Perpetual Help, spring 2015 by The Redemptorists

Perpetual Help SPRING 2015

VOLUME 7, NUMBER 1

P ubl ished b y t he R e d e m p t o r i s t s

Deeds Not Words PA G E 8

Photo by Richard Curran

EDITOR’S COLUMN

Returning to our roots Mary C. Weaver, director of communications

s you can see, we’ve completely redone our quarterly magazine. We have a new name, Perpetual Help, and a new look, created by graphic designer Carol Rumbolt. And although the look is new, it really reflects a return to our roots, to our devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help and our history as the Perpetual Help Center. (Many of you will remember that for decades the Redemptorists operated the Perpetual Help Center on 150th Street in Bronx, N.Y. In 2009 the program moved to Annapolis, Md.) For about a year now we’ve been working toward a renewed emphasis on Our Lady of Perpetual Help, who continually points us to her Son, Jesus. This is only fitting because since 1866 the Redemptorists have been entrusted with caring for and promoting the OLPH icon and devotion to Our Lady. You can see our new emphasis on the icon by viewing the backs of our Christmas and Easter cards, which display the icon and briefly explain the Redemptorists’ mission. You can see it on our website, whose predominant image is now Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and on the letters we mail you. Of course, these are small things in comparison with the vital work Redemptorist priests and brothers do: giving hope and help to the poor; preaching the Good News to the most

IN THIS ISSUE IN THIS ISSUE

Neumann Shrine sees updates Major improvements are taking shape in Philadelphia.

abandoned sons and daughters of God; and educating, comforting, and healing the victims of ignorance and poverty, all in the name of Christ. But we believe small things like these can help communicate our mission and the compassionate care—like the love of Our Lady—that is part of every Redemptorist priest and brother’s work. I hope you’ll let me know your thoughts about our new look. You can reach me by phone at 410-271-7552 or by e-mail at mary@redemptorists.net. Thank you, and may God bless you for your generous support of the Redemptorists. n

Three new deacons

On their journey to the priesthood, new Redemptorist deacons are urged to show God ’s merc y through their ser vice at the altar and to the poor.

ADDRESS Perpetual Help Center 107 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401-2526

MORE STORIES

New Redemptorist leadership...... 6 Test your OLPH knowledge........ 7 Professions of faith................... 10 In memoriam. . ........................... 11 Free Faith on Fire series........... 11

CONTACT

EDITOR

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

877-876-7662

Mary C. Weaver

James C. Link

redemptorists.net

mary@redemptorists.net

jlink@redemptorists.net

Perpetual Help ©2015. Perpetual Help is published for friends and supporters of the Redemptorists. Redemptorist priests and brothers follow in Jesus’ footsteps, preaching the Word and serving the poor and most abandoned, with a special devotion to the crib of Bethlehem, the Cross, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Eucharist.

PROVINCIAL’S PREFACE

The joy of the Gospel must be contagious Father Paul Borowski, C.Ss.R., Provincial Superior

ou may be wondering, Where is the picture of that nice Father Moley? Where did he go? Let me introduce myself: my name is Father Paul Borowski, and I was installed as Provincial of the Redemptorists of the Baltimore Province on January 12. For the next four years, with my team of Father Gerard Knapp and Father Matthew Allman, we will place our lives at the service of our fellow Redemptorists. Please keep us in your prayers as we strive to help our province continue faithfully proclaiming the Good News to the poor and most abandoned. I would also like to thank Fathers Kevin Moley, Frank Jones, and Tom Travers for their years of service in leading the province. Through countless meetings, discussions, e-mails, and phone conferences, they have shown their commitment by leading us to follow in the footsteps of St. Alphonsus. I’m deeply grateful to them for their years of service. Pope Francis recently wrote a letter for the start of the Year of Consecrated Life in which he penned these words: We are called to know and show that God is able to fill our hearts to the brim with happiness; that we need not seek our happiness elsewhere; that the authentic fraternity found in our communities increases our joy; and that our total self-giving in service to the Church, to families and young people, to the elderly and the poor, brings us lifelong personal fulfillment.

