advent—purplebanners and posters (right),candles of different coloursbeing added to the Adventwreath as each week passes.You’ll also hear Christmascarols being sung and learned.In school assemblies, during

times of classroom prayer andin Liturgical services, theAdvent Scripture passages areproclaimed to encourage pupilsto ‘Be awake!’ and to ‘Preparea way for the Lord’—areminder that the Liturgicalseason of Advent is in intrinsicpart of the Christmas season. Thecelebration of Christmas willremain empty and superficial ifit is only experienced as a time

of materialism and excess. Itstrue meaning can only beappreciated when theseAdventGospel passages are considered,reflected upon and understood.A key Gospel passage that

teachers help pupils to examineduringAdvent is Luke’s accountof the Annunciation—an eventso beautifully represented inmany fine paintings and frescosfrom the Renaissance periodand beyond. There is suchpower and significance in thestory of the angel Gabriel beingsent by God to proclaim to the

young virgin thatGod has chosenHer to bear the Son of God intothe world. Faced by the utterimpossibility of such an outcome,the young Mary is bewildered:“But how can this be?” Inform-ing Mary that Her kinswomanElizabeth—even in her oldage—is now six months preg-nant, Gabriel proclaims thetruth of God’s power: “Fornothing is impossible to God.”What an important message tobe heard and understood by allof us today.“For nothing is impossible to

God,” what great words foreveryCatholic school to proclaim.They are a reminder that God’spower is immutable and anencouragement, in particular toall young people, that our livescan be changed utterly, if onlywe have faith in God, if weremain close to Jesus.The secularequivalent of this motto is, Isuppose: “Be all you can be,” asentiment which underpinsmuch of today’s educationalphilosophy. For those whobelieve in Jesus, ‘all you can be’is beyond human imagination

because it is written into God’splan for each of our lives.

Of course, none of thisteaching of Scripture orcelebration of Advent

and Christmas will be allowedin any school, if some politiciansand lobby groups get their way.They want to keep religion andeducation quite separate andconfine faith to the privatesphere—something for Churchand nowhere else. The samepeople have supported recentattempts to end the practice ofprayer in schools, to stopChurches having any role oneducation authorities and toprevent Catholic schools fromteaching the Christian vision ofsexual development, relationshipsand marriage.As the Scottish Government

begins to get down to businesswith a new First Minister andcabinet, as we begin to unravelthe implications of the SmithCommission for Scotland andin the run-up to theWestminsterelections in the coming months,it will be interesting if the parentswho enrol their children inCatholic schools make a pointof quizzing politicians abouttheir own views on these issues.Which politicians are going tostand up and applaud Catholicschools for the great work theydo, not only educationally, butfor the moral and spiritualwelfare of our children? If youbump into a politician at yourlocal school this Christmas, inbetween the carols and mincepies, why not ask?

� Michael McGrath is director ofthe Scottish Catholic EducationService

Looking after our children’s spiritual welfare

UNBELIEVABLY, we arealmost at the end of anotheryear, one which for many ofus, I’m sure, has simplyflown by. At least that’s howit seems to me. Everythingmoves too fast these days:instant communications,instant food, instantanswers, instant cash etc.,and who does all this rushand instant gratificationserve? No one.At this time of year, it seems

as if everyone is rushingaround, everyone is so busy.There’s a certain buzz toChristmas time, and that’s agood thing, but it’s nothingwithout the real meaning ofChristmas.As with everything in life, if

Christ is not at its heart thenwhatever the action, whateverthe occasion, something ormore importantly Someone willbe missing and the absence ofChrist will be felt, even bythose who neither know noracknowledge him. They willfeel His absence in hearts thatare restless.But what of those of us who

do acknowledge Him, who dobelieve, who, like the great St

Thomas, are able to say “MyLord and my God”? How dowe make sure he is at the heartof every moment? How can welive better this most fundamen-tal relationship of love, creatureto Creator? How do weacknowledge that we are achild of God 24/7?Firstly, by acknowledging

that fact to ourselves every dayand always. It’s amazing what adifference just saying the wordscan make. All our modernlifestyle coach gurus have beensaying for years what we havebeen saying for millennia—saywhat you mean and mean whatyou say.So forget how good a high

fibre, low sugar, -salt and -calo-rie breakfast is. Forget howcalm you’ll be after your firstskinny latte mocha decaf coffeeor green camomile with pome-granate tea! Try instead tomake a morning offering everyday. Let your first action of the

day be given to God. Not amorning person? Not good withwords? That’s OK, just blessyourself as your first act everyday—even doing that one verysimple act every morning assoon as you wake up will havean effect, I promise you.Breakfast cereal boxes say,

‘Try it for 30 days and see thedifference.’ I can’t offer you amoney-back guarantee because,let’s face it, none of you hasparted with a brass penny any-way. All I can say is that thisDecember, as I say make mymorning offering, I’ll be pray-ing for you.So all together now… In the

name of the Father and of theSon and of the Holy Spirit. Igive this day to you Lord…Simples—I think I might

know too many adverts, whichbrings me seamlessly on to thenext thing I want to share:Campaign Life 2017. Don’tpanic, you haven’t lost twoyears of your life—2017 iscorrect.I mentioned last month that

we’re launching a new initia-tive—Campaign Life 2017—inpreparation for the 50thanniversary of the Abortion Act

in October 2017 and we reallywant as many people as possi-ble to get involved.The hope is that by the 50th

anniversary we will have builtup a considerable pro-life pres-ence here in Scotland who willbe able and willing to stand upand make their voices heard;who will be saying ‘enough isenough,’ we need a better solu-tion to crisis pregnancy thanabortion—it is not the answer,not now, not ever.To help us achieve this we

need your help, we need everyone of you who believe in thecause of life to get involved.So here is your first chance,you heard it here first in TheScottish Catholic Observer.Have you ever heard a pro-

life speaker and thought toyourself: “How marvellous,how fantastic that they knowthis issue inside out and canconfidently state the case indefence of life? I wish I had theknowledge/confidence to dothat?”Well, I have news for you.

Pro-life advocates are not bornable to speak up and defendlife. We become pro-life advo-cates after much hard work,

much soul-searching and a lotof prayers. We need many morepro-life advocates to play theirpart for Campaign Life 2017 tobe a success and for things tochange in our country in favourof life.Back to the adverts and my

seamless connection. In adver-tising there is a slogan whichsays repetition equals recogni-tion equals reward.Between now and the 50th

anniversary, we will be repeat-ing a number of facts manytimes: about human life, that itbegins at conception; aboutabortion, that every abortiondestroys a unique and unrepeat-able life and often, if notalways, it damages at least oneother life—the mother; aboutthere being alternatives to abor-tion, which often doesn’t getrid of the problem but alwaysgets rid of the baby.Are we really saying in 2014

and beyond that taking an inno-cent human life can ever beused as a solution to any prob-lem? There is always anotherway.So how can you get

involved? By simply giving usyour details and then we will

keep in touch mainly by text,email and social media to letyou know what’s happeningand to suggest ways in whichyou can positively help. Youwill not be bombarded withbegging letters or emails, norwill your details be given toanyone else.All we are trying to do is

to build up a real and vibrantpro-life presence here in Scot-land prior to the 50th anniver-sary.If you’ve ever felt you

should do something, or domore, in the cause of life, nowis the perfect opportunity. Soget in touch and give us achance to help you to help oth-ers so that together we can endthe scandal of abortion in ourcountry.Contact Campaign Life on

07985 322648 or campaign-life1010@googlemail.comYou can also check out ourblog at campaignlife.word-press.com or like us on Face-book or just drop us a line at:Campaign Life, 104 AlbertRoad, Glasgow, G42 8DR.

� https://gospeloflifesisters.wordpress.com/

Pro-life advocates are not born but Campaign 2017 can help us all

BYMICHAELMcGRATH

Sr RoseannReddy

CHILDRENhelping children this ChristmasSTACEY CAMERON, schools project co-ordinator with MISSION MATTERS SCOTLAND, explains howsupport from Scottish schoolchildren is helping to change the lives of children in Peru for the better

FRIDAY DECEMBER 5 2014 FRIDAY DECEMBER 5 201412 MISSION MATTERS MISSION MATTERS 13SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK

SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER

CHRISTMAS is only a few weeks away,and while for many of us that meansputting up the decorations and spendingtime with family, for children in one ofthe poorest areas of Peru, their only

thought this December will be of survival.Schoolchildren throughout Scotland have been

working hard throughout this term with the help oftheir teachers to raise funds for children like two-year-old Carlos who is just one of the many childrenin the poverty-stricken Peruvian town ofYurimaguaswho are severely malnourished. He is weak, oftenill and very small for his age.

Schools in Scotland have supported MissionaryChildren—known often as Holy Childhood orMissio—for many years. They have helped children likeCarlos and the work of Brother Mauricio Careaga,who runs a feeding program for young and vulnerablechildren in Yurimaguas.

This year Scottish Children have been supporting

projects like this one through a ‘Day ofManyColours.’Inspired by the colours of the Missionary Rosary itis a great opportunity to link prayer and fundraising.Some schools have encouraged children to take partin a non-uniform day with pupils wearing one of theMission colours or perhaps wearing all of thecolours at once or even as many different colours aspossible to show the great diversity of cultures andpeoples around the world.

St Patrick’s Primary School in New Stevenston,for example, have managed to raise an outstanding£640.73, children from St Edwards Primary Schoolin Airdrie an incredible £800 and Sacred HeartPrimary School in Girvan £101.

These are just a few examples of the schools thatare working hard to help children around the world!

While we want to celebrate these successesand truly thank all of our participatingschools this Christmaswe continue to appeal

to you for your help and cooperation for childrenlike Carlos in Yurimaguas.

“Some children in this area are so desperate tofind any way they can to relieve their severe hungerpains that they eat tree branches and dirt,” BrotherMauricio said. “I am distressed every time I have toturn away another hungry, malnourished or ill child.But without increased funding, I am not able to helpthem all.”

As we approach Christmas we too feel his distressin an ever more tangible way. Unless he can expandthe programme, Br Mauricio can only provide for alimited number of malnourished children.

“Please consider supporting the work of BrMauricio in Peru, so that all children can enjoy anutritious meal, not only at Christmas, but also inthe years to come,”MissionMatters Scotland directorFr Thomas Welsh said.

