EASTER HOPE - New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference
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NZ Catholic: April 24 - May 7, 2022 1
The national Catholic newspaper April 24 - May 7, 2022 • No. 635
EASTER HOPE
2 NZ News NZ Catholic: April 24 - May 7, 2022
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Hospices facing funding challenges
by MICHAEL OTTO
Parish
renewal The chief executive of Te
Korowai Atawhai Mercy Hospice
p16 in Auckland is facing fund-
ing challenges as a result of
Covid-19-related restrictions.
In a video message in a
Whanau Mercy Mission news-
letter, Dene Coleman said that
many institutions like Mercy
Hospice are currently facing
such issues.
“We don’t receive full fund-
ing. Palliative care gets less
than half a per cent of the total
[Government] health budget,” Mr
Colemnan said.
Military Mercy Hospice has to raise
chaplains p10 about half its operational budget
Mercy Hospice in Auckland
itself, to go on top of what it gets tions meant Mercy Hospice could Mercy Hospice, which I think is
from Government. not run its “marquee” fundrais- very important”.
“I agree [with others who have ing event last year. The event, Mr Coleman encouraged peo-
spoken out on this] that it really which had been running for 15 ple with links to the hospice to
questions the sustainability of years, is titled “10”, and features stay connected with the organi-
the model going forward,” Mr ten of Auckland’s top restaurants sation.
Coleman said. in a celebration of food and wine. “We appreciate it is difficult
“How do we continue to pro- It has been rescheduled for May times for all in the community
vide a service that is fit-for-pur- this year. and, if you can’t contribute now
But Mr Coleman praised the in a financial way, maybe you
p4 Varsity encounter with Marists led to seminary pose, is funded and supports
people through what is an in- efforts of Mercy Hospice’s fund- can in the future? So, we just ask
credibly challenging period of raising team, which ran an emer- that people stay connected with
p5 Survey shows softening attitudes their life — arguably the most gency campaign before Christ- us, stay understanding that we
on blasphemy challenging part of their life? We mas. A new “Lights to Remem- are in a challenging environment
p8 Oberammergau Passion Play to resume can’t afford to get it wrong for
them,” Mr Coleman said.
ber” campaign saw $67,000 in
donations come in. A cascade of
like many in the community. We
don’t get fully funded, so we
Since the delta Covid-19 out- lights adorning a large oak in the need so much more support. If
p9 Call for Church to be community of peacemakers break and restrictions in August grounds of College Hill was the you in the future are able to give
last year, Mercy Hospice’s shops stunning centrepiece. The BNZ in any small way, we would really
lost about 14 weeks of retail op- boosted the total by running a welcome that.”
On the front cover: The Women at the Empty Tomb is depicted eration, which was “incredibly Double Donation Day during the He also encouraged people to
in this stained-glass window by artist Guido Nincheri at Notre difficult”, he noted. campaign, a newsletter stated. support Mercy Hospice shops.
Dame Cathedral in Ottawa, Canada. Reflecting on the women who And with Omicron in the com- This will be a yearly tradition at “People should go away know-
come to Jesus’ tomb in the early hours of that very first Easter, munity, “people have changed Mercy Hospice, and will let locals ing that what they purchase from
behaviours — they are being come and see “magical lights”. a hospice shop is going to sup-
Pope Francis said, “Jesus, like a seed buried in the ground, was Mr Coleman said that this port patients in one of those very
much more cautious, they are
about to make new life blossom in the world; and these wom- not going out and shopping, they campaign, in remembrance of challenging times of their lives.”
en, by prayer and love, were helping to make that hope flower.” are not going to retail as much as loved ones who had died pre- A recent “Tennis for Mercy”
(CNS photo) they were before”. viously, “created a connection event raised more than $16,300
Moreover, Covid-19 restric- from our supporters back to for the hospice.
Diocese leads plan to sponsor refugees
Pompallier Diocesan Centre, 30 New Street, Ponsonby,
by NZ CATHOLIC staff “the diocese is pleased to help sorship Group, Suzie and Pat Mc-
Auckland. P.O. Box 147-000, Ponsonby, Auckland 1144.
facilitate this opportunity for Carthy, following meetings with
Phone: (09) 360-3067 or (09) 378-4380. The Catholic Diocese of Auck- the generous Catholic commu- Iraqi refugees in Jordan during
Email: admin@nzcatholic.org.nz land is the lead organisation in nity to directly assist refugee pilgrimages to the Holy Land.
Website: www.nzcatholic.org.nz a partnership formed to resettle families to find peace and a The St Addai parish com-
Publisher: Bishop of Auckland Iraqi refugees under Immigra- generous welcome with us here munity was founded in 2003.
Editor: Michael Otto Journalist: Rowena Orejana tion New Zealand’s Community in New Zealand”. Many of its families came to New
Marketing and Administration: Claudia Cachay Organisation Refugee Sponsor- Under the initial CORS pilot Zealand as refugees or asylum
Design & Advertising: Anne Rose ship programme. scheme, an Iraqi family was seekers after being displaced
Advertising enquiries contact: The diocese is in a partner- happily resettled in Hamilton by armed conflicts in Iraq. The
design@nzcatholic.org.nz ship with the Chaldean Catholic in 2018, with the assistance of community has previously as-
NZ Catholic is published fortnightly. Subscriptions: One Community of St Addai, Papa- a similar partnership involving sisted more than 50 refugee
toetoe, and the Refugee Spon- Hamilton diocese, with Caritas families to resettle in New Zea-
year, $73; two years, $135. Overseas airmail extra. The
sorship Group. Aotearoa New Zealand as the land.
contents of NZ Catholic are copyright and permission to Under the CORS programme, lead organisation. The St Addai parish priest,
reprint must be obtained in advance. ISSN 1174-0086 a total of 150 sponsored ref- This time the partnership Father Douglas al-Bazi, previ-
Member Australasian Religious Press Association and ugees will be resettled in New plans to resettle two Iraqi refu- ously lived in Iraq, where he
Australasian Catholic Press Association Zealand in the period up to June gee families in Auckland. established a refugee camp that
2024. Participation in the CORS pro- sheltered more than 500 war
The general manager of the gramme was instigated by two refugees who had escaped from
diocese, James van Schie, said members of the Refugee Spon- Islamic State militias.
