Bahama Catholic - October 2019

Follow Us @archdioceseofnassau THE NEWSPAPER OF THE CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF NASSAU OCTOBER/ NOVEMBER 2019 RESPONDING TO HURRICANE DORIAN Helping our brothers and sisters in their time of need ARCHBISHOP PINDER | THE ARCHDIOCESE OF NASSAU STANDS READY Relief Efforts update: It has been over a month since Hurricane Dorian wreaked havoc across the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama. It was one of the strongest known tropical systems to impact The Bahamas, leaving a trail of death and destruction. In his post Hurricane Dorian statement, The Archbishop of Nassau, Archbishop Patrick C. Pinder, STD, CMG said, “We will be dealing with the effects of this hurricane for a long time to come. The Archdiocese stands fully com- mitted to share in this national effort. As long as there are persons in need we will be there to help them.” | Photo Courtesy of : Arnold Neeley Archbishop continued, “For many this is a life-changing event. The lives of many of our brothers and sisters have been severely impacted. This calls forth from each of us the profoundest measure of neighborliness, friendship and generosity. |Continued on page 2

2 Archdiocesan Disaster Relief Advisory Committee: Seated from left to right: H.E. Basil Barnett, Archbishop Patrick C. Pinder, Mr. Philip Weech, (comittee’s chair) and Mr. Davy Rolle. Standing from left to right: Mr. Elmer Bongon, Mrs. Renee Knowles, Mrs. Eulie Elliott, Mrs. Claudette Rolle, Mrs.Karen Rolle and Mr. Dwight Higgs. HURRICANE DORIAN Archbishop Patrick Pinder receiving a pallet of relief supplies from Cross Catholic Outreach. RELIEF EFFORTS Continued from page 1 We are obligated to live the commandment of love for one another with a power equal to the intensity of the hurricane.” The Archbishop further stated that “accompanying our brothers and sisters at this moment means helping to provide for their relief and assistance as they seek to restore their homes which have been damaged or destroyed and their lives which have been severely disrupted.” Archbishop also called for “unity, solidarity and generosity.” Relief Efforts: Archbishop expressed his gratitude to all those who have contributed to Hurricane Dorian Relief Fund so far. “We are grateful to those who have donated relief supplies in bulk such as the Knights of Columbus (U.S.), Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami, Catholic Charities of Florida, Food for the Poor, Cross Catholic Outreach and Florida Crystals.” | Continued on page 3 Archbishop Pinder receiving a cheque for the Dorian Relief Fund from Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami team met with Archbishop Pinder at The Father Piotr (\"Peter\") Paciorek. The cheque was a contribution from Chancery Office in mid September for a fact-finding visit to distribute immediate emergency Rhodora J. Donahue Academy of Ave Maria, Florida and the Knights of goods and humanitarian relief supplies. Seated from left to right are: Archbishop Patrick Pinder, Columbus of Ave Maria Council #14697. Msgr. Roberto Garza, Marco Greenslade, Catholic Charities' director of Finance, (who was born on Grand Bahama island) and Peter Routsis-Arroyo.

3 Relief Efforts | Continued from page 2 ing of supplies to the various shelters on New Providence and Grand Bahama. This distribution In the past weeks containers of relief supplies, exercise have taken been ongoing for the past few ordered by the Archdiocese, have arrived on weeks. Grand Bahama and New Providence. Fr. David Cooper assisted by Fr. Oswald Ferguson and their Fr. Junior Calixte and Fr. Wid-Andy Beniste are teams were responsible for distribution of relief also visiting the shelters where many of the supplies. Distribution points are Mary, Star of the Haitian evacuees are accommodated. Sea, Freeport, St. Vincent de Paul, Hunter and St. Michael, West End, Grand Bahama. “We have been on the ground for the past few “On Abaco we have allowed the use of one of our weeks distributing basic needs; mainly food items, school buildings by a relief agency, which is air mattresses, hygiene kits, towels, bed linens and assisting in the restoration of that island,” cleaning supplies,” Mrs. Elliott said. Archbishop said. Persons who are not in shelters and living with Catholic Relief Services/Caritas Antilles is on the relatives who are in need of assistance of food, ground in Grand Bahama, assisting to rebuild and blankets, sheets, towels and toiletries are advised repair the homes of those most in need of help, to contact Mrs. Elliott at the Archdiocesan Office also to provide psychological counseling for those of Family Life at 322-7711 or 322-8919, Monday affected by the hurricane. through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. |continued on page 4 Mrs. Eulie Elliott, Director of the Office of Family Life, is responsible for coordinating the distribut- Archbishop Pinder (centre) makes a donation of cleaning supplies to Christopher Roberts (left), a representative from the Thomas Robinson Stadium Distribution Center. Mrs. Eulie Elliott, Director of the Office of Family Life (right). Fr. Oswald Ferguson presents generators | top left photo: Burrows Home for the Aged, Freeport, Grand Bahama. Right photo: Joy Ritchie-Greene, principal of the Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Academy receives generator on behalf of the school. Left photo: prepar- ing Care Packages for distribution. Right photo: Distribution of bed linen to evacuees at Calvary Haitian Baptist Church, Nassau.

