FIREBRAND

UK, 2023, 121 minutes, Colour.

Alicia Vikander, Jude Law, Simon Russell Beale, Eddie Marsan, Sam Riley, Erin Doherty, Junia Rees, Patsy Ferran.

Directed by Karim Ainouz.

There is always something interesting and arresting in any story about Henry VIII. And, this is the case here, Henry VIII at the end of his life, returning from battles, throwing his (heavy) weight around, acting on whims, up and down relationship with his wife, Katherine Parr, and caught up in political machinations, especially with the Seymours, the brothers of his late wife, Jane Seymour, uncles of his heir, the boy to be Edward VI. And, there are ecclesiastical intrigues, strong-minded promoters of Protestant theology, ambiguous Catholic prelates like Stephen Gardiner, and, especially the death of Henry VIII.

While this film is supposed to be a history of Katherine Parr, it is a fiction based on a successful series of novels by Elizabeth Fremantle. At this point, it is worth recommending another series of novels, those of the barrister, Matthew Shardlake, long but engrossing books by C.J.Sansom bringing this period vividly to life.

There is a difficulty with the title here, Firebrand. This is not exactly firebrand storytelling. There are some sparks but, rather, this is a somewhat dark and claustrophobic story, mainly confined within the palace. Nevertheless, it reminds us that Katherine Parr was a strong woman even if in the various stories of Henry VIII, she comes at the end of his succession of six wives. And she survived him (though, with a touch of fiction, Henry VIII in this film does not survive her.)

Katherine Parr is played by Alicia Vikander, an intelligent woman, a writer, collector of prayers, committed to the Protestant cause, in contact with a strong female evangelist who experiences the ire of the King. Katherine has served as regent while Henry has been away at the wars. She has been successful, also a strong stepmother young Elizabeth and the young Edward. At this stage, Mary, with her fiery Spanish background from her mother, Katherine of Aragon, is a young adult at the court.

But, while the film shows Katherine as strong, the performance is not quite as attention commanding as intended. Jude Law is pompous, vulgar, festering leg injury, callous in terms of his lustful roving eye, a monarch of whims, Law certainly holding audience attention. As does Simon Russell Beale as Stephen Gardner, reminding audiences of the complexities of the break from Rome, of the role of the Catholics, of the role of the emerging Church of England. Gardiner machinations, intrigues, has the ear of the king, is hostile to Katherine Parr, the scenes of the film concerning him the most active.

While Katherine Parr survived and married Thomas Seymour, the last part of the film highlights the Tudor history to come in drawing attention to the young Elizabeth, her character, her emerging self-assertion.

Firebrand does not stand out amongst the film is about Henry VIII but, the subject matter is always interesting and intriguing.

1. The title? As applied to Katherine Parr, the historical role, author, promoter of the Protestant cause, relationship with the Seymours, the last wife of Henry VIII? Not so much of a firebrand in this version?
2. Elizabeth Fremantle and her Tudor novels? Adapted, historical interpretations, inventions, the film’s screenplay and further interventions and interpretations?
3. The period, the last year of Henry VIII’s life? His return from the wars? His reputation, Katherine of Aragon and the divorce, the clash with Rome, wanting the male heir, execution of Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth, Jane Seymour and her death, Prince Edward? The marriage to Katherine Parr, her being Regent during his absence, stepmother to his children?
4. The portrait of Katherine Parr, her age, her past, marriages and widow, relationship with the Seymours, the political implications? Her concern about her books, her prayers and compositions, publishing? Her skills, as Regent, the relationship with Elizabeth, good stepmother? The marriage to Henry VIII, a loving relationship, tolerating the relationship, personal, sexual, political? His ability to turn against those closest to him? The execution of two of his previous wives?
5. Katherine Parr, the connection with Anne Askew, the scenes with Anne Askew, her preaching, her beliefs, the Bible, strong Protestantism? Katherine Parr’s support? The gift of the heirloom and its later been used against her?
6. Jude Law’s interpretation of Henry VIII, big, ageing, jovial, hedonistic, whims, narcissistic, back from the war, his past, his children, his hold over them, trusting Katherine Parr, his relationship with her, his vigorous and violent sexuality? Food? His health, the infection on his leg, the doctors treating him, in close-up? The sores, the smell?
7. The King’s behaviour, his whims, erratic, the banquet, his eyeing of the young woman and interviewing her, getting her to sing, all in the presence of his wife? The expectations of the time for the king and women? His relationship with the Seymours? His relationship with Stephen Gardiner, Gardiner’s advice, machinations, against Anne Askew, against the Queen?
8. The Seymours, Katherine’s relationship with Thomas, the planning of Edward, the era of the king, the king suspicions about Thomas, the accession of Prince Edward, Edward and advising Thomas to betray Katherine for their political safety?
9. Stephen Gardiner, Catholic background, in the service of Henry VIII, the fluidity of Catholic prelates and Protestant prelates, the absence of Thomas Cranmer from this film, Gardiner, Catholic attitudes, against Anne Askew, interrogating the Queen, his visits, interviews, his political and religious names?
10. The portrait of Mary, speaking Spanish, memories of her mother, her age, attitude towards Elizabeth, in the presence of the king, the banquets, her relationship to Katherine?
11. The portrait of Elizabeth, strong minded, her age, coping in the court, her attitude towards her father, the memories of her mother’s death? Reliance on Katherine Parr?
12. Prince Edward, his age, heir to the throne, the Seymour’s? His role in the court, his father’s attitude?
13. Katherine Parr, the pregnancy, and invention for this story, the experience of the pregnancy, the king’s reaction, the miscarriage, the blood, the consequences?
14. Katherine, the arrest, in prison, the release, her going to visit Henry, invented aspect of her responsibility for his death? Fiction?
15. The enclosed nature of this story, within the walls of the Castle, some views of the building from outside, but the claustrophobic effect? And in the confines of this Tudor world?

