 POPE FRANCIS "THE LORD OF SURPRISES" AND LATEST FROM VATICAN FREE CATHOLIC MOVIES - DRAMA OF ST. MARGARET CLITHEROW - THE PEARL OF YORK DISARMAMENT CAMPAIGN RECOVERS OVER 5000 WEAPONS IN MEXICO PILGRIMAGE IN UNION WITH PERSECUTED CHURCH IN SCOTLAND 22 OUTSTANDING CATHOLICS HONORED IN AUSTRALIA - QUEEN'S AWARD TODAY'S MASS ONLINE : MON. JUNE 10, 2013 VATICAN RADIO IMAGE/SHARE- POPE AT MASS MONDAY - VIDEO The Beatitudes are 'new commandments', but they are not just a simple do gooders list. They cannot be understood with the mind, only with the heart, so if our hearts are closed to God we will never know true freedom. Christian consolation is the presence of God in our hearts which teaches us to understand the Beatitudes as the law of the truly free. This was the main focus of Pope Francis' homily Monday morning at Mass in the Casa Santa Marta residence. Commenting on the daily readings, rom St Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians and the Gospel, Matthew 5:1-12, in which Jesus proclaims the Beatitudes, he said: Real conversion consists in opening the door to the Lord, overcoming selfishness, hypocrisy, UPCOMING VISIT OF ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY TO POPE Vatican City, 10 June 2013 (VIS) – In a press release today, the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity states that the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, will be in Rome to visit Pope Francis on Friday, 14 June. “This brief visit”, reads the release, “is of particular interest since it is the first meeting of the Archbishop and the Pope since their inaugurations, which took place at about the same time, just over two months ago.” “This visit is an opportunity for the Archbishop and Pope Francis to review the present state of relations between the Roman Catholic Church and Anglican Communion. In particular, the interest shown by Archbishop Welby in global justice and the ethical regulation of financial markets so that they do not oppress men and women, is echoed in the constant teaching of the Holy Father. Ever since his experience as an executive in an oil company, Archbishop Welby has placed great emphasis on reconciliation, and has continued to press for the resolution of conflicts within the Church and society. This also evokes Pope Francis’ own call to build bridges between people of every nation, so that they may be seen not as rivals and threats, but as brothers and sisters.” “Anglicans and Catholics also must work together to provide clear moral guidance to society and Archbishop Justin has collaborated closely with the Catholic Archbishop of Westminster, Vincent Nichols, to safeguard marriage and other Christian values in society. It is a sign of their close relations that Archbishop Nichols will accompany the Archbishop of Canterbury on this visit.” “Following the audience, and brief speeches, there will be a short service of mid-day prayer presided over by the Holy Father and the Archbishop of Canterbury. Earlier in the day, at the Archbishop’s own request, he will visit the Excavations beneath St Peter’s Basilica to pray at the tomb of St Peter, as his predecessor Archbishop Rowan Williams did on his first visit to Rome. He has also asked particularly for a time of prayer before the tomb of Blessed John Paul II. Following this, Archbishop Welby will call upon Cardinal Koch at the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, to renew the acquaintance made at the time of the Archbishop’s inauguration at Canterbury, and to learn about the workings of the Pontifical Council.” |
| ANGELUS: JESUS' COMPASSION IS LIKE A MOTHER'S LOVE Vatican City, 9 June 2013 (VIS) – Pope Francis appeared at the window of his study at noon today to pray the Angelus with the thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square. He first noted that the month of June is traditionally dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, “the greatest human expression of divine love”. “Popular piety,” he said, “embraces many symbols and the Heart of Jesus is the ultimate symbol of God's mercy. It is not, however, an imaginary symbol but a real symbol that represents the centre, the source from which flows the salvation for all of humanity.” Among various references in the Gospels to the Heart of Jesus, the Pope emphasized the witness of Christ's death according to St. John. When Jesus was already dead, a soldier pierced his side with a lance and immediately blood and water flowed out. “John recognized in that, apparently random, sign the fulfilment of the prophecies: from the heart of Jesus, the Lamb sacrificed upon the Cross, spring forth forgiveness and life for all humanity.” “But Jesus' mercy is not just a feeling. It is a force that gives life, that brings humanity back to life! Today's Gospel reading says the same thing, in the story of the widow of Nain. Jesus, with his disciples, is arriving in Nain, a village in Galilee, at exactly the moment of a funeral. A young man, the only son of a widowed woman is being carried out to be buried. Jesus' gaze immediately fixes upon the crying mother. The Gospel writer Luke tells us: 'When the Lord saw her, He was moved with pity for her'. This compassion is God's love for humanity. It is mercy, that is, God's attitude in contact with human misery, with our indigence, our suffering, our anguish. The biblical term 'compassion' recalls the maternal womb: indeed, a mother feels a reaction all her own when faced with her children's pain. That is how God loves us, Scripture says.” “And what is the fruit of this love, this mercy? It is