4 Archbishop Pinder chats with All Hands And Hearts volunteers during an assessment trip to Abaco. A volunteer from Volunteers unloading a pallet of baby supplies for distribution to Catholic Relief St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Hunter, Grand Bahama. Services/Caritas Relief Efforts | Continued from page 3 Antilles brings some cheer to a resident from Grand Bahama. Students Giving In addition, Mrs. Elliott assisted by a team of volunteers has prepared more than 300 Care Back Packages. The packages are available for collec- tion from all Catholic parishes on New Providence and at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center (Chancery Office, West Hill Street). Catholic Board of Education (CBE) Schools, update: Repairs to Mary, Star of The Sea Catholic Academy primary school have been completed. The primary and high schools on Grand Bahama are now reopened. During the month of September, the students of St. Augustine’s According to the Catholic Board of Education College ( Nassau ) held a Hurricane Dorian Relief Drive. (CBE) Director, Mrs. Claudette Rolle, no date has been set for the reopening of St. Francis de Sales School and Every Child Counts (ECC), Abaco. Both schools were destroyed. “Students who were evacuated to New Providence have enrolled in CBE schools,” Mrs. Rolle said. | Continued on page 5 A group of administrators, faculty members, students, and Bishop Kenny High School, parents from American Heritage School (Florida) recently Jacksonville, Florida raised $8.000 in visited Nassau. They distributed supplies and spend a few two days to assist with the hurricane hours playing with the children at The Nazareth Centre. relief efforts. Thank you !

5 Relief Efforts |Continued from page 4 “Students were placed in CBE schools on New Providence – 97 from St. Francis de Sales; 20 from other Abaco schools; six from Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Academy; and two from other Grand Bahama schools, as well as 35 teachers – and the numbers are expected to increase.” Displaced teachers and their families from Abaco have been accommodated – some are staying with their families and several have relocated to St. Augustine's Monastery. Mrs. Rolle said the teachers were placed based on the needs of the school relative to the adjustment needed to serve the increased enrollment. Some teachers also chose to resign and return to their home countries. Prayers for Abaco teachers | Archbishop Pinder celebrated Mass at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral on Archbishop Pinder announced on Thursday, October 3, 2019 Sunday, September 8, 2019 for Catholic Board of Education administors, teachers and their families that The Archdiocese of Nassau is sponsoring a program who evacuted from Abaco. called Each One Reach One. The program is intended to enable persons interested in giving direct assistance to stu- Schools damaged | (top photo) The rubbles of Every Child Counts (ECC) and St. Francis de Sales, dents and teachers displaced by Hurricane Dorian to do so. (bottom photo) decimated by Cat 5 Hurricane Dorian. Interested persons can contact The Catholic Board of Education at 322-3780 or 325-4452 ext. 22 or email: [email protected] “This is just the start of our response to the devastation caused by one of the most powerful hurricanes on record in our region,“ said Archbishop Pinder. He continued, “This is a long-term commitment. The needs will remain long after the story disappears from the front pages of the newspapers.” How you can contribute to the Hurricane Dorian Relief efforts: By Cheque: Roman Catholic Archbishop of Nassau, Bahamas (RCANB). Cheques can be delivered to the Chancery Office or to your parish office. Online: contributions can be made by means of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) bill payment feature to: Roman Catholic Archbishop of Nassau, Bahamas Lives interrupted: Adjusting to the “new normal” It has been several weeks since many of our Catholic Board of Education teachers and their families evacuated to Nassau from Abaco. In next issue of The Bahama Catholic, we will feature two teach- ers who have been displaced. They will share their survival sto- ries, the challenges of adjusting to their “new norm” how they are now picking up the pieces following the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian. Stay tuned….

