The Holy Irritant

Introducing the Prayer Cycle

2012-02-02T13:14:00.000-08:00

A new feature o this blog is the World Council of Churches "Ecumenical Prayer Cycle" at the top of the page. I offer this opportunity for reflection and prayer with the hope that readers will share this practice. As music and song have been integral to my spirituality and faith I also invite you to enter into song with this new round from Lutheran pastor, Per Harling. The text and music are available as a pdf file as well as an interview with the composer.

Click here for text and musical notation.
Interview with composer Per Harling

‘The Significance of Islam in Modern Europe’

2012-01-31T02:33:00.000-08:00

http://socialsciences.exeter.ac.uk/sociology/staff/davie/biography/

The Centre for the Study of Contemporary Muslim Societies at the University of Western Sydney invites you to attend the second in its 2012 Public Lecture Series:

‘The Significance of Islam in Modern Europe’

Speaker: Professor Grace Davie, University of Exeter, UK

Date: Wednesday 14 March, 2012

Time: 13:30-15:00

Venue: UWS Bankstown Campus Building 1 Level 1 Room 119

Afternoon tea will served. Please RSVP to e.garcia@uws.edu.au by Friday 9 March.

Abstract

There are now sizeable Muslim communities in many European societies. Their presence is a major topic of public debate, often for the wrong reasons. This paper considers the disquiet that lies behind these not very well-informed commentaries; it then places the discussion in a broader perspective. Several factors must be taken into account if we are to understand the significance of religion in modern Europe and the place of Islam within this. They include cultural heritage; vicarious religion (the old model); a shift from obligation to consumption (the new model); new arrivals (including Muslims); secular reactions; and a rapidly changing global context. Each of these factors will be taken in turn.

Grace Davie is professor emeritus in the Sociology of Religion in the University of Exeter. She is a past-president of the American Association for the Sociology of Religion (2003) and of the Research Committee 22 (Sociology of Religion) of the International Sociological Association (2002-06). In 2000-01 she was the Kerstin-Hesselgren Professor in the University of Uppsala, where she returned for the 2006-07 academic session and again in 2010. In January 2008, she received an honorary degree from Uppsala.

In addition to numerous chapters and articles, she is the author of Religion in Britain since 1945 (Blackwell 1994), Religion in Modern Europe (OUP 2000), Europe: the Exceptional Case (DLT 2002) and The Sociology of Religion(Sage 2007); she co-author of Religious America, Secular Europe (Ashgate 2008), and co-editor of Predicting Religion (Ashgate 2003) and Welfare and Religion in 21^st Century Europe (2 vols) (Ashgate 2010 and 2011).

Alain De Botton "Religion for Atheists" in Bribane

2012-01-30T20:58:00.000-08:00

Alain De Botton "Religion for Atheists"

TWO EVENTS ON THE ONE NIGHT

Friday 24th February

Conservatorium Theater Griffith University
140 Grey Street South Brisbane

Early Session 5.30 for 6.00 Start
Second Session 7.30 for an 8.00pm start

Tickets Adults $27 Concession $24 Bulk purchase $20 (six or more)

RSVP essential 3846 3422 or ONLINE

Daring to be Family Conference Adelaide 2012

2012-01-25T15:48:00.000-08:00

http://www.unitingnetworkaustralia.org.au/

Uniting Network Australia is the national network for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people, their families, friends and supporters within the Uniting Church in Australia. We proudly participate in helping the Church wrestle with issues of faith, sexuality and membership and work for greater inclusivity within the Church. Find us on Facebook!

Essential Reading re Bishop Bill Morris

2012-01-21T14:42:00.000-08:00

This post got an honorable mention in the CathNews Blogwatch recently.

One bishop that Incognita hesitates to defend is Bishop Bill Morris. Holy Irritant does not venture into analysis, but in a weekend post titled “Essential Reading re Bishop Bill Morris”, he does provide some useful links, including an after the fact canonical reflection by canon lawyer Father Ian Waters.

I originally published this post as act an of solidarity with Bishop Bill Morris and those who have supported his claim of unjust treatment. I hope readers will examine the analysis of these documents in the articles from Frank Brennan, Andrew Hamilton and Mick Kelly. They provide informed and theologically sound reading which is more than I could say of the dismissive ramblings of the bog at Australia Incognito. I notice that this blogger shows a preference for the northern hemisphere rather than her home territory in her reference to the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.I wonder if this an attempt to be "more Catholic than the Pope"?

The Memorandum of Hon W J Carter QC
A clear and detailed examination of the events which show that Bishop Morris was denied procedural fairness and natural justice. ABC Radio National Interview Vatican denies Natural Justice

Canonical reflection by Rev Ian Waters JCD PhD
In accordance with Canon 19, the Holy See, departing from the earlier precedents for the removal of Australian bishops, could have designed a process similar to the process for removal of a parish priest, thereby according procedural fairness and natural justice consistent with the Code of Canon Law. This was not done. I respectfully concur with Mr Carter’s conclusion that “Bishop Morris
has denied procedural fairness and natural justice.

Recent Commentaries in response to these documents

For Catholic Christians who see the papacy as a crucial part of Christ's church the memorandum is also disturbing. In Catholic faith the Pope plays the same part as Peter in strengthening the faith of the brethren. Pope Benedict said that, when dismissing bishops popes are not bound by process. But the report shows that beneath this apparent absence of process in fact lay an unfair process that damaged the reputation of a good man.

Andrew Hamilton SJ

For over a hundred years, civil society has seen the point of due process and protecting human beings’ natural rights. Officially the Church doesn’t recognise them and Bishop Morris is only one case of the Church’s failure to recognise them.

Until the Church does recognise them, all the carry on about social justice will sound as hollow as promises to do something about sexual abuse without a protocol for professional standards does. Michael Kelly SJ

Just because there is no legal remedy, that is no reason for the people of God not to reflect acutely on their treatment of each other in God's name. Respectful dialogue with Toowoomba's church leaders would be a good start

Frank Brennan SJ

Wisdom from Jean Vanier

2012-01-19T13:27:00.001-08:00

An Insight from Jung

Carl Jung in one of his letters says this: I find you Christians a very good people. When you see somebody in prison, you see Jesus. When you see somebody hungry, you give him food and see Jesus. When you see someone naked, you see Jesus. But what I don't understand is why you don't see Jesus in your own poverty. Why is it that you see him in the poor that are outside of you but you don't in the poor one that is inside of you?

Jean Vanier

Celebrating UN World Interfaith Harmony Week in Brisbane

2012-01-18T17:27:00.000-08:00

The World Interfaith Harmony Week

The World Interfaith Harmony Week was first proposed at the UN General Assembly on September 23, 2010 by H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan. Just under a month later, on October 20, 2010, it was unanimously adopted by the UN and henceforth the first week of February will be observed as a World Interfaith Harmony Week.

The World Interfaith Harmony Week is based on the pioneering work of The Common Word initiative. This initiative, which started in 2007, called for Muslim and Christian leaders to engage in a dialogue based on two common fundamental religious Commandments; Love of God, and Love of the Neighbour, without nevertheless compromising any of their own religious tenets. The Two commandments are at the heart of the three Monotheistic religions and therefore provide the most solid theological ground possible

Research Project into Interfaith Spirituality and Young People

2012-01-18T04:03:00.000-08:00

Vivienne Benton is a PhD research student looking at spirituality and youth, and hoping to enlist the help of some volunteers from Interfaith backgrounds to participate in her project.

Participation would include answering an online questionnaire, being interviewed about your faith and other aspects of the world you see around you, and possibly participating in a public event the researcher and participants would design together.

The study would begin in March 2012 and would require the time you take to complete the questionnaire, an hour interview and then a design phase for the event which should be covered in a workshop of 3 hours and 2 rehearsals of approximately an hour each.

Viv is looking for volunteers in the 15 to 25 age group, perhaps a little older. She believes this is an important study, and would be most appreciative of your assistance. Please contact Viv via the details below:

Vivienne Benton

PhD Scholar

School of History, Philosophy, Religion and Classics

University of Queensland St Lucia

Brisbane Queensland

phone:03 9752 1089

mobile: 0409 438 718

email:viv@benton.net.au

Your Brisbane: Past and Present: Holy Name Cathedral site

2012-01-14T14:12:00.000-08:00

There are quite a number of Brisbane Bloggers recording life and history of this great city I have adopted as my home. This post provides a snapshot of Catholic history in Brisbane in the Duhig era

.Your Brisbane: Past and Present: Holy Name Cathedral site

The sale of Duhig's dream cathedral site proved a financial coup for the Archdiocese and in 1989 the renovated Cathedral of St Stephen re-opened to reveal one of Australia's most innovative interpretation of restoration.

In the meanwhile the Australian Bishops have improved their financial acumen. They have managed to rebuild regional Cathedrals in Parramatta and Bunbury as well as completing major Cathedrals in Sydney and Perth,. Not so sure that Duhig would get too excited about the nice piece of real estate in Rome

Qld Petition re Homosexual provocation defense

2012-01-13T15:09:00.000-08:00

http://maryboroughatholicnewsletter.blogspot.com/

The Maryborough Catholic Parish Web is not exactly one of the most attractive or readable Church sites you would want to visit. However what makes it stand out from the average parish web site or even exiled parishes is the following headline appeal:

Please sign the following online petition: It is asking the Queensland Government and ministers to commit to eradicating a Partial defence in criminal law that a victim had made a homosexual proposition to the offender, thus somehow mitigating against violent bashing that leads to death. Please click here.

I support this petition, the work of local priest, Fr Paul Kelly. Kelly is no stranger to media. He has his own youtube channel and a growing reputation as a "singing priest". The Gay press club have taken up this news item and I wonder if the photogenic pastor may not be invited as the guest celeb at this year's Mardi Gras!!!

The infamous "Temple Police" also may have Kelly in their sights now. You can pick their web sites by the giveaway Lain titles. Over at Vexilla Regis Paul Kelly is photographed in association with another priest Anthony Mellor who is being pursued for his "unorthodox writings" for Brisbane Catholic Education. Among those who "follow" this scurrilous web publication are a couple of Paul and Anthony's fellow clergy. I wonder if they will promote or sign the petition?

I certainly hope you will dear reader!!

Joy Radio Podcast: OTL_12 Jan 2012_pod.mp3

Streetwise: a U2charist

2012-01-09T20:17:00.000-08:00

a U2charist with Peter B & friends

St Andrews Anglican Church South Brisbane
Sat 21 Jan 2012 ... 7pm

A U2Charist' (also spelled eU2charist or U2 Eucharist) is a communion service, or Eucharist, accompanied by U2 songs in lieu of traditional hymns and sometimes as part or all of the service music. The music can be played from a CD or, in less common cases, performed by a live band.

The U2charist was initially started in the U.S. Episcopal Church but has been adapted by several other denominations. It is typically a liturgical service (including communion) that features the music of the rock band U2 and a message about God's call to rally around the Millennium Development Goals. The U2charist is held by supporters to be a great opportunity to reach out to people in their congregations and larger communities, especially young people, with messages of global reconciliation and justice for the poor and oppressed. Bono, U2's lead singer, has been a particularly vocal proponent of the Millennium Development Goals, and has been proclaimed as a global MDG ambassador. The U2charist seeks to raise awareness of the MDGs and call people worldwide to a deeper faith and engagement with God's mission. (Read more here)

Streetwise is a musical, narrative and spiritual stirring out of the posture of terra nullius, which occupies our silences about who we are, how we got here, where we live, and what we do here in Brisbane. As Australia Day approaches, Peter B & friends bring the music of U2 into contact with the lives and movements of all who gather at St Andrews Anglican Church on Saturday evening on the 21st January, 2012.

A local post-modern take on the age-old eucharist, The Streetwise way to St Andrews in January reveals one of the creation narratives of Brisbane city. From Brisbane City Hall, cross the Victoria Bridge. Pass the Art Gallery, up Melbourne St, and be sure to use Merivale St and Vulture St.

Come on a journey with us and you may travel these streets the same way again. This one is for U2 fans, lovers of local history, and those who still haven't found what they're looking for.

Twelth Day of Christmas: Epiphany

2012-01-05T17:59:00.000-08:00

It's an amzing world isn't it? In the Northern winter today's religious celebrations include a bracing swim to recover a cross thrown into the waters. There is also a ritual blessing of the waters and the craft who sail in them.

Here in the Land Downunder we are soaking up the sun and diving for pleasure.It's just another weekday for most people and some may use wikianswers as a guide to taking down their decorations on this day. However, the best local content for today's celebration come from blogging mate Michael Carden:

Today is Epiphany Day. Originally January 6 was the date of Christmas in the Eastern Churches. The Emperor Constantine adopted December 25 in line with Western Church practice and gradually through the 4th century, it became the standard date for Christmas. The only exception was the Armenian Church. Armenia was an independent kingdom and had adopted Christianity a few years before Constantine made Christianity a licit religion in the Roman Empire. The Armenians kept to the older date and thus observe Christmas today. Read more from Michael Carden's blog here

Eleventh Day of Christmas: The Journey

2012-01-04T13:59:00.001-08:00

Tenth Day of Christmas: Light that Shines Through The Cracks

2012-01-03T12:31:00.000-08:00

Ring the bells that still can ring

Forget your perfect offering

There is a crack in everything

That’s how the light gets in
Leonord Cohen Anthem

Kristian Anderson died on January 2 2012 following a two year battle with cancer. . His blog is a testimony to faith love and confronting the ultimate in life. This is a Christmas message for all time.

http://howthelightgetsin.net/

Ninth Day of Christmas: Commit to Non Violence

2012-01-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

http://avecmumbaidbys.blogspot.com/2011/09/prayer-service-non-violence-gandhi.html

One of the inspiring writers and leaders in contemporary religion is the Jesuit, John Dear. What a great name for a Jesuit.Their heroes carry some exotic and famous names so it's quite touching to have among their ranks a guy whose name seems so pedestrian it suggests anyone can be a Jesuit.Well, any male at least.

