June 14, 2002

The Catholic News & Herald 1

June 14, 2002

June 14, 2002 Volume 11 t Number 37

Inside New church dedicated for growing Hispanic community

...Page 4-5

S e r v i n g C a t h o l i c s in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte

Two newly ordained join the flock

Many contribute to help aid domestic abuse victims

...Page 7

Men honored for years of service in Scouting, helping Eagles to fly

...Page 9

Local News Montagnard refugees arrive in Charlotte

...Page 7

Indian archbishop speaks on war, church’s mission

...Page 18

Every Week

Rev. Messrs. Johnathan Hanic and Lawrence LoMonaco were ordained into the holy order of the priesthood by Bishop William G. Curlin June 1. See story and photo essay on pages 10-11.

Entertainment ...Pages 14-15

Editorials & Columns ...Pages 16-17

Graduation 2002 For story and photos of the diocesan high school graduation ceremonies, see pages 12-13.

Pictured above left: Eileen and Tony Quigley from St. Gabriel Church receive a blessing from Father Lawrence LoMonaco.

Above right: Rev. Mr. Johnathan Hanic kneels before Bishop William G. Curlin. At right: Bishop Curlin extends hands over the kneeling candidates and prays the prayer of consecration.

Photos above left and at right by Alesha M. Price; above right by Kevin E. Murray.

2 The Catholic News & Herald the past and will fail in the future to bring any solution to problems,” the statement read. The military escalation on the borders will affect most severely the common people of both countries, it said.

Vatican says pope will canonize Juan Diego even if trip is canceled VATICAN CITY (CNS) — With Vatican officials saying Pope John Paul II might not visit Mexico in July, devotees of Blessed Juan Diego were left wondering if and when the peasant who saw Our Lady of Guadalupe would become a saint. An official at the Congregation for Saints’ Causes said two things are certain: Only the pope can canonize someone, and Pope John Paul plans to canonize Blessed Juan Diego. “Up until the moment of the celebration, the way, the time and the place can change,” the official told Catholic News Service June 5.

“Changes are always possible, even when things have been announced in a formal way,” he said. “Just like a wedding, you set the date and send out invitations, but until the moment of the ceremony you can make changes.”

TV documentary to track married couples over next decade WASHINGTON (CNS) — Borrowing a page from his acclaimed “Up” documentary series, director Michael Apted begins a look at nine newly married American couples to explore, in their own lives and actions, how the institution of marriage works and where the rough spots are. And not only will Apted look at them now, he’ll also show viewers what their lives are like after two years of marriage, and after four years of marriage, and after six years, and eight years, and 10 years. “Married in America” will be shown on the A&E cable channel in two versions: a threehour version 8-11 p.m. EDT Monday, June 17 (repeated 4-7 p.m. EDT Sunday, June 23), and a two-hour version 8-10 p.m. EDT Thursday, June 20. Apted has used the same technique of revisiting his documentary subjects in the “Up” series, which began with a look at British schoolchildren in “7 Up.” He has interviewed them every seven years, the

CNS photo from Reuters

Youths carry WYD cross into downtown Toronto Catholic young people carry the World Youth Day cross into downtown Toronto June 9 on the final leg of its journey through Canada. Toronto will host the international gathering of Catholic youth in late July, with Pope John Paul II celebrating the closing vigil and Mass.

Pakistani bishops urge India, Pakistan to seek peace, avoid war LAHORE, Pakistan (CNS) — The Pakistani bishops’ justice and peace commission has called on India and Pakistan to strive for peace and not to pursue war.

The worsening situation at the borders has shaken the people of India and Pakistan, said the May 31 statement by Archbishop Lawrence Saldanha of Lahore, commission chairman. The statement came as tensions rose between the neighboring countries. India and Pakistan reportedly have amassed 1 million troops on the borders of the disputed territory of Kashmir and have increased their war rhetoric. “The two countries have seen years of bloodshed, misery and wars waged in the name of religion and nationalism. Weapons and wars have failed in

Episcopal June 14, 2002 Volume 11 • Number 37 Publisher: Most Reverend William G. Curlin Editor: Joann S. Keane Associate Editor: Kevin E. Murray Staff Writer: Alesha M. Price Graphic Designer: Tim Faragher Advertising Representative: Cindi Feerick Secretary: Sherill Beason 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203 Mail: P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237 Phone: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382 E-mail: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org The Catholic News & Herald, USPC 007-393, is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203, 44 times a year, weekly except for Christmas week and Easter week and every two weeks during June, July and August for $15 per year for enrollees in parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte and $18 per year for all other subscribers. Second-class postage paid at Charlotte NC and other cities. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to The Catholic News & Herald, P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237.

June 14, 2002

The World in

c a l e n-

Bishop William G. Curlin will take part in the following events: June 21 25th episcopal anniversary of Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick Washington, D.C. June 23 — 3 p.m.

LIMEX graduation Mass Catholic Conference Center, Hickory June 27 — 11 a.m.

Priests’ jubilee Mass St. Patrick, Charlotte June 29 — 11 a.m.

Mass and blessing of Sisters of Mercy eucharistic chapel Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse, Belmont July 5 — 9 p.m.

Mass for participants in Catholic Heart Work Camp Charlotte Catholic High School, Charlotte

2003,” it said.

Cross-country walkers aim to raise pro-life awareness SAN FRANCISCO (CNS) — Eager young adults from across the nation and gray-haired pro-life activists from San Francisco gathered in front of a Planned Parenthood office May 18 to pray for an end to abortion and to prepare for the young people’s crosscountry walk to World Youth Day in Toronto. San Francisco police officers outnumbered visitors to the Planned Parenthood office as nine members of Crossroads’ Pro-Life Walk 2002 joined San Francisco pro-lifers in praying the rosary and singing “Holy Queen Enthroned Above” in front of the abortion clinic. Two days later, the young people began a walk that will end in Toronto July 22. Along the way they will pray the rosary, visit abortion facilities, and talk about the sanctity and dignity of all human life from conception to natural death.