life! Jesus said to the widow of Nain: 'Do not weep', and he called to the dead son and woke him as if from sleep. Let's think about this. It's beautiful. God's mercy gives life to the man, raises him from the dead. The Lord always looks upon us with mercy … awaits us with mercy. Let us not be afraid to draw near to him! He has a merciful heart! If we show him our inner wounds, our sins, He always forgives us. He is pure mercy!” After the Marian prayer, the Bishop of Rome noted that today, in Krakow, Poland, two Polish nuns are being beatified: Zofia Czeska-Maciejowska, who founded the Congregation of the Virgins of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the first half of the 17th century, and Malgorzata Lucja Szewczyk, who founded the Congregation of the Daughters of the Sorrowful Mother of God (Seraphic Sisters) in the 19th century. “With the Church in Krakow, let us give thanks to the Lord!” Lastly he addressed a group of pilgrims from the Italian city of Ortona where relics of the Apostle Thomas are venerated, thanking them for the journey “from Thomas to Peter” that they had undertaken. |
| MESSAGE TO GERMAN NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS Vatican City, 9 June 2013 (VIS) – This morning at the beginning of the Mass closing the German National Eucharistic Congress that took place in Cologne, Cardinal Paul Josef Cordes, president emeritus of the Pontifical Council “Cor Unum” and the Holy Father's special envoy to the event, read the message that Pope Francis had written to those participating in the Congress. The theme of the Congress was “Lord, To Whom Shall We Go?”, Peter's question to Jesus after his words in the synagogue in Capernaum when He announced that He was the Bread of Life, scandalizing many who then stopped following him. “We, members of today's Church, also ask ourselves this question,“ the Pope wrote. “Our answer, like that of the Apostle, can only be the person of Jesus. Yes, He lived two thousand years ago. However, we can encounter him in our time when we listen to his Word and are close to him, in a unique way, in the Eucharist. … May the Mass not become a superficial routine for us! May we always draw more and more from its depth! It is precisely what puts us within Christ's immense work of salvation, sharpening our spiritual sight with his love, [becoming part] of his 'prophecy in action' in the Upper Room with which He initiated his gift of Himself upon the Cross and his irrevocable victory over sin and death.” “This is the same question that some contemporaries are asking who—either lucidly or with foreboding—are still in search of the Father of Jesus Christ. The Redeemer wants to meet them through us … With our lives and our words we must proclaim to them what we have recognized together with Peter and the Apostles: 'Lord, You have the words of eternal life.' … All of us, bishops, priests, deacons, religious, and lay persons, have the duty to bring God to the world and the world to God.” |
| FRANCIS TO YOUTH OF MACERATA: BE OPEN TO GOD'S SURPRISES Vatican City, 9 June 2013 (VIS) – Yesterday at 8:30pm, the Holy Father called Bishop Giancarlo Vecerrica of Fabriano-Matelica, who was together with thousands of youth in the Helvia Recina Stadium before the Mass celebrated by Cardinal Marc Ouellet, P.S.S., to initiate the 35th pilgrimage on foot from Macerata to Loreto. This year the theme of the pilgrimage is “What can truly satisfy human desire?” and it is promoted by the Communion and Liberation movement. Pope Francis addressed the youth, from Italy and around the world, who were about to walk the 28 kilometres (over 17 miles) praying the Rosary and singing together. “All of life is a pilgrimage,” said the Pope. “What is important is meeting Jesus on the path of life. … Let yourselves be guided by Jesus. … So many times, even for us, faith is an obvious presupposition of living. We say 'I believe in God'—and that's good—but, how do you live this on the path of life? Faith must become a present experience.” “When we encounter the Lord,” the Holy Father continued, “He surprises us. The Lord can be called the Lord of surprises. Be open to God's surprises. For you too, this evening's event, which grows every year, is a surprise. It is the sign that nothing is impossible with God. How else could you explain that from the 300 of you in 1978 you would have become the 90,000 of last year?” “When you get tired,” Francis added, “and the temptation to go your own way arises, think of this: repeat your 'yes', pray that each one of you might recognize in your body and your spirit the very humanity that needs Christ's humanity, the only one that can truly satisfy human desire.” The Holy Father bid them farewell, reminding the youth to continue forward with hope. “Please,” he said, “don't let yourselves be robbed of hope. It is the Lord who gives it to you.” |