6 CLEAN UP Begins Recovery Begins | Knights of Columbus, Grand Bahama Council 10647 has responded to the need of Hurricane Dorian survivors in Grand Bahama. | Photos Courtesy of: Arnold Neeley School Senior Master goes on Man on a Mission: rescue mission to save “His Lord” Aware of the damage on the island and the fact Elmer Bongon traveled back Abaco to rescue the Blessed Even though it was a huge relief that he that Sts. Mary and Andrew had completely col- Sacrament after Sts. Mary and Andrew Church, Treasure and his family were now in Nassau safe lapsed and had been under 4 feet of water, he Cay collapsed during Hurricane Dorian. from Hurricane Dorian, weeks after still felt that he had to go back to retrieve the evacuating from Abaco, Elmer Bongon still tabernacle. had an unsettled feeling about what he had left behind. Mr. Bongon was now a man on a rescue mis- sion, a mission to “save his Lord.” One can easily understand him thinking about the home he lost in Abaco and the loss of “It was a very hot and humid day,” he recalls, basically everything he owned for the past as he dug through the solid concrete rubble for eighteen years. However, that’s all this devoted hours with no tools …praying, “Lord, I know Catholic and educator had on his mind. you are here, please find a way for me to save you and let me not lose hope.” He also thought of the consecrated hosts that were in repose in the tabernacle in Sts. Mary That “ray of hope” came almost two hours later. and Andrew Church in Treasure Cay. Or as he After moving what he described as a ‘100- described it, “my Lord was left in the rubble, pound’ rock, he saw a reflection – it was from and I cannot find peace knowing this.” the silver plated tabernacle. What made it more unsettling was that prior to His prayers had been answered, but not entire- the landfall of Hurricane Dorian, Bongon and ly! Despite his heroic efforts, all of the conse- the custodian, Luckner Jean Baptiste were able crated hosts were soaked in salt water and had to secure the tabernacle at St. Francis de Sales begun growing mold. He was heartbroken. Church in Marsh Harbour. But time didn't per- mit them to make the 30 minute drive to Sts. Mr. Bongon immediately contacted Archbishop Mary and Andrew Church in Treasure Cay, to Pinder to get permission to dispose of the hosts. do the same. His Mission accomplished! Bongon felt relief However, the parish administrator and Senior finally; he found and rescued the tabernacle Master of St. Francis de Sales School had been and His Lord. able to secure the parish records of both Churches before the hurricane. Mr. Bongon and his family are all safe in Nassau, he has been reassigned as Senior Master at Sts. Francis and Joseph Catholic Primary School.

7 Director of the Office of MEET THE NEW Family Life Director retires DIRECTOR gram. Despite the challenges this program present- ed, I really enjoyed working with the Men’s Group Team, Harry, Hellen and Eric. We regularly met on Tuesdays and shared lunch together. Which programme/s did you enjoy most and why? MRS. AGATHA CARTWRIGHT Marriage Preparation and Marriage Renewal were Mrs. Eulie Bastian Elliott, was recently appointed the programs I enjoyed most. It gave me an oppor- Director of the Office of Family Life. Mrs. Elliott was After 13 years of serving as Director of the Office of tunity to instruct and mentor couples. I was happy actively involved at the Archdiocesan level having Family Life, Mrs. Agatha Cartwright retired in July to provide them with tools to build strong marriages served on the Family Life Commission for four consec- 2019. to last a lifetime. The retired and elderly reflection utive years (2015 – 2019). For the two latter years, She served the Archdiocese of Nassau with courage, and fun days brought me great joy too. I delighted 2017 – 2019, she served as Co-Chair of the ingenuity and passion. She enjoyed her work and in ministering to the elderly and having them share Commission with her husband, Gerard. She is an active loved helping people. She recently sat down with their stories. member in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church community Bahama Catholic and reflected on her thirteen years and serves on several Ministries, namely: Finance as Director of Family Life. You came from a teaching background, before you Committee, Visitation Committee, RCIA and CCD, Soup were assigned as Director of Family Life, describe Kitchen and Koinonia. Welcome Mrs. Elliott. Under your direction, what would you say is your that transition? greatest accomplishment/highlight? SAVE THE DATES My transition from Education to YEAST and similar- The greatest accomplishments under my leadership ly to the Office of Family Life was easy. I came with were the implementation of the Marriage Renewal administration skills, Family Life training and teach- Ministry, introducing God’s Plan for a Joy-Filled ing skills and I utilized them all. I have a great love Marriage into the Marriage Preparation Program for God’s people and was gifted with a nurturing and The Catholic Games (TCG). spirit so I was able to adjust instantaneously to the new assignments. What did you enjoy most as Director? What are your plans now that you are retired? I really enjoyed working in all facets of my ministry but what brought me the most inner gratification Well I don’t know yet all that God still has for