Guatemala’s bishops say politics, corruption impede peace accords TEGUCIGALPA, Hondur as

most recent in the series being “42 Up.” Croatian news agency says pope has postponed September visit ROME (CNS) — Pope John Paul II has postponed a tentatively scheduled visit to Croatia until spring 2003, reported IKA, a Croatian Catholic news agency. The trip, originally slated for September, was postponed because the Vatican process for a beatification expected during the trip will not be completed by then, IKA said, citing the Croatian bishops’ conference. “The apostolic nunciature in Zagreb has informed the Croatian conference of bishops that the cause of the beatification of Servant of God Ivan Merz cannot be completed by September of this year,” IKA said. “Therefore, the apostolic visit by Pope John Paul II ... will be postponed until the spring of

Diocesan

plan -

relli at (704) 542-2283 and St. Gabriel - Eileen Correll at (704) 362-5047, Ext. 217.

1 CLEMMONS — Holy Family Church, 4820 Kinnamon Rd., will be celebrating a charismatic Mass tonight at 7:30 p.m. The sacrament of reconciliation will be given at 7 p.m., and the laying on of hands will take place after Mass. The next Mass will be celebrated on Aug. 5. For more information, call the church office at (336) 778-0600 or Jim Passero at (336) 998-7503.

Ongoing ASHEVILLE — The Basilica of St. Lawrence, 97 Haywood St., hosts free tours of the historic church after each weekend Mass. The Masses are celebrated every Saturday at 5 p.m., and on Sundays at 9 a.m. and noon. For more information on scheduling guided tours, call Shirley Gregory at (828) 274-4592.

BRYSON CITY — The St. Joseph Church thrift shop is open every Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information, call the shop, located at 316 Main St., at (828) 488-2266 or Katherine Kelly at (828) 488-2519.

CHARLOTTE — “Forever Young” is an exercise group for people 55 and older held at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. They meet every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m.-noon and are always seeking new members. A professional instructor will teach the hour of cardiovascular exercises. Call Peg Hill at (704) 540-7255 for details.

CHARLOTTE — Rachel’s Children is a service for parents who have lost a baby to miscarriage, stillbirth or SIDS. If interested in meeting to discuss the emotional, physical and spiritual effects from this type of loss, Mercy Sister Jeanne Marie Kienast at (704) 543-7677, Ext. 43.

Please submit notices of events for the Diocesan Planner at least 15 days prior to

June 14, 2002

New York bishop resigns after admitting affairs with women NEW YORK (CNS) — New York Auxiliary Bishop James F. McCarthy has resigned after admitting he had affairs with several women, the New York Archdiocese announced June 11. In a statement New York Cardinal Edward M. Egan expressed “my personal care and concern for all involved in this situation, in particular any women and their families who may have been hurt, and Bishop McCarthy as well.”

Bishop McCarthy, 59, had been a bishop only since June 1999. He was pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Shrub Oak and regional vicar for the northern Westchester, Putnam and Rockland region of the New York Archdiocese. In the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, he was a member of the Committee on Women in Society and in the Church. He was the fourth bishop to resign since the start of the year following allegations or admissions of sexual misconduct.

Monks killed at Conception Abbey remembered as ‘generous, gracious’ CONCEPTION, Mo. (CNS) — The abbot of Conception Abbey Benedictine monastery mourned two monks killed by a gunman June 10 as men who had lived “in a generous, gracious spirit.” Benedictine Abbot Gregory Polan said there was “a lot of shock and sadness” at the violent deaths of Brother Damian Larson, 64, who was known as the “weather monk” at the abbey, and Father Philip Schuster, the retired chaplain at St. Francis Hospital in Maryville, who was in his 80s. The gunman, who was identified by police only as a 71-year-old man from Kearney, Mo., was found dead in a chapel at the abbey with two weapons, an AK-47 and a sawed off .22-caliber rifle. Abbot Polan said he was shown a driver’s license picture of the gunman and “we have no sense of who this man is.”

Variation on a theme: Vatican denies that pope will retire in Poland VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The latest papal resignation rumor, officially dismissed by the Vatican, is a variation on an old theme that had Pope John Paul II eventually retiring to a Carmelite monastery in Poland. The new rumor, published by the men to join them for meetings, educational seminars and social events. Contact Michael Slane at (336) 665-9264 for time and location.

July

1 CHARLOTTE — The bereavement

support group will meet tonight from 6-7:30 p.m. and every first Monday in the family room at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd. This support group is for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. For details, call Ruth Posey, CSS counselor, at (704) 370-3238.

1 CHARLOTTE — The regularly scheduled cancer support group meetings for survivors, family and friends on the following days: St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd., tonight and every first Monday at 7 p.m. in the ministry center library and St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., on July 2 and every first Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the office building conference room. For more information, call: St. Matthew - Marilyn Bor-

The Catholic News & Herald 3

The World in

CNS photo from Reuters

Catholics board up windows, doors in East Belfast home Two women stand between boards protecting the door and windows of their house from loyalists during rioting in East Belfast in early June.

Belfast’s acting police chief said recent rioting between Catholic and Protestant groups in the city was the worst in four years.

Czech weekly Tyden, says that at the end of the pope’s Aug. 16-19 visit to his homeland, Pope John Paul will resign as head of the Catholic Church and stay in Poland. Tyden said its information came from “Polish prelates with close ties to the pope,” but did not mention the Carmelites. Joaquin NavarroValls, the Vatican spokesman, denied the rumors June 4, citing appointments the pope already has made in Rome after the Poland visits.

Family tradition comes to end as 11th child finishes Catholic school JOLIET, Ill. (CNS) — When Donna Markun graduated from Joliet Catholic Academy in mid-May, she was following in some familiar footsteps. Not only were her mother and father alumni of St. Francis Academy and Joliet Catholic High School, respectively, but each of her 10 siblings went to one of the schools or to the academy which was formed from both of them.