Please join Catholic schoolchildren throughoutthe country who ‘give a little and pray a little’ so that

children like Carlos may have a better future!Encouraged by the example and words of Pope

Francis: “Let us bring the hope given by faith to theworld, through our witness and love! “

� If your are able contribute something towardshelping children like Carlos, please get in touch withus at the Mission Matters office on 01236 449774 orby e-mailing: national.office@missionmattersscotland.org

� Why not also encourage your local primaryschool to get involved in supporting the work ofMissionary Children? Resources are available bycontacting: Stacey@missionmattersscotland.org.We are happy to provide schools with any resourcesnecessary and to visit you for assemblies to helpraise a missionary awareness in children

� http://www.missionmattersscotland.org

ST PATRICK’S PS, NEW STEVENSTON

ST EDWARD’S PS, AIRDRIE

SACRED HEART PS, GIRVAN

SACRED HEART PS, GIRVAN

The support Scottish schoolchildren give to the MissionMatters Scotland allows the organisation to help otherchildren such as Carlos in Peru (left) to be provided withfood (far left) and medicine (above)

CHILDRENhelping children this ChristmasSTACEY CAMERON, schools project co-ordinator with MISSION MATTERS SCOTLAND, explains howsupport from Scottish schoolchildren is helping to change the lives of children in Peru for the better

FRIDAY DECEMBER 5 2014 FRIDAY DECEMBER 5 201412 MISSION MATTERS MISSION MATTERS 13SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK

SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER

CHRISTMAS is only a few weeks away,and while for many of us that meansputting up the decorations and spendingtime with family, for children in one ofthe poorest areas of Peru, their only

thought this December will be of survival.Schoolchildren throughout Scotland have been

working hard throughout this term with the help oftheir teachers to raise funds for children like two-year-old Carlos who is just one of the many childrenin the poverty-stricken Peruvian town ofYurimaguaswho are severely malnourished. He is weak, oftenill and very small for his age.

Schools in Scotland have supported MissionaryChildren—known often as Holy Childhood orMissio—for many years. They have helped children likeCarlos and the work of Brother Mauricio Careaga,who runs a feeding program for young and vulnerablechildren in Yurimaguas.

This year Scottish Children have been supporting

projects like this one through a ‘Day ofManyColours.’Inspired by the colours of the Missionary Rosary itis a great opportunity to link prayer and fundraising.Some schools have encouraged children to take partin a non-uniform day with pupils wearing one of theMission colours or perhaps wearing all of thecolours at once or even as many different colours aspossible to show the great diversity of cultures andpeoples around the world.

St Patrick’s Primary School in New Stevenston,for example, have managed to raise an outstanding£640.73, children from St Edwards Primary Schoolin Airdrie an incredible £800 and Sacred HeartPrimary School in Girvan £101.

These are just a few examples of the schools thatare working hard to help children around the world!

While we want to celebrate these successesand truly thank all of our participatingschools this Christmaswe continue to appeal

to you for your help and cooperation for childrenlike Carlos in Yurimaguas.

“Some children in this area are so desperate tofind any way they can to relieve their severe hungerpains that they eat tree branches and dirt,” BrotherMauricio said. “I am distressed every time I have toturn away another hungry, malnourished or ill child.But without increased funding, I am not able to helpthem all.”

As we approach Christmas we too feel his distressin an ever more tangible way. Unless he can expandthe programme, Br Mauricio can only provide for alimited number of malnourished children.

“Please consider supporting the work of BrMauricio in Peru, so that all children can enjoy anutritious meal, not only at Christmas, but also inthe years to come,”MissionMatters Scotland directorFr Thomas Welsh said.

Please join Catholic schoolchildren throughoutthe country who ‘give a little and pray a little’ so that

children like Carlos may have a better future!Encouraged by the example and words of Pope

Francis: “Let us bring the hope given by faith to theworld, through our witness and love! “

� If your are able contribute something towardshelping children like Carlos, please get in touch withus at the Mission Matters office on 01236 449774 orby e-mailing: national.office@missionmattersscotland.org

� Why not also encourage your local primaryschool to get involved in supporting the work ofMissionary Children? Resources are available bycontacting: Stacey@missionmattersscotland.org.We are happy to provide schools with any resourcesnecessary and to visit you for assemblies to helpraise a missionary awareness in children

� http://www.missionmattersscotland.org

ST PATRICK’S PS, NEW STEVENSTON

ST EDWARD’S PS, AIRDRIE

SACRED HEART PS, GIRVAN

SACRED HEART PS, GIRVAN

The support Scottish schoolchildren give to the MissionMatters Scotland allows the organisation to help otherchildren such as Carlos in Peru (left) to be provided withfood (far left) and medicine (above)

14 FR ROLHEISER FRIDAY DECEMBER 5 2014SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK

DECEMBER 6 is the feast dayof the patron saint of children—St Nicholas, whose name isaltered to give us ‘Santa Claus.’Today we might picture varioussituations of children andyoung people across the world.During the football season

and approaching Christmas,we can remind ourselves thatthere are children of 9 and 10who spend the whole day sittingin a crowded room, stitchingpieces of leather together tomake footballs for a few penniesan hour.There are reports in the

newspapers of orphans fromRomania being taken in groupsto Berlin, and sent out everyday by their minders to rob andsteal. If they do not bring backthe goods in the evening, theyget beaten.We know of towns in India

where the street kids surviveby getting up early in themorning to spend most of theday picking through the city’srubbish. If they find somethingworthwhile, it is sold to get

something to eat.Bangkok, the capital of

Thailand, is so big, and therubbish dumps are so enormous,that whole families go and liveon the tip to make sure they geta good spot to start picking.Children are born and broughtup on the rubbish dump, withno chance of going to schoolunless someone is able to offerthem some help.It is thought that there are

about 8 million street-childrenin Brazil. They were sleeping onthe city streets at night, butmany now have to sleep in hid-den places like the sewers,because death-squads movearound at night, shooting thechildren.In contrast, we are going to

listen to some words about howchildren and young people learnbest. We can think about theway we treat others, whateverour age and theirs.

A child living with criticismlearns to condemn.A child livingwith hostility learns to fight. A

child living with ridicule learnsto be shy. A child living withshame learns to feel guilty.But a child living with

encouragement learnsconfidence. A child living withpraise learns to appreciate. Achild living with fairnesslearns justice. A child livingwith security learns to havefaith.A child living with approvallearns love of self. A child livingwith acceptance and friendship

learns to find love in the world.

OUR nearest star, of course, isthe Sun. Stars that are relativelyclose to each other are said toform a galaxy.There are about 1000 million

stars in our own galaxy whichis often called The MilkyWay.There are about 100,000

million galaxies throughout thewhole of the Universe.We can’t begin to grasp

these numbers, but the Earth isa small planet travelling aroundone sun amongst about 100million million million stars!

God our Father, we thank youthat in the vastness of yourcreation there is somethingspecial about the beauty ofthis earth. Into our world, whichyou love so much you sentJesus, your Son—your Wordwho became a human beingand made his home among us.Breathe your Holy Spirit into

us once again that we maygrow in a sense of wonder andproclaim to be good all thatyou have made.May we live more fully as

brothers and sisters of oneanother and of Jesus, yourSon. Amen.

ON December 12, 1653, OliverCromwell was declared ‘LordProtector’ of England. Thecountry had become a republic,and King Charles I had beenexecuted five years previously.Cromwell would have almost

absolute power for the followingfive years.A painting of him was

commissioned. The artist feltthat he should paint the fearedCromwell as favourably aspossible. The problem lay inthe fact that Cromwell was farfrom attractive, and had pimplesand warts on his face. He saidto the artist: “Use your skill topaint my picture truly like me,and do not flatter me at all.Show me as I am—warts andall. Otherwise I will never paya farthing for it.”That phrase, ‘warts and all,’

has passed into the Englishlanguage, as a reminder toaccept people fully as they are:accepting not just a person’spositive points, but valuing thewhole person, ‘warts and all.’

God our Father, as you welcomeme and accept me fully andlove me as the person I am, soinspire me to be generous toothers in the welcome andacceptance, and the love andthe care that I offer. Amen.

IN 1996, Muslim extremistsmartyred nearly an entirecommunity of Trappist monksin Atlas, Algeria. Many of us,thanks to the movie, Of Gods

and Men, are familiar with their storyand with the extraordinary faith andcourage with which these monks—particularly their Abbott, Christian deCherge—met their deaths. Indeed thelast letters of Christian de Cherge (right)reveal a faith and love that is trulyextraordinary.For example, in the months leading

up to his death, when he alreadysensed what was to befall him, hewrote a letter to his family withinwhich he already forgave his killersand hoped that they would later bewith him in heaven, with both themand him playing in the sun beforeGod. As well, after his first face-to-face meeting with a terrorist leader,who has just beheaded nine people, heprayed: “Disarm me, disarm them.”In his journals, which are published

today, he shares this story: “On themorning of his first communion, hetold his mother that he really didn’tunderstand what he was doing inreceiving the Eucharist. His mother

replied, simply: ‘You will understandlater on.’” His journals then trace howhis understanding of the Eucharistdeepened during his lifetime, especiallyin the light of his interrelation withIslam and one extraordinary incidentin his life. This was the extraordinaryincident.From July 1959 until January 1961,

Christian was an officer serving withthe French army in Algeria. Whilethere, he befriended a man namedMohammed, a family man, a simpleman, and a devout Muslim. They soonforged a very deep bond. One day,during a military skirmish, Christianwas taken captive by the Algerianarmy. His friend, Mohammed,intervened and convinced his captorsthat Christian was sympathetic to theircause. Christian was released but, thefollowing day, Mohammed was foundmurdered, in retaliation for his role infreeing Christian.This act of selflessness by hisMuslim

friend—who in effect gave his lifefor Christian—permanently searedChristian’s soul. It was never far fromhis mind and his decision, as a monk,to return toAlgeria and live in solidaritywith the Muslim community at Atlasand remain there until he died, waslargely a result of that foundational event,but it also deepened his understandingof the Eucharist.His mother had told him: “You will

understand later,” and now he didunderstand—the Eucharist doesn’t justmake Jesus present, it also makespresent His sacrificial death for us.Jesus died for us ‘and for the many,’butso too did his friend, Mohammed. Healso gave his death for another and inthat sacrifice both imitated Jesus’death and participated in it. Thus, forChristian, every time he celebrated theEucharist, he celebrated too the gift ofMohammed’s sacrifice for him. Hisfriend, Mohammed, had also shed his

blood ‘for the many.’Mohammed’s sacrifice helped

Christian to recognise and moredeeply appropriate Jesus’ sacrificebecause he believed that, in theEucharist, Jesus’ sacrifice and hisfriend’s sacrifice were both made realand both rendered present. Christianbelieved that Christ’s sacrificeincludes the sacrifice shown in everyact of sacrificial love and consequentlyhis friend’s sacrifice was part ofChrist’s sacrifice. He’s right.

