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Thank you for subscribing to The Catholic Universe Friday 31st January, 2020
Friday 31st January 2020 £1.50 €2.00 thecatholicuniverse.com
Since 1860
Keeping
dismaY as parents lose right to taKe faith in the
children out of seX education classes 7 news
pro-life delight in usa
as trump addresses
march for life page 16
Faiths can
build bridge
to a peaceful
future for all
Prince Charles signals standing between people of different
York Minster’s Canon Chancellor
Christopher Collingwood (left) and
Joshua Daniels (right), from York
faiths, to heal divisions and to remind
his solidarity with the people of so much that we share in
University Jewish Society, help light
600 candles in the shape of a Star of
Holy Land during visit common as opposed to what divides David in the Chapter House at York
us. Minster. The moving tribute was part
Nick Benson “Indeed, as it says in Psalm 133 ‘be- of commemorations to mark
The Prince of Wales has spoken about hold, how good and pleasant it is International Holocaust Day.
the importance of “building bridges” when brothers dwell in unity!’.” Photo: Danny Lawson/PA
between different religions, so that Charles said he has long sought to
they “might learn from each other celebrate the rich diversity of belief
and be stronger together as a result”.
His comments came during his
first official visit to Israel and Pales-
which the UK enjoys, and ensure that
people of all faiths, and none, under-
stand how much their place in society
Remembering Holocaust ‘is our duty’
tinian territories. is valued. Pope Francis said remembering the Remembrance Day was observed immediate political needs. This
Prince Charles began his historic “Elsewhere in the world, too, I have millions who perished in the around the world on Monday, 27th appeal is extremely important now,
first visit to the West Bank with a ges- endeavoured to build bridges between Holocaust is a call for the world January, and had particular for – despite the dramatic
ture of unity, walking through Beth- different religions, so that we might today to reflect and commit to not significance this year as it marked experience of the past – the world
lehem with Muslim and Christian learn from each other and be stronger repeating the atrocities of the past. the 75th anniversary of the freeing in which we live is still exposed to
leaders. together as a result,” he said. He told pilgrims in St Peter’s of the Auschwitz-Birkenau new threats and new
He later addressed clerics from “It breaks my heart, therefore, that Square: “In the face of this concentration camp in Poland. manifestations of violence.”
across a range of denominations, de- we should continue to see so much immense tragedy, this atrocity, The Archbishop of Westminster
scribing how he had worked to bring suffering and division. indifference is inadmissible, and Cardinal Vincent Nichols said: “We
people of different faiths together. “No-one arriving in Bethlehem to- remembering is a duty.” appeal to the modern world for
Speaking at a reception in Bethle- day could miss the signs of continued “We are all called to have a reconciliation and peace, for
hem, which celebrated the ties be- hardship and the situation you face, moment of prayer and reflection, respect for each nation’s right to
tween British and Palestinian people, and I can only join you, and all com- each one saying in his or her own exist and to freedom, to maintain
the prince said: “Throughout my life, munities, in your prayers for a just heart, ‘Never again, never again!’” its own culture.
I have tried, in whatever very small and lasting peace. the pope said. “We cannot allow the truth to be
way I can, to foster greater under- Continued on page 2 International Holocaust ignored or manipulated for
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Faith must be
used to build
bridges,
says Charles
Continued from page 1 during the moment.
The Prince of Wales is shown the site
“Prince Charles has always had help
of the manger where Christ was born
The Prince added: “We must pursue for people close to his heart,” Fr Luke
in the Church of the Nativity in
this cause with faith and determina- told the Custody in the Holy Land Bethlehem on the second day of his
tion, striving to heal the wounds which website. visit to Israel and the occupied
have caused such pain. “In the same way, coming here and Palestinian territories.
“It is my dearest wish that the future interfacing with the people who live Photo: Victoria Jones/PA Wire
will bring freedom, justice and equality in Palestine moved him. This is why
to all Palestinians, enabling you to many British organisations try to help said. “Prince William was kind, simple of the Greek royal family, to make On the first day of his visit to Israel
thrive and to prosper.” the local people, without any political and attentive to people. Exactly like sure the colours were right. and the Palestinian territories, Thurs-
Charles made his speech at Casa interest. his father today. This has made an Alice, who lived at Buckingham day 23rd January, the prince attended
Nova, a Franciscan pilgrim house close “Receiving his support through his impression on me and, I have to say, Palace in her final years, died in 1969 a reception for British Holocaust sur-
to the Church of the Nativity, where being here in flesh and blood as well I am very pleased.” when Charles was 20. vivors at the Israel Museum in
he spoke with Church leaders and is, I believe, really very important,” During his two-day visit to Israel She was buried in St George’s Chapel Jerusalem and gave a speech at the
health and education officials. added Fr Luke, who sits on the gov- and the Palestinian territories the at Windsor Castle but it was not until World Holocaust Forum, where he
During his visit to the Church of erning board of the Franciscan Cus- Prince of Wales also paid his respects 1988 that her final wish was fulfilled described the extermination of six
the Nativity, the prince was shown tody of the Holy Land. at the tomb of his grandmother and her body was taken to the Russian million Jewish people during the Sec-
the site of the manger where Christ The cleric, who is originally from Princess Alice – famed for harbouring Orthodox church of St Mary Magda- ond World War as a “universal human
was born. Fr John Luke Gregory OFM Sheffield and is vicar general of the a Jewish family during the Second lene where her aunt Ella was buried. tragedy” affecting all, not just the fam-
– better known as Fr Luke, who was Archdiocese of Rhodes in Greece, pre- World War. Charles laid flowers on the tomb in ilies of those killed by the Nazi regime.
present during the visit, told The viously guided Charles’ son Prince Charles laid flowers on her final a vault beneath the church, while Speaking at the gathering, he told
Catholic Universe that the prince was William around the Basilica of the resting place at the Church of St Mary nuns sang a prayer of repose for the guests, who included Russian Presi-
able to “spend some tranquil moments Holy Sepulchre, in Jerusalem. “I have Magdalene in Jerusalem as his visit dead. The flowers had been picked in dent Vladimir Putin and France’s Pres-
in prayer” and was “visibly moved” excellent memories of that day,” he came to an end. the morning from the garden of the ident Emmanuel Macron, the story
Memo from CAFOD
Draped on her tomb was a Greek British consul general in Jerusalem. of “incomprehensible humanity” must
royal standard which the prince had Princess Alice, a granddaughter of not be forgotten.
made in London after the original Queen Victoria, saved the Cohen fam- He also warned that “hatred and
had become moth-eaten and tatty. ily following her friendship with intolerance still lurk in the human
He commissioned a new flag for Haimaki Cohen, a Jew and former MP. heart” but society must remain “res-
his grandmother, who was married In September 1943, as the Nazis olute in resisting words and acts of
Woman of the River to Prince Andrew of Greece, after vis- occupied Athens, Mr Cohen’s widow violence”.