For Christmas John Dear published this piece: Christmas challenge for a nonviolent Australia

"I hope people of faith in Australia will speak out with renewed vigour against the US military and pursue the Christmas vision of peace. I hope they will organise and build a nonviolent movement to turn away the US military presence and herald the coming of a new nonviolent Australia."

In his New Year reflection Dear offers one way into this nonviolent movement. he invites people of Christian Faith to Vow of Non Violence as a religious act. I publish this text here as part of my own commitment and an invitation to readers to join me.

RECOGNIZING THE VIOLENCE IN MY OWN HEART, yet trusting in the goodness and mercy of God, I vow for one year to practice the nonviolence of Jesus who taught us in the Sermon on the Mount:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons and daughters of God…You have learned how it was said, ‘You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy’; but I say to you, Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you. In this way, you will be daughters and sons of your Creator in heaven.”

Before God the Creator and the Sanctifying Spirit, I vow to carry out in my life the love and example of Jesus

by striving for peace within myself and seeking to be a peacemaker in my daily life;
by accepting suffering rather than inflicting it;
by refusing to retaliate in the face of provocation and violence;
by persevering in nonviolence of tongue and heart;
by living conscientiously and simply so that I do not deprive others of the means to live;
by actively resisting evil and working nonviolently to abolish war and the causes of war from my own heart and from the face of the earth.

God, I trust in Your sustaining love and believe that just as You gave me the grace and desire to offer this, so You will also bestow abundant grace to fulfill it.

Click on these links for a PDF version of the Vow of Nonviolence inEnglish and Spanish.

Eighth Day of Christmas: Beware of the Cutters

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

http://emmock.com/2011/01/01/bible-blog-335/

Welcome to January 1st. In the "Land of the Long Weekend" this is the day to recover from the NYE parties and celebrations. It\s a day at the beach or home with a 'Barby".

The Church struggles to get a full house on this day although there is a bonus when it falls on a Sunday as has happened this year.

In good old Catholic Tradition this day was known as the Feast of the Circumcision of the Lord. Yes, it is the only Catholic feast for a medical procedure. As with all great Biblical accounts there is a picture gallery available on google.

Circumcision gets some pretty good press in the Scriptures as a popular practice and metaphor. By the time you have worked through the Hebrew Scriptures and made your way to some of Paul's letters you get to the most cutting of his statements: "Beware of the cutters," (Ph.3:2). So, there you have it, time to stop infant circumcision!! If Paul was around today he would probably join one of the Facebook pages against infant circumcision.

Thanks to this feast we also have a great new word for scrabble: prepuce. The Holy Prepuce or the story of the foreskin relics is another contribution of Catholicism to the religious entertainment industry. It seems that we can also learn ab it from Michelangelo about this practice.

The United Nations Theme for 2012: The International Year of Cooperatives
In Australia we will celebrate The National Year of Reading

Seventh Day of Christmas: Day to Take Stock

2011-12-31T00:00:00.000-08:00

It hasn't taken long for the "Christmas Sales"signs to be replaced by "Stocktake Sales" in the major stores around our cities.These sales are basically incentives to add to our consumer appetite at bargain prices

Today can also be a great day to "take stock" of life as the year draws to a close. Our new year resolutions are best informed by the reflection of the previous year.

The ABC 2011 review reminds us of the joys and hopes the grief and anguish of our planet. Yet this review failed to celebrate the Nobel Peace Prize 2011 award to Ellen Johnson, Sirleaf Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkol Karman "for their non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women’s rights to full participation in peace-building work".

Also missing from the review was any reference to the major religious events of 2011.The significance of the World Day of Prayer for Peace in Assisi should not be ignored nor the work of the World Council of Churches. However the growing awareness of the history and clerical silence of of clergy sexual abuse in my own Catholic Church is a scandal that will continue to undermine the authority of its leadership. This scandal with the current political climate of the papacy in Rome has left me distanced from the Church which nurtured my youthful dreams for a just world.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-15/the-protester-named-time27s-person-of-year/3731962

Today is a day to take stock of core values and commitments. For me this means I no loner align myself with the Catholicism of my family and ancestors. It means I place my commitment in small communities such as L'Arche, in the activism of groups like Amnesty International and Oxfam, in the commitment of NGOs like Micah Projects and Palms Australia to bring about social change.

When I take stock of my core values I recognize my duty to use social networking tools for raising awareness of justice and peace concerns and building solidarity with those who occupy our cities for the cause of justice.

I invite you to share the story of your "stocktake" of 2011

Sixth Day of Christmas Putting the Stamp on Christmas

2011-12-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

Often when doing an online search for material I use the Google Image search tool as I am a visual type of person and love the images that take me to text. During these 12 Days of Christmas I suggest you visit the Google Image site for Australia Post Christmas Stamps.

The history of Christmas stamps is rich and diverse.The Wikipedia article notes that: "The choice of secular or religious designs is frequently a bone of contention; church leaders often see secular designs as diluting the meaning of the holiday, while postal officials fear that overly religious designs could lead their secular customers to avoid the stamps, leaving millions unsold, and even expose the postal administration to charges that they are violating laws prohibiting the promotion of a particular religion.

In the United States, annual discord over "secular" versus "religious" designs was resolved by issuing some of each; typically a group of 4-6 related secular designs, plus aMadonna and Child design. To avoid difficulties attendant upon contracting for original designs with a religious theme, the designs are based on Old Master paintings hanging in U.S. galleries, thus qualifying as depictions of art. The British Royal Mail resolves the difficulty by issuing "religious" and "secular" themed designs in alternate years."

My childhood Christmas memories include the never ending series of cards that my parents received from relatives and friends. I think w even swapped (posted) cards to the neighbours.I'm not sure we followed the Christmas etiquette although I suspect the posting was done in time for cards to arrive before Christmas Day.

I now have a custom of sending the cards during the Christmas season of the 12 Days as a bit of a protest that Australia Post only allows the use of the Christmas stamp up to the end of December. You can of course use if after the 31st but they expect you to add the extra 5c stamp to cover for normal postage rates.

http://shop.auspost.com.au/stamps/stamps-issues/christmas-2011/sku/17060671

Fifth Day of Christmas: Swords and Brooms

2011-12-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

Today the theme of martyrdom again dominates the liturgical calendar for those of us with English connections. Mind you some of those connections are traced to anecdotal stories of previous generations of faithful Catholics being driven from our Celtic lands by the religious zealots of the British monarchy.

Anyway, back to the stories of the day which are dominated by a couple of English Monarchs.. Henry 11 is the first English Monarch to have an Australian connection way back in the 12th century. His mum's name was Matilda and she waltzed around town as the Empress Matilda for a few years.

http://www.fromoldbooks.org/Burton-WonderfulProdigies/pages/p112-King-henry-Whipped/

Henry 2nd other claim to fame is his establishing Canterbury as a a massive pilgrimage site after one of his tantrums resulted in the rather bloody murder of Thomas Beckett on December 29 1170 Tom was canonised in record breaking time on 21 February 1173.

Henry and Tom were having a bit of a barney over Church rights and as usual, property rights. Unfortunately for Henry, Thomas's death set off the Catholics in a frenzy and all of Europe was suddenly afire with devotion to the new saint. Henry was in a bit of political bother so he agreed to do a dose of penance and in the style of reality TV he had himself flogged at Thomas's tomb.As a reward for this public humiliation Henry was awarded the right to be called King of England rather than the rather pythonish King of the English.

History in England continued on its merry way with the usual family disputes, the odd war and the Magna Carta However a few centuries down the track and another 2nd, Charles of England was chopping heads off any peer he suspected of participation in the Popish Plo tthe best if the 17th century conspiracy theories.. Among those peers was William Howard, st Viscount Stafford who lost his head at Tower Hill on December 29 1680. Bill was beatified in 1929 and is still in line for canonisation.

All this would make for classic celebration of the rights of the Church and the blood of the martyrs except for the breaking news today of a broom stick fight in the Church of the Nativity over land rights when sweeping. The report from the ABC comes complete with video coverage and the classic police statement:
But wait there's more.

“No one was arrested because all those involved were men of God,” said Bethlehem police Lt.-Col. Khaled al-Tamimi, who also noted that order was quickly restored."

According to the report a similar incident was reported in 2007 when 7 priests were injured in a post Christmas cleaning fight. Stand by for reports in the New Year!!!

Fourth Day of Christmas : The Holy Innocents

2011-12-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

Coventry Carol

Lully, lulla, thou little tiny child,
By by, lully lullay, thou little tiny child,
By by, lully lullay.

O sisters too, How may we do
For to preserve this day
This poor youngling,
For whom we do sing,
By by, lully lullay?

Lully, lulla, thou little tiny child,
By by, lully lullay, thou little tiny child,
By by, lully lullay.

Herod, the King, In his raging,
Charged he hath this day
His men of might,
In his own sight,
All young children to slay.

Lully, lulla, thou little tiny child,
By by, lully lullay, thou little tiny child,
By by, lully lullay.

That woe is me, Poor child for thee!
And ever morn and day,
For thy parting
Nor say nor sing
By by, lully lullay!

Today it seems life returns to "normal" after public holidays and there seems to be little to do but wait for the festivities of the New Year. However on this day the Church recalls the feast of the Holy Innocents. In popular and religious culture this feast is often" lost" in the religious glitz of Christmas.

In the Coventry Carol. a text dating from the 16th century a mother laments the the fate of her child according to the massacre of the first born in the second chapter of Matthew's Gospel.

Today we remember that the context of the Christmas story is one of the exploitation of the vulnerable by State power. We have changed little from the bystanders of Herod's massacre as we watch reports from Afghanistan where on November 6 2011:

"Six children were among seven civilians killed in a NATO airstrike in southern Afghanistan, Afghan officials said Thursday. The deaths occurred on Wednesday in the Zhare district of Kandahar Province, an area described by coalition forces as largely pacified in recent months, and two insurgents were also killed, the Afghan officials said."

I chose the Joan Baez version of the Coventry Carol rather than a Church Choir as a reminder of the call to public protest against war and the exploitation of the poor on this day. Children are still the most deeply affected by wars around the globe - 65% of Afghans are under the age of 18. 90% of those killed in wars are children. On this day I hold in sacred memory and social solidarity the young Sudanese men who have come among us from the horrific experience of being the Lost Boys of Sudan. These young men lost their childhood in military exploitation..

I stand in solidarity with the Feast of the Holy Innocents Peace Procession in Melbourne.
More Readings and Reflections for this day.

Third Day of Christmas A Holy Day for Queers

2011-12-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

OrthodoxPhotos.com
Lord Jesus Christ and "the beloved disciple", St. John the Theologian
A queer reading of St John the Beloved December 27th.

St John has a special place in my personal history. Two weeks after my birth in 1953 I was taken to the Church of St John the Evangelist in North Geelong to be baptized by Fr Bernie Payne. My parents being of good Catholic stock chose two reliable male patrons for me in Anthony of Padua and Gerard Majella. Both died young and lived celibate lives as religious. I have outlived both of them in years and have more recorded ( and unrecorded) instances of intimate encounters.

The lovely little Spanish Mission designed Church of my baptism stands overlooking a popular beachside spot, St Helen's. By the strange quirks of history and the preferences of the current pastor, the liturgy of the Church remains pretty much the way it was when I was baptized. I don't think they had any hymns at my Baptism. I am pretty sure that the popular Perry Como 1953 release was not on the Hymn sheet. Perhaps St John had a quiet smile on his celestial lips on that day!!

Second Day of Christmas:The Essential Nativity Extra

2011-12-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

While we might be used to the main stars of the traditional Nativity setting, I have recently taken to adding another figure to my ever expanding Domestic Nativity.

A Caganer (Catalan pronunciation: [kəɣəˈne]) is a small statue found in Catalonia, in neighbouring areas with Catalan culture such as Andorra, and in other parts of Spain, Portugal and Italy. The figure is depicted in the act of defecation. Caganer is Catalanfor "shitter".

My Cajaner is our current Papa Benny I shall post a pic when he installed for January 1.

The reasons for placing a man who is in the act of excreting solid waste from his posterior in a scene which is widely considered holy are as follows:

Just tradition.
Scatological humor.
Finding the Caganer is a fun game, especially for children.
The Caganer, by creating feces, is fertilizing the Earth. However, this is probably an a posteriori explanation, and nobody would say they put the Caganer on the Nativity scene for this reason.
The Caganer represents the equality of all people e.g. regardless of status, race, gender everyone defecates.

The article for the above quote also makes reference to the Catalan greeting before eating; "menja be caga fort" (Eat well, shit strong).