AteveryEucharist,wememorialisethe gift that Jesus made of Hisdeath, but thatmemorial includes

too the sacrificial gift of everyone whohas imitated Jesus’ selfless love andsacrifice. In the Eucharist, the sacrificeof Christ that we memorialise includesthe sacrifice of all who have died,however unconsciously, ‘for the many.’

The Eucharist is a far-reachingmystery with multiple depths and levelsof meaning. We don’t ever fully graspit. But we’re in good company. WhenJesus instituted the Eucharist at the LastSupper the Apostles also didn’t reallyunderstand what He was doing, as iswitnessed by Peter’s protests whenJesus tries to wash their feet. Peter’sprotests show clearly that he did notcomprehend what Jesus meant in thisEucharistic gesture. Jesus’ words toPeter and the Apostles are almostidentical to those Christian de Cherge’smother spoke to him when he told herthat he didn’t understand the Eucharist:“Later, you will understand.”When I made my first communion, I

had a childlike understanding of theEucharist. In my seven-year-old,Catechised mind, I believed that I wasreceiving the real body of Jesus andthat, at the Mass where the Eucharistic

hosts were consecrated, we celebratedthe sacrifice of Jesus that opened thegates of Heaven for us. Numeroustheology degrees and 60 years later, Iknow now that what I understood aboutthe Eucharist as a child was correct; butI also know that when those two things,Christ’s real presence and Christ’ssacrifice for us, are unpackaged, wefind ourselves immersed in anineffable mystery within which—among other things—all who sacrificein love for us are also part of the RealPresence.And so we keep going to Eucharist,

knowing that later, we will understand.

� Fr Ronald Rolheiser is a Catholicpriest and member of the MissionaryOblates of Mary Immaculate. He ispresident of the Oblate School ofTheology in San Antonio, Texas. Visithis website at www.ronrolheiser.com

What do you think of FR ROLHEISER’S comments on THE EUCHARIST? Send your points ofview to the SCO. Write to Letters, SCO, 19Waterloo St, Glasgow G2 6BT or e-mail info@sconews.co.uk

A story of self-sacrifice and the Eucharist

BY FR RONALDROLHEISER

The views expressed in the opinionpages of the SCO are those of

informed individuals and groups andnot necessarily those of thenewspaper or the Church

PRAYERS FOR THE WEEK

FRIDAY DECEMBER 5 2014 REFLECTION 15SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK

EWTN PROGRAMMESSUNDAY DECEMBER 79AMCHRIST COMES IN HISTORY,MYSTERY AND MAJESTY:REFLECTIONS ON ADVENT WITHHIS EMINENCE, CARDINALTIMOTHY DOLAN11AMANGELUS WITH POPE FRANCIS1PMLIVE MASS FROM EWTN3.30PMADVENT REFLECTIONS4PMCATHOLICISM6PMTHE WORLD OVER8PMTHE CHURCH UNIVERSAL9PMSUNDAY NIGHT PRIME10PMVATICANOMONDAY DECEMBER 81PMLIVE SOLEMN MASS OF THEIMMACULATE CONCEPTION FROMEWTN3PMLIVE HOMAGE TO THEIMMACULATE CONCEPTION5PMLIVE SOLEMN MASS OF THEIMMACULATE CONCEPTION—BNSIC8PMOUR LADY OF GUADALUPE ANDMIRACULOUS MEXICO9PMLIFE AND SPIRIT OF THEPASSIONIST NUNS10PMVOCATION BOOMTUESDAY DECEMBER 91PMLIVE DAILY MASS5.30PMEWTN NEWS NIGHTLY WITHCOLLEEN CARROLL CAMPBELL

7PMADVENT REFLECTIONS9PMTHE CLOAK OF JUAN DIEGOWEDNESDAY DECEMBER 101PMLIVE DAILY MASS5.30PMEWTN NEWS NIGHTLY WITHCOLLEEN CARROLL CAMPBELL9PMCHARTRES, MARYS CATHEDRAL10.30PMKEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS, ACATHOLICS COME HOME SPECIALPRESENTATIONTHURSDAY DECEMBER 111PMLIVE DAILY MASS5.30PMEWTN NEWS NIGHTLY WITHCOLLEEN CARROLL CAMPBELL8PMEWTN LIVE9PMROAD TO ROME: TRAININGPRIESTS FOR THE THIRDMILLENNIUMFRIDAY DECEMBER 121PMLIVE DAILY MASS7PMTHE SACRED HEART OF JESUSWITH FR. BERNARD MCGUCKIANSJ8PMTHE WORLD OVER LIVE9PM1531: A STORY THAT IS NOTFINISHED YETSATURDAY DECEMBER 131PMLIVE DAILY MASS5.30PMEWTN NEWS NIGHTLY WITHCOLLEEN CARROLL CAMPBELL9PMFRANCISCAN UNIVERSITYPRESENTS

LAY READERS’ GUIDE

SUNDAY DECEMBER 7Second Sunday of Advent. Isaiah 40:1-5,9-11.Response: Let us see, O Lord, your mercy,and give us your saving help. 1 Peter-3:8-14.

Mark 1:1-8.

MONDAYThe Immaculate Conception of Our BlessedLady. Genesis 3:9-15, 20. Response: Sing anew song to the Lord for he has worked wonders.

Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12. Luke 1:26-38.

TUESDAYIsaiah 40:1-11. Response: Here is our God

coming with power. Matthew 18:12-14.

WEDNESDAYIsaiah 40:25-31. Response: My soul, givethanks to the Lord. Matthew 11:28-30.

THURSDAYIsaiah 41:13-20. Response: The Lord is kind andfull of compassion, slow to anger, abounding

in love. Matthew 11:11-15.

FRIDAYIsaiah 48:17-19. Response: Anyone who followsyou, O Lord, will have the light of life. Matthew

11:16-19.

SATURDAYEcclesiasticus 48:1-4, 9-11. Response: Godof host, bring us back; let your face shine on

us and we shall be saved. Matthew 17:9a, 10-13

IT CAN get a bit bleak at this time ofyear in northern Europe but the Lordalways brightens our horizons if wetrust in Him, if we yearn for Him. AtPluscarden we have been blessed with

two monks who are staying with us for twoyears. They are from the monastery of ThienPhuoc in Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon. Whilein Vietnam preparing these monks for theirstay in Britain, I was able to witness aspring-time of religious life in Vietnam—ahopeful contrast with what appears to be ourown autumnal phase in religious life andpractice in Europe.Our five Benedictine houses—and even

more so the Cistercian houses—haveexperienced phenomenal growth in the lastdecade. Thien Phuoc has 100 monks—quitea few mouths to feed! The Spirit is at workand hearts are responding. The Church isalways growing, but often where we do notexpect, particularly not in communistVietnam.What are some of the characteristics of

this growth, at least in the monastery I visitedin Vietnam? There is a simple, joyful trust inGod, a shared belief in the Incarnation nurturedin family and village life and the convictionthat this particular vocation, the Benedictinelife in this case, is a gift from God of infinitevalue and use to both the individual monkand the entire Body of Christ. Well, these arenot new, it is just that we in Europe havebecome too timid and even neglectful inavailing ourselves of and encouraging theseGod-given strengths.

Yet the strongest aspect in the life ofthe Church in Vietnam, which Ibelieve has helped build-up and

strengthen the Church and the monastic lifeis thanksgiving. The Eucharist, the thanks-giving sacrifice par excellence, is central toVietnamese Catholic life, the source of hope

in direst times and the means by which tolink their thanks to that of Our Lord’s. Fromthe poor mission parish in Quang Binh,where Mass is celebrated outdoors, to thesplendour of Vinh Cathedral (above) wheresome 28 Sisters of the Love of the HolyCross made perpetual vows surrounded by100 priests and nearly 5000 Faithful, one canwitness to the dignity, and devotion of theVietnamese to the Mass as well as the strongcommunal dimension of thanksgiving.At Thien Phuoc, I was able to participate in

the Mass for monastic vows, in which fivemade solemn vows and three simple vows.Well before the Mass, monks and familymemberswere slaughtering pigs and chickensand preparing food for the feast to follow.With monks, families and friends about 700people filled the monastery church and theadjacent outdoor areas, covered the previousafternoon with awnings for protection fromthe fierce tropical sun.Mass was sung with lusty voices, parents

brought forward their sons to make vowsand then the Eucharist was offered—all witha gentle dignity in accord with the Romanmissal. This was followed by a meal for allat which there was much talking singing andjoy—thanksgiving as one would have

imagined at the wedding feast at Cana. Andthen it was quickly over.But not quite... The monks who had just

taken vows were permitted a home visit,which included a thanksgiving Massand a party to thank the local community andextended family. I was able to participatein two of these thanksgivings in the northof Vietnam.

Ishall take one example. Not far fromVinh city, in Nghe An province, is BrNiem’s home village, set in a classic

Vietnamese scene: sheer mountains girdingendless paddy-fields replete with water-buffalo, and a river laving the edges of thevillage. A hot dry wind was blowing fromLaos, yet no-one complained. Some 1000people gathered for the thanksgiving Mass.Its participants included families of othermonks in the province, Niem’s familym theboys’ rhythmic drum band—in their blueoutfits providing the music while weprocessed into church—the parish choir andmost of the village. Then came the feast,which had been in preparation since 3am,and this was shared by all. Both events werecommunal activities, thanking God for avocation—the Mass—and thanking God inman—the feast—for supporting that vocation.I was thanking the Lord that I was not on thewashing-up squad that night!It was family, communal support and

thanksgiving that marked these celebrationsand underpin the vocations celebrated. Thereare weaknesses in any spring time, such asin Vietnam, where winter winds of sin canwither the sinews, yet in the great Now ofGod’s activity, in the Incarnation at workamongst us there is hope, there is light andone more monk to build up the Body ofChrist throughout the world. Thanks be toGod: “Ta Ơn Chu�a!”

Support and thanksgivingat vocations celebrationIn the latest article on our series on spirituality, A BENEDICTINE MONKfrom PLUSCARDEN ABBEY recounts a tale of religious life in Vietnam

AA SSPPIIRRIITTUUAALLRREEFFLLEECCTTIIOONN

PIC: THUY DAO NGUYEN

FINALLY, I caved in. Having withstoodthe annual guilt trip my children treatedme to throughout their entire childhoodswhen I refused to buy them a chocolate-filled Advent calendar I bought one of

the darn things.It’s not that I have anything against chocolate.

You should see us laying waste to a ton of the stuffon a Friday night, well any night really. But whenthey were younger I could never find a chocolateloaded Advent calendar with an image on the

nativity scene on the front so the troops had tomake do with the less fun but more religiouslyobservant variety. So, on the basis that if they don’tknow by now that Christmas is all about the birthof the baby Jesus they never will, I set out to buyone that would meet with their approval.

