THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHEPARCHY OF PITTSBURGH
happy 90th birthday
Inside
Father Robert Karl celebrates milestone Page 6
VOL. 65
NO. 5
MAY 2020
the radiant resurrection
no stopping st. nicholas
Parishes across the Archeparchy celebrate Holy Week and Pascha Page 7 to 8
St. Nicholas in Greensburg, Pa. continues Easter traditions Page 11
Christos Voskrese! Voistinnu Voskrese! archeparchy parishes celebrate the radiant resurrection
Dancing into a new home tamburitzans set to move to holy ghost social hall by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
Angelo Comastri, archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica — and a dozen faithful sat inside, one in each pew, before the Altar of the Chair where the pope celebrated the liturgy. Also missing were the more than 50,000 tulips, daffodils and flowering shrubs that growers in the Netherlands donate each year to turn into a garden the steps leading up to the basilica. Yet millions followed on television, by radio and
The Tamburitzans have a new home at a Byzantine Catholic address. The Tamburitzans — the international folk dance and music ensemble — have entered into a lease agreement to use the former Holy Ghost Social Hall on Pittsburgh's North Side as their new headquarters. The social hall includes space for rehearsals, a kitchen, bar area and room for wardrobe, storage and offices. Father Frank Firko, pastor at Holy Ghost, 1430 Superior Ave., couldn't be more pleased. "We are elated and blessed to have the Tamburitzans as the new tenants of our North Side Social Center. As a non-profit arts and cultural organization, they will symbolize a special presence that shadows our Holy Ghost Ruthenian (Rusyn) Byzantine Catholic Church on Superior Avenue, " he said. "The performance of their world-wide talented mostly Slavic ensemble reflects and keeps alive the customs and traditions of our founders and benefactors who immigrated to America in the 1880s from the Carpathian Mountains of Eastern Europe." Father Frank said he believes "Divine Providence" led the Tamburitzans to Holy Ghost. His other parish, Holy Ghost in McKees Rocks, Pa. is home of the Slavjane Folk Ensemble. The Tamburitzans posted on its Facebook page March 25: "We are excited to partner not
Story continued on page 3
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Parishes in the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh found ways to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ despite the suspension of services due to the coronavirus pandemic. Clockwise from left: Deacon Luke Crawford and Father Vasyl Basnyk of Holy Trinity in Sykesville, Pa.; Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich and Marty Bovee of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa.; and Father Vasyl Symyon of Assumption of the Mother of God in Weirton, W.Va. For more photos, see pages 7 to 8.
Pope calls for a “contagion” of Easter hope millions follow easter prayers on television, radio, internet by Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY — In an Easter celebration like no other, Pope Francis prayed that Christ, "who has already defeated death and opened for us the way to eternal salvation," would "dispel the darkness of our suffering humanity and lead us into the light of his glorious day, a day that knows no end." The pope's traditional Easter message before his blessing "urbi et orbi" (to the city and the world) still mentioned countries yearning for peace,
migrants and refugees in need of a welcoming home and the poor deserving of assistance. But his Easter prayers April 12 were mostly in the context of the suffering and death caused by the coronavirus and the economic difficulties the pandemic already has triggered. The pope's Easter morning Mass was unique; missing were dozens of cardinals concelebrating and tens of thousands of pilgrims from around the world packing St. Peter's Square. Instead one cardinal — Cardinal
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UPS 081500 ISSN 07442289 Official publication of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh Serving parish communities in central and western Pennsylvania, Louisiana, eastern Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia Published monthly (12 issues) plus two seasonal special issues Byzantine Catholic Press Associates 66 Riverview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15214 Tel: 412.231.4000 Fax: 412.231.1697 E-mail: bcw@archpitt.org Web site: www.archpitt.org Archbishop William C. Skurla President David Mayernik Jr. Editor Sister Elaine Kisinko, OSBM Copy Editor Deacon Robert J. Shalhoub Business Manager Annual Subscription Rates US $14 Canadian $17 International $20 Periodicals Postage PAID at Pittsburgh, PA
Postmaster: send address changes to: The Byzantine Catholic World 66 Riverview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15214 Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for address changes to take effect. Submissions deadline: 23rd of the month prior to the month of publication.
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mission
The Very Rev. Dr. John Behr to speak at SS. Cyril and Methodius Lecture event to be livestreamed via internet The 20th annual SS. Cyril and Methodius Lecture, sponsored by the Byzantine Catholic Seminary, will be delivered May 7 via livestream. The Byzantine Christian tradition reads the Gospel of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian throughout the paschal season This is no accident. The annual celebration of the Resurrection seems to have originated in the circles around John. Looking again at this gospel in the light of Pascha, Father John Behr of St. Vladimir Seminary, will consider what is meant by Christ's last words from the cross — "It is finished" — and show how the mystery of the incarnation includes us today. Father John has published numerous monographs with Oxford University Press and St. Vladimir's Seminary Press (S.V.S.P.), most recently a new critical edition and translation of Origen's On First Principles. He has also published various works aimed for more general audiences, such as his more poetic and meditative work entitled Becoming Human: Theological Anthropology in Word and Image (S.V.S.P., 2013). Father John is currently preparing to deliver through livestream his topic of "The Gospel of St. John as a Paschal Gospel." The public is welcome to tune in to this lecture 7 p.m. Thursday, May 7 via the Seminary website at www.bcs. edu. The same website will also
Bulletin Board Seminary Library seeks cantor papers
The Very Rev. Dr. John Behr
archive the recorded lecture for future access by the public. The annual lecture series is sponsored by the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh, Pa., a community of mentors, teachers, and students forming leaders for the Church in an environment of Christian unity, integrity, and missionary spirit, with a commitment to ecumenism. The Seminary is currently celebrating both its 70th anniversary and its reaccreditation by the Association of Theological Schools. All students, including seminarians, are currently taking their courses online due to serious precautions related to the coronavirus pandemic. Both the Seminary's online courses and on-campus courses are fully accredited, thus maintaining the same content and quality across the curriculum. Founded in 1950, the Byzantine Catholic Seminary is a free-standing, English speaking theological seminary, welcoming all those seeking the knowledge possessed by the Eastern ecclesial traditions. The Seminary is authorized to grant the Master of Arts in Theology
The library of the Byzantine Catholic Seminary is assembling a collection of music and papers from our cantors and choir directors since the founding of our church in the United States. These collections are being indexed and preserved so that that they can be used for research by scholars as well as for fostering our church singing in the future. If your parish or a retired cantor you know has music, memorabilia, or recordings which might have a place in this collection, contact Deacon Jeffrey Mierzejewski, 412-7351676 or mci@archpitt.org, or library director Sandra Collins, 412-321-8383 or scollins@bcs. edu. The Library also invites donations of materials from family and friends of our cantors who have reposed. This collection will serve as a permanent memorial to their labors. n
and Master of Divinity degrees by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools. n
The mission of The Byzantine the Gospel message in the
Holy Ghost new home of Tamburitzans
rich tradition of the Byzantine
continued from page 1
Catholic Church; to encourage
only with the Church, but also with the community, and with all people who love the Eastern European arts. "Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to all our supporters and donors for getting us to this point, and especially to the Byzantine Catholic Diocese for forming this partnership. We can't wait to get settled in!" The group was able to wrap up a successful six-city engagement in Florida just before the COVID-19 outbreak put a pause on their 14-city
Catholic World is to spread
faithful to reflect the image of Christ in everyday activities of life; to offer spiritual formation through changing times; and to celebrate community among Byzantine Catholics in the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, throughout the Metropolitan Church in America, and around the world.
