“Live God’s Mercy so that the Church is Credible!”

8 December 2015

The Catholic Church throughout the world formally begins the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy today, 8 December, Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Pope Francis invites the whole Church to refashion itself as a place not of judgment or condemnation but of pardon and merciful love. “Perhaps we have long since forgotten how to show and live the way of mercy,” Pope Francis wrote in the document Misericordiae Vultus (The Face of Mercy) in which he announced the Jubilee Year. He said that the Church’s “very credibility is seen in how she shows merciful and compassionate love.”

Jewish tradition inspired the Catholic Church to start celebrating the Jubilee or Holy Year. Pope Boniface VIII started the Catholic tradition in the year 1300. A Holy Year is a time of general forgiveness, open to all. It is a special invitation to approach God and others.

The Church, during Holy Years, seeks to emphasise one of her more profound characteristics, to make it visible for all to understand. This characteristic is mercy and the inexhaustible capacity to welcome and forgive all men and women in need of pardon.

The Church is called to follow the example of Jesus who explains in many passages of the Gospel that he comes in search of sinners, of the lost sheep, to heal the sick, to free prisoners. In this way he reveals the authentic face of God, his and our Father: “rich in mercy”. On these special occasions the Church makes it easier for the faithful to do penance and experience reconciliation. She teaches us to do penance and to make amends for sin with works of mercy and love for God and neighbour.

“The temptation … to focus exclusively on justice made us forget that this is only the first, albeit necessary and indispensable step… The time has come for the Church to take up the joyful call to mercy once more,” Pope Francis wrote.

A number of symbols will accompany the Jubilee Year to help us, God’s people, express the great truth of our faith and lead us into a more profound relationship with Jesus Christ.

The first symbolic rite of the Jubilee of Mercy is the opening of the Holy Door. During his trip to Africa, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door in the Cathedral of Bangui, in the Central African Republic. It was a powerful gesture to show that the Jubilee of Mercy is open in all parts of the world. But the Pope will also open the better-known Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica today. Normally, it is opened just once every 25 years. In fact, a brick wall is built to cover it until it is torn down for the next Jubilee.

The Holy Door symbolises the extraordinary way that Catholics can open themselves up to their faith. For pilgrims, the highlight of their journey is walking through the Holy Door. On Sunday, 13th December, for the first time in the history of the Jubilee Years, there will be Holy Doors opened in all the Cathedrals of the world. Local bishops have been empowered for the occasion to offer the Papal Blessing to all who take part in this occasion.

On 18 November 2015, during his weekly General Audience in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis spoke specifically about the door. He referred to the recent Synod of Bishops on the Family “which gave all families and all the Church a strong impetus to meet at the threshold of this open door. The Church was encouraged to open her doors, to go forth with the Lord towards his sons and daughters who walk together, at times uncertain, at times lost, in these difficult times. Christian families, in particular, have been encouraged to open the door to the Lord who waits to enter, bringing his blessing. But the Lord never forces the door; he asks permission to enter through ours, although his doors are always open. There are still places in the world where doors are not locked, but there are also many where reinforced doors have become normal.”

He went on to say that we must not accept the idea of doors that are locked. He urged cities, families, and society to open doors that are locked. He urged the Church to unlock doors that have been locked saying “An inhospitable Church, like a family closed in on itself, mortifies the Gospel and makes the world arid. No more reinforced doors in the Church!”

Pope Francis said that many people no longer trust and therefore do not “knock on the door of our Christian heart, at the doors of our Churches. … We have lost their trust; please, we must not let this happen. The door says many things about the house, and also the Church”. The Holy Father went on to say that the Church “is the door to the house of the Lord but she is not the proprietor of the house of the Lord”.

In South Africa a number of religious congregations will be offering three-day “Missions of Mercy” to parish communities in the Jubilee Year. This is at the request of Pope Francis himself. These special missionaries of mercy will announce the Good News of God’s mercy in sermons, in rituals, in celebrating the Eucharist and most especially in hearing confessions.

