The Catholic Connection: October 2020

The Catholic

Connection Vol. 30 No. 3 October 2020

Memento Mori Embracing Endings & New Beginnings

What Are We Missing?

The Dispense of Mass Obligations in the Age of COVID

CELEBRATING THE FEAST OF

SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI OCTOBER 2020  1

FEATURES

COLUMNS

contents

5

Memento Mori: Embracing Endings 8 From the Bishop and New Beginnings 10 Hispanic News 16 What Have We Been Missing?

The Dispense of Mass Obligations 12 From the Pope

in the Age of COVID 23 Mike’s Meditations: Radical 27 Saint Francis of Assisi: A Wild Child Jesus

with a Heart for the Lord 24 Catholic Charities of North NEWS

Louisiana: Building

a Legacy of Trust 14 Across the Nation: Hispanic

Contributions and Leadership in 25 Mary’s Mission:

the Church

Remembering Death 16 Bishops Respond to Court Decision 30

Allowing an End to Temporary

Protected Status for over 200,000 31 People

Library Notes

17

32

Cemetery: In the Tomb

39

Yellow Fever Graphic Novel Series

Statement of US Bishop Chairman on Federal Executions Scheduled This Week

33 2020 Blessing of the Graves Schedule 34

Around the Diocese

36

School News

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Faithful Food: What are You Called to Die to?

CLOSING 40

October Calander

On the cover: Assisi, Italy; the birthplace of Saint Francis, whose feast day is October 4. Photo by Taylor Lee Powell

From the Editor As we fall into fall, we enter a time of gloomier days and chillier mornings. The days get shorter, the air gets crisper and everything feels fresh and new. We trade in popsicles and poolsides for hot chocolate and pumpkins. We decorate our porches with skeletons, make casseroles passed down from generation to generation, bless the graves of our loved ones, and we do all of this because fall is a natural time for rebirth.

The first article in this issue focuses on a term you may or may not have heard of: Memento Mori, Latin for, “Remember you will die.” (Ooo. Spooky.) Death isn’t always about being in the ground. Death is also about dying to the vices that pull us away from Christ: dying from our ego, dying from the need to control, dying from seeking our identities in things that are only temporary. We die to ourselves to embrace change.

Without change, there is no growth. And where there is no growth, there is sin. And sin is simply looking for the right things in the wrong places.

This month, we celebrate the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. Saint Francis knew firsthand what it meant to embrace change. He left a life of wealth for a life of poverty. He lost his sight and accepted a life of blindness. He wasn’t worried. It didn’t define him, and it didn’t affect his love for everything and everyone. He shows us this life is temporary, and we should value every moment we’re given because it is truly a gift.

We take our days for granted and wave away today, gesturing vaguely to this dumpster fire of a year and say, “we can be happy when all of this is over.” But that’s not how we’re called to live as Christians. We aren’t even guaranteed the rest of this year. We tell ourselves we’re just waiting for this all to end until we can be truly content, whether that’s waiting for a vaccine, for the election to be over, the animosity of our Facebook feed to calm, etc. But instead of hiding away until the chaos has passed, as Catholics, we are called to embrace change in the chaos.

Waiting for “when things calm down” is seldom possible because there is always a new storm. But that’s exactly how God works. We don’t have faith to avoid the storms. Our faith is knowing God will bring us through them to change our hearts. But what makes Christianity so incredible is that it teaches us to heal in the disorder. We grow in the brokenness and imperfection.

It’s in this chaos where we change and transform. We grow in our faith when we find beauty in the darkness and grace in the pain. Everything has a purpose. We never stay the same. It’s in the death of ourselves we are reborn in Christ. It’s in the pain where we change and sanctify ourselves. And it’s when we sanctify ourselves that we sanctify society.

MISSION STATEMENT The Catholic Connection is a monthly publication funded by your Diocesan Stewardship Appeal; mailed to every known Catholic household in the Diocese of Shreveport. Our mission is to advance knowledge and understanding of our Catholic faith among the faithful. We seek to foster the application of Christ’s teachings and our Church’s mission in our daily lives and to encourage our sense of Catholic identity within our family, parish, and faith community.

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PUBLISHER Bishop Francis I. Malone EDITOR Kierstin Richter CONTRIBUTORS Mike Van Vranken Kim Long Kate Rhea Mary Arcement Alexander Mark Loyet Deacon Andrew Thomas Rosalba Quiroz EDITORIAL BOARD Deacon Mike Whitehead John Mark Willcox Kim Long Kate Rhea Rosalba Quiroz Fr. Matthew Long Dr. Carynn Wiggins SUBSCRIPTIONS & ADDRESS CHANGES Contact: Blanca Vice Email: bvice@dioshpt.org Write: The Catholic Connection 3500 Fairfield Ave. Shreveport, LA 71104 Call: 318-868-4441 Fax: 318-868-4609 www.thecatholiconnection.org SUBMISSIONS Contact: Kierstin Richter Email: krichter@dioshpt.org The Catholic Connection is a member of the Catholic Press Association.

The Diocese of Shreveport complies with Virtus’s Protecting God’s Children program. Classes are offered every second Wednesday of the month at the Catholic Center in Shreveport.

To report child sexual abuse by a cleric or church worker in the Diocese of Shreveport, call your local law enforcement agency and Glennda Lawson, Diocesan Victim Assistance Minister, at 318-294-1031.

@CATHOLICCONNECTION

OCTOBER 2020 3

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Memento Mori: Embracing Endings & New Beginnings Kierstin Richter, Editor

AS A CULTURE, we build our lives as if we were invincible, living in a world of ruins of empires who once believed they were eternal. We get the house, the car, the expensive clothes - we build our lives and identities upon things that will not last. But if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that the things we take for granted can easily be taken away, such as a movie out with friends, seeing your loved ones in the nursing home or coming together to celebrate and dance. This isn’t the first time in history the world has looked like this. The ones who have come before us know all too well the struggles we’re facing (besides how to operate a Zoom call).

In the grim wake of a plague, famine, and a hundred year war, a rich culture of art and literature was born nearly half a millennium ago. The phrase, “Memento Mori,” or “remember you will die,” united artists and philosophers in a collective experience that someday we would all return to dust. It inspired a whole chapter of art history that depicted skulls, dying flowers, empty bottles of wine and hourglasses nearing their last grain of sand.

If this sounds morbid to you, you are not in the minority. One’s perspective on this art genre could understandably be different based on his or her outlook on life as he or she lives it. To one who

has much to lose, it’s devastating. But to one who looks ahead to a bountiful peace and non-attachment to things of this world, it’s somewhat comforting.

Of course, skeletons and hourglasses stretched across a canvas may seem unsettling and gruesome at first glance.

But look deeper and see the hidden meanings in these artistic elements. A painting in this style, or as a subgenre, a “vanitas still life,” would incorporate elements such as skulls to reflect the certainty of death, bubbles for the “brevity and fragility of life and earthly glory,” smoke and watches to show time is ticking and musical instruments to portray the ephemeral, fleeting nature of the beauty of today. What makes something beautiful is the potential for it to be taken away. Artists like Albrecht, Durer, Rembrandt, and Damien Hirst have all incorporated the vanitas style into their works.

The Dance Macabre or “dance of death” became popular in late Medieval Times and early Renaissance. These pieces may depict a skeleton walking, dancing, or playing music with anyone, whether it be the pope, a peasant or a small child. It encompassed the universality of death and that no one is exempt. Class or status here may divide us in our mortality, but beyond, death hasn’t the faintest regard for our

OCTOBER 2020 5

perceptions of status.

The purpose of the style was not to discourage or devastate people into depression or to ruminate on the sadness of loss. It was more so a moral instruction to not waste your life on frivolous and meaningless pursuits, and treasure it until the day you may greet death like an old friend.

Although there is debate of the origins of the phrase and philosophy, one tells of an 18th century order of trappist monks called “The Order of the Hermits of Saint Paul,” later known as the “Brothers of the Dead.” This order took the whole death theme to the extreme, as criticized by others. Scapulars with skulls and crossbones, the tradition of kissing a skull at the foot of the cross before each meal and the phrase “memento mori” emblemed on the seal in each brother’s cell, were all elements of their monastic style.

They greeted each other in silence, with the reverence of the phrase, though they did not verbalize it. But it was a constant reminder among the brothers in everything they did. The Trappist monks were a branch of Cistercian monks, a reformed branch of the Benedictines who wanted to live the rule of Saint Benedict more authentically. In the book A Time to Keep Silence, author Patrick Leigh Fermor writes, “symbols of death and dissolution confronted the eye at every turn, and in the refractory, the beckoning torso of a painted skeleton, equipped with an hourglass and a scythe, leant with the terrifying archness of a forgotten guest, across the coping of a wall which were inscribed the words: ‘tonight, perhaps?”

There are several orders of monks with remains of the dead present, a few being the Capuchins, Franciscans, and the Cistercians. An Ossuary, or a crypt beneath the church, is an element of their monastic life, holding the remains of the dead so they may not be abandoned. The Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini at the Via Veneto in Rome houses a Capuchin crypt with six chapels, five of them covered with skeletal remains of their capuchin brothers before them. The crypt was built in the 1630s at the request of Pope Urban VII so they would not be abandoned. There are an estimated 4,000 skeletons collected between the 1520s and 1870s. A plaque inside reads, “What you are now, we once were; what we are now, you shall be.” A similar “bone church” in Prague called the Sedlec Ossuary is decorated with the remains of 40,000 people. So why the sudden jump in popularity?

One Cistercian monk brought back dirt from Golgotha (the hill on which Christ was crucified) after a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He sprinkled it in the cemetery at the monastery, and people were just dying to get a spot there. When the plague hit, the demand for burial plots was overwhelming, so when they ran out of room, they began taking the extra skeletons inside the crypts of the church.

Definitely wouldn’t have wanted to be in charge of that job.

“We push the thoughts of death out of our mind when really, the Of all the religious orders that revere death, the are deemed the “best order in freedom lies whichDominicans to die.” The Dominicans pray for the in dying to dead frequently and have a second round of celebrations the week after All Saints Day and ourselves All Souls Day. When a Dominican dies, all priests in the province say a Mass for him, every day.” the and they pray the “De Profundis” before main

meals in remembrance of all who have died on that day. Their black capes are a physical reminder of this A monastery, “la Val Sainte” in Switzerland, houses mortality, and Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau says this undertone similar decor in the middle of their dining hall, which brings about a “sense of union and community that bears a white wood cross with a skull. Another in France endures into the next life.” He explains it is not meant to inscribes the words “hodie mihi, cras tibi” or “Today I be macabre or depressing, but “something hopeful and die, tomorrow it will be you,” above the entrance to the joyful, that this veil of tears is not the end of our existence; it’s not the goal.” cemetery.