me ARCHDIOCESAN RECOGNITION OF was preparing couples for marriage. to do but He will let me know what it is in His ANNIVERSARIES time. For now I will enjoy my retirement. Describe the challenges/if any for the The Archdiocese will recognize married couples and the religious past 13 years List your responsibilities (programs) and involve- celebrating 25th, 35th, 45th and 50th anniversaries of marriages, ment in church activities consecrations and ordinations in 2018 - 2019. The ceremony will be The greatest challenge in the past thirteen years was held on Sunday, December 29, 2019, the Feast of the Holy Family at recruiting/attracting clients for the Men’s Group As the Office of Family Life Director, it was my 5:00 pm at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, West Hill Street. His Program. There is so much violence in our country responsibility to facilitate the following ministries: Excellency, The Most Reverend Patrick Pinder, will be the chief cele- and yet there are times when there are no clients Marriage Preparation, Marriage Renewal brant. If you were married, consecrated or ordained in 1968/69, enrolled in the program. Dr. Harry Ferere and Mr. Parenting, Men’s Group, Retired and Elderly 1973/74, 1983/84, or 1993/94 and want to be recognized, please Eric Fox are excellent counsellors who are available Family Life Commission, Family Fun Nights, The contact the parish office or the Office of Family Life at 322-8919 or all year to facilitate group therapy but are unable to Catholic Games 328-4310/1/2 or email: [email protected], so that you can be do so because males are not enrolling in the pro- registered for the ceremony. Kindly include telephone numbers and e-mail addresses so that you can be contacted for updates. Her motto is ‘If I can help someone along the way RETIRED & ELDERLY FUN DAY then my living will not be in vain’ and her favorite Saint is Mother Teresa of Calcutta. The Office of Family Life will host a Retired & Elderly Fun Day on Friday, December 13, 2019 from 9:30 am – 3:30pm at Emmaus Happy Retirement Mrs. Cartwright ! Centre, Fox Hill. The lunch fee is $15.00 per person. For more infor- mation, please contact your Parish Representative or the Office of Family Life at 322-8919 /328-4310/2. Email: [email protected]

8 Chasubles and Dalmatics: What is the difference? Left photo: Chasuble | an ornate sleeveless outer vestment worn by a priest when celebrating Mass. Right photo: Dalmatic | a wide-sleeved vestment worn by a deacon as an outer garment. If a dalmatic is worn by a prelate is it used as an undergarment. Most parishioners in our Archdiocese are used to on occasion, a priest incenses the altar; an assistant still lifts Understandably, in our tropical climate priests prefer cha- seeing priests and permanent deacons participate the chasuble so as to facilitate the incensing action of the subles made from lightweight material. However, in colder in various liturgies, most often at Mass, dressed in priest. In museums around Europe there are many varia- climates, a heavier material such as a thick brocade, or rich- chasubles and dalmatics. As there may be some confusion tions of the chasuble including “folded” chasubles and even ly embroidered chasubles, adds to their overall richness of with regard to these vestments which priests and deacons chasubles with cords, all of which were attempts to lift the decoration. wear, the purpose of this article is to highlight the difference folds of material so it would not impede the arm movements between the chasuble which a priest wears as the outer gar- of the priest. Early on, great variations in styles of cuts The dalmatic is associated with either a transitional deacon ment at Mass and the dalmatic which a permanent deacon occurred, so much so that Saint Charles Borromeo wrote or, as is more usual for us, the permanent deacon. From its might wear at mass. If a deacon is not wearing a dalmatic, rules regarding the dimensions of the chasuble. name, it is accepted that the dalmatic originated in Croatia the stole is visible over a white alb. The chasuble which we are most likely to see today is what (Dalmatia) and became popular within the ruling classes of is known as a “Gothic” chasuble, but in Europe the Rome by about the third century. The continuing associa- Christianity became legal in the Roman Empire in 313 AD “Roman” as well as many other styles of chasuble can be tion with the ruling classes has seen the dalmatic being one when Emperor Constantine signed the “Edict of Milan”. seen. of the vestments worn by royalty, for example Queen Close to the Coliseum there is an arch which celebrates Elizabeth II wore one, a Supertunica, when being crowned. Emperor Constantine who is considered a saint in the The diagrams below taken from Judy Fradl’s guide to making The dalmatic was adopted as the outer vestment for deacons Eastern Church. Both garments, the chasuble and the dal- vestments, show the variation in styles even today. The under Pope Sylvester I (314-35). At first it was worn in matic, have their liturgical origin in Roman “fashion” of the chasuble appears to have only started to become decorated Rome only, but its use spread throughout the Church. 