The Jesuit Institute South Africa welcomes this Jubilee Year. We, with all God’s people in South Africa, hope that the next 365 days will be a true experience of God’s merciful love. We urge all God’s people to enter through the doors of mercy. If you have not been to the Sacrament of Reconciliation for a long time, take hold of this opportunity to open yourself up to God’s mercy. Think of ways that you can merciful reach out to those around you – especially those you have not shown mercy towards.

We urge ministers and parishes to find ways of helping people experience God’s mercy. Let this be your constant theme. You can:

• Reach out to those who have left the Church, ask for forgiveness for the exclusion or hurt you or your parish community may have caused.
• Seek ways of welcoming those who feel left out or on the margins of the Church for whatever reason.
• Find ways of being missionary, visit the sick and housebound, open soup kitchens, give of your time and talent to others who need your assistance generously, seek out those who have strayed and invite them back to the Lord’s merciful embrace.
• Pope Francis has pleaded with us to close the gap between the rich and the poor. How can our parish communities use resources to help those less fortunate in new, creative ways that will symbolise God’s merciful love?
• Let us make our parishes real sanctuaries for all who seek sanctuary, no matter who they are.

Let us not miss this wonderful opportunity to proclaim what is at the heart of the Gospel: the merciful love of God for each and every person no matter who they are, what they have done or failed to do! Our outreach and embrace towards others is a sign of the outreach and embrace of God towards us. Let us seek mercy where we know we need it and then offer God’s merciful love, generously and without reserve, to others.

Read Misericordiae Vultus
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For more information:
Fr. Russell Pollitt, S.J.
Director – Jesuit Institute South Africa
r.pollitt@jesuitinstitute.org.za
+27 82 737 2054

At the beginning of the week Pope Francis ended a six-day apostolic visit to our continent. He visited Kenya, Uganda and the war-torn Central African Republic (CAR). In all three countries large numbers turned out, lining streets – often rows deep – to see the Pope.

Pope Francis is the first pope in living memory that has travelled into an active war zone. He said that he travels as a “pilgrim of peace” to CAR. The Vatican was warned that this trip was high risk but Francis insisted that he wanted to visit CAR. He jokingly told the pilot of his flight from Uganda to CAR that if the plane could not land on Sunday he would use a parachute! When he was personally asked if he was not worried about security he replied saying that the only thing that he was afraid of in Africa were mosquitoes.

Although Francis had a specific message for each location he visited, a number of over-arching themes were clear: poverty and exclusion, corruption, good governance, the environment, climate change, inter-religious dialogue and reconciliation. These were messages not just for the countries he visited but, indeed, for the whole continent and the world. By stressing many of these themes, Francis not only reminds the Church what its agenda should be but also keeps the issues on the global agenda.

In every country the pope spoke about the need to protect the environment – something that he is concerned about and also something on the global agenda because the COP21 Conference opened in Paris towards the end of his voyage. The pope believes that there is a clear link between the protection of nature and building a just and equitable social order.

In a meeting with the UN in Nairobi, Francis said some of the most forceful things yet about climate change. He said that the COP21 meeting is an important stage of developing a new global energy system which must be built on 3 pillars: “minimal use of fossil fuels, energy efficiency and use of energy sources with little or no carbon content.” He said that a failure in Paris to eliminate carbon use would be “catastrophic.” He lamented a growing “global indifference” to millions who suffer because of the effects of climate change.

Papal press conferences in-flight are always something to take note of. This trip was no different. On the flight back to Rome Francis warned against religious fundamentalism. He said, “We Catholics have some – and not some, many – who believe in the absolute truth and go ahead dirtying the other with calumny, with disinformation, and doing evil.” He went on to say that they do evil, “I say this because it is my church. We have to combat it. Religious fundamentalism is not religious, because it lacks God. It is idolatry, like the idolatry of money.”

Once again Pope Francis has shown himself to be an exceptional leader and given us all much food for thought.

Fr Russell Pollitt, S.J.