“They are our bloodlines. iting her tomb on the Mount of Olives Rachel and her five children were left
They are our internal for the first time in 2016 and seeing desperately seeking refuge and were
organs.” its condition. helped by Charles’ grandmother. Read more about Prince Charles’
“He said, ‘We will do a bit better for Her bravery was recognised by Israel visit to Israel and Palestinian
The rivers are a vital part of granny’,” according to a source. which in 1993 posthumously bestowed territories on page four, in an
Euma and her people. Extensive research was carried out, the title of Righteous Among the Na- exclusive reflection by Fr John Luke
“If the rivers die then we die including consultations with members tions on her. Gregory OFM.
with them.”
Euma is a community leader
and a human rights
defender.
“But,” she says with pride, “I
Campaigner says public can
am also a Guardian of the
Atrato River.”
The Atrato River in Colombia
help police beat knife menace
runs through one of the most
biodiverse regions in the Nick Benson He told The Catholic Universe: “One some comfort in that as stop and
world. It is a source of life for A Catholic peace campaigner has sug- interesting idea might be to ask the search has been such a political issue
Euma Pedroza
many. However, as a result of gested that the police turn to the wider wider public to become involved to and continues to be, could the very
illegal mining and continued conflict, the river has suffered. public to help assist them in knife help stop this. fact of weapon concealment being
The communities living along its banks have suffered too. searches amid worries that violent “Acouple of years ago, Lewisham attributed to stop and search be the
criminals are stashing weapons in police invited members of the public proof that it works.”
“I work with communities trying to defend their rights. parks and children’s play areas. to join them in a knife search; it turned One hundred officers have been
We are vulnerable in front of multinationals who are hand-in- up some weapons but more impor- moved into teams targeting violent
The shock revelation comes as De-
hand with drug traffickers. The extractivism, but also the tantly it allowed the public to become crime from other parts of the Met.
tective Chief Superintendent Lee Hill,
conflict, is contaminating our territory!” As well as targeting areas that are
who leads the Metropolitan Police Vi- engaged with the issue.
Since 2016, more than 400 human rights defenders have been olent Crime Taskforce, said officers “It’s at least some response and en- hotspots, investigators are focusing
killed. But Euma is fearless. find hidden weapons on a daily basis couraging co-operation between the on around 200 known criminals such
“The river is marvellous. The water is fresh, crystal clear, warm in London, typically in open spaces police and the public,” he added. as habitual knife carriers, prolific rob-
and so lovely. It helps us overcome the sadness of experience. such as parks where they can be ac- Mr Mizen also pointed out that bers and serial violent offenders.
It gives us joy.” cessed quickly. In one location, Crouch while knives being hidden in public Commander Jane Connors said:
Keep that joy alive. Support Euma’s fight at cafod.org.uk/give Hill, in north London, eight knives areas is a major concern, it also proves “They are a range of habitual knife
CAFOD, Romero House, 55 Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7JB
were found hidden during three that stop and searches are causing carriers, prolific robbers, prolific vio-
Tel: 020 7733 7900 • Email: cafod@cafod.org.uk • Web: www.cafod.org.uk
weapons sweeps in one week, several criminals to be anxious over carrying lent offenders, so it is a range of dif-
of which were in a playground. weapons. ferent offenders within that who we
Barry Mizen, of For Jimmy, suggest- “The concealment of weapons is believe are causing the highest harm
ed that the force could also consider being driven by the success of ‘stop and exploiting young people, driving
appealing to the public for assistance. and search’,” he said. “We have to take violence.”
The Catholic Universe | Friday 31st January 2020 03
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or email andrea.black@thecatholicuniverse.com
News
Archbishop
Kobe Bryant
in action in
2010 for the
LA Lakers
against the
Boston
leads tributes Celtics.
Photo:
Robert
Hanashiro,
to basketball USA Today
legend Kobe
The Archbishop of Los Angeles has “We are praying for the eternal repose
offered prayers and condolences to of his soul, his daughter who also
the family of LA Lakers legend bas- died and for the family. It must be a
ketball star Kobe Bryant, who was very challenging time for his family.
killed in a tragic helicopter crash So, let’s pray for him and pray for his
alongside his daughter last weekend. family.”
Bryant, 41, a practising Catholic The basketball star died on Sunday,
and five-time NBA champion who 26th January after a helicopter he was
played for the LA Lakers throughout travelling in crashed amid foggy con-
his 20-year career, is widely considered ditions and burst into flames in the couple’s second eldest daughter. dark time and revealed that talking can’t handle, and it’s in his hands now.
to be among the greatest players in hills above Calabasas, California. Bryant had said that his Catholic to a priest had been “the turning This is something you can’t control.
basketball history. Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter Gi- faith had helped through low spots point”. So let it go.’ And that was the turning
The Archbishop of Los Angeles, Jose anna also died in the crash, along in his life, and had strengthened his “The one thing that really helped point.”