In our preaching of the Good News, I pray that we Redemptorists will be men of authentic happiness and joy. Our joy comes from the fact that although we are sinners, we believe in a God who walked among us, suffered and died for us, and rose from the dead for us. Our joy doesn’t depend on what type of job we have, how much money we have in our bank account, or how many possessions we have. It’s a feeling that comes from being loved beyond imagination by our redeeming God. This joy doesn’t belong only to religious: it must be contagious. It’s a joy we share with those we minister with, and in turn it’s shared with others. The joy of

DAILY

PODCAST HOMILIES

Did you know that our website features free daily audio homilies in English and Spanish, created by Redemptorist priests? They’re short (usually under five minutes), and they’re a great way to start your day. Go to redemptorists.net/preaching.cfm or subscribe via iTunes: itunes.apple.com/podcast/the-goodword-from-the-redemptorists/. n

the Gospel needs to spread like wildfire through our families, workplaces, and neighborhoods. In this day of instant communication we’re often bombarded by bad news on all fronts. It’s our job as Redemptorists— and the job of all dedicated disciples of Jesus Christ—to bring the Good News to a world that hungers for it. As I write, we have just begun a New Year, and perhaps we have already broken our New Year’s resolutions. But being a joyful disciple of Jesus Christ is something we should strive for every day of the year. Sometimes we will be successful, and other times we may come up short. Yet each day is a chance for us to work on our relationship with the Lord; each day presents a new chance to be people filled with hope, knowing we have been redeemed and loved by our God. I conclude with more words from Pope Francis that challenge us all to share this love and hope with the entire world: Don’t be closed in on yourselves, don’t be stifled by petty squabbles, don’t remain a hostage to your own problems. These will be resolved if you go forth and help others to resolve their own problems and proclaim the Good News. You will find life by giving life, hope by giving hope, love by giving love.

In the Redeemer, Father Paul Borowski, C.Ss.R.

Spring 2015 | 3

Big Changes for the National Shrine of St. John Neumann BY MARY C. WEAVER

he National Shrine of St. John Neumann got a major boost in 1979 when Pope St. John Paul II visited it and prayed at the tomb of the first American man to be canonized a saint. This September the Shrine expects another illustrious visitor: Pope Francis, who will be in Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families. In anticipation of the papal visit and the increasing number who come in prayer to St. John Neumann’s final resting place—nearly 200,000 pilgrims last year—the Redemptorists have begun key improvements and renovations to 4 | Perpetual Help

the Shrine. The congregation is committed to making the Shrine a place of prayer and healing that can welcome vast numbers of pilgrims as well as lovers of art, music, and architecture; historians; and researchers. It’s no wonder the faithful flock to the saint’s tomb. This holy man—the only U.S. bishop to be declared a saint—accomplished great things during his relatively short life. John Nepomucene Neumann, born in Bohemia in 1811 and ordained a priest by the bishop of New York in 1836, dedicated his ministry to serving

European immigrants in America. But he longed to be part of a missionary community and in 1842 entered the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, becoming the first man to join the Redemptorists in the New World. Just 10 years later he was named bishop of Philadelphia, and he was untiring in visiting his vast diocese, which included Delaware, half of New Jersey, and most of Pennsylvania. St. John Neumann was astonishingly productive, establishing the nation’s first Catholic school system, encouraging the 40 Hours Devotion in the United

‘We have many fragile documents and rare books that need this environment if they are to last for future generations. The new archive will be a little like a fountain of youth, giving more years to the life of the documents.’