Although the persistent reminder of death may seem unnecessary and dreary, it also encompasses a much larger theme the monks live just as freely, and that is to cultivate a living relationship with the Trinity, in which one lives in communion and fellowship both now and in eternity.

It isn’t to waste away today thinking about the sorrows of tomorrow, but rather to embrace the life we hold today because of the eternity we may face sooner than we think.

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In our culture, we look at death as an end. We see it as a vast oblivion that’s hard to comprehend any kind of eternity past it. Sure, we use the clichés of “Oh, she’s in a better place now” or “We’ll see each other again,” but the realistic thought apart from any euphamisms we may be told, is that we are scared. We don’t embrace it, so we don’t think about it. Although it’s something we will all experience, it’s not something we usually talk about

realistically, because really, who could give us an honest embrace the never-ending transformation of the death of answer about what lies ahead? If they knew, why in the ourselves, which is what Jesus calls us to do, we must do world are they still hanging around? so consistently to truly live in Christ. This isn’t a one and done deal. We must make a choice every day to humble In the wake of the death of those we love, we feel cheated. ourselves for the sake of holiness.

Broken. Beaten. We wonder why terrible things happen, and we blame ourselves for not being able to cope with But humility isn’t something we just pick up. We must it. We push the thoughts of death out of our mind when go to the full depth of things. We have to hit the bottom. really; the freedom lies in dying to ourselves every day. Feel the ground. Feel the utter pain of failure to learn We die to ourselves by dying to the vices that control us vulnerability - to learn how to allow God to come into - dying to the seasons that no longer serve God. One vice our hearts and lift us back up again. To truly come to we never seem to die to is the need to be in control, and know Christ, we must die in all the areas in our life that we kill ourselves slowly with judgment, resentment, and feed ourselves and allow Christ to fill up the empty spaces the all too human urge to ruminate on the thoughts that we create. drain and destroy us.

Memento Mori isn’t just about remembering someday As we get older, we just slowly lose interest in subscribing we will be in the ground. It’s also about the every day and to the annoyances and pettiness of everyday things. We the embrace of letting go. It’s about the mortality of the no longer feel the need to respond to that argumentative beauty that surrounds us. God uses what would destroy person on Facebook or engage in debates over things that you to transform you. Life isn’t fair. Life is painful. But don’t matter. We learn to let go and die to the need to God comes to you disguised in all of that. This is where always be right or always have a say. Ego is one heck of a we grow. This is where we die. But it is also where we heal. drug. But dying to the pride that makes us want to engage is a freedom in sobriety in itself. www.tate.org.uk www.artofmanliness.com We die many times over the course of our lives. We www.news.artnet.com die to our ego. We die to pride. We die to ourselves. To www.catholicnewsagency.com OCTOBER 2020 7

from the bishop Bishop Francis I. Malone When I arrived in Shreveport in late January, I set some modest goals for 2020. The first goal was to visit personally with every priest working in the diocese. Although COVID-19 put a stop to the regular meetings, within a few months I was able to complete this first goal. The purpose of these meetings was to get to know a little bit about each of my closest collaborators, our priests.

I asked them about their background, their family, their faith formation, and their vocation as a priest. In all honesty, I found these meetings to be delightful. I learned a lot about our priests, and I also learned much about our diocese. I am so glad I was able to undertake this first goal with the joy I found in each meeting. Our diocese is full of wonderful, dedicated and holy priests, and I am privileged to be their bishop.

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The second goal I set before me was to visit every parish and Mission Church before the first of the New Year 2021. This has not been as successful, as, again the Coronavirus kept me from the frequency of visits I had hoped to make. Still, if I include the Confirmations I have been blessed to perform, I think I have been able to visit about a dozen or more parishes. I have also been able to visit all of our schools, here in Shreveport and in Monroe. Since I have spent a good deal of my priesthood in parishes with schools, I have thoroughly enjoyed these visits. I have successfully visited them all, though small in number, but have enjoyed every minute of, once again, being back in the classroom. I want you to be proud that, in spite of the small number of Catholic schools in our diocese, they are excellent, from the administrators and teachers

to the children who find their way to school, even virtually.

This is what I have found in my visits to our parishes and schools: I have found people who love their Church. There is ample visible evidence of how our parishes and our members are coping with the restrictions of COVID-19. And while I regret that when I look “out there” into the congregation the masks shield faces – the eyes are clearly visible, and as “mirrors to the soul” show the happiness the masks hide. I have found that there is real joy in our parish communities as we celebrate Mass – even without music to accompany our prayers. I have found that the reverence for the Eucharist is clearly visible as our members approach the sanctuary to receive our Lord’s Body and Blood. And I have found that our members are a hospitable group of faith-

filled people, who greet me with kindness, even though the encounters are brief.

It is my hope that very soon we can resume attending Mass as we once did before the virus came our way. Until that time, unless you are not able to attend Mass because of personal health issues – and if you have found that it has become just too easy to participate in Mass by watching it virtually – begin the journey back to Church, yes with your masks and with social distancing – but with the encounter you will have with your pastors who love you, your brothers and sisters in Christ who journey with you, and most importantly, with the Lord, who gives His Body and Blood to you with love.

OCTOBER 2020 9

hispanic news

Del Obispo Bishop Francis I. Malone Cuando llegué a Shreveport en enero, me puse a planear metas para el 2020. La primera meta era tener una visita personal con cada sacerdote que trabaja en la diócesis. Aunque el COVID-19 hizo lento ese proceso, pude completar esta primera meta después de unos meses. El propósito de esta reuniones era poder conocer un a mis más cercanos colaboradores, los sacerdotes. Les preguntaba de donde eran originalmente, sobre su familia, su formación de fe, y su vocación de sacerdotes. Con Puedo decir con honestidad que estas reuniones fueron muy agradables. Aprendí mucho sobre nuestros sacerdotes, y también aprendí mucho de nuestra diócesis. Estoy muy contento de haber podido cumplir con esta primera meta con la alegría que sentí en cada reunión. Nuestra diócesis está llena de sacerdotes santos, maravillosos, y dedicados a su labor que me siento privilegiado de ser su obispo.

La segunda meta que me propuse fue visitar cada una de las parroquias y capillas antes del primero del año 2021. Esta meta no la he podido cumplir todavía, porque como ya saben el Coronavirus me frenó de visitar con la frecuencia que yo esperaba hacerlo. Aun así, si incluyo las visitas de las Confirmaciones que he tenido la bendición de hacer, creo que he podido visitar una docena o más de parroquias. También he podido visitar todas las escuelas católicas que tenemos en Shreveport y Monroe y como mucho tiempo de mi sacerdocio ha sido dedicado a las escuelas, he disfrutado muchísimo estas visitas. Las he visitado todas y, aunque son pocas, he disfrutado cada minuto de poder estar una vez más de regreso en un salón.

Quiero que se sientan orgullosos, que aunque el número de escuelas católicas en nuestra diócesis es muy pequeño, son excelentes en su totalidad; desde el

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equipo de administración y maestros hasta los niños que asisten a su escuela, aun si por ahora es virtual.

Esto es lo que he encontrado en mis visitas a nuestras parroquias y escuelas: he visto gente que ama la Iglesia. Hay una amplia y visible evidencia de cómo nuestras parroquias y nuestros miembros parroquiales han enfrentado las restricciones del COVID-19, y aunque lamentablemente viendo hacia la congregación “frente a mi” con sus cubre bocas cubriendo sus caras – sus ojos son claramente visibles, y como “espejos de su alma” muestran la felicidad que el cubre bocas esconde. He visto que hay gozo verdadero en nuestras comunidades parroquiales cuando celebramos la Misa – aun sin la música que acompañe a nuestras oraciones.

Me he dado cuenta que la reverencia por la Eucaristía es claramente visible cuando nuestros miembros se acercan al santuario a recibir el Cuerpo y Sangre de nuestro Señor. Y me he encontrado con que nuestros miembros son un grupo hospitalario de gente llena de fe, que nos saluda con amabilidad, aun cuando estos encuentros son muy breves.

Mi esperanza es que muy pronto regresaremos a participar en la Misa como lo hemos hecho siempre y hasta antes de que llegara el virus a nuestras vidas. Cuando salgamos de esto, a menos que no puedan participar en la Misa por razones de salud – y aunque hayan sentido que es fácil participar en la Misa viéndola virtualmente – comiencen el camino de regreso a la Iglesia, claro que con su cubre bocas y guardando la distancia recomendada – para que tengan ese nuevo encuentro con su sacerdote que tanto los ama, con sus hermanos y hermanas en Cristo para caminar juntos y lo más importante, con el Señor que nos da su Cuerpo y Sangre con mucho amor.

Hermoso Discurso de un Arzobispo Rosalba Quiroz, Directora El Arzobispo de Los Ángeles y presidente de la Conferencia Episcopal de Estados Unidos (USCCB), Mons.

José Gómez, afirmó que como Iglesia migrante, los católicos deben renovar el país “según el hermoso plan de Dios”.

“Esta es la gran misión que todos tenemos como Iglesia, salgamos a su viña, renovemos nuestro país de acuerdo al hermoso plan de Dios y convirtámoslo en un lugar para los pueblos de todas las naciones y todas las razas”, subrayó el Arzobispo.

Luego de señalar que actualmente hay un debate sobre el racismo en Estados Unidos, el Arzobispo de origen mexicano dijo que “Dios nos está llamando a nuestra Iglesia de inmigrantes a iluminar nuestra nación de inmigrantes, lo que la Iglesia proclamó desde Pentecostés: la unidad, la misericordia de Dios está a disposición de todas las naciones bajo el cielo”.

sólidas, educar a los hijos para que amen a Dios”, agregó. El presidente de la USCCB indicó que en la Misa “nos reunimos para celebrar nuestra identidad de los hijos de Dios a quienes Él ha llamado de todas las naciones y razas para edificar su Reino aquí en la tierra”.