The Child Safeguarding Policy of the Archdiocese of Cape Town was implemented by Archbishop Stephen Brislin at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council (APC) on Saturday 21st November 2015. Attached for download is a PDF of the Child Safeguarding Policy itself, together with a presentation and supplements discussed at the meeting.

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This article on the 2015 Synod was written by Archbishop Stephen Brislin for the Sunday Argus on 29 October 2015.

“God did not create the human being to live in sadness or to be alone, but for happiness, to share his path with another person that is complementary”. These words of Pope Francis at the opening liturgy of the 14th Synod of bishops – “the Synod on the Family” – captured the positive nature of the process which began more than two years ago. As with the Extraordinary Synod of 2014, this Synod was characterized by remarkable openness as bishops from around the world responded to the Pontiff’s challenge to speak boldly but also to listen attentively. The openness of the Synod, as well as the broad nature of the preparatory documents touching on multiple issues, led to high expectations on the part of some who may feel that their aspirations have not been met.

The 2015 Synod is a watershed in the life of the Catholic Church. On a superficial level it is true that some hoped-for solutions, especially regarding Communion for the divorced and civilly remarried or recognition of homosexual marriages, have not happened. The Synod did not set out to resolve all the complexities of family life. We heard testimony of many problems that exist in different cultural contexts which could not be resolved within the Synod; however, the Synod is not the end of the discernment. In the words of Pope Francis it was about “seeing these difficulties and uncertainties in the light of Faith, carefully studying them and confronting them fearlessly without burying our heads in the sand”. The methodology adopted was that of “experience, analysis/reflection and action”; thus the beginning was the reality of people’s lives and the struggles they have.

The reflection on the situations of pain and brokenness in the light of the Gospel and faith led to key issues emerging. It was a long process. Every one of the 270 bishops present had the opportunity to speak in plenary session, as did married couples, representatives of Women Religious and “Fraternal Delegates” (representatives from other churches). The plenary sessions were interspersed with discussions in language groups over the three-week period, with far more time being given to the small group discussions than ever before. Despite a variety of differing, and at times opposing, interventions and reports – occasionally vigorously presented – a certain convergence began to develop. Ultimately this led to a consensus on the final document presented to the Pope. Each of the 94 paragraphs of that document achieved a 2/3 majority. This in itself was a remarkable achievement as the “Synod Fathers” came from every part of the world representing vastly different cultures and experiences.

The first of the key themes was a renewed recognition of the beauty and importance of marriage and family and its indispensable nature, not only for the individual to achieve the very meaning of what it means to be human, but also for the good of society. In the family we form our identity as a person, learn to love and be loved, learn generosity, tolerance and forgiveness. Healthy families make a healthy society. Far from abandoning marriage or family life we have to do all we can to promote and strengthen these great, God-given gifts. There is no “typical” or perfect family, every family has its struggles, but most show heroic courage in the face of enormous difficulties such as struggling with poverty, fleeing home and country or raising children as a single parent.

A second theme was the need to be a listening Church – listening to the cry of those in difficult situations, who experience pain in their lives or family histories. In this respect the Synod dealt with a wide range of issues including divorce, domestic violence, sexual abuse in the family and pornography. Too often we have judged, condemned and excluded people. Learning from Christ, we need to have his tenderness and mercy and to allow these to shape our parishes and communities that they may always be places of welcome and acceptance. The Church is open to all who wish to follow Christ. It is not for the “perfect” or the “righteous” – Christ came for sinners and to call them to conversion. Many spoke of the need for Church leaders to apologise and seek forgiveness for the harsh way in which we have sometimes treated people, lacking compassion and understanding of their situations.

The third theme, discernment, was one of the more controversial in its application to those who are in second unions. In working to integrate the divorced and remarried more fully in the life of the Church the pastor should lead them through a process of discernment regarding the broken marriage/family. Some questions would be: how did you behave towards the children of your marriage in the time of crisis? Did you seek reconciliation and try to save the marriage? What is the situation of the abandoned spouse? What were the consequences of the break-up of the marriage on the families and of wider society? The break up of the family has many consequences far beyond the individual and thus such examination of conscience, guided by the pastor, can lead to a deeper conversion and inclusion in the Christian community. It also recognizes that individual histories are different and that the notion of “one size fits all” is simply not possible. Doctrine that applies to everyone is not in question, but individual circumstances and conscience must also be taken into account – not only for those in second unions but also for those in other situations.

