Conclave: T Cardinal reveals some of what happened
soon to be on the Web
he retired archbishop of Barcelona spoke about the “overwhelming” experience of participating in the conclave that elected Benedict XVI, at a dinner organized by e-christians. Respecting the oath of secrecy, Cardinal Ricard María Carles, 78, spoke to the Spanish organization about everything from the pre-conclave meetings to the election of the new Pope. The first day of the general congregations
was dedicated to familiarising the cardinals with logistical issues, such as seating arrangements and the doors which they should use, and even the names of the doors. Carindal Carles commented that Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the dean of the College of Cardinals, noted “in an amusing tone: ‘Its funny: after being here 20 years, now I find out the name of the door we come through.’”
The general congregations served to help the cardinals get to know one another. Each cardinal was given seven minutes to address the congregation, expressing “our views on the world and the Church,” said the cardinal. There were cardinals “of all races, countries, cultures, explaining the problems and positive things in their countries and Churches,” he continued. During those days, “we did not want to Continued on Vista 3
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Cathedral closed Monday’s freak winds shift Bunbury’s St Patrick’s 1 inch
The damage bill to the historic Bunbury St Patrick’s Cathedral, surrounding buildings and environment caused by Monday’s freak storm could be as high as $5 million according to Bunbury diocesan financial administrator John Ogilvie. ■ By Jamie O’Brien
Bishop Gerard Holohan of Bunbury said on Wednesday that St Patrick’s Cathedral will be closed for 12 to 18 months amid widespread concern about its future. The Bishop said the concern was shared by people across the diocese and throughout the general community for which the building has been an icon since long before the diocese was established in 1954. All services had been transferred to St Mary’s Church on Columba Street, which would become the temporary Cathedral. Engineers, who were still studying the condition of the building, had confirmed the Cathedral shifted an inch at chest height around the north-western side of the building. ”The information needed for any decision about the future of the building will take some days to finalise,” Bishop Holohan said. The area has been cordoned off and a security guard posted. The foyer entrance of the Cathedral was also destroyed during the storm. Roof tiles were blown away in winds that reportedly reached up to 91 kilometres an hour. “The situation of the Parish
But in Perth St Mary’s future starts to take shape Senator Chris Ellison (left), Archbishop Barry Hickey and Senator Ian Campbell discuss the model for the completion of St Mary’s Cathedral last week after Senator Campbell, the Minister for the Environment and Heritage had announced a $3 million grant towards the cost of the work. The money was allocated in Senator
Campbell’s portfolio in last week’s Federal budget. Senator Ellison, who is Minister for Justice and Customs, had presented the Archbishop’s request for assistance to the Prime Minister last year. Senator Campbell said that cathedrals played a community role in addition to their particular religious role in all of Australia’s capital cities
and it was important for the community to preserve and enhance these outstanding buildings. Archbishop Hickey thanked the two WA Senators for their assistance in the project. He said the plans were now before the Perth City Council for approval. It is hoped construction will start in January next year, with completion about 18 months later.
Pictures, continued - Page 5
THE AUTHORITY OF LOVE The success of a TV series starring a ‘super nanny’ who helps parents set boundaries for their children is a sign of hope for the development of a culture of responsibility.
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INDEX Editorial - Page 6 Movies: Kingdom of Heaven - VISTA 4 The World - Pages 8-9 Tertiary education: Hands blessed - Page 3 Classifieds - Page 11
MARY AGREEMENT An historic agreement between Catholic and Anglican theologians on Mary is seen as a breakthrough in a centuries-old impasse between Protestantism and Catholicism.
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