Sunday, October 29, 2006
Christian Unity
‘Tragically divided’ churches must come together in hope, pope tells ecumenical leaders
From Catholic Online
10/27/2006
Today’s world is in need of a new evangelization and “tragically divided” Christians must come together to offer a consistent message of hope, said Pope Benedict XVI at an ecumenical gathering here.
In an Oct. 27 address in English to the annual meeting of the Conference of Secretaries of Christian World Communions in Rome, the pope told leaders of 18 churches that ongoing ecumenical dialogue cannot lose sight to the importance of continuing to move toward unity.
“The theological dialogues in which many Christian World Communions have been engaged are characterized by a commitment to move beyond the things that divide, towards the unity in Christ which we seek,” Pope Benedict said.
“However daunting the journey,” he stressed, “we must not lose sight of the final goal: full visible communion in Christ and in the church.”
Pointing to Pope John Paul II’s encyclical Ut Unam Sint on the Catholic Church’s commitment to ecumenism moving forward and how “greater solidarity” serves humanity, Benedict acknowledged that “we may feel discouraged when progress is low is slow.”
“But,” he said, “there is too much at stake to turn back.”
It is clear, the pope said, “that today’s world is in need of a new evangelization, a fresh accounting on the part of Christians for the hope that is in them.”
“Yet,” he added, “those who profess that Jesus Christ is Lord are tragically divided and cannot always give a consistent common witness.”
“Herein lies an enormous responsibility for us all," he said.
“Visions of Christian Unity” was the theme of the meeting, which brought together international church organizations including: the Anglican Communion, the Baptist World Alliance, the Friends World Committee for Consultation representing Quakers, the Lutheran World Federation, Russian and Greek Orthodox churches, the Salvation Army, the World Alliance of Reformed Churches and the World Methodist Council. Since 1957, there have been annual informal gatherings of the organizations’ secretaries.
He noted that he was “glad to see” the meeting theme dealt with an issue foundational to the work of ecumenism.
“For decades the Conference of Secretaries of Christian World Communions has provided a forum for fruitful contacts between the various ecclesial communities,” the pope said. “This has enabled their representatives to build that reciprocal trust needed to engage seriously in bringing the richness of different Christian traditions to serve the common call to discipleship.”
Problems of BECs
BEC leaders not solely responsible for running BECs
Herald 29 October 2006
I refer to the open letter by Dr Chris to the Archbishop and Bishops on the blog: www.docchris.blogspot.com (Promoting and Developing BECs as Basic Functional Units in the Parish — September archive)
While I sympathise with Dr Chris on his passion to have well-run BECs, we have to consider why the problem exists in the first place. Let me list a few reasons why some of the BECs are ineffective.
First of all, BEC leaders can only do so much. Rhetoric gets one nowhere. We need people who can work and not just talk.
Secondly, when only four or five members turn up for a meeting (out of 20 families maybe) how much can be done? What can a leader do when members are not interested? Not everyone wants to shoulder responsibility. BEC leaders have to operate within great constraints. If this is misconstrued as doing things at the whims and fancies of the BEC leader, then it is an indication of the sad state of affairs of the Church today.
Thirdly, it may sound presumptuous, but I wonder how much Dr Chris has contributed to the growth of his own BEC. Being an educated man, I am sure he has many brilliant ideas that may prove to be beneficial to his own BEC. Ultimately, we can spread his ideas to other BECs to help them prosper. The idea is to confront the problem, not the personality.
Which brings me to human weakness. All of us have weaknesses. Helping out is better than pointing fingers. If Dr Chris can help troubleshoot the problems in BECs, perhaps we can achieve a higher level of greatness in our Christian faith.
Perhaps after all this, Dr Chris may consider taking over the leadership of his BEC and put it on a better footing. Action does speak louder than words.
St Paul in his letter to the Galatians 5:15 says, “if you go on snapping at each other and tearing each other to pieces, you had better watch or you will destroy the whole community.”
The decision to continue or to stop is then yours and mine.
Dr Cross,
via email
Herald 29 October 2006
I refer to the open letter by Dr Chris to the Archbishop and Bishops on the blog: www.docchris.blogspot.com (Promoting and Developing BECs as Basic Functional Units in the Parish — September archive)
While I sympathise with Dr Chris on his passion to have well-run BECs, we have to consider why the problem exists in the first place. Let me list a few reasons why some of the BECs are ineffective.
First of all, BEC leaders can only do so much. Rhetoric gets one nowhere. We need people who can work and not just talk.
Secondly, when only four or five members turn up for a meeting (out of 20 families maybe) how much can be done? What can a leader do when members are not interested? Not everyone wants to shoulder responsibility. BEC leaders have to operate within great constraints. If this is misconstrued as doing things at the whims and fancies of the BEC leader, then it is an indication of the sad state of affairs of the Church today.
Thirdly, it may sound presumptuous, but I wonder how much Dr Chris has contributed to the growth of his own BEC. Being an educated man, I am sure he has many brilliant ideas that may prove to be beneficial to his own BEC. Ultimately, we can spread his ideas to other BECs to help them prosper. The idea is to confront the problem, not the personality.
Which brings me to human weakness. All of us have weaknesses. Helping out is better than pointing fingers. If Dr Chris can help troubleshoot the problems in BECs, perhaps we can achieve a higher level of greatness in our Christian faith.
Perhaps after all this, Dr Chris may consider taking over the leadership of his BEC and put it on a better footing. Action does speak louder than words.
St Paul in his letter to the Galatians 5:15 says, “if you go on snapping at each other and tearing each other to pieces, you had better watch or you will destroy the whole community.”
The decision to continue or to stop is then yours and mine.
Dr Cross,
via email
Herald, October 29, 2006
When minorities are marginalised
The Minister Mentor of Singapore accused the Malaysian government that it has systematically marginalised her citizens of Chinese origin. This was vehemently denied by the Malaysian government including its own Chinese Ministers in the cabinet. Since then there has been considerable debate on this issue of marginalisation.
What is marginalisation? Is it true that certain communities in the country are being marginalised as claimed? The Oxford Dictionary defines marginalisation as: (1). Relating to or a situation at or in a margin; (2) Of minor importance.
Therefore, when we say a community is marginalised it means it is pushed to the periphery and given minor importance. In accordance with this definition we can safely say marginalisation is a universal practice of the majority against the minority.
Is there marginalisation of the minority groups, in Malaysia?
A few simple facts may give us the answer.
Firstly, 40 per cent of the population is given less than 10 per cent of the jobs in civil service, police and armed forces.
