Catholic Telecommunications (Apr 2005)




		NEWS ARCHIVE FOR APRIL 2005 Pell to unveil first official Benedict portrait Having just returned from Rome, Sydney's Cardinal George Pell will unveil the first official portrait of Pope Benedict XVI at tonight's opening of the Carnivale Christi Catholic arts festival. 29 Apr 2005 Pope drops papal crown from coat of arms The papal crown has been removed once again, this time no longer appearing as part of the new pope's coat of arms. 29 Apr 2005 Church welcomes Vic Govt plan to fight disadvantage Centacare Melbourne and Jesuit Social Services have issued separate statements welcoming the Bracks Government's promise to spend an extra $788 million over the next four years on the poor. 29 Apr 2005 Accused husband seeks Melbourne Archbishop's help Joseph Korp, who is charged with the attempted murder of his wife, who was left for dead in a car boot, has asked Archbishop Denis Hart to join his fight to keep her alive. 29 Apr 2005 Bishop says abortion figures a "national disgrace" Australia’s latest abortion figures are “a national disgrace” according to Sydney auxiliary Bishop Anthony Fisher, who added that Australia needs to promote "real alternatives" to abortion for pregnant women. 29 Apr 2005 Women called to focus on leadership rewards The Director of Catholic Education in Cairns Diocese, Carmel Ross, has encouraged participants at the Women in Leadership Conference in Cairnsto look beyond the hardships faced by women taking on leadership roles in the Catholic Church. 29 Apr 2005 Feature - Nun determined to get better deal for mentally ill Josephite Sr Myree Harris was awarded a Churchill Fellowship in 2002 to investigate models of treatment and rehabilitation for people who have a dual disorder of mental illness and substance abuse. She travelled to the US, Canada and the UK, and produced a comprehensive report which supports the need for Australia to drastically alter its approach. Sr Myree has revealed that men and women with ‘dual diagnosis’, as it is known, are struggling to adapt to society and are “falling through the cracks” of Australia’s mental health and drug and alcohol services. Her work is far from complete. 29 Apr 2005 Opinion - Metamorphosis: Disciplinarian Ratzinger becomes animator Benedict Cardinal Ratzinger wasn't my first choice and may have been in fact my last choice. But I've made my peace with his selection. As his first homilies and actions already indicate, he promises to be quite different as a pope than he was as head disciplinarian in the church. As a friend of mine explains it: "I was once a vice-principal in a school, in charge of discipline. Later on, I became the principal, in charge now of animating spirit and life. The different roles gave me an entirely different agenda - and a very different persona." - Fr Ron Rolheiser OMI 29 Apr 2005 E-giving company claims its technology boosts church collections Both churchgoers and churches in the US say they are benefiting from a service that allows people to have their weekly offering deducted electronically by debit or credit card, instead of them having to put money onto the collection plate at Mass. 28 Apr 2005 Pallottine Scholarship for Notre Dame Broome education students The Provincial of the Pallotines, together with two priests of the order, have presented two of Notre Dame University's Broome Campus indigenous students with Pallottine Scholarships. 28 Apr 2005 Catholic Social Services Victoria in search for Community Idol The Melbourne Archdiocesan social welfare agency is helping to sponsor a nationwide search for "an Australian Idol that can’t necessarily sing or dance but has the creativity, enthusiasm and devotion to excellence to create a buzz in their community has begun". 28 Apr 2005 Pell says Church is in "safe hands" The election of Pope Benedict XVI means “the Church is in safe hands”, Sydney Archbishop, Cardinal George Pell, has told the Catholic Weekly for this Sunday's cover story. 28 Apr 2005 Pope stresses Europe's Christian roots in first audience Pope Benedict XVI stressed Europe's "inalienable" Christian roots in the first general audience of his pontificate, which he said marked a return to normality after the tumultuous events of the past month. 28 Apr 2005 Catholics deplore Govt action to deport East Timorese A number of Catholic advocates for East Timorese living in Australia moved quickly to condemn yesterday's announcement that 50 refugees who have lived in Australia for more than ten years have been given 28 days to leave the country. 28 Apr 2005 Feature - Gender equity becomes a priority at Caritas India Recognising the urgency of working for gender concerns in India, Caritas India has decided to upgrade its existing Gender Desk into Gender Department. Caritas India Director Fr John Noronha observed that the contribution of women to social development is "much larger, yet it is hardly recognised and women are kept out of the decision-making processes". He said that in order to address these concerns, the upgraded Department would strive to "make women partners in ownership in developmental process, making them responsible for the common human destiny". 28 Apr 2005 Opinion - A pastor with wisdom and heart Many have realised in the past week that what most people think they know about the new Pope is gleaned from the media, which has only ever understood him in simplistic terms. The new Pope Benedict undoubtedly has a towering intellect. But as for faults, an incapacity to love while dealing with the law is not one of them. Time is likely to reveal a pontiff of far greater originality, common sense, pastoral solicitude, political savvy and, dare I say, vision, than any of his detractors dare admit. - Peter Rosengren, editor ´The Record´, Archdiocese of Perth 28 Apr 2005 Canadian hospital bans bedside Bibles for health reasons The administration of a regional hospital in the Canadian Province of New Brunswick has decided to ban the bedside bibles that once comforted patients on the grounds that they are a health hazard. 27 Apr 2005 Young Pakistani Catholic in critical condition after assault A young Catholic man who was attacked and reportedly left for dead is in critical condition in a hospital in northeastern Pakistan. 27 Apr 2005 Cardinals attack Spanish Bill on same-sex marriage Cardinal Chamberlain Eduardo Martínez Somalo has sharply criticised the Spanish government's decision to proceed with its same-sex marriage bill. 27 Apr 2005 Anglican head applauds Pope for energising united Christian witness The spiritual leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion said he is encouraged by Pope Benedict XVI's commitment to Christian unity. 27 Apr 2005 Pope says thought of his election made him "lightheaded" Speaking to pilgrims from his native Germany, Pope Benedict XVI has reflected on the "slow unfolding of the voting process" at the conclave, and how he felt when it became evident that "the guillotine was coming closer and was meant for me". 