For the past 21 years, a Markun had been at one of the schools. On a recent day in

May, several members of the Markun family gathered around the large U-shaped kitchen table to swap stories of their experiences growing up in the Catholic school tradition. “You have to prioritize,” said the Markun matriarch, Rosemary. “(Catholic education) was high on our priority list.

We wanted the children to hear outside of the home the same values they hear inside — of God’s importance in life.”

Cuban bishop calls for constructive dialogue with government HAVANA, Cuba (CNS) — The church wants a “sincere, respectful and constructive dialogue” with the Cuban government and the Communist Party concerning restrictions on church activities, said Auxiliary Bishop Salvador Riveron Cortina of Havana. Government openness toward religion is “still insufficient” despite the lessening of discrimination and increased contacts between church and government officials since Pope John Paul II’s 1998 visit,

June 18 SALISBURY — Catholic Social Services, Elder Ministry in collaboration with U.S. Financial Services will be presenting “The Senior Financial Workshop” this morning from 1011:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 128 N. Fulton St. The free educational workshop for seniors 65 and over will focus on Medicaid, social security, taxes, financial planning and other topics.

For reservations and other information, call Sandra Breakfield at (704) 370-3220.

21 CHARLOTTE — Thank God It’s Friday (TGIF), a weekly support group for separated and divorced women, will meet tonight at 7 p.m. in the St. Matthew Church parish center, 8015 Ballantyne Pkwy., with a potluck dinner and a guest speaker from the community. TGIF is a healing ministry sponsored by Catholic Social Services, Charlotte Regional Office and St. Matthew Church. For details, call Trish Wilson at (704) 543-8986.

22 WINSTON-SALEM — St. Benedict the Moor Church, 1625 East 12th St., will be hosting a program on spiritual growth today from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and June 23 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Jesuit Father Richard McHugh, Ph.D., will be presenting an introductory workshop aimed at deepening one’s personal, social and spiritual growth through neurolinguistic programming (NLP) entitled “Discovering Yourself.”

NLP is a way of training the brain to learn healthy patterns and behaviors to bring about positive physical and emotional effects. Lunch will be provided for both dates. For reservations and other details, call Jesuit Father Larry Hunt at (336) 725-9200.

23 HENDERSONVILLE — The St. Francis of the Hills Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order will meet today from 3-5 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 208 7th Ave. West.

Visitors and inquirers are welcome, so for more information, call Helen Gillogly, SFO, at (828) 883-9645.

the bishop said May 30 in a speech at the Dominican San Juan de Letran Monastery in Havana. Hard-line attitudes by people in government and the Communist Party hinder the church’s social action and educational work, he added. In addition, “a cloud of silence” exists in the official media about the church’s activities, Bishop Riveron said.

Ohio bishop retires; new ones named in Ohio and Kentucky WASHINGTON (CNS) — New bishops have been named for the dioceses of Steubenville, Ohio, and Covington, Ky., and the current bishop of Steubenville has retired. Pope John Paul II accepted the resignation of Bishop Gilbert I. Sheldon of Steubenville, who turned 75 last fall.

He appointed a pastor from the Cincinnati Archdiocese, Father R. Daniel Conlon of Holy Redeemer Parish in New Bremen, as his successor. Msgr. Roger J. Foys, vicar general of the Steubenville Diocese, was named bishop of Covington, succeeding Bishop Robert W. Muench, who was appointed bishop of Baton Rouge, La., on Dec. 15. The appointments were announced in Washington May 31 by Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

Lexington bishop, facing three abuse claims, resigns WASHINGTON (CNS) — Pope John Paul II June 10 accepted the resignation of Bishop J. Kendrick Williams of Lexington, Ky., who faces three allegations of sexual abuse of minors or young men when he was a priest. Bishop Williams, 65, has denied the allegations.

He is the second bishop this year and the third since 1998 to resign following accusations of sex offenses against under-age boys. The Vatican notice of his resignation cited Canon 401.2 of church law, which says a bishop should resign if he is less able to govern his diocese “because of ill health or some other grave cause.” Previously a priest of the Louisville Archdiocese, Bishop Williams is named in three sexual abuse lawsuits filed against the archdiocese since midMay.

23 MAGGIE VALLEY — Living Waters Catholic Reflection Center, 103 Living Waters Lane, will be presenting “The God Who Reconciles,” a program about divine love and reconciliation beginning this evening through June 29. Dr. Diane Gautney, licensed psychologist and certified spiritual director, will aid participants in learning to listen for God’s call despite outside influences and interferences. To register, call the center at (828) 926-3833 or email lwcrc@main.nc.us.

24 NEWTON — The Little Flowers Catholic Girls’ Group is for all Catholic girls ages five and up. The group will be meeting at St. Joseph Church, 720 West 13th St., at 4 p.m. in the Holy Family Hall. For more details, call Debbie Vickers at (828) 495-2039.

26 GUILFORD COUNTY — The Ancient Order of Hibernians Guilford County Division, the oldest and largest order of Irish Catholic men, is looking for more Irish Catholic

4 The Catholic News & Herald

June 14, 2002

Around the Di-

New church dedicated for growing Hispanic

Photo by Kevin E. Murray

Bishop William G. Curlin blesses the new Our Lady of Guadalupe Church during the dedication Mass June 2.

By KEVIN E. MURRAY Associate Editor CHARLOTTE — Years of struggle and faith have finally paid off for Hispanic Catholics in the Charlotte area.

Bishop William G. Curlin presided over the dedication Mass for the new Our Lady of Guadalupe Church June 2. The new building — formerly known as the Catholic Hispanic Center — symbolizes the growing Hispanic population in the diocese, but it is only the first phase of a continuing plan that started a long time ago.

“With praise and thanksgiving let us ask God, through whom all things are accomplished, to bless this new building and catechetical center,” said Bishop Curlin to the crowd of over 600 gathered in the parish hall for the morning Mass.

