Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/679878
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 15 MAY 2016 12 News JAMES DEBONO THE Planning Authority has ap- proved a super-sized Enemalta substation in the Council of Eu- rope Garden in Gzira, to replace a building which is described by architect Edward Said as a "folly- like eye-catcher in this peaceful garden". Said described the original sub- station as an example of a utilitar- ian structure designed with care and sensitivity to the site – a public garden with free flowing pathways and planters. "The freeform, organic curves employed were back in the 60s and 70s very popular in art and design, not least architecture. In my view it is of equal architectural signifi- cance to the pseudo Gothic pump- ing stations of the 19th century and therefore merits protection." The justification for the new de- sign is that the present substation cannot cope with the increase in electric demand in the area. The case officer makes no reference to the architectural value of the ex- isting structure. No consultations were carried out with the PA's in- ternal heritage bodies or with the Superintendence for Cultural Her- itage. Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar had objected, arguing that the new building is "totally incongruent with its surroundings" in an area that is supposedly being converted to cater for upscale yacht facilities. But the case officer argued that the contemporary design "respects the integrity of the garden". The Gzira had also insisted that the substa- tion should be re-located from the public garden. The proposed substation would occupy an area of 76 square me- tres, compared to the 39 square metres of the present structure. In 2012 the PA had already approved a 50 square metre switchgear and transformer room next to the ex- isting substation, whose construc- tion started some months ago. The switch room will be integrated in the proposed new building. "The context has already been crassly compromised by the abut- ting box-like substation that went up a few months ago," notes Said. CALL FOR TENDERS FOR OUTSIDE CATERING PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIAT FOR THE EU PRESIDENCY 2017 AND EU FUNDS of the Council of the 2017 Maltese Presidency European Union MALTA'S PRESIDENCY OF THE COUNCIL OF THE EU 2017 The tender documents are available to download online from www.etenders.gov.mt The Parliamentary Secretariat for EU Presidency 2017 and EU Funds, within the Ministry for European Affairs and Implementation of the Electoral Manifesto, notifies that a call for tenders for the provision of outside catering held in relation to Malta's Presidency of the Council of the EU 2017 has been issued. Women's inclusion in Sacred Orders 'not about' female emancipation MIRIAM DALLI A change of tone by Pope Francis has left Roman Catholics wondering whether a study commissioned by the Pontiff will pave the way to even- tually ordain female priests. The Vatican media has moved quickly to report that the Pope did not consider the possibility of or- daining women priests. A complete transcript of the Pope's answer to a question on the role of consecrated women in the Church shows the Pontiff talking about better inclusion whilst examining a greater official role for women within the Church. On Thursday, Pope Francis met with 800 women general superiors from across the globe. It was dur- ing this session that he agreed that a commission should be set up to look into the issue of deaconate. At the same time, he argued that there were a lot of questions and different assertions surrounding deaconesses. "Therefore, on the deaconate, yes, I accept, and a commission that clari- fies this well seems useful to me, es- pecially regarding the early days of the Church," Pope Francis said. Vatican observers however concur that the Pope's statement was more of a change of tone – rather than a change in position – in showing that he is more willing to dialogue and debate questions that have been raised for years but were shut down by subsequent popes. Sr Carmen Sammut, leader of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG), was more upbeat about the Pope's reply, defining it as "a shock to the system of a male- dominated clergy". "It's time that we start talking about it [women deacons]," Sr Car- men told La Repubblica. Sr Carmen was among the nuns who put together the questions posed to Pope Francis, including the one about women deacons. She ar- gued that the topic had been avoided by the Church worldwide despite many sisters carrying out services which, in themselves, would already be deaconate. "I think it's only fair that we are recognised as deacons, even because many of the people we give service to consider us so," she said. Sr Carmen said the Pope believed that more women should be in deci- sion-making positions. In 2013, the Holy Father had in no unequivocal terms stated that male priesthood was not "open to discussion". He did admit the need for a "more incisive female presence" in the Church's life. Contacted by MaltaToday for her opinion, Reverend Mother Atanasia Buhagiar shied away from entering into the merits of women deacons. "It seems that the term women deacons leads to different interpre- tations and I don't intend entering into polemics. To me, priests, dea- cons and any other Order in the Church are there to serve the people of God. I consider serving to be most important." Sr Atanasia, an Augustinian, said there has been a desire for the inclu- sion of women in the Sacred Orders for quite some time, in certain parts of the world. "Sometimes I feel that it is wrongly considered as a move towards the emancipation of women. Again it de- pends on what idea one has of these Orders, whether it is one of privilege or service. Service and availability in the Church are not restricted to the ministerial priesthood only, but are carried out in many other countless ways by men and women who offer sterling service wherever and when- ever required." Sr Atanasia argued that the first question to be posed is what mean- ing is given to the role of women in the Church. "If we are still thinking of a role of service, then we should only con- sider where and when their service is needed. Pope Francis himself said to the women who put the question to him: 'Your vocation is for service, service to the Church'. "He admits that '[a] woman looks at life with true eyes […] The way of seeing problems, of seeing whatever thing is totally […] different than men. They have to be complemen- tary. In consultations, it is very im- portant that women be there'. "In fact, the Pope also explains where he feels the inclusion of women is important in the Church: 'For me, the elaboration of decisions is very important. Not only the ex- ecution, but the elaboration; namely, that women, whether consecrated or lay, are inserted into the process of the discussion'." Sr Sammut with Pope Francis: "Sometimes I feel that it is wrongly considered a move towards the emancipation of women" "It's time that we start talking about it [women deacons]" – Sr Carmen Sammut Modernist substation to be demolished