St Dominic’s
Catholic College
Founded by the Dominican Sisters
Position of proposed train station applauded
Catholic School For Girls Years 7-13 by NZ CATHOLIC staff for the students, as it will be only a short walk of
300 metres to the college, and within a network of
Families living in the wider West Drury district integrated pedestrian and cycle access pathways
• Successful Yr 7 retreat days, led by staff. have applauded the location of the train station focused around the station.
proposed by KiwiRail, and believe it represents the KiwiRail, Auckland Transport and Waka Kotahi
Mia Hepburn and Reihana Knight in Yr 13,
• greatest long-term benefit for residents — and for have already undertaken wide consultation and
enviro leaders for 2022. those attending a future Catholic school. community feedback regarding this site.
It will be especially convenient for students “Families in the area have been working for over
• Auditions for High School Musical underway who will attend the new co-educational St Ignatius 20 years to establish this college and, with this
Loyola Catholic College which is due to open in dream now in sight, the addition of a further train
• Netball season has begun. 2024. Construction has already begun on the site station is going to be a huge support to thousands
at Burtt Road, Drury, and the college will eventually of students and parents,” said local Karaka man,
accommodate up to 1000 students. John Mills, who is deputy chair of the Establish-
www.stdoms.ac.nz The KiwiRail proposed site will ensure safety ment Board for the college.
NZ Catholic: April 24 - May 7, 2022 NZ News 3
Auckland’s Marist Seminary faces repair job
by ROWENA OREJANA
The Marist Seminary at Hopetoun St, Freemans
Bay, Auckland, will be repaired “at a significant
cost” after its foundations started showing struc-
tural issues.
Marist Seminary rector Fr Patrick Breeze, SM,
told NZ Catholic that they decided to temporar-
ily move to Vermont St because the buildings at
Hopetoun St had become unsafe for the priests
and seminarians living there.
“It was a safety issue, really. There were engi-
neering reports and it was decided that we should
move out for repairs to take place,” he said.
They moved into what was previously the
house of the Sister Disciples of the Divine Master.
Sisters Teofana and Christiane left New Zealand
on the morning of April 4.
Fr Breeze said they were sorry to hear that
the sisters were leaving, but finding out that the
house was available “was a great grace for us to
learn”.
“We heard through the diocese that it was
available. We negotiated with the diocese and
they . . . first Bishop Pat, then Bishop Steve . . .
very kindly allowed us to lease the property for
two years while the repairs are done at Hopetoun
St,” Fr Breeze said.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the sisters and
to the diocese for this opportunity. It really is a The temporary location of the Marist Seminary in Vermont St, Ponsonby
wonderful solution to our difficulty. Also, a very
wonderful location for the seminary to be in. Near established their community here in 1974. of adoration at St Patrick’s Cathedral and were
the diocese and seminary and theological college “After careful and compassionate discernment, extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist.
and parish,” he added. the sisters have decided that their presence here “The contemplative prayer dimension of the
Fr Breeze said that work hasn’t started at the is no longer sustainable,” she said. lives of the sisters is greatly appreciated and
Hopetoun St property because they are still wait- Sr Jane said that the sisters came with a three- has deepened the sense of prayer for others,
ing for additional reports. fold ministry and way of life which involved the especially at St Patricks. The sisters have been
“It’s highly likely that repairs would start in eucharistic apostolate, priesthood apostolate and a visible witness on a daily basis,” Sr Jane said.
the next few months,” he said, adding, “the re- liturgical apostolate. “The sisters will be remembered here especially
pairs may involve a significant amount of capital “The perpetual adoration is their principal for this liturgical apostolate [which was] well-
outlay”. apostolate and is the source and root of all their known to many.”
NZ Catholic understands that the two sisters activities. In Auckland, the sisters pray each day In 2002, the sisters entered into an agreement
were asked to go back to their communities, one at St Patrick’s Cathedral, and each Friday at Sacred to take responsibility for the management of St
in South Korea and the other in Ireland. Heart Church, Ponsonby, together with a number John Vianney House as part of their priesthood
Auckland diocese vicar for religious Sr Jane of others,” Sr Jane said. apostolate. They have also prayed for more vo-
O’Carroll, SM, said that the congregation first From 1985 to 2021, the sisters led an hour cations to the priesthood.
Aubert’s path to sainthood delayed by Vatican ‘no miracle’ ruling
by NZ CATHOLIC staff daily the gift we have of asking sick, with the sisters continuing
Meri Hōhepa to intercede for us her work to this day. Thousands
The path to New Zealand sainthood of mis- on our behalf. It is extraordinary. lined Wellington’s streets for her
sionary Mother Meri Hōhepa Suzanne Aubert It is tangible,” she said. funeral in 1926, an extraordinary
has been delayed, with a Vatican medical council “We have much to be grateful tribute to a woman who dedicated
deciding a potential miracle attributed to her can for and we are on a journey of herself to “people of all religions
be explained by medical science. faith. I have witnessed the faith or none”
The case for a miracle, the details of which re- and healing of people as they re- Cardinal John Dew, president
main private to protect the privacy of the person quest Meri Hōhepa’s intercession. of the New Zealand Catholic Bish-
concerned, was put in 2019 to the Congregation This will continue.”. ops Conference said: “No matter
for the Causes of Saints, the Vatican agency re- “Meri H ō hepa would say at the outcome of the Cause for
sponsible for studying sainthood nominations. this moment: ‘It is God’s will.’ Beatification, Suzanne Aubert is
The congregation appointed a medical council She said that ‘when all else fails remembered, through her writ-
to study it. this is the moment of God’. We ings, prayers and sayings, and her
New Zealand’s Catholic bishops approved the need to rest in that moment for life of working for those most in
introduction of the Cause of Suzanne Aubert’s a while, before deciding where need. All of that lives on. There
sainthood in 1997. A formal diocesan Inquiry to go next.” is no doubt that Suzanne, Meri
was held in 2004, when the available evidence Suzanne Aubert (1835-1926) An artist’s depiction Hōhepa, was a holy woman, she
for promoting her as a saint was gathered. The founded the Daughters of Our of Suzanne Aubert was greatly loved and respected.
results were sent to Rome and approved for fur- Lady of Compassion (the Sisters All she would want is for us all to
ther consideration. Included with this material of Compassion) in 1892. She was a friend and follow her example and carry on with works of
was Jessie Munro’s biography, “The Story of advocate for Māori, children, the poor and the compassion.”
Suzanne Aubert”.