| TEN COMMANDMENTS ARE INDICATIONS FOR FREEDOM Vatican City, 9 June 2013 (VIS) – “The Ten Commandments are not a limitation, but an indication for freedom.” This was the heart of Pope Francis' video message that was broadcast yesterday at 9:40pm local time to the thousands gathered in Milan's Cathedral Square to participate in the “Ten Squares for Ten Commandments” initiative promoted by the “Renewal in the Spirit” movement in collaboration with the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization as part of the Year of Faith. Milan is the fourth city to host the initiative, which began under the pontificate of Benedict XVI in September of 2013, following events in Rome, Naples, and Verona. In the coming months, Pope Francis will send video messages to participants gathering in squares in Bari, Genoa, Cagliari, Florence, Palermo, Bologna, and Turin. “The Ten Commandments,” the pontiff affirmed, “are a gift from God. The word 'commandment' isn't fashionable. To today's persons, it recalls something negative, someone's will that imposes limits, that places obstacles to our lives. … Unfortunately history, even recent history, is marked by tyranny, ideologies, mindsets that have been imposed and oppressive, that haven't sought the good of humanity but rather power, success, and profit. The Ten Commandments, however, come from a God who created us out of love, from a God who established a covenant with humanity, a God who only wants the good of humanity. Let us trust in God! … The Ten Commandments show us a path to travel and also constitute a sort of 'moral code' for building just societies that are made for men and women. How much inequality there is in the world! How much hunger for food and for truth! How much moral and material poverty resulting from the rejection of God and from putting so many idols in his place! Let us be guided by these Ten Words that enlighten and guide those seeking peace, justice, and dignity.” “It is important to remember when God, through Moses, gave the people of Israel the Ten Commandments. At the Red Sea the people had experienced great deliverance. They had seen first hand the power and faithfulness of God, the God who liberates. Now God himself, upon Mount Sinai, indicates to his people and to all of us the way to remain free, a path that is engraved upon the human heart as a universal moral Law. We shouldn't see the Ten Commandments as restriction upon our freedom; no, not that way. We should see them as signs for our freedom. … They teach us how to avoid the slavery to which the many idols that we ourselves build reduce us. … They teach us to open ourselves to a wider dimension than the material one; to live with respect for others; overcoming the greed of power, possessions, and money; to be honest and sincere in our relationships; to protect all of creation and to nurture our planet with high, noble, and spiritual ideals. Following the Ten Commandments means being faithful to ourselves, to our most authentic nature, and walking towards the true freedom that Christ taught us in the Beatitudes.” |
| OFFICIAL VISIT OF PRESIDENT OF ITALIAN REPUBLIC TO POPE Vatican City, 8 June 2013 (VIS) – The official state visit of the President of Italy, Giorgio Napolitano, to Pope Francis “once again confirms—even after troubled and painful events—the normalcy and excellence of relations between Italy and the Holy See”. The dialogue between the two “has the good of the Italian people as its principle goal and has its historically unique role in Europe and the world as its ideal backdrop”. Those were the words of the Bishop of Rome this morning on receiving for the first time in his pontificate the representative of Italy's highest institution. He thanked the president, as well as all the entire Italian population, for the warm welcome that they have given him, saying that they have made him feel “at home again”. At the same time the pontiff expressed the wish that Italy might always be “a welcoming home for all”. President Napolitano, the first head of state to officially visit Pope Francis, arrived in the Vatican shortly before 11:00am, accompanied by the Italian minister of Foreign Affairs, Emma Bonino, and Italy's ambassador to the Holy See, Francesco Maria Greco. Upon arriving he was greeted by the Prefect of the Papal Household, Archbishop Georg Ganswein, and an honour guard of the Swiss Guard in the San Damaso Courtyard. After a private conversation with the Pope in the Sala del Tronetto (“little throne room”) of the Vatican Apostolic Palace, they moved to the Library where they both delivered speeches. The Pope noted that, after the conciliation and the inclusion of the Lateran Pacts in the Italian Constitution and further, in a new light after the Second Vatican Council and the revision of the Treaty, relations between Italy and the Holy See have developed well. “In Italy,” he added, “the collaboration between State and Church, always focused on the interest of the people and of society, is carried out in the daily relationship between civil agencies and those of the Catholic community, represented by the Bishops and their offices, and in a very particular way, by the Bishop of Rome. Thus, even this first visit of the President to the Pope can be effectively expressed with the image of the two hills, the Quirinal and the Vatican, that look upon one another with esteem and fondness.” The Pope then observed that 2013 marks the 1700th anniversary of the Edict of Milan, a symbol for many of the first affirmation of the principle of religious freedom, noting that, a century ago, the commemoration of the Edict of Milan represented “a stage in the historical process that favoured the awareness and the contribution of Catholics in the construction of Italian society. … In today's world, religious freedom is more often asserted than accomplished. … The serious outrages inflicted on this primary right are a source of serious concern.” “Against every attack, the unanimous reaction of the world's countries must be seen reaffirming the inviolable dignity of the human person. It is the duty of all to defend religious freedom and to promote it for all. In sharing the protection of this moral good is also found a guarantee of the growth and development of the entire community.” Continuing, he