300s. The word chasuble is derived from the Latin for “a lit- from about the 11th century as it became associated with Although always associated with deacons, at various times tle house”. The forerunner of the chasuble was the outer gar- the Mass. As we know from our own experience, the deco- other clergy, typically Popes and Cardinals, have and can ment worn by Romans. It was a conical, poncho-style gar- rations on chasubles run the gamut of very simple to highly wear the dalmatic but then it is worn as an undergarment. ment called a paenula, typically worn by the lower classes. ornate. Initially its characteristic sleeves, which are what really dis- tinguishes a dalmatic from a chasuble which has no sleeves, This means, that priests wore their ordinary clothes at were much more pronounced than those we see today, in Eucharistic celebrations. However, the problem with ordi- fact they reached the ground. Also, initially the dalmatic nary clothes was that they may have been dirty or may have was white, but when the colours of chasubles became pre- looked stained. As a result, they were not really appropriate scribed for the liturgical season similar rules were applied to attire for the “wedding banquet” which is the Lord’s Supper. the colours of the dalmatic from about 1200. As a result of So, it seems it became the practice that special, we might the neglect of the order of deacons from around the 500s say “best”, clothes were set aside to be used for liturgical until the end of the last century, unlike chasubles, dalmatics purposes. Initially the chasuble was similar to a poncho, a intended for use by (permanent) deacons will probably not circle of material with a hole for the head, and was a large be found in museums. However, to get an idea of what dal- garment as it covered the “ordinary” clothes worn by the matics looked like in the Byzantine tradition, the mosaics in priest. Ravenna dating from the 600s are a good place to look. The problem, however, was that when the priest wanted to Continued on page 10 use his arms, the material restricted his movement. One way this difficultly was overcome was to cut the material away at the sides so that there was less material to obstruct the movement of the priest. We see a thrown back to this when,

9 REDISCOVERING OUR FAITH What is Our Catholic Identity? Part 2 The following is part 2 from an excerpt from a presenta- An implication of the first principle is that every person , goods as stewards and trustees, not primarily, let alone tion given by Archbishop Patrick Pinder for the Catholic from the moment of conception to natural death has an merely, as consumers. The Queensland Catholic Bishops Board of Education Principals and Administrators work- inherent dignity and a right to life consistent with the digni- issued a Pastoral Letter on the Great Barrier Reef in June shop on August 16, 2018, on Our Catholic Identity: ty that is ours as human beings. The Catholic tradition sees 2004. They write: \"We are all in the process of learning the sacredness of human life as part of any moral vision for how to better safeguard creation, respect the rhythms of Catholic Faith realizes that we are not mere bodies or spir- a just and good society. This must impact the way we think nature and live more sustainably. In the interests of plane- its. We are both physical and spiritual beings. about the unborn and also Capital Punishment. tary health we are all called to participate in respectful dia- logue, to leave a lighter ecological footprint and firmer spir- The precepts of the Church speak more directly to the prac- 3. The Principle of Association itual one, so that generations yet unborn will inherit a tice of the faith as such, to which we are obligated world, 'closer to the design of the Creator'.\" The human person is not only sacred, but also social. We 1. to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation are born in the image and likeness of God, whose essence 8. The Principle of Subsidiarity 2. to observe the days of Fasting and Abstinence is community, the diverse community of Father, Son and The word subsidiarity comes from the Latin word subsidium 3. to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least Spirit. There are three persons in God, but only one God. At which means help, aid or support. The principle of sub- once a year the heart of God we find diversity that is a cause of liveli- sidiarity means being wide-eyed, clearly determining the 4. to receive the Eucharist at least once a year - during the ness rather than of division. To put it bluntly: we are our right amount of help or support that is needed to accom- Easter Season true selves when we relate well to others, not when we are plish a task or to meet an obligation: \"not too much\" (taking 5. to contribute to the material support of the Church. isolated individuals. Hermits and contemplatives are deeply over and doing it for the other: thereby creating learned connected to the human community and find great mean- helplessness or overdependence) and \"not too little\" (stand- An additional two precepts are often added to these, name- ing for their vocation, in their prayer for the world. ing back and watching people thrash about, thereby ly: increasing frustration and perhaps hopelessness). ... the 6. to observe the Laws of the Church concerning Marriage 4. The Principle of Participation principle might be better summarised as 'no bigger than 7. to participate in the Mission activity of the Church. People have a right, indeed a duty to participate