Secondly, the majority of our children with maximum results in STPM examinations, even those from poor families, are denied places in public universities for critical courses.
Thirdly, the great difficulty we face in constructing places of worship, let alone getting state funds for the purpose.
If these do not indicate marginalisation, then what does?
Lee Kuan Yew said the Chinese are marginalised in Malaysia and in return the Malaysian government claims that the Malays in Singapore are marginalised. Both these may be true but what is also true is that the other minor groups, like the Orang Asli, Indians and indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak, have been pushed out of the margins, a situation similar to elimination, which is more extreme than marginalisation.
Instead of picking a fight with Lee Kuan Yew, our leaders should look at what is happening within our country more rationally and admit that large segments of our own citizens, who have contributed so much to the development of the nation, are marginalised and living in the despair of an uncertain future for themselves and their children.
We claim that Malaysia is a multiracial and multireligious country, and truly it is. Our leaders claim we are a model nation for the world to emulate, as far as ethnic relations are concerned: sure enough it should be.
We have all the great religions in our country: Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism. All of them are unanimous in their teachings — to share what you have, however scanty it may be, with those who are less fortunate regardless of race or creed.
Malaysia is blessed with abundant natural resources and there is plenty of wealth sufficient for all its citizens. All we need is to be true followers of our respective religions and share what we have with fellow countrymen, regardless of colour or creed.
Until and unless we get rid of our selfish desires for the enrichment of our own communities only, in accordance with our religious teachings, and accept ALL as equal citizens, we will never become a model nation for the world .
Having said that, let us at the same time get rid of this evil of marginalisation of certain people, in our own lives — our families, offices, BECs and Church.
Dr Chris Anthony
When minorities are marginalised
The Minister Mentor of Singapore accused the Malaysian government that it has systematically marginalised her citizens of Chinese origin. This was vehemently denied by the Malaysian government including its own Chinese Ministers in the cabinet. Since then there has been considerable debate on this issue of marginalisation.
What is marginalisation? Is it true that certain communities in the country are being marginalised as claimed? The Oxford Dictionary defines marginalisation as: (1). Relating to or a situation at or in a margin; (2) Of minor importance.
Therefore, when we say a community is marginalised it means it is pushed to the periphery and given minor importance. In accordance with this definition we can safely say marginalisation is a universal practice of the majority against the minority.
Is there marginalisation of the minority groups, in Malaysia?
A few simple facts may give us the answer.
Firstly, 40 per cent of the population is given less than 10 per cent of the jobs in civil service, police and armed forces.
Secondly, the majority of our children with maximum results in STPM examinations, even those from poor families, are denied places in public universities for critical courses.
Thirdly, the great difficulty we face in constructing places of worship, let alone getting state funds for the purpose.
If these do not indicate marginalisation, then what does?
Lee Kuan Yew said the Chinese are marginalised in Malaysia and in return the Malaysian government claims that the Malays in Singapore are marginalised. Both these may be true but what is also true is that the other minor groups, like the Orang Asli, Indians and indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak, have been pushed out of the margins, a situation similar to elimination, which is more extreme than marginalisation.
Instead of picking a fight with Lee Kuan Yew, our leaders should look at what is happening within our country more rationally and admit that large segments of our own citizens, who have contributed so much to the development of the nation, are marginalised and living in the despair of an uncertain future for themselves and their children.
We claim that Malaysia is a multiracial and multireligious country, and truly it is. Our leaders claim we are a model nation for the world to emulate, as far as ethnic relations are concerned: sure enough it should be.
We have all the great religions in our country: Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism. All of them are unanimous in their teachings — to share what you have, however scanty it may be, with those who are less fortunate regardless of race or creed.
Malaysia is blessed with abundant natural resources and there is plenty of wealth sufficient for all its citizens. All we need is to be true followers of our respective religions and share what we have with fellow countrymen, regardless of colour or creed.
Until and unless we get rid of our selfish desires for the enrichment of our own communities only, in accordance with our religious teachings, and accept ALL as equal citizens, we will never become a model nation for the world .
Having said that, let us at the same time get rid of this evil of marginalisation of certain people, in our own lives — our families, offices, BECs and Church.
Dr Chris Anthony
Friday, October 27, 2006
Are all religions are equal?
A tribute to the late Most Ven Dr K Dhammananda
I was very impressed by the actions of our Arch/Bishops who took their invaluable time off from the PMPC III to pay their last respects to the late Most Venerable Dr K Dhammananda Nayaka Maha Thera J.S.M. who passed away on August 31, 2006 (Bishops pay last respects to Buddhist Chief of Malaysia, HERALD, September 10).
It was indeed a proud moment for us Catholics to see their enthusiasm in reaching out to the Buddhist community in the spirit of mutual cooperation and love which was reciprocated by a similar gesture by the members of the community present there. This is especially meaningful at a time when members of Buddhist, Christian and Hindu faiths are undergoing a real period of trial and tribulation in our country.
The demise of Ven Dhammananda, fondly called “The Chief”, is a great loss to us as he was one of the founding members and was the President of the Malaysian Consultative Council for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism (MCCBCHS) at the time of his death.
His name means “one who experiences happiness through the Dhamma (teachings of the Buddha)”. In his tribute to this great man of God, journalist Azlan Ramli summed up by saying, “Ven Dhammananda was a great Buddhist but more importantly, a great human being”. He described him as a very humble person. He went on to say, “My brief encounter with him changed my perception and understanding of other peoples’ faith and drastically changed me for the better” (NST, September 4, 2006 ).
A statement like this about a Buddhist priest, coming from a Muslim today, is something extra-ordinary and it speaks a great deal for this great man. Ven Dhammananda had the humility and love, in dealing with those from other faiths. As Christians we too need to have that love and humility not to convert but change others for the better. These are the virtues we should pray to God to bestow on us.
At this critical time, unity with other religious groups is very important so that we are not alone in our struggle against injustice, racial and religious prejudice. We must be open to the concept of the Universality of God, where every faith leads to the same God along different paths. There is no one religion that is above the others, all are equal in the eyes of God.
As Christians we must follow the example shown by our arch/bishops to extend our hand of friendship and love to those of other faiths in our own communities at BEC and parish levels. We must become the catalysts for the promotion of inter-faith harmony and goodwill.
We should ponder over a number of issues before we can proceed on to promote true inter-faith harmony. Are we prepared to accept and recognise the practices of fellow Christians of other denominations? Do we accept that all religions are equal and will lead their respective followers to God? Do we accept that it is more important to be a good human than a Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu or of some other faith?