mentioned the “profound and persistent” world crisis, which also affects Italy, “emphasizing the economic and social problems, which weigh especially upon the weakest part of society”. He noted some particularly troubling phenomena such as “the weakening of family and social ties, the decreasing population, the prevalence of mentalities favouring profit over work, and the insufficient attention paid to younger generations and their formation”. “In this difficult context, which certainly is not easy, it is essential to guarantee and to develop the overall system of the democratic institutions to which Italian Catholics have decisively, loyally, and creatively contributed in recent decades. In a time of crisis such as this one it is, therefore, urgent that a new consideration of political commitment, above all among young persons, might arise and that believers and non-believers together might collaborate in promoting a society in which injustice can be overcome and every person can be welcomed and can contribute to the common good. … The distance between the letter and the spirit of laws and democratic institutions is always to be recognized and we need the commitment of all involved to bridge it every time again. We Catholics also have the duty to always strive more along the serious journey of spiritual conversion so that we might every day draw closer to the Gospel, which compels us to concretely and effectively serve persons and society.” The Pope ended his discourse repeating that “what faith assures us of is true even in the civil sphere: we must never lose hope. How many examples of this have our parents and grandparents given us, facing the hardships of their times with great courage and spirit of sacrifice. On various occasions, Benedict XVI repeated that the current crisis should be an opportunity for the fraternal renewal of human relationships. Even the Italian people, drawing confidently and creatively from their rich Christian tradition and from the examples of their patron saints, Francis of Assisi and Catherine of Siena, … can and must overcome every division and grow in justice and peace, continuing thus to play their unique role in the European context and in the family of nations, and working to create a culture of encounter.” After the addresses, the head of the Italian State met with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, S.D.B., secretary of State, and with the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See. Before leaving, he went to the Vatican Basilica where he visited the Chapel of the Pieta. |
| CARDINAL TAGLE TAKES POSSESSION OF HIS TITULAR CHURCH Vatican City, 10 June 2013 (VIS) – The Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff today announced that this coming Saturday, 15 June, at 6:30pm, Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, archbishop of Manila, Philippines, will take possession of the title of San Felice da Cantalice a Centocelle in Piazza San Felice da Cantalice, 20. |
| AUDIENCES Vatican City, 10 June 2013 (VIS) – Today the Holy Father received: - the credential letters of the new ambassador of Mexico to the Holy See, His Excellency Mr. Mariano Palacios Alcocer, - Cardinal Fernando Filoni, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, - Bishop Javier Echevarria Rodriguez, prelate of personal prelature Opus Dei and titular of Cilibia. - Her Excellency Ms. Anna Suchocka, ambassador of Poland; His Excellency Mr. Almir Franco de Sa' Barbuda, ambassador of Brazil; and His Excellency Mr. Alejandro Emilio Valladares Lanza, ambassador of Honduras on their farewell visits. On Saturday, 8 June, Pope Francis received Cardinal Marc Ouellet, P.S.S., prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. |
| OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS Vatican City, 8 June 2013 (VIS) – Today, the Holy Father: - appointed Fr. Jeremiah Madimetja Masela as bishop of Polokwane (area 69,533, population 2,658,000, Catholics 94,700, priests 27, permanent deacons 8, religious 50), South Africa. The bishop-elect, previously apostolic administrator of the diocese, was born in Bergzich, Western Cape, South Africa and was ordained a priest in 1958. Since ordination he has served in several parochial and diocesan roles, most recently as vicar general of the diocese and pastor of Doorspruit. He has been the apostolic administrator of the diocese since 2011. On Saturday, 8 June, the Holy Father: - appointed Bishop Giuseppe Petrocchi as metropolitan archbishop of L'Aquila (area 1,516, population 112,500, Catholics 111,100, priests 118, permanent deacons 8, religious 167), Italy. Bishop Petrocchi, previously of Latina-Terracina-Sezze- - appointed Archbishop Miroslaw Adamczyk, apostolic nuncio to Liberia, as apostolic nuncio to Gambia. - appointed Bishop Jean Teyrouz, I.C.P.B., of Sainte-Croix-de-Paris of the Armenians, France, as apostolic visitor to Armenian Catholic faithful resident in Western Europe without their own ordinary. He succeeds Bishop Gregoire Ghabroyan, I.C.P.B., whose resignation from the same office the Holy Father accepted in accordance with canon 210 para. 1 of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches (CCEO). |
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DISARMAMENT CAMPAIGN RECOVERS OVER 5000 WEAPONS IN MEXICO
Agenzia Fides REPORT - In the first five months of 2013, the government of the Federal District collected, in 15 of the 16 delegations of the city, 5,522 firearms. It is a fact that confirms the good outcome of the campaign, since in the four previous years the weapons recovered were 5,433.
