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January 2013
Volume 29
No. 01
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The Official Monthly Publication of the Diocese of Lafayette
Acadiana Catholic
January 2013
Volume 29
Number 01
Pro-life activities for January planned throughout the diocese
LAFAYETTE On behalf of the entire Diocese of Lafayette, the Office of the ProLife Apostolate would like to encourage everyone to participate in as many of the upcoming prolife activities as possible. Several walks, services, and rallies have been planned throughout the month of January so that pro-life supporters can continue this traditional expression of public prayer and camaraderie as the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade approaches (please see related article on page 12). St. Pius X Church in Lafayette will host a Pro-Life Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. on January 9. Please contact Jackie Richard at (337) 288-4238 or (337) 981-1596 for details. The Sacred Heart of Jesus Knights of Columbus Council # 7557 will sponsor a March for Life on January 12. Participants will march from Sacred Heart Church in Broussard to the Brous-
sard Middle School campus before returning to the church for refreshments. The time is to be announced. For further details, please contact Voorhies Short at (337) 230-2009 or Mike Malagarie at (337) 344-4701. The Louisiana Life March in Baton Rouge is also scheduled
by Stephanie R. Martin LAFAYETTE A great change is coming to the Acadiana Catholic, marking the first significant restructuring of the publication in nearly three decades. Beginning in the spring of 2013, the Acadiana Catholic will transition from its current tabloid size and format, which was originally adopted in 1985, to a more standard magazine. In addition to the change in appearance, published content will also shift from its news-reporting focus to a more educational and inspirational approach. Since its establishment in 1918, the Diocese of Lafayette has always been served by a Catholic publication. Over all those years, of course, the title has often changed—from Catholic Action to The Morning Star to Catholic
Action of the South to The Southwest Louisiana Register, and even back to The Morning Star
for January 12, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Old State Capital building. Participants will march from the Old State Capital for approximately 0.8 miles to the current state capital, with prayers led by religious, government, and community leaders to be offered on the steps upon arrival. There will also
In Acadiana, the month of January has long since been a time in which many local communities publically express their support for the pro-life ministry by participating in a number of walks, services, and rallies scheduled throughout the area. Photo by P.C. Piazza
Change is on the horizon for the Acadiana Catholic
The Acadiana Catholic newspaper has existed in its current tabloid format since 1985. Coming in April 2013, the publication will change to a standard magazine size, and shift its content focus to more evangelical purposes. August cover, 2012
before becoming the Acadiana Catholic—but the goal to support unified communications throughout the Catholic community has remained the same. With so many technological advances now available, however, it has become somewhat difficult for the monthly publication of the Acadiana Catholic to remain an efficient avenue for timely communications. Within the last two years especially, Bishop Michael Jarrell and other diocesan administrators have supported the establishment of a website, www. diolaf.org, to provide an easily accessible and more quickly updated source for breaking news. In addition to this special news section which allows for immediate access to the latest local, national, and international Catholic continued on page 8
be a Life Ministry Mobilization area set up near the capital, for those who wish to obtain information on how to become more involved with the pro-life ministry. For further information, please contact Kacie Kampton with the Louisiana Right to Life Federation; she may be reached at the toll free number (866) 463-8212 or khampton@prolifelouisiana.org. St. Anne Church in Youngsville will host a Pro-Life Baby Shower from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on January 13. Please contact Debbie Miller at (337) 856-8212 for further details. The Knights of Columbus Council #10293 will sponsor the Right to Life walk on January 19. Participants will gather at St. Edmond Church in Lafayette, beginning at 8:00 a.m. for praise and worship music. Bishop Michael Jarrell will offer the opening prayer at 8:30 a.m., and walkers will depart at 9:00 a.m. for St. Mary Church continued on page 8
Inside this issue Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mass on Jan. 18. . . . . . . . . 6 Respect Life: 40 yrs. of legalized abortion in U.S. has not deterred Church’s stance. . . .12 Sisters re-establish link with Eunice area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Bishop Jarrell cites Dorothy Day, future saint. . . . . . . . . . 19 How to Pray the Pro-Life Rosary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25 Church must highlight women’s role in ministry. . . . . . . . . . . 29 Our Lady of Guadalupe’s devotion extends beyond the Americas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Page 4 January 2013
Day of Recollection scheduled for Feb. 14
LAFAYETTE The St. Edmond’s Altar Society will host a Day of Recollection on Thursday, February 14 at St. Edmond Church in Lafayette. The event is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. with coffee, juice, and donuts served during registrations, followed by the recitation of the rosary inside the church. Other activities of the day will include the celebration of Mass, the opportunity for confession, Benediction, and meditations on the Stations of the Cross. The retreat master will be Father Chester Arceneaux, pastor of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette. Father Arceaneaux is a native of Lafayette and was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Lafayette in 1992. His first assignment was as Associate Pastor of St.
Theresa of the Child Jesus in Abbeville. He has since served as Pastor of Our Lady of Wisdom Church in Lafayette, as well as Vicar for Black Catholic Ministries; Chaplain to the bishop’s Opus Christi Magnum; on the diocesan Council of Priests; on the St. Thomas More Catholic High Board of Pastors; and on Our Lady of Lourdes Foundation Board. Tickets for the Day of Recollection are $10 per person, which includes lunch for the day. Tickets must be purchased prior to February 8 by sending a check to: St. Edmond’s Altar Society, 116 Delmar Lane, Lafayette, LA 70506. For additional ticket information, please contact RaNelle Simon at (337) 232Fr. Chester Arceneaux 2849.
Acadiana Catholic
Official announcements The Diocese of Lafayette has released the following announcements and changes. Everyone is asked to update their records and databases accordingly. Effective December 7, 2012: Very Rev. W. Curtis Mallet, JCL has been appointed to the Office of Administrator of St. Joseph Parish in Parks, together with its mission of St. Louis Chapel, in addition to his current Office of Vicar General and Director of the Office of Ongoing Formation of Priests. Rev. Brad D. Guillory has been appointed to the position of Associate Pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Rayne.
Acadiana Catholic
ACADIANA CATHOLIC (ISSN0888-0247) (USPS507-760) is published monthly for $12 per year by the Southwest Press, 1408 Carmel Drive., Lafayette, LA 70501-5298. Periodical postage paid at Lafayette, LA and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Acadiana Catholic, 1408 Carmel Drive, Lafayette, LA 70501-5298. Official Monthly Newspaper for the Diocese of Lafayette, Louisiana Copyright 2012
Publisher Most Rev. Michael Jarrell, D.D. Bishop of Lafayette
Managing Editor Stephanie R. Martin (337) 261-5512 smartin@diolaf.org Marketing Director Business Mgr / Advertising Director Patrick Breaux (337) 261-5518 (337) 280-2862 pbreaux@diolaf.org Contributing Writer Kathleen Toups Theological Consultants Msgr. H.A. Larroque, J.C.D. Father Curtis Mallet, J.C.L. Vicars General From the February 1998 edition of Acadiana Catholic: In an expression of gratitude and appreciation, Bishop Edward O’Donnell (left) presented retiring editor Barbara Gutierrez with a plaque to commemorate her 24 years of service to the Acadiana Catholic and the Diocese of Lafayette. Mrs. Gutierrez joined the Acadiana Catholic as a staff member in 1973 and was appointed to served as editor in 1985. She retired in December 1997. Photo by P.C. Piazza
The Diocese of Lafayette serves eight civil parishes with a population of 304,921 Catholics. Published monthly. Deadline for news and advertising copy is noon of the 15th day of the month preceding publication. For renewal subscriptions, the name of your church parish and your address label (if available) are requested. The publisher and editor reserve the right to reject, omit or edit any article or letter submitted for publication. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette and/or the Acadiana Catholic cannot be held liable, or in any way responsible for the content of any advertisement printed in this paper.
Diocese of Lafayette Web page: www.diolaf.org
Acadiana Catholic
January
For a list of Pro-Life Marches and Rallies planned throughout the Lafayette Diocese, please see the article on Page 3 of this edition of the Acadiana Catholic.
Monday
Sunday
The Holy Father’s Prayer Intentions for January: General Intention: That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in Him. Missionary Intention: That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perserverance.
6
The Epiphany of the Lord
7
Christmas Weekday St. Raymond of Penyafort
Holy Hour for Vocations 6:00-7:00 PM St. Patrick Church, Lafayette
Divine Mercy Night 6:30 PM St. Peter Church, New Iberia
13
The Baptism of the Lord
Pro-Life Baby Shower 9:00-11:00 AM St. Anne Church, Youngsville
20
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Pro-Life Rosary 2:00 PM St. Anne Church, Youngsville
First Week in Ordinary Time
14
Tuesday
The Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord The Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God
1
21
Christmas Weekday
8
Food for the Journey 11:30 AM-12:45 PM Hotel Acadiana, Lafayette
15
Weekday
22
Weekday
Meeting of the King’s Men 7:00 PM Our Lady of Wisdom Church, Lafayette
27
28
St. Thomas Aquinas
2
9
Christmas Weekday
Pro-Life Prayer Service 6:30 PM St. Pius X Church, Lafayette
Meeting of the King’s Men 7:00 PM Our Lady of Wisdom Church, Lafayette
Faith of Our Fathers: Fr. Keith LaBove 6:30-8:30 PM Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Broussard
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sts. Basil the Great & Gregory Nazianzen
3
Thursday
Christmas Weekday The Most Holy Name of Jesus
Saturday
Friday
4
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
5
St. John Neumann
Meeting of the King’s Men 7:00 PM Our Lady of Wisdom Church, Lafayette
Our Lady’s Rosary Makers Meeting of the King’s Men 9:00 AM-12:00 PM 7:00 PM Immaculata Center, Lafayette Our Lady of Wisdom Church, Lafayette
St. Agnes
Wednesday
January 2013 Page 5
29
Weekday
Meeting of the King’s Men 7:00 PM Our Lady of Wisdom Church, Lafayette
16
Weekday
Christmas Weekday
10
Companions Along the Journey Immaculata Center, Lafayette 6:30-8:30 PM Rediscover Your Knowledge of Your Catholic Faith, Part 11 St. Mary Magdalen Church, Abbeville 6:30 PM
17
St. Anthony
Rediscover Your Knowledge of Your Catholic Faith, Part 12 St. Mary Magdalen Church, Abbeville 6:30 PM
23
St. Vincent
30
Weekday
Faith of Our Fathers: Fr. Michael Delcambre 6:30-8:30 PM Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Broussard
St. Francis De Sales
24
Rediscover Your Knowledge of Your Catholic Faith, Part 13 St. Mary Magdalen Church, Abbeville 6:30 PM Faith of Our Fathers: Fr. Louis Richard 6:30-8:30 PM Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Broussard St. John Bosco
31
Rediscover Your Knowledge of Your Catholic Faith, Part 14 St. Mary Magdalen Church, Abbeville 6:30 PM
Christmas Weekday
11
18
Weekday
Christmas Weekday
12
19
Blessed Virgin Mary
Catholics Returning Home Workshop 9:00-11:00 AM St. Pius X Church, Lafayette Mass for the Unborn 4:00 PM Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Lafayette
The Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle
25
Sts. Timothy & Titus
26
RCIA Workshop: Rites in the Catechumenate 9:00-11:00 AM St. Theresa Church, Abbeville
Page 6 January 2012
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mass scheduled for January 18
LAFAYETTE The Diocese of Lafayette’s Office of Black Catholic Ministires will sponsor the annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mass on Friday, January 18. The Mass will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette. Bishop Michael Jarrell will serve as celebrant of the Mass, and Father Michael Sucharski, SVD, Pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Maurice, will serve as homilist. The Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mass is open to
everyone in the diocese. In addition to the celebration of the Mass, all 2013 recipients of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award will be recognized. Recipients are chosen based on the nominations submitted by the individual church parishes of the Lafayette Diocese. All parishes are encouraged to nominate individuals who, through their own lives and actions, exemplify the works of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
A total of 75 individuals received the 2012 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award during last year’s Mass held in his honor. This year’s Mass is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 18, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette. Photo provided by the Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Radio/TV Ministry
“Catholics Returning Home” at St. Pius X LAFAYETTE St. Pius X Church in Lafayette has begun a parish-based program called “Catholics Returning Home” which is designed to reach out to non-practicing Catholics with an invitation for them to return to the Catholic Church. “Catholics Returning Home” is one of twelve model programs listed in the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) directory, A Time to Listen. . .A Time to Heal. As part of the program, St. Pius X Church will host a special evangelization workshop A Special Invitation “Meet & Greet” with Sally L. Mews Author of Catholics Returning Home Friday, January 18 Immaculate Heart of Mary School Cafeteria Immediately following 6:00 p.m. Mass inside the church All are welcome
from 9:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 19. The workshop will feature Sally L. Mews, author of the book entitled Catholics Returning Home. Mrs. Mews, who was born and raised in central Wisconsin, returned to the Catholic Church in 1980 and was inspired to develop a parishbased ministry to help others do the same. The workshop is ideal for priests, deacons, evangelization teams, religious educators, youth ministers, parish leaders and staff members, liturgical ministers, and all those who are interested in learning more about the ministry of evangelization. The cost is $5 per person, which includes light refreshments and lunch. Registration forms are available at www.stpiusxchurch.net. Additional information may be requested by contacting Robert Delafosse at (337) 319-2438, John Schexnaildre at (337) 6549671, or Ashton Mouton at (337) 296-6713.
Acadiana Catholic
Register for Cycle 2 of VLCFF
LAFAYETTE Registration for Cycle 2 of the Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) will open on January 15 and close on February 27. This cycle will consist of seminars only and will be conducted from March 3-March 23. The seminars to be offered are: • Designing a Parish Catechetical Plan • On Bended Knee • Our Hearts Were Burning • Overview of the GDC & NDC • Theological Reflection: Key to Connecting Faith and Life • Marianist Studies: Three Offices • Marianist Studies: Virtues for Mission • Roles and Ministry of Online Facilitators A full description of these seminars may be accessed online at http://vlc.udayton.edu. Since the Diocese of Lafayette is in partnership with the University of Dayton Institute for Pastoral Initiatvie, residents of the diocese may participate in these online courses at the reduced cost of $40 per course. Successful completion of VLCFF courses
RCIA workshops
LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Christian Formation has scheduled two RCIA workshops for 2013. Both workshops will be conducted from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on the given dates, and will be conducted by John Schexnaildre, RCIA consultant for the diocese. On January 26, St. Theresa Church in Abbeville will host “Rites in the Catechumenate.” Please note the corrected location. On March 2, Nativity of Our Lady Church in New Iberia will host “Prayer in the Catechumenate.” These workshops provide an excellent opportunity for representatives from the various church parishes of the diocese to meet and share their best RCIA practices as they receive training on a specific RCIA topic. There is no fee to attend, but participants are encouraged to register with Lynne Broussard at (337) 261-5550.
may be applied toward a Certificate in Catechesis or continuing education hours as required by the Diocese of Lafayette’s Office of Catholic Schools. Cycle 3 of the VLCFF is scheduled for April 7-May 11, with registration to open on March 5. For further information on the partnership between the University of Dayton Institute for Pastoral Initiative and the Diocese of Lafayette, please contact the Office of Christian Formation at (337) 261-5550. Pray for our priests Listed below are the priests for whom Catholics are asked to pray daily during the month of January. The calendar is sponsored by the Serra Club of Lafayette. 01 Pope Benedict XVI 02 Bishop Michael Jarrell 03 Fr. Kenneth Bienvenu 04 Fr. Paul Bienvenu 05 Fr. William Blanda 06 Fr. Howard Blessing 07 Fr. Martin Borcherding 08 Fr. Kevin Bordelon 09 Fr. Francis Bourgeois 10 Fr. Millard Boyer 11 Fr. James Brady, JCL 12 Fr. Joseph Brasseaux, OSB 13 Fr. John Breaux 14 Fr. Allen Breaux 15 Fr. Joseph Breaux 16 Fr. Joseph Brennan 17 Fr. Rex Broussard 18 Fr. David Broussard 19 Fr. Henry Broussard 20 Fr. Ken Broussard 21 Msgr. Ronald Broussard 22 Fr. Paul Broussard 23 Fr. Richard Broussard 24 Fr. Theodore Broussard 25 Fr. Keenan Brown 26 Fr. Wilbur Brown 27 Fr. Francis Butler, SSJ 28 Fr. Floyd Calais 29 Fr. Corey Campeaux 30 Fr. Joseph Campion, SSJ 31 Fr. Jairo Castano, SDS Eternal Father, we lift up to You these and all the priests of the world. Sanctify them. Heal and guide them. Mold them into the likeness of your Son, Jesus, the Eternal High Priest. May their lives be pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Acadiana Catholic
January 2013 2012 Page 7
January’s pro-life activities continued from page 3
off Doucet Road before returning to St. Edmond’s. For further details, please contact Patsy and Norris Thibodeaux at (337) 984-9947 or (337) 962-6208; or Pat Laborde at (337) 988-5580 or (337) 9883586. The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist will also celebrate a special Mass for the Unborn at 4:00 p.m. on January 19. Please contact Melinda Howze at (337) 216-3317 for details. St. Anne Church in Mamou will host a Pro-Life Walk on January 20, with participants to depart from the church at 10:00 a.m. and proceed to the parish’s religious education building. Please call (337) 468-3159 for further details. The Ville Platte Pro-Life Walk is also scheduled for January 20. Participants are invited to attend 10:30 a.m. Mass at Our Lady Queen of All Saints Church, as the walk will begin immediately following the Mass. Participants will proceed to the grounds of Sacred Heart Church to listen to a guest speaker, and transportation will be provided back to Our Lady Queen of All Saints Church for those in need. Please contact Stephanie Andrus at (337) 831-0638 or Pitchy Tuminaro at (337) 3634533 for further details. Parishioners of St. Anne Church in Youngsville encourage everyone to join them at 2:00 p.m. on January 20 to pray the pro-life ro-
sary. Teurlings Catholic High School in Lafayette will sponsor its Walk/ Ralley for Life on January 22. Students from the school, as well as those from many other neighboring schools, will leave the Teurlings campus at noon and proceed to the grounds of the Immaculata Center for the rally. Please contact Josette Serette at (337) 235-5711 for further details. The South Region of the diocese will also sponsor its March for Life on January 22. The march will begin at 5:30 p.m. as a silent procession from the Lourdes Grotto in New Iberia and conclude at St. Peter Church. In conjunction with this event, St. Peter’s will begin a rosary congress with Eucharistic Adoration, to be held 24 hours a day for five consecutive days. During this time, the pro-life rosary will be prayed every hour, and the rosary congress will conclude with the celebration of 8:00 a.m. Mass on January 27. Please call (337) 369-3816 for further details. St. Cecilia School in Broussard will host its Pro-Life School Walk immediately following the school Mass on January 23. Please contact Glenda Serio at (337) 8376363 for details. The Louisiana Right to Life Federation is organizing Geaux Forth: Louisiana’s Pro-Life Youth Rally, in conjunction with Washington, DC’s 40th annual March for Life
Last year, students for St. Cecilia School in Broussard proudly participated in their own Pro-Life School Walk. Photo submitted by St. Cecilia School
on January 25, Geaux Forth will take place from on January 24 at the Grand Hyatt, with the time to be announced at a later date. Please contact Kacie Hampton toll free at 866-463-5433 or email her at khampton@prolifelouisiana.org for further details. The St. Landry Right to Life Walk has been scheduled for January 26. Participants will depart from Our Lady Queen of Angels Church in Opelousas at 10:00 a.m. and proceed to the Life Center,
where they will receive a special blessing and refreshments. Please contact John and Jeri Miller at (337) 948-9559 for further details. Notre Dame High School in Crowley will host its Pro-Life March/Rally on January 29. Please contact Mary Ann Hadaway at (337) 783-3849 for details. Individuals are also encouraged to refer to their local church parish bulletins for any additional pro-life activities which may be scheduled.