tour to eight western states. According to the Tamburitzans web site, the group began when Dr. A. Lester Pierce met tamburitza musicians in the early 1930s. He negotiated work scholarships and formed "St. Thomas Tamburitza Trio." In 1937, the group stopped in Pittsburgh and made a permanent home in the form of a work scholarship agreement with Duquesne University. The Tamburitzans have performed a variety of folk dance and music representing international cultures over the
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past 80 years while providing scholarships to the college student ensemble. The Tamburitzans became an independent, nonprofit organization in 2016 and still enjoys a relationship with Duquesne University, where the majority of the student ensemble is currently enrolled. The ensemble had been at 1801 Boulevard of the Allies near Duquesne’s campus since 1965. To donate, go to the Tamburitzans web site at https://thetamburitzans.org/. n
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Parishes broadcast Liturgies via internet Holy Ghost, McKees Rocks, Pa. www.holyghost-byzantinecatholic. org WEDO Radio 810 AM n 9 a.m. Sunday St. John Chrysostom, Pittsburgh, Pa. www.sjcbcc.com n 10:30 a.m. Sunday Cathedral of St. John the St. Gregory Baptist, Munhall, Pa. Upper St. Clair, Pa. www.stjohnsbyzantinecathedral. www.facebook.com/stgregoryusc com n 9:30 a.m. Sunday n 9 a.m. Sunday St. Michael Campbell, Ohio www.facebookcom/st.michaelbyz. campbell n Note: check parish websites for schedule of Divine Services n 6 p.m. Saturday n 11a.m. Sunday
Here is the most current list of parishes broadcasting Sunday Liturgies and other services to Faithful via their websites and social media sites such as Facebook. For an updated list, check the front page of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh’s website at archpitt.org:
St. Elias Munhall, Pa. www.facebook.com/ StEliasByzantine CatholicChurch/ n 9 a.m. Sunday
Pope calls for a “contagion” of Easter hope continued from page 1 by livestream as the Easter "Alleluia" was repeated and the Gospel account of the disciples finding the empty tomb was proclaimed both in Latin and in Greek. In a clear sign of continuing prayers to God for the end of the pandemic, the sanctuary around the altar again was dominated by symbols of Romans' faith in divine intervention: the icon "Salus Populi Romani" (health of the Roman people) and the "Miraculous Crucifix," both of which were carried through the city centuries ago in times of plague. As is customary, Pope Francis did not give a homily during the Mass but offered his reflections before the "urbi et orbi" blessing. Instead of standing on the central balcony of the basilica overlooking the square, he delivered the address from the gates leading to the tomb of St. Peter under the basilica's main altar. The Easter proclamation "Jesus Christ is risen! He is truly risen!" goes forth from "the night of a world already faced with epochal challenges and now oppressed by a pandemic severely testing our whole human family," the pope said. "In this night, the church's voice rings out: 'Christ, my hope, is risen!'" The proclamation of hope, new life and victory over death, he said, should be "a different 'contagion,' a message transmitted from heart to heart, for every human heart awaits
this good news," he said. "This is no magic formula that makes problems vanish," the pope said. "No, the resurrection of Christ is not that. Instead, it is the victory of love over the root of evil, a victory that does not bypass suffering and death, but passes through them, opening a path in the abyss, transforming evil into good: this is the unique hallmark of the power of God." The risen Jesus, he said, came forth from the grave still bearing the marks of his crucifixion, he said. "Let us turn our gaze to him that he may heal the wounds of an afflicted humanity." Pope Francis prayed first of all for those directly affected by the coronavirus, especially the sick, those who have died and those mourning loved ones after not being able to say goodbye. "May the Lord of life welcome the departed into his kingdom and grant comfort and hope to those still suffering, especially the elderly and those who are alone," he said. "May he never withdraw his consolation and help from those who are especially vulnerable, such as persons who work in nursing homes or live in barracks and prisons." Pope Francis also prayed for those suffering from solitude because of the pandemic, for those who have lost their jobs, for doctors and nurses treating the sick and for members of law enforcement, who are helping keep people safe. "In these weeks, the lives of millions of people have suddenly changed," he said.
Pope Francis celebrates the Eucharist during Easter Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican April 12. The Mass was celebrated without the presence of the public due to the coronavirus pandemic. Catholic News Service phioto by Andreas Solaro, Reuters.
Some people have found it an opportunity to slow down, reflect and spend time with their families. But, he said, for many others "this is also a time of worry about an uncertain future, about jobs that are at risk and about other consequences of the current crisis." The pope asked political leaders "to work actively for the common good, to provide the means and resources needed to enable everyone to lead a dignified life and, when circumstances allow, to assist them in resuming their normal daily activities." When the whole world is suffering, he said, people must pay special attention to the poor, the homeless and refugees. Pope Francis also called for the lifting of international sanctions imposed on certain countries to put pressure on them, but
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which now make the suffering of their people unbearable, and for a forgiveness, or at least reduction, of the foreign debt of the world's poorest nations. "May Christ our peace enlighten all who have responsibility in conflicts, that they may have the courage to support the appeal for an immediate global cease-fire in all corners of the world," he prayed. The pope specifically mentioned Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian territories and Ukraine. "Indifference, self-centeredness, division and forgetfulness are not words we want to hear at this time," he said. Yet, "they seem to prevail when fear and death overwhelm us, that is, when we do not let the Lord Jesus triumph in our hearts and lives." "We want to ban these words forever," he said, and Easter is the time to start. n
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text messages
Dinner with the Gaffigans by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
I've been spending dinner at my parents' h o u s e over the past month-and-a-half and we've been watching another family — comedian Jim Gaffigan; his wife, Jeannie; and children Marre, Katie, Jack, Michael and Patrick — eat dinner around their own dining room table in New York City. Since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has altered our regular lives — you don't need me to recite the list of changes — Jim has been broadcasting his selfquarantined family dinners at 6 p.m. each night on YouTube.com since March 13, when they sat down to eat pizza, salad and green beans. Jim is best known for his stand-up comedy routine poking fun at all kinds of food, including Hot Pockets, the microwave pastry stuffed with ham and cheese, chicken, pepperoni pizza and countless other “delicacies.” He also talks about the trials and tribulations of being a father. After the birth of his fourth child, Jim joked: “I recently became a father. A father for the fourth time. “Four kids...four kids! Do you want to know what it’s like to have a fourth? “Just imagine you’re drowning ... and then someone hands you a baby.” I'm guessing Jim instituted “Dinner with the Gaffigans” for a few reasons. One, because he's a comedian and feels a need to perform for people in the country and around the world. But, more importantly, he knows it's a good way to get viewers’ minds off the realities of the current world,
“Dinner with the Gaffigans” has aired nightly on YouTube since March 13. The Gaffigans are (from left): Jim, Jack, Marre, Jeannie, Patrick, Michael and Katie.