H. Gomez, said he ‘was sad to hear with six family friends and the pilot. marriage and ties with his family. me during that process – I’m Catholic, USA Today reported that the aircraft
the news’ and offered prayers for Born in Philadelphia on 23rd August In 2003, Bryant was accused of rap- I grew up Catholic, my kids are was Bryant’s private helicopter and
Bryant and his family. 1978, Bryant was raised a Catholic ing a woman in a hotel room – alle- Catholic – was talking to a priest. It was flying the party to the Mamba
He added that he remembered and as a youth lived for a while in gations he denied, saying that they was actually kind of funny: He looks Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks,
Bryant as “a very good Catholic, a Italy. He and his wife, Vanessa, married had consensual sex. The charges were at me and says, ‘Did you do it?’ And I California, for a girls’ basketball game.
faithful Catholic” and had met the at St Edward Catholic Church in Dana eventually dropped but it almost end- say, ‘Of course not.’ Then he asks, ‘Do Bryant was expected to coach the
basketball star on several occasions. Point, California, in 2001, and raised ed Bryant’s marriage. you have a good lawyer?’ And I’m like, team, while Gianna was expected to
“I remember going to the Lakers’ their children Catholic. He is survived In a 2015 interview with GQ maga- ‘Uh, yeah, he’s phenomenal.’ So then play.
practice, and I had a good conversation by his wife and three other daughters. zine, Bryant said he relied on his he just said, ‘Let it go. Move on. God’s Police have launched an investiga-
with him,” Archbishop Gomez said. Gianna, also known as ‘GiGi’, was the Catholic faith to get him through the not going to give you anything you tion into the causes of the crash.
Muslim MP to run marathon HOLY SPIRIT SISTERS NEED WATER
HARVESTING SYSTEM FOR VILLAGE SCHOOL
to beat Christian persecution
In a remote area of India,
close to the border with
Myanmar, the Holy Spirit
Sisters run a village school for
children unable to travel to
Fionn Shiner
the parish centre, which is 33
Rehman Chishti, the MP for Gilling- kilometres distance away. At
ham and Rainham, has announced present the school has 220
that he will run this year’s London pupils, most of whom come
Marathon for a charity which helps from deprived families, living
persecuted Christians. by subsistence farming and
Mr Chishti said he was running for struggling to make ends
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) be- meet. The only source of water in the village is rain water and a nearby stream, as
cause of its “fantastic” work. the land is not suitable for a well, or bore-hole. The Holy Cross Fathers, who are in
The MP, who is the Prime Minister’s charge of the parish, have appealed to The Little Way Association for financial help
Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion to install a rain water harvesting system for the Sisters and their village school.
or Belief, said: “The work ACN does Can you help The Little Way Association make
is fantastic and I am delighted to sup- a big difference in the daily lives of the Holy Spirit
port what they do to help Christians Sisters and the children they teach?
persecuted for their faith.” A source of clean water is vital for the health and well-being of any community,
Mr Chishti, a Muslim, described large or small. Can you help The Little Way Association to assist those who do
how he had liaised with the Catholic not have access to clean, safe water?
charity in defence of Christian woman We have new requests for grants to fund
Asia Bibi, who was on death row for water projects every week.
blasphemy in Pakistan. Any donation will be sent without
He added: “I worked closely with deduction and gratefully received. The Little Way
Association
ACN on the Asia Bibi case and, when John Pontifex, Head of Press & Information, Aid to the Church in Need
the charity brought her family over (UK) and Neville Kyrke-Smith, National Director, Aid to the Church in Crossed POs and cheques should be sent and made
to the UK in 2018, they invited me to Need (UK), hand Rehman Chishti, a T-shirt to run the marathon in payable to: THE LITTLE WAY ASSOCIATION
meet them.” Photo: WEENSON OO-PICTURE-U.NET “Jesus wills that we give
Sacred Heart House, 119 Cedars Rd, Clapham Common,
Mr Chishti resigned in November alms to him as to one London SW4 0PR (Registered Charity No. 235703)
U/31/01
2018 as Vice Chairman of the Con- Chishti’s announcement, saying it was Mr Chishti was a keynote speaker poor and needy. He Tel. 020 7622 0466. www.littlewayassociation.com
servative Party and the Prime Minis- a sign that Christian persecution is at ACN’s #RedWednesday campaign puts Himself as it were I enclose £ ..................................to be allocated for:-
at our mercy; He will
ter’s Trade Envoy to Pakistan, citing being taken more seriously. for religious freedom in his role as take nothing but what £............. CLEAN, SAFE WATER
the UK’s refusal to grant Asia Bibi He said: “I am delighted that Mr special envoy for religious freedom. we give to Him from our £............. NEEDY CHILDREN
sanctuary as one of the reasons for Chishti will run this year’s London Mr Chishti said ending religious heart, and the very least £............. MASS STIPENDS (please state no. ) Please tick if you would
trifle is precious in like an acknowledgement
his resignation. Marathon for ACN. persecution “is a priority for the Prime £............. LITTLE WAY ADMIN. EXPENSES
His sight.” - St Thérèse
Asia Bibi’s conviction has since been “Not only is it an opportunity to Minister.” Name (Rev. Mr. Mrs. Miss)
overturned. She is now in Canada raise money for our projects support- • Details of how to sponsor Mr You and your intentions (Block letters please)
are remembered in a daily Address
with her family. ing persecuted Christians, but it will Chishti will be available shortly. For Mass offered in the
Neville Kyrke-Smith, National Di- also raise the profile of a vital issue in information about Aid to the Church Missions for all our friends
rector ACN (UK), welcomed Mr need of much more recognition.” in Need, visit www.acnuk.org and benefactors. To donate online go to: tinyurl.com/lwadonations
04 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com
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Prince Charles with Franciscan
Friars from the Holy Land
Prince says his prayers
are for Holy Land peace
Fr John Luke Gregory OFM, who sits on the governing board of the Franciscan
Custody of the Holy Land, recently met the Prince of Wales during his first official
visit to Israel and Palestinian territories. Here, in this Catholic Universe exclusive,
Fr Luke, who is originally from Sheffield and is also vicar general of the
Archdiocese of Rhodes in Greece, reflects on the prince’s visit.
Before arriving in Bethlehem Prince also knew very well. She was very in- quest of President Mahmud Abass
Charles spoke at the World Holo- terested in art and knew about Fran- was on display. His Royal Highness
caust Forum, which was held at the ciscan art in great depth. I was able also met the other members of the
World Holocaust Remembrance to provide her with a book we have fraternity.