Para concluir, el Arzobispo de Los Ángeles invocó la protección de la Virgen María y animó a seguir “rezando por nuestro país y por una reforma migratoria. Que se abran los corazones de todos. Hagamos de este país un lugar “Nuestra nación aún necesita donde todos vivamos en paz dando gloria escuchar esta buena nueva, sin a Dios nuestro Señor”. importar el color de tu piel, sin importar tu sangre, eres hijo de Dios. Artículo de www.aciprensa.com Jesucristo ofreció su cuerpo y sangre por ti y por mí, por cada uno de El 7 de Octubre celebramos la Virgen nosotros”, continuó. del Rosario y todo el mes es dedicado al Santo Rosario.

“En Cristo todos tenemos un destino y amor comunes, todos tenemos el hermoso deber de vivir para Dios y Calendario de Octubre, 2020 compartir sus enseñanzas y dar frutos para su Reino. Sin importar quiénes 29-1º Encuentro Regional del somos o cómo hayamos llegado aquí, Sureste (Virtual). Él nos está enviando a su viña”.

Mons. Gómez destacó que “nuestra 9-10 Conclusiones y labor empieza desde dentro, en el conferencia Nacional del V interior de cada uno de nosotros. Encuentro (virtual).

Tenemos que eliminar cualquier intolerancia, la envidia y egoísmo que 24 Clase/Retiro del Ministerio puede haber en el corazón”. “Tenemos de Intercesión que construir comunidades y familias

MINISTERIO HISPANO CATOLICO DIOCESIS CRISTO REY: BOSSIER CITY

Rev. Fidel Mondragon 318.221.0238 Oficina • Domingo 1:00pm Lunes 7:00pm • Sabado 6:00pm

SAN PASCUAL: W. MONROE Rev. Luis Jost, OFM Domingo: 4:00pm Coordinadora: Lorena Chaparro 318.267.4018

SANTO TOMAS AQUINO: RUSTON

Rev. Tony Posadas, OFM 318.225.2870 Oficina • Domingo 1:30pm Coordinator: Luz Martinez • 318.224.0980

NUESTRA SEÑORA DEL PEPETUO SOCORRO: FARMERVILLE Rev. Luis Jost, OFM Coordinadora: Paola Gonalez

STA MARIA DE LOS PINOS: SHREVEPORT

Rev. Rigoberto Betancurt 318.687.5121 Oficina • Domingo 11:30am Coordinadora: Alma Mendoza 318.678.9306

SAGRADO CORAZON: OAK GROVE

Rev. Joseph Kallookalam, CMI 318.428.2683 Oficina • Cada dos semanas, Domingo 5:00pm

CONTACTO DIOCESANO: Rosalba Quiroz, Directora 318.219.7265 rquiroz@dioshpt.org

OCTOBER 2020 11

from the pope

Catechesis “Healing the World”: 6.

Love and the Common Good GENERAL AUDIENCE: San Damaso courtyard, Wednesday, 9 September 2020 VATICAN CITY - The crisis we are living due to the pandemic is affecting everyone; we will emerge from it for the better if we all seek the common good together; the contrary is we will emerge for the worse. Unfortunately, we see partisan interests emerging. For example, some would like to appropriate possible solutions for themselves, as in the case of vaccines, to then sell them to others. Some are taking advantage of the situation to instigate divisions: by seeking economic or political advantages, generating or exacerbating conflicts. Others simply are not interesting themselves in the suffering of others, they pass by and go their own way (see Lk 10:30-32.) They are the devotees of Pontius Pilate, washing their hands of others’ suffering.

The Christian response to the pandemic and to the consequent socio-economic crisis is based on love, above all, love of God who always precedes us (see 1 Jn 4:19). He loves us first, He always precedes us in love and in solutions. He loves us unconditionally and when we welcome this divine love, then we can respond similarly. I love not only those who love me – my family, my friends, my group – but I also love those who do not love me, I also love those who do not know me or who are strangers, and even those who make me suffer or whom I consider enemies (see Mt 5:44). This is Christian wisdom, this is how Jesus

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acted. And the highest point of holiness, let’s put it that way, is to love one’s enemies which is not easy, it is not easy. Certainly, to love everyone, including enemies, is difficult – I would say it is even an art! But an art that can be learned and improved. True love that makes us fruitful and free is always expansive, and true love is not only expansive, it is inclusive. This love cares, heals and does good. How many times a caress does more good than many arguments, a caress, we can think, of pardon instead of many arguments to defend oneself.

It is inclusive love that heals.

So, love is not limited to the relationship between two or three people, or to friends or to family, it goes beyond. It comprises civil and political relationships (see Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1907-1912), including a relationship with nature (see Encyclical Laudato Si’ [LS], 231). Love is inclusive, everything. Since we are social and political beings, one of the highest expressions of love is specifically social and political which is decisive to human development and in order to face any type of crisis (ibid., 231). We know that love makes families and friendships flourish; but it is good to remember that it also makes social, cultural, economic and political relationships flourish, allowing us to construct a “civilisation of love”, as Saint Paul VI used to love to say and, in turn, Saint John Paul II.

Without this inspiration the egotistical, indifferent, throw-away culture prevails – that is to discard anything I do not like, whom I cannot love or those who seem to me to not to be useful in society. Today at the entrance, a married couple said to us: “Pray for me (us) because we have a disabled son.” I asked: “How old is he?” “He is pretty old.” “And what do you do?” “We accompany him, help him.” All of their lives as parents for that disabled son. This is love. And the enemies, the adversarial politicians, according to our opinion, seem to be “disabled” politicians, socially, but they seem to be that way. Only God knows if they are truly thus or not. But we must love them, we must dialogue, we must build this civilisation of love, this political and social civilisation of the unity of all humanity. Otherwise, wars, divisions, envy, even wars in families: because inclusive love is social, it is familial, it is political…love pervades everything.

not the worst. True love does not know the throw-away culture, it does not know what it is. In fact, when we love and generate creativity, when we generate trust and solidarity, it is then that concrete initiatives emerge for the common good.

And this is valid at both the level of the smallest and largest communities, as well as at the international level. What is done in the family, what is done in the neighbourhood, what is done in the village, what is done in the large cities and internationally is the same, it is the same seed that grows, grows, grows and bears fruit. If you in your family, in your neighbourhood start out with envy, with battles, there will be war in the end.

Instead, if you start out with love, to share love, forgiveness, there will be love and forgiveness for everyone.

The coronavirus is showing us that each person’s true good is a common good, not only individual, and, vice versa, the common good is a true good for the person. (see CCC, 1905-1906).

If a person only seeks his or her own good, that person is egotistical. Instead, the person is kinder, nobler, when his or her own good is open to everyone, when it is shared. Health, in addition to being an individual good, is also a public good.

A healthy society is one that takes care of everyone’s health, of all.

Conversely, if the solutions for the pandemic bear the imprint of egoism, whether it be by persons, businesses or nations, we may perhaps emerge from the coronavirus crisis, but certainly not from the human and social crisis that the virus has brought to light and accentuated. Therefore, be careful not to build on sand (see Mt 7:21-27)! To build a healthy, inclusive, just and peaceful society we must do so on the rock of the common good. The common good is a rock. And this is everyone’s task, not only that of a few specialists. Saint Thomas Aquinas used to say that the promotion of the common good is a duty of justice that falls on each citizen. Every citizen is responsible for the common good. And for Christians, it is also a mission. As Saint Ignatius of Loyola taught, to direct our daily efforts toward the common good is a way of receiving and spreading God’s glory.

Unfortunately, politics does not often have a good reputation, and we know why. This is not to say that all politicians are bad, no, I do not want to say this.

I am only saying that unfortunately, politics do not often have a good reputation. Why? But it does not have to resign itself to this negative vision, but instead react to it by showing in deeds that good politics is possible, or rather that politics that puts the human person and the common good at the center is a duty. If you read history of humanity you will find many holy politicians who trod this path. It is possible insofar as every citizen, and especially those who assume social and political commitments and positions, roots what they do in ethical principles and nurtures it with social and political love. Christians, in a particular way the laity, are called to give good example of this and can do it thanks to the virtue of charity, cultivating its intrinsic social dimension.

“A virus that does not recognise barriers, borders, or cultural or political distinctions must be faced with a love without barriers, borders or distinctions.”

A virus that does not recognise barriers, borders, or cultural or political distinctions must be faced with a love without barriers, borders or distinctions. This love can generate social structures that encourage us to share rather than to compete, that allow us to include the most vulnerable and not to cast them aside, that help us to express the best in our human nature and

It is therefore time to improve our social love – I want to highlight this: our social love – with everyone’s contribution, starting from our littleness. The common good requires everyone’s participation. If everyone contributes his or her part, and if no one is left out, we can regenerate good relationships on the communitarian, national and international level and even in harmony with the environment (see LS, 236). Thus, through our gestures, even the most humble ones, something of the image of God we bear within us will be made visible, because God is the Trinity, God is love, God is love. This is the most beautiful definition of God that is in the Bible. The Apostle John, who loved Jesus so much, gives it to us. With His help, we can heal the world working, yes, all together for the common good, for everyone’s common good.

OCTOBER 2020 13

across the nation

U.S. Bishops’ Chairman of Hispanic Affairs Reflects on Hispanic Contributions and Leadership in the Church From the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, September 14, 2020

“Violence can never be the means to attain peace and justice. The sins of

violence, injustice,

racism, and hatred

must be purged from WASHINGTON – As the observance of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) begins, Bishop Arturo Cepeda, auxiliary bishop of Detroit and chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Subcommittee on Hispanic Affairs says both the Catholic Church and American society must acknowledge the historic and current contributions of Hispanic and Latino leadership in all spheres of church and society.

This year, Hispanic Heritage Month is especially meaningful as the Catholic Church in the United States is reaping the fruits of a four-year process called the V {Fifth} National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry.

The main goal of the V Encuentro has been to discern ways in which the Church in the United States can better respond to the Hispanic/Latino presence, and to strengthen the ways in which Hispanics/Latinos respond to the call to the New Evangelization as missionary disciples serving the entire Church and society. The V Encuentro and the previous four Encuentros have recognized how Hispanics/Latinos have been woven into the very fabric of Church and society in the U.S. for many generations.

In preparation for, and during the V Encuentro process, significant demographic research was conducted and aggregated on the presence of Latinos in the Church and in U.S. society. Some of the findings include the fact that from 1990 to 2016, the U.S. Hispanic/Latino Catholic population increased by about 13.7 million, while the overall U.S. Catholic population only increased by about 3.6 million. This demonstrates that Hispanics have been a major driving force behind the growth of the Catholic Church in the United States over the last three decades.

