Pope Benedict XVI's Apology

I've been very reluctant to write concerning the Pope's letter apologising for abuse of minors. Some of the things that have happened in the past I find despicable, and believe so many of those priests who have abused their positions should be deeply ashamed. However, I also find it disgusting how secularists and so many others are jumping on the bandwagon and attacking the majority of innocent Catholics who have never done a thing wrong, you can't tar everyone with the same brush. I believe the letter speaks for itself, however I'd like to refer you to the editorial in the Telegraph on Sunday which speaks more common sense than I've seen in any newspaper in a very long time, as well as the article on the matter which Archbishop Timothy Dolan published on his blog - see the following link:

http://blog.archny.org/?p=581


Pope Benedict XVI's challenge
Telegraph View: The Pope must continue to take calm, decisive action that will prevent his visit to Britain being overshadowed by this scandal.


On Saturday, Pope Benedict XVI delivered a heartfelt apology to the victims of revolting abuse by Irish priests and members of religious orders. His statement was remarkable not just for the power of its language – the pontiff spoke of his own "shame" – but also for its determination to dismantle the culture of buck-passing that has disgraced the Catholic Church in Ireland. The Vatican is planning a Visitation of Irish dioceses. Certain prelates and bureaucrats are rightly terrified of what it will uncover.

Victims' groups have declared themselves unsatisfied by the Pope's apology. To an extent, this is understandable: as Benedict XVI says, no apology can heal wounds caused by child abuse. Victims and families will carry them to the grave. Even so, a few unfashionable points need to be made.

First, these crimes reached their peak in the years between the Second World War and the early 1980s. Many perpetrators are long dead, and so are the clergy who abetted their crimes. Second, it is important that the legitimate concerns of victims are not drowned out by the synthetic rage of militant secularists who see a chance to advance their agenda. Third, the Roman Catholic Church is a community of a billion people, most of whom have never suffered or committed abuse. It is largely a force for good in the world. Christianity as a whole will suffer if innocent Catholics are tarred with the brush of paedophilia.

Let guilty men be pursued relentlessly – but only the guilty. The Pope must continue to take calm, decisive action that will prevent his important visit to Britain being overshadowed by this terrible scandal.

Do not be afraid - Vocations Sunday

With Vocations Sunday coming up in April there will undoubtedly be plenty of articles, stories, etc concerning a need for an increase in vocations to Priesthood and Religious life. Especially with us being in the Year of the Priest, April should be a great time to pray for an increase in vocations and actively encourage anyone who is considering taking that leap. For this year I've written an article that will appear in The Catholic Voice of Lancaster encouraging young men to be brave and consider whether they are being called, even though it seems like a huge commitment that they struggle to endear to. I've included it below:




“Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I give you strength, truly I help you.” (Isaiah 41:10)


The image of the apostles in the upper room cowering, afraid and unsure as to what they must now do, is one of great relevance for so many young men today. So also is the culmination of this event – when flames of fire came upon them, the Holy Spirit dwelled within them and they had the courage to go out as witnesses to Christ. That step which the apostles took doesn’t seem to be quite as straightforward to those whom the Lord calls forth in this day and age. There seems to be no straightforward answer as to why: so many people pray unceasingly for an increase in vocations to the Priesthood; vocations promoters, directors and so many other individuals are fervent in their encouragement to young men. However, great comfort should be taken from Jesus’ promise to always provide shepherds for his flock.

Many times throughout His ministry Jesus had to reassure His own disciples, “Do not be afraid”, they often lacked the faith and conviction to wholeheartedly enter into the mission Jesus had for them. Peter was often the worst offender “Peter took fright and began to sink,”(Matthew 14:22-23), yet we know that he was successfully entrusted with being the rock which the Church was build upon. If the very first disciples of Christ, who were there and saw all he did and said, were afraid to follow their vocation in life, it is no wonder many men 2000 years on can struggle to embrace their vocation from God. However, just as the disciples were strengthened when they most needed the love and guidance of Christ, so are those called to Priesthood – the Spirit is already directing their “whole being,spirit, soul and body”, and it is only through discernment that they will come to see whether or not they are being called to a Priestly Vocation.

Seminary formation is designed to bring you closer to God, to help you hear and understand the plan he has for your life. Many people are scared or worried about committing themselves, however the discernment process puts no pressure upon young men, more so it is tailored to help the individual work out whether Priesthood is what God is asking of them. The Holy Father speaks of these years as:

“a time of journeying, of exploration, but above all of discovering Christ. It is only when a young man has had a personal experience of Christ that he can truly understand the Lord’s will and consequently his own vocation. The better you know Jesus, the more His mystery attracts you.”