The program's success is due to the change in strategy, says Rosa Isela Rodriguez, secretary of the social development program, in a note sent to Fides.
Weapons are sold through a sort of bartering for which 7 million pesos were allocated: Who delivers weapons can receive in exchange a sum of money or pieces of furniture, electronic equipment and groceries.
Among the weapons collected there are 3,903 handguns (pistols), 1,259 rifles. There are also 356 grenades and 44,448 cartridges, exchanged with bicycles, groceries, appliances, tablets and laptops.
The authorities are very enthusiastic about the support offered by the Catholic Church to the campaign, because, according to the note: "people completely trust the priests and bishops’ word, and also because the exchange takes place in front of the churches".
In the atrium of the Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City, speaking before the head of the city government, Miguel Angel Mancera, Cardinal Norberto Rivera said that in addition to the disarmament of the population, measures are needed to strengthen the family unit in order to allow families to become a space of harmony, peace and tolerance.
The Cardinal then pointed out that the campaign "For your Family a voluntary disarmament", is the one that achieved the best results, and is expected to soon exceed the 6 thousand delivered weapons. (CE)
The program's success is due to the change in strategy, says Rosa Isela Rodriguez, secretary of the social development program, in a note sent to Fides.
Weapons are sold through a sort of bartering for which 7 million pesos were allocated: Who delivers weapons can receive in exchange a sum of money or pieces of furniture, electronic equipment and groceries.
Among the weapons collected there are 3,903 handguns (pistols), 1,259 rifles. There are also 356 grenades and 44,448 cartridges, exchanged with bicycles, groceries, appliances, tablets and laptops.
The authorities are very enthusiastic about the support offered by the Catholic Church to the campaign, because, according to the note: "people completely trust the priests and bishops’ word, and also because the exchange takes place in front of the churches".
In the atrium of the Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City, speaking before the head of the city government, Miguel Angel Mancera, Cardinal Norberto Rivera said that in addition to the disarmament of the population, measures are needed to strengthen the family unit in order to allow families to become a space of harmony, peace and tolerance.
The Cardinal then pointed out that the campaign "For your Family a voluntary disarmament", is the one that achieved the best results, and is expected to soon exceed the 6 thousand delivered weapons. (CE)
PILGRIMAGE IN UNION WITH PERSECUTED CHURCH IN SCOTLAND
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22 OUTSTANDING CATHOLICS HONORED IN AUSTRALIA - QUEEN'S AWARD
Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese,
10 Jun 2013
Twenty-two outstanding Catholics from across NSW were recognised in the 2013 Queen's Birthday Honours announced by the Governor General Quentin Bryce in Canberra this morning.
Among those honoured is John Berryman, former Chief Executive of the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDB) and for the past two years a volunteer with St Vincent de Paul Society's SPARKS program for refugee children, Redemptorist Brother Dan Stafford, tireless worker and fundraiser for Vinnies' Matthew Talbot Homeless Services and Catholic Chaplain to the Australian Turf Club and Honorary Chaplain to the NSW Racing Industry; numbers man Patrick Bugden who for many years has given financial, accounting and investment advice to a range of Catholic organisations; and Megan Etheridge, a long-time Vinnies volunteer and the irrepressible live-wire behind Dress for Success which dresses and styles women, most of whom are battlers and living on the margins, for job interviews and their first week at work.
An expert in IT and computer whiz, Mr Berryman first joined the RIBD in 1978 when he was given a project to computerise Braille. By 1985 he was CEO and it was only two years ago, he retired and began working as a volunteer with Vinnies and refugee and migrant children as part of the agency's award winning SPARKS program.
"My years with the RIDB were among the most fulfilling of my life," he says explaining how technology has advanced in leaps and bounds and made a huge difference to the lives of children who are profoundly deaf or blind.
"Today there is much better prevention as a result of the rubella campaign several years ago and also because of the introduction of Universal Newborn Screening. This means hearing problems are detected and very effective intervention programs instigated and Cochlear implants have also made a big difference."
Almost all children who are born deaf grow up able to speak and communicate.
For the blind the technology has also brought independence, particularly with advances in screen reading software which enables students to study and obtain information without having to rely on someone else taking notes or helping with assignments. Instead via the software whatever information they seek is given to them by voice in a clear easy audio system.
Being awarded an AM and becoming a Member of the Order of Australia, Mr Berryman admits was a total surprise and he is both proud and humbled by the honour.
"I understand the award is presented by the Governor General later in the year," he says and adds that he is hoping the presentation occurs while the present Governor General is still in office.
"I am a great admirer of Governor Quentin Bryce. She has been a wonderful patron of many, many charities during her time as Governor General and I have had the pleasure of meeting her in this capacity a dozen or so times. I think she is doing a terrific job, and for me it would be very nice to receive the award from her," he says.