A Seminary in Post Vatican II times… St Paul’s, Terry Herbert MSC remembers

The year - 2021 was an historic one for our Australian Church - 50 years ago on 21 August 1971, the first ten students were ordained from St Paul’s National Seminary for late vocations, Kensington (Sydney). The five diocesan men were from Brisbane, Sydney (2), Melbourne and Hobart. The 5 religious were Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.

Six have returned to God; of the MSC, one lives at Kensington and one in Tasmania.

Ed travers MSC, Arthur Stidwill MSC, Len Helm MSC (Arthur and Len recently deceased), Pioneers with Terry Herbert and the late Laurie Bayliss MSC

St Paul’s Seminary began as a joint venture between the MSC and the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference for the formation of mature age candidates, during a time of falling numbers of younger candidates in Seminaries Australia wide.   The Seminary enjoyed a 30 year history from 1968 to1998 when about 250 priests were ordained. The benefit of both diocesan and religious studying together was also noted.

During the 1980’s, the continued viability of St Pauls was being questioned by the Australian Bishops who had seen the venture as an experiment; yet, numbers were stable and comparable to existing Seminaries elsewhere in Australia, into the early 1990’s.  At the same time, Adult Faith Formation was burgeoning, and St Paul’s accommodated this well; the number of external theology students grew to about 50 during the mid 1990’s.

 As one of the pioneers, after 50 years, I’m immensely grateful for the privilege of completing my formation at St Paul’s; post school, I was three years in the work-a-day world - the building trade in Bowral, then two years in the Public Service in Sydney. After two years initial formation at Douglas Park, three at our (MSC) philosophy house at Canberra, then a two year break teaching at Chevalier College, Bowral, it was late 1967 when I was offered the choice to join the first group at St Paul’s in 1968, rather than our traditional Seminary at Croydon, Vic.

Jim Cuskelly msc (later Auxiliary Bishop in Brisbane), Pioneer Rector, steeped in Vatican II theology, forward thinker, a man’s man informally at home with “older” men … lit a cigarette outside after our first lecture in Feb 1968 ….. “Well chaps, I’ve waited years for this: to make a complete new start to Seminary Formation”.

 So how was St Pauls’ different?  Why was the experience an abiding memory and catalyst for my Ministry since?  That “new start” included a more-open, more-pastoral environment, with very few “directives”, an emphasis on prayer, good study habits, personal responsibility, freedom in our time-use outside of lectures; for me, being able to visit families, part-time teach Religious Ed. at local high schools ….and more. We only experienced Jim Cuskelly for a year … he was elected General of MSC worldwide, and left for Rome. But the foundation was built.

Jim focussed his teaching / theology on the just completed Vatican Council II.