Page 8 January 2012
Changes to Acadiana Catholic continued from page 3
news, the website also offers a diocesan-wide calendar of events to help promote participation in a number of Catholic events and activities. Thus, as it has become more efficient to offer full access to news stories and information online—twenty-four hours each day, seven days per week—Bishop Jarrell and his administrators began to re-evaluate the purpose and function of the Acadiana Catholic. It was determined that by converting the newspaper to a magazine and giving its content a more evangelical focus, the publication could better serve the people of the diocese by offering articles and resources designed to remind Catholics of the teachings of the Church, and also inspire them to live their lives according to those teachings. To achieve this new goal, the Acadiana Catholic has partnered with FAITH Publishing Service, a magazine publishing company owned by the Diocese of
Lansing, Michigan. Originally founded as Lansing’s own diocesan magazine in the year 2000, the company’s mission was to establish a publication that focuses on evangelizing with the release of every edition. FAITH has been so successful in this mission that the company has since branched out to form partnerships with 31 other Catholic entities throughout the United States. Some of these partners include the Knights of Peter Claver and the Claverite, the Archdiocese of St. Louis and the Catholic St. Louis, the Carmelites (Society of the Little Flower) and Between Friends, and their very first client, the Diocese of Laredo and La Fe. The Acadiana Catholic’s partnership with FAITH will grant readers access to several well-researched features such as “Theology 101” and “Saint of the Month.” “Theology 101” encourages readers to become more familiar with the bible as they read easy-to-understand ex-
Acadiana Catholic
planations of Scripture provided by distinguished faculty members of Mundelein Seminary, Illinois. “Saint of the Month” provides insight into the life of a selected saint, while other FAITH features offer an enlightening, Catholic-based perspective on matters involved with marriage, parenting, conflict resolution, and work environments. Through these features, FAITH content strives to appeal to all adult age groups. As worthy as these features are, the partnership with FAITH will by no means overshadow local content. Popular features such as the bishop’s column, “Explore Your Faith,” and “Looking Back” will continue to be included in every edition of the Acadiana Catholic. Announcements about upcoming events and activities will also continue to be included, although
they will be more conveniently organized into a “Things to Do” section. The “Parish Life” and “Catholic Schools” sections will be dedicated to providing coverage of special happenings within the church parishes and Catholic schools. A new addition to the Acadiana Catholic will be the “Culture” section, modeled after a FAITH concept but adapted to highlight the rich heritage of the Lafayette Diocese. “Culture” will be dedicated to illustrating how the many ethnicities of Southwest Louisiana have melded together to share their common Catholic faith and enrich one another through the sharing of their food, music, crafts, and other cultural traditions. Further details regarding this exciting transition for the Acadiana Catholic will be released as they become available.
Serra Club donates to seminary burse
Bishop Michael Jarrell (left) recently received a $1,000 donation by the Serra Club of Lafayette for the seminary burse. In accepting the check, Bishop Jarrell stated that the diocese has received a matching grant from Catholic Extension for donations for vocations. Presenting the check to the bishop was Will Charbonnet, Serra Club President (right). The presentation was made in conjunction with the bishop’s recent Mass celebration members of Serra and hosted the breakfast meeting. Photo by Jay Caldwell
Acadiana Catholic
January 2013 Page 9
SESSION 2: “FAITH OF OUR FATHERS” Celebrating the “Year of Faith”
Rev. Keith LaBove
Rev. Michael Delcambre
Rev. Louis Richard
Session 2: January 22, 23, 24, 2013 ▪ 6:30-8:00 p.m. Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church 200 N. Main Street, Broussard Speakers:
Rev. Keith LaBove; Rev. Michael Delcambre; Rev. Louis Richard In celebration of the “Year of Faith”, the Central Region of the Diocese of Lafayette presents “FAITH OF OUR FATHERS”, a series of six sessions, three nights each, featuring Priests of the Central Region as speakers each night. Each evening will begin with an Opening Prayer led by Very Rev. Thomas James, SVD, VE, Episcopal Vicar for the Central Region. Please join us for Session 2 as “our Fathers” share their witness of faith with us—all are welcome and pre-registration is not required. For complete information on our “FAITH OF OUR FATHERS” series, please contact Mary Bergeron (337-654-8682; ejbmgb@bellsouth.net or Mbergeron@diolaf.org) or visit www.centralregiononline.org or www.diolaf.org.
WE’VE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH Session 2: January 22, 23, 24, 2013 Sacred Heart of Jesus, Broussard
Session 3: April 15, 16, 17, 2013 Immaculate Heart of Mary, Lafayette
Session 5: July 29, 30, 31, 2013 St. Elizabeth Seton, Lafayette
Session 4: May 6, 7, 8, 2013 St. Francis of Assisi, Breaux Bridge
Session 6: October 7, 8, 9, 2013 Holy Cross, Lafayette
Page 10 January 2012
Enero 2013 por Obispo
Michael Jarrell El mes pasado recibí una carta anunciando un Llamado a Orar. La carta estaba firmada por el Cardenal Séan O ’ M a l l e y, o.f.m., Arzobispo de Boston y Presidente del Comité de Actividades Pro-Vida y de la Conferencia Americana de Obispos Católicos; por el Arzobispo Salvatore Cordileone de San Francisco, Presidente del Subcomité para la Promoción y Defensa del Matrimonio; y por el Arzobispo William Lori de Baltimore, Presidente del Comité Ad Hoc para la Libertad Religiosa. Los nombres de los diversos comités ilustran las preocupaciones de los firmantes, y, ciertamente, de la Conferencia de los Obispos. Están pidiendo oraciones y la participación de todos los católicos para abordar estos importantes temas. La causa pro-vida ha estado presente por décadas. Muchos católicos han trabajado y orado por un final del aborto y un mayor reconocimiento de las depravadas prácticas como lo son la eutanasia y el
suicidio asistido por un médico. Se han dedicado a la causa del mayor reconocimiento de la santidad de la vida humana. Mucho se ha logrado, pero permanecen muchos desafíos. Así pues, una insistente Llamada a Orar. La promoción del matrimonio es un esfuerzo para persuadir a los americanos que el matrimonio es una institución social única que se encuentra en todas las sociedades. Existe por el bien de un orden de salud social y por el bien de los niños. Por estas razones, es reconocida y regulada por la ley civil. Muchas personas no ven la necesidad del matrimonio, simplemente optando por vivir juntos. Así, la iglesia está tratando ambos, el promover el matrimonio y la defensa de éste. La defensa llega a aquellos que buscan rechazar la definición tradicional del matrimonio y redefinirlo para incluir parejas de personas del mismo sexo. No debemos redefinir en la ley una institución que existe en la naturaleza e inscrita antes de cualquier ley humana. Es importante resaltar que el matrimonio une al hombre y a la mujer entre sí y a los niños nacidos de su unión. Este es un verdadero matrimonio. Nada más merece llamarse matrimonio o el recibir un reconocimiento civil otorgado al matrimonio. Ha surgido esta pregunta:
¿Es el matrimonio simplemente una institución para un reconocimiento público de relaciones comprometidas para una satisfacción adulta, o es una institución que une a un hombre y a una mujer entre sí y con hijos nacidos de su unión?” Formulando la pregunta de esta manera coloca a los hijos y sus necesidades dentro de la discusión. Es un punto de capital importancia. Si la sociedad permite el matrimonio del mismo sexo, entonces se convierte en una institución meramente para la satisfacción del adulto. ¿Debemos creer que cada niño debe nacer dentro del seno de la familia con una madre y un padre quienes primeramente se han hecho insubstituibles para cada uno a través del matrimonio? Este es el quid de la pregunta. (Nota: Una discusión plena de estas ideas se pueden encontrar en “Getting the Marriage Conversation Right,” un libro por el autor William B. May, publicado por Emmaus Road.). El tercer tema es aquel de la libertad religiosa, basado en la Primera Enmienda de la Constiitución: “El Congreso prohíbe que el legislador promulgue ley alguna con respecto a la adopción de una religión o promulgue ley alguna que prohíba la libertad de culto, de expresión, de prensa, de reunión, o de petición.” Aun así, las normas que implementan el Affordable Care Act (La
Acadiana Catholic Reforma al Cuidado de Salud) requieren que ciertas instituciones católicas y algunas empresas de propietarios católicos compren productos y servicios que violan sus conciencias. Las normas vigentes les dice a los católicos que las universidades católicas, hospitales y Agencias de Caridad Católicas no son parte de la iglesia y que sus actividades no constituyen el ejercicio de la religión. Todos estos tres temas han sido debatidos en público, en recintos legislativos, y en las cortes. Con toda seguridad, son las cortes, especialmente la Corte Suprema de los Estados Unidos que decide. La carta de los arzobispos simplemente pide oración. En particular están pidiendo por Horas Santas Eucarísticas, rosarios en familia, peticiones en las misas, ayunos y abstinencias voluntarias los viernes. En enero nuestro Concejo de Sacerdotes hablará sobre nuestra respuesta. Los obispos de Luisiana están preparando una respuesta conjunta. Una copia de la carta e información adicional puede verse en la página web del USCCB (Call to Prayer for Life, Marriage and Religious Liberty). El presente año va a ser importante para la iglesia y los Estados Unidos. Cada católico debe unirse en oración para una resolución justa de estos tres temas cruciales.
USCCB communications joins call for updates to kids’ online privacy protections USCCB WASHINGTON
A broad coalition of child advocacy, health, parents, privacy, and consumer organizations—including the Communications Committee of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Heart Association, and the Ameri-
can Psychological Association and Consumers Union—has released a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to express strong support for proposed updates to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). COPPA was passed by Congress in 1998 and is designed to enable parents to decide how and whether
Internet companies and operators can collect and use personal information from their children under the age of 13. The FTC is considering the first updates to the COPPA rules, which were established in 2000. The December 13 letter says that “rapid expansion of digital media during the last decade, data col-
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January 2013
by Bishop Michael Jarrell L a s t month I received a letter announcing a Call to Prayer. The letter was signed by Cardinal Séan O’Malley, o.f.m., Archbishop of Boston and Chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops; by Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco, Chairman of the Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage; and by Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty. The names of the various committees illustrate the major concerns of the signees, and, indeed, of the Conference of Bishops. They are asking for prayer and for the involvement of all Catholics in addressing these important issues. The pro-life cause has been with us for decades. Many Catholics have worked and prayed for an end to abortion and for
greater recognition of the evils of practices such as euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. They have devoted themselves to the cause of greater recognition of the sacredness of human life. Much has been accomplished, but many challenges remain. Thus, a renewed Call to Prayer. The promotion of marriage is an effort to persuade Americans that marriage is a unique social institution found in all societies. It exists for the sake of a healthy social order and for the sake of children. For these reasons, it is recognized and regulated by civil law. Too many people see no need for marriage, opting simply to live together. Thus, the Church is trying both to promote marriage and to defend it. The defense comes in the face of those who would seek to throw out the traditional definition of marriage and re-define it to include partnerships of persons of the same sex. We should not redefine in law an institution which exists in nature and predates any human law. It is important to note that true marriage unites a man and woman with each other and any children born from their unions. This is true marriage. Nothing else deserves to be called marriage or to
Bishop Jarrell’s New Year’s Message for 2013
by Bishop Michael Jarrell At the Last Supper, the Lord Jesus said to his disciples, “Peace, I leave with you. My peace I give to you.” (Jn. 14.27)Today, on World Peace Day, we give thanks to Jesus for his gift of peace. So, where is this peace? In Syria, Af-
ghanistan, Mali, Egypt? Is it in Newtown, Connecticut or any of the several places where tragedy has struck? Is there peace in the world? One can cite so many examples of suffering and discord. Yet, is it not true that in most of the world, for most people, most of the time, there is peace. A lot
January 2013 Page 11
receive the civil recognition given to marriage. The question has been asked: “Is marriage merely an institution for public recognition of committed relationships for adult fulfillment, or is it an institution that unites a man and a woman with each other and with any children born from their union?” Framing the question this way inserts children and the needs of children into the discussion. It is a much needed focus. If society permits marriage by same-sex couples, it then becomes an institution merely for adult fulfillment. Do we believe that every child should be born into a family with a mother and father who have first made themselves irreplaceable to each other through marriage? This is the crux of the question. (Note: A fuller discussion of these ideas can be found in “Getting the Marriage Conversation Right,” a book by William B. May, published by Emmaus Road.) The third issue is that of religious liberty, based on the First Amendment to the Constitution: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of a religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Yet, the rules implementing the Affordable Care Act do require some Catholic institutions and some busi-
nesses owned by Catholics to purchase products and services which violate their consciences. The rules now in place say to Catholics that the Church’s colleges, hospitals and Catholic Charities Agencies are not a part of the Church and that their activities do not constitute the exercise of religion. All three of these issues are being debated in the public square, in legislative halls, and in the courts. More than likely, it is the courts, especially the United States Supreme Court which will decide. The letter from the Archbishops simply asks for prayer. In particular they are asking for Eucharistic holy hours, family rosaries, petitions at Mass and voluntary fasting and abstinence on Fridays. Our Council of Priests will discuss our diocesan response in January. The Bishops of Louisiana are preparing a joint response. A copy of the letter and much more information can be found on the USCCB website (Call to Prayer for Life, Marriage and Religious Liberty). The current year will be an important one for the Church in the United States. Every Catholic should join in prayer for a just resolution of these three crucial issues.
of attention is paid when peace is shattered. But, for the most part there is peace. Peace is God’s gift. But the gift carries with it a challenge to each of us to be, in the words of Saint Francis, an instrument of peace, a maker of peace. “Blessed are the peacemakers,” said Jesus, “for they will
be called children of God.” (Mt. 5.9) Today, we pray that people throughout the world may enjoy the gift of peace. We pray, too, that all may give the gift of peace. May this Year of Our Lord 2013 be a time of peace for all of God’s children.
Page 12 January 2012
Acadiana Catholic
Respect Life: 40 years of legalized abortions in the United States has not deterred the Catholic Church’s stance
by Stephanie R. Martin LAFAYETTE January 22, 1973 was the day that the United States Supreme Court ruled to legalize abortion in this country. This year will mark the 40th anniversary of that decision. Millions of innocent lives have been lost as a result, and millions more have been affected--from the women and men who live with the regret of having chosen abortion even if it was their legal right to do so, to all of those involved in the pro-life advocacy. It has been a wearying time, filled with many sorrows and disappointments as efforts to end this travesty have yet to succeed, but only if success is measured by limited means. Yes, abortion is still legal in this country. Yes, it is estimated that over one million babies continue to be aborted with each year that passes. And yet, the Roman Catholic Church--and indeed many prolife supporters of other religious
affiliations--have not allowed the resulting culture of death to triumph. They have not given up and thrown in the towel by conceding that abortion is acceptable. Rather, they have continued to uphold and defend their beliefs that all life is sacred and precious, and as such it must be RESPECTED. It was, in fact, in response to the pending threat of legalized abortion in this country that the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) first launched its “Respect Life” program in the year 1972. Since that time, the program has been renewed each year with the celebration of Respect Life Month during October. The USCCB’s Pro-Life Secretariat supports the program with the annual release of a special prolife packet containing numerous resources which parish pastors and lay volunteers can use to educate people on the importance of the pro-life ministry. In 1979, the USCCB’s ProLife Secretariat also joined the Basilica of the National Shrine
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The 2012-2013 Respect Life poster, released by the USCCB’s Office of Pro-Life Activities in conjunction with the celebration of Respect Life month in October 2012.
of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC and the Catholic University of America’s Office of Campus Ministry to sponsor the National Prayer Vigil for Life, which is always held on the eve of the National March for Life each January (the march itself is held in conjunction with the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade ruling). While a total of only 50 people attended the very first vigil Mass in 1979, this year participants are expected to number well into the thousands as they fill the Great Upper Church of the Basilica for the occasion. In November 2001, the U.S. Catholic Bishops published their updated statement, A Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities, to renew the call for Catholic institutions, organizations, and indi-
viduals to show their support of the pro-life ministry. Locally, this coincided with the Diocese of Lafayette’s decision to expand the Office of Pro-Life Issues (established in 1992 under the direction of Brenda Desormeaux) from part-time to full-time status. Under that expansion, Bishop Edward J. O’Donnell appointed Karol Meynard as Director of the office; Ms. Meynard was soon joined by her assistant, Trista Littell, and today the two still work hand-in-hand to address all life issues from “conception to natural death.” This includes chastity, unplanned pregnancy, abortion/ partial birth abortion, post abortion healing, infertility, embryonic stem cell research, human cloning, euthanasia/physician-ascontinued on page 17
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Bishops urge Catholics to pray for life, marriage, religious liberty USCCB WASHINGTON The U.S. Catholic bishops have launched a pastoral strategy addressing critical life, marriage and religious liberty concerns. The five-part strategy or call to prayer was approved by the bishops in November and is set to begin after Christmas. The overall focus is to invite Catholics to pray for rebuilding a culture favorable to life and marriage and for increased protections of religious liberty. Campaign components include monthly Eucharistic holy hours in cathedrals and parishes, daily family rosary, special Prayers of the Faithful at all Masses, fasting and abstinence on Fridays, and the second observance of a Fortnight for Freedom. The call to prayer is prompted by the rapid social movements and policy changes currently underway, such as the mandate by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that coerces employers, including heads of religious agencies, to pay for sterilizations, abortion-inducing drugs and contraceptives, as well as increased efforts to redefine marriage. “The pastoral strategy is essentially a call and encouragement to prayer and sacrifice—it’s meant to be simple,” said Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco, chairman of the bishops’ Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage. “It’s not meant to be another program but rather part of a movement for Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty, which engages the New Evangelization and can be incorporated into the Year of Faith. Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty are not only foundational to Catholic social teaching but also fundamental to the good of society,” he said. Details of the strategy follow: 1.Starting with the Sunday after Christmas (Feast of the Holy Family) and continuing on or near the last Sunday of every month through Christ the King
Sunday, November 2013, cathedrals and parishes are encouraged to hold a Eucharistic Holy Hour for Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty. 2.Families and individuals are encouraged to pray a daily Rosary, especially for the preservation of Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty in the nation. 3.At Sunday and daily Masses, it is encouraged that the Prayers of the Faithful include specific intentions for respect for all human life from conception to natural death, the strengthening of marriage and family life, and the preservation of religious libertyat all levels of government, both at home and abroad. 4.Abstinence from meat and fasting on Fridays are encouraged for the intention of the protection of Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty, recognizing the importance of spiritual and bodily sacrifice in the life of the Church. 5.The celebration of a second Fortnight for Freedom at the end of June and the beginning of July 2013 is being planned. This Fortnight would emphasize faith and marriage in a particular way in the face of the potential Supreme Court rulings during this time. The Fortnight would also emphasize the need for conscience protection in light of the August 1, 2013 deadline for religious organizations to comply with the HHS mandate, as well as religious freedom concerns in other areas, such as immigration, adoption, and humanitarian services. A website with resources from the USCCB is available at: www.usccb.org/life-marriageliberty. “With the challenges this country is facing, it is hoped that this call to prayer and penance will help build awareness among the faithful as well as spiritual stamina and courage for effective witness. We also hope that it will encourage solidarity with all people who are standing for the precious gifts of life, marriage, and religious liberty,” Archbishop Cordileone said.
