THE RECORD The Parish. The Nation. The World.
Western Australia’s award-winning Catholic newspaper - Wednesday January 2, 2008
www.therecord.com.au
Perth, Western Australia $2
Benedict XVI appeals for end to war, forgotten crises Speaking to the whole world, Pope says Christmas message of peace is sorely needed ■ By John Thavis
VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Pope Benedict XVI welcomed Christmas as a “day of great hope” and said its message of peace is sorely needed in a world beset by war, poverty and injustice. In his Christmas day blessing delivered from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, the pope appealed for an end to “the grim sound of arms” in Iraq, the Middle East, Afghanistan, Sudan’s Darfur and other “crisis situations that are frequently forgotten.” “May the child Jesus bring relief to those who are suffering and may he bestow upon political leaders the wisdom and courage to seek and find humane, just and lasting solutions,” he said. The night before, celebrating midnight Mass in St Peter’s Basilica, the Pope said Christmas should be experienced as a feast of “restored creation” in a spoiled and polluted world. That will happen when modern men and women make time and space for God, he said. The papal Mass and blessing were broadcast live to millions of people around the world, and the Pope pronounced Christmas greetings in 63 languages - including for the first time Guarani, an indigenous language of South America. In English, the Pope said: “May the birth of the Prince of Peace remind the world where its true happiness lies; and may your hearts be filled with hope and joy, for the Savior has been born for us.” In the message accompanying his “urbi et orbi” blessing to the city of Rome and to the world, the pope emphasized that Christ’s gift of hope and salvation is offered to all peoples, especially those suffering from oppression and lack of basic rights. “It is the most vulnerable members of society - women, children, the elderly
Joy: Pope Benedict XVI blesses two children as he celebrates midnight Mass in St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on December 25.
PHOTO: CNS/MAX ROSSI/REUTERS
Perth bands, catechists to descend on WYD Loving it: Perth singer/ songwriter/keyboard player/guitarist Patrick Carre woos the crowd at Perth music extravaganza Goliath last year. Patrick’s Flame Ministries band will join many other WA acts on the international stage in Sydney at WYD08.
Continued - Page 8
■ By Anthony Barich
Perth’s biggest Catholic music event, Goliath, is set to descend on the world’s Catholics at World Youth Day in Sydney from July 15-20. The Archdiocese of Perth’s WYD Office sent in a comprehensive proposal called “Goliath Goes To Sydney” that will see Perth’s finest musicians showcase their talent and rub shoul-
ders with their Archbishop Barry Hickey and his Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton, who will address the biggest event to hit Australian shores, including the Olympics. Last year, Goliath showcased everything from rock to Blues and Roots to progressive metal. Perth Catholic musicians Ben Sheridan and Jeff Ramage, who have released a Continued - Page 8
CRUNCH TIME FOR THE JESUITS
IS BRITAIN GOING CATHOLIC?
After 25 years one of the Church’s most revered religious orders - the Society of Jesus - is about to choose a new leader and chart a course for the early years of the Twenty First Century. The world’s Jesuits must take key decisions for the Society’s future, as OSV’s RUSSELL SHAW and The Record’s PAUL GRAY report.
Tony Blair’s conversion attracted much interest. But while Catholicism in the UK is faring slightly better than other Christian denominations, it - and they- are still decreasing.
VISTA 1-4
Page 7
FOR THE BEST DEAL ON A NEW HONDA, ACCESSORIES, PARTS, FINANCE OR FROM OUR RANGE OF QUALITY USED VEHICLES.
INDEX Perspectives
www.hondanorth.com.au
new@hondanorth.com.au hondanorth.com.au 432 Scarborough Bch Rd, Osborne Park, 6017 Ph: 9449 9000 new@ ‘DEALER OF THE YEAR’ 1996 ❙ ‘WA OVERALL EXCELLENCE’ 1996, 1998, 2003 ❙ ‘WA SALES EXCELLENCE’ 1996, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
DL0891
FOR THE BEST DEAL ON A NEW HONDA, ACCESSORIES, PARTS, FINANCE OR FROM OUR RANGE OF QUALITY USED VEHICLES
- Pages 10-11
The World feature
- Page 9
Panorama
- Page 14
Classifieds
- Page 15
w w w. h o n d a n o r t h . c o m . a u 432 Scarborough Beach Road, Osborne Park, 6017 Ph: 9449 9000 new@hondanorth.com.au ‘DEALER OF THE YEAR’ 1996 ‘WA OVERALL EXCELLENCE’ 1996, 1998, 2003 ‘WA SALES EXCELLENCE’ 1996, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005