Probably my most acute memory at St Paul’s, was the then Rector, Fr Denis Murphy msc quietly advising us the day before our ordination as Deacons … “tomorrow, gentlemen, you are going to be ordained into a ministry of failure”!  That comment has made an indelible mark on me. It has taken years to slowly realise that we were ordained into the Cross of Jesus, the “non violent, suffering servant of God, whose compassion set hearts free”.

The important influence on me, was Fr Maurie Griffin, msc teaching moral theology after the vision of Fr Bernard Haring, CssR. That drew us into an ever deepening, loving personal relationship with Jesus our Risen One, which contrasted with lists of sins, fear and guilt, that were the core of my upbringing years.

Nowadays I’m very at-home with these influences. It has taken time to realise that priesthood has nothing to do with status, position, entitlement, least of all power. It has everything to do with humble, self sacrificing service in the pattern of the One who daily calls us.  So I’m dismayed beyond words to know that today, “in places”, seminarians are still being told by their seniors that they will be “ontologically changed” (above the lay faithful).  I thought we are all “ontologically changed” at Baptism … Christ-likened at the heart of our being, sharing equally in the spirit of Jesus as priest, prophet and king. The unique character of Ordination, seems to me to configure one even more into the pattern of Jesus’ life and death.

Others more-learned can tease-out the implications of our Baptism; but my / our St Paul’s experience, immediately after Vatican Council II, has been an indelible experience and inspiration in my 53 years of Ministry, since.

 Trying to live the two truths - the Cross, and seeking a deepening relationship with Jesus, have been wonderful, freeing experiences …. truths that have progressively set me free. These two truths were not / are not exclusive to St Pauls. They were, however, central - rather than “lost” in “status”.  Haring's 3 volume sequel to “The Law of Christ” was “Free and Faithful in Christ”. I continue to ask myself how live that today, in various ministries of evangelisation? 

Terence Herbert,  msc, 9 Nov 2024, the article first appearing in The Swag, Summer 2024.

To watch Conclave?

CONCLAVE, 120 minutes, starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, directed by Edward Berger.

Many audiences will be eager to see Conclave because they have read Robert Harris’ exciting novel, the story of the death of the Pope, the gathering the Cardinals, the details required by Vatican regulations, the need for security, the holding of the conclave and the election of a new Pope.

The Catholic audience, especially those with a familiarity with the workings of the Vatican, the nature of the hierarchy, the different perspectives, even of popes during the last half century, will find a lot to interest, to enjoy, and a provocation especially about stances for going back to consolidate past traditions or an openness to contemporary issues in the wider world and their repercussions for the church.

However, reviews in American Catholic magazines and websites are very negative, Bishop Robert  Barron urging people to run a mile from the film, declaring that it is a bad film technically in its ecclesiastical detail, in its liberal theology. These reviewers tend to see the film as realism and history rather than a version of a thriller novel.

For non-Catholic audiences, they will enjoy the delineation of characters and their variety, the elaboration of issues, machinations, religious motivations, personal and ecclesiastical challenges. But, it would be by way of observation, the same way non-British audiences may be intrigued by a drama about the intricacies and politics, say, of Britain’s Brexit campaign.

For audiences critical/sceptical about the church, it may seem rather esoteric or politically and ecclesiastically pompous.

But, back to the Catholic perspective. The central character is Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, played in a wonderful  performance by Ralph Fiennes, always intense, but, even when not speaking, the audience very conscious of what concerns him, what he is thinking, what is making demands on him. He has wanted to resign as Dean of the Cardinals but the late Pope has refused. Which means that he has to organise the conclave.

So, there we are in the Sistine Chapel, workers in to protect security, the organisation of desks for the Cardinals, the sisters brought in to cook and cater for the conclave, the arrival of the Cardinals, from many different cultures around the world, some pomp and circumstance, some religious earnestness.

To dramatise  the different points of view, there is the open-minded Cardinal Bellini, Stanley Tucci, the hoped-for candidate from the “progressive/liberal” attendees. On the other hand, there is the almost crusading, very Italianate Cardinal Tedesco, Sergio Castillitto, with an Italy-first mentality, opposed to contemporary changes, and militantly hostile to refugees making their way to Europe. And there are some complications with an African Cardinal from Nigeria, raising issues of sexuality in the church today, and some realities of sexual abuse. And, on the worldly side, the money-political perspective, there is an American Cardinal played by John Lithgow.