Since the boy’s birthday was about to fall on thefirst Sunday of Advent I took myself out to a cer-tain superstore in the east end to check out whathis team had to offer. Just my hard cheese, they’renot producing an Advent calendar this year—chocolate-filled or otherwise.A standard issue onewould have to do.

Instead of the whoops and hollering that I hadexpected would greet its arrival there was onlyshock and indignation that I should so readilyabandon my principles and cede to the consumeristspectacle of the season. They were so horrified youwould have thought I had taken Santa out into thegarden and shot him.

It seems it comes with the territory of being achild, regardless of age, that you can moan andmoan until your mammy gives in, while the par-enting gig means that they minute you yield totheir pleas your lose all authority or respect.

Anyway the mood soon changed when they dis-covered that all alternative in-house sources ofgoodies had been pillaged (mea culpa). The lack ofso much as a piece of fruit or a dollop of ice creamfor afters catapulted any misgivings out the win-dow. And we spent a happy, if a little guilty, fewminutes chomping our way through 24 days-worth of chocolate morsels.

Just before Advent began I attended a Mass ofRemembrance at Nazareth House and any sadnessI felt was quickly dispelled as the memoriesflooded back. It is always a poignant momentwhen I enter my mother’s last home. During herstay there in her last year it was not without sorrowas we watched her health fail rapidly but therewere many good times too. The effect that the sis-ters and staff had on our lives while they cared formy mum and her sister was a lasting one.

Nothing can quite take the place of your ownhome but in the loving embrace of Nazareth Housethey were able to live in peace and safety, contin-uing to attend daily Mass and with their every needcatered for. It was a time of need for us too as wewatched their once animated selves diminish. Thelove and care lavished on my mother and auntextended to us as well.

Watching my daughters carrying candles to thealtar with the names of their gran and great auntevoked good memories. Taking place just a dayafter what would have been my aunt’s 100th birth-day it was a fitting opportunity to give thanks fora long life.

One of the core values of the Sister of Nazareth

is hospitality and sure enough there was a little teato follow the Mass. It was a good chance to catchup with friends and enjoy a chat with Fr Broderickwhose gentle presence and good humour is ever-available to residents and their families.

My visits to Nazareth House are not nearly sofrequent these days but the sense that I am in ahome from home is no less than ever it was.

Scottish Catholic Observer:Scotland’s only nationalCatholic weekly newspaperprinted by Trinity Mirror, Oldham.Registered at the Post Office

as a newspaper.

First entry out the hat nextTUESDAY will be the winner

Send your completedcrossword entries—along withyour full name address anddaytime phone number—toCROSSWORDCONTEST SCO 19WATERLOO ST GLASGOW G26BT

The winner’s name will beprinted next week

The editor’s decision is final

LAST WEEK’SSOLUTION

ACROSS1 Vampire bat 6 Visa10 Corgi 11 Gladiolus12 High tea 15 Medal17 Lira 18 Emit 19 Inuit21 General absolution23 Hence 24 Sago25 Near 26 Digit28 Abstain 33 Castanets34 Prove 35 Loom36 Early riser

DOWN1 Vice 2 Mortician 3 Irish4 Eagle 5 Arab 7 Idled9 Airmail 13 Tyre14 Algebra 16Methodical20 Unanimous21 Gentian 22 Alas27 Gusto 29 Basil30 Tapir 31 Vera 32 Lear

CROSSWORD

ACROSS1 Involuntary muscular movement of the face (3)3 The glitters one can get from such

urban illumination! (11)8 Was jealous of how some cardinals contended (6)9 Historic prison in Paris (8)10 Learn about what concerns the kidneys (5)11 The olfactory sense (5)13 Principally located; founded (5)15 Tiredness (7)16 See 6 down20 Holy songs are not hers, by the sound of it (5)21 Planet found in a plug? (5)23 With glee, I destroyed a Belgian city (5)24 Our spice could be extremely valuable (8)25 Fearful (6)26 Use it to test the acidity of some retail pumps (6,5)27 Wet soil (3)

DOWN1&2 This ancient holy artefact might make a knave

henceforth tot up (3,3,2,3,8)3 Incantation (5)4 Consulate (7)5 Let us somehow provide musical instruments (5)6&16a Edible log June prepared to celebrate

fifty years of service (6,7)7 Golf peg (3)12 Being sensible, flatten the chief editor (5-6)13 The limb of a tree (5)14 Percussion instruments (5)17 At a temperature that keeps Matthew,

Mark and John cool? (8)18 I can't remember what this means! (7)19 He might convert a sprite (6)22 Japanese verse form (5)23 One whose long sentence resulted from the

misuse of a rifle? (5)24 Friend (3)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9

10 11 12

13 14

15 16 17

18

19 20

21 22 23

24 25

26 27

Gordius No 171

Last week’s winner was:Barry McCartan, Glasgow

16 THAT’S LIFE FRIDAY DECEMBER 5 2014SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK

SIMPLE

SUDOKU

1

5

9

6

9

7

2

3

5

89

825

4

235

9

83

6

94

8

294

9

1

5

753

9

9

8

29

6

176 5

4

4

2

1

6

6 5

8

7

3

352

3

72

14

7 61

71

48

FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A WAYAS EVERY ROW AND COLUMNAND EVERY 3 BY 3 BOX CONTAINSTHE NUMBERS 1 TO 9. NO GUESSWORK IS REQUIRED AND THEREIS ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVEIS THE NOV 28 SIMPLE SOLUTION

FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A WAYAS EVERY ROW AND COLUMNAND EVERY 3 BY 3 BOX CONTAINSTHE NUMBERS 1 TO 9. NO GUESSWORK IS REQUIRED AND THEREIS ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVE ISTHE NOV 28MODERATE SOLUTION

MODERATE

5

71

9

5

8

9

6

9

6

4

5

8

7

6

77

42 71

2

3

71

1 6

869 4

4

9

4

4 6 7 1 271 3

8

66

9

9

5

33

9923

13 2

2

8

7

558

84

68 5

85

5

4

42

3

23

1

1

23

2

4

5

8

9

71

3

8

8

5

2

2

4

4

13

19

7

6 827

94

4

425

1

79

354

47

4

98

815

1

6

96

2756 2

7

2

5

5236

6

19

16

83

38

83

19

96

5 7

7 3

3 6

Another year, and Advent calendar, slips byTHAT’S LIFE looks at those tempting chocolate December days, and back at those who are no longer here to share them

By MaryMcGinty

G E O R G E P. R E I L L Y

Pa i n t e r a n d D e c o ra t o r3 0 Y e a r s o f E x p e r i e n c e

F r e e E s t i m a t e s

0 7 9 7 4 3 7 9 8 1 1

0 1 6 9 8 8 2 2 2 1 5

FRIDAY DECEMBER 5 2014 CHURCH NOTICES 17SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER

VOCATIONSCHURCH & PUBLIC NOTICES

TThhiinnkkiinngg aabboouutt LLiiffee CChhooiicceess??

Visit: www.sistersofnazareth.comEmail: vocinfo@sistersofnazareth.comMobile: 07906 372 786

SSrr FFrraanncceesswwiillll hheellpp yyoouu cchhoooosseewwhhaatt’’ss rriigghhtt ffoorr yyoouu!!

JERICHO“The

Compassion ofJesus.”

Drug &Alcohol Rehabs.,Refuge for Victims ofDomestic Violence,

SupportedAccommodationfor the Destitute, the

Distressed, and all being‘passed by on the other side.’ACOMMUNITYOFMEN OF PRAYER FOROUR TIMES (founded 1970)

Vocation info fromBro Patrick Mullen,The Jericho Society,

Mater Salvatoris, Harelaw Farm,Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, PA10 2PYScottish Charity SC016909

Tel: 01505 614669Email:

theJerichosociety@gmail.com

Opinions of advertisers are not necessarilythose held by The Scottish Catholic Observer

PRAYER MEETINGS

Archdiocese ofGlasgow

� Rhema PrayerCommunity

St Marys RC Church89 Abercromby Street,Calton, Glasgow G40

2DQWEDNESDAY 8PM

Diocese of Paisley

� St Anthony’s & StAidan’s Prayer Group

St Aidan’s Hall,Tower Road,Johnstone

TUESDAYS 7PM

EXPERT SERVICES

Website Directorywww.jandmsewing.comTop quality, reasonably pricedChurch Robes (Bishops, Clergy,Deacons, Diocesan Vestments,Choirs, Servers) all made to orderin the UK.www.sconews.co.ukWith a readership of 50,000, theScottish Catholic Observer isScotlandʼs only weekly Catholicnewspaper and is available in98% of parishes.www.customartk ids.co.ukMade to measure, designed forlife, personalised for you. Wall art,Personalised Christmas Childrensgifts. Any Occassions gifts

www.forevermaria.myflpbiz.comAloe vera products for home, health andwellbeing. Specialist sports products.Weight Management Program.

www.pansionstephen.comPansion Stephen offers holidayaccommodation, B&B, HB and FBfacilities in Medjugorje for groupsof up to 30 people.

YOURWEBSITEHERE!!

EMAILadvertising@sconews.co.uk

Are you called like Francis of Assisito live the Gospel radically?

Want to know more?Email Sister Noel –

noelbarron@hotmail.co.ukwww.fmsj.co.ukReg. Charity no. 1135474

FRANCISCANMISSIONARIESOF ST. JOSEPH

Then wecan helpyou

Do you feel thatGod is calling

you to theMissionaryPriesthood

The Vocations DirectorSMA FATHERS

St TheresaʼsClarendon Place, Dunblane

Perthshire FK15 9HB

Contact:

CHRISTMAS ADVERTISINGPlace your Christmas Messages

or Adverts in theScottish Catholic ObserverChristmas Double Edition

Adverts must be booked ASAP

Contact Francesca atadvertising@sconews.co.uk

0141 241 6105

NATIONAL SHRINE OFOUR LADY OF LOURDES CARFINSolemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady

Monday 8th December 2014

Solemn Mass with the Sacrament of the Sickat 1pm in the Parish Church

Followed by light refreshments in the Xavier

Centre

Rosary Torchlight Procession and Benedictionat 7pm in the Parish Church

All welcome

MOTHERWELL DIOCESAN CHOIRDDii rreecctteedd bb yy JJoohhnn PPiittccaatthhlleeyy ::

“A Carol at the Crib”in

St Peter’s, HamiltonSunday 14th December at 7.30pm

Our Lady of Lourdes, East KilbrideTuesday 16th December at 7.30pm

Motherwell CathedralThursday 18th December at 7.30pm

St Ignatius, WishawSunday 21st December at 7.30pm

ALL WELCOME

Parish ManagerA new and exciting role!