“This means a lot for the Hispanic people,” said Vincentian Father Vincent Finnerty, who came to the Hispanic community seven years ago when they were holding Mass in the gymnasium of the old Our Lady of the Assumption School in Charlotte.

Father Finnerty said the parishioners, whom he described as humble and devoted people, have worked hard to get the center built. Those who cannot donate their treasure donate generously with their time and talents, he said.

Many of them spend Sunday — their only day off from work — to

cook and sell food outside the building, bringing in an extra $200-$300 a week to help with the center’s expenses.

“I think the people are very happy with what their struggle has produced, and they feel that Our Lady of Guadalupe has been with them through it all,” said Father Finnerty, explaining that the Lady of Guadalupe has been embedded in the Hispanic culture ever since Mary first appeared to peasant Juan Diego near Mexico City in 1531.

Because today’s Hispanics have many struggles, including learning English and finding work, Father Finnerty said, “I think today they can really express their confidence that Our Lady of Guadalupe has been with them and will continue in all of their struggles; and this is part of that struggle — the construction of their own church.”

It was in September 1997 when Father Finnerty first announced to the parish the fundraising campaign to build the community/multipurpose facility on a 16-acre tract of land off of Tuckaseegee Road in Northwest Charlotte.”

Father Finnerty translated for Bishop Curlin as he said, “This is the dream that all of us had for many years, and now the dream has come true. So I ask God to bless you for all that you have done to make this pos-

See Next Page

June 14, 2002

From previous page sible.”

The Hispanic Center includes a kitchen, shower facilities and a parish hall that accommodates over 4,000 Hispanics at each of its seven weekend Masses. The average age of the parishioners, said Father Finnerty, is 25.

“We have a nice building, but it’s already too small,” said Father Finnerty, indicating the building holds numerous social activities, including karate classes, weightlifting, prayer groups, marriage encounters and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. A Hispanic radio program also broadcasts from the building.

“It’s not only a church but also a center for a lot of activities that bring people together,” said Franciscan Sister Andrea Inkrott, diocesan director of Hispanic Ministry. “The people have been praying and working to get this building built for years. It’s a real tribute to the Hispanic community.”

The parish plans to build a sanctuary in the next decade, as well as a sports complex and soccer field. “We have a soccer league with almost 200 kids,” said Father Finnerty. “The park-

Around the Diing is barely enough now, so there’s a need to keep on expanding.”

Ramón Morales and family have watched the congregation grow over the last several years. “We come every Sunday morning, and we have new faces every week,” he said.

“In 20 years, we are told that this will be primarily a Hispanic diocese,” said Bishop Curlin. “Here (in Our Lady of Guadalupe), the young will learn of their Catholic faith, and adults will deepen their commitment to live as Christ has taught us.”

“The Catholic Church has always been an immigrant church in the United States,” noted Father Finnerty. “I think our Christian obligation to them is not to ask why they’re here but how we can lend them a hand.”

Father Finnerty said Our Lady of Guadalupe Church was a positive step forward for both Hispanics and the Catholic Church. “There are a lot of signs of growth in this diocese; not just physically but spiritually,” he said.

“This building is a place to which we come to know one another and give witness to our faith in Jesus,” said Bishop Curlin. “We pray that the word of God will always echo inside these walls.”

Father Vincent Finnerty, Bishop William G. Curlin and Rev. Mr. Raphael Torres during the dedication Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe June 2.

Photo by Kevin E. Murray

The Catholic News & Herald 5

Pastoral Assignments Bishop William G. Curlin announces the following pastoral changes:

Effective immediately

Appointment of Vicariate Vicar Rev. Frank O’Rourke while remaining as Pastor of Our Lady of Grace, Greensboro

To: Vicar of Greensboro Vicariate Rev. William Robinson, OFM Conv. From: Parochial Vicar, Our Lady Of Mercy, Winston-Salem

To: Pastor, Our Lady of Mercy, Winston-Salem

Effective July 9:

Rev. Thomas Kessler

Rev. W. Ray Williams

Rev. Thomas Stott

Rev. John Kelly

Rev. Thomas Murphy, OSFS

Appointment of pastors From: Administrator, St. Dorothy, Lincolnton To: Pastor of St. Leo, Winston-Salem From: Administrator, St. Joseph, Bryson City To: Pastor of St. Mary, Sylva From: Sabbatical To: Pastor of St. Dorothy, Lincolnton From: Parochial Vicar, Immaculate Heart of Mary, High Point To: Pastor, Immaculate Heart of Mary, High Point From: Interim Administrator, Saint Paul, Greensboro To: Pastor, Saint Paul, Greensboro

Rev. John Hanic

Rev. Robert Ferris

Rev. David Brzoska

Rev. Frank Seabo

Rev. Matthew Kauth

Appointment of administrators From: Chaplain, Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School, Charlotte To: Administrator of Holy Redeemer, Andrews with Prince of Peace Mission, Robbinsville From: Parochial Vicar, St. Gabriel, Charlotte To: Administrator of St. Benedict, Greensboro From: Parochial Vicar, St. Mark, Huntersville To: Administrator of St. Andrew the Apostle, Mars Hill with Mission Sacred Heart, Burnsville From: Parochial Vicar, St. Lawrence Basilica, Asheville To: Administrator of St. Joseph, Bryson City with Mission Our Lady of Guadalupe, Cherokee From: Parochial Vicar, St. Matthew, Charlotte To: Administrator of St. Francis of Assisi, Franklin

Appointment of Parochial Vicars Rev. Christopher Gober From: Parochial Vicar, St. Michael, Gastonia

To: Parochial Vicar, St. Gabriel, Charlotte Rev. Carmen Malacari From: Parochial Vicar, St. Patrick, Charlotte

To: Parochial Vicar, St. Matthew, Charlotte Rev. Joseph Long Dinh From: Parochial Vicar, Sacred Heart, Salisbury