An additional finding was that the percentage of U.S. Hispanics/Latinos who were Catholic in 2016 was 52%, and just over half of the Catholics under age 50 were Hispanic/Latino. These and other statistics are included in the V Encuentro demographic research report and media kit.

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our communities with acts of mercy, with the protection and care for the dignity of every human person, with respect for the common good, and with an unwavering pursuit of equality and peace.”

“As the formal V Encuentro process transitions into its implementation phase, it is clear that the numerous initiatives emanating from it show the enthusiasm and vibrancy of the Church,” said Bishop Cepeda. In order to help highlight this, the USCCB’s Subcommittee on Hispanic Affairs will be conducting a national V Encuentro event virtually on October 9 and 10.

“It is our hope that this event will help participants to visualize the future of Hispanic/Latino ministry both at the local and national level, and of Hispanic leadership and participation within their organizations,” said Bishop Cepeda.

“We will also celebrate and rejoice in the fruits of the V Encuentro and our Catholic faith as we are sent forth, once again, as joyful missionary disciples.”

This virtual gathering is designed to help dioceses, parishes, and Catholic organizations drive home the findings of the V Encuentro and assist them in identifying, creating, or fine-tuning their pastoral responses at the local level.

The ongoing health and economic constraints generated by the COVID-19 pandemic impeded a good number of dioceses and regions from in-person gatherings to complete the V Encuentro process, as originally planned.

“The V Encuentro process has showcased the deep faith and commitment of Hispanics and Latinos to the Church. At the same time, it has demonstrated their entrepreneurship, profound awareness and care about the social ailments of our society, as well as their strong commitment to social justice, including a wide range of life issues,” said Bishop Cepeda. “Hispanics, and in particular Hispanic Catholics, are determined to be part of the solution to the current reality: the COVID-19 pandemic, the call for racial justice, and the continuing impact of global climate change.”

“Hispanics, and in particular Hispanic Catholics, are determined to be part of the solution to the current reality: the COVID-19 pandemic, the call for racial justice, and the continuing impact of global climate change.”

-Bishop Cepeda At the national level, these priorities include leadership development, particularly of Hispanic/Latino young adults, a focus on strengthening marriage and family life, evangelization and catechesis with a strong scriptural component, vocational discernment, educational attainment, and generating responses to the pastoral challenges generated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disproportionately affected people of color, particularly Blacks and Latinos.

OCTOBER 2020 15

WHAT HAVE WE

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BEEN MISSING? Mark Loyet, Director of Pastoral Ministry

With the dispense of Sunday Mass obligations, what are we hungry for? What’s so great about the Eucharist anyway?

THIS MONTH, with the advent of the Feasts of All Saints and All Souls, we are reminded to reflect on the meaning of our own mortality with the phrase “memento mori,” (remember your death). However, there is another death we are called to frequently, even perpetually, remember: The death of our Lord. We are called to remember His death every Sunday when we celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Soon, hopefully very soon, we are going to be called to return to our normal tradition of attending Mass on Sunday and the dispensations around the world will be lifted. Let me say here that I do not have any inside information. I am simply observing that 1) in our own country, some bishops have already called the faithful back to Sunday Mass attendance, and 2) with the approval of the Holy Father, Cardinal Robert Sarah has publicly called on the Church to return to the celebration of public Mass as soon as possible. Before I continue, I should also note that I am not saying that anyone with good reasons shouldn’t still stay home even after the dispensations are lifted. No one should feel guilty for prudently staying home if they are immunocompromised, etc.

Before the dispensation is lifted for our diocese, I wanted to tackle an issue that is a struggle for many in our Church today: the issue of obligation to attend Mass. We have all heard that “it is a mortal sin to miss Mass on Sunday without a valid reason” (e.g. dispensations, illness, etc.). In fact, to “attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation...” is a precept of the Church - one of five fundamental practices the Church in her wisdom has discerned we should carry out to maintain a healthy and active relationship with God. So why does the Church seem so strict on this issue?

I think we are looking at this issue the wrong way. The Church is not demanding that we attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.

What Mother Church is saying, as any mother might say to her child who is ill and won’t take medicine, is, “Darling, if you don’t take this medicine, you could become sick and die. Medicine helps restore our health so we can stay alive and grow.” This analogy relates to the Eucharist and helps us understand the importance of attending and participating in Mass.

OCTOBER 2020 17

There are many models of the Mass and the Eucharist we can examine, but I want to briefly focus on three which I think are the most foundational. They are 1) the Mass as the New Passover Sacrifice, 2) the Eucharist as food for our journey and 3) our response to God in light of His goodness to us. Many books have been written on this subject (I’ll recommend one at the end of this article), but it is rather easy to understand these three points without doing an in depth study.

Egypt, God provided for them on their journey to the promised land as they wandered through the desert for 40 years. Every morning God sent them bread (manna), and every evening, He sent quail (flesh). Jesus gives us a new manna from heaven (which He tells us is His flesh).

We see this theme in the middle of the “Bread of Life Discourse” in John 6. The disciples say to Jesus, “Then what sign do you do, that we may see, and believe you?

What work do you perform? Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from The first model is that of the Mass as the New Passover heaven to eat’” (John 6:30-31). Jesus answers by saying, Sacrifice which initiates a new Exodus. In the Book of “I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the Exodus, the Passover was the sacrificial meal which the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread which comes Jews celebrated just before they were to flee slavery in down from heaven, that a man may eat of it and not die.

Egypt, and part of the I am the living bread which tradition was that they came down from heaven; if were to celebrate it every any one eats of this bread, he “...it is mortally (deadly) sinful year as a memorial of will live forever; and the bread their freedom. As we see not to participate in that which which I shall give for the life in the Gospels, Jesus, the of the world is my flesh” (John is specifically meant to free us Jewish Messiah and new 6:48-51). “Truly, truly, I say “paschal lamb,” celebrated to you, unless you eat the flesh from sin itself. Just like it is His “Last Supper” during of the Son of Man and drink deadly not to take the antidote His blood, you have no life in the time of Passover, thus replacing it with His own you” (John 6:53). Jesus’ flesh after consuming poison.”

New Passover. This New and blood is our new food for Passover Sacrifice began at our journey through this life the Last Supper and was (a literal “wilderness of sin”) completed with His death toward the true promised on the Cross. Now every Sunday, we remember and land (heaven). So, of course it is spiritually deadly not participate in this sacrifice which frees us from sin and to eat that which Jesus told us gives us eternal life. The sets us on our journey toward heaven (the new promised Eucharist is our spiritual sustenance without which our land) through the celebration of the Mass. So, of course, souls will become weak and more susceptible to sin and it is spiritually deadly not to participate in that which its effects (i.e. ultimately spiritual death). is specifically meant to free us from sin itself. Just like it could be deadly not to take medicine when we are Third and finally, by attending Mass on Sunday, we seriously ill. The Eucharist is our antidote to the spiritual are purely and simply giving God what we owe to Him sickness of sin. having been given life itself by Him. The whole reason we were created was/is to be in union with God. Our Pope Francis teaches us this very concept when he existence makes no sense without God. As St. Augustine says, “The Eucharist...is not a prize for the perfect but says in book 1 of his “Confessions”: “You have made us a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak.” for Yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in (Evangelii Guadium, 47) This leads us to and ties with our You.” We were not created to play around in this life until second model. we get tired and then retire to our cozy spot in heaven.

This life is about growing each day closer and closer to The second model is that of the Eucharist as food for our Heavenly Father, and cooperating with Him in our our journey through life, without which we will die. The preparation to be in His presence forever. God knows book of Exodus tells us that after the Israelite’s flight from that in order to be ready to enter into His presence, we 18 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

need to be transformed. It’s a slow process because if you’re like me, there is a lot of uncomfortable work to be done. In Her wisdom, the Church, over the centuries, discerned that weekly celebration of the Eucharist was vital for the health of our souls, so, like a good physician, She prescribes this gift to us out of love. And like a good physician, warns us of the consequences of not taking the medicine.

In light of these models of the Eucharist, it is easy to see that the Church did not simply “decide” that it is a “mortal sin” to miss Mass on Sundays and Holy Days.

Rather, She discerned that She could not deny us the knowledge that we need Mass to truly live! The teaching is not a declaration, it’s counsel. As the saying goes, “the Church does not impose, She proposes the faith.”

I go to Mass with my family every Sunday because I know I need to be continually set free from slavery to sin, I need nourishment to sustain my spirit as I cooperate with God’s transformative work and I am overjoyed to come adore Him and thank Him for giving me life. As

we approach the inevitable call to return to Mass by our Shepherd, Bishop Malone, I encourage you to meditate on these mysteries of our faith. When you hear the call, come, remember the death of the Lord and profess His resurrection until He comes again. (1st Memorial Acclamation) Author’s Note: If you would like to learn more about the biblical topics discussed in this article, I strongly recommend the book, Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist by Dr. Brant Pitre. It is an easy read, but I can guarantee your faith in and understanding of the Eucharist will be deeply impacted.

In my last article, I promised in later articles I would talk about ways to evangelize. I encourage you to share this article with your children, family members, friends, co-workers, etc. Discuss it with them. Invite them to Mass. If you do that, you are evangelizing.

More to come. *All scripture quotes are taken from the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2020/09/with-popes-okay-cardinalsays-return-to-public-mass-necessary-and-urgent/ OCTOBER 2020 19

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mike’s meditations Radical Jesus Mike Van Vranken

BACK IN THE 1700S, when the British oppression had reached its limits with the colonists, a group who couldn’t take it any more destroyed others’ property, throwing it into the Boston Harbor, and costing, in today’s values, an estimated 1.7 million dollars. To bring law and order, the British military eventually arrived to squash any further rebellion and make examples out of those who rebelled by punishing them. The results included the injuries and deaths of tens of thousands of people, and an entire new country was born. It is interesting how, in hindsight, we are so elated that the rioters destroyed all that property, that even in the wake of the suffering and deaths, we widely celebrate our independence of the oppressors every year. We seemingly “clean the story up” so we don’t really have to think of this as the push back from an oppressed people and all the blood that was shed.

Jesus had a similar episode. “He found the temple teeming with people selling cattle and sheep and doves.