at least for 45 minutes. The Gaffigan family is also using their nightly broadcast to raise money to help the brave men and women working in New York City. A click of the button on YouTube allows viewers to donate to the Imagine Society, a New York Citybased nonprofit organization working to supply food and PPE (personal protective equipment) to area hospitals and personnel. You wouldn't think watching a quarantined family eat dinner together is worth your time but it is oddly engrossing and entertaining. And when I say quarantined, I do mean “quarantined.” Jim’s wife, Jeannie, cannot leave the apartment. Three years ago, she had a tumor the size of a pear removed from her head. Thankfully, she recovered and wrote a book about the experience titled “When Life Gives You Pears: The Healing Power of Family, Faith, and Funny People.” The Gaffigans spend dinner discussing their day, what they are thankful for and even playing a game of charades using suggestions from the audience’s YouTube comments. Jim and his family are Catholic and say grace before
every meal. To watch them do so evening after evening is immeasurably heartening to the soul. They’re doing their best, in a small way, to help the world heal. I know The Byzantine Catholic World will be here during this time to provide information to the best of our ability. I do have some ideas: n I would ask priests and deacons of the Archeparchy to email homilies, Scripture readings or any other thoughts and pieces of inspiration to me at bcw@ archpitt.org. I will publish them so Faithful can be connected to your spiritual guidance. n I want to hear from readers. How has your family adapted? Has anything good come out of this for you? Let’s connect with each other through The BCW’s pages. Send you thoughts to bcw@ archpitt.org. I’ll end with this: Catholic News Service reported Pope Francis recited a prayer March 11 by video for a special Mass asking Mary to protect Italy and the world: O Mary, you always shine on our path
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as a sign of salvation and of hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who at the cross took part in Jesus' pain, keeping your faith firm. You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need, and we are sure you will provide so that, as in Cana of Galilee, we may return to joy and to feasting after this time of trial. Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform to the will of the Father and to do as we are told by Jesus, who has taken upon himself our sufferings and carried our sorrows to lead us, through the cross, to the joy of the resurrection. Amen. Under your protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Do not disdain the entreaties of we who are in trial, but deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin. Everyone stay safe, endeavor to help your neighbor and, as Archbishop William Skurla writes, “pray for a speedy end to this outbreak.” n
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reflection from weirton, w .va.
Contemplating God’s importance in our lives By Father Vasyl Symyon Assumption of the Mother of God, Weirton, W.V.; Saint John the Baptist, Avella, Pa.
May the Peace, Love and Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you! My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, very soon we will celebrate the greatest feast for all Christians — the Resurrection of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ! Because of the coronavirus pandemic, we will celebrate Pascha much differently this year. As a priest and your pastor, what truly troubles me is the impending emptiness of our church during this sacred time. I will celebrate our Great and Holy Week services, especially the Divine Liturgy of our Lord’s Resurrection, without the presence of my beloved brothers and sisters in the pews. I will miss you and the time we take to reflect upon and pray about the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Chapter 20 of the Gospel of St. John, we can read the inspiring story of Christ’s appearance to Mary Magdalene following His
resurrection. Before that happened, Mary had visited the tomb early that morning only to find the tomb open and empty. At first, she thought someone had stolen Jesus’ body and hurried to inform Peter and John telling them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb” (John. 20, 2). Peter and John rushed to the tomb, entered it and found only Christ’s burial cloths. Mary remained outside lamenting the disappearance of the Lord’s body. But her despair soon would turn to great joy when He appeared to her. This story reminds me of our current situation as authorities have “locked down” gathering places and strongly have urged us to stay home. With that, our churches are empty like the sepulcher that first Easter morning. Clearly, we are troubled by the pandemic guidelines and are “crying” because we cannot attend church, participate in our liturgies/services and receive the Living Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. In various ways, we are suffering from fear, anxiety and perhaps panic. And I totally understand your feelings because this situation is a very difficult time for us. But this time is also a great opportunity for us to contemplate God’s importance in our lives.
And how appropriate for us to ponder the church’s importance and what it provides us — baptism, confirmation, the mystery of reconciliation, the Holy Eucharist — to bring us closer to God and to receive His abundant blessings. When the church was open, ask yourself, “How much did I take the church for granted? Did I ever believe I could be shut out of the church?” For now, let’s make a full commitment to turn our hearts and minds to our Lord and ask Him to protect us from the virus. But as we do that, also realize that we must take our prayers to another level as the lesson of Mary’s story is not yet finished. Jesus appears to Mary and asks her, “Woman, why are you crying?” (John. 20, 15). It’s the same question I ask you today. “Why are you crying?” Do we not believe that God is with us? Do we not believe that He did not abandon us? Do we not believe that He is Risen, that He is with us today and always within our homes where we always can worship him? We must understand the church not only is a structure but is also wherever we go and with whom we keep company! And for now, the church is your home and your family and we must keep it holy. So I ask you to please pray
at home! On Great and Holy Friday, venerate in a special and solemn way the Holy Cross in your house, with your family. On Resurrection Sunday, sing “Christ is Risen”/”Christos Voskrese” in your home, with your family. Our families frame the church where we must worship the Lord every day and night! Please do not be afraid! Christ is Risen and He always is with us! During the time I have served you, my beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, I have always called you to attend church as many times as possible. Now, with great sorrow in my heart, I advise you to quarantine yourselves until this crisis passes. It is a difficult time for our country and the world, but the best way to overcome the virus is to isolate yourselves at home. As your pastor, know that you are in my constant prayers, especially when I celebrate the Divine Liturgy each Sunday for you and your families. Easter is a time of peace, hope and joy! So wipe your tears and trust in God! Christ is Risen and with great joy we must cry out to Him in one voice: Christ is risen from the dead! By death He trampled death; and to those in the tombs He granted life! n
reflection from mount st. macrina
Modesty invites us to to recognize our blessings by Sister Barbara Jean Mihalchick, OSBM Sisters of St. Basil the Great Mount St. Macrina, Uniontown, Pa.