There is also an unexpected Mexican-born missionary in Congo and in Kabul, who arrives, claiming to have been made a cardinal “in pectore”, not publicly announced. Isabella Rossellini plays a very forthright nun who has no hesitation in speaking directly to the Cardinals.

Robert Harris’ novels read very well, compelling, covering a wide range of issues from ancient Rome to 20^th century fascist and communist states, to contemporary issues. Which means that he has an interesting story to tell, the filmmakers generally checking to give some kind of authenticity to the storytelling - and an ending which will raise many eyebrows and leave many audiences suddenly shocked and, perhaps, struggling to work out what they think, and some questions for the future church (and it is the same ending as in the novel).

MSC Around the world, Brazzaville, Congo, Novitiate

With a New Year’s greeting from Jonas Mouchu Hassan MSC who studied in Sydney in 2017 – and who visited the NT and Wadeye while in Australia.

With the aim of perpetuating the legacy of Father Jules Chevalier, a few have been chosen to ensure the apostolate of formation in our houses of Pre-Novitiate in Dakar (Senegal) and Kinshasa (DR Congo), Novitiate in Brazzaville (Congo) and Post-Novitiate in Yaoundé (Cameroon) without forgetting the internal and external Aspirants. The current academic year is being reorganised, particularly at the Pre-Novitiate stage, as the entity would like to have a single training centre for each stage.

Jonas third from left.

First-year pre-novices are now sent to Kimwenza-Kinshasa, where the setting is suitable, and the novitiate has been transferred to Brazzaville since the General Council Decree of 11 April 2024. These houses are dedicated to training of future confreres but also constitute living communities for the MSCs who live there, striving to practice what they teach young people. Hence, a particular spirit of sacrifice for those on the inside and apprehension for those on the outside, as the requirements differ depending on whether one is in one case or the other.

MSC Japan together

When Fr. Chris Chaplin, MSC, one of the MSC General Leadership Team, arrived at our MSC convent in Nagoya on Satur- day, November 16, 2024, I was offering Mass at Sabae Catholic Church, one of three churches of Fukui Parish. The following day, Sunday, November 17, Fr. Frits Ponomban MSC and I (together from Indonesia) celebrated Sunday Mass with the con- gregation of Fukui Catholic Church. We received three cute babies into the Catholic Church during that Sunday Mass. Around 3 pm, Fr. Frits and I went to another parish, Tsuruga Catholic Church, to pick up Fr. Arun Kumar, MSC (from India). In one car, we went to the next parish, Kakamigahara Catholic Church, to meet Fr. John Graham MSC (from Australia) and Fr. Joey Mission MSC (from the Philippines), who had arrived there from Ogaki Catholic Church.

We went together by two cars to the RSCJ retreat house in Susono, Shizuoka Prefec- ture, and arrived there around 11 pm. We then met Fr. Priyo Susanto MSC (from Indonesia) at the front door, who had arrived earlier from Konan Catholic Church. Fr. Brian Taylor MSC and Fr. Kenji Konda MSC (both from Australia) also had arrived from Gifu Catholic Church. Fr. Chris, Fr. Keith Humphries MSC (from Australia), and Fr. Bern Tethool MSC (from Indonesia) had also arrived by car from Nagoya. Fr. Rey Tibon, MSC (from the Philippines), arrived at the retreat house from Johokubashi Catholic Church. So, twelve of the MSCs started that first-day retreat together in Susono.

Fr. Sadami Takayama, MSC (from Japan), arrived at the re- treat house from Shirayuri niversity on the fourth day. Thirteen of the MSC could meet again in the retreat house.  On Friday, November 22, we renewed our vows during the closing Mass and had dinner together before we left the retreat house for Nagoya.

Brother Babetara Anetoka MSC (from Kiribati) renewed his vows during the 5 pm Mass on the first day of the MSC Japan Community 2024 Assembly. Fr. Toan Dinh Vinh MSC (from Vietnam) and Deacon Devid Abram MSC (from Indonesia) also participated in the Eucharist. Three of them could not join the retreat and the assembly because they had classes at the Center of Japanese Studies of Nanzan University. On the first day, November 25, we listened to reports and sharings from each confrere. On the second day, November 26, we read the MSC Japan Community’s Statutes in Japanese and English. Thanks for the open conversations.

Otsukaresamadeshita.

Carol Sompotan, MSC

Some Significant January Days for the Chevalier Family   2025

NOTE:  The photos for this month are all of MSC cofreres or mission connections. January has been a month of great mission foundations and activity,

1 January 1849

Charles Piperon enters the major seminary of Bourges.