For Patrick Bugden, being awarded an OAM (Medal of the Order of Australia) not only took him completely by surprise but is the second award he has received this year in recognition of his unstinting work giving financial, accounting and investment advice to the Dioceses of Parramatta and Broken Bay as well as his long tenure as Chair of the Archdiocese of Sydney's Finance Committee and his unstinting and dedication to the wider Catholic community.
In February this year, Mr Bugden was created a Knight Commander of the Order of St Gregory as a tribute to his contribution to Catholic community and his work with Catholic Missions, Catholic health Australia, as Director of Brown Nurses and long association with the Little Company of Mary.
"Honours of any kind are not something you seek and they are never the reason you do your work or offer people a hand. I am still not sure why I've been singled out and I know there are many, many others who deserve this more than me," he says.
Megan Etheridge also reacted with stunned surprise when told she had been awarded an OAM in recognition of her "service to the community, particularly women."
Typically, however she doesn't see this as an award to her personally but rather an award for Dress for Success and the team of more than 200 volunteers who help give women on the margins or in difficult circumstances confidence, renewed self esteem and top to toe styling and clothes so they are at their best when they go for a job interview or spend a first day or week at work. Others may need to be dressed well and feel confident for a court appearance or a return to life on the outside after spending time in prison.
"Last year we dressed 2000 women and our volunteers put in 15,000 hours of time to make this possible," she says.
The women Megan and her team dress are referred to Dress for Success by Vinnies, Youth of the Streets, Disability Employment Services, job support agencies and women's refugee centres.
Everything from clothes, handbags, shoes, jewellery and scarves are donated and the women who are dressed and styled, keep whatever they are given to wear.
"Occasionally if we need very large sizes or very small sizes we use the grant given to us by the Sisters of Charity," Megan says. "But mostly the clothes are donated and at our showroom in Marrickville at 132 Marrickville Road, we also hold dressing programs daily as well as workshops on job interviews, how to write resumes, basic computer skills as well as workshops on grooming and presentation.
Br Dan Stafford who turns 75 next month is another outstanding Catholic who has been awarded an OAM in today's honours. For more than 20 years, the Redemptorist brother co-ordinated 450 St Vincent de Paul volunteers and over the past 10 years not only took over coordinating fundraising for Vinnnies' Matthew Talbot Homeless Services but in each of those years managed to raise more than $2 million for the city's homeless men, women and children.
In addition, since 2002 when Cardinal George Pell appointed him official Catholic Chaplain to the Australian Turf Club and Honorary Chaplain to the Sydney Racing Industry, he has been offering pastoral care and support to owners, trainers, jockeys, strappers and all those involved in Sydney with the Sport of Kings.
For Br Dan there are moments of great joy but also at times great sadness, such as arranging the funeral after the tragic death of well known jockey, Jason Oliver who was killed just over 10 years ago after a fall at Belmont Park.
Each year during the Autumn Carnival there is a Racing Mass celebrated by Fr Adrian Meaney with Br Dan assisting.
The Mass is held at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, Kensington where it is standing room only and filled with owners, race callers, grooms, handlers, bookmakers, jockeys and department heads from all areas of the industry.
Br Dan says the industry is like a huge family with many of those involved in Sydney racing some of the most generous donors when he has been fundraising for Matthew Talbot Homeless Services.
"There is nothing like seeing a horse come home first when you know the owner, trainer, the jockey and all the work that has gone into preparing the animal," he says and admits one of the highlights in recent times was seeing Black Caviar race.
"I saw her race twice and she was something," he says and instantly recalls another legendary winner in a race he saw as a young man and still vividly remembers. "Tulloch was one of the great horses of the world."
Other Catholic NSW men and women recognised in today's Birthday honours are:
Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
Judge Matthew Myers, for significant service to community, particularly in the field of family law and welfare and as a member of the Advisory Council, Catholic Church, Broken Bay Diocese.
Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia
Noel Causer, Corrimal, NSW, for service to the community, particularly through the provision of humanitarian aid in Papua New Guinea.
Mrs Lorraine Eckersley, Tamworth, for Services to the community of Tamworth
.
Mrs Roseanna Gallo, Marsfield, NSW for service to the community, particularly through singing and entertainment.
Mrs Dorothy Gillespie, Balgowlah Heights, for service to the community through leadership roles in school and community groups.
Lt Colonel Vincent Hallinan FRD ED (Ret'd) Narwee NSW, for service to veterans and their families, and to the community.
Mrs Myra Hill, Cessnock NSW for service to the community of Cessnock, particularly through music.
Mrs Mary Horder, Pendle Hill, for service to the community of western Sydney.
James (Jim) Marsden, Campbelltown NSW for service to the community of Campbelltown.
John Moriarty, Narara, NSW, for service to cricket, and to the community of the Central Coast.