20 Hours per week£15,600 salary per annum

Reporting to the Administrator, your role will be to manage a teamwho run the administrative, financial, HR and maintenance func-tions of St Maryʼs Cathedral.This is a varied role which would be

attractive to an applicant with previous proven experience in amanagerial position. Knowledge of the Roman Catholic Church is

desirable but not essential.You will be highly motivated and bekeen to develop new systems and procedures in conjunction with

your team of both employees and volunteers. You will have aproven record in coaching and inspiring your team and will possessexcellent communication skills. Microsoft Office skills are essentialto this role as is the ability to monitor and analyse financial results

and budget accordingly.

For further information and an informal chat about this position,please contact Fr. Keith on 01224 640 160

or administrator@cathedral-abdn.org.Closing date for applications: Friday 12th December 2014

RECRUITMENT

MacLEANTreasured memories of mydarling husband, Calum,who died suddenly onMarch 1, 1992, and whose79th birthday occurs onDecember 4. R.I.P.Calum, if memories bringus closer,We are never far apart,For you are always in mythoughts,And forever in my heart.With all my love.Chrissie. xx

O’DONNELLIn loving memory ofJames, loving father andgrandfather, who died Feb-ruary 10, 2001 and whosebirthday occurs on Decem-ber 7.Lonely is the home withoutyou,Life to us is not the same,All the world would be likeHeaven,Just to have you backagain.If we could have a lifetimewish,We would never askanother,Just for God to turn backthe hands of time,And give us back ourfather.Eternal rest grant unto himO lord,And let perpetual lightshine upon him,May he rest in peaceAmen.Sacred Heart of Jesus,have mercy on him.Inserted by your lovingfamily at home and abroad.

QUINNPrecious memories ofPeggy Quinn, loving wife ofthe late Tam, loving motherof Jonathan and Drew, lov-ing granny of Beth, Katie,James and John, who diedSeptember 25, 2012 andwhose 75th birthday occurson December 8, 2014.Ours is just a simpleprayer,God bless and keep you inhis care.Our Lady of Lourdes andSt Pio, pray for her.Until we meet again.Your loving family at home,Canada, Australia and NewYork.

PRETESpecial memories are heldclose to our hearts of JohnPrete, dear husband of thelate Annie (Tracey), adoreddad, granda and great-granda, who sadly diedAugust 17, 2005, andwhose 88th birthday occurson December 5.Thank you Dad for theyears we shared,For the love you gave andthe way you cared,You left a place no one canfill,We miss you Dad andalways will.To hear your voice and seeyou smile,To sit and talk with youawhile,To be together in the sameold way,Would be our dearest wishtoday.Sacred Heart of Jesus,grant him eternal rest.So sadly missed.Until we meet again.From your loving family.xxxxOur hearts still ache withsadness,Our tears still flow,For what it meant to loseyou,No one will ever know.You were a granda in amillion.We will never forget you.Granda – you were thebest.Happy Birthday Boaby.From all your lovinggrandchildren. xxxxA kiss blown up to the skyso blue,Catch it great-granda, it’sjust for you.From your little great-grandchildren. xxxx

SINCLAIRLoving memories ofRobert, loving dad andgranda, who died on June21, 1997 and whose birth-day occurs on December5, 2014.If tears could build a stair-way,And heartaches a lane,We would come straight upto heaven,And bring you home again.Eternal rest grant unto herO Lord.Inserted by your lovingdaughter Anne Marie andfamily.

BUCHANAN20th AnniversaryIn loving memory of Calum,a dear husband, father andgrandfather, who diedDecember 7, 1994.Our lips cannot speak howwe loved him,Our hearts cannot tell whatto say,But God only knows howwe miss him,In our home that is lonelytoday.Eternal rest grant unto him,O Lord,And let perpetual lightshine upon him.May he rest in peace.Inserted by his loving wifeChristine and family.

CAMPBELLIn loving memory of mydear husband, our dearfather and grandfather,Alistair Joseph, who diedon December 10, 1993.St Anthony and Our Ladyof Lourdes, pray for him.Inserted by his loving wifeKatie and family atKildonan and away.Fois shoirruidh thoir dha OThighearna,Agus solus, nach diobairdearrsadh air.St Joseph, pray for him.Inserted by his loving sisterMary Jane, Neil and family,Locheynort and away.

DIVERS17th AnniversaryTreasured memories of mydear husband, James, diedDecember 3, 1997.Always remembered withlove and affection.Our Lady of Lourdes, prayfor him.Loving wife Edith andfamily.

DOHERTY31st AnniversaryOf your charity, please prayfor the repose of the soul ofmy beloved husband, ourdearest father andgrandfather, RobertDoherty, died December11, 1983, and whose birth-day falls on December 9.We have loved him in life,Let us not forget him indeath.St Vincent de Paul, pray forhim.Inserted by his loving wifeMarie, family andgrandchildren, Springboig.

FENTON (Patricia)Always in our thoughts andprayers.The family.

FITZSIMMONSIn loving memory of ourdear father, Hugh, whodied December 9, 1963,and our dear mother,Catherine, who died June14, 1999; also loved onesgone before and after.Our Lady of Lourdes, prayfor them.From their loving family.

GRIBBENS – MacMILLANRemembering our belovedbrother and uncle, MichaelJohn, tragically drowned onDecember 8, 1983.Sweet are the memoriessilently kept,Of a brother we loved andshall never forget.Also our loving granny,Euphemia and unclesAngus John and John.Inserted by his family,Inverness and Mallaig.

HAMILTON37th AnniversaryRemembering today andalways, Anna, our darlingdaughter and very dearsister, died December 3,1977, aged 15 years 11months; also rememberingher devoted dad John andour beloved Ann andKevin.Loved and rememberedevery day.The Hamilton andThomson families.

KILCOYNE8th AnniversaryIn loving memory ofMichael, a devoted hus-band, dad and grandad,who died December 5,2006.Always in our hearts and inour prayers.May he rest in peace.

LAFFERTYPrecious memories of Jane(nee Wilson) who diedDecember 7, 2004.Loving mum and granny.A golden heart stoppedbeating,Two willing hands are still,The one who did so muchfor us,Is resting at God’s will.A silent prayer keeps us intouch,With the one we loved andmiss so very much.Inserted by your lovingfamily.

LA PIAZZA22nd Anniversary.Please pray for the reposeof the soul of Ellen LaPiazza, who died onDecember 9, 1992.Our Lady of Lourdes, prayfor her.Inserted by Brian LaPiazza.

LOGANIn loving memory of mydear husband, our deardad and grandad, William,who died on December 4,1996.I’ve got to go on living,I know that this is true,But it’s just a mere exis-tence,It’s nothing without you;My thoughts are alwayswith you,Your place no one can fill,In life we loved each other,In death I love you still.From your loving wifeMadge.A heart of gold stoppedbeating,Hard working hands atrest,God broke our hearts toprove to us,He only takes the best.Archie, Linda, Robert andAgnes.Gentle Jesus up above,Give our granda all ourlove. xxxDavid, William, Angela andgreat-grandchildren Louis,William, Finlay, Holly, Blair,Sylvia and Alice.

McCAHILLTreasured memories ofMichael, taken from usDecember 5, 1996.Remembering also hisbrothers Willie and Denis.You’re in our hearts, you’rein our souls.Love and miss you always.From Michael’s wife Isabeland all the family here andin Hull.

MacDONALDIn loving memory of JohnAlex (Shonnie), devotedson and loving brother anduncle of the family, diedDecember 5, 2002. R.I.P.Our thoughts are alwayswith you,In a very special way,Not just on your anniver-sary,But every single day.Our Lady, Star of the Sea,pray for him.Saints Peter and Francis ofAssisi, pray for him.From all the family.

MacDONALD19th AnniversaryIn loving memory of mydear uncle, Alexander Mac-Donald, Garrynamonie,who died on December 4,1995. R.I.P.It does not need a specialday,To bring you to our minds,For days we do not think ofyou,Are very hard to find.Inserted by his nephewJohn Angus.

McGARRY, Brian4th AnniversaryPlease pray for Brian, whodied on December 6, 2010.May he rest in peace.From his loving wife Helenand family.

McGLYNNOf your charity, please prayfor the repose of the soulsof Elizabeth and TeagueMcGlynn, of their daughterKathleen and of their sons,Dominic and Willie. R.I.P.May they rest in peace.Amen.Our Lady of Lourdes, prayfor them.Inserted by the family.

MacINNESSIn loving memory of ourdear parents, grandpar-ents, brother and aunt,Donald, died December 4,1988, Morag, died March5, 1989, Alistair, December20, 1975 and Joan, diedOctober 10, 1969.Always in our thoughts andprayers.Our Lady of the Isles, prayfor them.Inserted by all the family.

MacKINNON1st AnniversaryIn loving memory of ourdear mother, grandmotherand great-grandmother,Mary, who died onDecember 8, 2013.No longer here but in ourhearts you are alwaysthere.Our Lady, Star of the Sea,pray for her.Inserted by Ian, Mary andfamily.

MacLEAN, Mairi8th AnniversaryRemembering with love,our mum, Mairi Lyzie, whodied December 11, 2006.Forever in our hearts andthoughts.Also remembering our dad,Ang Mholl, who died July22, 2014.Our Lady of Lourdes, prayfor them.From all the family.

MEMORIAMBIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

18 FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS FRIDAY DECEMBER 5 2014SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER

PRAYER TO THEBLESSED VIRGINO Most Beautiful Flower ofMount Carmel, fruitful inthe splendour of Heaven,Blessed Mother of the Sonof God, Immaculate Virgin,assist me in this my neces-sity. O Star of the Sea,help me and show meherein You are my Mother.O Holy Mary, Mother ofGod, Queen of Heavenand Earth, I humblybeseech You from the bot-tom of my heart to succourme in my necessity. Thereare none that can with-stand Your power. O showme herein You are mymother. O Mary, conceivedwithout sin, pray for us whohave recourse to Thee(three times). Holy Mary, Iplace this cause in yourhands (three times). Othank you for your mercy tome and mine. Amen. Sayfor three days; publicationpromised. – M.

NOVENA TO ST CLARESay nine Hail Mary’s fornine days with a lightedcandle; publication prom-ised. – L.M.

NOVENA PRAYER TO STJUDEMay the Sacred Heart ofJesus be praised, adored,glorified and loved through-out the world now and for-ever more. Sacred Heart ofJesus have mercy on us.St Jude helper of the hope-less, pray for us. St Jude,great miracle worker, prayfor us. Say nine times daily.– MMB.

NOVENA TO ST CLARESay nine Hail Mary’s fornine days with a lightedcandle; publication prom-ised. – L.J.R.