in shaping necessary, no smaller than appropriate' .11 A practical a more just and human society, seeking together the com- expression of this principle is that we solve issues at the These are the basic minimum of what is expected of the mon good and well-being of all, especially the poor and lowest level at which they can be solved rather than seek- adult practicing Catholic. vulnerable. \"All people need to take an active role in the ing always to go to the top to solve a matter which could development of socio-economic, political and cultural life. easily have been dealt with lower down the chain of Principles of Catholic Social Teaching They should be shapers of history (subjects), not just pas- authority. Over time our Catholic tradition (the practice of handing on sive recipients of other people's decision's (objects). wisdom so that each generation does not have to re-invent 9. The Principle of Human Equality the wheel, but rather can learn from the accumulated expe- 5. The Principle of Preferential Option for the Poor and Given that every human being is entitled to respect and riences of those who have gone before) has sought to pro- Vulnerable dignity merely because she/he has been created in the vide guidelines for living in our time in a way consistent image and likeness of God, it follows that there is a radical with the principles of our faith. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich equality among all human beings. After all, \"competition is and poor, our tradition recalls the story of the last judgment alien within God.\" But there must be a personal appropriation of the tradition. (Mt 25.31-46) and instructs us to put the needs of the poor We must know it and understand it. Otherwise it becomes and vulnerable first. 10. The Principle of Common Good dry and lifeless and petrifies. 6. The Principle of Solidarity A community is genuinely healthy when all people, not This is roughly what we speak of as Catholic Social We are our brothers' and sisters' keepers. Learning to prac- only one or several segments, flourish. The Russian novelist Teaching. Ten principles are usually identified here. (This is tice the virtue of solidarity means learning that 'loving our Doestoevski put it this way: \"The degree of civilisation in a drawn from William Byron, S.J., \"The Building Blocks of neighbour' has global dimensions in an interdependent society can be judged by entering its prisons\". \"Every social Catholic Social Teaching\" America 31 October, 1998) world. As Pope St. John Paul II has said: \"Solidarity is not a group must take account of the needs and legitimate aspira- feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the mis- tions of other groups, and even of the general welfare of 1. The Principle of Respect for Human Dignity fortunes of so many people, both near and far. On the con- the entire human family.1110 This concept of the common Every person is created in the image of God and redeemed trary, it is a firm and persevering determination to commit good ... \"not the utilitarian formula of the greatest good for by Jesus Christ. Consequently, every person is worthy of oneself to the common good; that is to say, to the good of the greatest number, but the moral formula of the greatest respect simply by virtue of being a human being. People do all and of each individual, because we are all really good for all\", simply on the basis that they are human not lose the right to being treated with respect because of responsible for all.\" Solidiarity is not simply a matter of tak- beings and therefore inherently worthy of respect.\" disability, poverty, age, lack of success or race, let alone ing from those who have and giving to those who do not gain the right to be treated with greater respect because of have. That is the principle of Robin Hood. The principle of This is just the surface of exploring our Catholic Identity. what they own or accomplish. \"People can never forfeit Solidarity is more aptly expressed by saying, no one is too This is just a start of seeking to understand and to live out their right to be treated with respect because God, not us, poor to give and no one is too rich to receive. our Catholic Identity. To start is very important since the assigns it.\" This must influence the way we approach the longest journey begins with the first step. issue of immigration among us. 7. The Principle of Stewardship 2. The Principle of Respect for Human Life We show respect for the Creator by our stewardship of cre- ation. We have a responsibility to care for the world's

10 The Magnificat “My soul magnifies the Lord And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior;” BY DEACON WILLIAM FIELDING expresses her faith in the Lord being her God. Further, her faith in Him being her saviour indicates a hope that He will deliver her from the power of evil. So these lines highlight the virtues of faith, hope Our tradition has handed down to us many magnificent prayers. Although we can meditate on and charity in an interconnected way. They also remind us that God, the ultimate good for which we these great prayers in many different ways, we take many of them for granted. One of these strive, is the source of all joy. As such, they set a theological, inner-worldly setting for the canticle. is the so-called “Magnificat” of Mary. Have we ever viewed this canticle through