Ven Dhammananda may have been a devout Buddhist but what was more relevant to the man was that he was a great human being.
He may have left us but the following thoughts of his should remain as a stimulus to the continual promotion of inter-faith goodwill and brotherhood among us:
“Happy is he who has lofty and noble aspirations.
Happy is he who enriches the lives of others.
Happy is he who allows others to live in peace.
Happy is he who makes this world a better place to live in.
Happy is he whose work, chores and daily tasks are labours of love.
Happy is he who loves love”
Dr.ChrisAnthony
Christianity reveals fullness of Truth
I refer to the letter by Dr Chris Anthony in the Oct 1 edition of the HERALD. In his letter under the title “A tribute to the late Most Ven Dr K Dhammananda”, he implies that all religions are the same when he writes that “there is no one religion that is above the others, all are equal in the eyes of God.”
That all religions are equal in God’s eyes, is merely Dr Anthony’s assumption as it’s not Catholic doctrine. If we believe that Jesus is God and he founded a religion (or way of life if you wish) on earth, which we believe is Christianity, it would mean that Jesus revealed as much truth as Buddha or Muhammad or any other person who founded religions. Then one can postulate that all religions are the same, hence the truth in all religions being equal. For Christians it would be blasphemous that Jesus (i.e. God) revealed an equal amount of truth as mere mortals.
I presume that Chris Anthony has confused the saying that “all are equal in God’s eyes”, that refers to people and expanded it to include religions as well. We Christians, have no choice but to accept the fact that Christianity is a religion that has revealed the fullness of Truth and not other religions, therefore we can’t accede that all religions are the same.
It doesn’t mean that because we believe that Christianity is based on the fullness of Truth, we should be arrogant and intolerant. The Truth possesses us and not vice versa and so there is no reason for our arrogance because God chose us to reveal himself to and not vice versa. In the same vein, the Holy Spirit is not confined to Christianity.
Believing that we are members of the religion founded by God doesn’t impede our dialogue with members of other religions as long as we do it lovingly as Christ did. Our aim to dialogue with other religious congregations should be to reveal the Truth that we know with the aim of making their members become better people and accepting that only the Holy Spirit can induce people to convert to Christianity and we can’t take credit for being the tool that witnesses to Christ’s teachings.
J T Pereira
Puchong
Is Malaysia a model nation?
27 October 2006
Let's make Malaysia a truly model nation
It is indeed a happy piece of news that Takaful Malaysia Syariah head Mohd Fauzi Mustaffa has apologised for his e-mail advising his colleagues against wishing Hindus Happy Deepavali.
Statements like these are the least required in a multi-racial and multi-religious society like ours.While we welcome and accept his apology, we hope Fauzi made it on his own free will for the benefit of the nation as a whole. We sincerely hope it was not made out of force or for business advantage.
Unfortunately there are many more such people who have such misconceived ideas about religious tolerance. This thought is rather disturbing. People like Fauzi, in high positions, whose ideas could have tremendous influence on their subordinates must be very cautious in making statements that could be detrimental to national unity and harmony.
Our leaders should themselves come hard on those who make irresponsible statements that could undermine the racial harmony in the country which is already under strain of late.
Our younger generation today seems to be less tolerant of racial and religious diversity as they are not exposed to communal living with others.They live cocooned within their own community and have grown up ignorant of the sensitivities of communities other than their own. We must accept that this is a manifestation of our flawed education system which has failed to instill the comradeship among the various ethnic groups. We must take immediate steps to rectify the unfavorable situation before it does irreparable damage.
Our children from young must be taught the importance of living together in peace and harmony. They must be taught that all races are here to stay and have a stake in the good and bad of the nation. Poverty and ill-health in any one community would ultimately affect the peaces and stability of all. Children of all races and religion should be made aware of the sensitivities of other ethnic groups and must learn to tolerate and live together harmoniously. The parents and teachers play a very important role in this teaching of the young.
It is reassuring that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has come strongly against those who are so myopic in their thinking as to be against extending greetings to fellow Malaysians who are celebrating their respective festivals. He has also rightly pointed out that it is perfectly all right to join in the celebrations of those of other faiths. It fact it should be encouraged at all levels as it could cultivate inseparable bonds of friendship among those of diverse cultures.
We hope his views would be taken seriously by all, especially leaders at all levels of the administration, so that such misconceived attitudes and believes like these will not surface in future.
We claim that Malaysia is a multi-racial and multi-religious country, and truly it is. Our leaders claim we are a model nation for the world to emulate, as far as ethnic relations are concerned, sure enough it should be. But in actual fact are we truly a model nation?
We have all the great religions in our country, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduisms,Sikhism and Christianity. All of them are unanimous in their teachings - to share what you have, however scanty it may be, with those who are less fortunate regardless of race or creed.
Having all the religions by themselves will not make us a model nation.In order to truly make our country an example for the world, we must rid ourselves of our suspicious attitude towards other races and share what we have with the less fortunate, regardless of ethnicity, in accordance with our religious inclinations.
As Christians let us take the lead to show others what Christ taught us – love your neighbour as yourselves.
Dr.Chris Anthony
Let's make Malaysia a truly model nation
It is indeed a happy piece of news that Takaful Malaysia Syariah head Mohd Fauzi Mustaffa has apologised for his e-mail advising his colleagues against wishing Hindus Happy Deepavali.
Statements like these are the least required in a multi-racial and multi-religious society like ours.While we welcome and accept his apology, we hope Fauzi made it on his own free will for the benefit of the nation as a whole. We sincerely hope it was not made out of force or for business advantage.
Unfortunately there are many more such people who have such misconceived ideas about religious tolerance. This thought is rather disturbing. People like Fauzi, in high positions, whose ideas could have tremendous influence on their subordinates must be very cautious in making statements that could be detrimental to national unity and harmony.
Our leaders should themselves come hard on those who make irresponsible statements that could undermine the racial harmony in the country which is already under strain of late.
Our younger generation today seems to be less tolerant of racial and religious diversity as they are not exposed to communal living with others.They live cocooned within their own community and have grown up ignorant of the sensitivities of communities other than their own. We must accept that this is a manifestation of our flawed education system which has failed to instill the comradeship among the various ethnic groups. We must take immediate steps to rectify the unfavorable situation before it does irreparable damage.
