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TOM O’DWYER: Never without his Rosary Page 12
The Parish. The Nation. The World.
Thursday September ,
Western Australia’s Award-winning Catholic newspaper
Perth, Western Australia ● $1
WONDERFUL: The lives of Sisters Maureen and Katherine Page 7
COURAGE: priest recounts horrors that almost destroyed him Page 9
Medical school opens Notre Dame University celebrates official opening ■ By Jamie O’Brien
Federal Health Minister Tony Abbott officially opened the School of Medicine at Notre Dame University in front of a crowd of approximately 400 students, university staff, wellwishers and supporters last Friday. Australia’s first private medical school (Bond University medical classes commenced in May) commenced its first academic semester in February this year with 80 students from all around Australia. The four-year graduate entry program received approval from the Commonwealth and State Governments in 2003 and accreditation from the Australian Medical Council in November 2004. In his address Mr Abbott spoke about Jesus as a healer, and said the result of the Medical school, at Notre Dames was the ability to offer theology with the best scientific medical teaching. Notre Dame Vice Chancellor Dr Peter Tannock said he was “delighted” with the quality of the initial intake of students and with the welcome they had received from the medical profession, the State, Catholic and private hospitals, and the State Health Department. “I am also very grateful to Curtin University for its partnership with
Catechists will go out into the deep
“Don’t be afraid. The Lord has called you and he will provide for you.” Taken from the teachings of Pope John Paul II, that was the advice Bishop Don Sproxton offered to the group of 44 men and women who were commissioned as Catechists during a special Mass held at the Chapel of St Michael the Archangel in Leederville last week. Referring to his recent involvement in the World Youth Day celebrations in Cologne, Germany, Bishop Sproxton said catechesis had played an important role in the experience of the pilgrims, and those being commissioned had the opportunity to positively influence the faith development of those with whom they worked. continued on Page 4 Photo: Phil Bayne
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De Foucauld to be beatified VATICAN CITY, AUG. 30, 2005 (Zenit.org) - Charles de Foucauld, a French Army officer who entered religious life and became a hermit, will be beatified on November 13 in St. Peter’s Basilica, says the postulator of his cause. The beatification was to be celebrated by Pope John Paul II on May 15, but was postponed because of his death. Born in Strasbourg, France, in 1858, de Foucauld was orphaned at 6. After a brief military career, in 1883 he undertook an expedition in the Moroccan desert which won him the gold medal of the French Geographic Society. His religious conversion occurred in 1886. He went on pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1888. After de Foucauld’s experience as a Trappist in Syria and as a hermit in Nazareth, in 1901 he was ordained a priest. He studied Arabic and Hebrew. “He lived in poverty, contemplation and humility, witnessing fraternally to God’s love among Christians, Jews and Muslims,” said Cardinal José Saraiva Martins, prefect of the Congregation for continued on Page 4
Meet Genevieve: the first WA Vinnies female State President Declining membership is one of the biggest challenges facing the St Vincent de Paul Society today, according to new State President Genevieve De Souza. Speaking during her Commissioning Mass on September 4, Mrs De Souza said the Society needed more members for it to continue to effectively carry out its good works within the West Australian community. She added that members also faced the apparent dilemma of trying to uphold the traditions of the organisation while adapting to the rapid changes affecting our world. “Many of us in the Society will
New Vinnies State President Genevieve De Souza
concede that we do not have all the answers to these problems,” she
A SPECIAL PLACE IN PERTH Visit the Schoenstatt Shrine in Armadale, a place of peace and quiet for the weary spirit and pilgrim, a refuge for those seeking to hear God’s secret call in their hearts.
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said. “But what we do have is the assurance it’s God’s work and He
has everything under control – we however need to do our part.” The Mass, held at Gosnells’ Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Church and attended by about 160 guests, marked the start of Mrs De Souza’s five-year term at the head of WA’s biggest charity. It was celebrated by Emritus Bishop Peter Quinn and concelebrated by Fathers Pat Cunningham, Brian Russell, Joss Breen, Leonard Macionczyk and Karol Kulczycki. Outgoing President, Brian Bull, who will be staying on with the Society as Vice President, reminded Mrs De Souza and the congregation of the gravity of her new position.
INDEX Editorial - Page 6 Obituaries - Page 7 & 12 The World - Pages 8-9 Reviews - Tolkien the Catholic - Page 10 Classifieds - Page 11
“Genevieve, the office of State Council Presidency is a responsibility rather than an honour.” he said. “As President you have the responsibility of ensuring that the spirit of the Rule of the Society is observed.” Members and guests included National President John Meahan, Queensland President Mike McKeown, Victorian President Syd Tutton, and family, friends and staff from the Society. The Mass was followed by light refreshments and speeches where outgoing Brian Bull was thanked for his five years as President. - Glenn Buchanan
HEAVENLY ART From vestments to chalices and tabernacles - a little-known Spanish company produces hand-made works of art for clergy and churches in the high European tradition
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