Centre in Jerusalem. produced on some of our art work After this we made our way to the
He said, to quote: “The lessons of we have cared for over many cen- Chapel of St George where he at-
the Holocaust are searingly relevant turies. We spoke about our plans for tended an unprecedented ecumeni-
to this day. 75 years after the libera- the Terra Sancta Museum. What a cal service. This was, his official resi-
tion of Auschwitz-Birkenau, hatred wonderful lady she truly was, may dence, Clarence House, tweeted, the
and intolerance still lurk in the hu- she rest in peace. ‘first time that the three Christian
man heart, still tell new lies, adopt The prince’s visit to Bethlehem churches have collectively held a
new disguises, and still seek new was very poignant. He visited the service to celebrate the contribution
victims.” mosque in Manger Square. I was of Christian communities across the
I was pleased when I read that Sky there to meet him alongside the Ar- Holy Land and wider Middle East’.
quoted officials representing the menian, Greek and Anglican Church Finally, he gave a speech at a re-
prince as saying he was trying to re- representatives. It was also special ception held in our Franciscan guest
main ‘neutral’ in the course of his seeing that we were altogether in the house, the Casa Nova for pilgrims.
trip – his first official visit to Israel Week of Christian Unity. The He was relaxed and so were the
and the Palestinian territories. Catholic scouts were out in full force many people gathered there to meet
I was also in Jerusalem many with their drums and bagpipes and, him. He spoke with as many people
years ago when his father, Prince despite the rain, it was a very joyful as he could and everyone was de-
Philip, came to visit his mother’s atmosphere. lighted with the occasion.
tomb at the Russian Orthodox We led him to the Basilica and He concluded his time with us by
Church of St Mary Magdalene on the when we arrived at the manager in saying: “And I can only join you, and
Mount of Olives. And, in fact, he re- the Basilica of the Nativity, the Cus- all communities, in your prayers for
ferred to his grandmother, Princess tos led the Prince down to that very a just and lasting peace. We must
Alice of Greece, who was posthu- spot where Christ was born and pursue this cause with faith and de-
mously honoured for protecting a where his mother, Mary, had laid termination, striving to heal the
Jewish family during the Nazi occu- him in the manager. Seeing as there wounds which have caused such
pation of Greece. were only a few of us present at that pain.”
The prince also met with Israeli moment it was quiet and calm. He He then added: “It is my dearest
President Reuven Rivlin at the Israeli had space and time and was able to wish that the future will bring free-
presidential office in Jerusalem. I spend some tranquil moments in dom, justice and equality to all
can say from the several occasions I prayer. It was obvious he was visibly Palestinians, enabling you to thrive
have met the president, both at his moved. and to prosper.”
home and this year he came to visit We then made our way to the
us at our monastery, he is a charm- Catholic Parish Church of the Nativ- • Fr John Luke Gregory OFM, is a
ing man. Sadly, shortly after his visit, ity where the relic of the crib re- member of Custodia Terrae
his dear wife Nechama died, whom I cently brought from Rome at the re- Sanctae.
The Catholic Universe | Friday 31st January 2020 05
News
Bishop urges Ireland to use its vote in election
The Bishop of Kerry has urged every- racy has served us well in the past the national campaign and many Ireland to have the opportunity to
one to cast his or her vote in next decade, when you take into account enjoy the media coverage. Most people live a full life”.
week’s Irish General Election, while both recovery from the collapse of love the spectacle of the count, right “Let us resolve to work together for
offering his best wishes to each of the the Celtic Tiger and Britain’s decision up to the last seat being filled. I en- the common good of all, with a special
candidates. to leave the EU. courage every person to cast their care for those in need,” he added.
Ahead of the 2020 Irish General “We have come through difficult vote,” he said. Bishop Browne pointed out a num-
Election, which will be held on Sat- times. In the Dáil and throughout the The bishop also urged people to ber of important challenges for voters
urday, 8th February, Bishop Ray land the atmosphere has remained respect the 160 representatives who to consider, including a living wage
Browne pointed out that each candi- quite healthy,” he said. will be elected to the 33rd Dail. for all in work; the grave housing
date is doing something that is “vital Speaking about the excitement and “May the TDs elected serve us well shortage and enabling all to have a
for democracy”. spectacle of the campaign and the and may we in turn show them due home; access to hospital care; the
“Best wishes to each candidate put- count itself, Bishop Browne urged respect and appreciation,” he said. needs of the farming community; and
ting their name forward to be elected everyone to make sure they vote in He said he hopes the election will the urgent need to care for the envi-
to a seat in the Dáil. What each is the election. provide everyone with “a renewed ronment. Photo: Valerie
doing is vital for democracy. There is “Some people love the local cam- sense that we are one united people Right, The Bishop of Kerry, Ray O’Sullivan, Irish
a need to appreciate that our democ- paign, others are more interested in and that we want everyone living in Browne. Bishops’ Conference.
All Ireland mourns Seamus Bishop offers
to mediate to
end gang war
Mallon, ‘architect of peace’ By Sarah Mac Donald
An Irish bishop has offered to mediate
between feuding criminal gangs in
The head of the Catholic Church in Drogheda in an effort to end violence
Ireland has spoken movingly of the that has claimed three lives in six
role played by Seamus Mallon in build- months.
ing peace in Northern Ireland, after The intervention by the Auxiliary
the former Stormont deputy first min- Bishop of Armagh, Michael Router,
ister died on Friday, 24th January, follows the brutal murder of 17-year-
aged 83. old Keane Mulready-Woods of Droghe-
Colleagues of the nationalist SDLP da in mid-January and the discovery
stalwart, including former leaders of the teenager’s remains at two sep-
Mark Durkan and Margaret Ritchie, arate locations in Dublin. The youth
and ex-first Ulster Unionist minister was a junior member of one of
Lord (David) Trimble, attended the Drogheda’s gangs. The gruesome dis-
service at St James’ Church near his memberment of his body has shocked
home in Markethill in rural Co Ar- the country.
magh. In the wake of the teen’s killing,
Current SDLP leader Colum East- Bishop Router, said: “All human life is
wood and party colleagues helped sacred, and an attack of this nature
carry his coffin into the small church on someone who is still a child is dis-
as a local GAA club formed a guard of gusting and beyond belief. This des-
honour at the door. ecration of life has diminished our
Hundreds of mourners packed the common humanity and our sense of
church and the adjacent church hall, ourselves as a civilised people.”
where the service was broadcast. “Something has to be done at this
Northern Ireland’s current First and The coffin of Seamus Mallon, the former deputy first minister of Northern stage to stop the violence,” Bishop
Deputy First Ministers Arlene Foster Ireland, is carried to Saint James of Jerusalem Church in Mullaghbrack, Co Router said.
and Michelle O’Neill, Taoiseach Leo Armagh. Inset, Seamus Mallon Main photo: Liam McBurney/PA “Nothing is lost by talking. It was
Varadkar, Fianna Fail leader Micheal the same in Northern Ireland; some-
Martin and Northern Ireland Secretary Mallon was a shining example of fishing reel, and some golf balls from one had to shout halt at some stage
Julian Smith attended the service, as someone who gives their life in a vo- Co Donegal club Rossapenna. to stop the bombings and the shoot-
did Pat Hume, the wife of former SDLP cation of service,” he said. SDLP deputy leader Nichola Mallon ings, and people had to swallow a lot
leader John. “Seamus spoke with the authority was among those who delivered read- of things in order to achieve that.”