Our children from young must be taught the importance of living together in peace and harmony. They must be taught that all races are here to stay and have a stake in the good and bad of the nation. Poverty and ill-health in any one community would ultimately affect the peaces and stability of all. Children of all races and religion should be made aware of the sensitivities of other ethnic groups and must learn to tolerate and live together harmoniously. The parents and teachers play a very important role in this teaching of the young.
It is reassuring that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has come strongly against those who are so myopic in their thinking as to be against extending greetings to fellow Malaysians who are celebrating their respective festivals. He has also rightly pointed out that it is perfectly all right to join in the celebrations of those of other faiths. It fact it should be encouraged at all levels as it could cultivate inseparable bonds of friendship among those of diverse cultures.
We hope his views would be taken seriously by all, especially leaders at all levels of the administration, so that such misconceived attitudes and believes like these will not surface in future.
We claim that Malaysia is a multi-racial and multi-religious country, and truly it is. Our leaders claim we are a model nation for the world to emulate, as far as ethnic relations are concerned, sure enough it should be. But in actual fact are we truly a model nation?
We have all the great religions in our country, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduisms,Sikhism and Christianity. All of them are unanimous in their teachings - to share what you have, however scanty it may be, with those who are less fortunate regardless of race or creed.
Having all the religions by themselves will not make us a model nation.In order to truly make our country an example for the world, we must rid ourselves of our suspicious attitude towards other races and share what we have with the less fortunate, regardless of ethnicity, in accordance with our religious inclinations.
As Christians let us take the lead to show others what Christ taught us – love your neighbour as yourselves.
Dr.Chris Anthony
Monday, October 16, 2006
Life-size statues - response
Passion statues were sponsored
I would like to express my view on Dr Chris Anthony’s comments regarding the ‘Life-size statues of the Passion of Christ for St Anne’s, B.M.’ (HERALD, Sept 3).
How often do we hear of such a negative stereotyped comment on a worthy project which is deemed ‘expensive’, that “the vast majority of people will never be able to experience Him in their lives.” I am equally amused by his remark on whether we are “really following Him”. Really??
The construction of the life-size statues of the Passion of Christ had been given much thought and deliberation before it was carried out with great conviction. That all the 15 stations have been sponsored readily during St Anne’s Feast speaks well not only of the generosity of the donors, but also the fact that the project is well accepted.
Having said that, I would like to touch on the status quo of Pusat Haemodialisis St Anne. At the moment, it is operating at its full capacity with 11 machines and 29 patients. As a charitable organisation, it depends on constant donations for its maintenance and operation. We are indeed glad that donations during this year’s St Anne’s Feast are more than the previous years, showing that it is not affected at all by the simultaneous appeal for donations to the stations of the cross.
I thank Dr Chris Anthony for his great concern for the dialysis centre.
I would cordially invite him to be a regular donor to the centre.
Joseph Lim
(Vice-Chairman, Pusat Haemodialisis St. Anne)
Penang
Looking at the bigger picture
In response to Dr Anthony’s letter in the Sept 3 issue of the HERALD (Are we really following Christ?), these words of St Augustine come to my mind.
He prayed, “You, O God, are more intimate to me than I to myself. And when I pray, I do not pray to Someone who is outside my heart but to Someone who opens the door to my heart from within.”
Don’t let myopia cloud the bigger picture facing us. Look at the splendour of the Vatican, the spellbinding Sistine Chapel, Chartres Cathedral, otherwise known as the Cathedral of Notre Dame and various buildings of utmost beauty and holiness.
These were most certainly questioned and lives lost for them. But now we stand in awe of them. Though not in the same breadth, our beautiful Church of St Anne brings pride to us and of course not for tuppence did we build it but it has etched our era into the pages of history of the Church in Malaysia and Asia, to be remembered for generations.
The stations of the Cross on the other hand, complement this stature and remind us of the essence of our faith, the suffering, crucifixion and death of Christ. This is the Eucharist.
The Eucharist is the heartbeat of our community. It is the living memorial of the saving event — the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ. The significance of this is beyond measure.
So let all pilgrims share in the life of Christ and let all future generations stand in awe for what it signifies, bringing hope to all people in all ways.
Let us look at the bigger picture instead.
Dr Mary L Fernandez
Bkt Mertajam
Does a large flag portray patriotism?
First we had the costly life-size statues of the Passion of Christ (HERALD, July 16) at St Anne’s Church in Bukit Mertajam. Now we have a “large flag-cum-banner” the Jalur Gemilang. What is happening at the sanctuary of the grandmother of our Lord?
The costly life-size statutes were supposed to help pilgrims to have a prayerful and spiritual experience. Dr Anthony in his letter (HERALD, Sept 3) asked correctly if it is necessary to spend more than half a million to do that? I agree with him that the money could have been used for more worthy causes such as adding more dialysis machines to the St Anne’s Dialysis Centre or even building shelters for the poor pilgrims who come annually for the Feast of St Anne. At present there is no place for them to spend the night since some of them come from so far away and cannot afford the cost of hotels which is so prohibitive.
Do we need such a large flag-cum-banner to inspire a feeling of patriotism or are we just showing off to the passers-by “who will surely stop and look at the flag”? Are we not emulating other mundane and meaningless feats by people who just want their picture and name in the media? Merely putting up giant banners and waving flags doesn’t mean one is patriotic as reflected by recent incidents when motorcyclists displaying Jalur Gemilang were speeding down highways — some of them not even wearing safety helmets. Patriotism can be instilled through spiritual formation in our catechism classes.
Pilgrim
Penang
Statues add to prayer pilgrimage
I refer to Dr Chris Anthony’s letter, ‘Are we really following Christ’ in your Sept 3 issue.
I don’t believe there is anything wrong with purchasing the life-size statues of the Stations of the Cross. St Anne’s Church is, after all, a pilgrim church. The people who go there to pray, for penance as well as healing would, I’m sure, love to make the Way of the Cross a part of their pilgrimage.
Most pilgrim churches have these statues. It helps pilgrims in their prayer journey.
As for the cost, if anyone is willing to donate, then that is their perogative as ‘the heart has its reasons.’ If I had the money, I too would happily sponsor a statue. There have been Way of the Cross markers on the hill for more than a century and there are pilgrims that still make their journey there.
As for the dialysis centre, it is an on-going project. Increasing machines would mean an increase in staff. Fortunately, there are sponsors for these too.
Of course, the parish priest would have had the consensus of the parish committee before implementing the project.
Teresa Surian
Penang
I would like to express my view on Dr Chris Anthony’s comments regarding the ‘Life-size statues of the Passion of Christ for St Anne’s, B.M.’ (HERALD, Sept 3).