States, building hundreds of schools and parish churches, serving as Provincial Superior for the Redemptorists, and helping to found the Third Order of Sisters of St. Francis. He was a man of the people, known for his frugality. He owned a single pair of boots during his years in the United States. And when he was given gifts of vestments, he usually passed them on to newly ordained priests. St. John Neumann died of a stroke in 1860, collapsing on the street while running errands. He was buried in a basement crypt at St. Peter the Apostle Church—home of the National Shine. The Shrine was created in the 1960s, when John Neumann was beatified by Pope Paul VI. In 1977 he was canonized by the same pope. His popularity continues to grow, and he is invoked as the patron of Catholic education, immigrants, and sick children. Renovations to the Shrine Here’s a short list of the renovations and improvements planned for the Shrine:

Plans include a restoration of the church’s beautiful Willcox organ. • The addition of a light-filled atrium, featuring a peaceful water feature and beautiful stained-glass windows. The atrium will provide a lobby where groups can gather, receive orientation to St. Peter’s and the Shrine, and enter the Shrine without disturbing those at prayer. The new atrium has been completed and was dedicated in January. • The installation, within the atrium, of an elevator to take pilgrims to the upper church, which is difficult to access for those who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility. • The restoration of a famous Willcox organ, built in 1871. It has been inoperable and silent for decades.

• The creation of a prayer garden, with a restored 12-foot statue of St. Michael the Archangel, shrub and tree plantings, and garden benches. • The restoration and preservation of numerous stained-glass windows in both the upper church (St. Peter the Apostle) and Shrine. • The renovation of an adjacent warehouse to create a large multipurpose room, restrooms, and a commercial kitchen. • The creation of a climate-controlled facility to house the Congregation’s extensive archives—including personal papers, vestments, and other artifacts that belonged to St. John Neumann and Blessed Francis Seelos. Within the new facility will be a display gallery and a research and reading room to allow scholars and visitors to access the materials. The archive, currently housed in New York, also includes one of the world’s most extensive collections on the Shroud of Turin, believed to be the burial cloth of Jesus. The new archive will be located within the adjacent former warehouse. (Read more about the archives on page 7.) To learn more, visit stjohnneumann.org. Or download a brochure about the renovation by visiting baltreds.us/sjn-shrine.

Shrine continued on page 7

Spring 2015 | 5

BY MARY C. WEAVER

New leadership elected for the province

Learn more about the new provincial superior, Father Paul Borowski.

very four years the RedemptorEllicott City, Md.; and since August scary. I have mixed emotions because I ists elect a new provincial supe2008 at St. Clement Church in Sarato- know I will have to leave St. Clement’s rior and leadership team—and ga Springs, N.Y. pretty soon, and I’ve enjoyed parish life. with a lot less drama than we’re about He taught in the philosophy deBut I feel excited about the opporto see in the quadrennial national elecpartment of St. John’s University in tunity, and it’s a great honor to think, tions next fall. Queens, N.Y., with a specialty in busi“Wow, the guys trust me to move into Father Kevin Moley had served as ness ethics. Father Borowski served as this position.” Since the election I’ve provincial since early 2011, with Faassistant director of formation from gotten so many e-mails and phone calls ther Francis Jones as vicar provincial 1994 to 2002, then director of formafrom confreres offering their congratuand Father Thomas Travers as second tion till 2008. He was elected to the lations, and more important, telling me consultor. The new provincial is Father province’s extraordinary provincial I’m in their thoughts and prayers. We Paul Borowski (see page 3), and the council in 2005 and re-elected in 2008 have a wonderful spirit and a sense of vicar provincial and second consultor and 2011. family as a province. are Fathers Gerard Knapp and MatHe has been involved in youth minWe might have differences of opinthew Allman, respectively. (Learn more istry for decades. During summers ion at times, but we all have the same by visiting baltreds.us/leaders2015.) from 1995 to 2007 and 2009 to 2013 mission—how we can best preach the The men in these three posiGospel of Jesus Christ. MEET OUR LEADERSHIP tions form the Redemptorists’ ordinary provincial council. What will you Along with the five-mem focus on first? ber extraordinary provincial I want to visit the various council, they manage the communities and hear what province’s missionary activithe men are saying and what ties and implement its policy they’re feeling. and governance decisions. A My first stop will be Stella new extraordinary provincial Maris [St. John Neumann Father Gerard Father Matthew Father Paul council was elected on January Residence in Timonium, Md., Knapp Allman Borowski 14. New members are Fathers a home for elderly RedemptoVicar Provincial Second Consultor Provincial Superior James Wallace and John Olerists], to speak with the older nick; re-elected members are men. And I want to visit with Fathers Raymond Collins, Edmund he has taken young people to work on the young men in formation right off Faliskie, and Francis Mulvaney. Habitat for Humanity projects. From the bat and listen to them. Father Borowski, 54, was born and 2001 to 2007 he served as Life Teen None of us has all the answers. So grew up in Baltimore. He professed priest for St. Martin of Tours Parish in how do we work together in mission, vows in 1982 and was ordained in Bethpage, N.Y., and he attended World how do we work to build community 1987. He has master’s degrees in reYouth Days in 1992 and 2002. and strengthen our own faith life as ligious education and divinity from We spoke with Father Borowski a individuals and as a province—because Mount St. Alphonsus in Esopus, N.Y., few days after the election to learn if we don’t have that solid foundation in and Washington Theological Union more about his hopes and plans for the Christ, how are we going to be effective in Washington, D.C., respectively. In next four years. Here are some of the missionaries? 1992 he earned a licentiate in philoshighlights of the conversation. ophy from the Catholic University of What challenges is the Leuven, Belgium. What are your thoughts on province facing? Father Borowski has served at Our being elected provincial? It’s no secret—we are an aging province. Lady of Perpetual Help Church in It’s exciting, humbling, and a little bit Vocations are slowly coming around,