27 Apr 2005 Bishop argues minimum wage must support workers and families Bishop Christopher Saunders, Chairman of the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council, has said that work is "an essential key to the proper functioning of society", adding the "adequacy of wages provides the measure to judge its justice". 27 Apr 2005 Feature - Helping others create a new life in Australia Patricia Ravalico believes her family background – she is the child of Italian migrant parents – may have inspired her vocation to social work for migrants and refugees. "Their first priority was providing my sister and me with a good education," she says. "My parents’ lucky story has always been an inspiration for me as to how I look at refugees." Patricia has just stepped down after 25 years as co-ordinator of the St Vincent de Paul Society’s NSW Migrant and Refugee Committee. 27 Apr 2005 Opinion - Opportunity for Benedict to move out of Dominus Iesus shadow On the interreligious front, Pope Benedict XVI has in the past caused considerable apprehension. The 2000 document Dominus Iesus strikes one as written by a person who only works at the abstract theological level. But the beauty of interfaith and interreligious encounter has been the depth of personal spirituality that participants have uncovered in each other through conversation and other forms of faith sharing. In his homily to the cardinals after his election, Benedict he gave the impression of wanting to reach out to other religions. The proof will come only with concrete actions. - Fr John Pawlikowski OSM, president International Council of Christians & Jews 27 Apr 2005 Shock jock taunts NZ Catholics Personality Paul Holmes told listeners on New Zealand's Newstalk ZB radio that although he loves the Catholic Church and believes Pope John Paul II was "all about soul", he thinks Pope Benedict XVI appears to be an "entirely too organised .. imposter.. going around in the Pope's clothes". 26 Apr 2005 Leadership transition at Loreto Communities of the Loreto Congregation in Melbourne and Sydney have held functions to farewell outgoing Provincial Superior Deirdre Browne, and welcome her successor Christine Burke and her Provincial Council. 26 Apr 2005 State appoints Catholic vicar general to senior Executive Committee In the first such move in the country, South Australian Premier Mike Rann has Adelaide Archdiocese Vicar General Monsignor David Cappo to his Cabinet's senior Executive Committee. 26 Apr 2005 Support for Brisbane educational psychology clinic Catholic schools and their communities in the Archdiocese of Brisbane will benefit from last week's signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) and Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to jointly support the Caroline Chisholm Centre in the provision of psycho-educational services. 26 Apr 2005 East Timor church-Govt talks collapse East Timor's Catholic church said it had slammed the door on possible negotiations with the government after seven days of clergy-led protests calling for the country's prime minister to resign. 26 Apr 2005 Pope Benedict XVI begins ministry as head of church In a liturgy rich with symbols and promises, Pope Benedict XVI formally began his ministry as head of the universal church, and Catholics from around the world pledged their love and obedience to him. 26 Apr 2005 Feature - ACU student graduates with support from Chinese Pop Star Famous Chinese pop star and actress, Ms Cheng Lin, arrived in Brisbane last week to celebrate the graduation of her close friend, Ms Dee-Dee Shi. Ms Shi first met Cheng Lin in 1989 while completing an English study program in Canberra. The pair became best of friends but were separated by Ms Lin's song writing commitments and travels, including receiving an award in Paris for starring in a Chinese movie. 26 Apr 2005 Opinion - A pope for all? On TV in recent weeks, clerics would tell us that in essence that it almost didn´t matter who is chosen pope because the Catholic church cannot change its thinking on doctrine or scripture. The notion is incorrect and dangerous. It suggests that the Catholic community is a collection of robots and that somehow questions about doctrine or new insights into scripture are dangerous to faith. Certainly, Benedict XVI´s first words as pope were encouraging. Another sign that he might be seeking a posture of tolerance and of reconciliation came with the choice of name. Some have suggested that the job will change the man. 26 Apr 2005 Reprieve for Sydney Circular Quay chapel The AMP Society, which has provided space on the ground floor of one of its properties for the Marist Chapel, rent-free for 17 years, has reversed its decision to discontinue the arrangement. 22 Apr 2005 New Pope's books knock out bestselling Da Vinci Code The Da Vinci Code, the global best-seller criticised by the Vatican, has just been named book of the year at the British Book Awards, but it has lost its supremacy on Amazon's bestseller list to two books written by the new Pope Benedict XVI. 22 Apr 2005 Sydney Anglicans debating merits of new pope A leading Sydney Anglican Diocese lay official has warned against taking comfort from Pope Benedict XVI's hard line against secularism, but the Bishop of South Sydney has admired the Pope's conviction that other Christian churches have "defects". 22 Apr 2005 Pell to consider appeal for clemency Cardinal George Pell said he would look into appealing for clemency if any of the nine Australians arrested in Bali for drug smuggling are convicted and given the death penalty. 22 Apr 2005 Latin Americans concerned about Pope's European agenda While Catholic leaders in Latin America welcomed the election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as Pope Benedict XVI, some theologians have expressed concern about the possible impact of the man who played a role in the investigation of several of their colleagues in the 1980s. 22 Apr 2005 Pope Benedict reinstates top Roman Curia officials As one of his first acts as Pope, the newly elected Benedict XVI has brought back many of the Pope John Paul II's top officials of the Roman Curia. 22 Apr 2005 Feature - From hardliner Ratzinger to humble shepherd Benedict Until recently, most discounted the idea that he could ever be elected pope. He was simply too controversial and might divide the church. But it became clear that a significant change in perception had occurred among some of the cardinal-electors. "He's a very loving, lovely person, very unassuming, and shortly you will see this," Cardinal Edward Egan of New York said after the election. Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone of Genoa cited the funeral sermon as a turning point. 