Caganer a gift for Christmas, figures, crafts Check out World Leaders Cajaners here

For those expecting a little more classic reference for the second day of Christmas I should acknowledge the feast of Stephen the Martyr. The juxtaposition of feasts of life and death running back to back is missed by most of the Christmas revelry.

In Australia the feast is lost in the Boxing Day Test Match and the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. In Brisbane however there is a local celebration as the Catholic Cathedral is dedicated to St Stephen. Unlike most Cathedral's this building is not called St Stephen's Cathedral but rather the Cathedral of St Stephen. This was part of some very smart marketing by a previous administrator who also designed a logo for the building.

Christmas Day

2011-12-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my domestic nativity for 2011. I live in an estate of townhouses where our front windows face the roadway which gives the place an English Village feel. . I have put my nativity on the window sill this year for the local kids and neighbours to enjoy.

As has been my custom the Nativity scene includes the diversity of traditional and popular images. The centrepiece is from Korea, a reminder of the divided nation. As we gather in joyous celebration I remember the people of North Korea living in a closed world manipulated by political and military powers.

The angel figurine is from Peru and many of the other figures are drawn from popular culture. They include folk heroes like Batman, some wizards and mermaids, a few popular saints,yes,a Buddha a Bushy and even a native North American Indian on horseback.

The Magi are not installed yet as they won't arrive until Epiphany on January 6. According to the traditions (not the song) there could have been quite a few in the convoy and not merely the three we usually expect.

May these 12 Days of Christmas bring you encouragement and strength for the journey of justice and peace-making to which this celebration calls us.

Geoff Lacey responds to Cardinal Pell

2011-12-19T22:27:00.000-08:00

Geoff Lacey

Talk given at Social Policy Connections Annual General Meeting 24 November 2011

In October, Cardinal George Pell gave a lecture in Westminster Cathedral Hall, entitled One Christian perspective on climate change. A shorter version appeared in The Australian (27 October 2011). He said that a reason he was speaking out was to avoid having too many Christian leaders repeating the mistakes of the past and “to provide some balance to ecclesiastical offerings”.

In this talk, I address the question of how we develop an ethical response to the issue of climate change. In particular I will examine the science, the politics, the foundations of an ethical position, and what constitutes an adequate response. I will look at where Cardinal Pell stands on each of these matters.

Read Full Text of Geoff Lacey's Talk here

Anniversaries Jubilees and Memories

2011-12-10T23:54:00.001-08:00

One of the realities of living through middle age is the regularity of anniversaries and jubilee celebrations. Some of these include family jubilees of weddings, anniversaries of deceased relatives and the diminishing experience of long service with the same employer.

In recent years I have celebrated the 50th anniversaries of my Baptism (1953) and First Communion (1960) More recent jubilees include the 40th anniversary of my Confirmation (1963) and Year 12 graduation (1970) . I can also add to that list the 40th anniversary of my first interstate plane flight (1964) and I can probably lay claim to the 45th anniversary (1964) of my first visit to a pub as a young newspaper boy at the now demolished Oriental Hotel in North Geelong

This weekend there have been celebrations for the foundation at my old primary school, St Patrick's in Geelong West 100 years ago. My brothers,my sister and I were the second generation from both our parents families to ago to primary school at "St Pat's". If I count in the various cousins, the name Robertson is well and truly etched into the history of this parochial school.

My memories and images of those formative years are grounded in the joys and hopes the grief and anguish of the human experience. Now with hindsight I look back at those days with mixed emotions.

My primary school days were spent in the last years of Pope Pius X11 prior to the impact of the Second Vatican Council. When I began my primary education the names of Bolte and Menzies dominated the Victorian political scene. Local and world events of the era have been etched in my memory. In 1960 I shared the communal anxiety of the news of the kidnapping of Graeme Thorne. I can still remember the Melbourne Herald headlines in 1963 when the deaths of Kennedy, Mannix and Roncalli joined the lexicon of history. In 1963 my tribal connections to Geelong were celebrated with the VFL Premiership win and in my Grade Six year (1964) the Beatles Tour captured my imagination.

In the midst of social, political and religious upheaval my primary education was formed in the sectarian world view in which we were not encouraged to form friendships with the local kids at Ashby Primary School. which was the Protestants school. I cannot remember any of the major world events being discussed or raised apart from the death of the Pope and of course the legendary Daniel Mannix.

St Pat's was founded by the Sisters of Mercy The women, lay and religious, who taught me provided me with the basic three Rs and for good measure threw in the "catholic R of religion" with its mix of rituals, doctrine and tribal loyalty.

As part of the jubilee activities the school invited past students to submit answers to a questionnaire which proved to be a great tool for reflection on my time as a primary student. As I gathered the memories and responses to the questions I discovered a few key insights:

I remembered the love of music and singing that I gained from days when every teacher played the piano. The school was part of a vibrant Catholic parish in Geelong West where we were introduced to great contemporary choral singing with a young organist, Roger Heagney.

I also recall my first introduction to ABC radio through its school service broadcast via the old speakers which hung over the class altars.

I can reflect back now on the racism that permeated the school culture of the time. As I look over the names of families we mixed with there was no-one from the migrant group of WW11 European refugees..We had no introduction to the Indigenous history of Geelong..

As a young Catholic lad I never questioned the fact that girls could not get time out of school to make pocket money as altar servers by serving at funerals at the parish church.

I wondered why our recreational times at school were segregated with the boys having access to the back paddock with a cricket pitch and the girls given a nice asphalt covered yard with basketball rings

In Grade Six we knew something "big" was happening when we were kept behind after class to practice the texts for a new English Mass which would change the way we worshiped.

I look back at my First Communion group photo and realised that the sisters who spent hours preparing us for this event were left out of the picture when the big day came around.

The names of many of the kids in this photo are forgotten in the decades of lost connections. Among them is a young Lexie Brooks who would join the Sisters of Mercy in their mission in Pakistan.

There are 53 kids in that photo and most of us spent our primary days in the same room year after year until the boys left after grade six and girls had an option to stay on for grade seven.The women who taught us were gutsy to take on such a task. One of those women, Miss Carroll was one of those legendary single women who taught two generations in a lifetime commitment to St Pat's.

The Centenary celebrations are a moment of nostalgia which reminds me of where I have come from and how my current choices have been informed by values good and bad which were part of my time and culture. May the spirit of wild Patrick stir the hearts of past and present students to be adventurous, and seek the divine in life.

Gifts that Celebrate Christmas

2011-12-08T04:12:00.001-08:00

With Global Gifts 2011, avoid the traffic, queues and stress by shopping online with Caritas Australia!

To make life even easier, we have created a shopping list for you. There are nine gift ideas to choose from, including:

For $10 you could provide Clean Water to a community in a country like Vanuatu.

For $75 you could provide a Safe Childbirth and save the lives of many women and their babies in a country such as Bangladesh.

For $200 you could provide Emergency Relief (food, water, shelter and medical support) to those in urgent need.

How does it work?

1. Choose a gift
2. Send a card (or e-card) to your loved one
3. Change people’s lives around the globe.

Go online and experience the true meaning of Christmas and give to those who have less. You really will be making a world of difference to people’s lives. And please remember that all Global Gifts are tax-deductible

http://littleeasttimor.com.au/

The children of Delecu in Timor Leste have written and illustrated a lovely book. The story of the book is itself an amazing tale of cross cultural experience.

When Katrina Powell read "From Little Things Big Things Grow" to her class in Delecu she had no idea it would unleash a new partnership of language and community as her students took the text and story and made it their own.

The Kev Carmody/Paul Kelly iconic song From Little Things Big Things Grow is now an inspiration for the dreams of a new generation of kids in Timor Leste.

Edita de Jesus one of the young students and teacher Katrina Powell spoke about the inspiration of the Gurindji people, having chalk for school and going shopping in Brisbane, during their book launch tour here in Australia.

You can purchase this book online. Funds raised from sales will assist the Edmund Rice Primary School and distribution in East Timor.

http://www.songsforqueensland.com/index.htm

'Songs for Queensland' is a new CD produced by 13 choirs from Queensland.

All the profits from the sale of the CD will be donated to the Premier's flood and cyclone relief effort.

Featuring 300 singers from 13 diverse choirs, 'Songs for Queensland' is a celebration of community singing and the power of community support.

Micah Projects Annual Christmas Hamper Appeal

2011-12-05T15:51:00.001-08:00

Every year on Christmas Eve, Micah Projects in partnership with the St Mary’s Community, delivers hampers to families and individuals experiencing poverty and social isolation in Brisbane. Each hamper is jam-packed with non-perishable food and fresh fruit donated by businesses and individuals.

We need your help to help make food hampers. You can donate online or download the flyer to see how you can assist people in need this Christmas.

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The Aussie Catholic's Guide to Social Networking

2011-11-30T19:17:00.001-08:00

It's good to see that the Aussie Bishops have released an updated version of the Social-Networking Protocols. I must confess I wasn't aware that we even had protocols that needed "updating". Although you can read the document as a pdf file on the official site for the Catholic Church in Australia, I suggest you log onto this document on the Media Blog site which allows for sharing and comments.

While it's a pretty cool text, it does have an odd quirk which may be part of the current trend of being faithful to the Latin. The statement insists: "Social networking, using platforms such as Facebook, MySpace or Xt3, is a phenomenon which allows groups to share information, build friendships and promote activities. Indeed, social networking has already proven to be a powerful way to engage with and promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a wide variety of fora." Now according to the authoritative Wictionary, the English plural forums is preferred to the Latin plural fora in normal English usage. I wonder which member of the Commission for Mission and Faith Formation edited that part of the text?

There are some good practical suggestions about personal and public issues that plague all organisations that venture into the unregulated world of social networking. The "blurring of boundaries" is a phrase that should be common with any professionals who engage in social networking, particularly with young people.

The statement is directed primarily at Church organisations and their personnel but it also challenges participants who engage in the world wide web using the catholic tag with little commitment to "growth in faith and in communion with others". I wonder how many of these "loose cannons" will feature this statement on their sites?

I love the paragraph that is directed at the bishops themselves.

Some Bishops have elected to set up a public profile on Facebook, which displays them as a public figure – for example, the Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn would be listed as a public figure, with a photo and information about his work and ministry. Those using these sites may wish to become a ‘fan’ of the Archbishop as a public figure. This can avoid some of the tensions which can come with accepting or denying ‘friend’ requests.

There is an obvious reason that the Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn features here as he has attracted 556 fans on his public figure page. He is way ahead of Cardinal Pell who has only found 20 fans so far!! Mind you the Cardinal has attracted 261 members to the Cardinal Pell Appreciation Society although catching up behind are the 193 members of the "Cardinal Pell and the Catholic Church are out of touch with reality"group.The most intriguing group has to be the 120 members of the Bp Chris Prowse Groupies Club.

Readers of this blog would be surprised to see the clerics who I have as "Facebook Friends". They represent a good cross section of theological and pastoral perspectives. I have only been "unfriended" by one cleric, a former confrere in a religious order who now lives in another paradigm.

All people of good will should find common ground in the Bishops' naming of human dignity as the overarching principle of the communion we seek to experience in social networking. It is also challenging to read the statements' reflection on the "Digital Divide". However, I hope a further updating will provide more creative suggestion about bridging this gap by using Church resources in creative ways.

I would like to think that the Holy Irritant blog was an incentives for this quote:
"Blogging is a conversational and reflective mode of communicating which is cost-effective and allows people to express their views in a relatively unmoderated forum. A number of priests, religious and lay people within Australia maintain excellent blogs which can be helpful for the promulgation of faith. Once again, Church workers should try to consistently represent the Church in a positive light and communicate evangelically using this medium."

I have recently announced my decision to step down from a long term gig as web editor for the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission in the Archdiocese of Brisbane. I can take a step back from this statement's reminder to those who work for Church organistions. But I hope that this blog continues to provide a perspective of bringing about the message of Christ to the world, albeit in a slightly off beat tone!!!

West Papua Vigil

2011-11-28T22:40:00.001-08:00

http://strangebirdsdocop.wordpress.com/

December 1 is an important day for West Papuans. It is often regarded as “independence” day.

On Thurday December 1 The West Papua Solidarity Group Brisbane will be holding a vigil in the City to remember the people killed by Indonesian military on 19 October and those who were beaten and detained on that day.

We invite you to join this vigil in the grounds of the Cathedral of St Stephen, Elizabeth Street, Brisbane at 5.30 p.m. All are welcome to join us.

The Indonesian Catholic Bishops Conference recently issued a statement calling for an end to the violence in West Papua. It called for dialogue between groups in West Papua, including groups seeking independence, and Jakarta.

The Statement of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference on Papua: Stop Violence! Let Us Hold A Dialogue!

2011-11-23T21:09:00.001-08:00

Violence in Papua continues to occur despite the fact that many parties have repeatedly called for resorting to peaceful means to solve Papua issues. People’s welfare can only be achieved if there is a peaceful atmosphere that allows all elements of a society work together peacefully. Violent ways are unlikely to solve so many social problems. Violence contra violence only gives birth to new violence and thus increases problems. It can be worse whenever public views and political statements expressed by the Papuans in a peaceful and transparent manner are again met with gunfire, arbitrary arrest, torture and killings. Herewith, we, the Indonesian bishops’ conference, express our deepest concerns and condemn violence acts that ostensibly do not promote human dignity and derogate the right to life, a God’s gift to every human being.