January 2013 Page 13
Annual Stewardship Leadership Day to be Mahan received held Feb. 6
OPELOUSAS The ninth annual Stewardship Leadership Day will be held on Wednesday, February 6 at the parish hall of Our Lady Queen of Angels Church in Opelousas, located on 2125 South Union Street. Father Daniel Mahan, once again, will serve as Keynote Speaker for the event. He will speak on Stewardship and the New Evangelization and Stewardship in the Year of Faith. His second offering will be titled ‘Rendering an Account to the Faithful’, a talk he delivered in October at a Conference held at Rome’s University of the Holy Cross. Father Mahan is an enormously popular speaker on the topic of Stewardship in the Catholic Church and delivers his talks at conferences, Arch/Diocesan Stewardship Days, in parishes and seminars throughout the United States and to many Arch/dioceses abroad. He is the Director of the O’Meara Ferguson Center for Catholic Stewardship at the Marian University of Indianapolis. Father
rave reviews from attendees at last year’s stewardship day. P a s t o r s , priests, deacons, religious, parish Fr. Dan Mahan administrative personnel, stewardship committee members and anyone interested in fostering stewardship formation at the parish level are urged to mark their calendars for February 6, 2013. Attendance by clergy and other interested persons in neighboring dioceses is encouraged. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the program will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. and conclude shortly after the lunch hour. Lunch will be served and a $10 offering/donation is asked to help defray the cost of the meals and other conference expenses. For more information or to register, please email cbabin@diolaf. org or call the Office of Stewardship and Development at (337) 261-5641 for Connie Babin, Cassie LeBlanc or Cindy LeBlanc.
Page 14 January 2012
Acadiana Catholic
Use ‘weapons’ of love, prayer in cultural war, participants say
by Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) In the battle to defeat the culture of death and preserve Christian values throughout the Americas, Christians need to adopt the “unconventional weapons” of Our Lady of Guadalupe: love and prayer, Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore told participants at a Vatican congress. Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila of Denver, who led a small group discussion Dec. 10 at the congress marking the 15th anniversary of the Synod of Bishops for America, told the same participants that an encounter with Christ, through Mary, is essential for ensuring a “transformation of culture.” “We must come to understand that the civilization in which we live” -- in North, South and Central America -is the scene of a real “spiritual battle. The cultural war is a real war. We see the vision of the human person today being totally rejected,” he said, and there is an all-out effort to redefine marriage and family life. Archbishop Aquila said the first blessing given to human beings in
the Bible is God’s blessing of Adam and Eve, telling them to “be fruitful and multiply. And what is at the heart of the homosexual movement is the rejection of that first blessing.” The small-group discussion, which was moderated by Archbishop Lori and introduced by Archbishop Aquila, involved about two dozen bishops, religious and lay leaders from North America and South America. Most members of the group were involved in higher education or Catholic evangelization projects. Archbishop Aquila’s comments about the “spiritual battle” being waged in the Americas led to a discussion about how Catholics, looking to the example of Our Lady of Guadalupe, are called to defend Christian values, reach out to others and affirm human dignity. Father Robert L. Barron, rector and president of the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Chicago, told the group that in Mary’s Magnificat and often in the events and messages given in Marian apparitions “there is something of the warrior element.” However, “she’s never the leader
We’re open when you close.
Cardinals and other participants in the International Congress on the Church in America pray the rosary in the Vatican Gardens Dec. 11. Pictured from left are: Cardinals Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga of Tegucigalpa, Honduras; Thomas Collins of Toronto; Marc Ouellet, prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for Bishops; and Juan Sandoval Iniguez, retired archbishop of Guadalajara, Mexico. CNS photo/Robert Duncan
of armies. It is the warfare that is fought in the name of love, divine love surging into the world against the forces that are opposed to it,” he said. Christians concerned about the direction of modern culture often are depicted as being “naysayers,” he said, but following the example of Mary guarantees that they will act in the name of the God of love and of the human beings he created. “What you are bringing into battle is a mother’s love for her children,” Father Barron said. “We are ‘ecclesia militans’ -- a fighting church -- but we fight in a very unusual way.” Peruvian Archbishop Jose Antonio Eguren Anselmi of Piura, head of the Peruvian bishops’ committee for family and for life, said a variety of groups, most based in the United States, are waging multimillion-dollar campaigns to convince Peruvians to liberalize their country’s abortion laws and to redefine marriage.
“But we have something more powerful -- the power of prayer,” the archbishop said. “Through Mary, we can bring God to our side in this battle,” he said. Curtis Martin, president and founder of the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, urged the group to remember that in the battle to defend a traditional Judeo-Christian culture, Christians must remember that nonbelievers “are not the enemy, they are the prize. The devil is the enemy.” Those who “have been taken captive by errors and lies” are the people Christians must fight for, Martin said. Archbishop Lori, summarizing some of the points raised in the discussion, said the participants’ experience clearly shows that “we are engaged in a struggle, in a battle, but the weapons we bring to this are not the conventional weapons, but rather that love, which is stronger than sin and more powerful than death.”
Catholics find new Mass translations to their liking, study finds WASHINGTON (CNS)
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A wide majority of Massgoers are satisfied with the new English translation of the Roman Missal introduced a year ago at Advent, a survey showed. Seventy percent of Catholics responding agreed that the translation is a “good thing,” according to results of the survey conducted by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University. Half of respondents agreed with the assessment while 20 percent strongly agreed with it, the survey found. That still left three in 10 Catholics saying they disagreed with such an assessment. Seven percent said they strongly disagreed that the translations were good for the Catholic Church. Sulpician Father Anthony Pogorelc, a staff member of the Institute for Policy Research and Catholic Studies at The Catholic University of America, which commissioned the survey, said the findings were not surprising. “The (Mass) actions have not changed, the words are not as big a change to people,” he said. The institute conducted a similar survey in 2011 prior to the introduction of the new missal to establish a baseline on how Catholics responded to the eucharistic liturgy and had the results were similar then, Father Pogorelc said. The latest survey revealed that the acceptance of the new language was higher among Catholics who attended Mass weekly or more often than those who worshipped less often. Worshippers who like the translations said the new wording inspired them to be more faithful in daily life, helped them feel closer to God and make it easier to participate in Mass.
Acadiana Catholic
January 2013 Page 15
Pope expresses grief over Newtown shooting, calls for acts of peace by Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) After 20 children and six adults were shot dead in Connecticut, Pope Benedict XVI offered his condolences and prayers, urging all to dedicate themselves to acts of peace in the face of such “senseless violence.” After reciting the Angelus Dec. 17, the pope, speaking in English, said he was “deeply saddened” by the Dec. 14 shooting at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn. In addition to the students and staff killed, the gunman took his own life. “I assure the families of the victims, especially those who lost a child, of my closeness in prayer,” he said. “May the God of consolation touch their hearts and ease their pain.” Just before blessing the Nativity-scene statues of the baby Jesus that Italian children brought to the square, Pope Benedict urged people to use the rest of Advent to dedicate themselves more “to prayer and to acts of peace.” Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican secretary of state, sent a message Dec. 14 to the Diocese of Bridgeport, which includes Newtown, saying the pope had asked the cardinal “to convey his heartfelt grief” and his prayers to the victims, their families and “all affected by the shocking event.” “In the aftermath of this senseless tragedy, he asks God our father to console all those who mourn
and to sustain the entire community with the spiritual strength which triumphs over violence by the power of forgiveness, hope and reconciling love,” the cardinal wrote. A front-page article Dec. 15 in L’Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper, said the people of the United States must look at ways to “stem the violence that strikes them from within, heinous violence that is increased by easy access to increasingly lethal weapons and this time struck children in an elementary school.” “The Newtown massacre is destined to reopen the debate about the free circulation of guns,” it said. While many individuals and groups called for more stringent gun-control measures in the immediate aftermath of the shooting, “the National Rifle Association, on the other hand, entrenched itself behind an embarrassing silence,” the Vatican newspaper article said. “In a pure coincidence, the massacre of the Connecticut children occurred on the eve of the anniversary of the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees the right to have weapons. It was ratified Dec. 15, 1791, and was made to measure for the United States as it was 221 years ago,” the article said. Before reciting the Angelus Dec. 17, Gaudate (rejoice) Sunday, Pope Benedict celebrated a morning Mass at the parish of St. Patrick in Colle Prenestino, a suburb on the eastern outskirts of Rome,
Thanks to all those who donated to “Child Smile”
The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Justice & Peace would like to thank all those who donated to this year’s Child Smile project; your generosity helped to brighten the Christmas of so many in need. Pictured above as they wrapped donated gifts for the project are Stephanie Bernard, Program Coordinator (right) and Henrietta Robertson, Grand Lady of Little Theresa Court #11. Photo by Stephanie R. Martin
A rose is tied to a cross on a memorial set outside St. Rose of Lima Church in Newtown, Conn., Dec. 14. At least eight child victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting massacre will be buried from St. Rose, located a little more than a mile fr om the school. CNS photo/Joshua Lott, Reuters
and met with parents of babies baptized in the past year. In his homily at the Mass, Pope Benedict said the Prophet Zephaniah’s exhortation to “shout for joy” and “be glad and exult with all your heart” is a proclamation of good news. “The prophet wants to tell us that there is no reason for mistrust, discouragement, sadness, no mat-
ter what situation we face, because we are certain of the presence of the Lord, which alone is enough to cheer us and give joy to our hearts,” the pope said. Returning to the Vatican to recite the Angelus with visitors in St. Peter’s Square and to bless the baby Jesus statues that will be the center of Nativity scenes in homes, continued on page 41
Page 16 January 2012
Acadiana Catholic
Sisters re-establishi link with Eunice area
by Myra Miller EUNICE Reprinted with permission from Eunice News It’s been a busy month for three Marianite Sisters who arrived here in mid-October. Sister Joel Miller officially assumed the St. Edmund Catholic School principalship on Oct. 21 and Sisters Marie Emma Noel and Phyllis Fuselier began their new ministries at the same time. The transfer of the three nuns here re-linked the school and the community with the order that was a part of its fabric for decades. As for why three came at once, Sister Joel notes, “When I was given the ministry in Eunice, I would rather not come alone so I talked with our Congregational Leaders in New Orleans about who might be interested and was in between in their own ministries to come and live with me. It so happened this was okay with Sisters Phyllis and Marie Emma... and it all worked out.
“It was an odd time of year for change of ministry and that is why more Sisters could not come,” said. Sister Phyllis has been at St. Edmund previously and is teaching art at the elementary campus and serving as an academic tutor. Sister Emma is helping the Marianite Sisters in Opelousas at the nursing home and convent. She assists them by driving them to doctors’ and other appointments and sitting with them during hospital stays when needed. Sister Joel’s community standing is most apparent, as the principal of a school which includes grades Pre-K through 12. Sister Joel is excited about her “spot” on campus, and added, “I hope to have each student WANT to come to school for an education but more importantly, to learn about God, neighbors, and the world. This would enable him/her to love others and treat each person with dignity, respect and compassion. This is what our world needs today.”
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From left, Sisters Phyllis Fuselier, Joel Miller and Marie Emma Noel, have had a busy month since re-locating from New Orleans to Eunice. They were photographed in the Jeanmard Center. Behind them is a portrait of the late Msgr. Jules Jeanmard. Photo by Myra Miller, Eunice News
She is a Sister by confession, an educator by profession. Her most-recent teaching position was at Immaculate Conception in Lake Charles where she taught Religion, English, and Social Studies. Her last principal position was at Holy Family School in Port Allen from 1986 until 2007. She then was elected councilor for the Marianites of Holy Cross for five years. She added, “It was a wonderful gift for me to work with our Sisters but I missed being with students and faculty. I believe God gave me the gift of St. Edmund and I am so grateful! She describes herself as a “huge” LSU Tigers fan as well as a New Orleans Saints follower. In addition to following her sports teams, she enjoys reading, taking care of her fish and interior decorating. Sister Joel is a native of Blackwell, Okla. The daughter of the late Mary and Ted Miller, she is a high school graduate of St. Charles Academy in Lake Charles. An older brother, Joe Ted, is an Episcopal priest in New Orleans. Sister Phyllis previously taught fifth grade for one year and seventh grade for two years at St. Edmund’s. Other schools she has served include St. Cecilia, Our Lady of Holy Cross, St. Mary of the Angels, Holy Angels High School, all in New Orleans, and Little Flowers in Arnaudville, Hanson Memorial in Franklin, St. Charles and Immaculate Conception in Lake Charles. She has taught many grade levels, including elementary, junior high, high school and some college-level classes. Her first teaching position was at St. Mary of the Angels in New Or-
leans and her last post was at Our Lady of the Holy Cross College in New Orleans. She also served as principal at Holy Name of Mary in New Orleans for three years. In addition to her teaching experiences, Sister Phyllis has performed various social and charity work. She is a native of Ville Platte and graduate of Sacred Heart High School. Her parents were the late Marjorie and Al Fuselier. She is the oldest of five sisters. Sister Phyllis earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Our Lady of Holy Cross in New Orleans, and a Master’s in Communication Arts from the University of Notre Dame. Sister Emma’s pastoral duties of the past 21 years were serving Holy Communion to homebound in Port Allen. Regarding her current ministry, she said, “I enjoy helping the Sisters deal with their illnesses, disabilities, etc.” Sister Emma was raised in Church Point by her parents, the late David and Onelise Noel. She comes from a family of nine brothers and 11 sisters. She is a 1951 graduate of the Academy of Holy Angels in New Orleans. She received a bachelor’s degree from Our Lady of Holy Cross in New Orleans, and is certified in Supervision (Food Supervision), St. Louis, Mo., and earned certification in Pastoral ministry from Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge. She was also involved for many years in Food Service Ministry at Our Lady of Holy Cross. Sister Emma enjoys gardening, watching movies, and staying in touch with her family and friends.
Acadiana Catholic
Respect Life continued from page 12
sisted suicide, and the death penalty/capital punishment. “In setting the scope for the vision of the diocesan pro-life office,” stated Ms. Meynard, “I adapted the principles of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin’s Consistent Ethic of Life, applying the Catholic Church teachings of Humanae Vitae and The Gosepl of Life to the four cornerstone areas of public education, public policy and legislation, pastoral care, and public prayer and worship.” In September 2011, Bishop Michael Jarrell approved the office’s name change to that of the Office of the Pro-Life Apostolate; however, its mission to “promote a consistent ethic of life. . .to respect, protect, love, and serve life from conception to natural death” has remained the same. To promote public education, the Office of the Pro-Life Apostolate utilizes the avenues of the diocese’s weekly television program, Tell the People, as well as the diocesan newspaper, the
ence helped to familiarize them with Project Rachel, the postabortion healing ministry founded by Vickie Thorn in 1994, and subsequently helped them to offer the area’s first Rachel’s Vineyard retreat in April 2004. Additionally, the office strives to address bereavement issues by hosting “Come to the Well” retreats for those who have suffered life losses, and by establishing the bereavement support group “Companions Along the Journey” in March 2010. Prayer and worship is supported through the promotion of the pro-life rosary (see feature on pages 24-25). A group of volunteers known as Our Lady’s Rosary Makers meet once a month to make these special rosaries which are then distributed throughout the world. In 2002, the Office of the Pro-Life Apostolate also established the prayer blanket ministry, which encourages volunteers to sew lap-sized blankets to be distributed to those in need of comfort and/or healing. Pro-life prayer is also largely embraced throughout Acadiana
“In setting the scope for the vision of the diocesan pro-life office, I adapted the principles of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin’s Consistent Ethic of Life, applying the Catholic Church teachings of Humanae Vitae and The Gosepl of Life to the four cornerstone areas of public education, public policy and legislation, pastoral care, and public prayer and worship.” Acadiana Catholic, USCCB’s Respect Life Program, Pro Life Oratory Contest, Theology of the Body Workshops, and pro life presentations to schools upon request, to spread the pro-life message to the people of Acadiana. On the level of pastoral services, Ms. Meynard and Mrs. Littell began to lay the foundation for post-abortion healing retreats in the diocese when they attended a Rachel’s Leadership Training conference in 2002. The confer-
with the many pro-life marches and rallies which are held each year in January. Like the National March for Life in Washington, DC, these events are scheduled to closely coincide with the January 22 anniversary of Roe v. Wade, to serve as a powerful public reminder that no matter how many years this decision continues to be upheld in this country, it will never be accepted by those who believe in the sanctity of life.