As a result, Suzanne Aubert was given the
title “Servant of God”. Subsequent presentation TIM GOULDING, MARIA WEST,
and approval of the relevant material led to Pope
JOHANN ROCHA, LYNETTE DUNCAN
ST. PETER’ S COLLEGE
Francis declaring her “Venerable” in 2016. EPSOM, AUCKLAND
After someone is declared venerable, the Cath- and JOHN PAUL GOULDING A CATHOLIC SCHOOL FOR BOYS
olic Church requires proof of two miracles before Barristers and Solicitors
they can be declared a saint. Recognition of a DANIEL OVERTON & GOULDING
first miracle would have resulted in Pope Francis
awarding her the title “Blessed”, the penultimate
33 Selwyn Street Onehunga. PO Box 13017 Onehunga • 1st XI Hockey promoted to Super City A
Ph 09 622 2222 Fax 09 622 2555 www.doglaw.co.nz
step on the path to her being declared “Saint”.
She continues to be known as Venerable Suzanne • ‘
Grease The Musical’ with Marist
Aubert, a woman of outstanding Christian virtue.
Sister Margaret Anne Mills, DOLC, leader of the KEMP BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS College, 12th May – 21st May at
Sisters of Compassion in Island Bay, Wellington, 25 Oraha Road Huapai Auckland Glen Eden Playhouse.
said that the medical council’s ruling means it is PO Box 600 Kumeu
time to consider the future path of the official Auckland 0841
process towards Meri Hōhepa Suzanne Aubert’s Ph 09 412 6000
canonisation. Fax 09 412 6016 ST PETER’S COLLEGE BUILDS OUTSTANDING MEN
“From my point of view, the miracle is in the Email info@kempsolicitors.co.nz ST-PETERS.SCHOOL.NZ @SPCNOW
life of those concerned in this process. I witness
4 NZ News NZ Catholic: April 24 - May 7, 2022
Encounter with Marists led to vocation journey
by ROWENA OREJANA didn’t think he would become one.
“I never thought that I would be a
The Society of Mary has welcomed priest, and I didn’t even really con-
a new young seminarian this year. sider it until 2020,” he said.
Marist Seminary rector Fr Patrick “I was in prayer, and I was think-
Breeze, SM, said that they have been ing about vocation, and the idea of
blessed as their order can still plan priesthood came across my mind.
for ministry in New Zealand with And for the first time, I saw it in a
younger people joining them. positive light.”
“Most religious orders are strug- He decided to give it more
gling for vocations, but we are still thought, and spoke with Fr McAfee.
getting a few. And we are very grate- “[Fr McAfee] suggested that I
ful for that,” Fr Breeze said. come to the ‘Come and See’ week-
Vincent Brzozowski, 23, who is end in 2021 in Hopetoun St with the
from Papatoetoe, south Auckland, Marists, which set me up with the
said that he met the Marists while accompaniment process which led
he was a student at Victoria Univer- me to applying in 2022,” he said.
sity of Wellington, doing a Bachelor He said that, so far, he’s enjoying
of Music with Honours in 2017. He the experience.
studied classical performance on “I’ve learned a lot and enjoyed the
piano and trumpet. community life,” he said.
“Fr Peter McAfee, SM, invited Mr Brzozowski said he worked as
me to join the altar servers at the a teacher in 2021 in two different
parish. I experienced more of, I schools, as well as privately teaching
guess, the light-heartedness of the music.
priests there, and learning about the He said that his parents were sup-
community of Marist priests in the portive of his decision. He is one of
parish,” he said. five children who “are all musical”.
Mr Brzozowski said he hadn’t “I am grateful to inherit the faith Marist Seminary rector Fr Patrick Breeze, SM, seminarian Lachie Bartlett, Fr Christopher
felt the call to a vocation during his from both sides of the family,” he Skinner, SM, and new seminarian Vincent Brzozowski, at the new seminary location in
school days. He knew priests but said. Vermont St, Ponsonby
Legion of Mary ceremonies held in Auckland
by NZ CATHOLIC staff the colour of the Legion is red, not blue, as they
are firstly a charismatic group, inspired by the
On Saturday, March 26, one day after the feast Holy Spirit.
of the Annunciation, the Legion of Mary gathered Fr Matthew said that the Legion of Mary apos-
to take their annual promise: “I am all Yours my tolate could be summarised by this short phrase:
Mother and my Queen, and all that I have is Yours.” “The Father sends the Son, to give us the Holy
The Legion of Mary held two Acies ceremonies Spirit.”
this year due to the Covid pandemic. One was for Father Matthew also reminded the Legionaries
the South Auckland Curia, and one for the Northern that this is the first work of the Church, and that
Auckland parishes. is why the Legion of Mary is completely united
Fr Tony King Archer and Fr Andrew Matthew to the heart of the Church and to every parish to
offered Mass, and joined the Legionaries in taking which they belong.
their annual promise and consecration. He added that the closest companion to this
Fr Alfredo Garcia (Glenfield) and Fr Andrew work, of sending the Holy Spirit, is the Blessed Vir-
Matthew joined the North Shore parishes. gin Mary. Mary fully cooperated with the mission A scene from the Legion of Mary Acies
In the homily, members were reminded that of her Son. Every baptised person is called to this
work of cooperation and love. itual writings of Louis de Montfort, he famously
The Legion of Mary members are called to attain wrote this prayer:
“holiness in their own lives, through prayer and Immaculate Conception: Mary my Mother: Live
active cooperation”, and through guidance of the in me, act in me, speak in me and through me, think
Auckand’s Church they are to actively search for lost souls,
souls disconnected from the life of the Church.
your thoughts in my mind; love through my heart,
give me your dispositions and feelings, teach,
Catholic
Once found, these souls are assisted to begin anew lead me and guide me to Jesus; correct, enlighten
their spiritual lives. The Legion has always main- and expand my thoughts and behaviour; possess
tained this spiritual work to be their only work. my soul, take over my entire personality and life,
Funeral Totus tuus (Totally Yours), was used by St John
Paul II as his own pontifical motto, to express his
replace it with yourself; incline me to constant
adoration, pray in me and through me, let me live
Specialists personal consecration to Mary. Based on the spir- in you and keep me in this union always. Amen.
Davis Funerals has been
honouring Catholic
Consider national education strategy
families for over 80 years. by NZ CATHOLIC staff attempts at education innovation, and hence my
We have proudly provided challenge to our political parties to consider the
over three generations of The chief executive of the New Zealand Catholic merits of committing to a national strategy in
professional and personal Education Office has challenged political parties education,” he wrote.
services to our Catholic to consider committing to a national education Dr Shore stated that “It will take courage and
community. strategy. the ability to put the common good of our wonder-
Writing in an NZCEO e-zine in April, Dr Kevin ful young men and women at the forefront, while
Shore applauded many aspects of a Literacy, Com- seeking to put aside personal agendas”.