1 January, 1884

Opening of the MSC House of Formation at Veldhoven, Tilburg, Netherlands.

1 January, 1912

Opening of the first MSC House in Brazil, at Pouoso Alegre.

1 January, 1921

Erection of the Belgian Province. Father H van den Lemmer made first Provincial.

1 January, 1970

Addition of Belgian Annals (Dutch version) is stopped in favour of one common mission periodical, Wereldwijd, sponsored by several mission congregations.

1 January, 1978

Erection of an MSC Section, France, in Senegal.

1 January, 1984

Erection of an MSC Section in Bahia, Brazil.

3 January, 1875

Father Chevalier arrives in Rome for the seventh time and stays at the French seminary. This visit concerns the Roman Archconfraternity of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart.

3 January, 1961

The Indonesian Vicariates of Ambon, Manado and Purwokerto become dioceses.

3 January, 1988

First MSC foundation in San Salvador, the parish of St Louis Mariana in the capital.

4 January, 1903

Death of Father Francis Miniot who started the Perpetual Worship of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

4 January, 1988

New Mission of the MSC Sisters in Wasengla, Vanimo diocese, PNG.

5 January, 1898

During his journey to Port Moresby Father De Boismenu writes in his Notebook: “strong squalls. The Titus take shelter at Anchor Island. We leave at 1:30: splendid crossing, passing enchanting islands.)

6 January, 1926

Death of Father G. Genocchi, first Provincial of Italy. Visits to Papua New Guinea

6 January, 1954

Blessing of the Major Seminary at Pineleng, Sulawesi, Indonesia, by Bishop N. Verhoevenn MSC

8 January, 1863

Father H Leblanc SJ proposes the Latin translation of our motto: Ametur ubique terrarum Cor Jesu Sacratissimum.

8 January, 1891

The second Chapter in the proper sense of the word opens at Issoudun and votes to keep the Constitutions of 1877. This Chapter was dissolved in January 27.

8 January, 1976

First four Indian Sisters return to India to establish the MSC Sisters Mission in Bangalore.

9 January, 1864

Abbe G. Crozat dies at Issoudun, former parish priest.

9 January, 1948

The MSC Region of the British Isles becomes the Quasi-Province of Ireland.

10 January, 1854

Father Maugenest, 1829-1919, is appointed curate of Issoudun.

10 January, 1904

First visit of Father H. Linckens to New Pomerania, New Britain, PNG, and the Marshall Islands.

10 January, 1979

The FMI Sisters ~ The Daughters of Mary Immaculate ~ founded by Bishop Louis Couppé, MSC, in Papua New Guinea in 1912, elect their first General Superior. Since their foundation a FDNSC sister had been their 'Superior'.

11 January, 1858

Father Maugenest is appointed archpriest at the Cathedral in Bourges.

11 January, 1875

During the seventh visit of Father Chevalier to Rome, he is received in audience by Pope Pius IX whom he asks for the consecration of the whole Church to the Sacred Heart.

12 January, 1877

The first MSC Constitutions are approved for 10 years by Rome.

12 January, 1886

The first three Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart arrive in Thursday Island, Australia.

12 January, 1964

Profession first aboriginal sister and first Kiribati Sisters in the Australian FDNSC Province.

13 January, 1882

Fathers Navarre and Cramaille and Brother From arrive in Batavia, Jakarta, where they wait for five months for further instructions.

13 January, 1920

The first six FDNSC, from France, Belgium and the Netherlands, arrive in Brazil.

13 January, 1985

The cause for the canonization of the lay Papua New Guinean catechist, Peter To Rot, is opened by Archbishop A.Bundervoet in Rabaul..

14 January, 1878

The MSC General Council accepts 12 novices for first vows, including Brothers Verius, Merg, Meyer, Vandel, Chetail, Hartzer, Fromm.

14 January, 1984

Father Jos Lescrauwert MSC appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Haarlem, Netherlands, is ordained Bishop at Haarlem.

15 January, 1879

Father John Mary Neenan, first Irish MSC, dies at Watertown, US.

15 January, 1927

Archbishop Couppé, MSC, who died 20 July 1926 at Douglas Park, Australia, is reburied at Vunapope, Papua New Guinea.