The fourth theme was that of accompaniment – at various levels. Those in irregular unions should not be abandoned or excluded but positive aspects of their relationship should be recognized and encouragement given to them. Young people entering into marriage often have little understanding of what married life entails – they need to be well prepared. Accompaniment is also about giving support to those already married especially young couples in the first years of their married life – and those who are in hurting marriages. Experienced married couples play an essential role in accompaniment.

The family is not simply the object of our concern and pastoral activity but is also the subject or agent in God’s plan. God has called families and given them a part in the mission of the Church. They do this in their own families through the upbringing and education of their children, teaching them virtue and respect for human dignity. Married couples witness to appropriate sexuality in a world that sees sexuality as a commodity. The family is also an instrument of God’s compassion, love and mercy towards others, especially those who are poor, marginalized and suffering.

While the Synod may not have reached the hopes or expectations of some, it focussed on the richness of family as a great treasure given by God. It has opened the way for greater mercy and compassion, to lay aside superiority and superficiality and to allow faith to enlighten people’s hearts. There was and is a sense of “journeying together” as we try to become the community of believers that Christ meant us to be be: welcoming and forgiving.

It was a privilege and deeply moving to be part of this great Synod. It will have consequences way beyond the particular issue of family. The relationship between bishops and the Pontiff, always cum Petro and sub Petro (“with Peter and in obedience to Peter”) has become one of listening to each other and discerning. The recognition of cultural and local differences, which demand different pastoral responses, will result in less centralization and far greater scope for local bishops to discern pastoral intervention. As Pope Francis said “what seems normal for one bishop on one continent, is considered strange and almost scandalous – almost! – for a bishop from another… what for some is freedom of conscience is for others simply confusion…”. The synod is over but the journey is not.

Archbishop Stephen Brislin

President Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference, 29 October 2015.

On 11 November 2015, the Sacred Heart Society of the Archdiocese of Cape Town presented Archbishop Stephen Brislin with a cheque for R20 000 towards the Archbishop’s Building Fund. With him is Fr Nkululeko Qokolo, chaplain to the Sacred Heart Society.

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A Statement by the Jesuit Institute.

The Jesuit Institute South Africa, seeing education as critical to the betterment of our society, supports the rights of students to peacefully protest against the high and rapidly rising cost of Tertiary Education which excludes the poor, working class and even sections of the middle class. The rights to gather peacefully and protest against what amounts to unjust financial exclusion from educational institutions are protected by section 17 and section 18 of the Constitution respectively.  Peaceful gathering and protest are not criminal offences, but guaranteed civil freedoms.

The NSFAS bursary scheme is completely inadequate. Those who are not “poor enough” to qualify can often neither find the fees themselves, nor do they meet criteria for student loans.  We are acutely aware that many students are under intolerable pressures, trying to study full-time and simultaneously to earn enough money both to cover their fees and living expenses.

To deny the problem of financial exclusions is a grave injustice to the many who have struggled through the material and intellectual poverty of an imprudent school system and yet prevailed sufficiently to get into higher education. Education is a way out of poverty into the possibility of self-improvement, a decent job, a better life – and perhaps a vision of a wider world. No talented young person should be condemned to the poverty trap due to lack of funds. Catholic Social Teaching emphasises the empowerment of the poor and education as a key means of doing so.

We are also aware that Universities are struggling to maintain their provision of quality education as numbers of students have increased dramatically. Quality education requires an adequate body of well-qualified staff to meet student numbers. In addition, due to the large size of some universities, the cost of administration can be prohibitively expensive, not to mention the cost of the necessary educational resources.