Contact us today to munication and Maths Strategy and Hei Raukura “I do not believe that the educational philoso-
discuss your options, or Mō te Mokopuna launched by Associate Education phies of our major political parties in New Zealand
organise a free Minister Jan Tinetti on March 25. are so far apart that an agreement on a ten-year
pre-planning consultation. He was positive about much of the detail, national education strategy could not be reached.”
“with its emphasis on a common practice model Dr Shore admitted that there might be some
09 638 9026 of teaching, clear sequencing of learning, teacher who would disagree with his views, but added that
office@davisfunerals.co.nz support at the regional and national level in pro- he would like to think that “living with hope, par-
moting effective practice, additional support to ticularly when serving our young men and women
struggling learners, an emphasis on partnership who are our future leaders in society, requires
approaches with the whānau, and continuous a coherent and consistent commitment to their
evaluation of the delivery and effectiveness of needs, and is not something that is impossible”.
these new approaches”. In 2020, The New Zealand Herald reported that
But Dr Shore warned that the strategy would the latest Trends in International Mathematics and
only deliver transformative change “if the neces- Science Study (Timss) show ed that Year 9 New
sary resources are applied at the right level and Zealand students dropped from a score of 493 in
there is a continuing commitment over the long the last survey in 2015 to a score of 482 (ranking
term”. 23 out of 39 countries). In 1995, New Zealand year
“This has proven to be the Achilles heel of many 9 students scored just above the 500 average.
NZ Catholic: April 24 - May 7, 2022 Features 5
Survey shows softening attitude on blasphemy
by MICHAEL OTTO was becoming less influenced by
religion, but this indicates the speed
A softening of attitudes among of the change,” Fr Duffy said.
New Zealanders towards blasphemy, This is something Christians in
evident in a survey on offensive this country should be concerned
language on radio and TV, has sur- about, he added, because a softening
prised and saddened a New Zealand attitude towards blasphemy “goes
theologian. hand in hand with a diminishing
A 2021 survey of 1505 people respect for the sacred”.
aged 18 and over conducted for the Fr Duffy noted that “this blas-
Broadcasting Standards Authority phemous expression”, as used in
showed that an expletive expression the survey, “was the only religious
involving the Lord’s name was con- phrase to be surveyed, [and] for the
sidered the twelfth most unaccept- over-65 age group it was among the
able in all broadcasting contexts of three worst expressions in the list,
the 31 offensive words or phrases but for younger New Zealanders
suggested. their taboos are more related to race
This was a drop from being the or gender than to religion, dropping
third most offensive in a similar it to twelfth overall”.
survey in 2018. One difference from the 2018 Fr Merv Duffy, SM, is surprised and saddened by the survey results
In the 2021 survey, 46 per cent of survey was that the terms “God”
respondents considered the phrase and “Jesus Christ” were not included “We need to be shocked by bad of the Crimes Act in 2019. There had
involving the Lord’s name as totally among potentially offensive terms language, and to curate the language only been one previous attempted
unacceptable in all contexts. This put before survey respondents in we ourselves use so that we treat the prosecution under this provision,
was down 10 per cent on the figure 2021. holy as holy. Everyone’s name is im- in the 1920s.
for the 2018 survey and down nearly Fr Duffy said the Catholic Church portant because of their dignity as a An explanatory note in a supple-
20 per cent on the figure in a 2013 “should and does encourage respect person, and the names of the divine mentary order paper connected with
survey, according to a report on the for the name of God”. persons are supremely important.” this stated that “the overwhelming
BSA website. “It does it by teaching the Ten But in New Zealand, religious opinion of churches and religious
The BSA stated that this research Commandments,” he said. things are used in advertising and groups is that faith does not need
helps track evolving public views on The second commandment is branding (for example, Hell Pizza), statutory protection of this kind”.
offensive language in broadcasting. stated in Exodus 20:7: “You shall and many New Zealanders consider The Catechism of the Catho-
The results are used by the BSA and not misuse the name of the Lord this to be funny. lic Church states that respect for
broadcasters to help ensure pro- your God, for the Lord will not hold “New Zealanders are regularly “[God’s] name is an expression of
grammes and BSA decisions reflect anyone guiltless who misuses his surprised that the rest of the world the respect owed to the mystery of
current community attitudes, the name.” (New International Version). care strongly about their sacred God himself and to the whole sacred
BSA website stated. “Reverence and respect are things things,” Fr Duffy said. reality it evokes”. (CCC 2144).
Theologian Fr Merv Duffy, SM, which can and should be taught,” Fr Several years ago, a New Zealand The BSA survey also found that
who teaches at Te Kupenga — Cath- Duffy said. “The role of the domestic man spent several months in a jail the Christians questioned were less
olic Theological College, told NZ church is particularly important here in Myanmar after he posted an irrev- accepting of most of the offensive
Catholic that he is “surprised and — the language patterns developed erent image of the Buddha online. terms suggested than were respon-
saddened by the survey results”. in the home affect a person’s whole New Zealand’s Parliament took dents of other religions or those with
“I knew that New Zealand society life.” the offence of blasphemous libel out no specific faith.