Sister Barbara Jean Mihalchick posts videos of her reflections each week at the Facebook of the Sisters of St. Basil the Great. View them at: https://www. facebook.com/sistersofstbasil. uniontown/. This is a transcript of her Aug. 15, 2019 reflection and is Part 7 of her “Fruits of the Holy Spirit” series. Glory to Jesus Christ! Today I continue the series on the Fruits of the Spirit and I start with this question: Have you ever given a compliment to somebody who doesn't know
how to handle a compliment? Well, there is either extreme. There are those who say, "Oh, I tried. I don't think it was so good." And then the other extreme, the person who says, "Oh, did you really like it? Tell me what you liked about it. Did I do this right? Did I do that right?" I'm talking today about modesty. A word we don't use very often but it's really related to humility. How do we receive a compliment? "Thank you." And in our minds and in our hearts, turn the credit over to God, who gives us our talents, our gifts, our health, every blessing. Today, I speak here in front of the icon of the most famous woman, the most wonderful woman who ever lived. The
Theotokos, Mary, Mother of Our God. She is surrounded here by the disciples who came to honor her and bury her with great grace and thanksgiving. Mary, certainly full of grace, always acknowledged that her life, her blessings, her wisdom, her strength, all began with the Lord and continued only from Him. Her prayer in the Magnificat: My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. Because he has regarded the humility of his handmaid. For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed; because he who is mighty has done great things
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for me, and holy is His name. And his love is from generation to generation to those who fear Him. Mary had certainly the wisest perspective, the nearest and closest relationship with our Loving God. Modesty invites us to recognize and be grateful for the blessings God has given us, the talents He has given us. Modesty reminds us, also, not to hide those talents. And, so, I challenge you in this week before us, find a way to use your talents even more strongly, even more often, and give the Lord the credit. God bless you. n
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reflection from upper st. clair, pa.
milestone
A firm faith is the best Father Robert Karl celebrates 90 years combatant of fear by Deacon Michael George St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Christ is risen! It's good to be with you today on this vigil of St. Thomas Sunday. It's been a beautiful day. (My wife) Lorri and I went for a walk in the park. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping. It was a beautiful experience. You would never know there was something going on, something that was amiss. When we got home we had a chance to discuss just exactly how all of the things we had planned have not gone the way that we thought. But you know what? We are OK with all of this. We have each other. We are taking this a day at a time. We are enjoying ourselves. I wanted to start this off with a reading. This is from Romans 15:13: May the God of hope fill you all with joy and peace in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. We cannot wait for things to return to normal. We cannot wait for our lives to get back to the way they used to be. And, rest assured, we will get back to the way things were. No doubt things will be different in the beginning but over time we will get back to the way things were. One of the problems today is fear; fear that things will never be the same, fear that my life will change immeasurably. Some people have lost their jobs through this. That's a very real fear of financial worry. But during this time, especially, we cling to Our Lord. We cling to hope, we cling to the faith that things will be better. The Apostles experienced the very same thing. These Apostles followed our Lord throughout His life. They had big plans but all of a sudden, our Lord is arrested and crucified. They all scatter. They are in hiding for fear of their lives.
But what happened? Our Lord came through the doors and showed His palms and showed His feet and showed His side. And He said: "Peace be with you." At that moment, my friends, those Apostles knew that it was our Lord risen. Our Lord had risen and touched them personally. They were never to be the same again. In the very same way, our Lord touches us when we reach for him, when we stand in His presence in prayer. He is there. He is there for us. A firm faith is the very best combatant of fear. I have heard it said that where faith abounds, there is no room for fear. There is no better way to get out of whatever we are suffering than to pick up a phone and reach out to one of our friends. What an opportunity we have to be a joyful presence with our family. I wanted to share a cute story. Lorri has been in touch with her 95-year-old aunt. And you know how the last conversation went? The aunt was disappointed in two things with the coronavirus. She was disappointed she could not get her hair done the way she used to do. And she missed going to the gym. We could not believe it! Ninety-five years old and worried about her hair and about going to the gym! Lori and her aunt had a great conversation. They both hung up the phone happy and joyful. This is what we can do, my friends. We can be there for each other. We can be there in the same way the Apostles were there for each other, comforting and healing those around with their very presence. Do not let fear get the better of you. Stand back, open your heart to the risen Lord. Pray, pray and pray some more. Spend this time getting close to God. And if you listen carefully he will say to you, "Peace be with you.” In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Christ is risen! n
by Fred Petro St. Nicholas, Beaver, Pa.
Father Robert J. Karl, a retired priest of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh with 63 years of priestly service, observed his 90th birthday on May 1. Father Bob, who resides at the residence at St. Andrew’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Gibsonia, Pa., has served as a substitute for Archeparchial priests for most of the Sundays and feasts since his official retirement. With the current restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, those substitutions have been curtailed. A native of Endicott, N.Y. and born in the midst of the Great Depression, Father Bob’s introduction to life came in the humble surroundings of his family home: small, close knit, caring and definitely loving. This wholesome family life guided him into his choice to enter the Seminary where things at that time were also small, close knit and caring. He experienced the opening and growing pains of our Byzantine Catholic Seminary with crowded conditions and limited resources but definitely filled with love and dedication to the beliefs and traditions of our Church. Seminary life led to his priestly ordination on May 19, 1957, followed by a long and memorable priestly life of service. His lengthy, dedicated, successful and varied priestly life of service took him from Chicago to Texas, from the hamlets of Bradenville and Portage, both in Pennsylvania, to the larger parishes in Warren, Ohio and St. John’s Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. He served in other assignments as well. The common thread running through every assignment was his dedication and enthusiasm. Always willing to give. Father Bob Karl’s life has been one of work and pray, work and pray, work and pray. But eventually he became tired. It was time to “cut the throttle and let it glide.” Well, not quite. He retired from the active ministry, “sort of.” Rather than gliding, he switched from being a Boeing 787 to a single-engine Cessna. He still had something in the tank. It wasn’t time for life support; no, Father Bob Karl still had some life giving
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Father Robert Karl
energy and service in his tank. And that’s exactly what he has done in retirement. He’s doing what he does best, giving priestly service to various parishes where his help is needed. In addition to his substitution ministry, he also takes it upon himself to maintain a line of communication among the Archeparchial priests. And as an added personal ministry, since he grew up speaking the Rusyn language of his ancestors, he takes it upon himself to communicate and counsel the growing number of Eastern European priests who have come from the mother Eparchy of our Archeparchy, namely the Greek Catholic Eparchy of Mukachevo [Ukraine]. Father Bob speaks with these priests and helps them address various issues that may arise with their new lives here in America. While Father Bob has two sisters who reside in the state of New York, one married with four adult daughters scattered throughout the country and the other living at the family home in Endicott, he considers Pittsburgh as his home and continues to reside and serve God’s people in the Archeparchy. On the occasion of Father Bob’s 60th anniversary of ordination in 2017, I wrote a piece for The Byzantine Catholic World, on how our family first met him in 1954 and the resulting friendship that has lasted until the present time. In it I made this one, simple, but strong statement: “He’s all priest!” Yes, he’s now 90 years young, but Father Bob Karl is still “all priest.” Congratulations, Na Mnohaja I Blahaja L’ita. n
parish news MAY 2020
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The Radiant Resurrection st. elias in munhall, pa.
st. john the baptist cathedral in munhall, pa.
