KNEEL WITH POPE JOHN PAUL II IN SEPTEMBER PRAYER General: That old people may be considered as asset to the spiritual and human growth of society. Missionary: That in Africa authentic brotherly cooperation may develop among all those who work
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To Russia with hope, love Vatican delegation returns Kazan icon to Russia as goodwill gesture By Bryon MacWilliams of CNS
A
n icon held sacred by Pope John Paul II has been returned to Russia, the country of its origin, as a gesture of good will intended to help bridge the long-standing divide between the Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox churches. The ornate relic, an 18th-century copy of the Mother of God of Kazan, was delivered to Patriarch Alexy II, head of the Russian Orthodox Church, following a liturgy on August 28 in Assumption Cathedral on the grounds of the Kremlin. The icon was placed on a pedestal to the right of the altar in the legendary gray limestone church, where Patriarch Alexy marked the feast of the Dormition of
Mary, the Byzantine equivalent of Mary's Assumption into heaven. "This sacred image traveled a long and difficult path across many countries and cities of the world. Catholics and Christians of other confessions prayed before it," the Patriarch, wearing a vibrant blue robe embroidered with gold, told several hundred Orthodox faithful. For more than a decade the icon - which was spirited out of the country following the Bolshevik Revolution - hung over the desk of the Pope, who had hoped to deliver it personally, but Patriarch Alexy has resisted such a visit. Instead some 5,000 people gathered on August 25 in the Vatican's audience hall to see off the 12-inch-by-10-inch relic, which was delivered in a special wooden case, sealed with wax, by a Vatican delegation headed by Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. The
Patriarch said that the homage to the Blessed Virgin Mary in both churches "reminds us of ancient times and undivided churches." He added during the three-hour ceremony that he hoped that the overture by the Pope "attests to the firm wish of the leadership of the Vatican to return to sincere relations of mutual respect between our churches - relations that would be devoid of hostile rivalry, but would fulfill the wishes to help each other in brotherhood." Since the early 1990s Russian Orthodox leaders have accused the Vatican of proselytizing in Russia and failing to stop what they characterize as discrimination against Orthodoxy by Byzantine Catholics in Western Ukraine. Both issues will need to be addressed before the first Slavic Pope in history can set foot in the most important Slavic country in the world, said a Russian Orthodox spokesman.
Prayer starts another day
Pope’s book out soon English edition of pope’s book due in US bookstores September 28 By Catholic News Service “Rise, Let Us Be on Our Way,” the English edition of Pope John Paul II’s latest book, is due in US bookstores at the end of September.
Published in the United States by Warner Books, the book is an autobiographical reflection on the pope’s 20 years as a bishop in communist Poland, from 1958 to 1978. Released in the original Polish and several other languages on the pope’s 84th birthday May 18, the book’s title was originally
translated into English as “Get Up, Let Us Go.” The book, published in hardcover for $22.95, goes on sale Sept. 28. “Crossing the Threshold of Hope,” Pope John Paul’s 1994 book, written with Vittorio Messori, has sold more than 20 million copies in 50 editions worldwide.
Come to Jennacubbine picnic! Northam Parish Priest Fr Geoff Aldous would like to see a huge turnout for the Bush Picnic Day at Jennacubbine on Sunday September 19 which is being jointly organized with the Catholic Social Justice Council. Fr Geoff said the day will be an opportunity to meet new friends from the bush and/or city, enjoy a meal in fresh country air, take a stroll by the Mortlock River and
Paul Gray coming to Perth Page 6
just feel the peace and beauty of God’s creation. “This is a day for families and individuals from the city and the bush to come together to enjoy a day in rural surroundings which reflect the peace and beauty of God’s creation,” he said. The day will close by 3.30pm after the celebration of Mass. Jennacubbine is approximately 20 km beyond Toodyay on the road to Goomalling.
Those coming for the day are asked to organize their own transport. A twelve-seater bus will be available, leaving from Whitford Parish Church. A road map showing the route from Toodyay to Jennacubbine is available. Interested persons can contact the Parish Secretary at Whitford on 9307 2776
Student Leitisha Nowee of Grade 2/3 at Luurnpa Catholic School, Wirrimanu Community in Balgo prepares herself at assembly for morning prayers. Leitisha was among the many people and places visited by Record journalist Jamie O’Brien and photographer Carole McMillen recently, whose stories will appear in coming editions of The Record. To see some of the Kimberley through their eyes, turn to Pages 8 & 9
Professional Boxing - is it ok? Dear Padre Page 4
Photo: Carole McMillen
Election time Australia's bishops offer principles for voters
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