6 Opinion NZ Catholic: April 24 - May 7, 2022
Why doing what is right in your
own sight is such a bad idea
W
hat does the Bible think about our cur- do not commit such a terrible crime.” At that, they the moral chaos it describes is a function of the
rent cultural fascination with finding shoved the concubine outside, and the men, we disappearance of anything like moral leadership
our own voices, setting our own agenda, are blithely informed, “raped her and abused her among the people. When the judges faded away,
doing things according to our own lights? (By the all night until morning”. the law was no longer taught and enforced, and
way, if you doubt that this attitude is dominant Utterly indifferent to her suffering and humil- hence the people wandered into appalling be-
today, I would invite you to watch practically any iation, the man placed her, next morning, on his haviour. Rudderless and without a captain, the
movie, listen to practically any popular song, or beast of burden and commenced the journey to ship simply smashes into the rocks. The final
read practically anyone’s latest blog or Facebook Ephraim. When he arrived home, “he got a knife line of the book of Judges sums up the spiritual
posting). and took hold of the body of the woman, cut her situation: “In those days there was no king in
Is the Bible for or against this ego-dramatic up into twelve pieces, which he then sent through- Israel; everyone did what was right in their own
approach to life? Might I suggest we look at the out the territory of Israel. Was she dead when he sight.” I would not interpret this necessarily as an
close of the book of Judges, a text marked by found her that morning? Did she die on the way? endorsement of kings in the political sense, but
enough murder, mayhem and miscreancy to put Did he kill her? We’re not told, which only adds rather of leadership in the moral sense. A healthy
to the horror of the narrative. When the gruesome society needs leaders — political, economic,
message was received across the nation of Israel, cultural, religious, etc. — who are animated by
Robert Barron the elders assembled an army and attacked the
city of Gibeah, effecting a general slaughter of
a keen sense of objective moral value, who have
risen above mere subjective self-interest. The
the people. scriptural authors knew that the strident assertion
Martin Scorsese or Quentin Tarantino to shame. Now, why do I rehearse this awful tale? of one’s own private prerogatives, so on display
After the death of Samson, the last of the judg- Though there is a good deal of competition for today, is fundamentally adolescent and morally
es of Israel, the tribes, we are told, drifted into the distinction, I believe that this gruesome and catastrophic for any human community. This is
disunity, and commenced to manifest shocking cruel episode represents the low point of hu- why the heroes of the Bible are never those who
violence to one another. The most remarkable and man behaviour described in the Bible. We have “find themselves”, but rather those who heed the
frankly sickening story, again in a book filled with cruelty, crude physical violence, utter disregard voice of God and remain obedient to the mission
such stories, concerns the outrage at Gibeah. We of human dignity, sexual immorality, rape, co- that God has given them.
hear of a man from Ephraim in the north who had operation with sexual abuse of the worst kind, Mind you, as is often the case, the Bible trades
taken a concubine from Bethlehem in the south. murder, mutilation, and genocide. As an aside, I in exaggeration and overstatement in order to get
When the woman escaped and returned home, am always slightly amused when some Christians our attention, similar to the method employed by
the man came after her and took her back into his primly criticise me for watching, and in some Flannery O’Connor in her macabre stories. So the
possession. He then set out with her and came to cases recommending, films in which violence almost cartoonish violence displayed in Judges
the town of Gibeah. We are told that “scoundrels” and immorality are on vivid display. I wonder, is meant as a warning to a society such as ours
from the city that night surrounded the house. “Have they ever even read the Bible?” If the Bible that is increasingly losing its moral bearings: you
Exactly duplicating the infamous tale from the were depicted honestly in film, the movie would might not be there yet, but this is where the road
book of Genesis, the mob shouted to the owner receive at least an “R” rating. One of the great that you have embarked upon is leading you. Next
of the place: “Bring out the man who has come virtues of the Scriptures is that they are brutally time you find yourself wondering why the world
into your house, so that we may get intimate honest about human beings and the myriad ways is in such a precarious state, call to mind the final
with him.” With astonishing moral turpitude, the that we go wrong, the thousands of bad paths lines of the book of Judges: “Everyone did what
owner of the abode replied, “Do not commit this down which we walk. was right in their own sight.”
terrible crime. Instead, let me bring out my virgin Another virtue of the Bible is that its authors Bishop Robert Barron is an auxiliary Bishop of Los
daughter and this man’s concubine. Humiliate know precisely where all this dysfunction comes Angeles. This article was originally published at www.
them or do whatever you want; but against him from. The book of Judges clearly indicates that wordonfire.org. It is republished here with permission.
Ronald Rolheiser
The therapy of a public life
F
orty years ago, Philip Rieff wrote a book defined things to do, regular stopping places, was working through some emotional fragility or
entitled The Triumph of the Therapeutic. In regular events of structure and steadiness, and a instability would show up on campus, not enroll
essence, he argued that today in the Western rhythm — commodities no psychiatric couch can in any formal classes, but simply hang out with
world so many people need psychological ther- provide. Public life links us to resources beyond the community, praying with us, socialising with
apy, mainly because our family structure has ourselves, and sometimes they are the only thing us, and sitting in on a few classes. Invariably I
grown weak, and many community structures that can help us. would see them slowly get emotionally steadier
have broken down. He contends that, in societies While doing studies in Belgium, I was privi- and stronger, and they found that new strength
where there are still strong families and strong leged to attend the lectures of Antoine Vergote, and balance, not so much from what they learned
communities, there is much less need for private a renowned Doctor of Psychology, and the soul. I in any of classrooms as they did by participating
therapy; people can more easily work out their asked him one day how one should handle para- in the life outside of those classes. The therapy
problems inside of family and community. Con- lysing emotional obsessions, both within oneself of a public life is what helped heal them.
versely, where family and community are weak, and when trying to help others. For us as Christians, this also means the ther-
we are mostly left on our own to handle our His answer surprised me. In essence, he said apy of Church life. We become emotionally stron-
problems with a therapist rather than with a this: “The temptation you might have as a priest ger, steadier, less obsessed, and less a slave to
family. is to simplistically give the advice: ‘Take your our own restlessness by participating more fully
If Rieff is right, and I suspect he is, it follows troubles to the chapel! Pray it through. God will and healthily within the public life of the Church.
that the answer to many of the issues that drive help you.’ It’s not that this is wrong. God and Monks have secrets worth knowing. They have
us to the counseling couch lie as much, and prayer can and do help. But obsessional problems long understood that a regular programme, a
perhaps more, in a fuller and healthier partici- are mainly problems of over-concentration, and daily rhythm, participation in community, a man-
pation in public life, including Church life, than over-concentration is broken largely by getting date that you must show up, and the discipline
in private therapy. We need, as Parker Palmer outside of yourself, outside of your own mind, of a monastic bell calling everyone to a common
brilliantly suggests, the therapy of a public life. your own heart, your own life, and your own activity (whether this suits him or her or not at
What’s meant by this? What’s the therapy of space. So, my advice is, get involved in public the time) have kept many a man and woman sane
a public life? things, from entertainment, to politics, to work. and emotionally stable.
