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The Parish. The Nation. The World.
Thursday September ,
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NEW JESUIT: James Calder ordained at John XXIII College Page 4
WHO WE ARE: Willetton conference on evangelisation is a hit Page 5
Church vindicated Figures show abstinence stops AIDS - condoms don’t A statistical analysis of the situation in Africa shows that the greater the percentage of Catholics in any country, the lower the level of HIV/ AIDS infection. The striking figures were cited by Australian-based bioethicist Amin Abboud in a letter published by the British Medical Journal on July 30. Abboud noted that any change in the Catholic Church’s position on condoms would be detrimental for Africa: “If the Catholic Church is promoting a message about HIV in African countries, it seems to be working,” he said. Data from the World Health Organisation puts the figure for HIV infection in Swaziland at 42.6% of the population. Only 5% of the population is Catholic. In Botswana, where 37% of the adult population is HIV infected, only 4% of the population is Catholic. In Uganda, however, where 43% of the population is Catholic, the proportion of HIV infected adults is 4%. Abboud commented that since the death of John Paul II there has been a “concerted campaign ... to attribute responsibility to him for the death of many Africans.” But, he continued, “Such accusations must always be supported by solid data. None has been presented so far.” Recognition of the value of promoting abstinence, instead of just relying on condoms, came in a commentary published in The Lancet last November 27. Written by a group of medical experts, and endorsed by a long list of health care experts, the article noted that when campaigns target young people who have not initiated sexual activity, “the first priority should be to encourage abstinence or delay of sexual onset, hence emphasising risk avoidance as the best way to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections as well as unwanted pregnancy.” The article did support condom use, but also pointed out that even for those who have already engaged in sexual activity, “returning to abstinence or being mutually faithful with an uninfected partner are the most effective ways of avoiding
‘Be the hope of our future’
Benedict reclaims St Peter’s for the faithful ■ By Elizabeth Lev of Zenit
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rchbishop Barry Hickey visited Clontarf Aboriginal College last week to talk with Year 12 students and to present copies of his book “Pope John Paul II speaks to youth”. He told the students that right up to the end of his life Pope John Paul II believed that young people were the hope of the future. “The world has got a lot wrong with it, but young people can help to fix it up,” the Archbishop said. “Get involved in society wherever you live. Get involved, do
something, help fix things that are wrong,” he urged. “As Pope John Paul said, make Jesus your friend, but remember that he is a demanding friend – demanding that you be honest, generous, loving and compassionate. “The first thing Jesus says is, ‘My Father loves you and I love you’.” Answering questions from students, he reminded them that there would be a great pilgrimage to Uluru next year to celebrate
the 20th anniversary of Pope John Paul’s historic visit to Alice Springs in 1986. “There were a long of young Aboriginal people from Western Australia at World Youth Day in Cologne last month, and I hope there will be many more at the Uluru pilgrimage next year,” he said. The future: Archbishop Barry Hickey with Phillip Curley, of Meekatharra, and Nicole Lee, of Carnarvon, during the Archbishop’s visit to Clontarf.
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INDEX
NEW SHROUD THEORY Isabel Piczek is a liturgical artist - and a physicist. Her new theory on how the image on the Shroud of Turin was formed is winning intense interest.
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Letters - Page 6 Life, the Universe and Everything - Vista 4 The World - Pages 8-9 Catholic TV - Page 10 Classifieds, Panorama - Pages 10, 11
In Italy, the “tramontana” is the brisk wind that blows away the lazy days of summer and brings the crisp, busy days of autumn. This September, it seems that a tramontana is gusting through St Peter’s, as new rules and policies are enacted through the basilica. While some tourists may be dismayed by the changes, pilgrims will be delighted by the metamorphosis. One new regulation requires all large groups touring the basilica to wear headsets while the guide speaks into a microphone. In the inevitable chaos surrounding the implementation of a new policy, several astonished tourists have seen their guide forbidden to speak in the absence of the so-called whisper sets. The sets are available for rental at the entrance to the basilica, but one should reserve ahead as they tend to be always taken. The custodians are also strictly enforcing a no-tour rule from 4.30 pm on. Whisper set or no, large groups cannot tour the basilica as the sacristans are preparing for the 5pm Mass. The result is a thorn in the side for guides, but a joy for the faithful. St Peter’s is quieter than it has been in years - even when cruiseship companies disgorge thousands of tourists at once in the basilica. Instead of the din of explanations of this sculpture or that architectural marvel, there is a steady but low buzz of sound throughout the church until 5pm when the choir washes away the day’s business leaving prayer and praise in its wake. These changes are part of Benedict XVI’s desire to reclaim the basilica for the faithful and to enhance their experience of prayer and meditation in the church. Now in St Peter’s there is not only an atmosphere to pray but encouragement to do so.
FIRST IN 500 YEARS The first volume of the St John’s Bible, a handwritten and illuminated Bible of the kind not seen for half a millenium is complete. And it’s available from The Record.
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