6 | Perpetual Help

and we have some men from other provinces. But given our numbers, what can we do in order to strengthen our ministry? We have many men who are up in age— in their 70s and even their 80s. I’m in awe of them and the excellent work they do. They are great missionaries! They’ve been working for 40-plus years, and I want them to be able to work at their own pace. But the challenge is, what can we do about vocations, and how can we keep our present commitments effectively? We have to think about how we can do the best job of living out our Redemptorist mission. And this year we are making a commitment to take on a parish in North Carolina, in an area that’s in great need of Spanish-speaking ministers. In everything we do, wherever we are, our purpose is to preach the Gospel to people in the ordinary moments of their lives. The

most important job of a provincial council is to continually reexamine whether we are being the most effective ministers of the Gospel. Are we doing the best we can to help you get in touch with this wonderful person, Jesus Christ? We have a great legacy, great men who have led us. I just want to live up to that legacy and continue the good work that we’ve done. That’s probably my biggest challenge. In the past few days I’ve gotten e-mails and calls from so many men, including some who were my first formators when I was in seminary, the ones who formed me in the Redemptorist way and instilled this life in me. As I’ve gotten to know them, they have inspired me by their zeal and ministry. I just hope that like the men who formed and inspired me, I will be able to do that for the younger generations in our province. n Shrine continued from page 5

The Shrine’s new archive: ‘a gift to the Church’

ne of the most significant aspects of the St. John Neumann Shrine renovation is the creation of a new archive for the Baltimore Province. We spoke with the province’s archivist, Patrick Hayes, Ph.D., recently to learn more about its many benefits. “The investment by the province in the preservation of their history in a new climate-controlled archive is not just important for the confreres; it is a gift to the Church,” said Dr. Hayes. “We have many fragile documents and rare books that need this environment if they are to last for future generations. Before the paper gets any more brittle, the new archive will be a little like a fountain of youth, giving more years to the life of the documents.” Moving the archive to the campus of the St. John Neumann Shrine will make Philadelphia “one of America’s most important research centers for Catholic history,” he said. “Philadelphia has the advantage of having the oldest Catholic historical society in the country, a large cluster of Catholic

universities and religious orders, a plethora of historic churches (including St. Peter the Apostle), and an archdiocesan archive that has innumerable research possibilities. . . . For scholars interested in religion in America, the Redemptorist archive is going to be a must stop.” Dr. Hayes noted that, as an archivist, it’s his job to concentrate on the past. This new project, however, gives him the opportunity to look ahead. “How often do you get to build something important that will have staying power from one generation to the next? The Redemptorists have a remarkable history, and I aim to make it known through what I hope will be innovative and interesting displays. I also want to try to connect the scholarly community and anyone interested in the history of the Church in the United States to our electronic resources, which I hope will grow over time.” It’s estimated that the archive will be moved from its current home in Brooklyn to Philadelphia in October or November of this year. n