Public life, life shared inside a family and Get outside of your closed world. Enter with re- Regular Eucharist, regular prayer with others,
community, beyond our private selves and pri- solve into public life!” regular meetings with others, regular duties, and
vate intimacies, can be powerfully therapeutic, He went on, of course, to qualify this, so that regular responsibilities within an ecclesial com-
because it draws us out of ourselves and into the it differs from the simplistic temptation to bury munity, not only help nurture us spiritually, they
lives of others, gives us a certain rhythm, and oneself in distractions and work. His advice also help keep us sane and steady.
connects us with resources beyond the poverty here is not that one should run away from doing Private therapy can sometimes be helpful, but
of our own lives. painful inner work, but that solving one’s inner public, ecclesial life, with its consistent daily
To participate healthily in other people’s lives private problems is also dependent upon outside rhythms and demands, more than anything else,
can take us beyond our private obsessions — it relationships, both relationships of intimacy and can help keep us steady on our feet.
can also steady us. Public life generally has a those of a more public nature. Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser, theologian, teacher,
certain rhythm and a regularity to it that helps Here’s an example. For more than a dozen and award-winning author, is president of the Oblate
calm the chaotic whirl of restlessness, depres- years I taught theology at Newman Theological School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas. He can
sion, and sense of emptiness that can so often College in Edmonton, Canada. Our campus was be contacted through his website www.ronrolheiser.
destabilise our lives. small and intimate, and we had a strong com- com Follow on Facebook www.facebook.com/ronrol-
Participation in public life gives us clearly munity life. Occasionally a man or woman who heiser/
NZ Catholic: April 24 - May 7, 2022 Opinion 7
Most important The Habit
Christian feast
Guest Editorial
T
his year marks 25 years since NZ Catholic’s
first Easter editorial in 1997. It was written
by then-Emeritus Bishop of Auckland Bishop
John Mackey. We think our readers would still
appreciate what he had to say, all those years ago.
Christians everywhere celebrate Easter Sunday
as their most important feast day. They do so
because they believe that, in the event of Easter,
God has revealed to humanity, not only that he
exists as a loving God, but also that he has des-
tined us to live forever with him in indescribable
peace, vitality and joy.
We need to be clear about Easter. The Church
does not celebrate the return of Jesus from death
to life by way of his teachings and influence, as
in slogans such as “Elvis Lives”. Nor is Easter
celebrated as the return of Jesus by way of resus-
citation to live our type of life and then die later.
No, the Church celebrates Easter as the con-
tinuation of the life and personality of Jesus
through death into a new mode of life, in which
the restrictions of time and space and mortality people walk to church
are now no more.
Obviously, Christian belief transcends the
Letters or catch public trans-
port, but in my parish, at
least, most people drive
laws of necessity and causality that govern sci- to Mass.
Mandates
ence and technology. The dynamic for the Easter keep our community safe for women in sport or
during this pandemic, and people’s right to freedom So, could I make a plea
event is the power of God, creator of heaven and heal our divisions once it of expression, it seems. that people leave their
earth. is over. Thank heavens some pol- phones in their car during
Deny God and creation and Easter is meaning- The letters on the pos- John Sullivan, iticians are starting to Mass? Or leave them at
less. Affirm God and creation and Easter becomes sum cartoons (NZ Catholic, Wellington. resist this relentless ad- home? Some people who
a key to the understanding of human destiny. St March 27) made me think vance. Pope Francis, too, arrive late don’t see the
of my grandfather. He was message to turn their
Radicals
Paul puts his finger on this when he writes: “If was right to criticise ideo-
born in Goldsborough in logical colonisation. phones off. I find few
for this life only we had hoped in Christ, we are, 1873, one of ten children. One of the hallmarks things more annoying
of all people, most to be pitied.” Seven died before their than someone’s phone
Humankind is a mystery because we are in- of radical takeover is the
first birthdays and one at The current imposi- “long march” through going off during Mass. It
telligent, free, and open to a future that may not 20, mostly of respiratory tion of gender ideology really disrupts the litur-
the institutions, such as
end in death. We are responsible for those futures ailments. This mortality throughout much of the universities, where false gy for me. Or if leaving
to which we aspire, both personal and social. rate was not unusual. world, certainly in the ideologies are dressed up phones in the car is too
History confirms this statement. This makes me bless West, is not about making as liberation. Catholics much — some might say
Today, we have seen these aspirations flower, my parents, who had me adjustments to societal ar- should be taught ways to there is a security risk —
not only in science and technology, but also in the vaccinated against diph- rangements so that people effectively resist these then at least switch them
theria, measles, and all can be included. off before going into the
sweep of imagination that produces such stories those other diseases that Rather, it seems in-
ideas, wherever they pres-
ent themselves. church.
as Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and Close Encounters killed previous genera- creasingly obvious that Name and address T. Robinson,
of the Third Kind. It needs but little more than tions in infancy. there is a radical move- Auckland.
reflection on the mystery of the human person to supplied.
It makes me conscious ment to deconstruct long-
make the jump of faith that sees how compatible of those whose children held societal norms that
the Easter event is with our deepest aspirations.
Christmas may stir our sentimentality, but Easter
are particularly vulnera-
ble, and who depend on
are seen to be an ideo-
logical oppression, when Phones Nicknames
should stir our minds and hearts. community effort to con- viewed through a radical
But Jesus and Easter signify more than our trol these diseases. The Marxist lens. What starts One of the advantages There has been debate
2019 measles outbreak with changes in language of the recent changes to in the media as to whether
own individual responsibility for our lives and
shows what happens when ends in a total reordering Covid-19 rules for the nicknames should be giv-
destiny. Jesus also signifies that fate of the uni- we drop our guard. of society, which is the community is that people en to certain politicians or
verse, because his body is made of the stuff of It makes me want to goal of the extreme left. have much less reason to not. Critics don’t seem to
earth. not pass Covid-19 to oth- Revolutions always bring their cellphones to remember the time when
Star Wars and their like have scenarios. Cre- ers, so I have taken my have casualties. One ca- church liturgies. There a Prime Minister of this
ation, too, has a scenario. Scientists have written shots, despite the risk of sualty is women’s oppor- is no longer any need to country was referred to
scenarios for the universe in mathematical sym- a reaction, and I wear a tunity to play sport in produce vaccine passes at by the name of a charac-
bols few can understand. Kolakowski, an Oxford mask. competitions restricted gatherings, and there is no ter from “The Lord of the
philosopher, describes his scenario thus: “Ulti- It makes me support the to biological women. More mandated need to have to Flies”. And I can remember
mately, the history of the universe appears to be mandates which ensure and more examples of bi- scan in using a QR code. a venerable Australian PM
that those who work with ological men participating Hopefully, that means of the yesteryear being
the history of the defeat of Being by Nothingness: the vulnerable take the in women’s events are hit- that fewer people will referred to “Ming” — be-
Matter, life, the human race, human intelligence same steps. ting the headlines. Women be scrambling for their ing Sir Robert Menzies.
and creativity — everything is bound to end in It makes me frustrated are speaking out against phones as Mass is about What about “Tricky Dick”
defeat; all our efforts, suffering and delights at the sense of entitlement this, as it is not fair, and to start with a message (Nixon), “The Iron Lady”
will perish forever in the void, leaving no traces shown by those who re- it is not safe. But safety, on the overhead having (Thatcher) and even “Kiwi
behind.” fuse to take those steps, one of the oft-cited shib- stated — please turn your Keith” Holyoake?