22 Apr 2005 Opinion - New pope's steep learning curve He needs our prayers as he discerns how to be a shepherd and not primarily an enforcer. Many believers in the world today are not as convinced as he that the Catholic message can readily be expressed through categories such as "intrinsic moral evil" and "objective disorder". There are different ways of thinking and living faithfully. But there is hope for us, not just because he has been elected by our cardinals solicitous of the wellbeing of the church at this moment of transition, but also because he has chosen to follow in the footsteps of BenedictXV, who was a pope committed to peace and reconciliation. - Frank Brennan SJ, currently visiting fellow, Boston College USA 22 Apr 2005 Respect Life Sunday set for 1st May Respect Life Sunday, which has become a fixture in many parts of the Catholic World, will be celebrated in the Archdioceses of Melbourne and Perth on the 1 May. 21 Apr 2005 Priest highlights police shootings as life issue Jesuit Fr Peter Norden of the Victorian Criminal Justice Coalition is challenging the state's police force to act to protect human life, following the third police shooting death this year. 21 Apr 2005 Brisbane launches vision statement for Catholic Education Following more than 12 months of consultation by the Education Office, Archbishop John Bathersby yesterday unveiled a new vision statement for Catholic Education in the Archdiocese. 21 Apr 2005 China hopes for better Vatican ties China yesterday congratulated the newly appointed Pope Benedict XVI and said it hops Beijing's strained relations with the Catholic Church improve under his leadership. 21 Apr 2005 Brisbane Archbishop hails "almost unanimous selection" Archbishop John Bathersby has said he would join with Catholics around the globe in praying for the new Pope as he takes on the enormous responsibility of leading a congregation of over one billion people. 21 Apr 2005 New pope celebrates Mass, pledges to lead church toward unity After celebrating Mass with the cardinals who elected him, Pope Benedict XVI pledged that he would lead the church on the path of unity, dialogue and evangelisation. 21 Apr 2005 Feature - Source and object of strong opinions Despite his 78 years of age, Joseph Ratzinger - the intellectual architect of John Paul II’s papacy - seems destined to lead a strong, consequential pontificate of his own. He is that rare individual among Vatican officials, a celebrity among men who normally move in the shadows. A hero to the conservative wing of the Catholic Church, Ratzinger has also said on many occasions that the church of the future may have to be smaller to remain faithful. He has also used the image of the "mustard seed", suggesting a smaller presence that nevertheless carries the capacity for future growth as long as it remains true to itself. - John L. Allen 21 Apr 2005 Opinion - Don't rush to judge the new pope The election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as Pope Benedict XVI comes as an enormous disappointment for those who hoped for a reformist and pastoral Pope. But we must wait and see, for experience shows that the role can change anyone. Pope Paul VI entered the conclave a progressive cardinal but emerged as a conservative, while Pope John XXIII entered a conservative but emerged a progressive. - Hans Kung, President of the Global Ethic Foundation, previously theological consultant at Vatican II by Pope John XXIII 21 Apr 2005 Mixed reaction to Philippines "rosary tax" A plan to tax the sale of rosaries by the Church, and all commercial religious activities in the Philippines, has drawn mixed reaction. 20 Apr 2005 Report says papal charity exceeded $A12m in 2004 The Vatican has published a report citing that aid given by the late Pope John Paul II to poor and suffering in 2004 totaled $A12,051,716. 20 Apr 2005 Dili "on edge" in Church protest over school curriculum East Timor is reported to be facing its "worst crisis since independence" after influential sections of the Catholic Church called people into the capital, Dili, to protest against the Government. 20 Apr 2005 Catholic Welfare warns on maternity allowance Catholic Welfare Australia has told a federal inquiry that the Federal Government's new $3000 lump-sum maternity allowance, which is paid to mothers, had led to incidents of domestic violence as men sought to get access to the payment. 20 Apr 2005 Archbishop Carroll says new Pope will be his own man Welcoming the election of Pope Benedict XVI, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference President, Archbishop Francis Carroll, said that while the new Pope may lack the charisma of Pope John Paul II, he will be "operate in his own way" and be "the pope for this time". 20 Apr 2005 Ratzinger becomes Pope Benedict XVI Tens of thousands of people on St Peter's Square roared and applauded as white smoke emerged from a thin copper chimney atop the Sistine Chapel at 1:49 am this morning Sydney time, before the bells of the Basilica began pealing continuously 15 minutes later to confirm the election. 20 Apr 2005 Feature - Shy and gentle enforcer The National Catholic Reporter's Rome correspondent John Allen says that, as a young priest, Ratzinger was on the progressive side of theological debates, but began to shift right after the student revolutions of 1968. He writes that Ratzinger is a shy and gentle person whose former students speak of him as one of the best-prepared and most caring professors they every encountered. In his initial appearance as pope, he told the crowd in St. Peter's Square that he would serve as "a simple and humble worker in the vineyards of the Lord." As pope, Allen said Ratzinger will have to be a universal pastor. "He is usually presented in these very stern, inquisitorial visages because that aligns with the public perception of the man. But that's not the man we saw tonight, and I think it is going to be interesting to see how he carries that forward," Allen said. 20 Apr 2005 Opinion - Ratzinger's mandate to shun "dictatorship of relativism" At the beginning of the Conclave, the softly-spoken, courteous Bavarian cardinal said we are moving towards a "dictatorship of relativism". He called on his colleagues to stand up for an "adult faith", withstanding ideologies and anything-goes philosophies. "Having a clear faith based on the creed of the Church is often labelled today as fundamentalism," he said. Relativism, which is letting oneself be tossed and swept along by every wind of teaching, looks like the only attitude acceptable to today's standards." 20 Apr 2005 Eucharist pulled from eBay sale The controversial sale of a Eucharistic host allegedly consecrated by Pope John Paul II on the on-line auction site eBay has reportedly fallen through. 