Read full text here

Stop the Gay Death Penalty

2011-11-23T13:47:00.001-08:00

Right now, religious fanatics in Uganda are trying to push through an illegal vote that would sentence gay Ugandans to death. But two men can stop it.

Widespread international pressure stopped this heinous bill from coming a vote in the last Parliament. Now, extremist evangelical MPs are bringing it back to the floor -- violating Parliamentary rules -- and spreading hate messages across Uganda. But 83% of Ugandans are Catholic or Protestant. If we can get the Pope and the Archbishop of Canterbury to appeal directly to MPs, they could stop the vote and drown out the intolerance and violence.

If we all act now -- we can save lives. Sign the urgent petition now to get the Archbishop and the Pope to speak out -- we will broadcast their messages all over the airwaves in Uganda -- then share this campaign with everyone!

To Pope Benedict XVI and the Archbishop of Canterbury :

We stand with citizens across Uganda who are calling on their government to withdraw the gay death penalty bill and protect the universal human rights embodied in the Ugandan constitution. We urge you to join us in rejecting persecution and upholding values of justice and tolerance by loudly and publicly denouncing this brutal bill.

Sign the Petition here

Welcome to Brisbane Bishop Geoffrey!!!

2011-11-19T03:41:00.000-08:00

On a recent a balmy evening in Brisbane I had just come back from a refreshing dip in the pool to be greeted by this announcement

In two brief sentences we the sun soaked Catholics of Brisbane have been relieved of our local Archbishop John Bathersby (ABJB) and have been gifted with another "off-shore" product in the Lord Bishop of Lismore, Geoffrey Hylton Jarrett. You can send the good Bishop a "welcome to the Sunshine State" message here

The new Apostolic Administrator ad nutum Sanctae Sedis is no stranger to this side of the Tweed. In a former life he worked as an Anglican priest in Queensland. According to the Lismore press, the Bishop's preaching appeals to Queensland Senator Barnaby Joyce.( No relation to Allan...wowo didn't know he was gay, Allan, that is not Barnaby)

You will find an interesting discussion of this appointment on the Catholica Forum.

To help you recognize the new apostolic Administrator ad nutum Sanctae Sedis in case you bump into him at the IGA shop or out for a stroll in New Farm here is a shot in his day gear.You can see a more formal pic of the Lord Bishop of Lismore here with some of his colleagues. Bishop Jarrett is the one on the extreme right which may be where he likes to stand.This pic was taken at the opening of the Australian Bishops investment property in Rome. Apparently the guys in the pic are the major investors. Guess which one is rumoured to have bypassed his finance committee before handing over a substantial contribution. And what a relief to see no-one from our beloved Brisbane Hierarchy dipping in for this project.

Some interesting conversations are happening in the hallowed halls of the Catholic Centre where the real decision are made about the Archdiocese.It seems the AA ad natum Sanctae Sedis will pop into town for a couple of days a week to sign bits of paper.

To what extent can the AA makes decisions about the governing structures and personnel of the Archdiocese? This is an interesting issue as Brisbane does not have a Vicar-General as is usual. We have a moderator at the top of the power chain.

As +Jarrett is not the Archbishop I presume that like the auxiliaries he will not be allowed to sit on the "chair" which in Brisbane is a most austere looking piece of white marble with a thin cushion to soften the plonker.

As AA ad nutum Sanctae Sedis does +Jarrett get to pick up +ABJB's public roles for example on the Senate of the University of Queensland?

Does one address an AA ad nutum Sanctae Sedis with his "Lordly" status from Lismore or is he entitles to a more "graceful" status?

Will +Jarrett bring his own episcopal wardrobe with him or will he "make do" with the stuff we have in the cupboard at St Stephen's?

The new AA ad nutum Sanctae Sedis takes up his role in Brisbane at the beginning of National Nude Week. Not sure if Geoffrey is into clothing optional ecclesiology!!

World Day of Prayer and Action for Children

2011-11-19T01:20:00.000-08:00

This week the world marks two important days to recognize support for a child's right to freedom from sexual abuse and other violence: November 20th is World Day of Prayer and Action for Children in honour of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and November 19th is World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse.

The World Day of Prayer and Action for Children was first celebrated in 2008. In 2009, more than 9,000 people in 29 cities in 22 countries participated in the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children. In 2010, the World Day was celebrated in 47 countries through 69 events with more than 33,000 participants from around the world.

The logo for the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children features a stylized image of a child painting a rainbow in the sky. The rainbow in the design symbolizes the beautiful diversity of the human family; the many colors unite in a single rainbow to express the universal hope that all children will one day be able to grow to their full potential in a peaceful world. The child in the design is taking creative action to produce the rainbow, representing the inspired work of people of good will everywhere — especially the efforts of children and young people — to build a world fit for children. Our logo is meant to serve as a daily reminder of the spirit and vision of the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children.

In Brisbane I invite you to join this international campaign by coming to the shrine of St Mary MacKillop on Sunday November 20 between 11.30am and 12.00pm to light a prayer candle for the rights of children. If you are unable to be in Brisbane for this event you may like to join us in solidarity in your local community. See the facebook event to register your interest.

Thou Shalt Not Occupy The Lord's House

2011-11-18T06:46:00.000-08:00

Sign from Occupy Brisbane Site

As the Vatican attempts to pour cold water on the possibility of Pope Benedict's popemobile cruising through the wordlwide "Occupy sites" in solidarity, the Anglicans have taken out an injunction to remove the London protesters from the square in front of St Paul's Cathedral.

The flurry of excitement about the Pope doing a "World Occupy Tour" (WOT2011) was generated by a statement from the office of the Pontifical Commission for Justice and Peace. The statement came in the form of a "Nota" ("Note in Vaticanspeak) Towards Reforming the International Financial and Monetary Systems in the Context of Global Public Authority.

The contents of the statement reflect many of the issues of concern being raised by those who have "occupied" cities around the world. Sentences from the statement could easily sit alongside the current agenda for example at my local Occupy Site in Brisbane.

"Recognizing the primacy of being over having and of ethics over the economy, the world’s peoples ought to adopt an ethic of solidarity to fuel their action.

Economics and finance need to be brought back within the boundaries of their real vocation and function, including their social function, in consideration of their obvious responsibilities to society – for example, that of nourishing markets and financial institutions which are really at the service of the person and are capable of responding to the needs of the common good and universal brotherhood.

The time has come to conceive of institutions with universal competence, now that vital goods shared by the entire human family are at stake, goods which individual States cannot promote and protect by themselves.

The birth of a new society and the building of new institutions with a universal vocation and competence are a prerogative and a duty for everyone, without distinction. What is at stake is the common good of humanity and the future itself."

Meanwhile in London the Bishop of Buckingham, Alan Wilson blogged his dismay at the decision of the Dean of St Pauls' Cathedral to close the sacred space citing issues of health and safety due to the presence of the occupiers.The BBC News service has published a great image of the relationship between the Cathedral and the London Stock Exchange which makes it an obvious site for an "occupy" event.

However, the announcement of a campaign by Cathedral Chapter to evict the protesters by legal action has been revealed as part of the very economic system the protesters are challenging. In a statement from Australia the British PM David Cameron said ""We need to ensure that important places like St Paul's Cathedral are open to the public, open for tourism."

Not all Cathedral staff have been supportive of these decisions. Fraser Dyer, a cathedral chaplain followed in the footsteps of Rev Dr Giles Fraser, the Canon Chancellor, and resigned from his position citing g 'disappointment " at the decison to pursue legal action against the activists.

In my fathers house there are many mansions, but no tents thank you!!! (Adaptation of John 14:2)

Christians for the Occupy Movement
Where you stand determines what you see
The Occupy Movement...Your Kingdom Come
Huffington Post reports on Occupy London

Sacrifice, Law and the Catholic Faith: is secularity really the enemy?

2011-11-17T12:31:00.001-08:00

The premise of the Catholic Faith is that there is no real other in any meaningful religious sense, that is "another" who can be seen as so unlike us that they could not learn as we have learned, that we are victimisers and must learn not to be, and so belong to the same sign as we. There are only humans who, starting from where they are, can have desire reformed in such a way as to learn not to create identity over against anyone else at all. Whenever we come across an apparent "other" and start to get frightened and retrench into identity politics, we are not becoming more Catholic, but much less Catholic. My sorrow at Archbishop Nichols' recent sermon seeking to maintain a sacred right to discriminate against gay people was not because I am a gay man, but because I'm a Catholic. It is because I am a Catholic that I recognise that anyone playing identity politics with a victimary [sic] slant is functionally atheistic.

James Alison The Tablet Lecture 2011

Vatican Concerns about Pope Kissing!!!

2011-11-16T17:52:00.001-08:00

Was it a Holy Kiss or not? Definately not says the Vatican:

Statement of Jesuit Fr. Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesperson, on Benetton Ad

A decisive protest must be expressed for the completely unacceptable use of the image of the Holy Father, manipulated and instrumentalized in the context of a publicity campaign of a commercial nature. It’s a question of a grave lack of respect for the pope, of an offense to the sentiments of the faithful, [and] of a evident demonstration of how, in the context of publicity, it’s possible to violate elementary rules of respect for persons in order to attract attention with provocations. The Secretariat of State is evaluating the steps to take with the competent authorities in order to guarantee a just protection of respect for the figure of the Holy Father.

Sorry to tell you Fr Lombardi but you did not consult me before you issued this statement. My sentiments have not been offended in any way. In fact I find the image challenging in that it has encouraged me to commit to the Benetton Unhate Campaign. I hope readers of this blog will join me and add their kiss to the Unhate Kiss wall.

If you do a search on Google Images you will find lots of images under "Pope Kissing: The Vatican legal team will be chasing up a lot of sites to pull done every copy of this famous image.

Failure and Forgiveness Forum

2011-11-05T02:05:00.000-07:00

Introducing a new site from Sandie Cornish

2011-10-13T05:11:00.000-07:00

Finding sites that really nurture the spirit of faith is a challenge out in the blogsphere. It's so refreshing to find this new venture social-spirituality.net . This site comes from the reflections and experience of Sandie Cornish, educator, animator and a woman of lived faith in Australia. Drop in, add it to your faves but make sure you join the conversation!!

Pilgrimage as a Social Justice Practice

Why is the ancient practice of pilgrimage enjoying new popularity?
Recently I was invited to speak at a colloquium breaking open the Lineamenta for the 2012 Synod of Bishops on the new evangelization. I was given the topic Bringing Forth Treasures Both Old and New which prompted me to reflect on the ‘old treasure’ of pilgrimage. Continue Reading →

Evolutionary Christianity

2011-10-10T23:13:00.000-07:00

Thursday, 27 October, from 5.30-7pm at Delamore Retirement Centre, entry from Cremorne Rd, Kedron. This final conversation for this year will be about the interview with Spencer Burke, entitled The Emerging Church: A Heretical Guide which you can listen to at the site for Evolutionary Christianity ( If you want an audio copy or a transcript please contact us. This is an opportunity to explore new edges in ecospirituality. No cost, but please RSVP to 3425 3138 or earthlink@mercy.org.au by Monday 24 October.

Speak Now :A Book for your Shelf

2011-10-08T03:18:00.001-07:00

http://www.cloudsofmagellan.net/Speak_Now.html

Australian perspectives on same sex marriage, Edited by Victor Marsh PhD Forward by the Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG.

Over thirty writers, a mix of activist and reflective voices, explore the legacy of the 2004 changes to the Australian Marriage Act, which now states—and which must be stated at every wedding—‘marriage is between a man and a woman’

Congratulations to friends and colleagues who have contributed to this work: Michael Carden, Dorothy McRea-McMahon, Paul Martin, Maria Pallotta Chiarolli, and Wendell Rosevear

The Spoken Word: The coming of Ailan Culture

2011-10-03T18:23:00.000-07:00

The Coming of the Light festival marks the day the London Missionary Society first arrived in the Torres Strait. Many Torres Strait Islander people have embraced and integrated Christian beliefs into everyday life. Others have questioned the influence that Christianity, in its various forms, has had on the evolution of Torres Strait Islander culture.

What would have happened had the missionaries not arrived? Would songs, dances and spirituality be different today? Did the introduction of Christianity inhibit or enhance the culture?
These questions and others will be explored in a community discussion.

Wed 19 Oct, 6pm–8pm
State Library of Queensland Auditorium 1, level 1

Free, bookings required, 3842 9061

Part of Strait Home

BLACK DEATHS IN CUSTODY JUSTICE NOW! CAMPAIGN LAUNCH

2011-09-26T05:10:00.000-07:00

Brisbane’s Catholic Justice and Peace Commission and the Archdiocesan Murri Ministry Team joined together to launch a campaign to get Government action to address on-going Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander deaths in custody.

The campaign was launched last Wednesday evening at Musgrave Park, South Brisbane, on the anniversary of the death in custody of a 16 year old Aboriginal youth, John Pat, in 1983.

John Pat was punched and kicked by off-duty police officers when he tried to help another Aboriginal man who was involved in a fight with the police officers outside a hotel in Roeburn, Western Australia.

Pat died as a result of his injuries. Charges were laid against the police involved, but none was convicted.