Former Taoisigh Bertie Ahern and and vision that come from having ings during the service. Drogheda is divided by the River
Enda Kenny were also present. lived through the worst of the Troubles Mr Mallon was a former teacher Boyne, which also demarcates the
As Mr Mallon’s daughter, Orla, and personally played a central role who lived in Markethill, a largely Archdiocese of Armagh from the Dio-
watched on, the Archbishop of Ar- in the landmark events of our peace Protestant town, before becoming a cese of Meath. Parishes south of the
magh, Eamon Martin, hailed his con- process. politician. river are under the care of the Bishop
tribution to the peace process. “Seamus Mallon was unequivocally He was deputy leader of the SDLP of Meath, Tom Deenihan. On 19th
“Here was a loving father, husband, anti-violence. Like (Seamus) Heaney, from 1979 to 2001. January, he attended a prayer service
brother and grandfather,” he said. he saw the ongoing bloodshed of the He was a key figure in negotiating at Drogheda’s Holy Family Church,
“Here was a dedicated Catholic school past as a waste of life and a waste of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement and, seminal time in the history of the is- the dead teen’s parish. Bishop Deeni-
teacher and principal, a kindly and spirit. after his death, tributes were paid land of Ireland,” he said. han was joined at the service by Mul-
attentive neighbour, a man of many “He empathised from his heart with from across the political divide. Mr O’Connor hailed him as an out- ready-Woods’ sister and brother as
talents who wasted none of them. all those who were suffering and his Mr Mallon implemented the new- standing Irish parliamentary orator the congregation lit candles and
“Here was a wholesome human be- consistent condemnation of violence born political powersharing at the de- ranking alongside the likes of Daniel prayed for peace in their community.
ing who spent himself unselfishly for from whatever source often left him volved parliament at Stormont and O’Connell and Charles Stewart Par- Speaking after the service, Bishop
his family, his local community, his open to insult and unfair criticism. his former partner in government and nell. Deenihan warned that the feud “runs
country and for the common good. “But his principles, rooted in a ex-first minister Lord Trimble said he “Seamus Mallon was a giant of his the risk of degenerating into a cycle
“Here was a peacemaker, a ‘bridge- strong faith and in an unstinting com- was a committed democrat who lived time,” he said. of violence that will destroy everything
builder’, a leader, a statesman, and a mitment to a culture of life, remained up to his word. “That is why today, in this beautiful in its path”.
faithful worker for the Kingdom of steadfast in face of such opposition.” At the close of the service, Mr Mal- ceremony in this beautiful church, it In mid-January, taxi driver John
God.” Ahead of the funeral Mass, friends lon’s long-time friend, Tim O’Connor, is important that we take the oppor- Myles was shot twice as gangland
The archbishop said Mr Mallon had and family members took gifts sym- a former secretary-general to the Pres- tunity to reflect on, and give thanks criminals targeted his passenger, who
been determined to make a real dif- bolising Mr Mallon’s life to the altar. ident of Ireland, delivered a tribute. for, the sacrifice, endurance, courage was a member of a rival group. Bishop
ference and leave the world a better They included the former SDLP He described him as a “great chief- and leadership of a man whose con- Router said the shooting of an inno-
place than it was when he entered it. deputy leader’s own memoir, his maid- tain of Irish political life”. tribution has meant a better life and cent taxi driver has shown how ordi-
“People sometimes speak of the en speech in the House of Commons, “The annals will record Seamus future for every single one of us on nary people can be caught up in “very
‘noble vocation of politics’ and Seamus a photo of him with St John Paul II, a Mallon as one of the key leaders of a this island.” random” attacks.
06 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com
News/Comment
Alys with her
letter from
Sir David
Sir David’s
just great,
says Alys
A Catholic schoolgirl has been inspired
to be an advocate for a more sustain-
able planet after receiving an encour-
aging, unexpected letter from Sir David
Attenborough.
Passionate environmentalist Alys
Price-Jones, 10, admitted she was sur-
prised to receive the note of support
from the world-renowned natural his-
torian, who she considers “the greatest
living Englishman”, and vowed to
treasure the letter for the rest of her
life.
Alys, a pupil at Loreto Preparatory
School in Altrincham, Cheshire, sent
If only unborn babies had
her project on the planet’s threatened
ecology with a letter of explanation
to Sir David Attenborough – and was
amazed to receive a handwritten reply
by return of post.
the PR machine of the fox...
Sir David wrote ‘Alys, Thank you for
letter. You are quite right to be angry
about the damage human beings are
inflicting on the Earth and I hope you
will do what you can and where you
can to help. Best Wishes, David At-
tenborough.’ struggling to eke out a living, and Two weeks after Mr Maugham’s Planned Parenthood, and to UK pro-
CATHOLIC anyone who has ever lived in the unfortunate episode, new research abortion networks. While his re-
Alys, who lives in Sale, said: “I COMMENT
couldn’t believe he could find time to country knows that the anthropo- was published which has so far got search doesn’t, incredibly, alter his
write to me. He’s is definitely the great- morphised cuddly and benign Mr very little traction in the media, but opinion about the ethics of abortion
est living Englishman and someone Caroline Fox of the popular imagination, is in
reality a ruthless and savage killer,
which ought to outrage us every sin-
gle bit as the helpless fox tangled up
as a valid choice, he says that the
practice of not discussing foetal pain
that I and all my friends look up to
and respect. I will treasure this letter Farrow who will happily rip baby lambs out in the wire, as this involves innocent with pregnant women or discussing
for the rest of my life; my mum is of pregnant ewes for his sport. baby humans. Whereas those in the option of pain relief, ‘flirts with
going to get it framed.” On Boxing Day, lawyer Jolyon However, human beings have the favour of abortion have always moral recklessness’.