19 Apr 2005 Italian TV shows Pope movie as Conclave begins Karol: The Man Who Became Pope - a telemovie about Pope John Paul II's early life - has been given its premiere in Vatican City. 19 Apr 2005 Vietnam steps up persecution of Montagnard ethnic group Persecution of predominantly Christian Montagnards, who live in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, continues unabated, with the country´s Security Minister Lê Hông Anh and Cambodia’s Interior Minister Norodom Sirivudh signing an accord. 19 Apr 2005 Josephite Justice aims to secure safe homes for all Meeting in North Sydney at the weekend, the Josephite Sisters' Justice Network has resolved to lobbying governments to ensure that all people, particularly the most vulnerable, have access to secure housing. 19 Apr 2005 Bishops’ abortion taskforce vows to listen to women The Australian Bishops' Taskforce on Pastoral Responses to Abortion is investigating ways in which the Church can improve its support for women, their partners and families so as to enable and encourage them to continue with an unexpected or difficult pregnancy. 19 Apr 2005 Black smoke signals no pope yet As smoke billowed from the chimney leading to the Sistine Chapel at 4:05 this morning Sydney time, it was known that the Cardinals had held the first ballot in their conclave, but failed to elect a new pope. 19 Apr 2005 Feature - Doing it Tadhg's way Sydney Swans AFL defender Tadhg Kennelly has spent the past six years away from his family and the life he knew growing up in Ireland. On Sunday his day started at 8am with a big breakfast. Then it was off to the Catholic church at Botany. He says it keeps him grounded before the big game and he enjoys the sense of family and community. Later, eight minutes into the last quarter of the match against the Adelaide Crows, he displayed his trademark run off half-back. He got the ball, had a shot from 50m. He missed, but the Swans lifted and within minutes Barry Hall and Ryan O'Keefe kicked goals. 19 Apr 2005 Opinion - Role of St Peter's successor Some believe that the times have changed so much, that has been so much development of human knowledge and understanding that Christ’s message needs to be updated and improved. One important function of the successor of St Peter is to assimilate what is good, indeed among the many wonderful insights of today’s world of learning, into the Church’s central claims. There are new situations not described in the New Testament. That is one reason why we have a teaching Church with the authority of the magisterium. Forms of organisation have changed over the centuries, religious orders have come and gone, new movements have arisen. - Homily delivered by Cardinal George Pell, Santa Maria Domenica Mazzarello, Rome, 17 April 2005 19 Apr 2005 Kidman seeks theological education Australian Hollywood actor Nicole Kidman is said to be "returning to her Catholic roots" by way of tutoring in Old Testament with an academic from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. 18 Apr 2005 Observers predict revision in relations with Islam After two decades of contact and dialogue with the Islamic world under Pope John Paul II, the Vatican is rethinking an approach that critics say has brought almost no benefits to persecuted Catholic minorities in Muslim countries. 18 Apr 2005 Nobel laureate´s ACU call for compassion Australia should accept all asylum seekers and not attempt to remake Aborigines in the image of modern society, Nobel peace prize laureate Shirin Ebadi has told a lecture at the Australian Catholic University. 18 Apr 2005 French Bishops seek clarification on “allow to die” law France's bishops have asked the authorities to clarify the "ambiguities" of a law that establishes the right "to allow to die." 18 Apr 2005 Vinnies warns Govt on welfare changes The St Vincent de Paul Society has said that the Federal Government's proposals to get more people off welfare and into work are short-sighted. 18 Apr 2005 No names mentioned as cardinals end preparatory meetings Ahead of the formal commencement of the papal conclave late tonight Australian time, the cardinals concluded their pre-conclave meetings without mention of the names of possible successors to Pope John Paul II. 18 Apr 2005 Feature - Tearful gathering of human family It has been said that the death of a pope brings forth an outpouring of grace upon the Church and on the world. The modern era has never seen the likes of the gathering that occurred in St Peter's Square. Soon after the funeral was over and John Paul had been laid to rest in the crypt of the basilica, the question of a successor was already being voiced. Without a doubt he will have the prayerful support and intercession of Pope John Paul II. After all, in life or death no faithful disciple of Christ could ever abandon the Church. - Brisbane Archdiocese priest Fr Tony Randazzo 18 Apr 2005 Opinion - Impossible to predict what new pope will be like Personally I´d be dismayed if Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger is the next pope. However, everyone should remember that it is impossible to predict what a pope will be like after he is elected. John XXIII was a nice little old fat Italian man who was supposed to preside over an uneventful transition. They didn´t realise he had the scheme of an ecumenical council up his copious sleeve. - Fr Andrew Greeley 18 Apr 2005 'Black Joeys' to meet in Hunter Valley About 35 leaders from the five branches of the diocesan-based Federation of Sisters of St Joseph will converge on Lochinvar NSW this weekend for an annual meeting that aims to strengthen bonds between the juridically independent orders. 15 Apr 2005 Jesuit social ethicist advocates globalisation of morals Visiting Jesuit social ethicist John Coleman spoke at the University of Western Australia on Wednesday, arguing that globalisation presents ethics with new challenges and argues for 'globalisation of morals'. 15 Apr 2005 Official urges better catechesis for laity President of the Pontifical Council for the Sciences, Dr Mary Ann Glendon, has said that Catholics' level of catechetical formation needs to match that of their general education. 15 Apr 2005 Papal apartment sealed as faithful flock to Pope's tomb John Paul II's apartment has been definitively sealed and will not be reopened until it is occupied by the next pope, the Holy See reported on Tuesday. 15 Apr 2005 Cardinals hear preacher on challenges for new pope At their general congregation meeting yesterday, the College of Cardinals heard the preacher to the pontifical household deliver the first of two scheduled meditations on the state of the Church, as preparation for their deliberations in the coming conclave. 15 Apr 2005 Catholic Health calls Medicare change a "cruel blow" to the poor Catholic Health Australia CEO Francis Sullivan yesterday strongly criticised the Government’s announcement that the Medicare safety net thresholds are to be increased to $500 and $1000 respectively. 