For a schedule of this year’s pro-life activities in the area, please refer to page 3. Of course, after 40 years of legalized abortion, some may ask if any of these efforts are truly worthwhile, and do they really make an impact? Perhaps it’s arguable, but one fact is not: to date, the state of Louisiana ranks as one of the most pro-life states in the nation, with the ranking based on its pro-life legislative
January 2013 Page 17 record and its current body of pro-life laws. In 2006, Louisiana even became one of the first states to implement a “Trigger Law” which essentially stands ready to make abortion illegal (with the exception of considerations to save the life of the mother) as soon as the day comes that the decision of Roe v. Wade is overturned. It’s more than just wishful thinking. It’s the epitome of
Immaculate Heart students honor Mother Delille
Students at Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Lafayette recently reenacted the life’s journey of Mother Henriette Delille. This heartwarming performance gave light to struggles and perseverance of Mother Henriette Delille. Photo submitted by Brandy Batiste
Page 18 January 2012
Papal events, Vatican webcam feeds streamed live with new ‘Pope App’
by Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) The Vatican is offering a new app that provides live streaming of papal events and video feeds from the Vatican’s six webcams. “The Pope App� also will send out alerts and links to top stories coming out of the Vatican’s news outlets, said Gustavo Entrala, founder and CEO of the Spanish firm 101.es, which developed the free app. “You’ll have almost everything that the pope does or says� delivered to a mobile device and app users “will be able to watch the pope live every time he speaks,� he told reporters during a Dec. 3 news conference at the Vatican. The app should be available Dec. 10 for iPhone and iPad while an Android version is due out in January, he said. Most people only get to watch the pope live during the satellite broadcasts of Christmas and Easter events at the Vatican, he said. “And I was wondering, ‘What if the pope could be able to reach our hands, the hands of every single person in the world’� who has access to a mobile device or smartphone, he said. “We’ll have everything the pope says directly broadcast to your
phone,� for example, his Sunday Angelus, Wednesday general audience talks and other important events, he said. Users also can browse through the latest photos of the pope as well as search archived media, and all the links will be shareable online, he added. The Vatican started offering live streaming online of papal events on its Silverlight video player and through its news portal, news.va, in 2011. The new “Pope App� will alert users when an event is about to begin and the mobile device will receive the live feed directly from the Vatican Television Center, he said. The app also will give users views from any one of the Vatican’s six live webcams. Two webcams are located on the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica: one looking at St. Peter’s Square and, another at the Vatican governor’s office. Another is situated high on the colonnade around St. Peter’s Square looking at the basilica and papal apartments. One is directed at Blessed John Paul II’s tomb in St. Peter’s Basilica, another is high on the Vatican hill pointing toward the dome of the basilica and the last is aimed at the gardens of the papal summer villa in Castel Gandolfo. Entrala’s communications company also is designing a new ebook on the Year of Faith that will be released next year. Archbishop Claudio Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, said the Vatican has already sent out requests to every bishops’ conference in the world asking them to send his office texts, documents, photos, videos and even music tied to “local events celebrating the Year of Faith.� The first volume of the e-book will be dedicated to the pope’s contribution to the special year -- all his talks and other events, he said. Then there will be one volume for each of five continents containing multimedia materials showing how the Year of Faith was celebrated and lived out locally. When the Year of Faith ends Nov. 24, 2013, “we can have the richest, largest collection possible of these celebrations,� the archbishop said.
Acadiana Catholic
Family Missions Company to host retreat
ABBEVILLE Please note the change of date! To celebrate the Year of Faith, Family Missions Company will be hosting a two-day “Evangelization 101� retreat. The retreat is scheduled for February 22-23 at Our Lady of the Bayou Retreat Center in Abbeville During this inspiring retreat, FMC missionaries will share their expertise about witnessing your Catholic faith. Everyone can benefit from new ideas about becoming more effective in sharing our precious faith with others. St. Pius X Parish’s evangelization outreach group will be at-
FMC Missionaries Sharing the Faith in the Streets of Spain. Photo submitted by FMC
tending the retreat, but it is open to all parish groups and individuals. The cost for this overnight retreat, including food and housing is only $95 per person. Space is limited, so sign up soon by calling the FMC office at (337) 893-6111, or FMC’s retreat coordinator, David Yarborough, at (337)652-6450.
Bishop Jarrell visits Our Mother of Peace School
Bishop Michael Jarrell recently visited Our Mother of Peace School in Church Point. He served as celebrant of the school Mass and also attended a reception with students and faculty afterwards. Photo submitted byOur Mother of Peace School
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Bishop cites Dorothy Day, future saint
by Kathleen Toups LAFAYETTE The U.S. Catholic bishops at their recent meeting approved the cause for canonization of Dorothy Day, a 20th century activist for the poor. Bishop Michael Jarrell, celebrating Mass in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist for the feast of the Immaculate Conception, cited the example of Dorothy Day as a future saint. He admitted that Dorothy Day, who was born in 1897 and only died in 1980, had been a controversial figure in her life time and remains one today. “You can find things in her life you like, and you can find things you don’t like as well,” Bishop Jarrell said. “Early in her lilfe she lived a Bohemian life style, she admitted to having an abortion in her 20’s. But also in her 20’s she experienced a conversion to Catholicism, a conversion that was solid and lasting. “After her conversion she began attending daily Mass, a habit she sustained throughout her life. She prayed the rosary and had a devotion to the saints,” Bishop Jarrell continued. “Her husband at the time of her conversion was an atheist and complained ‘she was absorbed in the supernatural.’ They split up. She began her ministry to the poor in New York and continued it for the rest of her life.” “There are several things we can note about Dorothy Day as we consider her for sainthood,” Bishop Jarrell pointed out. “The first thing is her spirit of repentence for her sins. She was an
authentic testimony of the power Christ. Dorothy Day was merely of God’s grace because her requoting what she had read in the pentence was truly authentic. Gospel where our Lord Himself “The psalmist in today’s Mass tells us ‘whatever you do for any says, and I think Dorothy felt the of these, the least of my brothers and sisters, you do for Me.’ same way, ‘the Lord has done It is interestg r e a t things for ing the judgeus.’ She ment her care for the poor is a testimony to inspires when the power the source of of God’s her charity is grace in cited. bringing “For Doroabout rethy Day,” the bishop repentence in people, minded, “her love for the the bishop said. poor was the He reresult of her called faith in the reading a Incarnation, column that God becomes huin an area man. This newspais the reason per by Dorothy Day, co-founder of the Catholic Worker moveMichael ment, spent her adult life as an advocate for the poor Jesus taught G e r s o n , and the rights of workers. The U.S. bishops voted Nov. that what we w h o 13 on a canonical step for her canonization cause. do for others we do for w r i t e s CNS photo/courtesy Milwaukee Journal Him. Jesus took on human flesh, for the Washington Post, with a uniting Himself with the human very complimentary review of race. Dorothy Day was able to the bishops’ actions on Dorothy tie all this together, a belief in Day’s life, her concern for the the Incarnation and the applicapoor and her deep spirituality. tion that we love one another,” “But toward the end he gives a quotation from her writings Bishop Jarrell said. where she said, ‘The mystery “Dorothy Day is a great examof the poor is this, that they are Jesus and what you do for them, you do for Him.’ Then Gerson said, ‘this may be a pious overstatement.’ “This is not a pious overstatement,” Bishop Jarrell emphasized. “It is the Gospel of Jesus
January 2013 Page 19
ple of repentence and reconciliation. All during our lives, this year included, we have need for repentence for sin, our unfaithfulness, our lack of devotion, our lack of attention to our interior life, “ the bishop pointed out. “Through the example of her life Dorothy Day shows us a spiritual view of life, how life is to be lived. The Lord has done great things for Dorothy Day. The Lord can do great things for us,” Bishop Jarrell concluded.
From 2008, Catholic Worker Mike UcaDorn, left, assists V. Paige in selecting vegetables outside the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker House in Washington. Uca-Dorn and his wife lived at the house. The Catholic Worker movement marked its 75th anniversary on May 1, 2008. CNS photo/Bob Roller
Page 20 January 2012
St. Francis students participate in Advent
St. Francis School in Iota celebrating Advent as a school family by lighting the Advent Wreath. Alexis Fontenot lit the first candle in preparation of the season during a school assembly. Photo submitted by St. Francis School
Tell the People for January
LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Radio/TV Ministry invites everyone to tune in for the diocesan television program Tell the People every Sunday, immediately following the 10:00 a.m. broadcast of Sunday Mass on KATC TV-3. Each episode of Tell the People features local Catholic news and special segments on upcoming events, as well as an interview with Bishop Michael Jarrell. Throughout the month of January, Father Michael Russo will also be featured on the segment “What it Means to be Catholic.” On January 6, Ashton Mouton will appear on Tell the People to talk about the Catholics Come Home workshop being held at St. Pius X Church on January 17. On January 13, the Lafayette Diocese’s RCIA consul-
tant, John Schexnaildre, will be on hand to discuss upcoming RCIA workshops and general information about the RCIA process. On January 20, Michelle Hernandez will talk about the new divorce healing program beginning soon in the Lafayette Diocese (see related article on page 26). On January 27, Catholic Schools Superintendent Anna Larriviere will talk about this year’s celebration of Catholic Schools Week, scheduled for January 27-February 1). Past episodes of Tell the People are available for viewing at any time through the diocesan website, www.diolaf.org. To access these videos, please select the office page for Radio/ TV Ministry as found under the OFFICES tab of the home page.
Acadiana Catholic
National Vocation Awareness Week Set For Priesthood and Religious Life January 13-19
USCCB WASHINGTON The Catholic Church in the United States will celebrate National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW) January 13-19. The annual event earmarks a time for parishes to consider their role in promoting the role of priests, deacons and religious order brothers and sisters to Catholics deciding on their future. “National Vocation Awareness Week gives dioceses and parishes across the country a chance to promote vocations through prayer and education,” said Archbishop Robert Carlson, chairman of the bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations. “This is especially important in this Year of Faith and as the Church continues to focus on the New Evangelization. Vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life are essential in the Church’s mission of spreading the joy and love of Jesus Christ. Our world and culture needs the Good News of Christ more than ever.” Father Shawn McKnight, executive director of the Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations (CCLV), said research shows more youth consider a lifetime of service to the Church than family and friends realize. “A recent study found significant interest among never-married Catholics ages 14-35 in priesthood and the consecrated life,” he said. “We estimate that over 600,000 youth and young adults have seriously considered a religious vocation in the Church. This is good news. The challenge is to pray for them and encourage them to take the next step as they discern God’s call.” The study, “Consideration of
Among Never-Married U.S. Catholics,” was conducted by the Georgetown University-based Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) and commissioned by the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat for Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations. It is available at http://www.usccb.org/beliefsand-teachings/vocations/surveyof-youth-and-young-adults-onvocations.cfm Vocation Awareness Week reminds Catholics that they have responsibility to pray for vocations and to invite young people to consider a call to ordained ministry and consecrated life, said Father John Guthrie, CCLV associate director. “When someone is encouraged by three or more people to consider a religious vocation in the Church, they are more than five times more likely to seriously consider it, the CARA study showed. We need to be less shy about encouraging someone with the right qualities for religious life to think about it,” Father Guthrie said. The CCLV office will provide dioceses web resources such as prayer cards, suggested prayers of the faithful and bulletin-ready quotes. Materials can be downloaded from the USCCB Vocations page, www.usccb.org/ beliefs-and-teachings/vocations/ national-vocation-awarenessweek.cfm Observance of Vocation Awareness Week began in 1976 when the U.S. bishops designated the 28th Sunday of the year for the celebration. In 1997, it was moved to coincide with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, this year marked on January 13. Beginning in 2014, Vocation Awareness Week will be moved to the first full week of November.
Acadiana Catholic
January 2013 Page 21
Prayer journal written by Fr. Joseph Brennan now available
by Stephanie R. Martin LAFAYETTE Father Joseph Brennan, retired priest of the Diocese of Lafayette and author of several books in the past, has written a new prayer journal entitled A Retreat into Prayer: Examining the Prayer of Nothingness with Mother Teresa and her Sisters. As Father Brennan explains in the foreword, the book was inspired by a three-day retreat which he gave to Mother Teresa and her sisters while he was in Calcutta in the year 1995. The retreat focused on the topic of prayer, specifically “a prayer of nothingness--in which we dwell with the Lord in silence and allow Him to form us into what He has called us to be.” The book consists of 13 chapters, each of which strives to relate to prayer as “the rock bottom of our lives.” In Chapter 1, for instance, Father Brennan describes “The Path to Prayer” through the approach of accepting Jesus as a dear friend who does not have to be reminded of our deepest needs because He already knows. In the following chapters, Father Brennan refers to the parable of the lost sheep to affirm God’s love for us, and the comfort He offers to us as our Eternal Shepherd. Father Brennan also addresses a Fr. Joseph Brennan
very important dilemma which so many of us seem to face at one time or another: what do we do when we have problems with trying to pray as we feel that we should? To remedy this, Father Brennan stresses the need for silence, turning off the noise that distracts us from ourselves as well as from God. Father Brennan’s book also dedicates a chapter to an “Attitude Check” in which he urges readers to examine their internal attitudes and dispel any negative behavior and/or attitude which can hamper our spiritual growth and maturity. A Retreat into Prayer: Examining the Prayer of Nothingness with Mother Teresa and her Sisters is currently available for purchase through Crossroads and Acadian Religious Bookstores of Lafayette. The book is dedicated to St. Genevieve Parish in Lafayette, where Father Brennan served for 14 years, and also contains several photographs of the church, which was renovated just last year. Father Brennan feels honored to be known as Pastor Emeritus of St. Genevieve Parish, and celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination there in May 2009. Father Brennan retired from active ministry within the Lafayette Diocese in 1996, after having served the people of Acadiana for nearly 40 years. In addition to his pastoral care of St. Genevieve, his assignments included St. Helen Church in Louisa; St. Peter Church in Four Corners; Our Lady Queen of All Saints
Church in Ville Platte, which he helped to found; and Assumption Church in Franklin. Many will recall that he is also known as the young priest who, in his first area assignment as a hospital chaplain, encouraged a little girl by the name of Charlene Richard to offer up her suffering as prayer for others while she was ill. A Retreat into Prayer is Father Brennan’s 13th book, with several others also having been written as an endeavor to help people develop a greater spirituality through the power of prayer. A Retreat into Prayer: Examining the Prayer of Noth“How often in our ingness with Mother Teresa and her Sisters by Father day do we miss what we Joseph Brennan is now available through Crossroads and Acadian Religious Bookstores of Lafayette. see--the house-bound, compassion is developed within the clerk in the store, a a prayer life. . . .It is not how member of our family,” Father long we live, but how well we Brennan writes. “There is a call live. Prayer will decide that.” to be compassionate and this
Page 22 January 2012
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Acadiana Catholic
January 2013 Page 23
Sharing the gifts of faith: Mr. Joseph Sonnier
by Stephanie R. Martin PORT BARRE “I try to live according to God’s two greatest commandments--to love Him and to love my neighbor, and to love is to serve.” One of the very first things a person is sure to notice when he meets Mr. Joseph Sonnier is the energy he exudes. He’s talkative and enthusiastic, and he doesn’t hold back when he’s asked to share the story of what led him to his current position as a fourth grade teacher at Port Barre Elementary School. “I was told not to ever be ashamed to share it,” he says. “I had people who once inspired me, and I never know when hearing my story might inspire somebody else, so sharing it is a way to serve God.” And what an inspirational story he has to share. As a young man right out of high school, Mr. Sonnier always knew that he wanted to pursue a higher education. He enrolled in college, but due to his family’s circumstances at the time, he chose to leave after the first year so he could get a job and help his mother financially as she continued to raise his younger siblings. “Sometimes the path you may take is not the one you would have chosen,” he reflects. “God chooses it for you.” In Mr. Sonnier’s case, God chose to lead his path to Port Barre Elementary School, where he was hired as a custodian. Shortly thereafter, he was approached by the principal, Mr. Jones, who lit a spark in his heart that clearly still burns there to this very day. “He told me that I could be of a greater use to the students inside the classroom than out of it,” says Mr. Sonnier. “I hadn’t ever thought about being a teacher before, and I did not see that after 27 years as a custodian at that school, I would be a teacher there instead.” Something about the notion obviously must have intrigued him, however, and eventually Mr. Sonnier began seeking ways to test the waters in this area. He decided that he would try his hand at teaching religious education in his church parish of St. Mary’s,
coincidentally just a few hundred feet from the elementary school where he was employed. Not only did he find that he was wellsuited to the call, but also that he enjoyed it immensely, so much so that he continued to fulfill the role for another 20 years. He was also given other opportunities along the way. He became involved in officiating
for my classes, and coming back after class to finish my work,” explains Mr. Sonnier. In this manner he persisted, however, and after eight years he earned his degree with a 3.85 GPA, allowing him to finish sixth in his class. Just recently, Mr. Sonnier also earned his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. He’s
After 27 years as a custodian at Port Barre Elementary School, Mr. Joseph Sonnier is now in his fifth year as a teacher on the same campus. “Every single day I thank God for it,” says Mr. Sonnier, and he often reminds those around him that, “If God brings you to it, He will see you through it!” Photo by Stephanie R. Martin
baseball and basketball games, and he recalls that Mr. Jones and the succesion of principals who followed him at Port Barre Elementary continued to encourage him, but in Mr. Sonnier’s eyes his family always had to come first. He had a wife and children of his own by then, and he was determined that they would have the education they desired. In 2000, however, Mr. Sonnier proudly watched his youngest son graduate from high school and go on to college. He began to think hard about his unfulfilled ambitions and soon decided that it was finally time for him to return to school. He began taking classes whenever he could, most of them being at night, and when he reached the point that he had to schedule classes which were only offered during the day, he appealed to the school’s administrators for assistance. They agreed that they would help him find a way to maintain his work schedule around his classroom schedule. “Sometimes it meant going in to work from five to seven in the morning before I had to leave
not entirely sure about the idea of pursing his doctorate, but he does believe that he would someday like to become involved in the administrative levels of education. Presently, Mr. Sonnier is in his fifth year on the teaching staff of Port Barre Elementary; he taught third grade for his first three year, and is now halfway through his second year teaching fourth grade. Though he no longer teaches religious classes at St. Mary’s, he is still very active within his church parish, even serving on the parish council. He and his wife are also members of the Legion of Mary, and he enjoys giving his time to participate in prison ministry every Saturday. “Every single day I thank God for it,” says Mr. Sonnier, crediting his faith as the source of all his achievements. “I tell people all of the time, and I was telling it to my nephew just the other day--if God brings you to it, He will lead you through it. You just have to trust in Him to do that.”