Father Vitalii Stashkevych celebrates Resurrection Matins with Divine Liturgy and Blessing of Easter food at St. Elias in Munhall, Pa.
st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa. Archbishop William Skurla
Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich reads Holy Scripture
Father Valerian Michlik blesses Easter baskets at St. Gregory in Upper St. Clair, Pa.
Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich blesses Easter baskets in the parking lot of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa.
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Palm Sunday
Good Friday
st. john the baptist cathedral in munhall, pa.
st. elias in munhall, pa.
MAY 2020
Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich distributes palms and willows branches April 5, Palm Sunday, at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa.
st. elias in munhall, pa. Father Vitalii Stashkevych and the Great and Holy Friday procession April 10 at St. Elias in Munhall, Pa.
st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa.
Father Valerian Michlik and and the Great and Holy Friday procession April 10 at St. Gregpry in Upper St. Clair, Pa.
Father Vitalii Stashkevych blesses pussy willows and palms on April 5, Palm Sunday, at St Elias Church in Munhall, Pa.
st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa. st. basil the great in irving, texas
Father Valerian Michlik blesses palms and willow branches outside St. Gregory in Upper St. Clair, Pa. on April 5, Palm Sunday.
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st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa.
Messages from St. Gregory by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
Continue to share with your parish family the experiences and activities that are keeping our domestic Churches, our households, connected and alive during this time of hardship....we love to hear from you! n
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st. michael in campbell, ohio
Home altars
ECF at home
Father Kevin Marks encouraged parishioners of St. Michael in Campbell, Ohio in his Palm Sunday homily to make a "home altar" or sacred space for prayer and reflection during Holy Week. n
by Father Kevin Marks St. Michael, Campbell, Ohio
April 7 marked the end of our ECF catechetical year until September. Although we couldn't be together, our parish ECF students have been working at
st. nicholas in perryopolis, pa. st. john the baptist in scottdale, pa.
Meeting spiritual needs by Frances Kranik St. Nicholas, Perryopolis, Pa.
During the suspension of parish activities, Father Oleh Seremchuk has met the spiritual needs of his two parishes — St. Nicholas in Perryopolis, Pa. and St. John the Baptist in Scottdale, Pa. — and beyond by livestreaming his services on Facebook.
This has brought more comfort that Father realizes during these surreal days. His sermons are always inspired, interesting, thoughtprovoking and as you can see (below), captivating, too, as his son Mark went up close to listen to his Father give his St. Thomas Sunday homily. n
Father Oleh Seremchuk and his son, Mark.
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home on religious education activities such as coloring Holy Week icons, making an Easter basket cover, and learning some prayers. Thanks to our teachers, parents, and especially our children for a great year. n
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st. nicholas in greensburg, pa.
No stopping St. Nicholas by John Gomolak St. Nicholas, Greensburg, Pa.
The coronavirus did not stop St. Nicholas in Greensburg, Pa. from celebrating Easter services and traditions, knowing that God is with us. On Palm Sunday, without parishioners in attendance, Father Regis Dusecina, pastor, celebrated Divine Liturgy with the aid of cantor Andy Regalla, ending with the blessing of the palms and pussy willows, which were then placed on tables outside for the parishioners to drive up and take, one person at a time. 0n Good Friday, a Vesper Service was held inside the church. At the end the Holy Shroud was taken to the CCD building in the parking lot area and placed in the grave for the people to pass by in their cars. Some people parked and prayed in their car. It moved right along. On Holy Saturday, the Holy Shroud was taken back to the church and placed on the altar. The Resurrection Service took place by the side door so the people in their cars could hear and see. Father Regis then came out to the parking lot and blessed Easter baskets in the open trunks of cars. Cantor Andy led the singing of “Christ is Risen.� We are all in this together. n
Photos by John Gomolak
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eternal memory
eternal memory
very rev. eugene linowski Very Reverend Eugene Raymond Linowski, retired priest of the Eparchy of Parma, fell asleep in the Lord on Bright Monday, April 13, 2020. His death came during the 62nd year of his priesthood, and shortly after his 90th birthday. He was born in Cleveland on April 25, 1930 to Mary Ann (Walas) and Stanley Linowski. His early education was in Catholic schools in Cleveland, and he was graduated from St. Bonaventure Minor Seminary and High School in June of 1948. In August of 1949 Father Eugene entered the Polish Franciscan Fathers in Pulaski, Wisconsin. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 1, 1957 in St. Raymond Cathedral, Joliet, Illinois by Most Reverend Martin D. McNamara. Shortly after ordination he received biritual faculties for the Byzantine Church. As a Franciscan he served in the Philippines and at several parishes in the United States. After leaving the Franciscans, he was incardinated into the Cleveland Latin Diocese in 1969. While the associate pastor of several Latin parishes, he was also the Parochial Vicar/ Administrator of Holy Spirit Church, Parma from 1972 to 1974. Father Eugene was incardinated into the Byzantine Eparchy of Parma in 1976. Upon moving to the new Eparchy of Van Nuys, he was rector of its St. Mary Cathedral
sister mary grace skuban, osbm
Very Rev. Eugen Linowski
until 1982. When he returned to Parma, he was the first resident pastor of St. Andrew Church, Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio, until he was assigned to St. John Chrysostom parish, Columbus where he served until his retirement in 2003. Father Eugene’s parents and three siblings preceded him in death. He is survived by nephews, nieces and cousins. The funeral services were celebrated by Bishop Milan Lach SJ at St. John Chrysostom Church on April 17, 2020 with Very Reverends Marek Visnovsky and John S. Kachuba and Father Robert Jager concelebrating. Interment followed at Holy Spirit Cemetery, Parma, Ohio. In blessed repose, grant O Lord eternal rest to your servant the priest Eugene and remember him forever! n
sisters of st. basil the great in uniontown, pa.