The loan sharks were also there in full strength. Jesus put together a whip out of strips of leather and chased them out of the Temple, stampeding the sheep and cattle, upending the tables of the loan sharks, spilling coins left and right. He told the dove merchants, ‘Get your things out of here . . .’” John 2:14-16 MSG. Jesus had seen in others and experienced in himself the terrible oppression inflicted by the Jewish church leaders and the Roman military. “Scribes, Pharisees, hypocrites all,” we hear him screaming to them (Mark 12:35-40; Luke 11:37-54; Matthew 23:1-39). Yet, time and again, they chose not to listen. He, like the American colonists 1700 years later, had all he could take. In a moment of anger and fury, he destroyed their businesses, costing them their inventory of cattle, sheep, tables and even their money! Can’t you just see all of the coins of money falling to the floor and the innocent poor and needy, those who were continually oppressed, hurrying to pick them up, knowing this might be the first time they can feed or clothe their family in years?

And how about that whip made of leather straps?

Some translations say it was made of “cords.” In other words, this whip was designed, not just to scare people, but to inflict injury and pain. Earlier, Jesus had stated his mission was: “to let the oppressed go free” Luke 4:18. And this is exactly what he was doing. He came to free the poor, the outcast, the sinners, the blind and

lame; he came to rescue anyone who was being taken advantage of and left out. Again, we look back at this story with so much “rose color” in our lenses, we call this: “the cleansing of the temple.”

When people are oppressed over a long period of time; when they don’t have the opportunities that others have; when they are stuck in cycles of poverty and helplessness through no faults of their own; when they are singled out as possible trouble makers; when they have no one to be their advocate; when absolutely no one in authority will listen to them, they become desperate – as desperate as those colonists were – as desperate as Jesus was. In desperation, they push back; they destroy property, they start fires, they cost people their livelihood, and even hurt others – all for the purpose to make someone listen to them.

The British called in their military to put the oppressed back in their place. Jesus’ church leaders schemed with the Roman military to stop his ministry at any cost. So, to restore law and order, and to give anyone who is oppressed an example of the extreme punishment they will receive if they try to escape from their oppression, they beat Jesus to such a bloody pulp, he was unrecognizable. Then, stripping to the shame of nakedness, they nailed him to a cross and lifted him high for everyone to see and clearly understand: this is what happens if you mess with the oppressors.

During October, are you willing to examine the radical calling you have as a disciple of Jesus? Are you willing to take the true risk of being a Christian by asking God to help you see which of his children are oppressed, and how he wants you to stand with them, listen to them, walk with them, and even defend them? Are you radical enough to walk out into the streets with the oppressed and face the consequences?

Following the radical lifestyle of Jesus can only be accomplished by becoming radical ourselves. And, if we finally do, maybe then, people will look back on our era and call it “the cleansing of racism.”

Mike Van Vranken is a spiritual director, a member of the teaching staff for the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center of New Orleans Formation of New Spiritual Directors, an author and a speaker.

OCTOBER 2020 21

catholic charities Building a Legacy of Trust Erin Smith, Director of Development “Would you be willing to tell me what cards and money are in my wallet, please?” asked the blind woman in her mid-50s. She opened the wallet and showed it to Joe Bulger, CCNLA’s Operations Manager. The two then worked together to review and organize her wallet.

“Thank you so much.”

Trust is a strange thing. There are people in our lives we trust implicitly - blindly you could say - and others we trust discriminately.

With every decision we make, life’s end draws nearer and the legacy we are to leave behind comes more into focus. God bestows unique gifts, talents, and treasures upon each of us. How we choose to use those gifts during our time on earth becomes the legacy that we leave. What will your legacy look like?

At Catholic Charities of North Louisiana, each staffer works to leave a legacy of compassion and understanding through our clients and the work we do every day.

Through one-on-one interactions like that of Joe and the

blind woman, we work to build trust and unwavering faith in Jesus through our outreach. Our dedication to faithful works and honest conversations allows us to impact clients’ lives in unexpected ways.

Many times, the results of our actions reach far beyond the arms of our diocese. Sister Bernie Barret, program director for CCNLA’s Lake Providence office, had no idea that her feature in the Liguorian magazine about the extreme poverty in her area of Louisiana, would elicit donations from as far as Minnetonka, Minnesota and Hazlet, New Jersey. Kirsten Gladden, regional director of CCNLA’s Monroe office, could not have foreseen how a brief encounter with a foster group organizer would bring so many donations to the doors of the Monroe Gabriel’s Closet.

Our vision statement at Catholic Charities of North Louisiana is “Together we invest in people to alleviate poverty, distress and injustice.” Every word in that vision is intentional, but perhaps the most important word is the first: together. Not only do we work with one another each day for the betterment of our community, we also look for ways to grow trust among you and others across our diocese. We want to help you build a legacy that brings honor and glory to God. Catholic Charities of North Louisiana wants to be the organization that you trust with your time, talent and treasure. We want to build systems to alleviate poverty, distress, and injustice, and we want to do it with you by our side. We want to be a pillar in the nonprofit community across the Diocese of Shreveport, and we want you to celebrate the victories with us. We want to build, showcase, and nurture a trustworthy relationship with every person in every community throughout the diocese. We want to build a legacy together.

What do you want your legacy to be?

Build a righteous legacy through Catholic Charities of North Louisiana today by calling 318-865-0200 ext.

109 and speaking with Erin Smith, Director of Development.

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mary’s mission

Remembering Death Mary Arcement Alexander

“And the dust returns to the earth as it once was, and the life each inhale and exhale, I choose to thank God daily for breath returns to God who gave it.” Ecclesiastes12:7 every breath I have already had, and I choose to use each breath wisely and with intention.

This really is a beautiful passage from the book of Ecclesiastes. I know I have probably heard this verse What does it mean to remember your death? I am dozens of times over the course of my life, but not not 100% sure of the answer, but here are my thoughts until now does it resonate with me. As I am writing on this question. I believe to remember our death this column, I am two weeks shy of my 50th birthday, means to remember that our life on earth is temporary. which means as you read this column; I am officially a Considering how fallen our present world is, I for one 50-year-old woman. Yikes! How did I get here so fast? am thanking God for this temporary life. Most recently, I am guessing many of you can relate to this question, I have had several of my Christian clients say to me, “I especially if you are over the age of 40. With that said, I sure do hope this is the end of times. I am ready for am actually excited about this new decade of life. I am Jesus!” Perhaps some of you are nodding your heads so grateful God has not only allowed me to see 50, but in agreement. Whether you are ready for the second He has also blessed me with a healthy body and a healthy coming or not, I sincerely pray, my brothers and sisters mind. I take for granted none of it. Another thought in Christ, that you are excited about spending eternal life has begun to take life: I am now half way through my with our Lord in heaven. I know I am. life (that is, if I live to be 100). But let me be honest, I am technically more than half way through my life; a So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen sobering yet inspiring thought for me. is eternal. 2 Cor. 4:18 As a Christian, I have never feared dying. However, I have had anxiety about how I will die. Death itself is As we quickly approach All Souls Day on November not morbid nor difficult for me to talk about. One gift 2nd, let us remember those who have already gone before about being a counselor is that I can talk about almost us. Let us remember both their life and their death. Let anything with little to no discomfort. We all know that us remember to pray for their souls to reach heaven soon. life guarantees only two things: death and taxes. From Let us remember to thank God for the years we were able the moment we are born, we are dying. For some of you, to spend with our loved ones prior to their death. Let us this thought brings about sadness. If you are the one I remember our death as well as how it may be necessary am speaking of, I encourage you to revisit Ecclesiastes to die unto ourselves during our earthly life, so we can 12:7, specifically “…the life breath returns to God.” The fully rejoice in heaven with Jesus in our eternal life. imagery of these words is both beautiful and calming.

God created each one of us with a set number of breaths Mary Arecement Alexander is a Licensed Professional Counselor that begins as we exit our mother’s womb. Our final with a private practice in Shreveport, LA. breath, of course, is unknown. Instead of worrying about when this last breath will occur, I choose to embrace

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Saint Francis of Assisi A Wild Child with a Heart for the Lord

Story and Photos By Kierstin Richter

HE WAS HERE FOR A GOOD TIME, not a long time.

Saint Francis of Assisi didn’t start out as the holy, saintly man we have as our garden statue or on our bird baths today.

No, he was the twenty-one year old guy carousing down your cobblestone street late at night with his friends, rum in hand, just counting down the days till the next wild party.

He was the charismatic class clown his teachers gave free passes to simply for his charm. Everyone loved him. He was the Ferris Bueller of the eleventh century.

His father, a successful businessman, made sure his son had a solid future ahead of him. Francis grew to love the allure of France: the romance, the poetry and the opportunities of international business. He became the man his father wanted him to be. But he grew to want more.

He wanted to be a noble knight. The war Assisi declared on their rival town brought the opportunity to suit up and fight, but it was bloodshed. Most troops were destroyed, but the wealthy were spared for a ransom. Francis spent a year as a prisoner, but never failed to lose his boyish charm and upbeat personality.

He returned to Assisi the same as he left it, seemingly unchanged by the “horrors of war.” He took another shot at the military in time for the fifth crusade, sporting a brand

new suit and armor paid for by, of course, his father. He boasted he would come back a prince. Instead, he came back humiliated.

On his way to battle, he dreamed God spoke to him and instructed him to return home. So, he turned back and rode back to Assisi to be met with taunts and jeers from the townspeople who called out his cowardice and ostracized him from noble society. He spent more time in solitude and prayer to escape the pain of humiliation. He could hear God’s voice to make a change, but he just didn’t see it as realistic. He had a business to run. Career first, God second, right?

One day in the countryside, he encountered a leper, to which he was repulsed, but he felt compelled to kiss his hand.

With the return of a kiss, Francis was overwhelmed with joy and upon his departure, turned around to wave goodbye, and the leper was gone. Francis revered that moment as a test from God. Francis sat in prayer at San Damiano when he felt the voice of Christ tell him to “repair my church.” Unaware he was speaking about the Church with a big “C,” a very eager and literal Francis began to rebuild the crumbling building he knelt in. God was talking big picture, big Church. The OCTOBER 2020 25

people. But Francis hadn’t made it that far yet, so some manual labor probably wouldn’t hurt anyway. But Francis couldn’t just whip some stones and supplies out of thin air. He needed money. So he snagged some fabric from his father’s business to sell, and oh, was his father upset. Not only was his son a coward, but now he was a thief too! What a disappointment, right?