Children’s book reveals pope’s sensitive side, secretary says
by Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) A new children’s book, released by the Vatican publishing house, accurately reveals the “very, very, very sensitive soul” of Pope Benedict XVI, said his personal secretary, Archbishop-designate Georg Ganswein. The Italian-language book, “The Mystery of a Little Pond,” was written and illustrated by the Russian painter Natalia Tsarkova and was presented at a Dec. 11 conference by the archbishop-designate and a panel of experts, including the director of the papal summer villa at Castel Gandolfo. The tale takes place in a pond guarded over by a statue of Mary in the gardens of the papal villa and features a little goldfish who -- even in real life -- is fed by Pope Benedict during his evening stroll. Archbishop-designate Ganswein, who will be ordained a bishop Jan. 6 by Pope Benedict and serve as prefect of the papal household, said the book accurately portrays a pope who “pays attention to the littlest creatures.” Young and old, he said, will “discover the mystery of the current pope who we all know is a great theologian with a very acute mind, but who has a very, very, very sensitive soul.” The 56-year-old archbishop-designate told those gathered for the book launch that during his years as a young assistant pastor in Germany’s Black Forest, he was in charge of the children’s liturgies. “It is never easy to prepare a homily -- sometimes you are able to do it well, sometimes less so -- it depends on several things,” he said. “But preparing a homily for children is draining,” the archbishop-designate said. “They immediately see if you are being superficial and they are unforgiving if you are not sincere.”
Page 24 January 2012
The Origin of the Pro-Life Rosary The pro-life rosary originated in the Lafayette Diocese in the year 1992, when nursing student Deanna Westbury became inspired to make a special rosary to concentrate on the many facets of the pro-life ministry. The idea came to her as she sat before the Blessed Sacrament in her church parish of St. Genevieve’s in Lafayette. “It was during Advent, a week or two before Christmas, when thoughts of ‘You need to make a pro-life rosary’ kept intruding during my Holy Hours,” Deanna wrote in her telling of the rosary’s origins. “I would treat the thought as a distraction to prayer--so I would simply put it out of my mind and redirect my focus back to our Eucharistic Lord in the tabernacle. Over the course of several days in front of the Blessed Sacrament the thought persisted nearly constantly, and now, even when I wasn’t in the Church the idea was insistent.” Finally Deanna came to realize that perhaps these thoughts were less of a distraction and more of a Divine request for her cooperation. Wanting to be obedient to the call, she sat down at her typewriter one evening and prepared to write out everything in her mind about these special rosary intentions. With the help and support of the Lafayette Diocese’s Pro-Life office, use of these meditations have since spread throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, France, China, Haiti, Africa, India, and Russia. Former Pro-Life Director Brenda Desmormeaux even saw to it that one of the pro-life rosaries and its meditations were sent to the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II. Two decades later, the prolife rosary is still a powerful weapon of faith, hope, and love.
How to Pray the
Acadiana Catholic
The Crucifix Pray: Lord, for all those who say, “I don’t believe,” I say “I believe in God. . .” Continue with saying the Creed.
Teurlings March/Rally for Life
(Clear or White Bead)
“We Stand for Life”
First Our Father
I/we offer this first Our Father for the intentions of our Holy Father, the Pope.
The Three Purple Hail Marys (The purple beads represent the Lord’s Passion and Death) Pray: Lord, I/we offer these three Hail Marys for an increase in Faith, Hope, and Love, in all people so that all people will always CHOOSE LIFE, and I/we also offer them in reparation for the suffering You endure each time an unborn baby is killed, each time someone is euthanized, each time death overcomes life in this world. Amen.
Pro-Life Rosary Makers
The First Decade (*State the Mystery of the Day) (Aqua-blue and white or clear beads) Pray: Dear Lord, Dear Mother Mary, every aqua bead in this decade is special for on it I/we pray that Hail Mary for the intentions of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and on every clear/white bead, I/we say that Hail Mary for peace in our world. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have Mercy on us! Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us! Amen.
Deanna Westbury
The Second Decade (*State the Mystery of the Day) (Red and clear or white beads) Pray: Jesus, Source of Mercy; Mary, Bearer of Mercy, on every red Hail Mary, I/we pray in reparation for the blood spilled from every baby wrenched from its mother’s womb through abortion. I/we know that even as You hold and comfort each of these precious little ones, the horror of their slaughter screams for justice to be meted out upon our world. May these red Hail Marys be a source of reparation for sin. I/we also offer each white/clear Hail Mary for the mothers and fathers of these aborted little ones, that they may receive the grace to repent of this sin, turn to Jesus, and receive the gift of salvation with open hearts. Heal them of the emotional and psychological wounds that this sin has caused as You pour out the graces of conversion upon them. Let them now witness for life! Amen.
“The Woman at the Well” is a powerful re-enactment that has become part of the Pro-Life Apostolate’s healing ministry.
Pro-Life Rosary Acadiana Catholic
Mysteries of the Holy Rosary *The Mysteries of the Rosary are to be meditated upon while praying the pro-life rosary.
The Third Decade (*State the Mystery of the Day)
(Black and clear or white beads)
The Joyful Mysteries Mondays & Saturdays 1. The Annunciation 2. The Visitation 3. The Nativity 4. The Presentation 5. The Finding in the Temple
Pray: Lord Jesus, Mother Mary, in this decade I/we pray the Hail Mary on every black bead in reparations for the sins of the entire medical profession: all doctors, nurses, and assistants of every type who contribute to abortion, euthanasia, or any procedure in the interest of death. On every white/clear Hail Mary I/we plead for their conversion. Let them see the truth of what they are doing, see the horror of it, rend their hearts in repentance, then work for Life and for You, Lord Jesus, all the rest of their days. Amen. L/R: Trista Littell (Assistant) and Karol Meynard (DIrector) of the Office of the Pro-Life Apostolate
The Fourth Decade (*State the Mystery of the Day) (Red, clear or white, and blue beads)
Pro-Life Rosary Makers
Pray: Lord Jesus, Source of All Truth, Our Lady of all Peoples, with every red Hail Mary I/we pray that every bad anti-life law in our nation and world be reversed. With every clear/white Hail Mary I/we plead protection and strengthening of every pro-life law in existence; and with every blue Hail Mary I/we petition for new and stronger pro-life laws to be enacted in our nation and in our world. Amen.
(Green and clear or white beads)
Mother Mary, Our Mother under the titles of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of Perpetual Help, Queen of Peace, join us in our intercession for the end of all pro-death activities. Crush the head of evil in our nation, our world, and in our personal lives. Roll back the crimson holocaust. With every clear/white Hail Mary of this decade advance the cause of your Divine Son, Jesus, the Incarnate Word! Stay the hand of chatisement, and if it must fall--protect your children. Amen.
The Sorrowful Mysteries Tuesdays & Fridays 1. The Agony in the Garden 2. The Scourging at the Pillar 3. The Crowning with Thorns 4. The Carrying of the Cross 5. The Crucifixion The Glorious Mysteries Wednesdays & Sundays 1. The Resurrection 2. The Ascension 3. The Coming of the Holy Spirit 4. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven 5. The Coronation of Our Lady as Queen of Heaven and Earth The Luminious Mysteries Thursdays 1. The Baptism of Christ 2. The Wedding at Cana 3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom 4. The Transfiguration 5. The Institution of the Eucharist
The Fifth Decade (*State the Mystery of the Day)
Pray: Lord Jesus, true God and true Man, I/we thank You for Your Incarnation. You were formed in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Your humanity at the moment of Your conception reveals the incomparable value of each and every one of us at the moment of our conceptions. Had Satan had his way, You too would have been torn from Your mother’s womb, never to be born and never to fulfill Your destiny in the particular manner in which You did fulfill it. The color green is symbolic of hope. On every green Hail Mary, I/we thank You for those who in any way work for life. Give them continued courage, strength, peace of heart, and love. Protect them from all evil and increase their witness in this nation and in this world. Strengthen their families to understand the importance of their work and to support them in their stand for life.
January 2013 Page 25
Choose Life. . .and Embrace It!
In Memory of All Those We Have Lost
Note: By maintaing the form/ structure/colors of the pro-life rosary, you maintain the witness that it provides because all who see it know what is being prayed for and where you stand on this issue! Unite your witness with others as you pray it at rallies, etc., as well as when you intercede alone. To order plastic pro-life rosaries and/or prayer cards, please contact: The Office of the Pro-Life Apostolate (337) 261-5607
Page 26 January 2012
Marriage 101: The Year of Faith
by Kelley Chapman T h e best way to promote and pronounce your faith is through your everyday actions. Do you go to Mass regularly? Do you avail the sacrament of Penance? Do you study the Bible? Do you sacrifice your time and energy toward the well-being of those in need? Are you a missionary for the church? These are things that you can apply to your daily life without having to leave your comfort zone. During the year of faith, many families are able to take this opportunity to rediscover faith. Doors open and close all the time. But the door to Jesus Christ our Savior is always open. It’s not just open for you, but it is open for all. This year is dedi-
Acadiana Catholic
Pre-K student lends determined hand
cated to strengthening the faith of all Christ’s children by reflecting on every detail. Go to Mass. Provide guidance with the daily activities of your children. Interact with your neighbor and lend a helping hand. Be courteous to the other driver on the road. Hold the door for someone. Turn the other cheek, feed the hungry, salve the wounded, and comfort the needy. Do the things we sometimes forget to do on a regular basis. But most of all, by doing these “things,” we are contributing to and creating tendencies that others will notice because of our individual actions. We all follow examples. Righteousness is contagious. The example that we set everyday helps us confirm how important the teachings of Jesus impact the lives of others. For more information, please visit usccb.org. Any questions or comments please email Kelley Chapman at kchapman@diolaf. org.
NEW! Catholic’s Divorce Healing Program
LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Marriage and Family Life is pleased to announce the beginning of an exciting new ministry for men and women who have suffered from divorce. Michelle Hernandez, Licensed Professional Counselor, will facilitate a workshop based on the DVD program The Catholic’s Divorce Survival Guide, to be held on April 13 and 20 at St. Edmond Church Hall in Lafayette. Ms. Hernandez is a parishioner of Our Lady of Wisdom Church in Lafayette. She trained at Loyola University in New Orleans and returned to her hometown of Lafayette with her three children after divorce. She has done work in the areas of relationships, marriage and family life, and will combine her professional and personal experience to help other Catholics on the journey after divorce. The cost for the program is $50.00 per person, which covers materials. For more information, please visit the Office of Marriage & Family Life section of the diocesan website, www.diolaf.org.
With help from his dad, Pre-K student Elliot Reed collected food for the annual “Food for Families” food drive, sponsored by KLFY TV-10 and FoodNet. Photo submitted by Sts. Leo-Seton School
LAFAYETTE Sts. Leo-Seton Catholic School Pre-K student Elliot Reed found it hard to accept that he couldn’t be a member of his big brother Isaiah’s Boy Scout troop during the recent “Food for Families” drive. Therefore, he took it upon himself to ask his dad to take him around their neighborhood to collect food so he could join his brother in donating the items at the Cajundome during the drive, which was held on December
5. The annual “Food for Families” drive is sponsored by KLYF TV-10 and FoodNet, a non-profit organization that distributes food in Lafayette Parish. Agencies that are served by FoodNet include Faith House Battered Women’s Shelter, the Children’s Shelter, St. Joseph Shelter for Men, Acadiana Youth Shelter for Girls, St. Joseph Diner, the Red Cross, Alleman Center, Acadiana Cares, St. Francis Foundation for Substance Abuse, and The Ark.
Acadiana Catholic
January 2013 Page 27
Seminarian Burses What is a seminarian burse?
A seminary burse is a “named” portion of the seminary endowment trust fund, which was started for the Diocese of Lafayette in the year 1919. Burses are commonly “named” either by the person or persons who established them, or in memory of a deceased loved one.
Incomplete Burses Chris Cambre is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Rick Cambre. He is sponsored by St. Pius X Church in Lafayette, and is currently in his third year Basselin at Theological College, Washington, DC.
How do seminarian burses contribute to the diocese’s ongoing seminary formation?
Money donated to the seminary trust fund remains as untouched principal, while interest from the trust is used to pay for the diocese’s annual cost of seminary formation. Currently, the interest from the trust pays 20% of this expense, while the remainder is supplemented by funds raised during the Bishop’s Services Appeal Campaign..
When is a seminarian burse complete?
Typically, a burse is completed when its balance reaches $15,000. This amount represented the total cost of educating a single seminarian back when the practice was first established, although today that cost has risen to approximately $200,000. Once a burse has reached $15,000, a new burse may be opened if those who established the original wish to continue their donations. At this time, a total of 98 burses have been completed for the Diocese of Lafayette.
Michael Deblanc II is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Deblanc, Sr. He is sponsored by St. Joseph Church in Parks, and is currently in his third theology year at Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans.
Rev. Mr. Dustin Dought is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Davie Dought. He is sponsored by St. Genevieve Church in Lafayette, and is currently in his fourth theology year at Theological College, Washington, DC.
Complete Burses 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 220 222 223 224 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 235 237 238 241 243 245 246 251 252 253 355 255 256 258 259 261 262 263 265 267 269 270 273 277 279 282 285
Bishop Jeanmard Memorial Burse Bishop Jeanmard Assumption Burse Bishop Jeanmard-Sacred Heart Burse Msgr. Amable S. Doutre Burse Msgr. Joseph Peeters Burse Msgr. Louis Massebiau Burse Msgr. George Mollo Burse Rev. Louis P. Castel Burse Rev. Julian Van Exem Burse #1 Bishop Duburg Assembly Burse Henry Lastraps Burse Genevieve Lastrapes Burse Church Point Burse St. John Marie Vianney Burse Rev. Auguste M. Viel Burse St. Andre Fournet Burse Julie Landry Burse A.C. Maraist Burse Msgr. Paul Fuselier Burse #1 Rev. Moise Hebert Burse Jeff Bienvenu Burse Immaculate Conception Burse #1 Gaspard Petitjean Family Burse Msgr. John A. Vigliero Burse Lay Honorees Burse#1 J.M. Lapeyre Family Burse St. Stephen Burse M/M P.J. Reiners Burse John Joseph Borel Burse Msgr. L.C. Habetz Burse Rev. J. Otto Jud Burse #1 Rev. J. Otto Jud Burse #2 Msgr. Hubert A. Lerchen Burse St. Theresa Burse #1 Serra Club Burse Gabriel Lucas Memorial Fund (Morse) Burse CDA Burse #1 Msgr. Paul Fuselier Burse #2 Heck & Langlois Guillot Burse M/M Fournet Burse #1 Rev. OJ. Chauvin Burse Msgr. Paul Fuselier Burse #3 Denise & Erin Canan Burse O’Neil Hebert Burse Msgr. Paul Fuselier Burse #4 Lay Honorees Burse #2 Military Chaplains Burse Bishop Schexnayder Memorial Burse #1 Bishop Schexnayder Memorial Burse #2 Msgr. Paul Fuselier Burse #5 Caliste A. Duplantis, Jr Burse Rev. Verbis Lafleur Burse #1
287 289 296 298 299 302 305 306 307 310 311 312 313 314 315 316 317 320 321 324 325 328 329 333 334 335 336 338 339 341
Msgr,. John Disch Burse Msgr. Lawrence Fournet Burse A Priest Burse #1 Msgr. Paul Fuselier Burse #6 James J. Frey, Sr Burse Ben & Louisa Larriviere Burse Laperouse Family Burse Marcel/alfred Gaudet Burse #1 CDA Burse #2 Msgr. George Bodin Burse Rev. Verbis Lafleur Burse #2 M/M Milton Esteves Burse Sacred Heart Parish, Ni Burse Luke/Rita Bernard Burse Marcel/Alfred Gaudet Burse #2 Marcel/Alfred Gaudet Burse #3 Marcel/Alfred Gaudet Burse #4 Lay Honorees Burse #3 Fr. Jean Paradis Burse #1 Msgr. Albert Bacque Burse #1 Fr. Raphael Gauthier Burse #1 Anonymous #1 Sonnier Burse Lay Honorees Burse #4 Anonymous #2 Msgr Edward D. Fruge Pro-life Priest Burse M/M Milton Esteves Burse #2 M/M Milton Esteves Burse #3 Luke & Rita Bernard Memorial Burse #2 342 Coignard/Gremillion Burse 343 St. Theresa Of Lisieux Burse 344 Eula Mae Bernard Burse 345 Leonas & Alice Freyou Fam Memorial Burse 347 Anonymous #3 349 Bishop’s Helper Burse #1 350 Bishop’s Helper Burse #2 353 Nativity Of Our Lady Burse 355 Gabriel Lucas Mem (Morse) 357 Therese Esteves Burse #4 360 Lay Honorees Burse #5 361 Anonymous #4 362 St. Jude Burse 365 Msgr. Guy Lemoine Burse 369 Anonymous #5 371 Mildred Arceneaux Burse 374 Anonymous #6 382 Anonymous #7 388 Blessed John Paul II 391 Florence Mauboules Trust
Blake Dubroc is the son of Mr. Ted Dubroc and Mrs. Sandra Laborde. He is sponsored by Our Lady of Wisdom Church in Lafayette, and is currently in his pre-theology first year at St. Joseph Seminary College, LA, Bro. Nicholas Dupre, CJC, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Davis. He is sponsored by Our Lady of Wisdom Church in Lafayette, and is currently in his third theology year at the Community of Jesus Crucified.