Easter on the Mount The Sisters of St. Basil the Great and their chaplain, Father Jerome Botsko, celebrated the glorious Resurrection Matins Saturday evening, filling the chapel with the beautiful
hymns. Again, we prayed for all the people of the world. We live in gratitude and praise! Blessed Easter! n
For Sister Mary Grace, Holy Week 2020 was to be the threshold of her entrance into the life for which she yearned Her last words to Sister Ruth Plante, Provincial, were “I want to go to heaven.” In mid-afternoon of Holy Wednesday, April 8, 2020, she got her wish. She had received the Mystery of Holy Anointing earlier in that week, and so she was well prepared to meet Jesus to whom she had dedicated 63 years of her life. Sister Mary Grace (Marion) was born in Dunmore, Pa., the daughter of the late John and Mary Margaret (Lesko) Skuban. She entered the Sisters of St. Basil from St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Taylor, Pa. on Oct. 1, 1957 and received her Final Profession of Vows on August 25, 1963 in the presence of the late Very Rev. Msgr. Basil Smochko. As a Sister of St. Basil, Sister Mary Grace was called to a variety of ministries. Sister had been on the staff of Mt. Macrina Manor as an LPN in direct nursing care and later, in medical records. She had also served at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary, at Mt. Macrina House of Prayer, as Activities Director at St. Basil’s Home and as a substitute teacher. At the monastery, she served for a number of years as monastery sacristan, as well as assisting with the health care of the Sisters and in clerical and other supportive services. Her final years were spent as a resident at Mt. Macrina Manor. At the Manor, until Sister Mary Grace was no longer able to do so, she participated in the Divine Liturgy and other services planned for the residents’ spiritual nourishment and refreshment. One cannot forget, either, her daily praying of the rosary. One of her requests was to have the rosary she prayed on with her on her final journey. Sister enjoyed taking part in the activities offered at the Manor; she was a familiar figure at the sing-along on Sunday morning, and whenever there was Bingo, she was there, too. She was always quick to thank those who visited, accompanied by a smile and “God be with you!” Following is a reflection Sister wrote upon completing a sabbatical program: “The Lord is my Shepherd . . . He takes
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Sister Mary Grace Skuban, OSBM
care of me and my needs better than I can ever do myself. That He has such great love for me is really overwhelming! For this, I am most grateful. It gives meaning and purpose for my life’s journey . . . It lets me know I am solidly grounded in His love.” These thoughts, spoken from Sister’s heart are the best way to portray her life! Now she lives even more fully in a heavenly sabbatical. As Sister Mary Grace was ushered into the chapel on Tuesday of Bright Week, the joyous strains of “Christ is risen” accompanied her. Immediately, the Divine Liturgy began with the Resurrection Canon. As all the doors of the Icon Screen were opened, one could not help but think that so, too, were the gates of heaven to welcome Sister Mary Grace. In his remarks, Father Jerome Botsko noted that every time he visited Sister Mary Grace, he found her praying. After his visits to her, Father noted that he always felt uplifted and a little closer to God. Sister made the prayer of Jesus, “Not my will, but thy will be done,” her prayer, too. Father concluded that this should be our prayer, too, as God’s plan is always bigger, always better than our plan. Sister Mary Grace was preceded in death by her parents and her three brothers, John (Eleanor), Andrew (Julie), and Joseph (Kay). She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated privately in the Monastery Chapel on Tuesday, April 14, by Rev. Jerome Botsko, Monastery Chaplain. Due to the coronavirus restrictions, there was no public viewing. May God grant his handmaiden, Sister Mary Grace, eternal memory and peaceful repose! n
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eternal memory
eternal memory
metropolitan archbishop emeritus stephen sulyk
anna chautur
Most Reverend Stephen Sulyk, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Metropolitan Church of Philadelphia, fell asleep in the Lord on Monday, April 6, 2020. Metropolitan Stephen was born on October 2, 1924 to Michael and Mary Denys Sulyk in the village of Balnycia in Western Ukraine. After graduation from high school, be became a refugee of World War II and entered the Ukrainian Catholic Seminary in Hirschberg, Germany. He came to the United States in 1948, and continued his priestly studies at St. Josaphat Seminary and Catholic University of America in Washington DC where he earned the S.T.L. degree. He was ordained to the priesthood at Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Philadelphia on June 14, 1952. He served as pastor in a number of parishes, completing building and renovation projects in several of them. On May 31, 1968 Holy Father Paul VI conferred upon him the honor of Papal Chamberlain with the title of Monsignor. Then on December 29, 1980, Pope John Paul II appointed him Metropolitan Archbishop of Philadelphia, and he was ordained in Rome on March 1, 1981 by Josyf Cardinal Slipyj. Metropolitan Stephen supervised the construction of a new chancery center, Episcopal residence and cathedral rectory. He renovated the sanctuary of the cathedral and landscaped its adjoining grounds. He established a Seminary Endowment Fund for St. Josaphat Seminary. At the request of the Vatican, he
Mrs. Anna Chautur, mother of Most Reverend Milan Chautur CSsR, bishop of the Eparchy of Košice in Slovakia, fell asleep in the Lord on Bright Monday, April 13, 2020 at the Episcopal residence where she resided with her son. She was born to a life of hardship on January 1, 1929. When she was twelve, her mother died leaving her to care for her father and three brothers. She endured through the devastation of World War II, and into the Communistic domination when the Greek Catholic Church was outlawed and the priests were either at labor or in prison. She had to find a Greek Catholic priest to perform her marriage, and to then secretly baptize her children. Afterward during the years of relative freedom, she was forced to move everything to a new home when the government demolished her family home for the construction of a water works. After the death of her husband Stephen, she went to live with Bishop Milan in 2006. Also surviving her are her son George and daughter Sister Alexia SSMI. Her son Stephen preceded her in death in 2008. Only the immediate family
Metropolitan Archbishop Stephen Sulyk
Emeritus
was involved in sensitive diplomatic talks with members of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine when the Soviet Union was collapsing, Ukraine was becoming an independent nation, and the Ukrainian Catholic Church was emerging from under the oppression of atheistic communism. He served on various committees of both the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Catholic Church. He retired on November 29, 2000. He was predeceased by his parents and six siblings. Several nieces, nephews and cousins survive Metropolitan Stephen. Private funeral services were celebrated by Metropolitan Archbishop Borys Gudziak on Bright Monday, April 13, 2020 in Immaculate Conception Cathedral. He was entombed in the crypt of the cathedral. In blessed repose, grant O Lord eternal rest to your departed servant Metropolitan Stephen and remember him forever! n
eternal memory eleanor kachuba
Mrs. Eleanor Marie Kachuba of Westlake, Ohio fell asleep in the Lord on Wednesday, April 8, 2020. She was the mother of Mitred Archpriest John S. Kachuba, pastor of St. Mary Magdalene Church, in Fairview Park of the Eparchy of Parma and long time director of the Eastern Catholic Eparchial Directors of Religious Education. Mrs. Kachuba was predeceased by her parents Edward and Emma Kingure, her husband of 62 years, John, her daughter Karen and eight brothers and sisters.