To: Parochial Vicar, St. Lawrence Basilica, Asheville Rev. Shawn O’Neal From: Parochial Vicar, St. Elizabeth, Boone

To: Parochial Vicar, Sacred Heart, Salisbury Rev. Peter Pham From: Parochial Vicar, St. Vincent de Paul, Charlotte

To: Parochial Vicar, St. Francis, Lenoir Rev. Larry LoMonaco Newly Ordained

To: Parochial Vicar, St. Leo the Great, Winston-Salem Rev. Johnathan Hanic Newly Ordained

To: Parochial Vicar, St. Patrick, Charlotte Rev. Christopher Roux From: Parochial Vicar, St. Leo the Great, Winston-Salem

To: Parochial Vicar, St. Mark, Huntersville Rev. Anthony Gilborges, OSFS From: Parochial Vicar, St. Paul the Apostle, Greensboro

To: Parochial Vicar, Immaculate Heart of Mary, High Point Rev. Anthony Larry, OSFS

To: Parochial Vicar, Saint Paul the Apostle, Greensboro Rev. Daniel Quackenbush, OFM Conv.

To: Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Mercy, Winston-Salem Rev. Denis Hackett, OFM Conv.

From: Parochial Vicar, Our Lady Mercy, Winston-Salem

To: Reassignment by his religious order.

Rev. Lucian Martinez, S.J. From: Parochial Vicar, St. Peter, Charlotte

To: Reassignment by his religious order.

Rev. John Allen From: Pastor St. Michael, Gastonia

To: Full-time Vocations Director Rev. Morris Boyd From: Pastor, Saint Francis, Franklin

To: Sabbatical for Hispanic studies Rev. Cecil Tice From: Pastor, Saint Leo, Winston-Salem

To: Leave from priestly ministry at his own request Rev. James Cahill From: Pastor, St. Mary, Sylva

To: Retirement at his own request Rev. Msgr. Joseph Showfety From: Pastor, St. Benedict, Greensboro

To: Retirement at his own request Rev. Edward Ifkovits, S.J. From: Pastor, St. Andrew the Apostle, Mars Hill

To: Reassignment by his religious order Rev. Robert Bond, Glenmary From: Pastor, Holy Redeemer, Andrews

To: Reassigned by his religious order Rev. Stephen Hoyt, OFM Cap From: Chaplain, Charlotte Catholic High School

To: Reassigned by his religious order

Effective July 31:

Rev. Patrick Winslow

From: Diocese of Syracuse To: Parochial Vicar, St. Vincent de Paul, Charlotte

Effective August 15:

Rev. Joseph Mulligan

From: Sabbatical To: Pastor of St. Michael, Gastonia

Rev. Mark Horak, S.J.

Effective Sept 1: To: Parochial Vicar, St. Peter, Charlotte

6 The Catholic News & Herald

Around the Di-

Ninth year of perpetual adoration begins on Corpus

June 14, 2002

Various cultures celebrated at outdoor Heritage Festival

Photo by Rev. Mr. Gerald Potkay

Bishop William G. Curlin takes part in the eucharistic procession around the rose garden during the celebration of the feast of Corpus Christi at Maryfield June 2.

By REV. MR. GERALD POTKAY Correspondent HIGH POINT — One of the best-known secrets of success for the Poor Servants of the Mother of God is found in the perpetual adoration chapel within the Maryfield complex.

“Perpetual adoration began here on the feast of Corpus Christi in 1994,” said Poor Servant Sister Lucy Hennessy, director of Maryfield. “For the last eight years, not a day has passed without at least one person praying before the Risen Christ in the chapel of adoration every hour of every day.”

Perpetual adoration is a practice of displaying the Eucharist 24 hours a day in a chapel for continuous adoration. This feat is accomplished at Maryfield through the Poor Servant Sisters, their associates, the residents and other volunteers “who unselfishly give of their time for prayer before the Blessed Sacrament for several hours on a weekly basis,” said Sister Lucy.

On the feast of Corpus Christi, said Sister Lucy, we celebrate the real presence of Jesus — body, blood, soul and divinity — in the Eucharist.

Bishop William G. Curlin, along with Father Anthony Marcaccio, vice chancellor, and resident and visiting priests celebrated Mass at Maryfield.

“This annual celebration of Corpus Christi is our public way of giving prayer and homage to the body and blood of Jesus Christ,” said Sister Lucy.

This feast of Corpus Christi is a movable feast based on the church calendar and the celebration of Easter.

It always falls on the Sunday following Trinity Sunday, the first Sunday after Pentecost, and focuses on the body and blood of Jesus and highlights the redemptive nature of his total self-sacrifice in the sacrament of the Eucharist.

During the 13th century, when devotion and belief in the church was in decline, St. Juliana of Mont-Cornillon, an Augustinian nun, received a revelation from God showing her that the Christian year was lacking a feast in honor of the Blessed Sacrament. It was through her efforts that Pope Ur-

ban IV sanctioned the feast of Corpus Christi in 1264.

A eucharistic procession was added to the feast of Corpus Christi during the 14th century. This came immediately following the Mass for public adoration with the purpose of enhancing the nature of the festival.

“On the feast of Corpus Christi ...

Jesus is carried in procession around the rose garden and into the main reception hall where the bishop has always blessed the residents with the presence of the Risen Lord,” said Sister Lucy.

During his homily, Bishop Curlin stressed the fact that the life, the heart and the foundation of the church are in the Eucharist. “Without the Eucharist, the church would surely die,” said Bishop Curlin. “I became a priest to celebrate the Eucharist.”

Bishop Curlin said that when one receives Jesus in the Eucharist, you “assimilate him and become like him.

You are the presence of Christ for others,” he said. “When you visit the sick and the infirm, you are, Christ for them.”

Friends and benefactors of Maryfield enjoyed the celebration.

“Bishop Curlin does such a good job of reminding us that the center of our faith is Jesus Christ embodied in the bread and wine,” said Geri Breeding. “It is always a pleasure to celebrate this feast with our bishop.”