Test your

OLPH ICON

knowledge Did you know? • Pope St. John Paul II published a prayer to Our Lady of Perpetual Help in June 1991. • The icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is of a type known as the Virgin of the Passion: it includes instruments of the crucifixion, shows the Christ Child looking toward them, and depicts Mary in contemplation, as if she is thinking of the suffering her Son will eventually endure. • The oldest icon of that type is believed to be that of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, which is displayed in the Redemptorists’ Church of Sant’ Alfonso in Rome. The icon may have been created between the years 960 and 1000. In 1866 Pope Pius IX entrusted the original OLPH icon to the Redemptorists, asking them to “make her known throughout the world.” Starting this June, Redemptorists throughout the world will begin a jubilee year to celebrate the 150th anniversary of receiving the icon into their care. Watch these pages and our website (redemptorists.net/icon) for much more information as the jubile year begins. n Spring 2015 | 7

Deeds, not words

Deacons ordained last October are urged to show the link between the Mass and the Christian mission.

or two millennia the Church has been “vexed” by a particular challenge: the gap that often exists between the way we worship during the Eucharist and the way we live our faith. The ministry of the deacon is essential to closing that gap, said Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin during an October 11 Mass in which he ordained two dozen men—including three Redemptorists—to the diaconate. Deacons Jacky Merilan, Calvin Auguiste, and Anthony Michalik were ordained for the Redemptorists, along with 18 Jesuits and three Capuchins. The Mass was celebrated at St. Ignatius of Loyola Church in Chestnut Hill, Mass. “Today especially the Church is judged by deeds, When Mass ends, not words,” said Archbishop Tobin, a Redemptorist ‘the mission of the and the ordinary of Indiaassembly begins, napolis, during his homily. “The most serious accuand the deacon can sation leveled against the help the assembly Church is that few deeds follow many words.” understand where For example, the that mission should Church speaks of the mercy of God and must reveal take them.’ that mercy not only in the sacrament of reconciliation but also through its concern for “the little, the forgotten, the excluded, the marginalized,” he said. This practical service to the poor is fundamental to the dea8 | Perpetual Help

MARY C. WEAVER

By Mary C. Weaver

Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin ordains Calvin Auguiste to the diaconate with the laying on of hands.

con’s role, which also includes proclaiming the Word of God at Mass, preaching, and assisting at the table of the Lord. The deacon performs an especially significant function at the end of the liturgy, said Archbishop Tobin, when he speaks the words of dismissal: “Go in peace,” “Go forth, the Mass has ended,” or “Go and announce the Gospel with your lives.” “Brothers, your words are meant to be anything but perfunctory,” he said. Quoting Pope Benedict XVI in the Apostolic Exhortation Sacramentum Caritatis (“The sacrament of charity”), published in 2007, the archbishop said that the words of dismissal “help us grasp the relationship between the Mass just celebrated and the mission of Christians in the world.” The words of dismissal are not meant to indicate simply that people are free to leave, said Archbishop Tobin. “While the Mass is being concluded, the mission of the assembly begins, and the deacon can help the assembly understand where that mission should take them. “Far from the caricature of the deacon as a glorified altar server, there should be an inextricable link between the dismissal of the Eucharist and your visible witness to the Eu-

charist as a mystery to be lived.” Indeed, a Church that does not proclaim that witness— that is not truly missionary—does not live fully in the mystery of the Eucharist, he said. “Pope Francis reminds us frequently that a church that closes in on herself becomes narcissistic and spiritually sick,” said Archbishop Tobin. “Therefore the service of charity that embodies your mission as deacons is essential for the life and health of the local church.” “Today you become an icon of the diaconal meaning of the Church, which is a threefold service—of Word, sacrament, and charity,” said Archbishop Tobin. “Brothers, there’s a fundamental unity in service. There has to be. This expects and demands a balanced approach to ministry and to all of it—Word, sacrament, and charity—permeated by a commitment to justice.” The deacon shows this commitment by bringing the Church’s ordained ministry to every dimension of human life—to the workplace, marketplace, home and school, hospital, nursing home, and prison, the archbishop explained. Thus, the deacon’s sacramental life shows the inherent link between worshiping the Lord and “caring for the least and poorest brothers and sisters of Jesus,” he said.