So he dragged Francis out into the town square before the bishop and demanded he return it all and apologize. And once again, a very literal Francis stripped down and left his clothes before the two and ran singing into the forest. It was either the beginning of a grand adventure or a psychological case study.

simply get straight to the point. Even if that meant putting himself in immense danger.

On one account, he traveled to Syria in the middle of a Crusade, going directly to the Sultan. He didn’t ask permission, he didn’t ask questions, he just approached the Muslim army like he would a stranger in the grocery store. Although he was captured, he was miraculously not killed, and the experience concluded with the Sultan telling him, “I would convert to your religion, which is a beautiful one, but both of us would be murdered.” John Michael Talbot, the author of The Lessons of Saint Francis, writes, “When clashes over religion and deeply held values divide people around our world, we can learn much from Francis, a model of respect and civility. Born during the Crusades, the centuries-long mother of all holy wars, Francis sought ways to be loving towards Muslims at a time when much of Christendom sought only to massacre over religion them” (Talbot, 8).

He began to preach a life of simplicity and humility in “a wild and carefree way, not stopping to calculate how it might hurt his career or cramp his lifestyle” (Talbot 3). Although “When clashes his approach was free spirited, he and deeply held values wasn’t a reformer. He never tried to change the Church. He simply divide people around our sought to return to the roots of what the Church was originally world, we can learn much built upon: Humility. Poverty. Love. from Francis, a model of Compassion. It was a return to God and a return to the Gospel. respect and civility... Francis

As he aged, Francis began to go blind and develop health problems because of his harsh lifestyle. He had his face cauterized with a hot iron, given the absence of procedures like Lasik back in the day, and when met with this blinding heat, he addressed it, “Brother Fire, the most high has made you strong and beautiful and useful. Be courteous to me in this hour, for I have always loved you and temper your heat so I can endure it.” He reported he felt no pain.

sought ways to be loving He lived the gospel very literally and instructed his followers to do towards Muslims at a time the same. Francis took inspiration from Jesus’ command to the apostles when much of Christendom (Matthew 10:7-10) to wander from sought only to massacre place to place preaching the Gospel, Even upon the end of his life, he accepting no pay or favors. How them.” -John M. Talbot had gained a substantial following, would you like to wander from town to town on foot in the same clothes? Talk about humility. but people from the outside criticized the expectations of extreme poverty as being too harsh. It was encouraged There were no washing machine back then, folks. that he ease up on the rules of the order, to which Francis Francis preached to the people and to the animals and stepped down from authority and responded, “Lord, didn’t revered all of earthly creation as a part of his brotherhood, I tell you they wouldn’t trust you?” Letting go of attachment considering the sparrow as much of a brother as the pope. He is a difficult thing to ask of people. How do you let go of saw God in everything and everyone. Even the birds would attachments to things? You will when you no longer seek to stand still while he preached. He was a Dr. Doolittle before find yourself in them. his time. One story even accounts a wolf that was killing and Francis was what one would call a mystic, similar to many eating people in town, and obviously, everyone wanted to kill the wolf, but Francis said, “wait guys,” and domesticated saints we revere today such as Teresa of Avila (whose feast day it, told it that it should be a friend to the people, and sure is also this month - October 15), Saint Catherine of Siena and Saint Padre Pio. Mysticism simply means, “experiential,” enough, the wolf became the new town pet. or an intuitive grasp of the whole, something that must be Francis was simply at one with the world. He saw no experienced to be understood. (Herr, 73) divisions between anyone or anything and took a direct Francis saw the world for what it was in God’s eyes. He approach to solving problems. He wasn’t the one to devise elaborate plans of negotiation or evangelization; he would didn’t compare, compete, or label. He didn’t allow human 26 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

perception to distort his love for anything or anyone. He lived with such a Christ like love that surpassed any judgment he may have otherwise felt towards those who were different.

We are called as Christians to do the same - to love God and His creation with such a childlike innocence as Francis did.

We often see the saints as people we could never be immaculate, perfect little Catholic children that grow up in perfect Catholic homes, living perfect, spotless Catholic lives. But being a saint isn’t about living the perfect life from beginning to end. First of all, that would be an incredibly boring story. Second of all, if a story doesn’t have a struggle, it’s not a story. That’s just general writer’s knowledge. No one would read that book. Besides, who could relate to someone who did everything right the first time? No one. Absolutely no one.

Francis made plenty of mistakes, but here’s the thing: He used them for the sake of holiness. God gives you your unique gifts for a reason. Francis’s charm and wit made him good with the ladies in his youth, but it also kept him alive later as a prisoner of war. His spontaneity made him the life of the party, but it also made him an excellent leader and evangelist. The gifts we’re given can be used to make us happy or they can be used to make us holy.

On that note, striving to live a holy life isn’t going to grant you the acceptance of everyone - even everyone in the Church. Although many loved him, Francis was met with great opposition from some diocesan priests and monks from wealthy abbeys, as they viewed his way of life as “a reproach to their own,” worrying this movement would lead to radicalism. (Herr, 67) Although in some instances their concerns were legitimate, Francis still disrupted the social norm, and this bothered a lot of people in authority.

As Francis shows us, we can’t look to other people to affirm everything we do. People will criticize, and people will have their opinions no matter how you choose to live, so don’t be afraid to live in the light of Christ. Living wholly and abundantly in His love is exactly what we are called to do - speak the Word and speak the truth and expect people to have their opinions because anything worth saying is usually a little controversial.

Talbot, John M. The Lessons of Saint Francis, 1997.

Herr, William A., Catholic Thinkers in the Clear, 1985. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=50 https://www.franciscanmedia.org/richard-rohr-on-prayinglike-saint-francis/

Live like Saint Francis 1. Live Sustainably “Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, producing varied fruits with colored flowers and herbs.” -SF Surround yourself with life. Plant a garden. If you don’t have a green thumb, get a succulent. Can’t kill those suckers no matter how hard you try. Grow beautiful living things inside your home, and most of all, fill your home with creation and love in whatever you do. Take care of the Earth, because really, it’s the only place we’ve got.

2. Live Quietly “Preach always. If necessary, use words.” -SF Not everything requires your commentary.

People watch what you do, not what you say. God lives in the silence, so it’s best we meet Him there often.

3. Live Joyfully “It is not fitting, when one is in God’s service, to have a gloomy face or a chilling look.” -SF “God save us from gloomy saints!” -Teresa of Avila So loosin’ up, folks. Remember when Jesus said to wash your face and present yourself well even when you’re fasting? If you’re trying to show other people how great it is to be a Christian, smile a bit, won’t you?

Sing in the shower, no matter how tone deaf you think you are! Paint a watercolor painting of something mediocre! Write like your life is a beautiful masterpiece, because it is!

4. Live Courageously “Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance.”-SF Francis was met with substantial opposition from other Catholics, even those in authority. Live your life in accordance with the Gospel and don’t be afraid to live differently.

OCTOBER 2020 27

library notes

Memento Mori: Prayers on the Last Things

by Theresa Aletheia Noble FSP Meditation on the Last Things--death, judgment, hell, and heaven--is not a dark and depressing practice. Rather, the practice is hopeful and lifechanging. It helps people to take stock of their lives, grow closer to God, and to live with renewed purpose and fervor. May this practice open your heart to the work God wants to do in you and through you before your last day on earth, whenever that day might be.

After This Life: What Catholics Believe About What Happens

by Benedict J. Groeschel, C.F.R. Recognizing that anxiety and fear are the most common personal problems brought to him during nearly forty years of psychological counseling, Father Benedict Groeschel knows first hand that most people prefer to avoid the issue of mortality entirely. Himself the victim of a hit-and-run accident in 2004, after which he had no vital signs for thirty minutes, Groeschel masterfully explains how consoling and uplifting the truths surrounding death, judgment, Hell, purgatory, and Heaven really are.

The Four Last Things: A Catechetical Guide to Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell

by Fr. Wade Menezes Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell these are the Four Last Things toward which we are moving each hour of the day and night. Read this book, and you’ll have a firm grasp of one of the most important doctrines of Holy Mother Church that holds the truths of Heaven and our own salvation.

Hope to Die: The Christian Meaning of Death and the Resurrection of the Body

By Scott Hahn, Emily Stimpson Chapman In Hope to Die: The Christian Meaning of Death and the Resurrection of the Body, Scott Hahn explores the significance of death and burial from a Catholic perspective. The promise of the bodily resurrection brings into focus the need for the dignified care of our bodies at the hour of death. Unpacking both Scripture and Catholic teaching, Hope to Die reminds us that we are destined for glorification on the last day.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Slattery Library & Resource Center is not currently open to the public.

However, you may e-mail Kate Rhea at krhea@dioshpt.org to request a title and it can be checked out to you. The pick-up location will be in the reception area of the Catholic Center near the Book Drop. We appreciate your patience as we strive to keep everyone safe and healthy during this time.

28  THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

What Are You Called to Die To?

faithful food

Kim Long, Saint Mary of the Pines, Director of Religious Education

WHEN THE DEATHS began in my family, they seemed to stretch over a twenty-nine month period; one after the other, in a rapid succession of grief, the eternal search for a pair of hose with no runs, rosaries, kleenex and a tearful belief that death is not the end.

On some level I knew it - embracing it however was much more difficult.

Years later I wondered what I was clinging so tightly to that made that embrace seem not only impossible but in some ways traitorous to the memory of my own beloved.

Last week I was leading an RCIA session when a memory surfaced about death other than a physical one. In the 1980s I was an RCIA candidate, journeying toward full communion.

There was a popular phrase meant to lead us to the concept of examining what no longer served us in our lives as we walked the path to a Catholic understanding of life and God and ourselves. We were asked, “what are you being called to die to?” I was young with small children and the phrase put me off. Over time I embraced the concept and have “died” many times to behavior, attitudes, and thoughts.

At other times I have run hard in the other direction, not ready to change; transformation seemed both unwelcome and unnecessary.

When I became Catholic, I prayed the “standard three”- Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be before Mass, such was my preparation to celebrate the sacred mysteries. Later when I had small children with me, I usually begged God for quiet and good behavior, and later still I began what I can only call the Litany of Improvement which I prayed for many years. It went something like this: Lord help me to be kinder, a better mother,

a better Catholic, a better sister, a more understanding person…the list became quite lengthy. One Sunday, kneeling in church I began the litany.