“This standing room-only celebration always brings us closer to Jesus and our own bishop,” said Jim Neely of the Knights of Columbus Bishop Hafey council. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

“I’m so thrilled to be here,” added Theresa Hamsen. “I look forward all year long for this celebration knowing we have the body of Christ and our bishop with us.”

Contact Correspondent Gerald Potkay by calling (336) 427-8218 or e-mail gpotkay@triad.rr.com.

Photo by Ellen Neerincx Sigmon

Melissa Martinez shows her son, Emmanuel, one of the Mexican piñatas to be broken open during the St. Joseph Church Heritage Fair on Corpus Christi June 2.

By ELLEN NEERINCX SIGMON Correspondent NEWTON — St. Joseph Church held only one Mass Sunday morning, June 2, for the feast of Corpus Christi.

The outdoor Mass, celebrated in both English and Spanish, was symbolic of the parish’s many cultures coming together for their Heritage Festival. This is the second year that the church’s Family and Community Life Commission has sponsored the festival, which included displays, foods and entertainment supplied by parishioners of various nationalities.

“We are the wheat scattered across the world,” said Rev. Mr. Scott Gilfillan, permanent deacon at St. Joseph Church, in his homily. Just as flour comes together to make bread when oil and water are added, he said, “We come together with the baptism of water and the anointing with oil.”

Rev. Mr. Gilfillan said that we need to be like Jesus in the world. “We can look upon ourselves and see Jesus Christ,” he said. “We can also look around and see all of us gathered together as one body and one bread.”

During the Mass, parishioners sung hymns and recited prayers in Spanish and English and listened to intercessory prayers in several different languages.

The Mass concluded with a eucharis-

tic procession around the church. The fragrance of incense floated on the welcomed breezes that helped to cool the parishioners out in the 90-degree heat.

Father Jim Collins, pastor of the church, carried the Eucharist during the procession in a monstrance — a sacred vessel with a clear glass center that allows the Eucharist to be viewed.

Parishioners followed, many in costumes native to their countries of origin, carrying banners and singing hymns.

After the procession, those in attendance visited booths representing the cultures of Brazil, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Nicaragua and Poland. Parishioners were able to view the items on display and sample native foods and drinks.

Many in attendance participated in or watched a soccer game during the festival.

Soccer was chosen for the festival as a sport that most of the cultures represented at the festival had in common.

The St. Joseph’s Irish Step Dancers, instructed by parishioner Meg Barrett, performed hard- and soft-shoe dances in the church hall. After their demonstration, they invited members of the audience to learn a dance called the Bridge of Athlone.

The festival ended with the children lining up, smallest to tallest, to take turns swinging a stick at two Mexican piñatas.

June 14, 2002

Around the Di-

Montagnard refugees

War ended.

The 900 coming to North Carolina are mostly men who fled Vietnam and left their families after the communist government crushed their protests over religious and political persecution and the taking of their tribal lands.

Since February 2001, the refugees have been staying in two United Nations-administered camps in Cambodia until the opportunity arose to resettle in the United States.

“We came here, and want our lives to be like American lives, with the freedom to speak and freedom of religions,” said 23-year-old Ywing Eban, who spoke through an interpreter.

Since their arrival, the Montagnards have been busy making trips to the Mecklenburg County Health Department and Social Security Office, among other places.

“They have lots of hopes; one is getting a job to send money home to their families,” said Ponce.

Due to cooperative resettlement efforts of the U.S. Special Forces and the State Department, North Carolina is currently the largest Montagnard resettlement site in the Western hemisphere. The Diocese of Charlotte has already helped resettle 614 Montagnards in the diocese since 1986.

In May, with a letter from Bishop William G. Curlin, the Refugee Resettlement Office began a diocese-wide campaign to raise the needed items for the Montagnards, who arrived in Charlotte with little more than the clothes on their backs.

The combined efforts of Catholic parishes, other churches, youth groups, employers, veterans, the existing Montagnard community and Sunny Sarahany, owner of a local apartment complex, helped to furnish apartments in the Charlotte area and supply clothes, said Ponce.

“It’s been an extraordinary response,” she said. “We’ve been so blessed to have so much support.”

More refugees, including entire families, will continue to arrive throughout the summer. The CSS Refugee Resettlement Office still requires the following assistance: cars in good condition, diapers, food coupons, financial donations and tutors to teach conversational English (orientation and training will be provided to the tutors).

“I continue to be moved by the magnitude of our community’s unfailing compassion and commitment to

The Catholic News & Herald 7

Many contribute to help aid domestic abuse victims

By KEVIN E. MURRAY Associate Editor CHARLOTTE — The long trip may have ended, but there’s still much to do for the Montagnard refugees.

After several days of traveling, the first 59 of approximately 240 Montagnards arrived in two groups at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport June 4 and June 6.

The refugees, who have been persecuted by the Vietnamese government, are among 900 expected Montagnards slated for resettlement around North Carolina over the next several months.

“They’re doing as well as can be expected for people who have traveled so far.

They’re exhausted yet very excited,” said Cira Ponce, director of the Catholic Social Services (CSS) Refugee Resettlement Office, an affiliate of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Ponce was at the airport with a group of local Montagnards to greet the incoming refugees after a series of overseas delays impeded their original May arrival. Ponce has been working closely with the newcomers to help them get adjusted.

“They’ve now had a chance to rest and adapt to their surroundings,” she said. “They have visited with other Montagnards and are starting to feel at home.”

As Christians who have lived for centuries in the Central Highlands of South Vietnam, the Montagnards (a French word for mountain dwellers) aided U.S. Special Forces during the 1960s, and many became prisoners in re-education camps after the Vietnam

Photo by Kevin E. Murray

Yjuen Eban, a Montagnard who resettled in Charlotte in 1986, waits to greet the first group of Montagnard refugees arriving at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport June 4.