Alys added: “It is up to everyone, Maugham QC, who was regarded as power of rational thinking and if an sought to convince society that un- As might be expected, all of the
young and old, to make a difference. a hero by the Remain movement, animal needs to be culled, there are born babies are incapable of feeling major UK abortion providers are
Protests are all well and good, but it managed to throw away his popular- plenty of ways to do it far more pain, new scientific analysis has frantically denying the validity of
is action we need – to reduce the use ity with a series of ill-advised tweets. quickly and humanely than repeated demonstrated that babies might be this research and claiming that
of plastic bags and bottles, use more He had woken up early to the blunt force trauma to the head. able to feel pain as early as 13 weeks nothing has changed, but it is utterly
renewable energy and reduce the sound of his chickens making an I was recently reflecting on what in gestation. chilling when one considers that not
amount of red meat we all eat. enormous din and suspected that the Gospels have to say about care Even more astonishing, the re- only are a large number of unborn
“I recycle now. I prefer to walk than once again an intruder was attempt- for the environment, thanks to the search has not emanated from a children having their lives unneces-
have mum and dad take me on short ing to get at them. joys of the RE GCSE syllabus and pro-life scientist, but rather a man sarily terminated, but it is happen-
journeys and I am trying to eat more Throwing on his wife’s kimono- while Jesus was silent on the matter, who supports abortion and who ing in a way which causes them pain
plants, and we can all do the same. I style dressing-gown, our illustrious it’s very clear from Genesis that wrote in the BMJ in 2006 that it was and distress. It’s never acceptable to
am always on at my mum and dad QC grabbed a baseball bat and while we may have been gifted do- sound practice to avoid talking with take the life of another, but to know-
about this and to be fair, they are rushed outside whereupon he found minion over the animals, we are also pregnant women about pain relief ingly do so in a way which causes
taking it on board and agree with me. a foxy predator entangled in the wire stewards and this is not something for the baby about to be aborted, be- suffering is beyond callous and bor-
“I wish there were more people like fence. At this point he clubbed the we should abuse. It’s perfectly possi- cause there was no evidence that ders on the psychopathic.
Sir David Attenborough and fewer animal to death, after which he ble and, indeed, advisable to cull an these children could feel pain. There Commenting on this story, Lord
like Donald Trump,” Alys added. “He posted a series of tweets boasting animal population which is getting is sufficient evidence to suggest that Alton noted that a Parliamentary re-
seems more concerned with politics, about his actions. out of control, such as in the case of the cortex of the brain – that’s the view of abortion time limits is well
weaponry and getting himself re-elect- His reputation was shredded rabbits in Australia, who should outer part of the brain which is overdue, given that the last time this
ed than the future of the planet.” within moments. never have been there in the first wired up to feel pain – is fully devel- was discussed was 12 years ago in
Loreto Preparatory School head It was yet another salutary lesson place, but we don’t have to glorify in oped by 18 weeks, and possibly even 2008, but the unpalatable fact is that
teacher Anne Roberts said: “Alys is a about the perils of social media, as the bloody massacre and infliction earlier. One study demonstrates that at least 6,000 abortions which take
very bright and compassionate girl the response to his tweets showed of pain on another living creature. even patients who have a brain in- place over the stage of 18 weeks, in-
and like all of our pupils is very con- that public was clearly sickened by What became known as ‘foxgate’ jury resulting in a severely damaged cluding in some cases right up until
cerned about our planet’s. Maugham’s sadistic brutality and the dominated headlines for days and cortex, can feel pain; therefore, there birth, are capable of causing pain to
“Sir David must receive so many way in which he appeared to derive once again I was struck by how the is no reason to assume that unborn the baby as they die.
requests so all of us at Loreto Prepara- great amusement from the incident. nation seems to unite in outrage babies cannot, especially as they re- It’s just a shame that an unborn
tory School, pupils and teachers alike, I hold no brief for foxes whatso- over unnecessary suffering and cru- spond to stimuli. baby doesn’t have the same cuteness
were delighted that he has recognised ever; I know full well the devastation elty inflicted on wildlife, yet is deter- The author of the article, Stuart value as a fox.
the excellence of Alys’ school project. that they cause to the farming com- minedly silent when it comes to the Derbyshire, acts as a consultant to • Caroline Farrow is a Catholic
What a wonderful man.” munity, many of whom are already fate of unborn children. the USA’s largest abortion provider, journalist and broadcaster
The Catholic Universe | Friday 31st January 2020 07
To advertise in The Catholic Universe contact Andrea Black on 0161 820 5722
or email andrea.black@thecatholicuniverse.com
News
UK bribing Northern Ireland
mums to have abortions
Northern Ireland’s leading pro-life for more funding for crisis pregnancy source centres in Northern Ireland Westminster Government, saying it
group Precious Life has called for bet- support. despite these figures reaffirming that created policies that “incentivised
ter support for women in unplanned “With Stormont back up and run- there is a desperate need for such women, often in the most difficult
pregnancies, following the publication ning, it is now imperative that the funding. situations, to go through with abor-
of new Northern Ireland abortion sta- Department of Health invest massive “Surely in the year 2020, we can tions, which many later live to regret
tistics. funding in crisis pregnancy resource offer compassionate, humane and and suffer the consequences of.
The figures show a rise in the num- centres to make sure that women are progressive options for women as op- “The British Government has be-
Mgr Philip to be bers of women from Northern Ireland
travelling to Britain for abortions, up
given real help and all of their options.
Currently, there is absolutely no gov-
posed to offering them the death of
their baby.”
trayed women with their policy of of-
fering abortion free of charge, and
22 per cent since the UK government ernment funding for pregnancy re- Ms Smyth was also critical of the with travel expenses included.”
new rector of began paying for abortions in 2017.