MARY C. WEAVER

The sacramental life of the deacon shows the link between worshiping the Lord and ‘caring for the least and poorest brothers and sisters of Jesus.’

Making his promise to obey his local bishop and Redemptorist superiors, Anthony Michalik kneels before Archbishop Tobin.

The newly ordained deacons have begun living out this mission in the parish assignments where they now serve while awaiting their ordination as priests. Deacon Michalik has been serving at Mission Church in

Key moments in the ordination rite Promise of obedience: Each deacon candidate kneels before the bishop, places his hands between those of the bishop, and promises respect and obedience to the local bishop and to his religious superiors. The Litany of the Saints: Candidates lie prostrate while cantors lead the sung litany, asking the saints by name to pray for the ordinands. All respond, “pray for us.”

Laying on of hands: Each candidate kneels before the bishop, who lays his hands on the ordinand’s head, invoking the power of the Holy Spirit. After the laying on of hands, the bishop prays the prayer of consecration, dedicating the men to the office of deacon. Investiture with stole and dalmatic: After the bishop prays the prayer of consecration, an assisting priest or deacon helps each

newly ordained man put on his vestments for the first time. Presentation of the book of the Gospels: The new deacon kneels before the bishop, who places the book of the Gospels in his hands, saying, “Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you now are. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.” n Spring 2015 | 9

June in Dominica. Two more Redemptorist deacons—Deacon Yvon Tremont and Deacon Pierre Desruisseaux—were ordained in Haiti in August. They preach and provide adult education at St. Angela Merici Church, Boston, and St. Ann Church, Somerville, Mass., respectively. To view a slide show from the diaconate ordinations on October 11, visit redemptorists.net/diaconate.boston/. n

Placing his hands between Archbishop Tobin’s hands, Deacon Jacky Merilan promises obedience to his local bishop and Redemptorist superiors.

Posing with Archbishop Tobin after Mass are (left to right) Deacon Michalik; Deacon Merilan; Father Denis Sweeney, the director of theological studies; then–Provincial Superior Father Kevin Moley; and Deacon Auguiste.

RICHARD CURRAN (2)

Boston, directing the religious-education program and assisting with Masses, baptisms, and the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novena. His priestly ordination is scheduled for June 27. Deacon Merilan, a native of Haiti, serves the predominantly Haitian Our Lady of Grace Parish in Chelsea, Mass. His ordination date has not yet been set. Deacon Calvin Auguiste is serving at St. Mary Church in Revere, Mass., and visiting shut-ins. His ordination is set for

PROFESSIONS OF FAITH

Ako Walker, C.Ss.R.

Garvey Blanc, C.Ss.R.

Michael Cunningham, C.Ss.R.

Deacon Calvin Auguiste, C.Ss.R.

ast year three men made their first profession as Redemptorists, and two made their final profession. In Dominica on August 6 Ako Walker and Garvey Blanc made first profession. On the same day Calvin Auguiste made his final profession. He was ordained to the diaconate in Boston on October 11, along with Anthony Michalik, who had made his final profession the previous day, and Jacky Merilan (see the story on page 8). On August 23 Michael Cunningham made his first profession at St. Martin of Tours Church in Bethpage, N.Y.

10 | Perpetual Help

MARY C. WEAVER

First vows, final vows

Provincial Superior Father Kevin Moley hands Anthony Michalik a crucifix during the Mass of his final profession as a Redemptorist. The Mass took place October 10 at Mission Church in Boston.