15 January, 1930

Marie-Thérèse Noblet dies. She was Mother of the Handmaids of the Lord, who were founded in Papua New Guinea by Bishop Alain de Boismenu, MSC, in 1920.

15 January, 1953

Arrival of the first four Irish FDNSC Sisters in Cape Town to join the MSC Fathers in their apostolate in Northern Transvaal, South Africa.

16 January, 1905

Mission activity recommenced at St Pauls Mission, PNG, after the massacre of the Baining martyrs.

16 January, 1912

Archbishop Navarre, MSC, vicar apostolic of British New Guinea, first MSC Superior in Australia, dies at Townsville, Australia; exhumed and reburied at Yule Island, 22^nd of September, 1925.

16 January, 1920

First effort the MSC foundation in Brazil, at Alfenas.

16 January, 1932

First DNS foundation in Ireland, Sister Derenilla McSherry takes possession of the house in Bally Bay.

16 January, 1940.

The MSC House at Lima, Peru, is canonically erected.

17 January, 1972

The first FDNSC Sister goes to work on a mission school in Swaziland, Southern Africa.

18 January, 1945

His resignation accepted, Archbishop Alain de Boismenu retires to Kubuna, PNG.

18 January, 1969

Death of Father Patrick Ryan MSC, Australia, well-known in the social apostolate.

19 January, 1886

Father Chevalier is in Brussels to prepare the Mission seminary at Antwerp, Belgium.

19 January, 1925

Departure of the first group of MSC sisters from Hiltrup to New Guinea after World War I.

19 January, 1950

The Regional Superior of the MSC in the Philippines, Father N. Hendriks, and Brother A. Van Dam, drowned at sea when the ship capsised.

20 January, 1881

Father Chevalier assists in Bourges at the burial of the first benefactor of the MSC, M.Ferdinand Labbe De Champgrande, p,s.s.

20 January, 1925

The cause of beatification of Bishop Henri Verjus and of the Baining martyrs is introduced.

21 January, 1852

The young Father Chevalier receives his second appointment after ordination. He becomes assistant priest at Châtillon-sur-Indre.

21 January, 1896

First MSC novitiate at Kensington, Australia.

21 January, 1907

The aged Father Chevalier and his curates are expelled from their home, the presbytery in Issoudun.

21 January, 1956

Direction of the mission in Guatemala entrusted to the Spanish MSC province.

21 January, 1957

Direction of the Prefecture of Koalack, Senegal, entrusted to the French province.

21 January, 1967

Direction of Novitiate of the MSC sisters, Ariccia, Italy.

22 January, 1811

Jean-Charles Chevalier and Louise Ory, the parents of Father Jules Chevalier, are married in Richelieu.

22 January, 1966

Foundation of “Villa Veriius” on new Ireland, 50 MSC novitiate for PNG province.

23 January, 1910

First profession of Leon Bourjade MSC, France.

23 January, 1919

Belgium becomes quasi-province. Father H. Van den Lemmer appointed quasi-provincial.

24 January

Feast Day of St Francis de Sales (1567-1622).

The 'heart' is the central image for Francis and Jane de Chantal, in their attempt to portray who God is, who the human person is and how they are intimately related. Both these figures appear in stain glass windows in the Richelieu Church.

25 January, 1881

The date of the first Spiritual Testament of Father Founder for the MSC.

25 January, 1899

Erection of the MSC mission in England at St Albans. Father Michael Tierney is the Rector.

26^th January, 1896

Inauguration of the MSC Procure at Marseilles. The house is blessed by Canon Caseneuve assisted by Father Jouet.

26 January, 1954

First school conducted by MSC Sisters in Australia opened at St Pius X Parish, West Heidelberg, Victoria.

27 January, 1933

Decretum Laudis of the Congregation of the MSC Sisters and approval of their Constitutions for a period of time.

28 January, 1926

The Prefecture of Tshuapa, Zaire, entrusted to the Belgian MSC Province in 1924 is given the name of Prefecture of Coquilhatville.

28 January, 1965

First Papua New Guinea and MSC Sister returns to Vunapope after formation in Melbourne, Australia.

29 January, 1861

Birth and Baptism of Father Hubert Linckens, MSC, in Wijlre, Netherlands. Linckens is the historical founder of the Missionary of the Sacred Heart Sisters of Hiltrup.

29 January, 1864

Msgr de la Tour D’Auvergne approves the Statutes of the Confraternity of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart and signs the decree of erection.