In a flash, I realized (thanks be to God) that this exercise was no longer serving me. Instead, I begged God to strike that, forget what I just said, instead to let me be present to this moment which He had brought me to.

At this moment I began to learn what embracing death could mean. I have not prayed that litany since. Oh, I still pray for improvement but in a different way now - I pray that God gives me knowledge of His will and the desire to carry it out. Life is a transformative experience; I still pray to yield so I can be shaped and molded as God guides me to be who He created me to be.

Physical death is sure and certain.

Death to impediments, whatever they may be, is less clear. In this season of autumn, as we quiet down, as an unsettling year’s own end looms in our view, I pray for each of us to have the courage to face the question posed to our class long ago, the question I am still learning to face - what are we being called to die to?

In the words of St. Paul in his letter to the Philippians, “Being confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Along the lines of transformation, no foods illustrate this as well as soup or casseroles. For both, separate elements are brought together and something wonderful is the result.

Recently for a family dinner, I prepared a recipe handed down to me by three generations of my family. A simple, filling, and hearty dish from my great grandmother, Rhoda Cowan.

Mamaw Cowan’s Sausage Casserole 2 pounds ground sausage (not pork) 1 bunch celery strung and chopped 1 large red onion, chopped 1 whole bell pepper, chopped 1 cup of rice 1 can cream of chicken soup 1 ½ cups water or vegetable stock Saute vegetables in butter or bacon grease (olive oil if you cannot bring yourself to use the other fats listed) When the veg is soft add ground sausage and break up while cooking so the sausage is broken up. When done, spoon off some excess grease. Add rice, soup, water/stock, and stir. Turn flame low and check to prevent sticking.

Turn into a buttered casserole dish and sprinkle cheese on top and bake until melted. This is hearty so homemade applesauce and a green salad go very well with this.

Enjoy!

OCTOBER 2020 29

cemetery

In the Tomb Kate Rhea, Cemeterian, Librarian/Archivist THE CONCEPT of Memento Mori is often generalized into a sentiment akin to remembrance or honoring the dead. Instead, the true significance of this lasting artistic style comes from its literal translation “remember (that you have) to die.” It may feel like a looming phrase, but in Christianity it is used as a reminder of mortality - the inevitability of death and the choices that lead to the afterlife experience. Death is not the end, but an important part of the journey.

In the years following Christ’s death, the Fathers of the Church deemed the practice of understanding mortality and facing death paramount to practicing their faith. They sought out sepulchers (tombs in caves) to be near those who died. The early fathers so passionately believed in the solace of tombs that they regularly sought it, practically entombing themselves for periods of time in order to gain clarity, peace, and to better commune with God, such as one might today visit a grave of a loved one to contemplate their own life.

Originally tombs were a way to offer a dwelling rather than a compartment for those who had passed on from the earthly realm, replete with necessities that may be needed in the afterlife.

The most commonly recognized example of this practice comes from the ancient Egyptians with their palatial burial dwellings packed with everything from trinkets and treasures to the carefully extracted organs of the deceased, placed in ornamental jars. As centuries passed, the tombs got smaller and burial practices became more convenient; above ground

30 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

tombs were replaced with crypts which were buried and marked with headstones. However, in much of Europe and particularly in France and Italy, the practice of above-ground crypts remained popular for traditionalists.

St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery has a large number of above-ground entombments, nearly all of which hold early French and Italian Shreveporters. Standing before one of these crypts, the true feeling that Memento Mori evokes is apparent; remember those who have died, remember that you too will die, but have no fear in death. As Moses prayed in Psalm 90, “… teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”

To better protect the grave sites and memorials of those interred in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, 2100 Texas Avenue, we have installed a commercial keypad at the main entrance and the gates will remain closed at all times. Starting on October 15, if you plan to visit, you will need to contact The Catholic Center 318-868-4441 to receive a Personal Identification Number (PIN) in order to gain access. Do not share this code with others. When calling we will request your name, phone number and email address if available, as well as the family you are visiting.

With your information we will be able to contact you in the future when it is necessary to change the code. We apologize for any inconvenience. By limiting access to the general public the increase in vandalism and destruction of statues and tombstones should decrease significantly by taking these precautions.

2020 Blessing of the Graves THE CHURCH seeks to help the faithful departed, especially those souls in purgatory by earnest prayer to God, and in particular, by remembrance of them on All Souls Day and throughout the month of November. In the communion of Christ’s members with one another, the Church obtains spiritual help for those who have preceded us in faith. This spiritual communion brings the consolation of hope to us who pray for our dearly departed with gratitude, love and devotion. Our belief in Christ’s resurrection from the dead is the reason we commemorate our faithful departed on All Souls Day and bless their graves. We entrust them once again to the purifying, life giving love of the one eternal God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Our priests and deacons will offer prayers at our local cemeteries on the weekends closest to All Souls Day, our annual commemoration of the faithful departed, on the following dates:

Saturday, October 24

Saturday, October 31

Forest Park West - 11:00 A.M. 4000 Meriwether Road Meet at Mausoleum Fr. Duane Trombetta, Deacon Jeff Chapman, Deacon Homer Tucker

Centuries - 11:00 A.M. 8801 Mansfield Road Meet at gazebo - north end of property Fr. Rothell Price, Fr. Mark Watson, Deacon Freeman Ligon

Lincoln Park – 11:00 A.M. 6915 W. 70th Street Meet at office Deacon Bill Roche, Fr. Joe Martina

Hillcrest Memorial - 11:00 A.M. 601 Hwy 80 East, Haughton Meet at mausoleum.

Fr. Fidel Mondragon, Fr. James Moran, Deacon Ricardo Rivera

Round Grove – 11:00 A.M. 2869 Round Grove Lane Fr. Jean Bosco Uwamungu Deacon Charles Thomas

Sunday, October 25 Forest Park East - 2:00 P.M. 3700 St. Vincent Avenue Meet at mausoleum across from office.

Fr. Matthew Long, Fr. Kevin Mues, Deacon John Basco, Deacon Bruce Pistorius Rose Neath Bossier - 2:00 P.M. 5185 Swan Lake Spur, Bossier City Meet at statue in Catholic section on right.

Bishop Francis Malone, Fr., Karl Daigle, Deacon Mike Wise, Deacon Steve Lehr

Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Carmel 11:00 AM Fr. John Paul Crispin, Deacon Bill Kleinpeter St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Rambin 5:30 PM Deacon Bill Kleinpeter St. Mary Cemetery, Rambin 6:30 PM (WITH MASS) Deacon Bill Kleinpeter

Sunday, November 1 Veteran - 2:00 P.M. 7970 Mike Clark Road, Keithville Meet at committal shelter.

Fr. John Paul Crispin FMH, Deacon Bill Kleinpeter, Deacon Jack Lynch Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery 2:00 PM Fr. John Paul Crispin FMH, Deacon Bill Kleinpeter, Deacon Jack Lynch

Monday, November 2 Mansfield Cemetery 9:00 AM Fr. John Paul Crispin FMH, Deacon Bill Kleinpeter, Deacon Jack Lynch Highland Cemetery 9:00 AM Deacon Bill Kleinpeter St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Frierson 10:30 AM Fr. John Paul Crispin FMH, Deacon Bill Kleinpeter St. Joseph Cemetery - 11:00 A.M. (WITH MASS) 2100 Texas Avenue Bishop Francis Malone, Msgr. Earl Provenza, Deacon Daniel LeMoine St. Ann Cemetery 2, Stonewall 5:15 PM Deacon Bill Kleinpeter St. Ann Cemetery 1, Stonewall 6:00 PM (WITH MASS) Fr. John Paul Crispin FMH, Deacon Bill Kleinpeter, Deacon Jack Lynch Tuesday, November 3 Allen Cemetery 9:00 AM Deacon Bill Kleinpeter Logansport Cemetery 10:00 AM Fr. John Paul Crispin FMH, Deacon Bill Kleinpeter, Deacon Jack Lynch

OCTOBER 2020 31

around the diocese

Parishoners all across the Diocese assisted with relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Laura

Donations of bottled water were collected at the Catholic Center and transported down to Lake Charles.

ULM students worked hard to clean up the aftermath of the storm, and others met to assist. Walt Recker and Bill Bogues of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Shreveport, took a truck load of water and tarps to Lake Charles and were met with much help from local seminarians.

32  THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

Saint Paschal Church Celebrates Senior Appreciation Luncheon

On Saturday September 12, we celebrated our Senior Appreciation Luncheon at Saint Paschal Church for our 80+ years seniors.

stories as we delivered the lunches! I hope they know how important they are to our church community and we are so blessed, they are such an important part of our Due to Covid we thought it lives. may not happen, but with some imagination and many Pictured are those volunteers blessings, a great team of that worked so very hard volunteers were able to serve to make this happen, along 47+ seniors through pick up with our leader Father Frank and delivery of meals and who was out there delivering goodie bags. It was so nice lunches with the rest of our to see so many smiles and team. have an opportunity to share

Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish Celebrates First Communicants

Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish celebrated the First Communion of Alaycea Blalock, Halle Latson and Jaxon Baylor, on August 2, 2020.

The Mass was celebrated by Father Jean Bosco Uwamungu and Monsignor Earl Provenza and assisted by Deacon Charles Thomas.

Shelton Partners with Sleep in Heavenly Peace For Eagle Scout Project

Brasher Selected as Panel Member

Michael Shelton of Boy Scout Troop 14 is shown here directing his Eagle Scout project. This is the final step he took to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.

Our Lady of Fatima and St. Lawrence wish to congratulate and appreciate Lindy Brasher, DRE and Youth Director, on being selected to be a member of the panel discussion with other Loyola Alumni.

She has her Master of Religious Education from Loyola and is pursuing her Doctorate of Ministry at

Fordham University. Lindy has also written articles and reflections which have been featured and published by NCR’s “Small Earth Stories” and the “Ecojesuit” websites.

She is well deserving, and we are blessed to have her at Our Lady of Fatima Parish and St. Lawrence Church. We wish all the best for her future ministry.

Shelton’s goal was to plan, develop and give leadership to others in a project helpful to any worthwhile cause.

He chose to partner with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization that builds and delivers beds to those that do not have any, whose motto is “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town!”