Media Release Aboriginal Deaths in Custody Campaign 2011

Deaths in Custody launch fact sheet

When a Picture Speaks a Thousand Words!

2011-09-25T04:22:00.000-07:00

Brisbane City Council bus outside the Catholic Cathedral of St Stephen Brisbane August 28 2011

Social Justice Sunday 2011 - 25 September

2011-09-24T15:56:00.000-07:00

Building Bridges, Not Walls: Prisons and the justice system

It is time for all Australians to revisit the needs of prisoners, their loved ones and those who work with them. It is time to recommit ourselves to reducing the number of Australians held in prison, making better provision for ex-prisoners to become law-abiding and constructive citizens.It is time to knock down the walls of social exclusion that increase the prospects that a person will end up in jail. Before and after jail, we need bridges, not walls.

No crime can take away or diminish the fact that we are all created in the image and likeness of God. In the words of Sir Gerard Brennan, former Chief Justice of Australia: Prisoners, no less than the free, are our brothers and sisters and we have been silent too often when their human dignity has been diminished.

These quotes from the statement of the Australian Catholic Bishops for Social Justice Sunday should provoke discussion and review of the Australian criminal justice system by politicians and voters across our country.

Letter from Archbishop Philip Wilson (pdf)

Order form (pdf)

Summary (pdf)

Media release (pdf)

Liturgy notes (pdf)

Community and schools resource (pdf)

PowerPoint presentation (pptx)

Social Justice Statement 2011–2012 (pdf)

Social Justice Statement 2011–2012 (doc)

National Council of Churches in Australia

I Was in Prison and You Visited Me

The number of people in prison in Australia (both sentenced and unsentenced) is increasing faster than population growth. At the same time, rates for most categories of offending are decreasing. These trends require us to pause and reflect on what is happening in our society and especially, who is most likely to be found in prison. The great majority of prisoners come from impoverished circumstances, often experiencing multiple disadvantage. However, most attention is given to the few high profile, even very wealthy, individuals who engage equally high profile legal advisers to secure their freedom.

The Social Justice Network has produced this resource to assist individuals and congregations to be aware of the alarming facts about prisons in Australia and to advocate for a more just society.

SJS 2011- I Was in Prison and You Visited Me Download and Worship Resources
The 1998 Resource: Prison, The Last Resort Part 1 (2.25 MB)
Prison, The Last Resort Part 2 Prison the Last Resort Part 2 (2.25 MB)

Don't Upset Hogan's Heroes

2011-09-23T14:42:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time in a Catholic News service there was a publisher whose name was Hogan.

She had lots of heroes including of course Pope Benedict One bright spring day the publisher ran a story from AFP about the fact that George and Joseph Ratzinger had never fallen in love with girls. Now both news services allow for public comment on news items.

Meanwhile out in the blogsphere the Holy Irritant decided to add a comment o the CathNews report of this papal revelation. HI sent off the following comment:

Wow, the Ratzinger boys never fell in love with a girl because they wanted to "take another path that excludes marriage"
You mean they are both good Catholic gay guys??

Now HI is a bit of a veteran at dealing with editorial whims having written his first "Letter to the Editor" to the Herald Sun back in 1967. he knows that CathNews doesn't always publish his somewhat "left field" comments every time he serves them up on a cyber platter.

However this time it was different. (At this point dear reader if this was a printed page you would have to turn the page with a sense of dramatic expectation. Perhaps you could just close your eyes for a minute before reading on)

HI received an email from the publisher. There was no message just his comment in the text of the post. But there in the subject line was the editorial reprimand: Tony - knock it off!

The exclamation mark took HI's breath away and he sat down to think hard about how he had offended one of the Hogan's Heroes. After much pondering and a quick google search HI realised that on her Facebook page Hogan the publisher describes her religious views as "tolerant thinking Anglo-Catholic"

"Aha", though HI in one of those 'Aha" moments.Is Hogan waiting in the queue for the doors to open for the Australian Anglican ordinariate? This could explain the reprimand for making light of the papal revelations

So Hogan didn't publish the comment and HI published it in his blog and they were both left wondering

God's Tears in Mogadishu

2011-08-20T21:50:00.000-07:00

On August 13 , photographer, John Moore posted this image online:

Safia Adem mourns the death of her son Hamza Ali Faysal, 3, in a camp of displaced Somalis within the rubble of the Cathedral of Mogadishu on August 13, 2011 in Mogadishu, Somalia. The malnourished child died of sickness two weeks after fleeing with his family from famine and drought in far southern Somalia. The US government estimates that some 30,000 children have died in southern Somalia in the last 90 days from the crisis.

This contemporary image of a "Pieta" grieving the unaccountable loss of her son will be one of the enduring images I will hold during the World Youth Day celebrations in Madrid. Although Mogadishu and Madrid seem worlds apart, I believe that WYD2011 needs the tears of God if all of us,young and young of heart are to live "Rooted and Built Up in Jesus Christ, Firm in the Faith." (Colossians 2:7)

The ruins of the Cathedral of Mogadishu serve as a reminder of the futility of Church order when the core business of human rights is not witnessed.

The tears of Safia carry more grace and mercy than the angst and politics of both sides spending money and energy defending or challenging the new English translation texts of the Roman Missal.

The veil of Safia carries more value and reverence than the baroque vestments favoured by the curent Papacy and the promoters of the Extraordinary Rite.

The death of Hamza Ali Faysal,and the countless thousands of children who continue to die in this human tragedy have an equal right to the support of those who promote a pro life agenda as a touchstone of orthodoxy.

Safia's image of the tears of God challenges me more than any Episcopal Catechesis to live the words and deeds of Jesus who came that "all may have life and . have it to the full". John 10:10

My Church's teaching of the "preferential option for the poor" measn that I will follow the news coming out of Mogadishu more than the news from Madrid

Welcome the Divine Wedgie (Nudge Nudge, Grin Grin, Say No More!)

2011-07-28T22:12:00.000-07:00

Out there in the religious and spiritual blogsphere you find a little gem that you want to add to your collection. I found The Divine Wedgie thanks to a column in Cathblog

Only after I had posted this item did I go back and check the title of the blog to realise it is really The Divine WEDGIE. That has to be up there with the "Top Titles".

Now you have to sit up and take notice of a name like Matthew John Paul Tan. Is he related to my favourite illustrator Shaun Tan? In April 2010 Matthew added a Doctorate to his name tags which in my world is almost as cool as having a good Facebook profile!!

Apart from the well crafted text published by Cathblog, I was pretty impressed to find Matthew's blog reference to Rene Girard I wonder if he will respond to the barbed animosity of the comment posted by Anonymous? We share a common interest in the Ekklesia Project and I will be trawling around Jesus Radicals for familiar mentors in the faith journey.We probably share less interest in the The John Paul II Institute of Family and Marriage and Campion College. I wonder which of my links we will have in common?

I look forward to reading a bit more of Matthew, not that I expect to agree with him, but I enjoy the healthy perspectives from this new generation of Catholic writers who seem more optimistic than some of the more progessive discussion forums and "communities".

July 24 Feast Day of Christina the Astonishing. Patron of Holy Irritants

2011-07-23T16:33:00.000-07:00

MY VERY CATHOLIC PARENTS made intentional choices when naming their children. At my baptism I was given the spiritual mentors, Anthony of Padua and Gerard Majella. Both inspiring men who were so captured by commitment to the reign of God they dedicated their lives in consecrated service in their particular time and culture.

The Catholic Culture in which I was nurtured also led me to adopt Dominic Savio as my Confirmation patron. This was no mean feat in a largely Anglo-Celtic community. On our confirmation day in the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, Geelong West the beloved priest, Father John Perkins recited the traditional "Irish" names of Peter, Paul, Patrick, James and the like chosen by the boys of St Patrick's School. After all these years, I can still hear the sudden gasp from the congregation as my chosen name was announced with a definite Italian ring to it.

Anthony, Gerard and Dominic all died young, lived chastely and were not exactly fun role models for a young teen caught up in the spirit of the 60's. However, their passion for God's reign of truth and service of the poor inspired my childhood and youth.

In latter years I have also adopted another patron and spiritual mentor whose feastday falls on July 24. In keeping with my heightened sense of the "feminine", my newly adopted patron is a woman saint.

My adopted mentor is Christina the Astonishing, Virgin (1150 - 1224) (when read aloud the word "comma" should be pronounced) Christina's bio reads like the script from a Dan Brown and Steven Spielberg collaboration. This is definitely a PG rated text. It is best read, seated with all lights on and the children safely in bed.

This image depicts the first recording of Christina's public appearances when she was believed to have died, but managed to soar from her coffin during her funeral Mass. Not surprisingly, such behaviour saw a quick exodus from the Church with only the dutiful priest and her distressed sister left to witness this amazing resurrection. And yes, there was more: while presumed to be dead, she had in fact been "on tour" to Hell, Purgatory and Heaven. Upon this return visit she decide to dedicate her life to a sort of public pyschodrama performance where she acted out the downside of the nasty behaviour she saw around her.

For the next forty years Christina managed to cause alarm and anxiety in her local community by performing Olympian spiritual exercises which included extreme prayer balanced on poles. She had no dress sense, ignored any protocols about workplace health and safety and refused to be tamed by doctors priests or any other well intentioned men of the town.
Yet, the records of the time also note that her advice was sought by both civic and religious leaders of her day.She was even summoned to the death bed of a local Count to hear his confession.

Christina has her own entry in Wikipedia and appears prominently in a Google search. She has been the subject of art and study. Even Nick Cave has composed a tribute:

So, I invite you to join me on her feast day as we celebrate Christina, a parable of the reign of God. The eccentric grace that drove her to extremes is the spirit in which I now invoke her as patron of "Holy Irritants".

In this age, the mere example of nonconformity, the mere refusal to bend the knee to custom, is itself a service. Precisely because the tyranny of opinion is such as to make eccentricity a reproach, it is desirable, in order to break through that tyranny, that people should be eccentric. Eccentricity has always abounded when and where strength of character has abounded; and the amount of eccentricity in a society has generally been proportional to the amount of genius, mental vigor, and moral courage which it contained. That so few now dare to be eccentric, marks the chief danger of the time. On Liberty John Stuart Mill

Prayer for Norway

2011-07-23T16:26:00.000-07:00

Holy One,
We come to You in our shock and sadness. We grieve this sudden loss of lives in senseless acts of violence.

Strong Deliverer, we seek Your protection, strength and comfort in this time. May Your presence be made known to all who grieve. May Your strength be with all those who have survived, who will live with the memory of this moment forever etched in their minds. We pray especially for the people of Oslo, Norway, but our prayers include all those who have experienced the horror and violence from acts of terror in this world.

Prince of Peace, we surrender our desire for revenge to You. We remember Your call to pray for those who would persecute us, to pray for our enemies. We pray for the ones who have caused these acts of violence, who have brought fear and death into our world again. We ask that You protect us from all acts of violence, including our own anger and revenge, that we might not become like those who cause terror. Help us to mirror Your image in this world, to be peacemakers, to pursue the path of peaceful living as far as it depends upon us.

Almighty God, help us to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with You. Help us not to seek revenge and retribution but Your justice, Your restoration, Your way of life that is renewed and restored through Your death on the cross. Help us not to live in fear but to walk in hope. In the name of Christ, the one who lived, died and lives again so that we might have life abundantly, we pray. Amen. (Rev Mindi from Rev-o-lution .org)

Speech of Norway's PM at Oslo Cathedral

Norway Churches Pray As Terror Death Toll Rises To 92

Pope's prayers for Norway Victims

Why is the Vatican Welcoming Malaysia?

2011-07-20T03:47:00.000-07:00

In the light of recent reports about diplomatic relations between the Vatican and Malaysia, this letter is essential reading for those concerned about human rights abuses.

Your Holiness

Re: Recent Political and Social Developments in Malaysia: Towards a More Comprehensive Understanding of the Realities in Malaysia

We are a group of Catholics and some from other Christian denominations in Malaysia. Malaysia, a Muslim-dominant country has a population of 28 million people with 2.2 million registered as Christians, of whom an estimated 850,000 are Catholics.

We write to you with regards to our prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s official visit to the Vatican on July 19, 2011. We are anxious about recent developments concerning questions of democratic rights and religious freedom in Malaysia. In our letter we highlight these issues in order to help Your Holiness understand more critically and comprehensively the political and social realities in our country lest you are presented with a one-sided view of developments in Malaysia.

A watershed

The Malaysian media has reported that the visit of our prime minister to the Vatican is a ‘watershed’ that foreshadows the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and the Holy See.

We believe that the establishment of diplomatic ties between the Vatican and Malaysia is a good step forward; after all, Malaysia is one of only 17 countries in the world that does not yet have diplomatic ties with the Holy See. Our concern is that of the timing in establishing these ties, on which we elaborate below.

Christian-Muslim dialogue

Church sources in Malaysia inform us that the visit also has to do with the Holy Father’s desire to promote Christian-Muslim dialogue, an initiative that you wisely began to undertake beginning from 2005, shortly after you assumed the papacy. It might be that you find this sixth prime minister of Malaysia an attractive dialogue partner given that he goes around the globe promoting himself as the leader of a moderate Muslim country made up of various ethnic groups. As well, he has called for the formation of a ‘Global Movement of the Moderates’ and that it ought to take centre stage in the international arena.