The Christian scenario for the universe, ani- yet demand to keep their boleths of the radicals, is phones off!! If phones are In the Church, I am
mated by the Spirit of the risen Jesus, is different. positions. We fail in our set aside in the name of off, is there any reason to thankful that we seem
The symbols are more homely and are food for responsibility to our chil- “inclusion”. But certain bring phones into church to have grown out of the
dren if we allow this. We speakers they don’t agree in the first place? Some habit of referring to Popes
thought. As we read in Scripture: “I saw a new
haven’t cast them out; with are cancelled and not might say that they are in TXT language terms.
heaven and a new earth; the first heaven and the they have taken a decision included, on the grounds needed in case of emer- No more JPII or B16. It
first earth had passed away . . . God is with his which for now disqualifies of “safety”. Contradictions gency. But if they are off, seems difficult to reduce
people . . . He will wipe away every tear from their them from being entrust- are accepted when reason what good are they in an plain “Francis” in such a
eyes and death shall be no more, neither shall ed with our mokopuna. goes out the window. emergency? Why not leave manner.
there be mourning, not crying, nor pain anymore, I pray that God will Safety means safety for them in the car? It might John Cowen,
for the former things have passed away.” reward our efforts to radical ideas, not safety be protested that some Te Atatu, Auckland.
Easter is the most important of Christian
feasts because it encapsulates in a remarkable Except for our own edi- NZ Catholic welcomes readers’ letters, although receipt of a letter does not guar-
way the whole of salvation as this is revealed to torials, opinions expressed antee publication. No correspondence will be entered into concerning publication.
us in the Sacred Scriptures. The various levels of in NZ Catholic do not neces- Letters should be no longer than 220 words and should be topical, to the point, and
meaning in the Resurrection of Jesus flesh out sarily reflect the opinion of include the writer’s address and phone number. Ad hominem attacks are not welcome.
his words: “I am the light of the world. Whoever the newspaper or of its own- Emailed letters should be sent as part of the text message — not as an attachment — to
er, the Bishop of Auckland, editor@nzcatholic.org.nz and include the writer’s physical address. Pseudonyms are not
follows me will never walk in darkness, but will
unless otherwise indicated. accepted, except by special arrangement.
have the light of life.” (John 8:12).
8 Features NZ Catholic: April 24 - May 7, 2022
Passion Play makes a post-pandemic
return in Oberammergau, Germany
by GUNTER SIMMERMACHER
MUNICH (CNS) — In 1633, at the height of
the Reformation, the Black Death was sweeping
through Europe, including the southern German
region of Bavaria. The terrified people of one
small village decided to do something to protect
themselves from this pandemic: The villagers
vowed that every 10 years they would perform a
“Passionsspiel” — a play depicting the Passion of
Christ — should their hamlet be spared.
The pandemic spared the village of Oberam-
mergau, and on Pentecost the following year the
villagers staged their first Passion Play, at the
town’s cemetery. It has been performed by the
villagers at regular intervals ever since, most
recently in 2010.
Now, 389 years after that pandemic, Oberam-
mergau is ready to stage another Passion Play,
at a time when the world is waiting to mark the
end of another pandemic. The Passion Play was
originally planned to be performed in 2020, but
Covid-19 caused a cancellation. With foresight,
the organisers decided to delay the play for two
years. This year, from May 14 to October 2, the Jesus on trial before Pilate, as depicted during the 2010 Passion Play in Oberammergau
play will be performed five days a week.
Oberammergau, population 5400, is near the play; musicians and members of the chorus may (the rumours that Jews used the blood of Chris-
winter sports resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, be drawn from surrounding areas. The cast also tian children for the production of matzos for the
and the village subsists on the revenue of the includes animals, which need not be local. Passover), Christian crowds would attack Jews,
play and the associated tourism. While those who For the 2100 villagers who take part, it is a la- even burning their homes.
produce and act in the play are driven by local bour of love and, for many, an exercise in evange- Oberammergau did not solve the problem of
pride and piety, the organisers of the modern lisation. There is not much in it for most of them, anti-Semitism in its script until the 1990s, almost
Oberammergau Passion Play are motivated by but the sacrifices are many. Some actors take un- three decades after the Second Vatican Council
economics. paid leave to participate. Outside the leading roles, decree “Nostra Aetate”, which put an end to the
Performances are sold out well in advance. In the actors do not earn much. And there are fines final remnants of institutional anti-Semitism.
2010, half a million people attended the 102 per- for transgressions, such as laughing on stage. The reworking came with Christian Stückl, who
formances. One day, fights broke out at the box In return for their modest remuneration, the first directed the play as a 29-year-old in 1990,
office when 300 people came to compete for 40 cast members invest many hours of practice every and has done so ever since. He supervised two
available tickets. Many of these multitudes come night from January to the opener in May. The men comprehensive revisions to shed the play of any
from afar, and they must sleep somewhere, eat, must grow long hair and beards — by a traditional trace of anti-Semitism. The script now presents
drink, buy souvenirs. The whole region around decree promulgated by the mayor. Jesus as the leader of a Jewish movement, rather
Oberammergau benefits. Since November, 2018, everyone has known than as a non-Jewish victim.
The souvenir shops are plenty, and the village’s what their role will be, from the leads to under- The theology of the Passion Play is modern and
world-famous woodcarvings are popular with vis- studies to ushers. One of the two Jesuses, Frederik profoundly Christian: the play does not condemn,
itors. Not all wood carvings on sale are produced Mayet, a 41-year-old art director at a Munich the- but seeks to understand motivations. Judas does
in Oberammergau; some are made in China. atre, played that role in 2010. Years before that, not betray Jesus for greed, but in a tragically
But it would be unjust to dismiss the Pas- he played St John — and 2010’s John has been misguided strategic gambit. Likewise, Caiaphas’
sion Play as a purely commercial exercise. The promoted to the role of Judas in 2022. concerns are mostly political: Jesus is a danger to
Catholic faith infuses the air in Oberammergau, This year’s alternate Jesus is Rochus Rückel, a delicate peace between the Jews and the Roman
as it does throughout the region — most of Ger- at 25 the second-youngest actor to play the part occupiers.
many’s remaining 21 Passion lays are performed in the Passion Play’s almost 400-year history. It is not spoiling any plotlines to reveal that the
in Bavaria. The sincerity of those who take part The two actors playing Annas, the high priest story culminates in the Resurrection. In 2010, the
should not be doubted. Only locally born people Caiaphas’ ruthless father-in-law, have been per- last words in the Oberammergau play belonged
or residents of at least 20 years may act in the forming in the play since 1950. to the choir, which declared: “Hallelujah! Praise,
honour, adoration, power and majesty be yours,
n Medieval forever and ever!”