In lieu of raising funds, Shelton donated $1,500.00 of his own for materials. He recruited manpower from

the membership and youth group at M.Q.P., Troop #14, Parkway High School and Camp Minden’s Youth Challenge Program.

The group converted the M.Q.P. parking lot into a workshop.

Each participant had a specific task to perform to construct the final product.

Tasks included measuring, cutting, sanding, drilling, hammering, assembling and finally branding with a hot branding iron.

Father Jim Moran, C.O., pitched in to complete the assembly process. In all, 12 beds were built and four delivered, along with linens, blankets and pillows.

OCTOBER 2020 33

school news Busy September at St. Joseph Catholic School Polly Maciulski, 5th-8th Grade Religion Teacher

In the first few weeks of school this year, students of St. Joseph Catholic School have been living the virtues of generosity, prayerfulness and sincerity as members of the Body of Christ.

The year began with classroom blessings from our priests, Fr. Matthew Long and Fr. Kevin Mues, following each school Mass.

A few weeks later, we remembered the tragedy of the terrorist attack on our nation on September 11, 2001, with a Patriotic Rosary outdoors. Fr. Matthew Long began the rosary, and our middle school students led the rest of the school in the Sorrowful Mysteries.

34 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

On Thursday, September 17, we welcomed Bishop Francis Malone to his first school Mass at SJS. It was a special day for us as grades 3rd-8th got to celebrate Mass together for the first time this school year as we follow the CDC guidelines. Our National Elementary Honor Society gave us an opportunity to be generous to others with a collection of goods for the victims of Hurricane Laura, and our National Junior Honor Society held a “Dressin’ Lazy for Lake Charles” day to raise money for those affected by this storm, as well. We have also been blessed with a number of families from

the Lake Charles area, as they try to recover from the storm.

On Friday, Sept. 18, our National Junior Honor Society inducted 14 new members into their ranks with a ceremony in the church. The coming weeks bring numerous opportunities for our students to live their faith and learn to share it with others: the Blessing of Animals on October 5 and our annual Balloon Rosary on October 7.

Sister Annamaria Ianetti Visits with 8th Grade Religion Class Clayton Cobb, Saint Joseph School Principal

On the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, our 8th grade religion class visited with Sr. Annamaria Iannetti, OLS. Sister Annamaria serves on the school council’s Catholic Identity Committee. She shared the story of her vocation journey that led her to the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows.

She explained what God has called her to do as a sister and how she has been blessed through this calling. Sr. Annamaria also shared the journey of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows to the diocese once known as The Diocese of Alexandria-Shreveport, where they have been involved in the mission of the Church in the State of Louisiana by being involved in Catholic education here since 1949 when they established the school of Sacred Heart in Moreauville (about 3 hours south of Shreveport).

They worked under the direction of Bishop Charles Greco to serve the students of these dioceses, even being involved in the education of students at Holy Rosary School where Sr. Annamaria served for many years. Sr. Annamaria taught of the importance of teaching all students, no matter of their background, race, or where they are from. Each child, she says, is created by God and is to be taught with the love of Christ equally. We are very fortunate to have the sisters as part of our faith community and cannot wait to welcome them on our campus for a visit once the mitigation measures permit us to do so. Our diocese is very fortunate to be integrated into the legacy of this religious order.

Saint John Berchmans’ Families Raise Money for Those Affected by Hurricane Laura Ashley Timmons, Saint John Berchmans Director of Development & Communications

On August 27, 2020, our neighbors to the south of us suffered significant damage due to Hurricane Laura including Dr. Deason's hometown, Sulphur, LA. St. John Berchmans committed to helping our fellow Catholic diocese in Lake Charles by collecting donations for all of those affected. Our SJB families donated storm relief supplies and items from diapers to pet food. A truck loaded down with supplies left Shreveport to be delivered to Catholic Charities in Lake Charles. In addition, SJB held a spirit week for a $20 donation. Students were able to wear a spirit shirt and jeans for the week. We were able to raise over $2,000 in monetary donations for Our Lady's School. Thank you to our students, parents, and faculty for supporting this great mission while preparing our students to live a life of service to others.

OCTOBER 2020 35

The Unsung Hero of Jesus the Good Shepherd School

Jesus the Good Shepherd School would like to give special recognition to Mr. Billy Burton, custodian of JGS School and Church, for his many years of hard work and total dedication to our school. Mr. Billy has never wavered in his commitment to his duties or to taking care of every need of his teachers, staff and students.

Mr. Billy embodies every facet of a team player! During the Covid-19 pandemic, he has taken on extra duties including enhanced cleaning

of playground equipment between each recess, approximately 8 times daily, disinfecting classrooms each morning and afternoon and making sure every classroom has a sufficient supply of cleaning essentials each day.

He accomplishes each duty asked of him with pride and a smile! We are truly thankful for the wonderful man that God has placed on our campus.

He is not just our custodian, but also our friend, our saint and our hero!

Loyola Basketball Team Volunteers Time at Catholic Center

In the aftermath of Hurricane Laura, the Loyola basketball team volunteered their time to help out at the Catholic Center, where volunteers from all over the Diocese sent packages of bottled water to aid with relief efforts in South Louisiana.

36  THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

Airline Student Wins Pro-Life Award

Jessica West, a senior at Airline High School in Bossier City and a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Shreveport, recently received the Knights of Columbus ProLife ACE Wings award for her work in pro-life ministry.

Jessica created the website WWW. CHOOSELIFE4ALL.ORG to promote awareness of pro-life activities. The ACE award refers to Pro-life without Apology, without Compromise, and without Exception.

Usually bestowed only on a member of Knights of Columbus, Jessica was selected based on her dedication to pro-life involvement and adherence to stringent requirements and recommendations.

Mr. Ronald Dupuis, District Deputy 57 of the Diocese of Shreveport Knights of Columbus, presented her with the Angel Wings Emblem on Sept. 12 after the 11 A.M. Mass at St. Pius, on behalf of State Life Director, John Vaughn Gibson. Jessica is also active in the Shoe Box Ministry program and has served as an Altar Server, Lector, and Eucharistic Minister for St. Pius.

yellow fever graphic novel series

The Catholic Connection is running a graphic novel series each month featuring the story of five priests who gave their lives in service to others in the Shreveport Yellow Fever epidemic of 1873. This graphic novel is provided courtesy of the Cathedral of Saint John Berchmans and is illustrated by Deacon Andrew Thomas.

OCTOBER 2020  37

OCTOBER CALENDAR

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

For more information about the Fall Adult Faith Formation Classes offered on Sundays at the Cathedral of Saint John Berchmans at 9:15 via Facebook Live, contact Dr. Cheryl White at cwhite@sjbcathedral.org. Archived videos can be found on the SJB website and Facebook page.

4

Saint Francis of Assisi 9:15 am Fall Adult Faith Formation Facebook Live (SJB)

5

Blessing of the Animals (St. Joseph)

11

6

10:00 am & 6:30 pm Spiritual Director Informational Meeting (Catholic Center)

12

13

19

20

John XXIII 9:15 am Fall Adult Faith Formation Facebook Live (SJB)

18

Saint Luke the Evangelist 9:15 am Fall Adult Faith Formation Facebook Live (SJB)

25

9:15 am Fall Adult Faith Formation Facebook Live (SJB) 12:30-3:00 pm Mary, Queen of Peace Halloween Carnival (FREE) 2:00 pm Blessing of the Graves (Forest Park East, Rose Neath Bossier)

Saint Paul of the Cross

26

27

Halloween Carnival Join your friends at Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church for their annual Halloween Carnival on Sunday, Oct. 25 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Admission is FREE!!! Children will receive their own trunk or treat bags to personalize prior to visiting the expanded trunk or treat area. All candies will be safely wrapped and distributed in individual ziploc bags. In addition, they will be able to participate in a cake walk.Delicious carnival food such as hamburgers, hot dogs, gumbo, red beans and rice, and soft drinks will be available for an additional price.All monies raised will benefit the youth programs at Mary, Queen of Peace Church. Come out and enjoy us for a marvelous afternoon.

Costumes are encouraged. Mary, Queen of Peace Church is located at 7738 Barksdale Blvd., approximately 5 miles south of the Jimmie Davis Highway.

For more information, call 752-5971.

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Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1

2

Thérèse of Lisieux

Guardian Angels

7

8

9

10

14

15

16

17

22

23

29

30

Our Lady of the Rosary Balloon Rosary (St. Joseph)

21 28

Teresa of Avila

Saint John Paul II

3

Ignatius of Antioch

24

11:00 am Blessing of the Graves (Forest Park West, Lincoln Park, and Round Grove)

31

4:00 pm All Saints Day Vigil Mass (St. John Berchmans) 11:00 am Blessing of the Graves: Centuries, Hillcrest Memorial)

LIVESTREAM MASSES: Cathedral of St. John Berchmans facebook.com/cathedralofsjb Saturday Vigil: 4 pm Sunday: 8am, 11am, 5:30pm Monday-Friday: 12:10 pm Christ the King Parish Sunday 11:00 am English ; 1:00 pm Spanish facebook.com/ChristtheKingbossier Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish 8:30 am and 5 pm Masses on YouTube channel: JGS DRE Mary, Queen of Peace Parish Sunday 11:00 am - facebook.com/ MQOPBossierCity Our Lady of Fatima Parish Sunday: 9:00 am - facebook.com/ OLFCatholicChurch Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish Sunday 9:00 am - facebook.com/OLBSShreveport St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Tuesday-Friday: 7:30 am, Saturday: 4:00 pm, Sunday: 11:00 am - seasshreveport.com/live-masses

St. George Church Sunday 11:00 am - facebook.com/ MQOPBossierCity St. John the Baptist Parish Sunday 11:00 am - facebook.com/stjohnsmanyla St. Lawrence Church Sunday 10:45 am - facebook.com/St-LawrenceCatholic-Church-Swartz-La-159206814231608 St. Paschal Parish Sunday: 9:00 am on YouTube channel: St. Paschal’s Catholic Church - West Monroe,LA St. Pius X Parish Sunday: 11:00 am - facebook.com/shreveportstpiusx St. Jude Parish Sunday 8:30 and 11:15 Monday-Friday live 11:30 am facebook.com/ StJudeBossier St. Joseph Parish Sunday: 7:30am, 9:30am, 12:30pm, 6:00pm https://www.christianworldmedia.com/livechannel/ stjosephshreveport OCTOBER 2020 39

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