15 Apr 2005 Feature - New pope to lead a church facing diverse challenges The man whom the cardinal-electors choose as pope in the conclave set to begin on Monday will lead a church that faces diverse challenges around the world, from killer diseases like the recent outbreak of the Marburg virus in Africa, to free trade agreements in Latin America, to severe poverty in Asia, to a growing Muslim population and decreasing number of Catholics in Europe. 15 Apr 2005 Opinion - John Paul II´s legacy - nutrients for the soul What John Paul II left us will not be received through an uncritical admiration that too quickly strips him of his sometimes obvious humanity. We knew too his faults. But, like Jesus, he has gone away and we are left with his spirit. That spirit, now given more purely than ever before, contains powerful nutrients that can both nourish and stretch our souls. - Fr Ron Rolheiser OMI 15 Apr 2005 Cautious Catholic welcome for Qld education reform Queensland Catholic Education Commission Executive Director, Joe McCorley described this week's announcement of Cabinet approval for the introduction of a Queensland Certificate of Education as positive, but a move that would stretch resources. 14 Apr 2005 Archbishop OKs condoms for HIV couples The Archbishop of Mombasa in Kenya has said that while behaviour change remains the first strategy in the war against HIV/AIDS, infected couples are in a unique situation that needs to be understood with compassion. 14 Apr 2005 Moscow patriarch hopes new Pope will change policy The Russian Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow hopes for "a new era in relations" with the Holy See under the next Pope. 14 Apr 2005 Vatican's Polish staff begin exodus from Vatican Polish priests and nuns who worked with Pope John Paul II have begun leaving the Vatican, marking the end of an era for those who worked with the pope throughout most of his papacy. 14 Apr 2005 Bishop announces World Youth Day delegates The Chairman of the Bishops' Committee for Laity, Bishop Peter Connors, has announced the selection of two young people to be the official delegates of the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference to the World Youth Day celebrations in Cologne, Germany in August. 14 Apr 2005 Commission urges more help for low paid families The Australian Catholic Commission for Employment Relations yesterday called for an increase in the minimum wage at the 2005 Minimum Wage Case in the Australian Industrial Relations Commission. 14 Apr 2005 Feature - Convent's new role in aged care It is the end of an era but the beginning of another as the Brigidine Sisters open the doors of their historic Randwick convent in Sydney to the public. Breaking with a 104-year tradition, the Irish-founded order has converted its spiritual home, its last convent in the state, into a home for the elderly. Alongside 16 aged sisters, the eldest 96, it will be inviting 14 older people from the community to share in a unique approach to aged care. 14 Apr 2005 Opinion - Complex woman who just wanted to be with Christ in the poor The script of the film Mother Teresa is a homage to an extraordinary woman, but it doesn't stay away from controversies that surrounded her: the Logan scandal, the child trafficking charge, and more. It is touching on a number of other levels as well: how a very obedient woman must disobey her Loreto Superiors, often, so that she can obey her conscience. - Fr Richard Leonard SJ, director Australian Catholic Film Office (film screening details at condios.com.au) 14 Apr 2005 Generation Y embracing mix and match religion A study in the United States says that most young people in Generation Y (born between 1980 and 2000) strongly believe in having choices, an attitude that is likely to shape their identification with traditional religions. 13 Apr 2005 Scholar says Jesus was conditioned by his environment An Irish biblical scholar has said that a key to understanding Jesus lies in recognising that the way people think, and look at the world, is governed by where they were born and the their conditioning factors. 13 Apr 2005 ACU launching Institute of Child Protection Studies The Australian Catholic University's Canberra campus this morning launches its Institute of Child Protection Studies, in collaboration with the ACT Office for Children, Youth and Family Support. 13 Apr 2005 Bulletproof Pell noticed by Italian paper An Italian newspaper has picked Cardinal George Pell as one of its 18 favourites for next week's papal election, describing him as a fearless fighter willing to take up the challenge. 13 Apr 2005 Vatican to open Pope's grotto The College of Cardinals resumed its pre-conclave discussions about the state of the Church yesterday as the Vatican prepared to open the grottos beneath St. Peter's Basilica to the public for the first time since Pope John Paul II was laid to rest there. 13 Apr 2005 Catholic Mission launches ´Journeying´ Appeal ´Journeying with Communities´ is the theme of this year´s Catholic Mission Partnering Local Church and Communities (Propagation of the Faith) Appeal, which runs in Australian parishes from April to September. 13 Apr 2005 Feature - Conclaves were once raucous and long Little, it seems, is being left to chance and, once sealed away in the Sistine Chapel without mobile phones or other means of outside communication, there apparently will be little chance for influence from outside forces. It wasn’t always that way. Celestine IV was only elected pope in 1241 after cardinals were shut in by a Senator Matteo Rosso Orsini - effectively dictator of Rome - who kept them in cruel and squalid conditions to deter them from electing someone outside their ranks. 13 Apr 2005 Opinion - John Paul II admired, just like John XXIII It was truly a privilege and a deeply moving experience to be present for the Funeral Mass of Pope John Paul II. My mind went back to the death and burial of Pope John XXIII when I was also in Rome. John XXIII led the Church for only a few years but was much loved and admired for his visionary courage in calling the Second Vatican Council. John Paul II too was much loved and admired for his universal vision and the courage he showed throughout his extraordinary life. - Archbishop Francis Carroll, President Australian Catholic Bishops Conference 13 Apr 2005 China and Vatican "at crossroads" The Bishop of Hong Kong has accused the Beijing government, and the government-backed Catholic Patriotic Association, of blocking efforts to improve relations between China and the Holy See. 12 Apr 2005 Anglicans talk of unity with Rome The Archbishop of Canterbury has signalled that the rift between Anglicans and Catholics stemming from the Reformation could finally be healed, following the reconciliation between the churches during the reign of John Paul II. 12 Apr 2005 North Koreans celebrate Mass for Pope About 100 Catholics in the North Korean capital celebrated a memorial Mass for Pope John Paul II at the only Catholic church in the communist nation. 