How often do we hear of such a negative stereotyped comment on a worthy project which is deemed ‘expensive’, that “the vast majority of people will never be able to experience Him in their lives.” I am equally amused by his remark on whether we are “really following Him”. Really??
The construction of the life-size statues of the Passion of Christ had been given much thought and deliberation before it was carried out with great conviction. That all the 15 stations have been sponsored readily during St Anne’s Feast speaks well not only of the generosity of the donors, but also the fact that the project is well accepted.
Having said that, I would like to touch on the status quo of Pusat Haemodialisis St Anne. At the moment, it is operating at its full capacity with 11 machines and 29 patients. As a charitable organisation, it depends on constant donations for its maintenance and operation. We are indeed glad that donations during this year’s St Anne’s Feast are more than the previous years, showing that it is not affected at all by the simultaneous appeal for donations to the stations of the cross.
I thank Dr Chris Anthony for his great concern for the dialysis centre.
I would cordially invite him to be a regular donor to the centre.
Joseph Lim
(Vice-Chairman, Pusat Haemodialisis St. Anne)
Penang
Looking at the bigger picture
In response to Dr Anthony’s letter in the Sept 3 issue of the HERALD (Are we really following Christ?), these words of St Augustine come to my mind.
He prayed, “You, O God, are more intimate to me than I to myself. And when I pray, I do not pray to Someone who is outside my heart but to Someone who opens the door to my heart from within.”
Don’t let myopia cloud the bigger picture facing us. Look at the splendour of the Vatican, the spellbinding Sistine Chapel, Chartres Cathedral, otherwise known as the Cathedral of Notre Dame and various buildings of utmost beauty and holiness.
These were most certainly questioned and lives lost for them. But now we stand in awe of them. Though not in the same breadth, our beautiful Church of St Anne brings pride to us and of course not for tuppence did we build it but it has etched our era into the pages of history of the Church in Malaysia and Asia, to be remembered for generations.
The stations of the Cross on the other hand, complement this stature and remind us of the essence of our faith, the suffering, crucifixion and death of Christ. This is the Eucharist.
The Eucharist is the heartbeat of our community. It is the living memorial of the saving event — the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ. The significance of this is beyond measure.
So let all pilgrims share in the life of Christ and let all future generations stand in awe for what it signifies, bringing hope to all people in all ways.
Let us look at the bigger picture instead.
Dr Mary L Fernandez
Bkt Mertajam
Does a large flag portray patriotism?
First we had the costly life-size statues of the Passion of Christ (HERALD, July 16) at St Anne’s Church in Bukit Mertajam. Now we have a “large flag-cum-banner” the Jalur Gemilang. What is happening at the sanctuary of the grandmother of our Lord?
The costly life-size statutes were supposed to help pilgrims to have a prayerful and spiritual experience. Dr Anthony in his letter (HERALD, Sept 3) asked correctly if it is necessary to spend more than half a million to do that? I agree with him that the money could have been used for more worthy causes such as adding more dialysis machines to the St Anne’s Dialysis Centre or even building shelters for the poor pilgrims who come annually for the Feast of St Anne. At present there is no place for them to spend the night since some of them come from so far away and cannot afford the cost of hotels which is so prohibitive.
Do we need such a large flag-cum-banner to inspire a feeling of patriotism or are we just showing off to the passers-by “who will surely stop and look at the flag”? Are we not emulating other mundane and meaningless feats by people who just want their picture and name in the media? Merely putting up giant banners and waving flags doesn’t mean one is patriotic as reflected by recent incidents when motorcyclists displaying Jalur Gemilang were speeding down highways — some of them not even wearing safety helmets. Patriotism can be instilled through spiritual formation in our catechism classes.
Pilgrim
Penang
Statues add to prayer pilgrimage
I refer to Dr Chris Anthony’s letter, ‘Are we really following Christ’ in your Sept 3 issue.
I don’t believe there is anything wrong with purchasing the life-size statues of the Stations of the Cross. St Anne’s Church is, after all, a pilgrim church. The people who go there to pray, for penance as well as healing would, I’m sure, love to make the Way of the Cross a part of their pilgrimage.
Most pilgrim churches have these statues. It helps pilgrims in their prayer journey.
As for the cost, if anyone is willing to donate, then that is their perogative as ‘the heart has its reasons.’ If I had the money, I too would happily sponsor a statue. There have been Way of the Cross markers on the hill for more than a century and there are pilgrims that still make their journey there.
As for the dialysis centre, it is an on-going project. Increasing machines would mean an increase in staff. Fortunately, there are sponsors for these too.
Of course, the parish priest would have had the consensus of the parish committee before implementing the project.
Teresa Surian
Penang
Is there marginalisation of the minorities?
Do we need to be marginalized?
The Minister Mentor of Singapore accused the Malaysian government that it has systematically marginalized her citizens of Chinese origin. This was vehemently denied by the Malaysian government including its own Chinese Ministers in the cabinet. Since then there has been considerable debate on this issue of marginalization.
What is marginalization? Is it true that certain communities in the country are being marginalized as claimed? The Oxford Dictionary defines marginalization as 1.relating to or a situation at or in a margin. 2. of minor importance.
Therefore when we say a community is marginalized it means it is pushed to the periphery and given minor importance. In accordance with this definition we can safely say marginalization is a universal practice of the majority against the minority.
Is there marginalization of the minority groups, in Malaysia?
A few simple facts may give us the answer.Firstly,40% of the population is given less than 10% of the jobs in civil service, police and armed forces.Secondly,majority of our children with maximum results in STPM examinations, even those from poor families, are denied places in public universities for critical courses Thirdly, the great difficulty we face in constructing places of worship, let alone getting state funds for the purpose.
If these do not indicate marginalization, then what do they?
Lee Kuan Yew said the Chinese are marginalized in Malaysia and in return the Malaysian government claims that the Malays in Singapore are marginalized. Both these may be true but what is also true is that the other minor groups, the Orang Asli, Indians and indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak, have been pushed out of the margins, a situation similar to, elimination, which is more extreme than marginalization.
Instead of picking a fight with Lee Kuan Yew, our leaders should look at what is happening within our country more rationally and admit that large segments of our own citizens, who have contributed so much to the development of the nation, are marginalized and living in despair of an uncertain future for them and their children.
We claim that Malaysia is a multi-racial and multi-religious country, and truly it is. Our leaders claim we are a model nation for the world to emulate, as far as ethnic relations are concerned, sure enough it should be.