Bernadette Smyth, head of Precious Bernadette Smyth pictured with
national shrine Life, said the rise in abortions is deeply
troubling and further proof that preg-
fellow pro-life supporters
Mgr Canon Philip Moger is to become nant women were being let down by
the next rector of the National Shrine politicians.
of Our Lady of Walsingham in Norfolk. “The statistics reveal a catastrophic
Mgr Moger, currently the parish failure of the Northern Ireland gov-
priest of St John Mary Vianney in ernment, and society, when their re-
Leeds, will take up his new responsi- sponse to women in unplanned preg-
bilities in September 2020. nancies is only to offer the death of
He replaces Mgr John Armitage, their unborn children,” she said.
who has come to the end of his five- “The absence of a functioning gov-
year term. ernment for almost three years and
The Bishop of Leeds, Marcus Stock, the failure to provide life-affirming
admitted he is “reluctant” to see Mgr alternatives for women has created a
Moger leave the diocese but expressed dire and hopeless situation for mothers
his delight at his new appointment. and unborn babies in Northern Ire-
“I am delighted that we have a priest land,” she said.
of such talent and ability leading one “We need to provide hope, not abor-
of the Catholic Church’s important tion to these women. Nothing is ever
national institutions,” said Bishop made better by the death and de-
Stock, “but I know that Mgr Moger struction of an unborn child. It is clear
will be sorry to leave the parish of St that women are not being properly
John Mary Vianney in Leeds, only a supported, and are subsequently
year after having taken up his pressing a panic button.”
appointment there last summer.” Ms Smyth also highlighted the need
Welsh parents’ dismay as The Society of the Sacred Heart
they lose right to withdraw Explore, listen,
children from sex ed classes discover
Nick Benson
A national parents’ advocacy group
extended to the appropriate role of
the state in education on these matters
state. And critically, parents are being
denied their right to bring up their
God’s call ...
has condemned the Welsh Govern- and what and how learners will be children in line with their own beliefs
ment’s decision to make Relationships
and Sexuality Education (RSE) a com-
taught,” she added.
Ms Williams said significant feed-
and values.”
Ms Tully said Safe at School will be
Vocation Discernment
pulsory school subject in all schools
in Wales.
back would be collected and trials
undertaken before the new curriculum
supporting and advising parents in
Wales about what they can do to work Weekend
From 2021, parents in Wales will begins in September 2022. with schools to make sure that the
no longer be able to withdraw their
children from lessons on relationships
Calling the decision a “fundamental
breach of parental rights”, Safe at
new subject does not expose their
children to unacceptable and inap-
Friday 28th February 5pm -
and sexuality.
The Welsh Government began a
School said that parents in Wales will
be “powerless to protect their children”
propriate teaching.
She also warned that parents are
Sunday 1st March 2020 2pm
project in October collecting feedback from teaching on LGBT+ and other also under attack from Ofsted.
on changing the curriculum to remove sensitive matters. “Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, Amanda
216A Wingrove Road
“This is a staggering move by the Speilman, is now criticising the Gov-
the option for parents to stop children
studying Religious Education (RE) and Welsh Government,” said Antonia ernment for not doing enough to stop
Fenham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE4 9DD
RSE, Education Minister Kirsty Tully of the Safe at School campaign. parents from protesting about teach-
Williams said in a statement. “88.7 per cent of those who responded ing on relationships which they find For single Catholic women open to a possible call to religious
“After careful consideration of the to their own public consultation last unacceptable,” she said. life.
responses, I can confirm that there year said that parents should be able ‘Parents are being turned into the
A weekend retreat of prayer, discussion, reflection, community...
will not be a right to withdraw from to withdraw their children from LGBT+ enemies of their children, as well as
RE and RSE as part of the new cur- classes. the state. If our governments were se- a time to discern, to ask questions, to be with others on a
riculum. This change will require care- “Once again, parents are being to- rious about equipping children for similar journey...
ful and sensitive implementation,” tally ignored,” she continued. “The life in 21st century, they would be
she said. Welsh Government has effectively tak- harnessing the support and active en-
For further information contact Sr Barbara Sweeney:-
The responses were varied and en over the education of children and gagement of parents. T: 0191 272 3000 Mob: 07752 300056
showed “strong and deeply held con- teenagers in the sensitive and intimate “Parents know and understand their E: societyofthesacredheart@gmail.com
cerns. areas of human relationships and sex- children best. Let them teach their
“These went further than the ques- uality. own children about relationships and www.societysacredheart.org.uk
tion of right to withdraw itself, and “This is the task of parents, not the sexuality.” www.societyofthesacredheartvocations.co.uk
08 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com
Comment Follow the Catholic Universe on twitter @ukcatholicpress
Aquinas: A
prayer
Durham is proof we all need
guide
John
to move on from the past
Battle POLITICAL
COMMENT
This week (28th January) saw the
Church mark the feast-day of the
great Dominican scholastic
Leon
philosopher and theologian, St Spence
Thomas Aquinas.
For centuries well respected for
his intellect, Thomas Aquinas’s Last month’s General Election was a
legacy are his ‘Summa’, a cate- watershed moment in the political
chetical summary of our faith geography of Great Britain. As
built on his deep questioning and dozens of former Labour stronghold
his detailed scriptural ‘Commen- seats fell across Wales, the Midlands
taries’. and the North, that famed ‘red wall’
For most of us today his works of the party’s heartland constituen-
are difficult reading and they do cies was breached brick by brick.
require good guides. Most Thousands upon thousands of
Catholics, though, know him voters, I’m sure many Universe read-
through a handful of hymns: the ers among them, thought about an-
traditional O SalutarisHostia, cestors spinning in their graves be-
Pange Lingua and its short form, fore entering the privacy of the
Tantum Ergo Sacramentum polling booth and putting their mark
which featured at Benediction, next to a Conservative tree emblem,
while Fr Gerard Manley Hopkins’ perhaps for the very first time.
translation of his poem Godhead In my own village, a former min-
here in hiding is still sung at Mass ing community lost to the Tories in Brass bands and banners parade
today. 2010, I heard coalminers – veterans through Durham during the Durham
But it is St Thomas as a man of of the 1984 dispute – say that Labour Miners’ Gala.