219 Msgr. Wm. J. Teurlings 13,417.00 236 John E. Lee, Jr. 9,324.60 239 St. Joseph 9,076.48 242 Lee C. Lavergne 7,079.73 244 Rev. Julian Van Exem #2 12,524.06 248 Msgr. Alphonse Martel 11,000.00 254 Rusty Randol 1,742.76 260 St. Theresa #2 5,697.46 266 Paul & Mary Karre 2,105.00 268 M/M Fournet #2 570.65 271 Rev. J.A.M. Van Brero 710.00 272 Msgr P. Alexandre Borel 1,625.00 274 Msgr Emery Labbe Burse 6,310.00 278 Msgr Daniel Bernard 3,674.64 281 Harry Van Tiel Family 3,969.00 283 Noemie L. Petitjean 2,000.00 284 Msgr. Daniel Habetz 6,590.00 286 P.J. Reiners #2 9,500.00 288 Rev Oscar Drapeau 2,000.00 290 Rev. P.G.J. Kemps 1,000.00 291 Lucille M. Griffin Mem. 5,000.00 292 Anonymous 10,470.00 293 Msgr. Fernand Gouaux 4,770.00 294 Robert A. Frey Memorial 7,360.00 297 A Priest Burse #2 12,400.00 308 Harold/Ruby Moreau Family Memorial 5,000.00 309 Libby Holcombre Memorial Burse 2,000.00 318 Msgr. Marcel Murie Burse 5,260.00 319 Marcel/alfred Gaudet #5 1,942.80 322 Fr Jean Paradis Burse #2 5,000.00 323 Charlene Richard Burse 3,030.00 326 Fr. Raphael Gauthier Burse #2 3,757.17 327 Msgr. Albert Bacque Burse #2 325.00 330 Rev Verbis Lafleur #3 8,250.00 332 Ben/Louisa Larriviere Burse #2 3,750.00 337 Col. Chap Kenneth Bienvenu Bur 13,814.99 340 Rev. James Doiron Burse 2,272.17 346 Msgr. Alexander O. Sigur Mem. 2,250.00 348 Rev. J. Wilson Matt & Mire Fam 500.00 351 Sonnier Burse #2 11,300.00 352 St. Edmond Church Parish 9,000.00 354 CDA #3 10,750.63 356 Mrs. Louise White 10,110.00 358 Therese Esteves #5 7,516.49 359 St Peter Par-New Iberia 10,422.35 363 Ramona Crosby Bennerfield 2,180.52 364 St. Jude Burse #2 8,030.00 366 A. Otis & Etta Hebert Memorial 5,000.00 367 Bishop O’Donnell Burse 3,545.00 368 Reverend Jules Speyrer 10,000.00 370 Msgr. Burton Mouton Burse 10,700.00 375 Rev Charles Marin Burse 500.00 376 Bishop Jeanmard Burse 6,214.00 377 Marie Franques Kenneth Lacaze 3,000.00 378 Bishop Gerard Frey Burse 12,522.00 379 Rev. Moise Hebert #2 3,403.61 380 Lay Honorees #6 3,974.50 381 Mrs Dorphi Marie Duhon Mem. 2,181.50 383 James K Bourque Mem Burse Fund 4,330.00 384 Bishop Schexnayder Burse #3 940.19 385 Fr. Mike Bakowski Mem Burse 3,600.00 386 Coignard/Gremillion Burse #2 2,500.00 387 In Memory Of Mr & Mrs Scranton Mouton 9,000.00 388 Blessed John Paul II 21,030.00 389 Rev. Donald Leger Mem Burse 960.00 390 Claire & Allen Anding 13,000.00 392 John Rochel Landry Memorial Burse 2,000.00 393 Anonymous Retired Priest Burse #8 4,000.00 December Donors 376 Halina Kozeill 750.00 377 Mr. Shelby Mier 500.00 392 Dr. & Mrs. Alphonse Landry 2,000.00 393 Anonymous Retired Priest 4,000.00
Photos by Paul Kieu
Who can establish and contribute to a seminarian burse?
Anyone is capable of establishing a burse and naming it as desired, and anyone can contribute simply by specifying the designated burse name when the contribution is made. Contributions may be mailed to the Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Vocations, 1408 Carmel Drive, Lafayette, LA 70501.
How is a seminarian burse established?
Anyone who is interested in establishing a new seminarian burse may also contact the Office of Vocations at (337) 261-5690.
Correction
On the Seminarian Burses page of the October edition of the Acadiana Catholic, the incorrect sponsoring parishes were given for seminarians Andrew Schumacher and Brent Smith. The correct sponsoring parish for both is Our Lady of Wisdom Parish, Lafayette.
Page 28 January 2012
Acadiana Catholic
Acadiana Catholic
January 2013 Page 29
Church must highlight women’s vital role in ministry, says US speaker
by Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) To counteract the widespread perception that women don’t have a vital role in the church, Catholics need to learn more about the historical importance of women in ministry and re-tell those stories to younger generations, said a prominent U.S. Catholic speaker. Catholics need “to take these young people, sometimes adults, under our wing and talk about these things and share our own life story of ministry,” said Vicki Thorn. Thorn, who is the founder of Project Rachel -- a Catholic postabortion healing ministry -- and executive director of the National Office of Post-Abortion Reconciliation and Healing in Milwaukee, was attending a Dec. 9-12 international congress at the Vatican. The congress marked the 15th anniversary of the Synod of Bishops for America, and Thorn addressed one of the assembly’s working groups in a talk about the church’s vision of the dignity of women. She told Catholic News Service Dec. 10 that the church needs to shine the spotlight back on the significant role women have played in the life of the church. “If you look at Scripture, there were the women who fed Jesus, supported him and traveled with the Apostles,” she said. “Women have always been the pragmatic responders,” she said. “If you look at the saints, women saw a need, they went and took care of it” and worked with other church authorities to get the necessary infrastructure and support to keep their services going, such as caring for the sick or neglected, and educating the young.
Many Catholics, especially young adults, are surprised when they hear stories of the saints’ strength and gumption, she said. “We have to reclaim that, it’s our tradition.” Part of the reason why women’s contributions get overlooked, she said, is women are often too concerned with getting things done than tooting their own horns; another problem is that the mass media interpret the fact that priestly ordination is open only to men as proof the church considers women to be inferior. “But our role is different than the role of men, and that’s not a problem,” she said. However, “in the media there’s this mindset that we should be the same. No, we shouldn’t. There’s complementarity and that’s what’s important.” Women “bring to the church perceptiveness; the way we view the world is different than the male way and that’s not bad,” she said. So-called “gender neutrality” ends up erasing the two gender’s unique gifts, she added. “Women who are involved in the church have to tell the stories and take pride in what women have done because we get caught up in the authority issue,” she said. Women have had different kinds of authority in the church, Thorn said, with women running religious communities, schools, hospitals and other institutions even long before they were allowed such positions in secular society. Thorn said that when she tells young women about the long history of women in the church, “their faces light up” and they want to know more. “We, for centuries, have been a people of story,” yet those days of passing on the faith in an infor-
mal family setting are now rare, she said. Stories or experiences of faith had been handed down from grandmothers and other relatives to the younger generations, she said, giving life to the saying: “Faith is caught, not taught.” Stained glass windows, statues and other sacred artwork were all meant to offer an opportunity to tell the story of the event or holy person depicted, but now people just see them as beautiful artistic decorations, missing their true purpose. “There is this vacuum” in a lack of well-catechized adults, including parents, who are knowledgeable about church history, she said. Given the success, for example, of the “Veggie Tales” Christian video series for kids, Thorn said, Catholic media could create compelling videos for children that
explain the lives of women saints and help kids apply those stories’ lessons to real-life problems. “There are great adventures in many of those lives,” she said, like St. Teresa of Avila who, opposed to her father’s wishes, sneaked away in the dead of night to a Carmelite convent to escape being married off. The saint’s story also helps kids become aware of the continued problem of forced marriage in some cultures and how, as a church, people can help those on the run, said Thorn. Teaching and ministering need renewed attention as “I think in some respects over time we grew away from the practical work of the church and we became more bureaucratic.” “Feeding the people, walking with Jesus, making sure he had what was needed, that’s what’s important,” she said.
CROWLEY St. Michael School in Crowley recently recognized 10 outstanding sixth-grade students who were nominated to participate in the Junior National Young Leaders Conference (JrNYLC). These students were nominated due to their motivation, academic achievement and leadership potential. The JrNYLC offers students the opportunity to learn about leadership by studying the leaders of the past to make a positive impact in their homes and communities. The conference will be
held in Boston and it is designed to educate, inspire, and motivated students by giving them the confidence and leadership skills that will take them through high school and beyond. In related news, St. Michael’s also recognized six fourth-grade students who merited recognition by Duke University Talent Identification Program. These students scored 95% or higher on one or more sections or designated subsections on their SAT test, which places them in the top 5% of students in their grade level.
St. Michael school students receive junior national young leaders honors
Certified Recognition Masters www.awardmaster.com
Pictured above are the sixth-graders from St. Michael School who were nominated to participate in the Junior National Young Leaders Conference, to be held in Boston later this year. Photo submitted by St. Michael School
Page 30 January 2012
Acadiana Catholic
Newly beatified Indian lay martyr praised for refusing to reject faith
by Anto Akkara Catholic News Service BANGALORE, India (CNS) The life of Blessed Devasahayam Pillai, an 18th-century Catholic layman who was martyred for refusing to refute his faith despite being brutally tortured, was held up as an example for all Christians to embrace. “(India) can rejoice as this great martyr is now only a step away from being a declared saint,” Bishop Peter Remigius of Kottar told Catholic News Service Dec. 3, a day after 400,000 people attended the beatification ceremony in Nagercoil, in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. “It was a wonderful event and the people were really excited,” the bishop said. Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for the Saints’ Causes, presided during the ceremony. Father Antony Gabriel, vice postulator of the canonization process, described Blessed Pillai as a “true martyr.” Born in an upper-caste family
in 1712 and named Neelakandan, Blessed Pillai became a trusted soldier of the Hindu king, but later incurred his wrath for embracing Christianity. While incarcerated, Blessed Pillai shared his woes and frustration with Eustachius Benedictus de Lannoy, a Dutch Catholic military officer who had been imprisoned following the war between the Dutch East India Company and the Indian state of Travancore, Father Gabriel explained. De Lannoy narrated the biblical story of Job to his prison mate, after which Blessed Pillai began reading the Bible. When Blessed Pillai approached Catholic officials asking to embrace Christianity, church officials were “hesitant and discouraged him,” Father Gabriel said. “Because he (Pillai) was a royal official, they feared that this might anger the (Hindu) king,” he explained. Blessed Pillai persisted, however, and was baptized in May 1745. He was given the name
Devasahayam, a Tamil rendering of the biblical name Lazar, meaning “God has helped.” He began preaching and converted his wife and others. “This made the Brahmins (upper-caste priestly class) angry, and the chief of army also conspired against him,” Father Gabriel said. In 1749, Blessed Pillai was arrested again and was sentenced to death. However, just before he was sent to the gallows, the Hindu king canceled the execution order. Blessed Pillai remained imprisoned for three more years,
enduring torture and public beatings and ridicule for refusing to renounce his faith. “Meanwhile, people had noticed his strong faith and started becoming Christians,” Father Gabriel said. “That was why he was secretly taken to a jungle and shot dead.” While his body was thrown into the jungle 11 miles from Nagercoil, Christians later discovered his remains and buried them in front of the altar in St. Francis Xavier Church, which now serves as the Kottar diocesan cathedral.
Faith of Our Fathers
Members of the Central Region Council greeted and staffed the first 3-night session of “Faith of our Fathers”, the Central Region’s program designed to celebrate the “Year of Faith”. The first session was held at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Scott, and featured Monsignor Robie Robichaux, JCL, VJ, Father Michael Russo, and Father Bryce Sibley as guest speakers. Pictured from left to right are: (front row) Donna Gerald, Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Broussard; Mary Bergeron, Executive Assistant to Father Thomas James, SVD, VE, Episocpal Vicar for the Central Region; Betty and Voorhies Short, Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Broussard; Gayle Landry, St. Elizabeth Seton Church, Lafayette; (middle row) Margie LeBlanc, St. Mary Mother of the Church, Lafayette; Michelle Devall, St. Pius X Church, Lafayette; Sandra Moore, Our Lady of Fatima Church, Lafayette; (back row) Michael Gerald, Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Broussard; Amie Clostio, Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Scott; and Steve Moore, Our Lady of Fatima Church. Additional members of the Central Region Council were present but not pictured. Videos of the three Session One presentations may currently be viewed online at www.diolaf.org; for access, please click on the “Year of Faith” banner located at the top of the home page and follow the link labeled “Faith of Our Fathers: A Year of Faith Speaker Series.” For information on Session Two of the “Faith of Our Fathers” series, please see the ad on page 9 of this edition. Photo submitted by Mary Bergeron
Acadiana Catholic
January 2013 Page 31
The joys & disappoitments of 60 years of priesthood
by Kathleen Toups LAFAYETTE His more than 60 years of priesthood have given Father Floyd J. Calais many joys and disappointments he told an overflow audience at the December program of Food for the Journey. But he emphasized, “I’m glad I’m a priest.” A native of Cecilia, he reflected on his years of ministry in varied assignments in New Iberia, Melville, Richard, Abbeville, and Lafayette. He recalled wondering before ordination, which sacrament would he enjoy the most. “Baptism is a wonderful thing. A small baby comes to church without grace. I hold water in my hands and in an instant this infant becomes a child of God, “ Father Calais said. “Hearing confessions is a wonderful experience,” he added. “You can see the relief on people’s faces as they hear the words of forgiveness. “I look forward to saying Mass,” Father Calais emphasized. “It has been such a joy, all these years, saying Mass. You say a few words and suddenly the Creator of the world is in your hands. What more could you hope for? God has shared with me and other priests His redemptive power.” However, the priesthood is not without its disappointments, Father Calais admitted. He expressed that he found weddings hard to enjoy sometimes if there was a lack of preparation, no concept of the sacredness of the sacrament, or too much emphasis on externals, dress, flowers, etc. “Weddings well done are so beautiful,” Father Calais said. “In the1980’s, I baptized a baby at Holy
Cross. Later I had the privilege of witnessing her wedding at the Cathedral. She had prayed to meet the right mate. “In the sacrament of matrimony, couples receive special graces which remain throughout their married life,” Father Calais reminded the audience. A few weeks ago, he met a lady after Mass who wanted him to visit her husband who needed surgery for stomach cancer, had heart problems and hadn’t been to church in 30 years. Father Calais visited the couple; the wife went next door so he would be alone with the husband. “I softened him up,” he recalled, “told him about my riding a bicycle backwards and other stories to make him laugh.” Then he spoke seriously about the coming surgery. “Do you think God can help you?” The man replied, ‘Yes.’ I told him, “God sent me to talk to you because He wants you back in the fold.” The man went to confession, and when Father Calais offered to give him the Sacrament of Anointing, they asked the wife to return so she could witness it. Father Calais had brought Communion, which the man received. Later, he realized he had forgotten to give the man the Apostolic Papal blessing, so he returned to the house, found many cars, the children were visiting. Father Calais said he gave the Papal blessing and everyone prayed for Pope Benedict XVI. After the surgery, Father Calais visited them again. The man told him, “Father you make me feel important.” “You are important,” Father Cal-
Several priests were in attendance at the December session of “Food for the Journey” to hear guest speaker Father Floyd Calais speak on the sacraments and priesthood. Pictured from left to right are Rev. Ryszard Kalinowski, SVD, Chaplain - University Medical Center; Rev. Glenn Meaux - Kobonal Haiti Mission; Rev. Floyd Calais, Guest Speaker; Very Rev. Thomas James, SVD, VE, Episcopal Vicar for the Central Region; Rev. Louis Richard, Pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Broussard. Also in attendance but not pictured was Rev. Rofinus Jas, SVD, Associate Pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Lafayette. Photo submitted by Mary Bergeron
ais told him. “Jesus, Son of Mary, created you.” Father Calais also noted, “This is the way marriage is supposed to work. Two become one, and the wife was very concerned about her husband’s spiritual welfare.” Looking back at his pre-ordination attitude, Father Calais remembers asking his pastor, Father
George Braquet in Cecilia, “Do you think I can do this?” Father Braquet replied, “Don’t you think God will be with you? He will not abandon you.” “’This is true, I’m glad I’m a priest,” Father Calais emphasized in conclusion. He received an extended standing ovation from the audience.
