Letters

New bishops (letter)

Anne Lastman

Contents - Oct 2003 - Buy a copy now Editorial: The role of the Catholic in public life - Peter Westmore After 25 years: the impact of John Paul II's pontificate - Michael Gilchrist News: The Church Around the World - AD2000 Ethics: Bishop Fisher and Dr Philip Nitschke in Sydney euthanasia debate - Frank Mobbs Saints: The Beatification of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Youth: Thomas More Winter School in Sale Diocese has Eucharistic focus - Michael Casanova Melbourne Archdiocese responds to John Paul II's Year of the Rosary - AD2000 Report How fatherhood is crucial to children's faith - Fr Robbie Low Why Catholic teaching on marriage is 'good news' for all humanity - Eamonn Keane AD2000 readers' generous response to Queensland Lourdes appeal - Jenny Davies and Nicole King Orthodox US Catholic colleges and universities continue to flourish - Julia Duin Letters: Original Sin (letter) - Niall Browne Letters: Individual confession (letter) - John Cassar Letters: Clerical celibacy (letter) - Gerard Wilson Letters: New bishops (letter) - Anne Lastman Letters: Thomas Groome (letter) - Dr Susan Moore Letters: Education crisis (letter) - Alex Sharah Letters: New RE program (letter) - Paul Chigwidden Letters: Inspiring hymn (letter) - Kevin O'Hagan Letters: Footy Show (letter) - Alan A. Hoysted Books: I The Lord Am With You Always: Prayers and Meditations for Eucharistic Adoration - Msgr Peter J. Elliott (reviewer) Liturgical Time Bombs In Vatican II, by Michael Davies - Michael Gilchrist (reviewer) Books: Crisis In Religious Education, by Eamonn Keane - Damien Tudehope (reviewer) Books: Great books at the best prices! Reflection: Why the tabernacle should be centrally located in our churches - Fr Sebastian Camilleri OFM

The article by Michael Gilchrist (September AD2000) on Sydney's two newly appointed Bishops left me feeling sad especially about the comment allegedly made by Bishop Pat Power that "it stretches my imagination to know, etc ...".

I would like to comment on these two marvellous appointments.

I have only recently met Bishop Porteous. Indeed, when I was in Sydney recently at the Human Life International conference, Bishop Porteous invited Gail Instance, HLI President, Fr Euteneuer, President HLI (USA), and myself for lunch at the seminary. It was wonderful meeting him, and as he showed us around the seminary, we enjoyed his company, laughter and sense of humour, but above and beyond that, his humility.

The Sydney people are blessed to have him.

Bishop Anthony Fisher I know better. I first met him many years ago when I was studying at Australian Catholic University and involved in pro life work. I began post abortion grief counselling about seven to eight years ago and for a time worked from home. This became difficult as the numbers increased and it was intruding into my family's life.

I approached many people for help to find room to work from, but all I got was a flattened nose from doors shut on it. Until I saw Fr Fisher. Within a matter of weeks I had rooms near the Melbourne Cathedral.

Fr Fisher (now Bishop Fisher) has supported me, offered Holy Mass for me and my work and been there when I needed to speak to someone.

My only sadness is that he has now moved to Sydney. While I still enjoy the support of Archbishop Denis Hart (as far as my rooms are concerned) those that I knew closer have gone. This makes me sad.

However, what makes me a little angry is the inference by Bishop Power that politics was at play in the appointments. Both these two men are worthy of their appointment as bishop and of being successors to the apostles.

I may be naive but I imagine the Holy Spirit may just have had a little to do in the appointments. If this is not the case, then we all have problems.

ANNE LASTMAN
Victims of Abortion
Vermont South, Vic

Reprinted from AD2000 Vol 16 No 9 (October 2003), p. 14