PRAYER TO THE DEARHEART OF JESUSDear Heart of Jesus in thepast I have asked you formany favours, this time Iask you for this special one(mention favour), take itDear Heart of Jesus, andplace it within Your brokenheart where your Fathersees it, then in his mercifuleyes it will become Yourfavour, not mine. Amen.Say for three days, publi-cation promised. – K.S.

PRAYER TO ST RITADear St Rita, ourPatroness and Advocate inimpossible and desperatecases, grant that God maydeliver me from my presentaffliction, and remove fromme the anxiety which sopainfully presses over myheart. Through the anguishwhich thou didst experi-ence in so many similaroccasions, have compas-sion on me, thy devotedclient, who confidently asksthy intercession before theDivine Heart of our Cruci-fied Jesus.O dear St Rita, guide myintentions in these myhumble prayers and fer-vent desires. By amendingmy past sinful life and byobtaining pardon for all mysins, I have the sweet hopeof one day enjoying God inheaven with thee for alleternity. Amen.St Rita, Patroness of des-perate cases pray for us.St Rita, Advocate of impos-sible cases, intercede forus.Our Father, Hail Mary andGloria, (3 times). - MMB.

THANKS to St Anthony forall favours received. - CC.

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTSMacLEOD – GILLIES61st Anniversary of ourdear father, Joe MacLeod,who died on December 11,1953.21st Anniversary of ourdear mother, Ann Gillies,who died August 20, 1993.Those who died in gracego no further from us thanGod – and God is verynear.Fois shiorruidh thoir dhaibha Thighearna.Altdarroch, Kinlocheil, FortWilliam.Inserted by Alistair, Marie,Joe and Ian, Morar.

MacNEIL3rd AnniversaryPrecious memories ofEoin, who died December5, 2011. Loving father,father-in-law, grandfatherand great-grandfather.Our family chain is broken,But memories still remain.Inserted by family homeand away.

McQUADETreasured memories ofEllen, our much loved Mumand Gran, who died onDecember 7, 1991.Find the softest pillow,Lord,To rest her head upon,Place a kiss upon hercheek,And tell her who it’s from.Our Lady of Knock, prayfor her.Sadly missed by Agnes,Gerald and Eilish.

McRURYIn loving memory of JohnMcRury, a dear husband,father and grandfather,who died on December 7,2004, also rememberingDoreen McRury, a deardaughter and sister, whodied on July 5, 1990.So sadly missed, so dearlyloved.Inserted by Katie-Ann andfamily, London.

MORRISON4th AnniversaryIn loving memory ofJohnny, died December10, 2010. Devotedhusband, dad and granda.St Faustina, pray for him.From loving wife Mary andfamily.

MURRAY8th AnniversaryTreasured memories of ourdear mother, nana, great-nana, aunt and mother-in-law, Julia, who diedDecember 4, 2006.We miss you now, ourhearts are sore,As time goes by we missyou more.Your loving smile, yourgentle face,No one can fill your vacantplace.God Bless You.Our Lady and St Anthony,pray for her.Inserted by her lovingfamily.

SHIELS (GALLAGHER)Treasured memories of ourdear sister and aunt, MaryTheresa Gallagher, whodied suddenly on Decem-ber 7, 1978, also our dearbrother and uncle, MichaelJames Gallagher, diedsuddenly July 6, 2001. Alsoour sister and aunt, Kath-leen Gallagher, died June23, 2009.Though you’re no longerwith us,Every day we find,In one way or another,You’re back there in ourmind.Rest in peace.Their loving family.

SHEILS36th AnniversaryIn loving memory of ourdear parents, Mary, whodied on December 7, 1978and Michael, who died onApril 7, 2007. Also theirson and our brother,William, who died April 20,1992.Sacred Heart of Jesushave mercy on them.Inserted by the family.

SIM8th AnniversaryNora, beloved daughter ofthe late Hugh and Bridgetand loving sister of the lateMary, much loved cousinand aunt of the family, diedDecember 5, 2006. Alsoher dear cousin and bestfriend, Maureen O’Neil,who died September 17,2013.A lonely cry, a silent tear,Forever wishing you bothwere near.St Anthony, pray for them.Inserted by Joe and family.

SULLIVAN11th AnniversaryIn loving memory ofElizabeth (Lizzie) Sullivan,who died on December 2,2003.Gone from our home, butforever in our hearts.Sacred Heart of Jesus,have mercy on her soul.May she rest in peace.Inserted by William,Gerard, Diane, Clare,Stephen, Suzanne andgreat-granddaughtersGrace and Fearne.

SWEENEYLoving memories of mydear dad, Pat, who diedDecember 8, 1955; alsomy dear mum, May, whodied October 3, 2004.Never more than a thoughtaway,Loved and rememberedevery day.St Pio and St Bernadette,pray for them.Their loving family homeand abroad.

GRATEFUL thanks to OurLady and St Clare. – J.

GRATEFUL thanks to theBlessed Virgin and St Pio.Still praying. – E.K.

NOVENA PRAYER TO STJUDEMay the Sacred Heart ofJesus be praised, adored,glorified and loved through-out the world now and for-ever more. Sacred Heart ofJesus have mercy on us.St Jude helper of the hope-less, pray for us. St Jude,great miracle worker, prayfor us. Say nine times daily- H.B.

GRATEFUL THANKS to StJoseph of Cupertino, StAnne, St Martha and St Piofor all favours received -G.H.

THANKSGIVING

FRIDAY DECEMBER 5 2014 FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS 19SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY SUBSCRIPTION OFFER

6 ISSUES FOR ONLY £5We want you to experience the benefits of having

The Sco'sh Catholic Observer delivered to your door every week – andto show you how good our newspaper is. That is why we are makingyou this excep&onal offer, which has gone down a storm with readers

who are keen to get an introduc&on to Scotland’sna&onal Catholic weekly newspaper.

6 ISSUES FOR ONLY £5Return with cheque to: Sco�sh Catholic Observer,19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6BT or telephone

0141 241 6112 to order and pay by cardName:Address:

Email Address:Telephone Number:

This offer is only available to new subscribers & can only be used once

Christmas IntimationsContact Patricia to placeyour Christmas Intimationsby the 8th December.0141 241 6106

MEMORIAM CARDS

FUNERAL DIRECTORY

SUN DEC 7 11AM Confirmations, Our Lady of Aberdeen, Kincorth.MON 7PM Mass, St Mary’s Cathedral. WED 9.30AM Bishop’sConference, Gillis. THU 3.30PM Robert Gordon University CarolConcert. 4.30PM French Confessions. FRI 10AM St Joseph’s RCPrimary, Aberdeen Nativity. SAT 6PM French Confirmations,

St Francis’, Mannofield. Catenian Christmas Party, Bishop’s House.

20 FUNERAL DIRECTORY FRIDAY DECEMBER 5 2014SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER

ToAdvertisePhone: 0141 241 6105Email: advertising@sconews.co.uk

ADVERTISING TERMS ANDCONDITIONS

Advertisements submitted must contain completeand accurate information and comply with

requirements of all relevant legislation, the BritishCode of Advertising Practice, and the Advertising

Standards Authority.The publisher has the right, at its discretion, torefuse, omit, suspend, or change the position of

advertisements, or require artwork or copy to beamended to comply with any moral or legal

obligations. The publisher will not be liable for anyloss of revenue to the advertiser incurred as aconsequence of non-publication or incorrect

reproduction of an advertisement. Advertisementsmay be cancelled within 14 days of an order beingreceived and not less than a minimum of 24 hours

before deadline for entry.Any cancellations outside this period will not affect

the buyer’s liability for payment for theadvertisement. Payment for advertisements must be

received within 30 days. Any order, verbal or written,which is placed for the insertion of an advertisement

amounts to an acceptance of these conditions.

homas arin

FUNERAL DIRECTORS & MEMORIAL CONSULTANTS

62-64 St Mary’s Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SX Tel: 0131 556 7192

Part of Dignity Funerals Ltd

TM

TThhoommaass MMaarriinn((FFoouunnddeedd 11992266))

FFuunneerraall DDiirreeccttoorrss

MMeemmoorriiaall CCoonnssuullttaannttss

TTrraaddiittiioonnaall sseerrvviiccee aanndd vvaalluueess

2244 hhoouurrss aa ddaayy,, 336655 ddaayyss aa yyeeaarr

FFuunneerraallss ccaarrrriieedd oouutt tthhee wwaayyYYOOUU wwaanntt tthheemm

— We sell Dignity Pre-Paid Funeral Plans —a straightforward way to gain peace of

mind for you and your family. We guarantee that the money you pay

for your Plan is held in a secure and independent trust fund .

No one else has access to this money until it is needed.

Organist&

CantorAvailable for weddingsand funeral servicesListen online at:

www.paulcarrollmusic.co.uk

T. 01698 325 493

JAMESSHERRY

FUNERALDIRECTORSour services are

provided at any timein any district

private rooms ofrepose and servicerooms available104-106 PARK STMOTHERWELL01698 264000ATALLTIMES

To Advertise inthe FuneralDirectoryContact:

Francesca Mooreadvertising@sconews.co.uk

0141 241 6105

Order easily online at catholicprint.co.ukFor a brochure and free samples phone

0161 873 7457For a brochure and free samples phone

0161 873 7457

BISHOPS ENGAGEMENTS

BISHOP TOALMotherwell, www.rcdom.org.uk

BISHOP KEENANPaisley, www.rcdop.org.uk

ARCHBISHOP TARTAGLIAArchbishop of Glasgow, www.rcag.org.uk

BISHOP GILBERTAberdeen, www.dioceseofaberdeen.com

SAT DEC 6 1PM Christmas Mass for St Vincent de Paul seniorcitizens, St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh SUN 12.30PM Mass, SanctaMaria Abbey, Nunraw. TUE 12.45PM Metropolitan Cathedral ChapterMass, St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh. WED Bishops’ Conference ofScotland, Gillis Centre, Edinburgh. THU Catholic Youth Service

Scotland meeting, Gillis Centre, Edinburgh.

FRI DEC 5 1PM APHTA (Archdiocesan Primary Head Teachers’Association) Mass in St Andrew’s Cathedral 2.30PM Advent

Reflection - APHTA St Andrew’s Cathedral 7PM Cardinal WinningCharity Ball. SUN 12PM Archdiocesan Mass for the Launch of theYear for Consecrated Life St Andrew’s Cathedral. MON 10.15AM

Leaders Welfare Reform Group in the CAB Glasgow 1PM Mass in StAndrew’s Cathedral with the Canons WED 9.30AM Meeting of theBishops’ Conference of Scotland. THU 11AM Archdiocese ofGlasgow Finance Council. FRI 8.25AM Mass in St Ninian’s HighSchool, Giffnock 9AM Meeting with Pupils 11AM Mass to mark the

retirement of Laura McLean, headteacher of St Timothy’sPrimary School.