12 Apr 2005 Archbishop says John Paul II canonisation could happen this year Archbishop Edward Nowak, the secretary for the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, has told an Italian newspaper that Pope John Paul II could be named a saint as early as October. 12 Apr 2005 Priest jailed for sexually abusing altar boy A Maitland-Newcastle Dioceses priest has been sentenced to a maximum of 10 years in jail for child sex offences committed against an altar boy. 12 Apr 2005 Council joins campaign against injustice in trade agreements Canberra-Goulburn auxiliary Bishop Patrick Power will today spearhead the Catholic Social Justice Council´s push for the interests of the world´s poor to be factored into the drawing up of international trade agreements. 12 Apr 2005 Feature - God draws us out of self to create "Prayers that are answered are those that start with a God given direction and need me to help orchestrate," Angela Pollicino wrote in her journal. Reflecting on her experiences, she was led to recall that while she had studied science, art had always been a source of satisfaction and contentment, so she began experimenting with symbol, colour and texture. The result was Story: the Art of Self-Discovery, a visual feast alive with colour and words, light and life. As she says in Story, "I am me... I will find that place where I am wise." 12 Apr 2005 Opinion - John Paul II apologised to Stolen Generations On the issue of Stolen Generations, Pope John Paul II apologised for the Catholic Church in his apostolic exhortation Ecclesia in Oceania. He will especially be remembered for his visit to Alice Springs in 1986. He spoke directly to us, "...the Church herself in Australia will not be fully the Church that Jesus wants her to be until you have made your contribution to her life and until that contribution has been joyfully received by others." He so touched our hearts in such a way as to inspire a confident Indigenous peoples´ participation and role in enriching and contributing to the life of the Catholic Church in Australia. - Melissa Brickel, chairperson 12 Apr 2005 Christian Brothers advance plans for Philippines focus An in-principle decision to rechannel the Christian Brothers' energies towards overseas missions was affirmed at a meeting of the Brothers' Australian and New Zealand leaders in Brisbane at the weekend. 11 Apr 2005 China's underground Catholics "watched" since pope's death Underground Catholic communities in some places in China have been under surveillance since news broke of Pope John Paul II's declining health and subsequent death. 11 Apr 2005 Push for Saint John Paul II A dossier of miracles purportedly performed by John Paul II - curing cancer, blindness and paraplegia - is being compiled by Vatican officials amid public calls for his canonisation. 11 Apr 2005 Cardinals' lips sealed After celebrating Pope John Paul II's funeral mass on Friday, the cardinals have begun "a more intense period of silence and prayer" in preparation for the conclave, and they have "unanimously decided" to avoid media interviews. 11 Apr 2005 The greatest farewell in history About a thousand current and former leaders from 100 nations and up to five million pilgrims packed Rome to pay homage to John Paul II, while an estimated 2 billion more watched the event on televisions across the globe. 11 Apr 2005 Australians unite to mark Pope's passing Friday's papal funeral drew many Australians together, with the ceremony from St Peter's Square being telecast live on large screens in Sydney's St Mary's Cathedral, where an specially organised gathering focused on the Holy Father's special relationship with the young. 11 Apr 2005 Feature - Australian youth leader awed by Pope Adam Morris remembers the day he asked Pope John Paul II for a message for young Australians. He didn´t hear the answer and now he will never have the opportunity to ask again. Adam said while he had gone to Canada with a number of ideas of what he wanted to say to the Pope, he found himself tongue tied with awe when the meetings took place. "During the welcome I had this idea that I would look over at him and say g´day, but I was so nervous I forgot to even look at him." 11 Apr 2005 Opinion - The price of charisma In all his journeys and teachings, the prophetic nature of the office of the papacy was given voice. His faith and life were forged under the totalitarian regimes, and this was central to shaping his approach. All totalitarianism carries with it a vision of its own historical destiny. Resistance to it must entail an intellectual deconstruction of its claims as well as a moral resistance to its force. Central to resistance is the creation of a strong, vital alternative. One can see this strategy in the papacy of John Paul II. It was his understanding that in order to accomplish effectively its mission in the world the Church must be internally strong, vital and unified. To that extent he used his authority and power. - James Hanvey SJ, director Heythrop Institute for Religion, Ethics and Public Life, London 11 Apr 2005 'Non-Catholic cap' threatening Catholic school viability Enrolments at Catholic schools could fall by 10% and the viability of some could be threatened if a cap on non-Catholic students is enforced, according to a Catholic education chief. 8 Apr 2005 Jesuit Centre assesses 'failed state' threat to Australia The Uniya Jesuit Social Justice Centre has released a briefing paper responding to the question of whether so-called failed states pose a security threat to Australia and western interests. 8 Apr 2005 Nun´s call to avert Schapelle Corby death penalty Sydney Josephite Sr Susan Connelly has called on the Australian Government to act to ensure that - innocent or guilty - Australian Schapelle Corby is returned home, rather than remain in Indonesia, where she faces the prospect of the ´death penalty by firing Squad´. 8 Apr 2005 Pope's spiritual testament reflects communist persecution In his spiritual testament, Pope John Paul II reflected on the communist persecution of the church, the attempt to assassinate him, the fall of the Iron Curtain and his own aging. 8 Apr 2005 Quiet on the eve of Pope's funeral The city of Rome is calm on Thursday night local time - Friday morning in Australia - the eve of the funeral for Pope John Paul II, with officials are bracing for unprecedented crowds. 8 Apr 2005 Sydney Cathedral to broadcast funeral of John Paul II Pope John Paul II's funeral Mass will be telecast live on large screens in St Mary's Cathedral from 6.00 to 8.30 pm this evening, with young people in particular encouraged to attend. 