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Hispanic Ministries’ Provincial Encuentro in New Orleans METAIRIE The Hispanic Center in Metairie recently hosted the Provincial Encuentro of Louisiana for the Southeast Pastoral Institute (SEPI). The event was coordinated by SEPI in conjunction with the Archdiocese of New Orleans and allowed coordinators, directors and leaders of the Hispanic Ministries of the seven Louisiana dioceses to gather together for the one-day. A total of 13 leaders and coordinators from the Diocese of Lafayette--including Cristina LeBlanc (Director), Deacon Juan Carlos Pagan (Program Coordinator), and Father Jairo Castano (Pastoral Coordinator) of the Office of Hispanic Ministry--attended this day of formation, fraternity and pastoral work for all. Father Fr. Rafaél Capó, Sch. P, director of SEPI, opened the Encuentro with a special prayer. José (Pepe) Alonso of EWTN was also in attendance as one of the main presenters, and Archbishop of New Orleans, Most Rev. Greg-
Council II and its richness for the Church today • The calling to the New Evangelization • Reflection and work in groups on subjects of the Synod of Bishops refer ring to the new evangeli zation • Time of New Evangeliza tion • Transmit Faith • Revive the Pastoral Ac tion
A total of 13 leaders and coordinators representing the Hispanic Ministry of the Diocese of Lafayette recently attended the Southeast Pastoral Institute’s (SEPI) Provincial Encuentro of Louisiana at the Hispanic Center in Metairie. The one-day event was an opportunity for representatives of all seven Louisiana dioceses to come together to discuss their work in Hispanic ministry. Photo submitted by the Office of Hispanic Ministry
ory Michael Aymond, welcomed the group with kind words. In response to Pope Benedict XVI’s call, SEPI has asked their Provincial Encuentros to support the Year of the Faith for the Hispanic Ministry in the Louisiana
dioceses by promoting a reflection about the new evangelization and the transmission of faith for the Hispanic people. Topics covered throughout the day included: • A review of Vatican
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Congratulations to swim team champs
Two members of the Notre Dame PIO Swim team captured State Championship honors at the State Swim Meet on Thursday, November 15th in Sulphur. Erin Trahan (second from left) broke the state record in the 50 freestyle and also placed second in the 100 butterfly. Sarah Simar (on right) placed first in state in the 100 butterfly and took second in the 200 individual medley. The girls are pictured with ND Chancellor, Fr. Matthew Higginbotham, and Swim Coach, Jenny Didier, after receiving their medals following Wednesday’s Liturgy. Photo submitted by Notre Dame High School
Did You Know? Safe Environment Tips
CyberTipline Fights Internet Crimes Against Children The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other government agencies all work together to fight Internet crimes against children. They’ve established a “CyberTipline,” a reporting mechanism for cases of child sexual exploitation including child pornography, online enticement of children for sex acts, molestation of children outside the family, sex tourism of children, child victims of prostitution, and unsolicited obscene material sent to a child. Reports may be made--24 hours per day, seven days per week--online at www.cybertipline.com or by calling (800) 843-5678. IOK, Knowing Internet Lingo Can Help Parents Safeguard Kids Online chat rooms, instant messaging systems, and even cell phones equipped to send text messages are environments rich in abbreviations, acronyms, and other shorthand that help increase the speed of communication. Parents need to become aware of some of the common lingo that is used in these environments. Some of these terms may be found to be vulgar, degrading, or otherwise offensive. However, parents and educators need to have a level of understanding of the dangers that face our children. Source: Bob Farley, “Exposing the Dangers of Chat Rooms,” featured March 14, 2005 at www.virtusonline.org/ virtus. To report the abuse of children and young people, please contact Sister Kathleen Farrelly, O.Carm, LCSW Victim Assistance Coordinator for the Diocese of Lafayette 1001 West Pinhook Road, Suite 205 Lafayette, LA (337) 298-2987
January 2013 Page 33
Acadiana Catholic represented at CPA’s regional meeting
SAVANNAH, GA Participants also heard from The Diocese of Savannah, Anthony Spence, Director/EdiGeorgia recently hosted the tor-in-Chief of Catholic News Catholic Press Association’s Service (CNS) and Timothy Southern Regional Meeting for Walter, Executive Director of the year 2012. Approximately the CPA. 27 individuals representing 13 Participants were treated to Catholic dioceses and/or orgaa tour of Savannah’s Cathedral nizations were in attendance, inof St. John the Baptist, as well cluding Stephanie Martin, Manas a tour of parts of the Savanaging Editor of the Acadiana nah College of Art & Design Catholic. (SCAD). They were also taken The present-day Catholic on a walking photo assignment Press Association (CPA) was ortour of downtown Savannah, ganized during a meeting in Coguided by three professional lumbus, Ohio in August 1911. photographers who offered variAccording to the organization’s ous tips of their trade along the by-laws, its general purpose is way. Later, some of the photos “to assist its members to serve taken by the participants during effectively, through the medium the tour were reviewed during a of the printed word, the social, live photo editing session. intellectual and spiritual needs The two-day meeting conof the entire human family, and cluded with a round table disto spread and support the Kingcussion in which participants dom of God.” The Acadiana shared news and ideas from their Catholic is a longtime member own dioceses. of the CPA. Workshops during the southern regional meeting included presentations by Michael Trujillo, Relationship Manager of Communications with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Michelle Johnson, Director of Communications with EWTN. Mr. Trujillo gave an overview of media resources that are available through CRS, while Ms. Johnson offered suggestions for covering the Roman Catholic Church’s current celebration of the Year of The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Savannah, GA Faith.
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Acadiana Catholic
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Our Lady of Guadalupe’s devotion extends beyond the Americas by David Agren Catholic News Service MEXICO CITY (CNS) Ana Rita Valero received an unlikely request in 2008. Valero, an anthropologist and president of the Archconfraternity of Our Lady of Guadalupe, was asked by an official with the Mexican consulate in Shanghai to send two large images of Our Lady of Guadalupe. “It was the least likely place we could have sent images,” Valero said, recalling the cool commercial relations between Mexico and China at the time. But the images were well received by Chinese Catholics and were placed in the cathedrals of Beijing and Shanghai.
of Guadalupe in northern Mexico City -- many non-Mexicans also mark the day. Many do so in unlikely places, far from Tepeyac Hill, home of the basilica and the site where Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared in 1531 to St. Juan Diego. Valero has sent images of Our Lady of Guadalupe around the world -- as far away as Australia, she said. Her organization has chapters on four continents and in countries as disparate as Canada, Slovakia and the Philippines, where she sees growing interest. “I’ve never seen it so strong,” she said of the international interest in Our Lady of Guadalupe. “I see a boom internationally.” Valero participated in the 1949 gifting of an image Our Lady of Guadalupe to the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris as a girl, her family having sailed to Europe on the Queen Mary with a Mexican group. The childhood trip and the request from the Mexican diplomat in China -- who acted of his own accord, not as an agent of a government with a history of uneasy relations with the Catholic Church -- are examples of what Valero says are the way the devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe has spread: by devotees taking her image Photo provided by the Office of Hispanic Ministry and story abroad. “The Chinese population liked “It permits them to not break them and began going there to the link with their homeland, pray,” she said. which they miss,” Valero said of Our Lady of Guadalupe is intiMexicans. mately associated with Mexico and Their stories can be touching. forms part of the Mexican identityAntonio Pun Valdez was born -even for many non-Catholics, who in Sinaloa state to a Chinese facall themselves, “Guadalupanos.” ther and Mexican mother, but they But with the feast of Our Lady were expelled in the late 1920s of Guadalupe Dec. 12-- when milduring a wave of bigotry; they were only allowed to return in lions of Mexicans make pilgrimages to the Basilica of Our Lady 1960. Pun, who would later open
a restaurant in Guadalajara, Mexico, and start a personal mission to promote Our Lady of Guadalupe in Hong Kong and China, said his mother shared her devotion with her children, despite being far from her homeland. “I learned about (Our Lady of Guadalupe) before I learned Spanish,” Pun told CNS in 2010. Pun’s mission has been small in scope -- as with most attempts at sharing Our Lady of Guadalupe, who has gained grass-roots acceptance in Mexico and Latin America. Father Antonio Camacho Munoz, priest with the Missionaries of Guadalupe, said the devotion grew some- Local members of the HIspanic community in Acadiwhat organically as local ana proudly participated in this procession in honor populations took a liking of Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish in Abbeville. Photo provided by the Ofto a figure from their side fice of Hispanic Ministry of the world, not another sometimes comes from the way brought in from Europe. Our Lady of Guadalupe is preOur Lady of Guadalupe “is sented and the story of her appearsomething unique to the identity ance in 1531. of all Latin Americans, not just “It’s Mary coming close to a Mexicans,” said Father Camacho, people,” he said. who was a missionary in Japan for The Missionaries of Guadalupe eight years. were founded to preach the GosOverseas, the devotion has pel in non-Christian countries, not grown, especially in places such promote devotion to Our Lady of as Korea, Hong Kong, the PhilipGuadalupe. Still, “Everywhere we pines and Eastern Europe, Father go, we take an image of GuadalCamacho said. upe,” Father Navarro said. “This Father Marco Antonio Navarro, draws attention.” another priest with the MissionarAdding even more to the apies of Guadalupe, who also minpeal and the devotion, Valero said, istered in Japan, said acceptance “She’s the mother of God.”
This local celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe was hosted by St. Jules Church in Lafayette. Photo provided by the Office of Hispanic Ministry
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Pope: Americas need renewed missionary spirit, wellcatechized laity
by Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) The universal church needs Catholics in the Americas who are joyful missionaries, well-catechized and faithful to the teachings of the church, Pope Benedict XVI said. The only way to solve today’s problems is through credible and effective Christian witness and charity, he said, since only actions based on God’s truth and love can be the “decisive force which will transform the American continent,” he said. The pope made his comments during the opening Mass of a Dec. 9-12 international congress marking the 15th anniversary of the Synod of Bishops for America. The congress, organized by the Pontifical Commission for Latin America and the Knights of Columbus, was looking at ways Catholics can cooperate more closely to confront today’s challenges in North, Central and South America. The pope said some of the problems the whole continent must deal with include increased secularization, affronts to human dignity, threats to the institution of marriage, migration, violence, the illegal drugs and arms trades, corruption and inequality and poverty “caused by questionable economic, political and social”
policies. While the solutions will require careful technical or institutional responses, nothing will ever be fully resolved without an “encounter with the living Christ,” he said. It’s that personal rapport with God that “gives rise to attitudes and ways of acting based on love and truth” -- the true source and light for real transformation, he said. In order to bring that saving message to everyone in a way that’s effective and credible, Catholics need to “purify and strengthen” their spiritual lives by growing closer to God, especially through the sacraments, the pope said. “This will be encouraged by a correct and ongoing doctrinal formation marked by complete fidelity to the word of God and the church’s magisterium,” he said. “A renewed missionary spirit and zealous generosity” will be “an irreplaceable contribution to what the universal church expects and needs from the church in America,” he added. Carl A. Anderson, supreme knight of the Knights of Columbus, told the congress that the Americas represent a new “postChristian” land, in which people are familiar with Christ and, at the same time, woefully ignorant of his message.
Cardinal Marc Ouellet, prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for Bishops, elevates the chalice during the opening Mass of the International Congress on the Church in America held in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Dec. 9. Pope Benedict XVI delivered remarks at the conclusion of the Mass. CNS photo/Paul Haring
Pope Benedict XVI waves as he arrives to make remarks at the conclusion of the opening Mass of the International Congress on the Church in America held in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Dec. 9. CNS photo/Paul Haring
American countries and cultures “built upon Christian faith show great failures of charity, dignity and truth -- failures inconsistent with being disciples of the God who is love,” he said Dec. 10. Such ignorance not only has facilitated a culture of death throughout the Americas, it has also “resulted in a mischaracterization of Christ and of the mission of the church.” The world is “mortally hungry for the presence of the living God,” he said, and those who are poor or hurting must be able to see the “caring face of Christ in those he has called to follow him.” The only way the church can be that hopeful, loving presence is by rebuilding Catholic identity and helping its members to live holy lives that are “formed and strengthened by the sacraments and lived in total faithfulness to the church and in commitment to Jesus Christ.” “The method that speaks strongest of Christ is love,” he said, so “we should be prepared to let charity be our measure of the new evangelization.” The Catholic Church is especially well-positioned to offer concrete solutions to communities’ varied problems, he said, because “no other institution lays out a single vision” that can transcend cultures and languages. The church’s vision is not a political vision, he said, but “a vision of humanity encountering Christ.” “Diversity is sanctified and
purified in its communion in the church by orienting us toward Christ,” the truth and each other, he added. Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston told Catholic News Service that while language and culture can be difficult obstacles, “what unites us is so much more.” Catholics are united by a shared faith, traditions, the Eucharist and the “new commandment to love one another,” he said. Cardinal Thomas C. Collins of Toronto told CNS that his archdiocese works very hard to preserve the diverse cultures of its large immigrant communities. Its parishes celebrate Mass in 37 different languages, he said. Catholics learn about and share immigrant communities’ “deep spiritual understanding that will help us face secularism, which seems to be the dominate culture in North America,” he said. Youth movements are critical in helping second-generation youth not lose the cultural identity and faith of their parents since young people tend inevitably to assimilate into the dominant culture, he said. Bishop Thomas J. Olmstead of Phoenix told CNS that the church has also found unlikely partners in the evangelical communities in its fight against secularism and threats to life. Post-Vatican II ecumenical partners, such as the Anglicans, “have slipped away from the basic teaching about Jesus Christ, the human person and marriage, continued on page 46
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Page 40 January 2012
Annual Survivors of Violence Mass offers comfort to those who grieve
LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Justice & Peace recently hosted its annual Survivors of Violence Mass at the Immaculata Chapel in Lafayette. Bishop Michael Jarrell celebrated the Mass, with assistance from Deacons Roland Jeanlouis and Scott Peyton. The St. Edward Choir provided music for the Mass, which was followed by a special reception hosted by the Ladies of Grace Knights of Peter Claver, Fourth Degree, St. Paul, Chapter #3. The Office of Justice & Peace has sponsored the Survivors of Violence Mass every year since 1985, as a spiritual means of reaching out to those who have lost their loved ones under such traumatic circumstances. The Mass serves as an opportunity for families and friends of those who
are deceased to come together, lean on one another, and share their strength and support with others who have shared similar experiences. Those who attend may have lost someone recently or many years ago, but the Mass is a way for them to remember and reflect on their loved ones who were taken from them. The invitation is open to all. Traditionally, the Mass is also followed by a special reception for the participants inside Marian Hall. Grief counselors are always on hand during the reception, to sit and talk with anyone who feels the need. During this year’s reception, those who attended were also invited to memorialize their departed loved ones by lighting a small tea light candle and placing it on a table where a nativity scene was displayed.
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A Vacation with the Lord
Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House, Grand Coteau, La. (337) 662-5410 www.ourladyoftheoaks.com
What to Expect on Retreat by Lyn Holley Doucet, Director of Spiritual Formation Perhaps one of your resolutions for this New Year is to grow closer to God. Might we, once again, recommend a retreat at Our Lady of the Oaks as a wonderful way to do this? If you have never visited us for retreat, I would like to tell you what to expect, and perhaps relieve any anxiety you might have in doing this for the first time. You will arrive at five in the afternoon, usually on a Thursday, and go into our newly renovated library for check-in. There you will be met by our, “innkeeper,” a priest or lay director who serves as host for the weekend. The innkeeper helps you to find your room and he or she makes sure that you have everything that you need. You receive a prayer book and schedule at this time. Before supper, you can chat with other retreatants. Many will be sitting around the fountain, catching up with old friends. Soon, you will be an old friend too. You are gratified by how friendly your fellow retreatants are.
Participants in this year’s Survivors of Violence Mass were given the opportunity to further commemorate their loved ones by lighting small candles and placing them around the Nativity scene at the reception which followed. Photo by P.C. Piazza
A bell calls you to supper, the first of many great meals that are usually served family style. Talking is allowed during this meal. A bit later you will go into the chapel for an orientation talk followed by the first spiritual presentation of the retreat. During next days, peaceful silence reigns as bells guide you to meals, talks, and mass. There is ample time after lunch to nap, take a long walk in beautiful Grand Coteau, and to reflect on the handouts provided by the retreat master. You can also arrange to visit the retreat master or innkeeper for personal spiritual direction or confession during your retreat. Way of the Cross and the Rosary are prayed as a group. The talks given during retreat take you through the Life of Christ as written in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Speakers use humor, stories, and biblical reflections to help you to incorporate the message of Jesus deeper into your heart and apply it to your own life. After Mass on Sunday, you will enjoy talking to your retreat companions over delicious chicken and rice dressing---with chocolate ice cream for dessert. You will leave refreshed and renewed in your faith, eager to return to the Oaks in the future. We hope this column will encouraged you to take the plunge into a retreat…today is the day the Lord may be found. As Our Lord said, “Come and see!” You won’t regret it.
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“Be Fire!”
by Graham N. Smith This is ideas. It’s just that they get at probably gosymptoms, not the problem. ing to rub The problem is who we’ve some folks become. It’s our culture that’s the wrong deeply ill. It reflects the emptiway, but I ness that it produces in the hearts think there of many who live in it. Until we are things deal with that deep sickness of the that need to human heart, we are very likely be said clearly about the mass killto see such tragedies again and ings last month in Newtown, CT. again. There is no explaining that tragic I only know of one way to event; there is no justifying it. It change that culture, and it’s not is simply horrific beyond descripsomething that can be done overtion. The grief the families of the night by act of congress or by dead bear, particularly the parents court order. of the 20 young children who died, It’s going to take us - you and is something that we can’t begin to me - winning those hearts for Jegrasp, but we need to try. sus, one at a time, because He is In the first days that followed the only real hope for the alienatthe shootings, I found myself sited, the angry, the discouraged, and ting in prayer in stunned silence. others who see life as pointless. I found myself meditating on MatI know this sounds simplisthew 2:18, which follows the actic, but I am deeply convinced count of King Herod ordering the that persistent, loving, sharing murder of all boys age two and of the Good News of the Gospel younger in Bethlehem: “A voice is the only thing that offers any was heard in Ramah, sobbing and real chance of turning this culture loud lamentation; Rachel weeping around. I don’t mean condemnafor her children, and she would not tory cries that someone’s going to be consoled, since they were no hell. We’ve got more than enough more.” What else could be said? of that already. I do mean sharing By the time you read this, you the inviting love of Jesus that drew will have heard the usual speeches people to Him in the first place. demanding tough gun control that There’s a wonderful little song always follow such events, along that goes, “the joy of the Lord is with demands for a better mental our strength.” But what is that health system that would catch “joy”? would-be mass killers before they As Pope Benedict XVI said at act. You will have heard some World Youth Day this past year, it argue that having more guns for comes from meeting Jesus in our self-defense is the answer. You hearts, one on one. will have read some saying that “An encounter with Jesus althis stems from removing God and ways gives rise to immense inprayer from public schools. Those ner joy . . . We recall when Jesus responses are all logical, but they visited Zacchaeus, a dishonest tax are not likely to stop this kind of collector and public sinner, he said thing from happening again. to him: ‘Today I must stay at your Let me make clear that I am not house’. Then, Saint Luke tells us, saying that any of these are bad www.todaysbestbuy.com
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Zacchaeus ‘received him with joy’ (Lk. 19:5-6). This is the joy of meeting the Lord. It is the joy of feeling God’s love, a love that can transform our whole life and bring salvation. Zacchaeus decides to change his life and to give half of his possessions to the poor.” If we don’t have that joy in our lives anymore, we need to find out where we left it before we can give it away. If we don’t remember ever having it, now’s the time to ask Jesus to fill our hearts with it! But let’s not wait until we’ve got our lives nicely cleaned up before we start sharing that joy with others. Jesus didn’t wait for folks to get things right before He came to save them. St. Paul reminds us that “God proves His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom 5:8 I still need a Savior. I suspect you do, too. There are lots of other people out there who need Him, and many don’t even know it. Our job in this Year of Faith is to rescue them with God’s love, but we may have to rediscover that love ourselves first!