Oberammergau did not invent Passion Plays.
These were widespread in medieval times, per-
formed throughout the German-speaking region,
as well as in countries such as France, Italy and En-
gland. Before and for long after Oberammergau’s
villagers made their plague-dodging bargain with
God, the most famous Passion Play was that of Ben-
ediktbeuren, also in Bavaria. The oldest complete
script of a Passion Play dates to the 14th century.
With the Reformation, Passion Plays fell out of
common usage in most parts of Germany, but in
the solidly Catholic Bavarian Alps and Austria they
became increasingly popular. It was in that context
that the Oberammergau play was born, along with
40 others in the region between 1600 and 1650.
Oberammergau gained a measure of pre-
eminence in 1750 when its script was thoroughly
reworked by Benedictine Father Ferdinand Rosner
of the nearby Ettal Abbey. That script was adopt-
ed by other Passion Plays throughout Bavaria. In
1780, when Passion Plays were banned in Bavaria,
CP1136-V2
Oberammergau’s was one of two plays granted an
exemption. This near-monopoly helped establish
Oberammergau’s Passion Play and, in the mid-19th
century, it began to attract international attention
and increasing popularity.
Caring for you with warmth, By the 1930s, Oberammergau attracted 400,000
spectators. Among them in 1934 — the play’s
honesty and compassion 300th anniversary — was Adolf Hitler.
Throughout their history, Passion Play runs
Phone 0800 276 420 or 09 527 0266 generally were not a good time for a Jew to be
seen in public — and not only in Germany. Stoked
www.arohafunerals.co.nz on by the assertion that Jews were responsible A painting of the Crucifixion is displayed on the wall of a
for the execution of Christ, and the blood libel building in Oberammergau, Germany, in 2017 (CNS Photos)
NZ Catholic: April 24 - May 7, 2022 Features 9
Call for Church to be community of peacemakers
by ROWENA OREJANA becoming quite concerned.
It is important, he said, for Catho-
Christians need to go back to the lics to ground themselves in spiritual
understanding of themselves as “a and social resources of our faith, like
community of peacemakers”, and the Beatitudes.
that the call to become a peacemak- “I see this as a catechism for
er is not to an individual, but to the peace-makers, because all the things
whole Church. here are things that are needed:
This was gist of the workshop blessed are the poor in spirit, humil-
“Peace-making and the Pursuit of ity, mourning, meekness, hungering
Justice” held by Dr Jeremy Simons and thirsting for justice, mercy, pu-
on Zoom on March 25. The workshop rity, peace-making, and acknowledg-
was organised by JustPeace Dunedin ing that we will be persecuted when
in response to Pope Francis’ call to we do this,” he said.
reflect on peace during Lent. Dr Simons said that being per-
Dr Simons, who teaches part-time secuted for peace-making, loving
at the University of Otago, has a doc- our enemies and praying for our
torate in peace and conflict studies, persecutors seems like paradoxes or
as well as 20 years of experience in contradictions.
peacebuilding, human rights advo- “What we consider contradictions
cacy, community organising, and or paradoxes are ways of under-
restorative justice, both in the US standing the complexity of what is
and in the Philippines. involved in peace-making,” he said,
In an interview with NZ Catho- adding that “things like mercy and French Dominican Father Oliver Catel serves Muslims during an iftar at Abraham’s House
lic, Dr Simons said that he started justice and truth and peace are all on the Mount of Olives in East Jerusalem on April 9, 2022. The meal offered by Christian
the workshop by sharing his expe- in the heart of this process of rec- volunteers to Muslim neighbours on the eve of Palm Sunday served as testimony to the
riences working with the Lumad onciliation”. principles of peace and fraternity, said the event›s organisers (CNS photo)
communities in Davao, a province Dr Simons also emphasised that
in Mindanao, the southern island of our understanding of peace should
the Philippines. not just be the absence of conflict, much more successful than violent alised and oppressed, and that can
“To be a datu or a chief, one has but should be grounded in the He- struggles in the long run. be sometimes, quite difficult, quite
to have a proven ability to resolve brew understanding of the word “Research tells us that the most confrontational or confronting.
conflicts in the village or the com- “shalom, which is a holistic well-be- effective transformation or change “But I’ve also realised that within
munity,” he said, explaining that ing, harmony with God and creation around violent realities is through that role is also a call to be healers,
peace-making is a core competency itself and the world around us”. non-violence. This produces more and to be about healing and restor-
for leadership in that tribe. “That is something that takes lasting, more democratic and more ing relationships and making things
The Talaandig tribe of Bukidnon intentional work, and that is why we effective results,” he said. right.”
(also in Mindanao), on the other are called to do that as a communi- Dr Simons said that he sees peace- He said that, over the years, he
hand, has a creation story that “is a ty,” he said. building as a vocation, “something learned to be “more sensitive to walk-
story of peace-making among three Dr Simons also told NZ Catholic that I’m called to do”. ing with people through the process
spiritual beings”, he said. that intentional peace-making re- “It has a prophetic role, actually. of bringing justice, and how [one] is
“They have a collective identity quires “really thinking strategically There is an element of speaking out trying to extend that invitation, not
that is defined by the stories of cre- and critically about how we use for justice, for those who are margin- just confrontation”.
ation, and of their epic narratives power in the world, and moving to
that indicate they were appointed as forms of power that are non-violent,
peacemakers,” he added. that are egalitarian, [and] that seek
“[My] takeaway from that . . . we to come alongside those who are the
need to go back to our creation story. least, the most marginalised”.
We need to go back to our under- “[We need to] think very critical-
standing of us being a peace-making ly about how to work against the
people, a community of peacemak- marginalisation, the oppression,
ers,” Dr Simons said. the violence that impacts our com-
With so much conflict in different munities. That’s what we call active
parts of the world such as Ukraine, non-violence,” he said.
Tigray, Myanmar and even the re- Dr Simons said that research
cent Wellington protest, people are shows that non-violent struggles are We grow your gifts
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