SAT DEC 6 10AM Mass on 27th Anniversary of Bishop Thomson’sDeath, Cathedral. MON 11.30AM Patronal Feast Day Mass in Fernhill

School, Rutherglen. TUE 11.30AM Consultors’ Meeting. WEDBishops’ Conference Meeting. THU 11AM Clergy Advent Day of

Recollection, Pastoral Centre.

ARCHBISHOP CUSHLEYArchbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh

www.archdiocese-edinburgh.com

BISHOP ROBSONDunkeld, www.rcdod.org.uk

Fourth Generation FamilyFuneral Directors & Monumental Sculptors

www.DonaldMcLarenLtd.co.uk

EST 1912

Exquisite private facilities & unparallelled quality of service from an established family funeral directors

with over 100 years local experience

Unrivalled cost for comparable funeral service

24 hours a day, 7 days a week for over 100 years

airdrie12-18 Hallcraig Street

ML6 6AH01236 762000

coatbridge45 Sunnyside Road

ML5 3DG01236 424132

Perfect Choice Pre-Paid Funeral PlansIndoor memorial showrooms & bespoke designs

For every pre-paid funeral purchased

we donate toSt.Andrew’s HospiceAffiliate

Our caring staff are here to listen and advise you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

53 Morrison Street Glasgow0141 429 4433

Free Sample Pack posted 1st Class, Just call Margaret on

Telephone 0141 812 44919.00 - 9.00 P.M Every day including weekends

Please visit our web site. http://www.memorare.co.uk

Memorare Memoriam Cards LtdMEMORIAM CARDS

Double folder, Bookmarker, Single and Wallet size Cards

SAT DEC 6 11AM Memorial Mass for Fr Gerry Hughes, Turnbull Hall.5.30PM Mass in St Columba’s Parish, Renfrew. SUN 9.45AM Mass inSt Columba’s, Renfrew. MON 1PM Mass for the Solemnity of theImmaculate Conception in St Mirin’s Cathedral. WED - SAT Youth

Conference in Rome

MAINSWITCHBOARDTel: 0141 221 4956• Fax: 0141 221 4546

EDITORLiz Leydon—Tel: 0141 241 6109

editor@sconews.co.uk

DEPUTYEDITORIan Dunn—Tel: 0141 241 6107

ian@sconews.co.uk

REPORTERDaniel Harkins—Tel: 0141 241 6103

daniel@sconews.co.uk

SUB-EDITORGerard Gough—Tel: 0141 241 6115

gerard@sconews.co.uk

SAT DEC 6 Day of Recollection for Diocesan Deacons and theirfamilies, Diocesan Pastoral Centre; Catechesis for young people ofthe Diocese of Dunkeld 6PM Diocesan Youth Mass, Saint John’s

Perth. SUN Mass, Saint Mary’s Lochee, Dundee 1PM Senior CitizensChristmas Dinner and Party, Saint Mary’s Lochee Hall. 3PM MassLittle Sisters of the poor Golden Jubilee Sr Marie Aimée. MON 12PMMcLellan Commision Safeguarding Review, Edinburgh. TUE Meetingwith the management group of St Ninian’s Institute, Pastoral Centre.

WED Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, Gillis Centre, Edinburgh. ItalianChristmas Celebrations, McDiarmid Park, Perth. THU 2PM Meetingstrategy team, Wellburn Care Home, Dundee. 7PM Diocesan FinanceCommittee celebration, Dundee. FRI 8:30AM Day for Life Bishops.

Our weekly series on Children’s Liturgy has lesson plans and activity suggestions for use with youngpeople who are on the path to Christ

Each week, Catechists will find readings and Psalm responses, complemented by prayer, reflection,discussion questions, and activities. Please feel free to use them as you wish

The lessons are created by Adorer-theologians using the lens of the spirituality of St Maria de Mattias,which also embraces precious blood spirituality

While this is the starting point for the lessons, readers are invited to approach them however the spiritmoves you

The Church is concerned with the availability and understanding of scripture for children who have theirrightful place in the Church. In light of this SCO aims to provide a useful tool in drawing children closer tothe Catholic Faith

FAITHFIRSTKIDS

Third Sunday of Advent

Reflection and DiscussionWE ARE now half way through Advent. Thecloser Christmas comes, the stronger the pullto God and the crazier the season becomes.‘Anticipation’becomes the ‘Proclamation’andnow we are challenged to ‘Witness’ to theTruth—Jesus has come to set us free.

The key word this week is ‘witness.’ Johnrefers to Jesus as the ‘light.’ The Greeknoun-verb (‘mariyios-matyreo’ in 1:7),meaning ‘witness.’ John the Baptist witnessedthat he was not the Messiah, he was not Elijahnor was he the long awaited prophet. He spokewith the conviction of a personal calling fromGod. The message he came to tell, the actionof Baptising the people, and his own personalwitness, was to tell the people the truth,because he was witness to God’s truth, theChrist. Those Baptised by John lookedforward to a life with God. Those Baptised byChrist lived in God.

John the Baptist witnessed for two reasons.1) John witnessed about God’s Light, the onewho would bring truth to a darkened,dishonest world. His role was to preparepeople to receive the Light that would turnthem to the light, the good, the life, and so on.2) Those who heard the Baptist’s witnesswould believe in the Light.

Discussion��How strong was my Witness this week? Wasit personal? Was it honest?�� Last week we were invited to tell the GoodNews about Jesus. Who did you tell? What didyou do? How were you accepted?

Activity��You will need one sheet of A4 paper, pencils,and glue, magazines (for younger children).Music: This Little Light of Mine.�� Title the Page with ‘Light’ On one sideidentify various forms of light that we use (foryounger children have them name differentforms of Light; use magazines to cut out ‘lights’and have the children paste them). �� The children that are able to write, have themwrite down on pieces of precut ‘flames.’ On thereverse side, identify ways you share the Lightof Christ to God’s people (Corporal works ofmercy—see Matthew 25:31-46).

PrayerDear Jesus, I am so excited. So many wonderfulthings are happening. I want to follow you. Ineed your help to follow closer so I won’t getlost. Come, Lord Jesus! Come! Amen.

First ReadingThe Spirit of the Lord has chosen me. A reading fromthe book of the prophet Isaiah 61:1-2.The Spirit of the Lord God has come to me,because He has chosen me. The Lord has sentme to tell the oppressed the Good News, to healthe brokenhearted and to announce freedom forprisoners and captives.This is the year when the Lord God will show

kindness to us and punish our enemies. The Lordhas sent me to comfort all who mourn.The Word of the Lord

Responsorial PsalmLuke 1:47 and 49, 53-54.(R) My soul rejoices in my God.With all my heart I praise the Lord and I am gladbecause of God my Saviour.God All-Powerful has done great things for me,and his name is holy.(R) My soul rejoices in my God.God gives the hungry good things to eat and hesends the rich away with nothing in their handsHe helps his servant Israel and is always mercifulto His people.(R) My soul rejoices in my God.

Second ReadingMay you all be kept blameless, spirit, soul, and body,for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. A reading fromthe first letter of Paul to the Thessalonians 5:16-24.Brothers and sisters, always be joyful and neverstop praying. Whatever happens, keep thankingGod because of Jesus Christ. This is what Godwants you to do. Don’t turn away God’s Spirit orignore prophecies. Put everything to the test.Accept what is good and don’t have anything todo with evil.I pray that God, who gives peace, will make

you completely holy. And may your spirit, soul,and body be kept healthy and faultless until ourLord Jesus Christ returns. The one who chose

you can be trusted and he will do this.The Word of the Lord

AlleluiaIsaiah 61:1.(R) Alleluia, alleluia. The Spirit of the Lord now upon me has sent meto bring Good News to the poor.(R) Alleluia, alleluia.

GospelThere stands among you, unknown to you, the one whois coming after me. A reading from the Holy Gospelaccording to John 1:6-8; 19-28.A man named John was sent from God. He camefor testimony, to testify to the light, so that allmight believe through him. He was not the light,but came to testify to the light.And this is the testimony of John. When the

Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites tohim to ask him: “Who are you?” He admittedand did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not theChrist.”So they asked him: “What are you then? Are

you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are youthe Prophet?” He answered, “No.”So they said to him: “Who are you, so we can

give an answer to those who sent us? What doyou have to say for yourself?”He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in

the desert,‘make straight the way of the Lord,’as Isaiah the prophet said.”Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked

him, “Why then do you Baptise if you are notthe Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?”John answered them: “I Baptise with water;

but there is one among you whom you do notrecognise, the one who is coming after me,whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.”This happened in Bethany across the Jordan,

where John was Baptising.The Gospel of the Lord.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 5 2014 CHILDREN’S PAGE 21SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK

1

6

2 3 4 5

7

8

9 10 11

12 13 14

15

16

17 18

20 21

19

ACROSS1 Type of pasta (9)6 A county in the west of Ireland, or a

short name for mayonnaise (4)7 Munching (6)8 You may transport goods in this vehicle (3)9 Saint who became the first Pope (5)12 Headlines (4)15 Commanded (7)17 Paper hankie (6)18 The first man in the Bible (4)19 These letters mean someone is in trouble!