By JOANITA M. NELLENBACH Correspondent Editor’s Note: This article contains graphic accounts of domestic abuse. Certain names have been changed to protect those involved.

WESTERN N.C. — Susan’s husband, Bill, broke down the front door at 2 a.m., threw her onto their bed and began strangling her in front of their two children.

When she regained consciousness 10 minutes later, Susan called 911 and charged Bill with attempted murder.

In the last two years there have been more than 3,000 “Susans” in North Carolina’s seven westernmost counties — Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Clay, Cherokee, Swain and Graham — the counties that comprise the 30th Judicial District and the Diocese of Charlotte’s Smoky Mountain Vicariate.

That statistic isn’t restricted to this area. “What we hear nationally is that 15-17 percent of women experience some form of family violence,” said Julia Freeman, director of REACH of Haywood County, which provides emergency help to domesticviolence victims.

To help alleviate the problem, the 30th Judicial District Domestic Violence-Sexual Assault Alliance Inc. has established Partnership for Peace.

“We want to educate the clergy on how to work with victims of domestic violence in an appropriate manner,” said Patricia Gaddis, the Alliance’s sexual assault specialist. “A lot of pastors do couples’ counseling, and that’s the most dangerous thing the counselor can do because abuse is about power and control.

If the battered woman reveals something in a counseling session that her partner has done, when they go home, he can take it out on her because she revealed something about him.”

“We realized there was a great need for this and that the churches could be instrumental in helping with this,” said Augustinian Father Francis J. Doyle, pastor of St. Margaret Church in Maggie Valley, chair of the Haywood County Domestic Violence Task Force and a REACH board member.

“The first year I was here (1998),” Father Doyle said, “the St. Margaret Women’s Guild was having a luncheon, and Patty Gaddis was the guest speaker; at the time, she was working for REACH. She talked about the needs here. I was shocked.”

Partnership for Peace has obtained grants of $25,000 and $15,000 respectively from the Z. Smith Reynolds and Duke Endowment foundations.

“The Duke Foundation wants to see an ecumenical base, and that’s when I was approached to see if the Catholic community would be involved,” Father Doyle said. “The Augustinians have a ministry fund, and after one of our (Smoky Mountain) vicariate meetings, I called our ministry office of our province and told them what I was involved in, and they said,’ yes, there was money available.’”

The Augustinians contributed $4,000; the Smoky Mountain Vicariate’s 12 parishes matched that with a check presented at the June 3 vicariate meet-

Photo by Joanita M. Nellenbach

Presenting a check to Patricia Gaddis is Father George M. Kloster (right), vicar of the Smoky Mountain Vicariate. With them is Augustinian Father Francis J. Doyle, pastor of St. Margaret Church in Maggie Valley. ing. Susan and her “sisters” in abuse will benefit.

Bill began verbally abusing Susan the second month they were married.

When they’d been married 10 months, and she was nine months pregnant, Bill physically abused Susan. Then he beat up her father because she and her father had a close relationship.

“The very next night,” Susan said, “when Bill came home, he was drunk. He held a gun in my mouth and to my head all night long. (He said) he was going to make me watch while he cut my father’s throat and killed his whole family, and then he’d kill me. He made me call my father and call him (names). I had to tell my father I wouldn’t ever see him again.”

Susan and Bill’s son was born 13 days later. Her family was afraid to go near her.

She moved out several times, but either lack of money or her husband’s promises to reform brought her back. She gave birth to their daughter. After that, Bill took to shoving Susan, slapping her, threatening to kill her.

The last time Susan left, Bill was asleep when she packed what she could into trash bags. She quickly put the kids in the car and got out of there as fast as she could.

He found where she lived, broke into the house and strangled her. Technicalities reduced the charge from attempted murder to assault — inflicting serious bodily injury — and burglary.

Currently in jail, Bill will be out in only a few years.

“I worry about it, and I pray about it every night, for the safety of my kids,” Susan said.

Susan divorced Bill. She has a good job and takes online courses toward a bachelor’s degree; her children are doing well. She tries not to dwell on her marital hell.

“If I live in it and live with it,” she said, “then my children have to. I fear that we’re going to have to run in six years. If we have to pick up and go, we will. I just try to live in the present and move on.”

Contact Correspondent Joanita M. Nellenbach by calling (828) 627-9209 or

8 The Catholic News & Herald

Around the Di-

June 14, 2002

Charismatic renewal celebrated at St. Patrick

By MARY MARSHALL Correspondent CHARLOTTE — Seventy prayer group members from parishes throughout North and South Carolina gathered for the 35th anniversary celebration of the charismatic renewal at St. Patrick Cathedral June 9.

Father Dean Cesa, pastor of St. John the Baptist Church in Tryon, concelebrated the Mass with Father Manuel Sundaram, parochial vicar of St. Ann Church in Charlotte and charismatic member.

Prayer group members processed into the church carrying banners at the start of the Mass. Raising of hands, singing and joining the celebrants on the altar were special characteristics of the Mass.

In the opening prayer, Father Cesa said, “It is wonderful the way the Lord works. We trust his Holy Spirit will continue to lead us.”

The late Bishop Emeritus Michael J. Begley started Charlotte’s charismatic renewal program 25 years ago with the assistance of his secretary, Mary Beatty.

Charismatic members, who meet weekly in prayer groups, are committed to acts of charity and love and helping other people.

Charismatic renewal flows from the personal and communal experience of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

What was received in the sacraments of baptism, Communion and confirmation is enlivened or rekindled. Members are encouraged to establish a personal re-

lationship with the Holy Spirit through daily prayer, meditation, attendance at daily Mass and receiving the sacraments.

Through conferences, seminars, retreats and presentations, the Charlotte charismatic renewal program makes known the power and presence of the Holy Spirit of God as he seeks to reveal the love of the Father through Jesus.