IN MEMORIAM

May God bless the confreres of the Baltimore Province who died in 2014. Father Lawrence Edward Lover, 90, died December 6, 2014, at Stella Maris in Timonium, Md. He was professed August 2, 1946, and ordained June 17, 1951. He served for many years at St. Mary’s College in North East, Pa., and also in parishes in Maryland. For nine years he served as vicar of the Baltimore Province. Father Russell James Abata, 84, died October 20, 2014, in Manhattan. He was professed August 2, 1952, and ordained June 23, 1957. He lived at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in New York but also served at the Basilica of OLPH in Brooklyn and St. Michael’s Church in Long Branch, N.J. He wrote 15 books. Father James Edward McGonagle, 95, died October 18, 2014, at Stella Maris. He was the oldest confrere in the province. He was professed August 2, 1939, and ordained June 18, 1944. Father McGonagle served in parishes in Philadelphia, Manhattan, and the Bronx before moving to the Vice-Province of Richmond. Father Lawrence Joseph Murphy, 92, died October 7, 2014, at Stella Maris in Timonium. He was professed January 2, 1944, and ordained January 19, 1949. For 18 years he served in the Vice-Province of Richmond. In 1968 he returned North and served in parishes in New York, Maryland, and Pennsylva“I am certain that nia before ministering for 12 years at the Retreat Center in Jesus has prepared Esopus, N.Y. Brother Martin de Porres Smith, 73, died June 18, 2014, at Stella Maris in Timonium. He was professed August 2, 1959. Brother Martin served at the seminary in Esopus, as assistant vocation director, and in parishes in New York state and Maryland before transferring briefly to the Vice-Province of Richmond. He returned to the Baltimore Province because of ill health.

a beautiful place in Paradise for those who die in

the Congregation.” —St. Alphonsus Liguori

Father James Paul Lundy, 95, died April 26, 2014, in New York City. He was professed August 2, 1942, and ordained June 22, 1947. He served in the missions of Brazil for more than 55 years. For the last 10 years he had assisted the priests and brothers of the OLPH community on 61st Street in Manhattan. Father Vincent John Douglass, 77, died January 10, 2014, at St. Alphonsus Villa in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. Father Douglass was professed August 2, 1961, and ordained June 19, 1966. He spent most of his priesthood in the Vice-Province of Richmond, and his ministries included serving at the vice-provincial residence in Richmond, at the Redemptorist retreat house in Hampton, and at several parishes in Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

Have you signed up for our free Faith on Fire series? St. Alphonsus Liguori, founder of the Redemptorists, was a Doctor of the Church, known for his deep spiritual wisdom and understanding. Yet he had the rare talent of being able to explain the deepest theological concepts in ways even the simplest people could comprehend. During his lifetime, he wrote more than 100 books, most of which are now out of print. But thanks to an online archive of books in the public domain, we’ve been able to locate pdf scans of dozens of works by St. Alphonsus. Now, you may not have time to read all 657 pages of his book The Glories of Mary, for example—and that’s where our new Faith on Fire series comes in. Several times a year, we publish a free excerpt from the saint’s writings to help you learn more about your faith. Sign up for our free series today! Visit redemptoristmedia.com. Please connect with us on Facebook too: point your web browser to facebook.com/ RedemptoristsBaltimore. n

Full obituaries can be found on our website at redemptorists.net/departed.cfm. n Spring 2015 | 11

The Redemptorists

Perpetual Help Center 107 Duke of Gloucester Street Annapolis, MD 21401-2526 redemptorists.net

PRESORTED NON-PROFIT MAIL US POSTAGE PAID CITY, STATE ZIP PERMIT #

With Him is plentiful redemption. (Psalm 130:7)

Courtesy of Father John McKenna, C.Ss.R.

PARISH

LIFE

About 350 people took part in Family Fun Night last August in the 59th Street schoolyard of The Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Brooklyn. The evening began with Mass, with music in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese. Afterward the Knights of Columbus provided hundreds of grilled burgers and hotdogs, and a group of women from the Hispanic and Chinese communities served chicken and rice. The children enjoyed games, face painting, musical chairs, and a visit from a clown.