We support students whose protests have put the serious issue of access to tertiary education firmly on the national agenda, and are heartened to see that many students have rallied across racial lines. Their commitment to challenging injustice peacefully is cause for great hope for the future of our country.  We appeal to students to continue to exercise good leadership and conduct their protest peacefully and with dignity (as has largely been the case thus far) and not to engage in acts of vandalism or destruction of property which will harm their cause. We appeal to government to take cognisance of the gravity and urgency of the situation and to engage students in genuine dialogue in the process of seeking a way forward. Money that is being wasted through corruption should be going into education and other critical areas for development. Education must be a priority and one which needs to be invested in appropriately.  Finally,   we remind government and the police that we do not need another Marikana. We strongly condemn the use of unnecessary police force against students. As section 13 of the South African Police Service Act 68 of 1995 says, the members of the South African Police Service must exercise their duty with due regard to the Constitutional rights of all persons in South Africa. Crucially, this section also states that even when use of force is authorised in a particular situation, only the minimum use of force is permitted.

As Pope Francis said in discussing the right to education: “The full exercise of human dignity must be built up and allowed to unfold for each individual.” We call on all people of faith to pray that a peaceful and constructive way through the crisis may be found and that education may become more accessible to all.

ENDS
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For more information contact:

Dr Annemarie Paulin-Campbell                          Rev. Grant Tungay SJ
Email: a.paulin-campbell@jesuitinstitute.org.za       Email: g.tungay@jesuitinstitute.org.za
Mobile +27 82 8284548                                                  Mobile: +27 76 488 6617

 

23 October 2015

The Synod on the Family is now well underway in Rome. The streets are full of tourists. For many of them the excitement of being in the city is amplified when, twice a day, prelates dressed in red and purple walk to the Vatican. They’re heading to the Paul VI Synod Hall for the daily sessions.

Journalists sit at every possible entrance to the Vatican, hoping to get an interview or picture. If they’re lucky, they might get a glimpse of the Pope. He walks to the hall to join the other 270 bishops who are delegates at the Synod. There are also a number of married couples, auditors and fraternal delegates in attendance.

The Synod sessions meet six days a week – only Sundays are free. Each day there are two long sessions. Some days the delegates meet in plenary, on others in small language groups. It’s in these small groups or “circoli minori” that much of the work is done. It’s also in these groups that some of the biggest challenges facing the Catholic Church are being vigorously debated.

The mass media has tended to zone in on a few issues: the admittance of the divorced and remarried to Communion, contraception, and how the Church responds to homosexuality. These are being spoken about and, at times, cause robust debate! There are divergent opinions on the way forward. However, much more is on the agenda.

Issues ranging from violence against women, abuse, war, migration, legal systems that disrupt family life, polygamy, poverty, political situations, the reasons why young people delay or resist making commitments today, cohabitation, marriage preparation and the accompaniment of couples, have all been laid out for discussion.

Three weeks will not be enough for all these issues to be adequately dealt with. There is, despite any claims to the contrary, a real ideological and ecclesial division amongst the bishops. Some are very resistant to change. Just this week a letter was leaked to the media, which was signed by twelve Cardinals, outlining their concerns to Pope Francis about how he is conducting the Synod. Pope Francis clearly faces internal resistance to his desire for a more open and merciful Church.

Vaticanista tell me that this Synod is remarkable in that nothing has been “controlled” – in past Synods interventions had to be vetted before going public. This Synod has been a place for delegates to speak freely and openly about anything – and they have.

Will the Church change significantly? No. There might be a shift in pastoral practice for the admission of the divorced and remarried to communion. We may see some development in the requirements for people wishing to marry – pre and post marriage. A slight change in the language the Church uses to talk to families could be on the cards. Any other changes will be up to Pope Francis after the Synod.

It’s an unenviable task. However, the Jubilee Year of Mercy is ahead and Francis is, after all, the “Pope of Surprises”.

Fr Russell Pollitt, SJ.

The Archdiocese of Cape Town’s Child Safeguarding Policy was promulgated by Archbishop Stephen Brislin on 1 October 2015, the feast of St Therese of Lisieux. The application of this policy is mandatory throughout the Archdiocese of Cape Town. The policy is downloadable here both as a reading document and as a printable booklet.

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