Catholic Commission for Social Justice
The 30th Olympiad ends today (August 12). I am looking forward to attending the closing ceremony. Around 10,500 athletes will have competed from 204 countries. About 4,700 medals would have been won by those competing in the Olympics. The Olympic flag will be handed over byLondon’s Mayor, Boris Johnson, to Eduardo Paes, Mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the host city of the 2016 Summer Olympics. The Paralympics will be held inLondon from August 29 to September 9 2012.
I am in London at the moment and was fortunate to experience the opening ceremony of the Olympics, which reminded me of one of London’s great musicals. Britain really showcased itself. I watched as a “replica” of the ship, the Windrush, passed by, followed by a group of people representing “West Indians” who came to Britain.
“The Catholic school has a single Christian vision, an integrated concept of what makes a fully authentic and mature human being. The educational process is not confined to the curriculum, nor to the academic, technical, artistic and sporting achievements of the school. The Catholic school should be seen as offering the possibility not only of exploring the mystery which God is, but also of demonstrating the Gospel in action. It must be consistent throughout and in every aspect reflect the Christian faith, which is its soul, its inspiration and its justification.” (late Cardinal Basil Hume).
What are Catholic schools for? What makes Catholic schools different from e.g. Government schools?
My father, Balgobin Ramdeen, is 87 years old today (July22). Pa and Tajmool Hosein SC, are the only two surviving members of the Opposition Party in the 1961-1966 Parliament when we gained ourIndependence. Happy Birthday, Pa! In many ways you are an icon in this blessed land of ours. May God continue to bless you.
The Responsorial Psalm in today’sReadingis taken from Psalm 23. On Friday, July 13, it was sung at Michael Bedasie’s funeral at St Philip and St James Church in Chaguanas. Here was a Catholic man; an exemplar and role model who truly integrated his faith with is life.
“Development is impossible without upright men and women, without financiers and politicians whose consciences are finely attuned to the requirements of the common good. Both professional competence and moral consistency are necessary.” (Pope Benedict XVI, Charity in Truth)
Be viewing Ask Why TV programme on TCN (Channel 10), Tuesday, July 17 from 8 pm to 9 pm. Frs. Martin Sirju and Philip Cornelius will be discussing with me the theme: 50 years of Independence: Time for Spiritual Renewal.