30 January, 1876

“We thought that an Apostolic School in Rome would be useful and would have great advantages.” (Acts of the MSC General Council).

31 January, 1885

The first five Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart arrive in Australia, accompanied by Fathers Couppé, and Verjus, and three Italian Brother Novices.

31 January, 1978

FDNSC Novitiate blessed and opened in Manila, Philippines.

The Chevalier Family Justice Poster for January 2025 First Friday.

And a poster applying this vision from James Martin SJ

I WANT YOU BACK

US, 2022, 116 minutes, Colour.

Charlie Day, Jenny Slate, Scott Eastwood, Gina Rodriguez, Manny Jacinto, Clark Backo, Pete Davidson, Jamie Gertz.

Directed by Jason Orley.

This twist on romantic comedies is more enjoyable than it might sound. The characters are well developed, especially the central characters of Peter and Emma, played by Charlie dealing with his continual patter style, Emma by Jenny Slate, seemingly ditzy but having more depth.

The film opens with two breakups and the consequences for those abandoned. Peter and Emma work in the same building, and weeping in the same stairwell, share their stories, make the plan that each will breakup the new relationship with their former partners.

Emma, this is going to a theatrical group, working with children, putting on a musical, her helping, singing a song, getting the attention of the director – and, her ultimate tactic, suggesting a threesome which he is enthusiastic about but which Peter’s former partner disapproves of. She decides to take Peter back.

On the other hand, Peter befriends Noah, Scott Eastwood, going to the gym, developing a friendship, a kind of romance, meeting the owner of the pie shop, Clark back oh, and failing to break up this romance when Noah proposes and is accepted.

How to bring this all 20 and? Both are invited to Noah’s wedding, the awkwardness, the interactions, Emma upset, Peter awkward, but the finale, nicely on a plane home, a situation I have discussed about true love and who helps a fellow passenger to oxygen, helping themselves first or helping the one-day Love first. And this is the nice ending for Peter and Emma.

1. Romantic comedy with a difference, romances, breaking up romances?
2. The title? Peter and Emma? The scenes of the breakup, Peter at the party, the children, clowning, and and her declaration, six years, wanting to be an actress, the separation? Emma, chatting and eating, no way and his breaking with her, her reaction?
3. The two working in the same building, Emma and the orthodontist, weeping? Peter, the board, care for the elderly, saving money and conditions, his reaction, the two in the stairwell, meeting, sharing, the meeting, the decision to undermine the new partnerships?
4. Emma, her going to the theatre, the encounter with Logan, meeting And, Little of horrors, her helping, singing the song for Audrey? Logan and the attraction? The young boy, surly, his work, clashing with Emma, her talking, being straight with him, the good interaction, her further helping him, the future? The episode of the invitation for the threesome, Emma, bold, Logan wanting it, And and her reaction, walking out?
5. Peter, going to the gym, the help from Noah, their friendship, and the gym, sharing? No meeting Jenny and her work with the pies? Buildup of the bromance? Going to the party, the underage girls, the dancing, the pool, Peter leaping into the pool, the father coming home, there are escape?
6. Peter and Emma and their meeting, comparing notes? Emma and her achievement, Peter and his haste, going to And, the seeming reconciliation?
7. Peter invited to the wedding, Noah inviting Emma, on the boat, the tensions, the eventual revelation of the truth, Noah and his punching out Peter? Emma and her upset? The breaking of their friendship?
8. The return flight, sitting marriage other, the previous conversation about helping with the oxygen, helping someone loved before oneself, and this happening on the flight home? The happy ending?

MOGLIE E MARITO/ WIFE AND HUSBAND

Italy, 2017, 95 minutes, Colour.

Pierfrancesco Favini, Kasia Smutniak, Valerio Aprea.

Directed by Simone Godano.

Vice versa comedies have been popular over the decades, mothers and daughters exchanging bodies, fathers and sons, older and younger, but, this time, it is husband and wife.

The style of the film is rather broad comedy, the establishing of the husband absorbed by his scientific investigations, investing all his inherited money in the experiments, working with a collaborator, going to make a device which will be able to record human memories. In the interested parties in exploiting the invention. On the other hand, the wives involved with a television station, the possibility of her becoming an interviewer.

Meanwhile, at home, the various tensions, he very much Owen’s expectations, she very disappointed, but the love for their son. Divorce proceedings.