Seminaries are abundant with people from all walks of life, all with their own personal vocation stories. Many will come to realise in the first couple of years that this isn’t their vocation in life, whilst others enter formation unsure or without much confidence and soon become aware that they are being pointed in the direction of ordination. “Taste and see that the Lord is good, How blessed are those who take refuge in him” (Psalm 34:8)

One of the greater barriers that many put up in front of themselves revolves around issues of unworthiness and ability. The late Cardinal Basil Hume described it as “a dismaying gap between what we know ourselves to be and what the priesthood demands of us.” Such demands upon our human nature such as celibacy, confidence in authoritative public speaking, interpersonal skills and a comprehensive knowledge of the faith are all dealt with and encouraged throughout training for each person as an individual. When we think back to Pentecost, we can see there that the Holy Spirit will always be with us to guide and protect us. If you do feel there is a possibility that God is calling you to priesthood, open up your heart and pray for the Lord to give you strength, encouragement and direction in your life.

“God’s chosen instrument may well have many personal failings; the chief requirement however is a willingness to let God work through us.” (Cardinal Basil Hume)

England 3-0 Egypt - Play to our potential and success follows, the need to address the weaknesses is still prevalent though

In the end it was more than a credible result, but it certainly took a kick up the backside at half time to ignite the ability that exists in the England players. From the off England were lacklustre, they seemed to be half asleep and dumbfounded by the attacking threat that Egypt offered. The visitors came out the blocks determined to prove that they deserved to be at the World Cup this year instead of England's 2nd opponents Algeria. They haven't fluked the last 2 African Cup of Nations, they've been by far the better side. At this years tournament they beat every African side that have qualified for the World Cup and on the performance of the first half hour it seemed extraordinary how they they aren't going to South Africa.

Egypt's opener was almost inevitable, the speed and skill that they were exerting had put England on the back foot, Upson's slip that led to the goal epitomised the home team's inability to cope with a team who played at pace and counter attacking finesse. This shouldn't take anything away from the goal though, Zidan's finishing was almost worthy of his French namesake.

Come half time the crowd and Capello had seen enough. Off went Lampard and Defoe, on came Carrick and Crouch. Although Lampard hadn't done too badly in the 1st half, Carrick bossed the centre more, his passing and control of the game seemed to be very influential. As for Crouch, well he was fantastic in an England shirt yet again. Almost unplayable, it was a fine example of how continental country's seem to be clueless whe it come to handling him. Capello has previously said that he prefers a big man and small man up front, he's also stated about Crouch that he prefers not to play with him because it encourages a long ball game. Well maybe its time for the Italian to eat a bit of humble pie and see that Crouch is much much more than that kind of player. Why would anybody choose Heskey over Crouch??! If they both fit the 'big man' tag alongside Rooney then how exactly can the excuse about the long ball game be used when Heskey is the sort of player that encourages such play. The big difference - Heskey doesn't score much, Crouch cannot stop scoring for England. His two goals tonight makes it almost a goal a game in his last 8 internationals. If Crouch unsettles defenders as much as Heskey does, yet also scores goals then maybe it's about time Capello experimented more with Rooney and Crouch from the start against Mexico.

PLAYER RATINGS


Robinson - 6 - A suprising starter bearing in mind the form of Hart and return to actin of James, but it seems Capello has decided on him as 1st choice. Didn't do anything wrong but to be fair wasn't hugely tested.

Brown - 6 - Was more attacking than Baines and seemed assured after a shaky start.

Upson - 5 - Was at fault for Egypt's goal and looked shaky all night. Should have been much better bearing in mind his teammate was in goal.

Terry - 7 - Given a hot reception by the crowd who certainly made their feelings towards him known. After his early slip that nearly cost England a goal, Terry was rock solid at the back. Controlled the back four and let his football do the talking.

Baines - 7 - Although he looked nervy in the opening exchanges, he put in an assured performance and staked a claim to be the main understudy for Cole at the World Cup.

Gerrard - 7 - At times was looking back to his best when surging forward, strayed inside alot in the first half but balanced his positioning much more to great effect in the 2nd half.

Lampard - 5 - Didn't get into the game too much, the 2 chances he did have he squandered.

Barry - 7 - Better than he's been in previous games, was much better playing alongside Carrick in the 2nd half.

Walcott - 5 - After a promising start he was all puff and no smoke. Threatened to show glimpses of the player who destroyed Croatia in the qualifiers but nowhere near fit enough and needs more playing time back at Arsenal.

Defoe - 6 - Had a couple of chances in 1st half but was substituted at half time. The teams problems in the 1st half couldn't have helped his stake for a starting bearth alongside Rooney.

Rooney - 7 - Had a few chances on the night, although he struggled to link up too well with Defoe, once Crouch came on they were formidable.

SUB: Carrick - 7 - Opened up the Egypt midfield 5 and made them look far more vulnerable. Worked well with Barry and supplied the strikers well.

SUB: Crouch - 8 - Once again proved that he is much more than a target man. Both goals at the end of great passing movements by England, and nearly pulled off another one of his fantastic acrobatic kicks.

SUB: Wright-Phillips - 7 - Was much more productive down the right hand side in 25 minutes than Walcott had been all game. Ran at the wingback and did well to get a goal.

SUB: Milner - 6 - Didn't have too much time to show his class, but is surely a certainty on the plane to South Africa with how well he's progressed of late.

SUB: C Cole - 6 - Too late to do anything.