ETHIOPIA: a progress report Last month Miss Terri Thrower, Executive Secretary of Australian Catholic Relief, and the Reverend James Murray, Religious Affairs Correspondent of The Australian, visited Ethiopia under the aegis of the Ethiopian Catholic Secretariat. For lames Murray it was a second visit — he was there in May last year and reported back extensively on the situation — and he was able to compare the present situation with what it was in 1984. See pages 4 and 5.
PERTH, WA: 8 — 14 August, 1985 LOCATION: 26 John St, Perth, (off Fitzgerald St) POST ADDRESS PO Box 50, Perth Aberdeen Si, WA, 6000
TELEPHONE: (09) 328 '1388
PRICE 50 cents
A Quiz without surgery
'Well done good and faithful servant. . . come and join in your Master's happiness.' Archbishop Foley
by FATHER JOHN JEGOROW, Youth Chaplain All people attending the Quiz of the Century in support of Catholic youth activities next week will be winners — they will have our blessings for supporting a worthwhile cause. There will be no surgery or medical services offered as prizes. Our Quiz night has scores of prizes, including a return trip for two flying Qantas to Bali and accommodation supplied by Professional Travel Services . . . but no surgery of any kind. The Quiz of the to be Century hosted by TV compere Tony Barber will be held at the Perth Function Centre (Canterbury Court) on Monday, August 19. "Awful," said a mother of four, after reading the front page story this week about unusual quiz night prizes. The Dalkeith primary school quiz night committee should be given top marks for clever publicity strategy and bottom marks for care and respect for people. It's a crazy world we live in. I wonder how many people will voice their loud disgust at such trivialisation of the sacred. The reporting of distasteful events is gaining popularity in our society. Not so long ago we heard of dwarf throwing contests. More recently we find the community divided as to whether obscene language can be called genuine entertainment. Where will it end?
Francis Xavier Thomas, Fifth Bishop of Geraldton (1962-1981), died peacefully at his private residence in Geraldton, on Sunday morning August 4, aged 79. In his last hours he was attended by Geraldton priests and comforted by the presence and prayers of his two sisters and devoted housekeeper. Following Bishop Thomas' death, the Archbishop of Perth, Archbishop Foley said the Catholic Church in WA could be truly proud of this bishop, "who gave his life for it." Archbishop Foley said: "With deep respect, I salute Most Reverend Francis Xavier Thomas, a dear friend, a saintly Christian, a priest for 55 years and Bishop of Geraldton for 19.
Rika De Smerlt, of Morley and Antoinette Nicoletti, of Saylor& provide research for the Quiz Night of the Century, organised in nowt of Catholic youth activities, which Tony Barber will hest at the Perth Function Centre at 7.30 pot on Monday, August 19.
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"The Pilbara region of his diocese witnessed enormous growth in his term of office and the people who helped develop it knew the love and care of a pastor as he worked to find priests for them to create supportive parish communities. "Whether it was the primary or secondary student in the Catholic Schools and Colleges or the founders of the Catholic Pastoral Institute, all will reflect on his genuine commitment to Religious education. "The religious and priests of his diocese as well as the laity were well aware of his love for their lives and their work "It is the task of others to
Bishop Francis Xavier Thomas, who died on the weekend after more than 50 years a priest, 19 as a bishop. record in detail the achievements of his priestly life and episcopate," Archbishop Foley said. "It is 'who he was' rather than 'what he did' that will remain deepest in the hearts of those who knew Bishop Thomas. "His authentic Christian simplicity and deep love learnt in the prayerful company of the Eucharistic Lord. "His kindness, thoughtfulness and tireless energy endeared him so much to all. "His faithfulness and loyalty to his Saviour and his Church is an example for all to follow. 'Well done good and faithful servant . . come and join in your Master's happiness," Archbishop Foley said. Since his retirement as bishop in July 1981, Bishop Thomas resided in Geraldton. There he continued his
priestly ministry, assisting frequently in the local parishes. In this period he also cared for parishes in more distant parts of the diocese during the temporary absence of priests. Bishop Thomas celebrated the Golden Jubilee of his Priesthood on July 13, 1980. About this time a serious health problem was diagnosed which was alleviated by major surgery. However it was to recur about 14 months ago and his general health deteriorated. He chose to remain at home during his final illness, continuing to be cared for and nursed by Kath Toner, his housekeeper. with the support of Sisters of St John of God who called daily. As bishop, he enjoyed the privilege of a private chapel in his home in Gummer Avenue. He was able to celebrate
Mass up until a week before his death with the daily assistance of Father Pocock. especially during the final four months. Of his near relatives, two sisters Mrs ICath Coughlin of Adelaide and Sister Mary Antonia of Melbourne arrived in Geraldton a few weeks ago and were with him when he died His brother. Father Basil Thomas of Yarrawonga, Victoria, also visited him recently.
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YOUTH
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DO.* Some groups care for aninvils. others seek to save our forests This year so, yotuntary youth organisations will share equally your donation sent to the address below. These groups work with young people, W A's most precious resource, to build a better world.