The key episode is when the husband is experimenting, persuades his wife to sit and make a connection so that they can download each other’s memories. And, of course, this is the beginning of both comic and serious issues, and a lot of farcical comedy.

PF Francesco Fellini has become one of Italy’s top dramatic actors – and, he establishes his match our character and then has to go through the latter part of the film with his wife’s consciousness and her manner transferring to his body and bodily style. And, of course, the contrast with the wife becoming masculine in her manner. On the one hand, is easy for a male actor to become more simpering. On the other hand, there is the challenge for the actress match oh in her behaviour, sitting with legs spread apart, rough, awkward in shoes, even the issue of the monthly period.

Which means all kinds of complications, misunderstandings, the fiasco with interviews at the studio and angry interviewees – but popular with audiences. And, the awkwardness at the laboratory and the dangers of losing the invention. And, of course, the reactions of friends and employers to the strange behaviour.

A variation on the vice versa theme, a bit more unusual and the freaky Friday kinds of stories.

HELENE

Finland, 2020, 121 minutes, Colour.

Laura Birn, Johannes Holopainen, Krista Kosonen, Pirrka Sosio..

Directed by Antti J. Jokinen.

This is the portrait of a famous Finnis painter, Helene Schjerfbeck, prolific artist, especially in the first two decades of the 20^th century.

Laura Burton is persuasive as Helene, introduced as being interviewed but very reticent. She lives with her mother and cares for her, a crotchety old woman, critical of her daughter but not living with her son and his family. Helene is very reserved, giving out of Helsinki, seen very often with her painting sessions, frequently approaching herself, using mirror. A lot of detail of her preparation of the paints, the replication, her techniques.

Suddenly she is admired by some art dealers who persuade her to sell her paintings, exhibit them in Helsinki. She agrees, attends the exhibitions, is very fussy about the lighting for seeing the paintings best. Gradually, she appreciates this acknowledgement of her art.

She is also introduced to a young man who is an admirer of her work. The central part of the film shows the relationship between the two, his interest in painting, his happiness in being with Helene, growing friendship, some intimacy, her painting him without his shirt and its effect on her, Laura Burton’s performance indicating the intensity of this relationship, the older woman, the younger man, and his not realising the implications. When she gives him a scholarship to go and paint away from her, he becomes engaged to a young woman.

So, the latter part of the film focuses on the emotional and psychological torment for Helene, her interactions with her mother, her continuing to paint, the return of the young man and the tensions between them, her gradually dealing with her emotions and the impossibility of a relationship with the young man.

And emotional portrait of a portrait painter.

1. Audience knowledge of Helene Schjerfbeck? In the end, the early 20^th century? A reputation in Finland? Beyond?
2. Country location for the artist, the house, the studio? The surrounding countryside? The contrast with Helsinki, the buildings, galleries and interiors? The musical score?
3. The focus on the paintings, Helene and her work, the preparation of the paints, the light, the canvases, the attention to detail in showing her painting, the details of the paintings themselves? Portraits, of the scenes? Is revealing the in the life ofan?
4. The initial interview, her reticence? Her painting for many years, the visit of the art dealers, the search for the paintings, the contract, the prices? The reparation? The transition to Helsinki, the exhibition, Helene and her fuzziness with the light curtains? Walking through the exhibition, the admiration of the public?
5. The introduction to Either, his age, admiration, business interests? His supporting of her? The time together, the growing friendship, his eagerness to paint, coming to the country home, the painting together? The effect on him and his admiration? The effect on her, emotionally, the older woman, the younger man, her reticence expressing her emotions? The young men not quite understanding?
6. The importance of his posing without his shirt, the swimming, her response, the touches the painting, standing behind him, the sensuality, her emotions and attraction?
7. A relationship with her mother, cantankerous, critical, ousting her, sending her to her son and family, the short time there, her return?
8. Helene and her hold over the young man, giving him the scholarship urging him to go away and paint? The issues of writing letters? His not writing?
9. The announcing of his engagement, Helene’s response? His bringing the fiance to visit? Helene’s reaction?
10. The strain, the distance, I owner and his return, the treatment by Helene, his coming to some realisation, his apology?
11. An interesting portrayal of a painter, her talent, her focus, her abilities and success? The contrast with her reticence, reclusiveness, the encounter with the young man and its effect on her emotions, age, affections, and ultimate loneliness?