prayer and a guide to the spiritual had lost them, that they would be
life centred on faith in the Real voting for ‘Boris’ to get Brexit done. Photo: Owen Humphreys/PA
Presence that is less remem- It is truly astonishing to think how
bered. In our Church’s Roman times have changed. and preach from the balcony of the a celebration of the history of mining It is impossible to equate Thatcher’s
Missal for Sundays are some Arguably the most totemic of County Hotel. and trade unionism or it is a rally for Conservative Party of the 1980’s – a
prayers before and after com- Labour’s losses last month were in It is a wonderful day and one intri- the far left. party that legislated for the homo-
munion featuring two great po- those former coalfields where pit cately entangled with the history of If it is the former then many, phobic Section 28 – with the current
ems by St Thomas Aquinas. The gates have long since been closed the trade union movement – a many former coalminers just last party which legislated for equal mar-
first opens thus: ‘ Almighty and and new industries and distribution movement which historically saw it- month voted for a Conservative gov- riage. No matter your views on either
ever-living God, I approach the hubs have taken over. self as the enemies of Conservatism, ernment; so did their families and of those issues, no one could argue
sacrament of your only beloved Even for me the defeat of that capitalism and, perhaps most of all, loved ones – enough to elect four that today’s Tory party is intellectu-
Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. I come great socialist warrior Dennis Skinner Margaret Thatcher. Tory MPs in Durham. In fact, polling ally in the same place as the one of
sick to the doctor of life, unclean in his Bolsover fiefdom tugged at the Despite the Tories’ victories, then, carried out on the run up to the 40 years ago.
to the fountain of mercy, blind to heartstrings; a political pugilist tak- perhaps it came as little surprise General Election showed that across But let’s put politics to one side.
the radiance of eternal life and ing one fight too many with, per- that last week, when asked whether the country just 35 per cent of mem- Most people simply do not care
poor and needy to the Lord of haps, the inevitable result. the region’s new Conservative MPs bers of Unite – the largest trade about that old tribal hatred anymore.
heaven and earth. In the North seat after seat turned from the now majority Tory County union – planned to vote Labour. A few years ago my local council
‘Lord, in your generosity, heal blue on the electoral map: Barrow of Durham would be welcome at the If it is the latter then, frankly, I can’t asked me, a Conservative, if I would
my sickness, wash away my de- and Furness, Blackpool South, Blyth gala, Alan Mardghum, president of see any reason why a Conservative be prepared to take over as Chair of
filement, enlighten my blindness, Valley, Bolton North East, Burnley the Durham Miners Association, was MP would want to attend either. Trustees at my village’s Miners Wel-
enrich my poverty and clothe my and Bury’s North and South. And less than welcoming. But in truth, for most people, the fare centre. For various reasons the
nakedness. that’s just the Bs. In an interview with a regional history of the pits is why they are charity had hit hard times and I un-
‘May I receive the sacrament of And up in the North East, in BBC reporter Mardghum said: “To there. hesitatingly said yes.
the Lord’s body and blood and its County Durham, four of the seven paraphrase (Boris) Johnson, I would You see, most people don’t have In the years that followed not one
reality and power’. parliamentary constituencies turned rather be found dead in a ditch than the hatred for the Conservatives that single person has questioned why a
His parallel prayer after com- blue, including the defeat of invite them, or Johnson, to the gala. Mr Mardghum and his socialist Conservative is managing a Miners
munion includes the words ‘May Labour’s rising star Laura Pidcock in He continued: “They [the Conser- comrades do. Welfare. It just isn’t an issue. It’s peo-
this holy communion... be a hel- Durham North West; had she been vaties] did their best to absolutely This year marks 30 years since Mrs ple from a village mucking in and
met of faith and a shield of good returned as an MP she would almost destroy the Durham miners and the Thatcher left Downing Street; 35 working together because we are
will, may it purify me from evil certainly be playing a major role in miners of Great Britain.” years since the end of the miners’ more than one label.
ways and put an end to my evil the current leadership race. And, perhaps more ominously, on strike. Mrs T has moved firmly from I don’t know if Mr Mardghum
passions. In many ways the loss of those the subject of what would happen if the section marked ‘current affairs’ reads the Catholic Universe, I hope
‘May it bring me charity and four seats in County Durham is the Conservative MPs did attend, to one marked ‘history’. There are lit- he does, but I would love to tell him
patience, humility and obedience most symbolic of all in Labour’s de- Mardghum said “Can I stop them erally people who are now grandpar- that Conservatives don’t hate trade
and growth in the power to do feat. Bishop Auckland and Durham coming to Durham? It’s a free country ents who were not born when the unions – in many ways, unions do a
good’. North West had both been rock solid … but I would suggest that if any of miners’ strike ended. remarkable job helping their mem-
Both prayers (each a page long) Labour since 1935, likewise Sedge- them are thinking of coming in, that There comes a time when we all bers when they hit hard times.
are power packs of deep faith field had for many years been the they speak to the police, who do an need to move on. It may be hard to The truth is, Conservatives are our
sentences. constituency of Tony Blair – Labour’s absolutely marvellous job of ensur- do but it is essential, for our own friends and neighbours who care as
For St Thomas, contemplation most successful ever leader. ing all of our personal security. wellbeing, that we do it. passionately about their communi-
was the source of his work. As the It was especially poignant because “So, they might need to speak to There had to be a time when, as a ties as anyone.
Wisdom scripture reading on his every year, on the second Saturday the police to make sure that they’re nation, we moved on from our post- The time has come to move on. So
feast day reminds us, ‘I prayed of July, Durham hosts the largest an- safe on the day.” war hatred of Germany; a time when the message to Durham is invite
and understanding was given’. nual gathering of trade unionists in Now, let us put to one side for a Stan Boardman and Freddie Starr’s your local Conservative MPs to the
For more on this remarkable Britain, the Durham Miners’ Gala. minute the rather unsavoury sug- jokes about the ‘Germans’ ceased to Big Meeting.
man and to capture the essence Around 100,000 people congre- gestion that any Conservative MP be current. I’m sure they will enjoy it, and you
of his spirutality and scripture, gate for ‘The Big Meeting’. Historic attending may need police protection That same time has come for might find they’re nicer than you
perhaps try the very accessible trade union banners are processed for their safety, and let’s focus on the those who hate Margaret Thatcher, it might imagine.
Aquinas at Prayer by Paul Murray through the streets; brass bands play here and now. has come because as a nation we Leon is a writer, political
OP (Bloomsbury 2013). and speakers and luminaries gather The Durham Miners’ Gala is either have moved on. commentator and charity trustee
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