the lens of These lines allow us to join our own expression of faith, hope and charity as we wish to grow in the cardinal and theological virtues? The virtues are divided into the four cardinal virtues of justice, rejoicing in the glory of God, who we believe is our saviour from sin and whom we hope will save us temperance, fortitude and prudence which “describe the path to the good life on this world” through His mercy towards us on the day of judgement. (Mattison, p 72) and the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity which apply to inner-worldly aspects of how we should live our lives focused on God. While prudence drives the cardinal virtues, The next two lines focus on God’s justice towards His creation, in the immediate instance of Mary, charity is the overarching theological virtue as it transcends this life, unlike faith and hope which pass through the virtue of charity. Mary recognizes her humility before God. This points to the virtue of away when we meet God face to face. Mary says: temperance. With God, His justice is mercy, so He extends His love to the poor, in the form of Mary, and raises her up through a promise that “all generations shall call me blessed”. My soul magnifies the Lord And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; “Because He has regarded the lowliness of His handmaid; Because He has regarded the lowliness of His handmaid; For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed;” For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed; Because He who is mighty has done great things for me, We too wish to receive a similar grace, we wish to be blessed, to become holy like the saints. Like Mary, so we too pray for the virtue of charity as we aim to imitate the way God treats Mary as an and holy is His name; example of how we should treat the poor. Of course, to obtain His blessing we need to have faith in And His mercy is from generation to generation God and hope in His promises and strive to be humble, temperate, to become little children. These lines also show that no matter our position in life, fortitude and perseverance in faith will be looked on those who fear Him. upon favourably by God. We would each like to be another “handmaid” in the way we are called by He has shown might with His arm, God. He has scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, The inner-worldly nature of the canticle is continued in the next two lines which again underscore God’s charity towards Mary and His continuing mercy “from generation to generation”, his continuing and has exalted the lowly. faithfulness. In response to His generosity, Mary again indicates her faith in the Lord by reminding us He has filled the hungry with good things, that His name is holy and so He is the source of all holiness; He is the one who is truly holy. and the rich He has sent away empty. “Because He who is mighty has done great things for me, He has given help to Israel, his servant, mindful of His mercy and holy is His name; Even as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity forever. And His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear Him.” (Lk. 1:46-56) These lines allow us to focus again on the need to be always and unendingly merciful, through the The primary theme of this canticle is praise of God’s actions on earth, so the overarching theme is virtue of charity, knowing that this is a grace given to those who live in “fear of the Lord”. So these focused on His charity towards His creation. After a few words of faith and praise in God, the lines show the interconnectedness of the virtues, in this case faith and charity. Magnificat is a series of actions, emanating from God Himself, reminding us of His charity. As a result, the statements in the prayer have both transitive and intransitive effects and shape who we are, those who repeat Mary’s prayer, or impact the world around us. The prayer as a whole, composed as a series of statements, builds a complex interaction of effects for both the individual and the commu- nity based upon faith in God. “My soul magnifies the Lord And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior;” is an expression of authentic faith in the Lord and who He is. It acknowledges that the Lord is not only able to save us, but that He is the source of rejoicing, of charity, of love, of inner joy. Mary Chasubles and From page 8 the appropriate colour he should wear it when assisting the Dalmatics: What celebrant at Mass. is the difference? As we can see today, there are still variations in the styles of dalmatics, particularly in the design of the sleeves. Typically, So, next time you see two clerics wearing matching outfits at a deacon will wear a dalmatic that matches the decoration of the church entrance, remember that the one whose vestment the priest’s chasuble, but this is not required. A priest should has sleeves is the deacon – the other person is “Father”. wear a chasuble when presiding at Mass. As Redemptionis Sacramentum states, “The vestment proper to the Priest cele- Sources: Styles and Tradition in the chasuble of the Roman Rite. brant at Mass, and in other sacred actions directly connected Retrieved from: https://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/2008/02/styles-and- with Mass unless otherwise indicated, is the chasuble, worn over the alb and stole”. In contrast, the dalmatic is optional tradition-in-chasuble-of.html for a deacon. However, according to Redemptionis Sacramentum, “The proper vestment of the Deacon is the dal- Braun, Joseph.\"Dalmatic.\" The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 4. New matic, to be worn over an alb and stole. In order that the York: Robert Appleton Company, 1908. 10 Jul. 2019. Retrieved beautiful tradition of the Church may be preserved, it is from: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04608a.htm. praiseworthy to refrain from exercising the option of omitting the dalmatic”. In other words, if a deacon has a dalmatic of Source: http://www.olvrc.com/reference/vestments/documents/vest- ments/intro.pdf