8 Apr 2005 Feature - John Paul's people: A journey through the Catholic world As the body of Pope John Paul II lies in state in Vatican City, what of the billion Catholics around the world who are mourning his loss? Stephen Moss undertook a 48,000 km, seven week journey to examine the condition of the church at the end of a controversial papacy. From a neighbour of the young Karol Wojtyla in Krakow to a Columban missionary in the Philippines, he found a vibrant, complex and politically diverse body of believers. 8 Apr 2005 Opinion - Karol Wojtyla Superstar Karol Wojtyla took the painstakingly acquired, centuries-long mystique of the secluded, scared papacy and cashed it in across the globe. But did his papacy succeed? If, by success, we mean the maintenance of the truth in the face of error, then only God knows. If, by success, we mean asserting the truths of Christianity against the lies of communism, then the answer is an unequivocal yes. But if, by success, we mean winning the argument against secular democracy in the West, the answer must be no. - Andrew Sullivan 8 Apr 2005 Feature - Joining the papal press in Rome's gladiator pit The most precious possession for the thousands of journalists covering the Pope's death at the Vatican this week is a Holy See press pass. As a million mourners queued for four hours for a peek of the Pope lying in state within St Peter's Basilica yesterday, hundreds of journalists waited even longer in line for a passport to the Vatican press room. 7 Apr 2005 Opinion - What happened to John Paul II's social justice message? President Bush was embarrassed by the Pope’s intense public opposition to the invasion of Iraq. This is not a minor disagreement that should be glossed over. He strongly opposed the US Neo-conservative ideology of American unilateralism in world affairs, which sought by military, diplomatic and economic means to impose a new world order modelled on US values and interests. John Paul was greatly distressed by the US assault on the moral authority of the UN and the systems of international governance that had been developing around it. - Fr Bruce Duncan CSsR 7 Apr 2005 Mother Teresa movie aids Catholic Mission The $20 million movie portrayal of the Angel of Calcutta will be shown nationally, beginning in Brisbane from 18 April, with Catholic Mission receiving between $2 and $4 per ticket sold. 7 Apr 2005 Priest reflects concern about sex shop near school A southern Sydney parish priest has said that parents of students at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Primary School, Caringbah, are concerned that a sex shop called Sin City would be operating within 50m of a pre-school and primary school under a development proposal yesterday put to the Land and Environment Court. 7 Apr 2005 Vatican in the red After making a profit for eight years, the Holy See ran deficits in the three years through 2003, the Vatican's financial statements show. 7 Apr 2005 Conclave to open on 18 April In a public announcement yesterday afternoon, the Vatican press office reported that the cardinals had chosen 18 April for the conclave during their fourth general congregation earlier the same day. 7 Apr 2005 Pope crowds grow as Rome faces paralysis Rome faced a bottleneck yesterday as an ocean of pilgrims from around the world flowed into the city to pay their respects to Pope John Paul. 7 Apr 2005 School prayer services commemorate John Paul II Students from Catholic schools from all over Australia are joining representatives from Catholic agencies, parishioners and dignitaries in local cathedrals and churches, to celebrate the life of Pope John Paul II. 7 Apr 2005 Feature - Hands together for the class of 2012 At a time of declining priest numbers, the future of the Catholic Church lies with young men such as the 10 student priests who have enrolled at the Good Shepherd Seminary at Homebush, the training ground for priests destined for NSW parishes. Bishop Julian Porteous, Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney and rector of the Homebush seminary, believes the church is witnessing renewed interest in vocations from a disenchanted generation schooled in the arts of material pleasure and laissez-faire spirituality. 6 Apr 2005 Opinion - Unassailable hope the mark of John Paul II Few, if any popes have had greater impact on the Church of their day. He did not, however, achieve all his goals. At his death, world peace seems more unattainable than ever. A lesser man would have gone to his grave deeply disappointed. But to the end, his hope was unassailable, and his resignation to the unfathomable judgments of God was complete. - Cardinal Edward Clancy, homily at last night's Requiem Mass for Pope John Paul II at St Mary's Cathedral 6 Apr 2005 Vatican considering cutting ties with Taiwan The Vatican is reluctantly ready to cut ties with Taiwan and recognise China if Beijing can guarantee religious freedom, according to Hong Kong's Bishop Joseph Zen. 6 Apr 2005 Liturgical documents to be published in UK The bishops' conference of England and Wales is publishing its translation of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal in advance of the rest of the Missal. 6 Apr 2005 Nun incident highlights mental health care system neglect Two sisters from the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart congregational aged care facility in Sydney were forced to drive a mentally ill sister to hospital after being unable to secure a police escort. 6 Apr 2005 Cardinals yet to set date for conclave Cardinals meeting in Rome have been preoccupied with arranging the funeral of Pope John Paul II and have not yet set a date for the start of a conclave to elect a successor to the late Pope John Paul II, according to Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls. 6 Apr 2005 Vatican announces Pope burial plans As cardinals planned the funeral for Pope John Paul II, an unceasing line of mourners filed past his body yesterday as it lay in state in St Peter´s Basilica. 6 Apr 2005 Sydney farewells Pope A Requiem Mass for the late Pope John Paul II attracted large crowds, including Prime Minister John Howard and other dignitaries, at a packed St Mary's Cathedral last night. 6 Apr 2005 Feature - In death, as in life, Pope John Paul II breaks new ground When people around the world turned on their TV sets, they saw live coverage of the body of Pope John Paul II lying in Clementine Hall for a private viewing by Vatican officials. That was unheard-of in the past, and it's one of the many ways this papal death has prompted the Vatican to change many of its procedures. The Vatican seemed to understand that for the pope who travelled the world while alive, mourning his death was a global event. 