Limited visitation was held at the Corrigan C r a c i u n F u n e r a l Home in Fairview Park on Tuesday, April 14. The funeral services were private, and interment was in St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Parish Cemetery, Windber, Pa. on Thursday, April 16. In blessed repose, grant O Lord eternal rest to your servant Eleanor and remember her forever! n
Anna Chautur
was able to attend the funeral Divine Liturgy celebrated by her son Bishop Milan; Metropolitan Archbishop Jan Babyak SJ of the Archeparchy of Prešov; Archbishop Cyril Vasil SJ, Apostolic Administrator of Košice; and Metropolitan Archbishop Bernard Bober of the Latin Diocese of Košice, at the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Mother of God in Košice on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Interment followed in the village of Zemplinske Jastrabie. In blessed repose, grant O Lord eternal rest to your servant Anna and remember her forever! n
eternal memory
sister lucille tepper, bnsc Sister Lucille Tepper, BNSC fell asleep in the Lord on March 31, 2020. She was the last surviving member of the Byzantine Nuns of Saint Clare whose monastery is in North Royalton, Ohio. This year would have marked the 67th anniversary of her profession as a religious contemplative nun. Originally a member of the Latin Poor Clare Monastery in Chicago, Illinois, for 22 years, Sister Lucille was one of the seven nuns from there who came with the encouragement of the late Bishop Emil Mihalik to establish the foundation in North Royalton in 1970. It is the only Byzantine Poor Clare Monastery in the United States. Because of the restrictions of the corona virus, all of the funeral services and interment were private. Most Reverend Milan Lach, S.J. celebrated the funeral Divine Liturgy at Holy Spirit Church in Parma,
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Sister Lucille Tepper, BNSC
Ohio on Saturday, March 4, 2020, and Very Reverend Archpriest Marek Visnovsky concelebrated Interment followed in Holy Spirit Parish cemetery. A memorial liturgy and gathering will be scheduled at a later date. In blessed repose, grant O Lord eternal rest to your departed servant the Nun Lucille and remember her forever! n
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thoughts for our day by Archpriest David M. Petras
pentecost - the descent of the holy spirit The feast of Pentecost is the closing day of the Feast of Pascha, the Resurrection of our Lord. In the Acts of the Apostles, the Holy Spirit came upon the followers of Jesus in the form of tongues of fire. This was the fulfillment of the prophecy of John the Baptist, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire” (Luke 3:16). It is through the Holy Spirit that the risen Lord continues to be present among us, and in whom we have the hope of resurrection. This is seen in Romans 8:9-11: “But you are not in the flesh; on the contrary, you are in the spirit, if only the Spirit of God dwells in you. Whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the spirit is alive because of righteousness. If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also, through his Spirit that dwells in you.” The Jewish feast celebrated the giving of the Law to Moses on Mt. Sinai; the Christian feast, the giving of the Spirit to fulfill John 1:17, “For while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” It is the day of the gift of the Spirit. We might ask, “Where are the gifts of the Spirit today? Where are the gifts of speaking in tongues and healing?” However, even if the more “flashy” gifts are not present, and the spiritual Fathers always warn us against
expecting these, we still have the power of faith, hope, and love - theological virtues which can be practiced only in the grace of the Spirit. Another manifestation of the Spirit is ordination. The Western Church, in general, sees the priesthood as given at the Last Supper. The Eastern Church,
In the Slav tradition, Pentecost is often called Rusalija. The displaying of greenery is given a Christian meaning, representing new life through the Spirit. however, more often sees the priesthood as established at Pentecost. The eucharist itself is a gift of the Holy Spirit, by whose power bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. Pentecost Day concludes the reading of the Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel of John following Pascha. The term Pentecost, in fact, first applied to the fifty days following Easter, which was a period of celebration and joy. During this time it was forbidden to fast or kneel. St. Irenaeus (Fragment 7, 2nd century) claims that this is an apostolic custom. The earliest reference to this custom is found in a non-canonical book, the Acts of Paul (180): “While Paul was in prison, the brethren, since it was Pentecost, wept not neither did they bow the knee, but they stood and prayed rejoicing.” According to Canon 20 of the Council of
Nicea, no fasting or kneeling was permitted during the fifty day period following Pascha. The feast of the Fifty Days was a time of spiritual harvest, which is the reason the Acts of the Apostles were read, celebrating the growing Church. St. John Chrysostom explicitly connected the feast of Pentecost with the giving of the Law on Mt. Sinai. Because it was the feast of the giving of the Spirit, baptisms were done on Pentecost Sunday and “All you who have been baptized into Christ ...” is sung on the feast in the Liturgy to this very day. However, there was some opposition to this custom in the East, since it was impossible to prepare for the baptism by observing a fast. One of the popular Pentecost customs is to put up greenery, particularly from the linden tree. In the Slav tradition, Pentecost is often called Rusalija. The displaying of greenery is given a Christian meaning, representing new life through the Spirit. It probably was a “Christianization” of a pagan custom, for whom Spring was a time of release of the souls of children or maidens who had committed suicide or met a violent death. During rusalki these spirits were treated with pity and wreaths of flowers were offered to them. This feast was called rosalia in Latin and anthesteria in Greek, and became associated with Pentecost because it was a Spring feast. The day before Pentecost itself is a commemoration of all the departed, a Christian confrontation with the mystery of death and the hope of the general resurrection. In the evening of Pentecost Sunday a special Vespers is celebrated, and during it three long prayers of kneeling are said. This Vespers, then, is a return to the “ordinary time”
of the Church year after the celebration of the Fifty Days. These prayers follow the structure of the Constantinople sung Vespers of three antiphons with attendant prayers. The second part of these three prayers are the original prayers of the three antiphons, and special prayers for Pentecost and for the departed are joined. The week after Pentecost was observed festively, and there is no fasting. The week ends with the Feast of All Saints. This originally was called “all martyrs,” that is the feast of those who gave witness to their faith in Jesus the Messiah. This cannot be done without the power of the Holy Spirit, beyond all human strength. It is only the Spirit who can enable us to live the Paschal Mystery. When Jesus was arrested in Jerusalem, the apostles all fled, being afraid for their lives. The path to glorification leads through the acceptance of death, which Jesus exemplifies and the apostles could not initially accept. After the Resurrection, the apostles still could not proclaim the gospel until they received the Holy Spirit. In the Gospels, then, martyrdom is connected with witness given in the Holy Spirit: “When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. For the holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say” (Luke 12:11-12). Pentecost is the completion of the mystery of the Resurrection, and the apostles and the Christians after them can be martyrs - witnesses to the gospel of Christ. n This column originally appeared in the May 2014 issue of The Byzantine Catholic World.