We believe that there are lessons that one can draw from the Malaysian experience. For ordinary Malaysians of different races and faith are respectful of one another’s beliefs and customs, and have learnt to co-operate and live peacefully side-by-side. However, this is so in spite of the shameful conduct of some of our political leaders who have unabashedly manipulated ethno-religious sentiments all these years, and mobilized on ethno-religious grounds in order to stay in power.

Cakap tak serupa bikin

Indeed, the conduct of prime minister Najib and his Barisan Nasional (BN) government at home, at least recently, has been anything but moderate! In our Malaysian colloquialism, we might say of the prime minister that dia cakap tak serupa bikin, meaning that ‘he does not do what he preaches’, or that ‘he does not walk the talk’!

In this regard, we are very concerned about the timing of this official visit which follows immediately after recent repression of civil society groups which are fighting for clean and fair elections. We are also deeply concerned that some top leaders of this democratic initiative have been painted unjustly as ‘anti-Islam’ by the authorities without any basis whatsoever. Below we highlight a few recent events and episodes.

Najib’s heavy handed response to the Walk for Democracy

Just last week on July 9, 2011, there occurred the controversy-ridden ‘Walk for Democracy’ that was initiated by the coalition of 62 NGOs calling themselves Berish 2.0 (bersih meaning ‘clean’ in Malay, our national language). The coalition had wanted to hold a peaceful street walk in support of an 8-point program to institutionalize clean and fair elections. Numerous glaring incidences that have occurred in past elections as reported in the media, and recounted and confirmed in studies by major researchers, have indicated that Malaysia’s electoral system and the conduct of these elections have not been free and fair. Significantly, Malaysia has been ruled by a single party - the BN coalition dominated by Najib’s United Malays National Organization (UMNO) - since independence in 1957, more than 54 years ago!

It was on account of frustrations arising from these inadequacies in the electoral system that Bersih was formed. Among others, the respected Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism, of which the Catholic church of Malaysia is a part, affirmed Bersih’s right to conduct this peaceful walk for what it considered ‘just demands’.

In deference to the king, who intervened to head off a potential confrontation between Bersih supporters and its extremist detractors including from UMNO Youths, Bersih opted to hold a rally in the Stadium Merdeka. Yet Najib’s BN government declared that Bersih was ‘an illegal organization’ and its proposal to hold the gathering in the Stadium was rejected by the authorities. On the eve of the gathering, a court order was obtained to ban 91 leaders of Bersih and the Opposition (and also those from anti-Bersih groups) from entering those parts of Kuala Lumpur around Stadium Merdeka under threat of ‘arrest on sight’.

Earlier, Najib’s government had even banned the wearing of yellow Bersih T-shirts. The Bersih office was raided and six of their office workers were arrested. Bersih supporters who participated in ‘roadshows’ to publicise the upcoming event were also arrested. Six of them, also members of the Parti Sosialis Malaysia, were subsequently detained under the Emergency Ordinance (a Detention without Trial law) and are now held under solitary confinement. A leading lawyer has described these developments as signifying Malaysia’s descent into ‘a police state’.

In the event, the police came down hard on Bersih supporters who turned up for the gathering in Kuala Lumpur on July 9. The police set up road blocks and barb-wire fences manned by hundreds of policemen thus creating huge traffic jams throughout the city. To disperse the Bersih supporters, the police resorted to use of water cannons and fired tear gas into the crowd, as though the people were the enemy. A total of 1,667 people including 151 women and 16 children were arrested. What was singularly laudable was that there was no incidence of violence on the part of the tens of thousands of Bersih supporters who came from all ethnoreligious backgrounds.

Yet, prime minister Najib has claimed that the police had acted professionally, and condemned Bersih and the Opposition for tarnishing the image of the country. We urge you Holy Father and your Vatican officials to view the video clips that were taken of the goings-on. Significantly, the Bar Council of Malaysia has commented that the police had ‘used force excessively’.

Manipulating ethnoreligious sentiments

Tellingly, two days before the July 9 event, Najib had addressed a gathering of Malay silat (martial arts) exponents whence, reportedly, he suggested that the silat groups could be mobilized as a third line of defence against enemies from within and outside the country.

More than this, on July 2 in a gathering of about 20,000 people in the town of Kota Baru, Najib, in a live broadcast over Radio Malaysia, described Ambiga Sreenevasan, the chairperson of Bersih, as ‘a threat to Islam’ for the watching brief she held as the then president of the Bar Council in the Lina Joy case a few years earlier.

Freedom of religion

Lina Joy was a Muslim woman who converted to Catholicism before marrying a member of the faith. She filed against the Registration Department for registering her religion as ‘Islam’ in her MyKad (identity card) although she had converted out of the religion.

In spite of the dismissal of her case, it was popularly understood by many Malaysians, especially non-Muslims, that this was a violation of the freedom of religion guaranteed in the Federal Constitution. Najib’s labeling Ambiga as a threat toIslam is a deliberate distortion of her professional role as legal counsel in the Lina Joy case.

In the event, this Lina Joy case arises from a conflict between two legal jurisdictions – the civil law versus shariah - law that has emerged in Malaysia. In recent years, a number of cases involving the conversion of minors to Islam without the knowledge of the other spouse; the custody of children and/or the question of maintenance following the conversion to Islam of one spouse; the question of inheritance and even funeral arrangements following the death of a spouse who had purportedly converted to Islam without his family’s knowledge, have been highly controversial. In these cases, the non-Muslim litigants often found themselves helplessly trapped between or confined to only one of concurrent jurisdictions since they do not have locus standi in the shariah court.

Mention should also be made of the Court case between the Catholic church and the Malaysian government regarding the church’s use of the word Allah in the Catholic weekly The Herald. The government had ruled that the word Allah should be confined to use among Muslims only. At this point, a final decision has yet to be made by the Court.

Related to the above was the controversy over the importation and distribution of the Malay bibles which contained the word Allah. One shipment of these Bibles was held back by the Home Ministry authorities for several years and the matter was taken to Court. Although the Bibles were released in early 2011, unnecessary conditions have been imposed on their importation into peninsula Malaysia, to the dissatisfaction of Christians.

We highlight these episodes to you Holy Father because you have made the defense of the freedom of religion an important plank of your papacy.

Visiting the Vatican to stay in power?

Finally, there is concern among us that Najib is also reaching out to the Holy See at this juncture in order to secure popular support in the forthcoming general election due early 2013. In the previous 2008 election, the multiracial, multireligious Opposition coalition in Malaysia performed very well and succeeded in denying the BN government a two-thirds’ majority in parliament (which had previously allowed the BN government to freely amend the Federal Constitution at will). The Opposition coalition also won an unprecedented 5 out of the 13 state governments. In fact, the BN government lost the popular vote to the Opposition in peninsula Malaysia.

The reason why the BN was returned to power in the 2008 election was because it had secured virtually all the parliamentary seats in the states of Sabah and Sarawak located on the island of Borneo. In other words, the victory of the BN (as well as for the Opposition) in the upcoming election will depend on how well it performs in those two states.

In this regard, it is significant to note that Christians constituted 43% of the population in Sarawak in 2000, and 28% of the population in Sabah as recorded in the 2000 Census. We are suspicious that this official visit by Najib and his BN colleagues to the Holy See will be used by the BN leaders politically i.e. to secure votes for the BN from the Christians in Sabah and Sarawak. It is not inconceivable that photographs of Najib standing alongside the Holy Father will be widely distributed throughout the two states, particularly in the rural areas where the Christian indigenous people predominate, in the run-up to the next election.

It is with the concerns described above that we submit this letter to you Holy Father.

While we welcome the establishment of diplomatic relations between our country Malaysia and the Holy See, and we do believe that Malaysia’s experience in inter-religious living and cooperation has lessons to offer to other multireligious multiethnic societies, nonetheless, we are wary about the timing of this visit by prime minister Najib to the Vatican.
We are concerned that foreign governments and leaders who host him in his travels might be influenced by his pronouncements which extol the spirit of moderation, whereas in fact his government has used unnecessarily excessive force time and time again, the latest being its undemocratic treatment of civil society groups in Bersih’s Walk for Democracy episode.
We wish to highlight, too, how prime minister Najib and other BN leaders, in trying to stem the popular support for Bersih’s call for clean and fair elections, have manipulated ethnoreligious sentiments irresponsibly and attempted to demonise Bersih leaders as anti-Islam.
We also highlight how there have been curbs to freedom of religion in fact, although this fundamental human right is guaranteed in the Federal Constitution of Malaysia.
We are also suspicious that there is a hidden political agenda to win electoral support among the Christians of Sabah and Sarawak in this visit to the Vatican.
We pray therefore that the Holy See will consider these concerns seriously and be guided by the Holy Spirit in its dealings with the Malaysian government.

This letter has been endorsed by 330 Catholics and other Christians from throughout Malaysia.

Ailan Kores Webcast

2011-07-19T05:41:00.000-07:00

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church Thursday Island

Great music and new technology merged in a successful presentation of the Ailan Kores webcast from Thursday Island on the first Sunday of the Queensland Music Festival. In Brisbane, I joined a good crowd who comfortably filled the theatre at the Gallery of Modern Art. The technology had its moments, but the warmth and enthusiasm of the people of the Torres Strait Islands was evident in the intimacy we had from great camera shots.

The Torres Strait Islands have a rich and colourful history that is shaped by ancient culture and a contemporary history steeped in religious commitment. The London Missionary Society, the Catholic and Anglican Churches trace their presence in the community back more than a century. There is evidence of smaller communities of the Seventh Day Adventists and, more recently, the Church of Later Day Saints.

This religious heritage has nurtured a singing tradition that continues to be practiced by a new generation of the Youth Choir who opened the performance under the direction of Alison Rogers. The kids were natural and the camera captured moments that only young people can provide as they take centre stage in their community.

The formal welcome to the concert was done in great North Queensland style with guests including the Governor,Penelope Wensly, and QMF Artistic Director Deborah Conway. My latent tribal Catholicism was evident when I went into auto cue and joined Bishop Saibo Mabo who began a prayer with the sign of the cross.

The concert presented popular pieces including Cygnet Reu’s Green White and Blue, as well as local hymns in the powerful presentation of Bach’s St John’s Passion. You can hear a sample track of one of the local hymns, Ngapaw Uzar E here.

The extraordinary performance of Damien Barbeler’s The Temptations of Christ has created a new benchmark in Australian religious music. Barbeler has not simply written a new hymn. He has, in fact, given us a new hermeneutic or interpretation of this classic story form the Christian Biblical texts. Gregory Moore presented an alluring and attractive face of Satan, far from the popular stereotype. The use of instrumental music to personify nature in this story was haunting and the voice of Jesus in the choral chants of Ailan Kores gave a richness to the drama of this incident that is often lost in preaching.

Damien Barbeler also arranged a version of the hymn Jesus Shall Reign, which he discovered when he attended theComing of the Light celebrations in Erub in 2010.

The final item on the program, Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus, lifted the proverbial roof from Thursday Island to GOMA. In fact, I was pretty impressed that some members of the audience at GOMA stood and sang with full voice for the whole piece.

A couple of encores stamped the concert as a popular event, and we were sent home with the echoes of a vespers hymn to bless our sleeping.

The concert was a marvelous collaboration, and no doubt involved much travel and work for the guests including theQueensland Youth Orchestra, conductor, Peter Morris and the soloists, Cygnet Repu, Gregory Moore, Luke captain, Shelli Hulcombe, Brett Holland, and Kathleen Lamont. You can appreciate the effort involved in this project at Ailan Kores Rehearsals on Far North Queensland and the QMF Diary.

The best comments on Ailan Kores come from the performers and this blog by Silvana captures the magic of the evening in word and images. Thanks Silvana for posting your reflection!

The program notes provided for those of us at GOMA were a useful reference, including translations of the adaptation of Bach’s St John’s Passion and historical notes for the other pieces.

One of the questions that has appeared on the webcast site asks whether the concert will be available as a recording for those who missed it. I suggest we all endorse the call for a recording and perhaps some YouTube clips to celebrate this wonderful musical celebration.

I suggest you keep your eyes on Torres Strait Islanders On-line Television for reports on this concert.

Religion for all Shapes and Sizes!!

2011-07-16T06:26:00.001-07:00

Readers Quiz: Who Said It?

2011-07-14T16:38:00.000-07:00

No Google Searching on this one. You need to be able to name the speaker and the context. Use the comment box for your responses. If no correct answer is provided, I will post the details on Friday July 22

”...if eternity is our horizon as people starving for truth and thirsting for happiness, history is the setting of our daily commitment. Faith teaches us that man’s destiny is written in the heart and mind of God, who directs the course of history. It also teaches us that the Father puts in our hands the task of beginning to build here on earth the ‘kingdom of heaven’ which the Son came to announce and which will find its fulfillment at the end of time.

It is our duty then to live in history, side by side with our peers, sharing their worries and hopes, because the Christian is and must be fully a man of his time. He cannot escape into another dimension, ignoring the tragedies of his era, closing his eyes and heart to the anguish that pervades life. On the contrary, it is he who, although not ‘of’ this world, is immersed ‘in’ this world every day, ready to hasten to wherever there is a brother in need of help, a tear to be dried, a request for help to be answered. On this will we be judged!