(1,1,1)20 Wear it to protect your head when

cycling (6)21 Conceal (4)

DOWN1 In the Bible, he lost his strength when his

hair was cut (6)2 Wear them to keep your hands warm (6)3 These numbers are not odd (4)4 Fool (5)5 Striped cat (5)10 Hair on the eyelid (7)11 Green jewel (7)13 Small skinny animal (6)14 He says Mass (6)16 it makes you want to scratch (4)

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

ACROSS1 Scares 7 Chance 8 Appear 9 Tiny 10 Lobs12 Car 16 Pair 17 Apostle 18 Bud 19 Snooze20 Poetry

DOWN2 Chapel 3 Rome 4 Score 5 Rat-trap 6 New Year’sDay 11 Boston 13 Rabbit 14 False 15 Sleep

The Children’s Liturgy page is publishedone week in advance to allow RE teachersand those taking the Children’s Liturgy at weekly Masses to use, if they wish, this page as an accompaniment to their

teaching materials

CHILDREN’SCROSSWORD 60

22 CELEBRATING LIFE FRIDAY DECEMBER 5 2014SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER

E-MAIL CELEBRATING LIFE EVENTS TO DAN MCGINTY AT DAN@SCONEWS.CO.UK

SPOTLIGHT ON

Children from Fort William RC Primary School made a point to remember those less fortunate as theymarked Children in Need’s annual fundraising drive. Pupils from the Highland school dressed up as theirfavourite superheroes to help raise money for the charity while bringing fun and colour to their classroomsfor the day PIC: ANTHONY MacMILLAN

By Dan McGinty

PUPILS at St Kentigern’s Academy inBlackburn,West Lothian, were celebrating asthey were presented with Crest awardsthrough the STEM (Science, Technology.Engineering and Maths) programme.The project has has been introduced within

many schools throughout the UK in recent years,and is a movement within education thatencourages pupils to carry out research on asubject of work leading to the discovery of howthings work, as opposed to taking surroundings forgranted.STEM has become a significant part of the

school system in St Kentigern’s, and has beenpraised for its is strong emphasis on the Curriculumfor Excellence, in order to broaden pupils’experienceswithin education.The project works closely with the Crest awards,

which can be gained at Gold, Silver and Bronzelevels, and the work of pupils in the schoolrecently came to fruition with the award of Bronzecertificates to 76 pupils from St Kentigern’s.Thanks to the ‘U-Choose’ system in St

Kentigern’s, pupils were able to spend rotations ofclasses pursuing subjects most appealing to them,andwithMr Scott from the school’s CDTdepartmentworking with S2 pupils and providingopportunities to complete a Bronze Crest awardthe pupils began to focus on bridge building.By studying bridge design and discovering how

they work the pupils learned how bridges carryforces to the ground and how they are designed to

prevent failure under significant strain.The pupils went on to design and build their own

scale version of a bridge and test it to destructionusing increasingly heavier weights. Their findingswere then analysed to determine what aspects of

their bridge designs could be altered to improveoverall strength.Such was the dedication and commitment to

their work that the pupils were rewarded with thehighly regarded certificates, and will now use them

to form part of their UCAS applications, potentiallyushering in a generation of engineer students fromthe West Lothian school.

� dan@sconews.co.uk

St Kentigern’s pupils ride the Crest of a wave due to awards success

Do you have a school or parish Nativity play or special Advent photothat you would like to share with us? If so, send an e-mail to:daniel@sconews.co.uk, call 0141 241 6103 or write to: Scottish

Catholic Observer, 19 Waterloo St, Glasgow, G2 6BT

By Dan McGinty

GAELIC footballers fromNorth Lanarkshire competedwith one another as StAndrew’s High School andSt Ambrose High School

emerged victorious from theAnnual Coatbridge HighSchools Gaelic FootballTournament.With teams competing from

Coatbridge High School, StAmbrose High School and St

Andrew’s High School, pupilsin 1st Year, as well as in 3rdand 4th year, got the chance tohighlight some of their Gaelicfootball skills while representingtheir schools and fighting forsilverware.

The 2014 edition of thetournament saw pupils gather atSt Ambrose Gaelic FootballGrounds, where the tournamentgot underway. With many ofthose competing alreadyplaying together as club-mates

locally, it was a rare chance forthem to pit their skills againsttheir team-mates in competition.In the end St Andrew’s

emerged victorious in two ofthe competitions, becoming both1st Year Boys Champions

(above left) and 3rd/4th YearBoys Champions (above),while St Ambrose made themost of home advantage in thegirls tournament, becoming3rd/4th Year Girls Champions(below).

St Andrew’s and St Ambrose sports stars compete for honours at Gaelic football tournament

FRIDAY DECEMBER 5 2014 COUNCILS OF THE CHURCH 23SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK

SIX centuries after the Great WesternSchism, it is difficult both to imagine itcould ever have occurred and to imag-ine the consequences. Other than one’snational identity, there was little to help

a Christian making his-her choice of which Pope tofollow. Pope Francis recently made a joke out of it,stating that for the first time in history there aretwo Popes in one Church. This was certainly notthe case during the Great Schism, when there weredefinitely two Popes and two Churches.

A glimpse at the results of this confusion revealsthe chaos that ensued. We noted last week that interms of which country supported which Popepolitical alliances mattered. France followed thePope in Avignon, as did its allies, Scotland, Sicily,Castile, Aragon, Savoy and Cyprus. The rest ofItaly supported Rome, as did most of the GermanEmpire, Hungary, Poland, the Scandinavianmonarchies, England and Flanders, though the lat-ter was technically part of the Kingdom of France.

Everywhere, politics dictated allegiance. When,between 1400 and 1412, the Welsh, under the lead-ership of Owain Glyndŵr, rose in revolt againstEnglish rule, they supported the Papacy in Avi-gnon, because the English supported Rome. In theIberian Peninsula, during the Guerras fernandinas,a conflict between Portugal and Castile, where theformer was supported by England, the Portuguesechanged Papal allegiance to express their gratitudeto their English allies.

Although there were no doctrinal differ-ences, adherents of the ‘other’ Pope weredeemed to be heretical. This allowed the

term ‘Crusade’ to be applied to several armed con-flicts between parties in opposite camps. As thegreat historian of the later Crusades, NormanHousley, noted, it is surprising that the wars of theGreat Schism period, which included the HundredYears’ War between England and France, didnot all descend into Crusading terminology. How-ever, there were several Crusades against adher-ents of the ‘other’ Pope, and these did significantdamage to an already weakened notion of Chris-tian warfare.

In 1382, the Avignon Pope, Clement VII, set theball rolling when he awarded Crusading indul-gences to Sicilian and French knights fighting thepro-Roman conqueror of Naples, Charles ofDurazzo. The English twice managed to get Cru-sading privileges from Urban VI in Rome. In 1382,Henry Despenser, Bishop of Norwich, led a Cru-sading army against the French in Flanders. Thiswas nothing more than English military interven-tion on behalf of their Flemish allies, but now ithad a respectable guise. The same applies to theintervention in Portugal by John of Gaunt in 1387,and his subsequent attempt to conquer Castile fromits Avignon-backed monarch.

To make matters worse, there were also timeswhen both Popes co-operated in a Crusade. In1390, for example, a mixed force of pro-Avignonand pro-Roman knights set out from Genoa to con-quer parts of North Africa, which achieved somesuccess. In 1396, a far less successful Crusadefought its way to Nicopolis in Bulgaria, where itwas destroyed by the Ottoman Turks, who hadbegun their conquest of the Balkans. On severaloccasions, Kings of France and England arguedthat a Crusade was necessary to unite Christendomand resolve the schism. Yet at the same time, thedivision had gnawed away at the idea of Christianwarfare, and the liberal misuse of Crusading indul-gences contributed heavily to the anti-CatholicHussite revolt in the Czech Lands.

Shamefully, the schism divided theologians andother thinkers of the Church along national lines.This is perhaps the most significant element of theschism. One could argue that it was natural formonarchs to follow their own interest, but for cen-

turies the Reform Movement had attempted to cre-ate a cadre of churchmen whose local or ‘national’identities counted for less than their adherence tothe Papacy. The reader will recall that even at theoutset of the exile in Avignon, many French clergyhad supported Boniface VIII against their ownKing. This no longer happened.

Instead, we find the Roman Popes supported byItalians, like St Catherine of Siena, Dutchmen, likeGeert Groote, or Scandinavians, like St Catherineof Sweden. Yet Spaniards, like St Vincent Ferrer,or French saints, like St Colette Boellet, supportedAvignon. Theologians, too, split along nationallines, with the great chancellor of the Universityof Paris, Jean Gerson, in the Avignonese camp, andGermans, like Henry of Hesse and Conrad ofGlenhausen, in the Roman.

Interestingly, the jurists were more unanimous.Very few believed the Avignon line of Popes tobe validly elected. Roman Law, they stated,

was unequivocal: a new Pope could be electedonly after the death or abdication of the previousincumbent. This, of course, made the AvignonPopes illegitimate. The French monarchy knewthis, and, as at the time of Boniface VIII, used thesuzerainty of the monarch in his own lands to cir-cumvent the problem by simply declaring it ille-gal to acknowledge the Pope in Rome. (Theillegality of the Avignon Papacy has an intriguingafter-life. For example, St Andrews University wasfounded by a Bull of an Avignon Pope—is itlegally incorporated?)

One may only imagine what all this confusion,all these conflicting opinions did for the ordinaryChristian. What happened, for example, when aRome-supporting Englishman travelled to Avi-gnon-supporting Santiago de Compostella? Couldhe attend Mass? Well, yes, and this is perhaps thegreat surprise. Just as knights from both campscould join to fight Islam with the blessing of twoPopes, so a Christian could still conceive of Chris-tendom as a single unit. Jean Gerson argued thatthere ought to be no impediment to anyone,regardless of which Pope he supported, to come toMass anywhere in Christendom.

Not everyone was so accommodating orbenign. In several dioceses, such as Wro-claw in Poland, Liège in the Low Coun-

tries, and Basel and Constance in the Alps, therewere two bishops, one supporting Rome, the other,Avignon. They excommunicated each other, andforbade the baffled faithful from attendingchurches staffed by priests from the rival camps. InFlanders, where central control by monarchy andCount was slight, the cities determined their ownallegiance.

In Bruges, then the largest city north of the Alpsand northern Europe’s economic powerhouse, thepopulation was divided. The magistrate supportedAvignon, and so, in 1393, a quarter of the largepopulation walked to nearby Ghent to celebrateEaster in Roman churches.

All this was deeply corrosive to the Church. TheFaithful began to vote for alternatives, either

through direct action, like that of the Hussites inBohemia, or by concentrating on their own per-sonal relationship with God. This age saw a pro-liferation of chantry chapels, erected to pray forthe deceased of one particular family and increasedcharitable work in localities, aimed at the needywho lived nearby. There was, in other words, amove away from the international to the national,local and individual.

The answer of the Church was a Council, held inPisa in 1409. As councils go, this was not the mostsuccessful. It was called in great optimism, withall the leading protagonists and most of the Cardi-nals from both the Colleges of Rome and Avignondesperate for a resolution, fed by dissatisfactionwith both Roman and Avignon Popes. Theydecided to withhold recognition from both Popesand meet in council in 1409. Both Popes, clingingto their power, called their own councils inresponse.

However, the one convoked at Pisa clearly hadthe support of the vast majority of the cardinalsand of all secular powers. The two Popes weresummoned to appear, and, when they failed to turnup, were declared to be in contempt of court. It wasa staggering statement of Papal impotence: TheCouncil Fathers then deposed both Popes as schis-matics and heretics. They then elected a new Pope,Alexander V (above). The results were, however,disappointing. Neither Roman nor Avignon Poperesigned, and Christendom now had three Popes.The situation, already awful, had descendedinto farce.

Third Pontiff after twoPopes, two Churches

COUNCILS OF THE CHURCHDR HARRY SCHNITKER reveals that the Great Schism went from bad to worsewhen Council Fathers opted to declare both Popes schismatics and heretics