We have all the great religions in our country, Islam, Christianity, Hinduisms and Buddhism. All of them are unanimous in their teachings - to share what you have, however scanty it may be, with those who are less fortunate regardless of race or creed.
Malaysia is blessed with abundant natural resources and there is plenty of wealth sufficient for all its citizens. All we need is to be true followers of our respective religions and share what we have with fellow countrymen, regardless of color or creed.
Until and unless we get rid of our selfish desires for the enrichment of our own communities only, in accordance of our religious teachings, and accept ALL as equal citizens, we will never become a model nation for the world.
Having said that, let us at the same time get rid of this evil of marginalization of certain people, in our own lives – our families, offices, BECs and Church.
Dr.Chris Anthony
The Minister Mentor of Singapore accused the Malaysian government that it has systematically marginalized her citizens of Chinese origin. This was vehemently denied by the Malaysian government including its own Chinese Ministers in the cabinet. Since then there has been considerable debate on this issue of marginalization.
What is marginalization? Is it true that certain communities in the country are being marginalized as claimed? The Oxford Dictionary defines marginalization as 1.relating to or a situation at or in a margin. 2. of minor importance.
Therefore when we say a community is marginalized it means it is pushed to the periphery and given minor importance. In accordance with this definition we can safely say marginalization is a universal practice of the majority against the minority.
Is there marginalization of the minority groups, in Malaysia?
A few simple facts may give us the answer.Firstly,40% of the population is given less than 10% of the jobs in civil service, police and armed forces.Secondly,majority of our children with maximum results in STPM examinations, even those from poor families, are denied places in public universities for critical courses Thirdly, the great difficulty we face in constructing places of worship, let alone getting state funds for the purpose.
If these do not indicate marginalization, then what do they?
Lee Kuan Yew said the Chinese are marginalized in Malaysia and in return the Malaysian government claims that the Malays in Singapore are marginalized. Both these may be true but what is also true is that the other minor groups, the Orang Asli, Indians and indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak, have been pushed out of the margins, a situation similar to, elimination, which is more extreme than marginalization.
Instead of picking a fight with Lee Kuan Yew, our leaders should look at what is happening within our country more rationally and admit that large segments of our own citizens, who have contributed so much to the development of the nation, are marginalized and living in despair of an uncertain future for them and their children.
We claim that Malaysia is a multi-racial and multi-religious country, and truly it is. Our leaders claim we are a model nation for the world to emulate, as far as ethnic relations are concerned, sure enough it should be.
We have all the great religions in our country, Islam, Christianity, Hinduisms and Buddhism. All of them are unanimous in their teachings - to share what you have, however scanty it may be, with those who are less fortunate regardless of race or creed.
Malaysia is blessed with abundant natural resources and there is plenty of wealth sufficient for all its citizens. All we need is to be true followers of our respective religions and share what we have with fellow countrymen, regardless of color or creed.
Until and unless we get rid of our selfish desires for the enrichment of our own communities only, in accordance of our religious teachings, and accept ALL as equal citizens, we will never become a model nation for the world.
Having said that, let us at the same time get rid of this evil of marginalization of certain people, in our own lives – our families, offices, BECs and Church.
Dr.Chris Anthony
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Whose is the Church?
6 October 2006
It was encouraging to read about the Silver Jubilee celebration of Msgr. Stephen Liew (Herald,September 24).
As members of his flock, we extend our greetings of sincere love from the very bottom of our hearts. We too would like to congratulate him and continue to pray that God will give him many more years of healthy life in serving Him.
Msgr. Stephen Liew must be very lucky to have about 60 priests and bishops to concelebrate the Mass participated by a huge crowd of the faithful on the occasion of his Silver Jubilee of his priesthood. It is indeed gratifying to realize the great honour they have for him.
Not all of us are as lucky and gifted as Msgr. Stephen Liew as we rarely have the honour of a single priest to participate in similar occasions of ours, happy or sad. The priest, whom we long for especially in times of sorrow, to console and encourage us, is never there.
The Catholic Church, founded on the teachings of Christ, is a Church of the masses but unfortunately today it is increasingly being seen as the Church of the clergy, the rich and the powerful.
Dr.Chris Anthony
It was encouraging to read about the Silver Jubilee celebration of Msgr. Stephen Liew (Herald,September 24).
As members of his flock, we extend our greetings of sincere love from the very bottom of our hearts. We too would like to congratulate him and continue to pray that God will give him many more years of healthy life in serving Him.
Msgr. Stephen Liew must be very lucky to have about 60 priests and bishops to concelebrate the Mass participated by a huge crowd of the faithful on the occasion of his Silver Jubilee of his priesthood. It is indeed gratifying to realize the great honour they have for him.
Not all of us are as lucky and gifted as Msgr. Stephen Liew as we rarely have the honour of a single priest to participate in similar occasions of ours, happy or sad. The priest, whom we long for especially in times of sorrow, to console and encourage us, is never there.
The Catholic Church, founded on the teachings of Christ, is a Church of the masses but unfortunately today it is increasingly being seen as the Church of the clergy, the rich and the powerful.
Dr.Chris Anthony
Service to God needs no glorification
A new trend is taking shape in our Catholic Church these days.It is becoming a fashion for Catholics, laity and clergy, to celebrate priestly ordination, jubilees (silver, golden and diamond) and other feast days on a very grand scale, spending so much money, time and energy. Many bishops and priests converge to concelebrate the occasion with mass and banquet attended by thousands of people from all over the country.
It is indeed gratifying to have faithfully served in ones vocation for so long, but do we need to put in so much efforts to praise and glorify the one for the services to God ? Does service to Him needs glorification?
Most of us are not lucky and gifted, as we rarely have the honour of a single priest to participate in similar occasions of ours, happy or sad. The priest, whom we long for especially in times of sorrow, to console and encourage us, is never there.
The Catholic Church, founded on the teachings of Christ, is a Church of the masses but unfortunately today it is increasingly being seen as the Church of the clergy, the rich and the powerful.
May be we should also reflect on the action of Mother Teresa. After initial reluctance she finally agreed to accept the 1979 Nobel Peace Price with the following words:
"I choose the poverty of our poor people. But I am grateful to receive (the Nobel) in the name of the hungry, the naked, the homeless, of the crippled, of the blind, of the lepers, of all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, uncared-for throughout society, people that have become a burden to the society and are shunned by everyone."
However she refused the reception to honor probably because she felt her work for God needs no human glorification.