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Catholic News Service Newswire
Pope pens editorial on joy in the time of coronavirus “we are not alone, the lord precedes us on our journey by removing the stones that paralyze us” by Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY — Like the women at the tomb whose sorrow turned to joy after the Resurrection, Christians also are called to be joyful witnesses to Christ's victory over death amid the coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis said. In an editorial published April 17 by the Spanish magazine, Vida Nueva, the pope said that those who take part in "the Lord's passion, the passion of our brothers and sisters, even living our own passion, our ears will hear the newness of the Resurrection: we are not alone, the Lord precedes us on our journey by removing the stones that paralyze us." "If there's one thing we've been able to learn in all this time, it's that no one is saved alone," he wrote. "Borders are falling, walls are crumbling and all fundamentalist discourses are dissolving before an almost imperceptible presence that shows the fragility of which we are made." In his editorial, titled "Un plan para resucitar" ("A plan to resurrect"), the pope also acknowledged that an invitation to be joyful "may seem like a provocation or a bad joke in front of the grave consequences we are suffering due to COVID-19." "Like the first women disciples
who went to the tomb, we live surrounded by an atmosphere of sorrow and uncertainty that makes us ask, 'Who will roll back the stone from the entrance to the tomb for us?' How will we deal with this situation that has completely overtaken us?" he asked. In today's precarious era, the pope said, the stone in front of the tomb symbolizes the worry and anguish that "buries hope," especially for the elderly, disabled people, families struggling financially, as well as health care workers and public servants who feel "exhausted and overwhelmed." The weight of that stone, he added, "seems to have the last word." Continuing his reflection on the women disciples, the pope said that despite their suffering and fear, they still went out to the tomb and did "not allow themselves to be paralyzed by what was happening." While many of the apostles fled, the women carried their spices and oils to anoint Jesus' body, much like the many men and women today who try to bring "the ointment of coresponsibility to care for and not risk the lives of others." "We saw the anointing poured out by doctors, nurses, warehouse workers, cleaners, caretakers, transporters, security forces, volunteers,
In an editorial published April 17, 2020, by the Spanish magazine Vida Nueva, Pope Francis said Christians are called to be joyful witnesses to Christ's victory over death during the coronavirus pandemic. Catholic News Service file photo/Paul Haring.
priests, nuns, grandparents and educators and so many others who were encouraged to give everything they had to bring a little healing, calm and soul to the situation," the pope wrote. The good news of Christ's resurrection, he continued, is what brings hope and joy to all and shows that "our actions -our anointing, our giving, our vigilance and accompanying in all possible ways in this time -are not and will not be in vain." "God never abandons his people; he is always close to them, especially when sorrow is most present," the pope wrote. Pope Francis said that the current pandemic also has
highlighted the need "to unite the entire human family" and that the only way to conquer the coronavirus is through "the antibodies of solidarity." "We cannot afford to write the present and future history with our backs turned to the suffering of so many," the pope wrote. "It is the Lord who will ask us again, 'Where is your brother?' and, in our ability to respond, may the soul of our peoples be revealed, that reservoir of hope, faith and charity in which we were begotten and which, for so long, we have anaesthetized or silenced." n
Pope says living faith without sacraments, community is dangerous “‘...the ideal of the church is always with the people and with the sacraments — always” -- always," Pope Francis said. by Carol Glatz Catholic News Service The pope began the Mass by praying for "women who are VATICAN CITY — Pope expecting, pregnant women Francis said he was praying for who will become mothers and expectant mothers who may be who are anxious; they worry," anxious or worried about giving he said. birth during the COVID-19 Perhaps they are asking pandemic. themselves, "What kind of And he said the forced isolation world will my child live in?" he devised to stop the pandemic said. was presenting the danger of "Let us pray for them, that the people living the faith only for Lord give them the courage to themselves -- detached from the carry these children forth with sacraments, the church and the the trust that it will certainly people of God. be a different world, but it will Online Masses and spiritual Pope Francis celebrates Mass April 17, 2020, in the chapel of his Vatican residence, always be a world the Lord communion do not represent the Domus Sanctae Marthae. Catholic News Service photo/Vatican Media. loves very much," he said. the church, he said in his homily In his homily, the pope reflected people gathering in groups an act of spiritual Communion at his morning Mass in the on serious concerns about the as part of efforts to stem the given their lack of access to chapel of his residence April 17. faithful not being able to come spread of the coronavirus. holy Communion, but "this is "This is the church in a difficult together as a community to not the church," the pope said. Masses, prayers and faithsituation that the Lord is celebrate Mass or to receive One's relationship with Jesus based initiatives have been allowing, but the ideal of the the sacraments because of offered online, and the faithful "is intimate, it is personal, but church is always with the government restrictions against have been encouraged to make people and with the sacraments Story continued on page 16 the byzantine catholic world
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Pope: living faith without sacraments dangerous continued from page 1
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it is in a community," and this closeness to Christ without community, without the Eucharist, without the people of God assembled together and "without the sacraments is dangerous," he said. It is dangerous, he said, because people could start living their relationship with God "for just myself, detached from the people of God." As the Gospels show, Jesus' disciples always lived their relationship with the Lord as a community -- they gathered "at the table, a sign of community. It was always with the sacrament, with bread," the pope said. "I am saying this because someone made me reflect on the danger of this moment we are living, this pandemic that has made all of us communicate, even in a religious sense, through the media, through means of communication," he said. By broadcasting his morning Mass, for example, people are in communion, but they are not "together," he said. The very small number of people present at his daily morning Mass will receive the Eucharist, he said, but not the people watching online who will only have "spiritual Communion." "This is not the church," Pope Francis said. People are living this "familiarity with the Lord" apart from each other in order to "get out of the tunnel, not to stay in it."
dates to remember MAY 10 Mother’s Day MAY 21 Feast of the Ascension of our Lord CHANCERY CLOSED MAY 25 Memorial Day CHANCERY CLOSED
The pope said it was thanks to an unnamed bishop who "scolded him" and made him think more deeply about the danger of celebrating Mass without the presence and participation of the general public. He said the bishop wrote to him before Easter when it was announced Mass would be celebrated in an "empty" St. Peter's Basilica. He said the bishop questioned the decision and asked, when "St. Peter's is so big, why not put 30 people at least so people can be seen" in the congregation? The pope said that at first he didn't understand what this bishop was trying to get at, but then they spoke and the bishop told him to be careful to not make the church, the sacraments and the people of God something that is only experienced or distributed online. "The church, the sacraments and the people of God are concrete," the pope said. The faithful's relationship with God must also stay concrete, as the apostles lived it, as a community and with the people of God, not lived in a selfish way as individuals or lived in a "viral" way that is spread only online. "May the Lord teach us this intimacy with him, this familiarity with him, but in the church, with the sacraments, with the holy faithful people of God," he said. n
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