Pope expresses grief continued from page 15
schools and hospitals throughout Rome, Pope Benedict prayed that people would embrace the call to conversion, honesty, respect for others and love for neighbor. As the pope spoke from his apartment window high over St. Peter’s Square, two small groups of protesters held up signs. The handful of protesters inside St. Peter’s Square had black and white signs in English, Italian and Spanish; one said, “Gay marriages do not harm peace. Weapons do.” The group outside the square held up colored hearts with messages in Italian such as “Love your neighbor” and “Marriage for all.” The groups were protesting a section of Pope Benedict’s World Day of Peace message, which affirmed Catholic teaching on marriage as the lifelong bond of a man and a woman. The message said attempts to redefine marriage “harm and help to destabilize marriage, obscuring its specific nature and its indispensable role in society.”
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Annual pro-life oratory contest is Feb. 19 LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of the Pro-Life Apostolate will host its annual Pro-Life Oratory Contest on Tuesday, February 19. The contest, which is open to all high school juniors and seniors, will be held from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at St. Pius X Life Center in Lafayette. Those who wish to participate in the oratory contest must register with the Office of the Pro-Life Apostolate by February 12. Registration may be submitted online by visiting the Office of the ProLife Apostolate page at www. diolaf.org. The page also offers a “Resources” section which may be useful to participants in researching their pro-life topic to prepare for the contest. Registration forms may also be requested from the office by calling (337) 261-5607. Participants will be expected to present a five-seven minutes speech on one of the following pro-life topics: • Abortion • Euthanasia
• Infanticide • Embryonic Stem Cell Research No props are allowed as part of the presentation. A panel of judges will determine the winner based on the contestants’ ability to present a clear thesis through a logical and well-organized speech, as well as their ability to deliver that speech with a general sense of confidence and fluent delivery. The first-place winner will receive the opportunity to compete at the state oratory contest, to be held in conjunction with the Knights of Columbus State Convention in the spring. The firstplace winner at the state level will go on to represent Louisiana on the national level at the National Right to Life Convention.
Please note that this year’s Pro-Life Oratory Contest will be held at St. Pius X Life Center in Lafayette.
Acadiana Catholic
Risk Management Workshop
Ryan Fitzgerald, Director of the Office of Risk Management for the Diocese of Lafayette, presents one of four regional Risk Management Workshops at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, Lafayette. Over 125 Pastors, parish staff members, parish leaders, Catholic school principals and personnel, and staff of Lafayette Catholic Service Centers attended the four workshops in November. Presentations addressed Facility Security, Building Stewardship, Preventative Maintenance, and Distracted Driving. Photo submitted by Mary Bergeron
Food for the Journey speakers for Jan. & Feb. LAFAYETTE
The Central Region of the Diocese of Lafayette will host its next meeting of “Food for the Journey” on Tuesday, JanuFr. Kevin Bordelon ary 8, at Hotel Acadiana (formerly the Crowne Plaza Hotel) in Lafayette. The guest speaker will be Father Kevin Bordelon, Associsate Pastor of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette, and Director of the diocese’s Office of Vocations & Seminarians. Several Seminarians will join Father Bordelon and introduce themselves as part of this presentation. The February meeting of “Food for the Journey” will be held in the same location on Tuesday,
February 5. The guest speaker at that time will be Father Brian Taylor, Pastor of St. Genevieve Church in Lafayette. “Food for the Journey” is a monthly lunchtime series sponsored by the Central Region of the Lafayette Diocese. Each month, an optional buffet is offered in conjunction with the presentation, and those who wish to enjoy the meal may do so beginning at 11:30 a.m.; the cost is $12 per person, which includes the meal, drink, dessert, and tip. All are welcome to come “eat and be fed”. Pre-registration is not required. For more information, please Fr. Brian Taylor call Mary Bergeron (654-8682) or visit www.centralregiononline.org.
The December “Food for the Journey” speaker was Father Tom Voorhies (right); he is pictured with Very Rev. Thomas James, SVD, VE, Episcopal Vicar for the Central Region. Photo submitted by Mary Bergeron
Acadiana Catholic
January 2013 Page 43
Use of Louisiana state funds for school vouchers ruled unconstitutional to nonpublic schools to provide
by Laura Deavers Catholic News Service BATON ROUGE, La. (CNS) Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal called it “wrong-headed” and a “travesty” that a state judge ruled Nov. 30 that a voucher program passed by the Legislature last spring is unconstitutional. State District Judge Tim Kelley said the state cannot use funds set aside for public education to pay for children in failing schools to attend nonpublic schools. The Legislature passed the program -- known formally as the Louisiana Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program -- during its 2012 legislative session, held from March to June. Kelley’s decision is a “travesty for parents across Louisiana who want nothing more than for their children to have an equal opportunity at receiving a great education,” Jindal said. “That opportunity is a chance that every child deserves, and we will continue the fight to give it to them,” he continued. “The
opinion sadly ignores the rights of families who do not have the means necessary to escape failing schools. This ruling changes nothing for the students currently in the program. All along, we expected this to be decided by the Louisiana Supreme Court.” Jindal vowed to appeal the ruling handed down by Kelley in a 39-page decision following a three-day trial. The suit was filed by the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, Louisiana Association of Educators and the Louisiana School Boards Association, and 143 local school boards against the state Department of Education and the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Currently, more than 4,900 Louisiana children attending 117 nonpublic schools receive stateissued tuition vouchers. Since Kelley did not issue an immediate injunction to stop the voucher program, students will be able to continue attending the schools they are attending. The program has been successful in Catholic schools throughout Lou-
isiana, providing a quality education to thousands of students who would otherwise be attending failing schools. “The superintendents are unhappy with the ruling and are very concerned about the students,” said Danny Loar, director of the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops, the public policy arm of the bishops. He told The Catholic Commentator, newspaper of the Baton Rouge Diocese, that he has learned the case is being expedited to the state Supreme Court so there could be a decision this spring. The annual education appropriation, which is calculated under a formula known as the Minimum Foundation Program, was intended exclusively for public schools. Diverting these funds to other schools is in violation of the state constitution, Kelley said. In its court argument, the state argued that as long as public schools are funded adequately and equitably, a portion of state education funds could be given
families with more options for the education of their children. But Kelley ruled that Louisiana’s Act 2, the so-called voucher bill, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 99, which were passed last spring, unconstitutionally divert to nonpublic entities “MFP funds that are constitutionally mandated to be allocated to public elementary and secondary schools.” Kelley added that the act and concurrent resolution unconstitutionally divert to nonpublic entities “local funds included in the MFP that are constitutionally mandated to be allocated” to public schools. Through the Minimum Foundation Program formula, this year the state is providing $3.4 billion in basic state aid for school operations and students statewide. “We strongly disagree with the ruling,” Education Superintendent John White said. “We are optimistic this decision will be reversed on appeal.” Following the decision, a state continued on page 44
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Damage in Philippines from typhoon looks like tsunami hit, CRS rep says
by Dennis Sadowski Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) The destruction from Typhoon Bopha in portions of Mindanao in the southern Philippines is worse than feared as rescue workers continued to discover bodies under knee-deep mud, said a Catholic Relief Services official coordinating the agency’s storm response. “It looks like a tsunami hit. It’s just complete and total destruction. Whole hillsides were washed away in flash floods,” Joe Curry, CRS country representative, told Catholic News Service Dec. 6. “The staff there have been through a half dozen typhoons and floods in the Philippines, and they say this is probably the worst,” Curry added. “I’ve heard the same from other seasoned people from other donor organizations.” Typhoon Bopha made landfall on the east coast of Mindanao north of Davao Dec. 4, lashing the island with 120-mph winds and torrential rains, before sweeping inland. Witnesses reported that the rain turned normally placid rivers and streams into raging torrents that inundated the fertile Compostela Valley. The accompanying winds destroyed banana plantations in the fertile valley. Curry said that a CRS team reached New Bataan, a city of about 80,000 in the Compostela Valley, Dec. 6 and found much of the community under mud and without electricity. He said local officials reported that at least 240 people had died in the city alone
while hundreds more were swept away in flash floods. The government confirmed Dec. 6 that 370 people were dead throughout Mindanao. “The town had a lake on the top of a hill, and the rain caused the lake to come down like a waterfall and wash everything out,” Curry said. Other teams of CRS workers continued to assess damage and the needs of storm survivors. CRS had planned to begin distributing hygiene kits, sleeping mats, blankets, cooking utensils and water Dec. 6, but Curry said that it would likely be Dec. 10 or 11 before supplies could reach the affected areas because of blocked roads and washed-out bridges. “The government is doing more search and rescue right now. They’re looking at saving lives and digging out people from the mud. The scale of this is huge. These are areas that are not accustomed to storms,” Curry said. CRS also planned to distribute tarps and other shelter materials for people who have been forced to live in the open since the storm dissipated because the evacuation centers were filled to capacity. “People are trying to salvage materials to put a roof over their heads,” Curry said. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the typhoon affected 231,630 people in 513 villages in 25 provinces, reported the Asian church news agency UCA News. Of these, more than 179,000 people
Residents carry the coffin of a victim of Typhoon Bopha Dec. 6 past a house destroyed by the typhoon in New Bataan, Philippines. Catholic Relief Services and Caritas Philippines planned to begin distributing basic necessities to 1,250 families as soon as possible. CNS photo/Erik De Castro, Reuters
sought shelter in 417 evacuation centers, the council reported. The government continued to call for donations for victims. “Filipino solidarity is at its most potent amidst testing times.
We call on our countrymen to give generously for the relief and well-being of our brethren in the Visayas and Mindanao,” a statement from the presidential palace said.
A pregnant woman who survived flooding from Typhoon Bopha Dec. 4 holds her child on a stretcher while being evacuated from New Bataan, Philippines, Dec. 6. Catholic Relief Services and Caritas Philippines planned to begin distributing basic necessities to 1,250 families as soon as possible. CNS photo/Erik De Castro, Reuters
School vouchers continued from page 43
Residents wash their clothes Dec. 6 in a stream near their houses that were destroyed by Typhoon Bopha Dec. 4 in Montevista, Philippines. Catholic Relief Services and Caritas Philippines planned to begin distributing basic necessities to 1,250 families a s soon as possible. CNS photo/Erik De Castro, Reuters
Department of Education official, Barry Landry, said state officials have begun looking at the possibility of funding the voucher program from the state’s general fund. Monies from this fund have been used for several years to pay for a much smaller voucher program in New Orleans. Upon hearing of Kelley’s decision, Jan Daniel Lancaster, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, said: “Our commitment remains to provide a high quality Catholic education and experience to the students and families in our
Catholic schools whether they are currently on a state scholarship or not. “Our doors remain open to our scholarship students and we will wait to see what actions need to be taken as a result of this judgment as we move into the future.” To be eligible to apply for a state education voucher, students must be enrolled in a persistently low-performing school and their family must meet the financial requirement of an annual income up to 250 percent of the poverty line, or $57,625 for a family of four.
Acadiana Catholic
“Christ in the City” arrives in Lafayette by Katie Austin
(Co-founder of Source and Summit Ministry) LAFAYETTE
When it comes to parish life, young adults often fall through the cracks. Caught in the gap between high school youth group and ministries geared to families, young adult Catholics long for formation opportunities to grow in their faith whether single, married, or beginning their own families. Some young Catholics are blessed to have excellent college campus ministry, like UL’s Ragin’ Cajun Catholics, but what happens after graduation? Where do they go? What is there to do between high school and the baptism of their first child? A few years ago the faithful of the Archdiocese of Washington D.C. were asking themselves the same question, and “Christ in the City” became the answer. “Christ in the City” was started in Washington, D.C. by Father Robert Panke, Vocations Director for the Archdiocese of Washington. In an article by the USCCB, Father Panke noted that the founding of “Christ in the City” was a response to the lack of activities for young adults, especially those that focus on prayer life. “Our focus was not on social activities or even catechesis, but on deepening relationships with Jesus Christ…. The most profound way we can experience Christ is through the Holy Eucharist,” said Father Panke. “It is very simple and at the
same time very profound.” Since its founding monthly Christ in the City gatherings have begun in D.C., New Orleans, Houston, Baton Rouge, and beginning in February—Lafayette! “Christ in the City” provides a monthly opportunity for young adults to worship through Eucharistic Adoration. At each hourlong service, those in attendance pray in silence before the Blessed Sacrament, hear a homily, sing and go to confession. “Christ in the City” will be held on the 1st Thursday of every month at St. Mary, Mother of the Church, 419 Doucet Road, Lafayette, LA, from 7:00-8:00PM. The events areopen to young adults in their 20s and 30s, married or single. A cry room will be available for those with young children. Each Christ in the City event will be followed by a time of fellowship at Cornerbar. Upcoming dates for “Christ in the City” are February 7th, March 7th, April 4th, May 2nd, and June 6th, etc. For more information about Christ in the City or how YOU can get involved, please find us on facebook, email CICLafayette@gmail.com, or visit the website: http://ChristInTheCityLafayette.Wordpress.com.
January 2013 Page 45
Immaculate Conception parishioner celebrates 100th birthday
LEBEAU The community of Immaculate Conception Parish in Lebeau recently celebrated the 100th birthday of Mrs. Theresa Davis Andrus. Mrs. Andrus is the mother of Josephite priest Father Charles Andrus. For many years, Theresa was very active in the community of LeBeau, LA. She was one of the first members of the Altar Soci-
ety and is still a member today, more than 80 years later. Theresa was and still is an inspiration and role model for many people in the community. She is loved by all who know her. In addition to raising her own children, Theresa helped raise her grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other children in the community. Her wisdom and knowledge has greatly enhanced the lives of many.
Commissioned char coal drawings by Louisiana ar tist
Marian consecration at St. Thomas More Church
“Believe and be Blessed” Pictured above are participants who were consecrated or re-consecrated to the Blessed Mother after attending a 6-week retreat held at St. Thomas More Church in Eunice. These individuals will be helping with another 6-week retreat at St. Thomas More in the spring. This retreat, which will begin on April 8 and conclude on the Feast Day of Our Lady of Fatima (May 13), will meet once a week at 6:00 p.m. in the social hall. Pre-registration is required, and the cost is $30 per person. For more information contact, Lisa Feucht at (337) 457-8107 or Gail Barzare at (337) 457-9509. Photo submitted by Jan Fruge
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Pope: Americas
ments. “For example, we should learn from the way they use continued from page 38 mega-events to move people in which has made dialogue and coa way that helps them to realize operation with them much more this is a really important issue,” difficult,” he said. he said. Newer dialogue partners, such “Sects also see people that as the Orthodox Church and Morhave leadership abilities and mons, and even communities that train them to go back to their were once anti-Catholic, such as peers and influence them, which the Baptists, not only share many is exactly what we need to do as of the same values concerning the well,” he added. sanctity of life and marriage, but While the church tries to are eagerly seeking active partfoster the nerships enthusiasm with the and love for Catholic Christ seen Church in many to protect evangelical such valand Catholic ues and charismatic religious movements, freedom. the bishop Bishsaid, it should op OlPope Benedict XVI greets Carl A. Anderson, supreme m s t e a d knight of the Knights of Columbus, and his wife, Dorian, also promote said the after making remarks at the conclusion of the opening solid formac h u r c h Mass of the International Congress on the Church in tion “because in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Dec. 9. zeal alone is can bet- America CNS photo/Paul Haring a dangerous ter evanthing.” gelize by looking at legitimate “Without zeal, we won’t restrategies employed by evangelally act, he said, but if it’s not ical movements. While proselyzeal that’s well-formed and detism must be avoided because it sires and knows it needs to condoesn’t fully respect the human tinue to be formed, we will not person nor present the truth in be able to make the impact that its fullness, “we can still learn a Christ really calls us to have.” lot” from sects and other move-
ASH Students Perform in Lafayette Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker
In between reading, writing and studying, 14 of the Academy of Sacred Heart’s own spend their time in rehearsals preparing for Lafayette Ballet Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker. The Academy of the Sacred Heart is very proud of its students’ involvement in the community. Sacred Heart students Elise Blalock, Hannah Broussard, Colette Bu, Lia Bu, Catherine Cain, Ana Brooke Castille, Hannah Dakin, Caroline Forest, Kate Kaufman, Lauren Leckelt, Anna Paddock, Caroline Rader, Virginia Rader, Mary-Alice Talbot performed various roles in The Nutcracker. They danced alongside local professional dancers and guest artists from the Pacific Northwest Ballet. Photo submitted by Schools of the Sacred Heart
Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted of Phoenix, Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore and Archbishop Gerald Lacroix of Quebec attend the opening Mass of the International Congress on the Church in America held in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Dec. 9. CNS p hoto/Paul Haring
Pope calls for world authority as ‘moral force’ by Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) The world authority envisioned by two popes as a way to ensure global peace and justice would not be a superpower, but primarily a moral force with limited jurisdiction, Pope Benedict XVI said. The pope made his remarks Dec. 3 to a plenary session of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, which was scheduled to meet for three days to discuss the theme of “political authority and global governance.” In his address, Pope Benedict recalled that Blessed John XXIII had called for the “construction of a world community, with a corresponding authority,” to serve the “common good of the human family.” The pope also cited his own 2009 encyclical “Caritas in Veritate,” in which he called for a “true world political authority” to ensure international cooperation, peace and environmental protection. The church offers “principles of reflection, criteria of judgment and practical guidelines” for such an organization, but no concrete legal or political recommendations, Pope Benedict said in his address. Yet the pope stipulated that the proposed body would not be a “superpower, concentrated in the hands of a few, which would dominate all peoples, exploiting the weakest.” The authority in
question, he said, “must be understood, first and foremost, as a moral force, a power to influence in accordance with reason, that is, a participatory authority, limited by law in its jurisdiction.” The council’s president, Cardinal Peter Turkson, told Vatican Radio that the agenda for the plenary session would include the topic of global financial governance as a response to the world financial crisis. In October 2011, the council called for establishment of a “central world bank” to regulate the global financial industry and the international money supply as a step toward the world authority envisioned by Blessed John and Pope Benedict. Pope Benedict’s address also touched on threats to human dignity from different forms of materialism in contemporary culture. “The man of today is considered primarily from a biological point of view, or as ‘human capital,’ a ‘resource,’ a cog in a productive and financial machine that dominates him,” the pope said. “New ideologies -- such as the hedonistic and egoistic one of sexual and reproductive rights, or that of a disorderly financial capitalism that transgresses politics and dismantles the real economy -- contribute to make the employee and his work seem ‘minor’ goods and to undermine the natural foundations of society, especially the family,” he said.
Acadiana Catholic
January 2013 Page 47
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