Dr.Chris Anthony
It is indeed gratifying to have faithfully served in ones vocation for so long, but do we need to put in so much efforts to praise and glorify the one for the services to God ? Does service to Him needs glorification?
Most of us are not lucky and gifted, as we rarely have the honour of a single priest to participate in similar occasions of ours, happy or sad. The priest, whom we long for especially in times of sorrow, to console and encourage us, is never there.
The Catholic Church, founded on the teachings of Christ, is a Church of the masses but unfortunately today it is increasingly being seen as the Church of the clergy, the rich and the powerful.
May be we should also reflect on the action of Mother Teresa. After initial reluctance she finally agreed to accept the 1979 Nobel Peace Price with the following words:
"I choose the poverty of our poor people. But I am grateful to receive (the Nobel) in the name of the hungry, the naked, the homeless, of the crippled, of the blind, of the lepers, of all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, uncared-for throughout society, people that have become a burden to the society and are shunned by everyone."
However she refused the reception to honor probably because she felt her work for God needs no human glorification.
Dr.Chris Anthony
Friday, October 06, 2006
Christians must be catalysts of change
6 October 2006
We must come down from the pedestal of comfort
I was touched by a story that I came across in my readings recently. I like to share it with others as well.
It was about a poor man from the state of Orissa, India who was afflicted with AIDS and is need of money for the treatment. He sought the aid of the various government and non-government agencies for financial assistance. As usual,being a poor illiterate citizen he failed in all his attempts. He finally decided to write personally to the Indian President, Abdul Kalam.
With the help of a friend he managed to write a letter, in his own native language, appealing for help to finance his treatment. The presidential palace staff got it translated into English and forwarded the letter to the president.
On reading the letter the president was so touched by its contents that he immediately sent his own personal contribution of Rupees 20,000. When the Orissa State authorities came to know about the personal donation of the president, they quickly mobilized their resources to help the AIDS victim.
The action of Abdul Kalam,the highest officer in the country, inspired the state officers to be more considerate to the needs of their own citizens.He was the catalyst of change in them.
Like Abdul Kalam, we too must come down from the pedestal of comfort, to help those in need.
As Christians we too must be the catalyst of change and a conscience in the hearts of people around us. We may not be up to the level of Mother Teresa or Pope John Paul II, but we in own our little ways must be that conscience for others in our families, place of work and those around us.
As parents are we the conscience for our children to keep away from immoral activities? As superior officers are we the conscience for our subordinates? As priests are we the conscience for the lay parishioners?
As Christians have we been the catalyst of change for the better. If not we must start to become the catalyst now.
Dr.Chris Anthony
We must come down from the pedestal of comfort
I was touched by a story that I came across in my readings recently. I like to share it with others as well.
It was about a poor man from the state of Orissa, India who was afflicted with AIDS and is need of money for the treatment. He sought the aid of the various government and non-government agencies for financial assistance. As usual,being a poor illiterate citizen he failed in all his attempts. He finally decided to write personally to the Indian President, Abdul Kalam.
With the help of a friend he managed to write a letter, in his own native language, appealing for help to finance his treatment. The presidential palace staff got it translated into English and forwarded the letter to the president.
On reading the letter the president was so touched by its contents that he immediately sent his own personal contribution of Rupees 20,000. When the Orissa State authorities came to know about the personal donation of the president, they quickly mobilized their resources to help the AIDS victim.
The action of Abdul Kalam,the highest officer in the country, inspired the state officers to be more considerate to the needs of their own citizens.He was the catalyst of change in them.
Like Abdul Kalam, we too must come down from the pedestal of comfort, to help those in need.
As Christians we too must be the catalyst of change and a conscience in the hearts of people around us. We may not be up to the level of Mother Teresa or Pope John Paul II, but we in own our little ways must be that conscience for others in our families, place of work and those around us.
As parents are we the conscience for our children to keep away from immoral activities? As superior officers are we the conscience for our subordinates? As priests are we the conscience for the lay parishioners?
As Christians have we been the catalyst of change for the better. If not we must start to become the catalyst now.
Dr.Chris Anthony
Let’s discard the “plastic hearts” in us
4 October 2006
Service to God needs no glorifcation
These days it is becoming a fashion to celebrate all sorts of occasions on a grand scale. In fact we look for excuses to have mammoth celebrations such as birthdays, all forms of anniversaries, engagements, wedding, silver, golden and diamond jubilees. Then there are the major festivals of Christmas and New Year and so on.
With our preoccupation with celebrating these festivals and glorifying ourselves for our successes in life, we forget the less fortunate among us. Many of them are in agony and awaiting death to separate them from their loved ones forever.
This true story may be of help to remind us of these unfortunate people around us and make us reflect on how we should celebrate our own festivals and successes in life.
Mr.Z (not his real name) is a 36 year old unskilled worker from Bangladesh. He has been employed in the same company for the last 8 years. He is now paid a basic salary of RM500 a month and if he works hard enough he could take home just over RM1000 after all his overtime claims. He sends most of his earnings back home for his wife and son.
For the last 5 months he has been unwell, seeking treatment at various government hospitals. He now presented with acute complications and has been found to have advanced cancer which has spread all over. Cure is not possible and all that can be done is to palliate his symptoms. He just has a few months to live.
On realizing that he has been inflicted with a deadly disease, he broke down and cried incessantly, saying “Please send me back to Bangladesh. I want to see my wife and son”.
He continued to weep, saying repeatedly “ I don’t want to work, I don’t want the money,I just want to see my wife and son. Please send me back”.
It was a pathetic state watching the young man crying bitterly over his totally wrecked life. Money and wealth did not matter to him anymore. All he wanted was to be united with his loved ones. Only that would bring him solace in the remaining days of his life.
According to Z, during his eight-year tenure in our country, he went back to Bangladesh just once three years ago to get married. After just 2 weeks with his wife, he left her to return to Malaysia to continue with his job. His repeated requests for leave to visit his wife in subsequent years were rejected by his manager, whom he described as a “man with a plastic heart”, because according to him, the boss was devoid of any feelings of compassion for the workers. Even when his son was born he was not allowed to return home for a short visit. His son is now 2 years old and Z has yet to see him.
Little does he know that soon he is going back to his son for the first and last time in his life? His young wife too had just spent 2 weeks with him soon after their marriage. In a matter of months he will have to bid them the final farewell.