Bishop calls for a day of prayer on July 8

2011-07-05T23:18:00.000-07:00

Catholic Bishop Dr Paul Tan Chee Ing today declared July 8 as a day of prayer in the Melaka-Johor diocese that “a peace based on justice would prevail among Malaysians of all persuasions and beliefs.”
“Like many Malaysians, I view the day of the Bersih march on July 9 with a mixture of trepidation and anticipation,” said the prelate, who is concurrently president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Malaysia.

“I view the situation with trepidation because the forces of reaction may go overboard which may trigger a chain of consequences whose end cannot be visualised at this stage,” he explained, reports Terence Netto of Malaysiakini.

“Conversely, I see the forces of democratic expression prompted by an imperative whose constitutionality, justice and urgency cannot be denied.”

A tug of conflicting imperatives

Bishop Paul Tan said he is following events closely in the lead-up to July 9 when Bersih, an agglomeration of NGOs pushing for electoral reform, will hold a march for electoral reform in apparent defiance of the authorities' strictures against it.

“This is one of those times when you feel the tug of conflicting imperatives: in this instance, the imperative of public order and tranquility counter-posed by the imperative of justice to the electoral processes that help to guarantee that peace.

“As somebody whose persists in the faith that greater things are wrought by prayer that one can believe, this upcoming situation calls for recourse to precisely that: prayer.

“Accordingly, I call on the Catholic faithful in my diocese, indeed throughout the nation, to devote Friday, July 8, to a day of prayer and contemplation that a peace premised on justice will prevail in our country.”

Say the universal PEACE PRAYER together as One People One Nation:

God, make me an instrument of your peace.

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

Where there is sadness, joy;

O, divine Master, grant that

I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.

In addition, please share a similar peace prayer from different religions at the wall. Initiated by Malaysians, we hope that this space will help us grow together as fellow citizens and as people of faith - to build bridges instead of walls, to build a better world starting with ourselves.

We are all One.

When one is harmed, all are harmed. When one is helped, all are healed.

We are all One.

Ours is not a better way. Ours is merely another way.

► Malaysian Catholic Christians

► Malaysian Civil Liberties Movement (MCLM)

► Pahlawan Volunteers— Negara Kita, Tanggungjawab Kita - from conviction to action

► Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia

► We support the use of the name Allah by all Malaysians

Australian elected to International Role in YCS

2011-07-03T14:57:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to my Facebook Friend, Devett O'Brien who has been elected as the new Secretary-General of the International Young Christian Students (YCS). He will be stationed in Paris for four years and starts in October this year.Solidarity prayers and best wishes as another young Australian takes up justice advocacy within an International Forum

Devett has been a member of the Brisbane Catholic Justice and Peace Commission and is the State Director of LeftRight Think Tank

One of Devett’s key achievements was as the Project Co-ordinator for the SMARTcasual Association where he brought together young people with Unions, Businesses, Community Groups and Local and State Government to develop “Get SMART about Casual Work” a curriculum kit educating young people on their responsibilities and rights as casual workers.

Just how important is NAIDOC for the Australian Catholic Church?

2011-07-01T01:01:00.000-07:00

NAIDOC Week began today Sunday July 3 with the celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council produces resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander Sunday. These are quite accessible and could be used for anyone wanting to explore issues of faith and inculturation during and beyond this significant week..

This year the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference published a statement promoting friendship as a way into solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. Finding the statement on their web site is not helped by the way it is labelled and hidden among a series of documents under a Commission tab. In fact I have to wonder if the Bishops are really serious about this statement as they don't even mention it on their Facebook page for the 1.043 people who like them!!!!

A quick visit to the official calendars of the major sees in Australia does not indicate any great commitment to the sentiments of this new document. The only Archdiocesan calendars or events pages which mention Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday or NAIDOC are Canberra, Hobart and Perth.

In Brisbane we gathered for a NAIDOC Mass at the Cathedral however it did not a rate mention on the official Calendar of the Archdiocese. Perhaps they have other priorities which they seem to share with Sydney and Melbourne which also do not list a NAIDOC Mass as a significant event for their local churches.

The words of Pope John Paul II to Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders in 1986 continue to haunt the Australian Church

You are part of Australia and Australia is part of you. And the Church herself in Australia will not be fully the Church that Jesus wants her to be until you have made your contribution to her life and until that contribution has been joyfully received by others.

During this week you may like to take some time out for a re-reading of the 2003 Social Justice Statement "A Generous Heart in the Love of Christ Challenging Racism in Australia Today" as well as the new statement from the Australian Catholic Bishops released for the 2011 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday.

Billboards promoting Jesus as prophet of Islam cleared after complaints

2011-06-28T15:14:00.000-07:00

Pro-Muslim billboards, one promoting Jesus as a Prophet of Islam have been cleared and did not breach advertising codes even though they sparked a number of complaints. Pass share this with all your Non Muslim friends to help break down the misconceptions and ignorance of Islam. Read More

Bishop Julian Porteous of Sydney finds these billboards "provocative and offensive" Where was Bishop Porteous' indignation when a nuclear war ship The City of Corpus Christi visited our shores recently? I certainly find the use of that traditional language of Catholicism highly offensive when used as a weapon of death. Bishop Porteous does not speak for me on this issue. Why aren't the "Temple Police" reporting this man to Rome for pastoral ineptitude instead of hounding good men like Bishop Bill Morris of Toowoomba?

Rev Ian Powell of the Anglican Church presented a much more dynamic and encouraging response which engages the community.

Luke14

2011-06-12T19:24:00.001-07:00

Luke14 is CBM Australia Initiative to encourage and enable your church to welcome and include people with a disability.

A sign of hope from Malaysia: Liberation Theology Course

2011-06-08T04:07:00.000-07:00

Just to prove that Facebook isn't all about the trivia in life here is a news item that was posted in among events to which I have been invited.

A workshop for Christian Activist organized by Community Action Network (CAN) and The Malaysian Movement for Pax Romana ICMICA International Catholic Movement for Intellectual and Cultural Affairs.

10 June at 19:00 - 12 June at 16:00 Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre, Kuala Lumpur Fee: RM 120 and RM 80 (students) for food and accommodation)

Objective

- Lay people need to discover the theory and spirit of the Theology of Liberation
- To reflect on this spirituality in the context of Malaysia
-To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Vatican II by reinvigorating the church community
- To inspire greater activism for change within the church and the larger society

Read the program here

Featured Speakers
Fr Fabian Dicom
Jerald Joseph

This is a sign of hope in the midst of news stories that often fail to inspire and encourage participation in the Church. I am unable to get to this event but draw hope from the following exchange between myself and one of the organisers on the group Facebook page:
Dear Friends, I send you greetings, prayers and best wishes for this important gathering. I look forward to hearing of your deliberations and actions that we might build solidarity for justice in our region. I particularly hope you will keep in mind the current arrangement between the Governments of Australia and Malaysia which risk the safety of many refugees and asylum seekers.

Tony Thanks Tony for the kind words of encouragement. We definitely have lots of work to do especially with regards this cross border issue. In solidarity.

Welcome to the Jean Vanier Support Network

2011-06-03T23:07:00.000-07:00

We have recently nominated Jean Vanier for some important International awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize, the Templeton Prize and the Fellowship for Reconciliation’s Pfeffer International Peace Prize. These nominations are made in the context of a global effort to make Jean and his work better known, and to ensure its vitality.

For most of us the social and human impact of Jean Vanier is unquestionable. Unfortunately, although he is often spoken of in the same breath as Mother Teresa, he does not always enjoy widespread public recognition.

It is not easy to promote the public visibility of a man “who has built a life around celebrating what is small, simple and rejected”, and who ultimately positions himself as strongly counterculture vis a vis contemporary world values of performance and success.

We remain convinced that the heart of the message of Jean Vanier is essential to a world desperately searching for meaning. We ask you to help us make a difference, by contributing a little of your influence to tip the scale towards increased public recognition of Jean Vanier.

We hope to recruit individuals, organizations, institutions or communities throughout the world who would be ready to share, on their own networks and with the media, any news of significance concerning Jean Vanier and his work.

Please join our network by sending an email to network@jean-vanier.org

We look forward to your collaboration. Together we can affirm and support the valuable and equal place of the most vulnerable and often rejected members of our society.

Martha Bala,
network@jean-vanier.org
Board member, L’Arche International

A Great Introduction to a New Resource on Spirituality for Our Times

2011-06-02T15:12:00.001-07:00

Palestine Peace

2011-06-01T18:00:00.001-07:00

Palestine Peace

The World Week for Peace in Palestine/Israel is a time in which you are invited to pray, reflect and act for peace in Palestine/Israel. The week runs from 29 May to 4 June. As part of the week of action, Palestinians and Israelis will pray for a just peace in Palestine/Israel in front of several Israeli settlements on the West Bank, in front of the separation wall and in various places of worship. A web site with resources for prayer, liturgy, reflection and action has been established to help you to get involved in the week. Go tohttp://www.worldweekforpeace.org/

Today's Caption Competition: What is George Reading?

2011-05-31T04:46:00.000-07:00

In this image of Cardinal George Pell by David Roberts the Archbishop of Sydney is caught out reading a book in his favourite nook. What is George Cardinal reading?

The Qur'an
A History of Lace by Mrs Bury Paliser
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
The Ceremonies of the Roman Rite Described Adrian Fortescue J B O'Connell
Hell on the Way to Heaven by Chrissie Foster
In God's Name by David Yallop
A Thief In The Night by John Cornwell
Vatican Recipes (Rare Hardback Edition)
The Indispensable Guide to Classic Mens' Clothing
How to be a Real Man by Julian Clary

So, that's my list..what do you think is in the Cardinal's hands?
Thanks to the Catholica Discussion Forum for their responses

Holy Planking!

2011-05-25T05:35:00.000-07:00

According to Wikipedia, "Planking is the act of lying face down with arms to the sides of the body, in unusual public spaces and photographing it.The term "planking" was coined in Australia and became a fad in 2011. "

I can in fact confirm that "Planking" has its origins in liturgy. It is an ancient religious act of lying on the floor of the Church during the chanting of the Litany of the Saints. It is also practised by more evangelical groups during prayer sessions. Here is the pictorial evidence of Holy Planking. Can someone please update the Wikipedia entry to reflect this research?

Infallible Planking

Nave Planking

Comfy Planking

Extraordinary Planking

Episcopal Planking

Line Planking

Mass Planking

She Planking

Friar Planking

Nun Planking

Super Planking

Synchronized Planking

Discalced Planking

Evangelical Planking

Perth Sets New Record in Bad Taste

2011-05-19T20:42:00.000-07:00

Over in the oft forgotten plains of WA is the usually sleepy Catholic Archdiocese of Perth. They live a genteel life and take pride in their newly renovated Cathedral. The world of Vatican politics and life on the East Coast is usually too far away to worry about.

However , the ground has shifted as the official paper of the Archdiocese of Perth, The Record has published a scathing editorial on the recent "sacking" of Bishop Bill Morris of Towoomba. The editorial heading: "A Bishop That Had To Go" presents an official view of events that differs in tone and content from the statement of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.

The damaging impact of the editorial for Archbishop Hickey is obvious on The Record webiste where it is placed much lower than the story on the Australian Catholic Bishops response. I suspect the proverbial "hell will freeze over" before the Archbishop runs out for a photo opportunity with the editor.

A "warning bell" in the editorial was the reference to Christopher Pearson as a reliable source for information on the Bishop Morris issue. This is akin to hiring Richard Dawkins as a guide to the Vatican!!

A very good analysis of the editorial is available on the Catholica Discussion forum. A very bad discussion on the editorial can be found on the hard-nosed benches CathPews Discussion Forum.

Bill Maher: If you rejoice in revenge, torture and war …you’re not a Christian

2011-05-16T13:59:00.000-07:00

Vatican Plays Politics With Child Abuse

2011-05-14T15:45:00.000-07:00

Online Catholic News services and blogs have attacked Amnesty International for releasing a report in which it names the Vatican for failing to protect children from abuse.In a traditional political trick of deflecting attention away from the core issue prelates and bloggers have instead chosen to attack AI for its policy on sexual and reproduction rights.

Vatican official: Amnesty International 'betrays’ mission with abortion stance
Amnesty International's dig at Vatican called 'preposterous'
Amnesty International hits out at Vatican -

The Amnesty International report begins:" Increasing evidence of widespread child sexual abuse committed by members of the clergy over the past decades, and of the enduring failure of the Catholic Church to address these crimes properly, continued to emerge in various countries. Such failures included not removing alleged perpetrators from their posts pending proper investigations, not co-operating with judicial authorities to bring them to justice and not ensuring proper reparation to victims."

The report notes: "Canon law does not include an obligation for Church authorities to report cases to civil authorities for criminal investigation. Secrecy is mandatory throughout the proceedings."

Prayer for peace - Sunday 22 May 2011

2011-05-10T20:15:00.000-07:00

Celebrate with the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation in Jamaica

On Sunday, 22 May 2011, in a worldwide event, churches in every corner of the world are invited to celebrate God’s gift of peace. Those who take part will be together in spirit, song and prayer with the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) in Jamaica, united in the hope of peace.

