The press has been full of the word ‘miracle’ recently. Stories about people being found alive in the rubble of Haiti – nine, ten, even 14 days after the earthquake. When confronted with such unexpected events the reaction even of the most cynical is to exclaim: ‘It’s a miracle!’

The skill and determination of the rescue teams who succeeded in digging people alive from the rubble days after the quake restore one's faith in humanity, and for one man at least, also in God.

After a break and at the beginning of a New Year, we are perhaps more inclined than usual to ask ourselves the question, what do I really want or what do I desire? It is a far more important question than we might realise. It is fundamental to our spiritual life. While we may have got the impression that desires are somehow bad or at least not very spiritual, in fact, discovering our deepest desires is the key to uncovering what it is that God desires for us.

James Cameron's 2009 blockbuster movie "Avatar" has been criticised by the political and religious right for being anti-capitalist, anti-militarist, "neo-pagan‟ and "pantheist". Though less hostile, the Vatican newspaper Osservatore Romano were critical of its latter aspect, seeing the film as endorsing pantheism – the worship of nature. Are they right? More importantly, why does "Avatar" appeal to so many people? What can Christians learn from it?

Terrorists are such effective geography teachers! Who could have located Yemen quickly without Google Earth until the Christmas Day bomb attempt on United Airlines? And who even knew of the existence of the Cabinda Enclave until the Togolese soccer team was attacked on its border?

David Smolira, as Regional Superior of the Jesuits in South Africa, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Raymond Perrier as full-time director of the Jesuit Institute. David will continue to oversee the Institute as President, while Raymond will be responsible for leading the Institute on a day to day basis.

The disaster in Haiti has been described by it's President as 'unimaginable' and by many of his people as 'the end of the world'. The estimates of the numbers of the dead range from 50,000 upwards. It's of tsunami proportions, but concentrated in a small island nation, the poorest country in the Western hemisphere.

POPE BENEDICT XVI'S MONTHLY PRAYER INTENTIONS 2010

JANUARY

• Young people and Social Communications Media.
    That young people may learn to use modern means of social communication for their personal growth and to better prepare themselves to serve society.
• Christian Unity.  That every believer in Christ may be conscious that unity among all Christians is a condition for more effective proclamation of the Gospel.

FEBRUARY

• Scholars.  For all scholars and intellectuals, that by means of sincere search for the truth they may arrive at an understanding of the one true God.
• The Church’s Missionary Identity.  That the Church, aware of its own missionary identity, may strive to follow Christ faithfully and to proclaim His Gospel to all peoples.

MARCH

• World Economy.  That the world economy may be managed according to the principles of justice and equity, taking account of the real needs of peoples, especially the poorest.
• The Churches in Africa.  That the Churches in Africa may be signs and instruments of reconciliation and justice in every part of that continent.

APRIL

• Fundamentalism and Extremism.  That every tendency to fundamentalism and extremism may be countered by constant respect, by tolerance and by dialogue among all believers.
• Persecuted Christians.  That Christians persecuted for the sake of the Gospel may persevere, sustained by the Holy Spirit, in faithfully witnessing to the love of God for the entire human race.

MAY

• Human Trafficking.  That the shameful and monstrous commerce in human beings, which sadly involves millions of women and children, may be ended.
• Priests, Religious and Committed Lay People  That ordained ministers, religious women and men, and lay people involved in apostolic work may understand how to infuse missionary enthusiasm into the communities entrusted to their care.

JUNE

• Respect for Human Life.  That every national and transnational institution may strive to guarantee respect for human life from conception to natural death.
• The Churches in Asia.  That the Churches in Asia, which constitute a “little flock” among non-Christian populations, may know how to communicate the Gospel and give joyful witness to their adherence to Christ.

JULY

• Justice in Electing those who Govern  That in every nation of the world the election of officials may be carried out with justice, transparency and honesty, respecting the free decisions of citizens.
• An Urban Culture of Justice, Solidarity and Peace.  That Christians may strive to offer everywhere, but especially in great urban centers, an effective contribution to the promotion of education, justice, solidarity and peace.

AUGUST

• The Unemployed and the Homeless  That those who are without work or homes or who are otherwise in serious need may find understanding and welcome, as well as concrete help in overcoming their difficulties.
• Victims of Discrimination, Hunger and Forced Emigration.  That the Church may be a “home” for all people, ready to open its doors to any who are suffering from racial or religious discrimination, hunger, or wars forcing them to emigrate to other countries.

SEPTEMBER

• The Word of God as Sign of Social Development.  That in less developed parts of the world the proclamation of the Word of God may renew people’s hearts, encouraging them to work actively toward authentic social progress.
• The End of War.  That by opening our hearts to love we may put an end to the numerous wars and conflicts which continue to bloody our world.

OCTOBER

• Catholic Universities.  That Catholic Universities may more and more be places where, in the light of the Gospel, it is possible to experience the harmonious unity existing between faith and reason.
• World Mission Day.  That the World Mission Day may afford an occasion for understanding that the task of proclaiming Christ is an absolutely necessary service to which the Church is called for the benefit of humanity.

NOVEMBER

• Drug Addicts and Victims of Every Form of Dependence.  That victims of drugs or of other dependence may, thanks to the support of the Christian community, find in the power of our Saving God strength for a radical life-change.
• The Continent-wide Mission in Latin America.  That the Churches of Latin America may move ahead with the continent-wide mission proposed by their bishops, making it part of the universal missionary task of the People of God.

DECEMBER

• The Experience of Personal Suffering as a Help to Others who Suffer.  That our personal experience of suffering may be an occasion for better understanding the situation of unease and pain which is the lot of many people who are alone, sick or aged, and stir us all to give them generous help.
• Opening Our Doors to Christ.  That the peoples of the earth may open their doors to Christ and to His Gospel of peace, brotherhood and justice.

For further details about the Apostleship of Prayer you can contact the National Secretary:

Rev. Fr. Chris Chatteris SJ
c/o Jesuit Institute - South Africa
PO Box 31087
Braamfontein
2017, South Africa

There's a certain high dudgeon about in the celluloid circles in South Africa with regard to the playing of South Africans (such as Winnie Madikizela-Mandela) by foreigners. (See Stop Whining and Start Acting in The Sowetan http://www.sowetan.co.za/Entertainment/Article.aspx?id=1099352). Clint Eastwood's Invictus is an almost unanswerable reply to this complaint.

Vocations and what to do with them: Discerning Priestly and Religious Vocations by Chris Chatteris SJ

The newspaper billboard summed up Minister Pravin Gordhan's difficulties perfectly - 'No Money, But We'll Deliver'.