5 Apr 2005 Opinion - An extraordinarily complex man, hard to pigeon-hole He was unshakeable in so many of his convictions, yes, because he had deep beliefs he felt it his duty to preach in season and out. He could be extraordinarily radical in the way he reached out across the boundaries of faith and ideology to appeal to the humanity in all people. He was not exactly a pacifist, but near to it. Here was a man who preached peace in a very strong, direct way. It would not do - not at all - to characterise Pope John Paul as a rigid conservative. He was an awesome figure. But a very down-to-earth man with a good sense of humour. I will miss him. - Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, Archbishop of Westminster 5 Apr 2005 Caritas condolences for Defence personnel lost on Nias Caritas Australia, which has its own people on the island of Nias, has expressed its deep shock and sadness at Saturday's deaths of nine young Australian service women and men in the helicopter crash. 5 Apr 2005 Pell ´quite sure´ door is shut to radical reform Pope John Paul II had protected the Catholic Church from radical change and his successor should do the same, Sydney Cardinal George Pell, said yesterday. 5 Apr 2005 Australian bishop says Pope was justice champion As the world mourns the loss of Pope John Paul II, Bishop Christopher Saunders, Chairman of the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council said he will be remembered as a “Pilgrim of Peace” and a “Champion of Justice.” 5 Apr 2005 Spanish cardinal holds the reins until election At the moment of the Pope's death on Sunday morning Australian time, 78 year old Spanish Cardinal Eduardo Martinez Somalo temporarily became the Church's leading decision maker. 5 Apr 2005 Howard could miss Pope's funeral Australia's Prime Minister John Howard has said it is uncertain whether he will be able to attend Friday's funeral for Pope John Paul II, which is predicted to be the largest gathering of world leaders in living memory. 5 Apr 2005 Feature - Believers' faith tested on island Sombre survivors gathered outdoors on Indonesia's Nias Island yesterday for their first mass since last week's huge earthquake, mourning the death of Pope John Paul II and nine Australian military personnel killed in a helicopter crash. 4 Apr 2005 Opinion - Let us pray for a man of courage The last years of the recent pontificate have been a time of tearing and spillage. Now we have, all of us, to mend the nets and find skilled fisher-folk to handle them. It will not be easy. The crowd on the beach, some of whom quit fishing years ago, is mistrustful and sceptical. - "The Shoes of the Fisherman" author the late Morris West, in an article commissioned in 1997 to be published on the death of Pope John Paul II. 4 Apr 2005 Cardinals head to Vatican for conclave From every corner of the world, the red-robed "princes" of the Church headed toward the Vatican on Saturday to prepare for the secret duty they were appointed to carry out: gathering in the Sistine Chapel to elect the successor for the late Pope John Paul II. 4 Apr 2005 Speculation on Wednesday timing for funeral There there has been no official announcement of when the ceremony will take place, the Italian newspaper La Repubblica is predicting that Pope John Paul II will be buried on Wednesday. 4 Apr 2005 Pope recalled for building bridge with Jews and Israel Pope John Paul II will forever be remembered, among so many other things, as the Supreme Pontiff who both brought the relationship of the Church with the Jewish people to a whole new level, and who established diplomatic relations, and signed treaties, with the State of Israel. 4 Apr 2005 World leaders honour Pope UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said yesterday he was "deeply saddened" by the death of Pope John Paul II and called him "a tireless advocate of peace". 4 Apr 2005 Australian bishops express sorrow Bishops around Australia have expressed their sorrow at the death of Pope John Paul II, with Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president, Archbishop Francis Carroll, saying he was deeply saddened by Sunday morning's news. 4 Apr 2005 Pope John Paul II dies after long struggle with illness Pope John Paul II passed away in his private apartment early Sunday Australian time (9:37 pm Saturday in Rome), after a long struggle with illness, ending a historic papacy of more than 26 years.` 4 Apr 2005 Pope dies 5:37 Sunday morning Pope John Paul II passed away in his private apartment early Sunday Australian time (9:37 pm Saturday in Rome). 3 Apr 2005 Feature - Brothers 'ahead of the game' in aged care The National problems of an ageing population have real consequences for the Christian Brothers, but Br Frank Hennessy of the St Patrick's Province suggests that the high average age - 70 years - puts the brothers 'ahead of the game'. He said that in 1970's, the Provincial Council of the day began making particular provision for its retired brothers, for up until that time ageing men continued to live in community. 32 Apr 2005 Opinion - From the Mallee to Rome The book closes in 1950 with his ordination in Rome as a priest. His view of the Mass was, and continues to be, sacrificial: he emphasised the decisive significance of Christ’s offering of himself on the cross. In the spiritual language of the day, the priest was an alter Christus, another Christ. This is a vision of great power that gives an enormous importance to the priest and invests sensitive men with a high sense of responsibility. In narrower men than John Molony, it can also emphasise the priest’s difference from the laity on whose behalf he offers the Mass, and his authority over them. - Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ, reviewing Luther’s Pine: an Autobiography, by John Molony 32 Apr 2005 Parramatta CEO pilots Wi-Fi computer network access Sydney's Diocese of Parramatta Catholic Education Office has recently completed a pilot project which involved deploying one Wi-Fi access point into the staff rooms of 80 schools, with plans to develop an "out-of-the-box" standard which the schools can use to extend their networks. 32 Apr 2005 Catholic University honours missiology veteran and Chief Justice The Australian Catholic University (ACU National) yesterday granted honorary doctorates to Columban Fr Cyril Hally, and Chief Justice of the High Court Murray Gleeson AC. 32 Apr 2005 New book rekindles celibacy debate Celibacy for priests is again under the microscope with the launch of an Australian book calling for an end to the controversial practice. 32 Apr 2005 Caritas helps distressed people of Nias Caritas Australia it is reporting that its assessors in Nias have found "distressingly high levels of suffering" despite a relatively low death toll. 32 Apr 2005 Cardinal says Schiavo death raises questions for society Cardinal William H. Keeler, chairman of the US Bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, has issued a statement suggestion that yesterday's death of terminal patient Terry Schiavo will raise "critical questions for society". 32 Apr 2005 Last Rites administered to Pope CNN reported at 8:00 am this morning Sydney time that Pope John Paul II, stricken with a high fever and a urinary tract infection, has received the Sacrament of the Sick. 32 Apr 2005