Dr Julie Chio Nua Ez, Woodcroft NSW for service to the Filipino community of Blacktown.
Mrs Nessie Osten, Broken Hill, NSW for service to music, and to the community of Broken Hill.
Phillip O'Sullivan, Hillsdale, NSW for service to the Waverley region through a range of sporting and community organisations.
William Raper, Umina Beach NSW for service to the community of Woy Woy.
Mrs Judith Richards, Nyngan NSW for service to horse racing and to the community of Nyngan.
Ms Anna (Hanya) Stefaniuk, Summer Hill NSW 2130 for service to education through multicultural initiatives, and to the Ukrainian community.
Patrick Sullivan, Gundagai NSW 2722 for service to journalism, and to the community of Gundagai.
William Thompson, Coolamon NSW 2701 for service to the community of the Riverina.
SHARED FROM ARCHDIOCESE OF SYDNEY
10 Jun 2013
John Berryman AM with Dale at the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children
Among those honoured is John Berryman, former Chief Executive of the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDB) and for the past two years a volunteer with St Vincent de Paul Society's SPARKS program for refugee children, Redemptorist Brother Dan Stafford, tireless worker and fundraiser for Vinnies' Matthew Talbot Homeless Services and Catholic Chaplain to the Australian Turf Club and Honorary Chaplain to the NSW Racing Industry; numbers man Patrick Bugden who for many years has given financial, accounting and investment advice to a range of Catholic organisations; and Megan Etheridge, a long-time Vinnies volunteer and the irrepressible live-wire behind Dress for Success which dresses and styles women, most of whom are battlers and living on the margins, for job interviews and their first week at work.
An expert in IT and computer whiz, Mr Berryman first joined the RIBD in 1978 when he was given a project to computerise Braille. By 1985 he was CEO and it was only two years ago, he retired and began working as a volunteer with Vinnies and refugee and migrant children as part of the agency's award winning SPARKS program.
"My years with the RIDB were among the most fulfilling of my life," he says explaining how technology has advanced in leaps and bounds and made a huge difference to the lives of children who are profoundly deaf or blind.
Megan Etheridge founder of Dress for Success
Almost all children who are born deaf grow up able to speak and communicate.
For the blind the technology has also brought independence, particularly with advances in screen reading software which enables students to study and obtain information without having to rely on someone else taking notes or helping with assignments. Instead via the software whatever information they seek is given to them by voice in a clear easy audio system.
Being awarded an AM and becoming a Member of the Order of Australia, Mr Berryman admits was a total surprise and he is both proud and humbled by the honour.
"I understand the award is presented by the Governor General later in the year," he says and adds that he is hoping the presentation occurs while the present Governor General is still in office.
"I am a great admirer of Governor Quentin Bryce. She has been a wonderful patron of many, many charities during her time as Governor General and I have had the pleasure of meeting her in this capacity a dozen or so times. I think she is doing a terrific job, and for me it would be very nice to receive the award from her," he says.
For Patrick Bugden, being awarded an OAM (Medal of the Order of Australia) not only took him completely by surprise but is the second award he has received this year in recognition of his unstinting work giving financial, accounting and investment advice to the Dioceses of Parramatta and Broken Bay as well as his long tenure as Chair of the Archdiocese of Sydney's Finance Committee and his unstinting and dedication to the wider Catholic community.
Patrick Bugden AOM
"Honours of any kind are not something you seek and they are never the reason you do your work or offer people a hand. I am still not sure why I've been singled out and I know there are many, many others who deserve this more than me," he says.
Megan Etheridge also reacted with stunned surprise when told she had been awarded an OAM in recognition of her "service to the community, particularly women."
Typically, however she doesn't see this as an award to her personally but rather an award for Dress for Success and the team of more than 200 volunteers who help give women on the margins or in difficult circumstances confidence, renewed self esteem and top to toe styling and clothes so they are at their best when they go for a job interview or spend a first day or week at work. Others may need to be dressed well and feel confident for a court appearance or a return to life on the outside after spending time in prison.
"Last year we dressed 2000 women and our volunteers put in 15,000 hours of time to make this possible," she says.
The women Megan and her team dress are referred to Dress for Success by Vinnies, Youth of the Streets, Disability Employment Services, job support agencies and women's refugee centres.
Br Dan Stafford AOM
"Occasionally if we need very large sizes or very small sizes we use the grant given to us by the Sisters of Charity," Megan says. "But mostly the clothes are donated and at our showroom in Marrickville at 132 Marrickville Road, we also hold dressing programs daily as well as workshops on job interviews, how to write resumes, basic computer skills as well as workshops on grooming and presentation.