God of peace and possibility, Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier:

We approach you to ask once again for your mercy, forgiveness and a fresh start.
We ask you to help us give peace a chance, in this world.
We want to give peace a chance, yet we have already missed so many opportunities.
We have sabotaged so many initiatives; instead of overcoming evil with good,
we have stood by while good was overpowered.
Forgive us, Lord.
Dona nobis pacem: Give us peace, we pray.

Just as we claim your forgiveness, we also claim this moment in the name of peace.
We accept anew our responsibility as peacemakers and creators of justice.
We give thanks for the Decade to Overcome Violence, for its work in raising our awareness and our yearning for peace. And yet, we admit that there is much more required if we are truly to give peace a chance.
Dona nobis pacem: Give us peace, we pray.

By the moving of your Spirit, commit our hearts and minds to peace, and help us dedicate our lives to becoming the starting-points of peace. “Let this be the moment, now.”
Help us cooperate with you, giving peace a chance, creating a world where peace may be our ethos and our essence.
Give us peace, we pray. Grant us wisdom and courage to seize the initiative: wisdom to discern the things that make for peace, and courage to be faithful and obedient to you.
Dona nobis pacem: Give us peace, we pray.

God of peace and possibility, make us instruments of your peace at the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation and in all places so that we may fulfill your will, and so that we may give peace a chance.
In the name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.
Amen.
Prayer from the Caribbean

Catholic Activist Calls for Removal of Pope's Image From Churches

2011-05-01T14:50:00.000-07:00

Brisbane Catholic activist, Tony Robertson has called for Catholic Churches in Australia to remove the image of Pope Benedict XVI which by custom has a place of honour in Churches, Schools and other religious buildings.

Mr Robertson said "This is a symbolic way of expressing the anger hurt and dismay at the treatment of Bishop Bill Morris of Toowoomba who has been forced to resign following a Vatican investigation."

"The investigation denied Bishop Morris any natural justice by not allowing him to see the report which was published following the apostolic visit of Archbishop Chaput of Denver in 2007" he said.

By removing the images of the Pope from our public buildings we will send a strong message to Rome about our dissatisfaction with the policies and Church direction currently practised by the Pope and the Roman Curia". he said.

Mr Robertson said: "Catholic Liturgy includes prayers for the Pope and Bishops of the Church and these prayers will continue to remind us that those who govern are not always acting in good grace. We need to continue these prayers that the current generation of Bishops from the Pope to the local ordinaries will not be consumed by their status, power and finery"

"For this action to be effective I suggest that parishes schools and other Catholic centres send their pictures of the Pope to the Apostolic Nunciature in Canberra where such action will be recorded and reported in Rome" he said.

Vatican blesses Mugabe and wonders why Catholics abandon the Church!!!

2011-05-01T04:19:00.000-07:00

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, and his wife Grace attend a solemn celebration led by Pope Benedict XVI where late Pope John Paul II was beatified, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday, May 1, 2011, in the fastest beatification in modern times. Photo: Anja Niedringhaus / AP Read more:

As recently as April 18 Amnesty International expressed concerns that "State sponsored violence and malicious prosecutions of perceived opponents of President Robert Mugabe remain a major concern"

It is even more amazing that the Mugabes scored front row seats at this Vatican event when he was recently quoted as saying: “I am confused by my own Catholic bishops, they must learn from you (ZCC leaders). Often Catholic bishops expose that they are not their own men; they are mere puppets of Western Countries. I grew up in a Catholic Church but now I am totally frustrated by how these so called men of God who lie. All Catholic bishops are liars, they demonise my party every day,” (Source)

Mugabe's welcome at the Vatican stands in stark contradiction to the isolation and excommunication meted out to Sr. Margaret McBride and Fr Roy Bourgeois who remain among my contemporary heroes of the Gospel. On the day of the Beatification Australians were stunned to hear that the Pope has removed Bishop Bill Morris from his see in Toowwomba without due process using the similar methods to those that kept Mugabe in power for so long!!

And they wonder why so many walk away from the Church?

Who were the Nuns at the Royal Wedding?

2011-04-30T00:50:00.000-07:00

The blogsphere is buzzing with people interested to know something about those Nuns at the Royal Nuptials.

Yahoo answers provides some interesting speculation with comments from fans of the Monty Python team.

The Daily Mirror even provides a media shot and a free plug for Reebok!!

The two Sisters to give them their correct status, made a few cameo appearances particularly while the bridal couple were seated as they sat next door in somewhat drab haute couture. They are members of the Community of the Sisters of the Church, an Anglican order of religious women.

One of them I presume was Sr Judith, an Australian born member of the community who scored the Chaplain's job at the Abbey in 2007. But here is where the mystery deepens. You see the community only have one Sr Judith listed among their UK membership and her public pic as editor of their newsletter has her outfitted in mufti. Perhaps the habit is for formal events like royal weddings and papal visits. I suspect she brought along a much taller companion for the wedding to give a semblance of gender balance in the sacred space.

The Abbey web site provides some great background info for those who fell asleep during the marathon event. There is a great page with details of the music that was used. Pity they don't provide the links to the youtube clips!!

Easter Morning at my Mother's Bedside

2011-04-25T19:18:00.000-07:00

There is nothing quite like the sounds, the smells and the sights of an Easter Vigil done well. And that's what I found this year at St Francis Church in Melbourne. You would expect it though from a church with a long and honoured tradition of great liturgy and an open door that sees peoples of diverse cultures and car choices gathered in prayer and song.

As we lifted the roof with the stirring "Halleluja" refrain from Charles Wesley's Christ the Lord is Risen Today I also carried with me the anxiety that brought back to the cities of my youth on this joyous day.

As Easter morning broke I boarded a train at Southern Cross Station to spend time with my mother who had been admitted to Geelong Hospital following a fall on Holy Thursday. At 84 years these admissions seem to be more regular.

Raise your joys and triumphs high, Hallelujah

The joys and triumphs of sonship endure over the years. I remember the triumph of the first time I bought an item of clothing for myself and my dear socially conservative mother couldn't believe I had spent birthday money at some "hippie" shop rather than a respectable store like Myers or Roger David. We had shared some amazing moments of sheer joy as a musical loving women introduced her eldest son to live theatre when we would go to performances of the Geelong Repetory Theatre Company.

She was a product of Irish Catholicism and the austerity of the post war era. Her first child would embrace the spirit of the 60s reform of the world and religious structures and explore a sexuality that was never named in her cultural settings.

Love's redeeming work is done, Hallelujah
fought the fight, the battle won, Hallelujah

I wonder if I began grieving the loss of my mother from the moment the umbilical chord was cut. Encouraging your child to grow into their own person is every parent's wish and fear for their children. It is an act of redemption and an act of love that has left the scars of battles and clashes across a generation gap in my life.Now the gap has closed and two people sit in the silence of a hospital ward. My mother slips in and out of sleep with brief snippets of conversation. I sit with my memories my anxiety and the knowledge that "all will be well"

Ours the cross, the grave , the skies, Hallelujah

I gazed a the frail weakened body that 58 years ago carried me with such energy hope and love. Today I realise that the time will soon approach when I will join my sister and brothers in carrying my mother to her final resting place. The medical team are amazed at the tenacity of the little lady covered in bruises and fed through a drip to keep her fluid levels up. She has a window bed that looks over some rooflines and across to the bright colours of Corio Bay. I kiss her goodbye and she smiles and again asks me what time my flight leaves. Then she slips back into her gentle sleep.

In the Spirituality Centre of the Hospital I wrote an Easter Prayer in the book of prayers left by others who have sat in the quiet space with the mystery of life

Risen One
Promise of Life
Word of Justice
Compassion of the Divine
Comfort us who grieve and worry
Teach us trust and hope
Hold all of us in your love as we
struggle with the mystery of life and death.
On this Easter Day renew our hearts with
life, love and courage.
Let us see your presence in those around us
speaking words of peace.
Amen

Easter Downunder

2011-04-24T23:27:00.000-07:00

I set myself a challenge to see if I could find a suitable Australian image of the resurrection. Rosemary Crumlin has some good references in her Images of Religion in Australian Art.

A few images also appear when you do a search among entries for the Blake Prize.

However, it was a Google Search that led me to Victor Morrison's The Resurrection of Christ. Not only did I find a great image, I also discovered a story of parish censorship and intrigue.

It seems that two works of Morrison's were not only installed but blessed for St Bede's Parish in Braidwood. (Don't fret dear reader, I too had to resort to Google Maps to find Braidwod.) As recently as last year it seems the parish council acceded to the complaints of some parishioners and had the works removed. To where? Aha, therein lies another story which has yet to be posted online. And dare I say the moral of this story can serve as a warning to the pro-democracy movement within the pews of Catholicism.

However, thanks to the wonders of the internet the parish of St Bede's still features a photo of their local Church with "The Resurrection of Christ" hanging nicely to the left of the Sanctuary.

The removal of this work now begs the question: What has happened to the space where the Morrison picture was hanging? Should I sponsor a competition for the first reader to submit an updated image from the Church to solve this mystery of faith? As we await the latest image, you might like to use the comment box to submit your suggestion? Any votes for a nice big Divine Mercy pic?

Triduum Images: Easter Sunday

2011-04-24T18:22:00.000-07:00

Jesus of the People

Triduum Images: Good Friday

2011-04-21T16:28:00.000-07:00

Crucifixion of Jesus Matt 27:45 - 46, Elisabeth Ohlson Wallin.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecce_Homo_(exhibition)

BREAKING THE MIRROR OF VIOLENCE

By Simon Moyle

ABC RELIGION AND ETHICS | 21 APR 2011

Triduum Images: Holy Thursday

2011-04-20T15:05:00.000-07:00

Susan Dorothea White

The First Supper, 1988
acrylic on panel, 120 x 240 cm (48" x 96")

Good Friday Death Penalty Prayer Vigil

2011-04-18T14:46:00.000-07:00

The annual Good Friday death penalty prayer vigil will take place on Friday 22 April at noon at Christ the King Church, Churchill Street, Graceville. As we recall the execution of Jesus, we will take the time to remember those who wait for execution around the world. We will pray especially for the three Australians on death row in Bali, Scott Rush, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran and also for Titus Ani, the Nigerian detained with them. All are welcome.

Death sentences and executions in 2010

Children should never be executed

UN votes again to end executions

The global movement to kill the death penalty

This Is Cruel And Inhuman Punishment

Plug for a great book with content from my mate Jarrod Saul McKenna!!

2011-04-18T02:42:00.000-07:00

Palm Sunday: A Rally to Discipleship

2011-04-17T05:50:00.000-07:00

Today is Palm Sunday and I joined comrades friends and makers of peace in Brisbane for our annual Palm Sunday Peace Rally. The Brisbane Catholic Justice and Peace Commission had promoted this event in its E-Bulletin. However, if the newsheet of our Cathedral is a guide to preferential options in the Archdiocese then peace-making doesn't even rate a mention.

As I looked around as those who were gathering I saw few of my sisters and brothers of Christian Faith.The most obvious presence was a Rev Sue Pickering, a Uniting Church minister with the UCA logo and a couple of Quakers in their signature vests. In past years it was common to see a good number of people from parish communities, religious orders and diverse Churches. It's events like this that indicate the loss of association for me between liturgy and life in the market place. My fear is that the Palm Sunday liturgical procession even when done in ecumenical settings has become a theatrical performance of polite people doing their religious duty.

Those of us who walked the city streets today in moments of silence and brief calls for a nuclear free and peaceful world captured the mixed emotions of the story of Jesus entry into Jerusalem. We tend to imagine that the city stopped for this historic vignette, however like other cities today most people were going about their business and barely noticed the smallish group of revelers following a man on a donkey.

As we walked through the corridors of empire and commercial power the business of buying and selling was in full swing.Our cries for the Kingdom of Justice and Peace were drowned out by the advertising and brash signage around us. However we rally and march as people gather for liturgy, to be reminded of why we meet, to celebrate a common dream and to stand in opposition to all around us that stifles the spirit of peace and justice.

In 2004 the Sydney Palm Sunday Peace rally was addressed by Josephite Sister, Susan Connelly. Her words remain as valid today as when first spoken:

Let the churches not be intimidated by those who say we should be quiet. All of us has citizens have the duty to call our representatives to account, but we also have the duty to ourselves and our children to save the national soul by not following official example. Let us never tell lies to anyone about anything. Revenge is always stupid, it solves nothing, and brings people down to the same level as those who wronged them. Let us rise above revenge. Let us take advantage of opportunities to learn about other people's cultures and religions, and rejoice in them. Let us arm ourselves with the courage of our convictions and refuse to be tricked into submission by the policies of the government today.

I tell you if these keep silence, the stones will cry out. Let us not be outdone by stones, or donkeys either. Let us stand up to all turkeys and geese too, when the lives of people and the telling of truth is at stake. Whatever they do or say about us is not as important as the questions our children and grandchildren will ask about the world we hand on to them. When they say to us, what did you do during the illegal Iraq war?, what will you be able to say?

Again this year Susan Connelly is among speakers listed to address the Sydney Palm Sunday rally. The web site of the Sisters of St Joseph reminds us The Palm Sunday scripture tells us of Jesus as he wept over Jerusalem and the injustice, violence and complicity with war-making. In our global village of 2011 where we have seen in front of us so much violence and heart wrenching human suffering along with our earth screaming out at us, let us consider stepping out and join in solidarity with others on Palm Sunday