All we could do for him is to send him back to spend his final days of his life with his loved ones. This we managed to do with the help of his concerned new superior officer. Z touched me by his gesture to come to bid farewell to me on the eve of his departure. As I shook his hands to wish him luck, I felt sad as I know I will never see him again.
As a doctor I stand helpless to watch this young man slowly dying as the cancer takes its course. How I wish I could cure him of his illness. All I could do is to heal his soul of pain and agony. Not everyone can die cured but at least we can let them die healed. That was exactly what I tried to do.
It is very pitiful that many of us also contribute to this inhumane treatment of fellow men. There are many Z’s in our midst. It is our “plastic hearts” that have caused so much agony to them. As Christians we are taught to be kind and generous, but in actual fact are we? All of us possess this “plastic heart” at some time in our lives.
As we prepare to celebrate our festivities and successes, let us discard these “plastic hearts” of ours and try to cultivate some compassion for fellow men, irrespective of race or creed.
As for Z, we hope and pray that God will grant him peace in love during his final days.
The new trend of mammoth celebrations to glorify ourselves for our successes is also taking shape in our Catholic Church. It is becoming a fashion for Catholics, laity and clergy, to celebrate priestly ordination, jubilees (silver, golden and diamond) and other feast days on a very grand scale.
Many bishops and priests converge to concelebrate the occasion with mass and banquet attended by thousands of people from all over the country. A great deal of money, time and energy are spent on these mammoth celebrations. Unfortunately when the ordinary parishioner is in need we are not there to share his happiness and sorrow.
The Catholic Church, founded on the teachings of Christ, is a Church of the masses but unfortunately today it is increasingly being seen as the Church of the clergy, the rich and the powerful.
May be we should also reflect on the action of Mother Teresa on being awarded the1979 Nobel Peace Price. After initial reluctance she finally agreed to accept it with the following words:
"I choose the poverty of our poor people. But I am grateful to receive (the Nobel) in the name of the hungry, the naked, the homeless, of the crippled, of the blind, of the lepers, of all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, uncared-for throughout society, people that have become a burden to the society and are shunned by everyone."
However she refused the reception to honor her probably because she felt her work for God needs no human glorification.
Dr.Chris Anthony
Service to God needs no glorifcation
These days it is becoming a fashion to celebrate all sorts of occasions on a grand scale. In fact we look for excuses to have mammoth celebrations such as birthdays, all forms of anniversaries, engagements, wedding, silver, golden and diamond jubilees. Then there are the major festivals of Christmas and New Year and so on.
With our preoccupation with celebrating these festivals and glorifying ourselves for our successes in life, we forget the less fortunate among us. Many of them are in agony and awaiting death to separate them from their loved ones forever.
This true story may be of help to remind us of these unfortunate people around us and make us reflect on how we should celebrate our own festivals and successes in life.
Mr.Z (not his real name) is a 36 year old unskilled worker from Bangladesh. He has been employed in the same company for the last 8 years. He is now paid a basic salary of RM500 a month and if he works hard enough he could take home just over RM1000 after all his overtime claims. He sends most of his earnings back home for his wife and son.
For the last 5 months he has been unwell, seeking treatment at various government hospitals. He now presented with acute complications and has been found to have advanced cancer which has spread all over. Cure is not possible and all that can be done is to palliate his symptoms. He just has a few months to live.
On realizing that he has been inflicted with a deadly disease, he broke down and cried incessantly, saying “Please send me back to Bangladesh. I want to see my wife and son”.
He continued to weep, saying repeatedly “ I don’t want to work, I don’t want the money,I just want to see my wife and son. Please send me back”.
It was a pathetic state watching the young man crying bitterly over his totally wrecked life. Money and wealth did not matter to him anymore. All he wanted was to be united with his loved ones. Only that would bring him solace in the remaining days of his life.
According to Z, during his eight-year tenure in our country, he went back to Bangladesh just once three years ago to get married. After just 2 weeks with his wife, he left her to return to Malaysia to continue with his job. His repeated requests for leave to visit his wife in subsequent years were rejected by his manager, whom he described as a “man with a plastic heart”, because according to him, the boss was devoid of any feelings of compassion for the workers. Even when his son was born he was not allowed to return home for a short visit. His son is now 2 years old and Z has yet to see him.
Little does he know that soon he is going back to his son for the first and last time in his life? His young wife too had just spent 2 weeks with him soon after their marriage. In a matter of months he will have to bid them the final farewell.
All we could do for him is to send him back to spend his final days of his life with his loved ones. This we managed to do with the help of his concerned new superior officer. Z touched me by his gesture to come to bid farewell to me on the eve of his departure. As I shook his hands to wish him luck, I felt sad as I know I will never see him again.
As a doctor I stand helpless to watch this young man slowly dying as the cancer takes its course. How I wish I could cure him of his illness. All I could do is to heal his soul of pain and agony. Not everyone can die cured but at least we can let them die healed. That was exactly what I tried to do.
It is very pitiful that many of us also contribute to this inhumane treatment of fellow men. There are many Z’s in our midst. It is our “plastic hearts” that have caused so much agony to them. As Christians we are taught to be kind and generous, but in actual fact are we? All of us possess this “plastic heart” at some time in our lives.
As we prepare to celebrate our festivities and successes, let us discard these “plastic hearts” of ours and try to cultivate some compassion for fellow men, irrespective of race or creed.
As for Z, we hope and pray that God will grant him peace in love during his final days.
The new trend of mammoth celebrations to glorify ourselves for our successes is also taking shape in our Catholic Church. It is becoming a fashion for Catholics, laity and clergy, to celebrate priestly ordination, jubilees (silver, golden and diamond) and other feast days on a very grand scale.
Many bishops and priests converge to concelebrate the occasion with mass and banquet attended by thousands of people from all over the country. A great deal of money, time and energy are spent on these mammoth celebrations. Unfortunately when the ordinary parishioner is in need we are not there to share his happiness and sorrow.
The Catholic Church, founded on the teachings of Christ, is a Church of the masses but unfortunately today it is increasingly being seen as the Church of the clergy, the rich and the powerful.
May be we should also reflect on the action of Mother Teresa on being awarded the1979 Nobel Peace Price. After initial reluctance she finally agreed to accept it with the following words:
"I choose the poverty of our poor people. But I am grateful to receive (the Nobel) in the name of the hungry, the naked, the homeless, of the crippled, of the blind, of the lepers, of all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, uncared-for throughout society, people that have become a burden to the society and are shunned by everyone."
However she refused the reception to honor her probably because she felt her work for God needs no human glorification.
Dr.Chris Anthony
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