Br Dan Stafford who turns 75 next month is another outstanding Catholic who has been awarded an OAM in today's honours. For more than 20 years, the Redemptorist brother co-ordinated 450 St Vincent de Paul volunteers and over the past 10 years not only took over coordinating fundraising for Vinnnies' Matthew Talbot Homeless Services but in each of those years managed to raise more than $2 million for the city's homeless men, women and children.
In addition, since 2002 when Cardinal George Pell appointed him official Catholic Chaplain to the Australian Turf Club and Honorary Chaplain to the Sydney Racing Industry, he has been offering pastoral care and support to owners, trainers, jockeys, strappers and all those involved in Sydney with the Sport of Kings.
For Br Dan there are moments of great joy but also at times great sadness, such as arranging the funeral after the tragic death of well known jockey, Jason Oliver who was killed just over 10 years ago after a fall at Belmont Park.
Each year during the Autumn Carnival there is a Racing Mass celebrated by Fr Adrian Meaney with Br Dan assisting.
Br Dan Stafford with John Messara Chair of Racing NSW and Father Adrian Meaney at last ueat's Racing Mass.
Br Dan says the industry is like a huge family with many of those involved in Sydney racing some of the most generous donors when he has been fundraising for Matthew Talbot Homeless Services.
"There is nothing like seeing a horse come home first when you know the owner, trainer, the jockey and all the work that has gone into preparing the animal," he says and admits one of the highlights in recent times was seeing Black Caviar race.
"I saw her race twice and she was something," he says and instantly recalls another legendary winner in a race he saw as a young man and still vividly remembers. "Tulloch was one of the great horses of the world."
Other Catholic NSW men and women recognised in today's Birthday honours are:
Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
Judge Matthew Myers, for significant service to community, particularly in the field of family law and welfare and as a member of the Advisory Council, Catholic Church, Broken Bay Diocese.
Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia
Noel Causer, Corrimal, NSW, for service to the community, particularly through the provision of humanitarian aid in Papua New Guinea.
Mrs Lorraine Eckersley, Tamworth, for Services to the community of Tamworth
.
Mrs Roseanna Gallo, Marsfield, NSW for service to the community, particularly through singing and entertainment.
Mrs Dorothy Gillespie, Balgowlah Heights, for service to the community through leadership roles in school and community groups.
Lt Colonel Vincent Hallinan FRD ED (Ret'd) Narwee NSW, for service to veterans and their families, and to the community.
Mrs Myra Hill, Cessnock NSW for service to the community of Cessnock, particularly through music.
Mrs Mary Horder, Pendle Hill, for service to the community of western Sydney.
James (Jim) Marsden, Campbelltown NSW for service to the community of Campbelltown.
John Moriarty, Narara, NSW, for service to cricket, and to the community of the Central Coast.
Dr Julie Chio Nua Ez, Woodcroft NSW for service to the Filipino community of Blacktown.
Mrs Nessie Osten, Broken Hill, NSW for service to music, and to the community of Broken Hill.
Phillip O'Sullivan, Hillsdale, NSW for service to the Waverley region through a range of sporting and community organisations.
William Raper, Umina Beach NSW for service to the community of Woy Woy.
Mrs Judith Richards, Nyngan NSW for service to horse racing and to the community of Nyngan.
Ms Anna (Hanya) Stefaniuk, Summer Hill NSW 2130 for service to education through multicultural initiatives, and to the Ukrainian community.
Patrick Sullivan, Gundagai NSW 2722 for service to journalism, and to the community of Gundagai.
William Thompson, Coolamon NSW 2701 for service to the community of the Riverina.
SHARED FROM ARCHDIOCESE OF SYDNEY
TODAY'S MASS ONLINE : MON. JUNE 10, 2013
| Matthew 10: 7 - 13 | |
| 7 | And preach as you go, saying, `The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' |
| 8 | Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying, give without pay. |
| 9 | Take no gold, nor silver, nor copper in your belts, |
| 10 | no bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor a staff; for the laborer deserves his food. |
| 11 | And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it, and stay with him until you depart. |
| 12 | As you enter the house, salute it. |
| 13 | And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. |
St. Getulius & Companions
MARTYRS
Feast: June 10
Information:
| Martyr with Amantius, Caerealis, and Primitivus during the reign of Emperor Hadrian (r. 117-138). He was the husband of St. Symphorosa. An officer in the Roman army, he resigned when he became a Christian and returned to his estates near Tivoli, Italy. There he converted Caerealis, the imperial legate sent to arrest him. With his brother Amantius and with Caerealis and Primitivus, Getulius was tortured and martyred at Tivoli. The significance of the conversion rests in part upon the fact that the emperor himself owned a large and famous estate in the same area, an indication of how the Christian faith had established itself among the ranks of the wealthy patrician class of the empire. (Taken from Our Sunday Visitor's Encyclopedia of Saints) |
source: http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/G/stgetulius.asp#ixzz1xM1MQTEI
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