11 Caribbean Association of Teachers Conference brings Catholic Educators together Educators from Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago and The Bahamas pose for group photo at the 2019 Caribbean Association of Catholic Teachers Conference (CACT), hosted by The Bahamas Catholic Board of Education. As Catholic teachers return to the The Antilles Episcopal Conference brings involvement of the international and local Margaret Brisset- Bolt of Jamaica who classroom for the 2019 – 2020 together nineteen Dioceses and two delegates, who saw the value of adopting were honoured during the conference for school year they do so with a Independent Missions comprising of thir- new practices and ways of working, will their involvement in CACT and their dedi- renewed commitment and enhanced skills teen independent countries, three depart- truly transform our communities through- cation to the development of Catholic edu- ments of France, two parts of the Kingdom out the territories,” said Claudette Rolle, cation.” Mrs. Rolle also extended her grat- garnered at the 2019 Caribbean of the Netherlands and six British Director of Catholic Education. “I would itude to CACT2019 conference sponsors. Colonies. The Strategic Agenda for also like to congratulate Sister Mary Association of Catholic Teachers Catholic Institutions in AEC territories has Benedict Pratt, Sister Marva Coakley & four focus areas from early childhood Mrs. Maxine Ritchie of The Bahamas and Conference (CACT). The CACT through tertiary institutions: governance, values, formation and curriculum. Conference was held from July 20- 24, “Mindful of the challenges of the digital 2019 under the theme “Silver Past: Golden age, which greatly influences the mindset of the present generation, we see it fit, Future – Committed to Love, teach & through the AEC Education Commission, to develop a strategic agenda for the Serve”. The conference attracted 100 del- Dioceses of the Antilles. The Strategic Agenda will give guidance to our contem- egates inclusive of educators from Antigua porary Catholic education enterprise,” explained Bishop Gabriel Malzaire, & Barbuda, Dominica, Jamaica, St. Lucia, President of The Antilles Episcopal Conference. Bishop Malzaire added, “We Trinidad & Tobago and The Bahamas. must continue to aim at providing an edu- cation which is wholesome and integral – The 2019 conference marked the 25th one which addresses the need of the AQUINAS COLLEGE WORLD SCHOLAR’S TEAM WINS NUMEROUS MEDALS Biennial Conference of The Caribbean whole person – the physical, emotional, AT WORLD SCHOLAR’S CUP GLOBAL ROUND Association of Catholic Teachers. The pur- intellectual and spiritual. Particular con- pose of CACT2019 was to enrich the spiri- cern needs to be shown for the latter After a successful showing at the World Scholar’s Cup Regional Round the 2019 tual, cognitive, psychological and social which tends to be neglected. No other Aquinas College World Scholar’s Cup Team progressed to the global round in dimensions of its participants through path adequately meets the quality of for- Sydney, Australia. At the Global Round in Sydney, held August 15 – 20, the focus on and discussions about issues fac- mation that is needed to bring about the twenty nine (29) scholars competed against more than 2,000 scholars from 40 ing Catholic educators and catechists required progress in our present world.” countries. The Aquinas College Team won numerous awards and medals at the throughout the region. Local presenters Global Round. The eight senior teams and two junior teams qualified for the included Father Kendrick Forbes, Vicar “I would like to extend my sincere thanks Tournament of Champions at Yale University in November 2019. General; Father David Cooper, Pastor of to all of the delegates who contributed to Mary, Star of the Sea (Grand Bahama) and making the CACT2019 conference a suc- Dr. Richard Adderley. Topics included the cess. I am confident that the earnest Spirituality of the Catholic Educator, Meet the Millennial Parents and The Strategic Agenda for Catholic Institutions in AEC ter- ritories. One of the many strengths of the Catholic School System is that Catholic schools are a part of a global network of schools. Through this network Catholic schools can share best practices and pool resources.

EACH ONE REACH ONE Make a difference in the life of a student or teacher affected by Hurricane Dorian! Each One Reach One (EORO) is an initiative of the Archdiocese of Nassau through which donors can assist students and teachers who have been displaced and affected as a result of Hurricane Dorian. To donate email: [email protected] or call 325-4490 Ext. 22 Make a difference today!