In the homily, Father Cesa related that the charismatic movement played a vital part in his vocation. While attending the 25th anniversary celebration of the charismatic movement in Pittsburgh, Penn., he joined in an altar call for vocations — those thinking of entering the religious life were encouraged to pray for their vocation, make a retreat with just their vocation in mind, seek spiritual direction and speak to a director of vocations.

“Things moved very quickly for me after that,” said Father Cesa. “This is an indication of how God was moving within me, prodding me along to answer his call.”

Referring to Sunday’s Gospel, Father Cesa noted that Matthew was called to leave one vocation — that of a tax collector — to follow another, which was Jesus’ calling.

“The Holy Spirit asks all of us to follow Jesus, to find our vocation in him, leaving behind those things that may hinder our vocation,” said Father Cesa. “Through the Holy Spirit, may our prayers be a continuing, guiding force. Let us all be filled with love and

mercy in God and share that. It is his guidance that leads us to righteousness and ultimately brings us peace in our lives.”

A special part of the Mass occurred at the consecration with members standing on the altar. As Father Cesa raised the host and chalice, prayer group members vocally expressed personal praise and prayer.

Another meaningful moment occurred during the sign of peace, when a true expression of friendship and unity was expressed through handshakes and hugs.

Just before the final blessing, many members shared their thoughts, strengths and testimonies. A potluck supper in St. Patrick School’s cafeteria followed the Mass.

The National Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference will be held Sept.

13-15 in Pittsburgh. For more information about the Charlotte Catholic Renewal Service Team call Joyce Brown at (704) 547-1836 or Bill Owens at (704) 639-9837.

Photo by Mary Marshall

P r aye r g r o u p m e m b e r s j o i n Father Dean Cesa and Father Manuel Sundaram on the altar for the consecration during the 35th anniversary celebration of the charismatic renewal at St. Patrick Cathedral June 9.

June 14, 2002

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Around the Di-

Men honored for years of service in Scouting, helping Eagles to positive encouragement year after year for the Scouts to be the best they can be.”

Several church and community leaders, parishioners, family, friends and most of the Eagle Scouts from Troop 172 were present to offer their thanks and appreciation for their years of service. Joseph and Wallace received apostolic blessings from Rome, certificates of special congressional recognition, Mecklenburg County seals, engraved watches from the families of Troop 172, appreciation cards from the OLC choir and roses and gift certificates for their wives, Mary Joseph and Carolyn Wallace. Each of the Eagle Scouts also addressed the men to thank them for their work and for serving as role models for all and father figures for some.

“Through the Boy Scouting program, Mr. Wallace and Mr. Joseph taught me how to be a leader especially as a young black man in this world.

They taught me how to survive, to look at things from different angles and to use the skills that are needed to become a successful and independent person,” said Rodney James, an Eagle Scout pursuing his master’s degree in electrical engineering at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. “They are special individuals that are important to our community.”

A love of service and a dedication to volunteerism led Wallace to step forward in 1982 and serve as the troop committee chairperson in his parish. He later became Scoutmaster when the position was left vacant and has gone nonstop ever since. He and Joseph helped to recruit boys not only from the parish but also in the surrounding neighborhoods and placed them in situations

Photos by Alesha M. Price

Assistant Scoutmaster Willis Joseph and Scoutmaster Henry Wallace of Troop 172 smile for a picture after an appreciation banquet June 1 and graciously receive appreciation cards from Mary Jones, Our Lady of Consolation Choir representative.

provided an important continuity for the boys,” said Leroy Mayne, Mecklenburg County Council Scout executive and banquet guest. “They have had a much higher number of Eagle Scouts than most of the troops and most of the African-American troops because of their tenure with the program, dedication and

By ALESHA M. PRICE Staff Writer CHARLOTTE — Willis Joseph’s and Henry “Penny” Wallace’s lives converge in various ways: both work for the same company in different departments; both are baritones who sing in the Perpetual Hope Gospel Choir of Our Lady of Consolation Church (OLC); and both grandfathers have dedicated their time and talent to helping raise boys to become successful, prosperous men in their community. For more than 40 combined years, Joseph and Wallace have been Assistant Scoutmaster and Scoutmaster respectively for Troop 172 in the Polaris District of the Mecklenburg County Council, Boy Scouts of America and were honored for their affiliation with the ageold organization.

Held on June 1, the appreciation banquet, sponsored by a committee from OLC and spearheaded by cochairpersons Priscilla Duncan and Pat McDonald, highlighted their careers and spotlighted the fruit of their labor — 21 Eagle Scouts since 1987 and many Cub and Boy Scouts. With less than one percent of Boy Scouts reaching the Eagle level, Joseph and Wallace were commended for their work with aiding the young men to strive higher and reach farther for their goals.

“They’ve done so much good for the kids and for their families. Henry and Willis have been involved a lot and have

and settings with which many were not familiar.

“We took kids out of highly urban settings out into the mountains, which was something that many of them would not have experienced. This is a program that provided something for the boys to do. To see the look of exhilaration and joy on the face of a 17-year-old who has just been on his first whitewater rafting trip or of a 14-year-old who has climbed atop a mountain can be compared to no other experiences,” said Wallace.

Wallace has received many awards and has served in many capacities including Scoutmaster of the Mecklenburg Council’s Troop 1504 at the 2001 National Scout Jamboree, Polaris District Klondike Vice Chief in 2000, Catholic Camporee Chief and Talahi District Camporee Chief. He has also been elected to serve on the executive board of the Mecklenburg County Council, Boy Scouts of America.

Wallace talked about the importance of boys, especially African-American youth, seeing Joseph and himself in leadership positions. “So many of our kids are being raised by single parents across all racial divides, but it is important for our kids because we comprise the majority of males behind bars,” he said. “If our kids will be successful, our kids have to see adult black males in these types of roles.”

Joseph, a Trinidad native, has also been heavily involved with Scouting since his son, Jamal, became involved with Cub Scouts in 1982. He became the Webelos leader, the stage between Cub Scout and Boy Scout, and the Assistant Scoutmaster and, like Wallace, has garnered many accolades and served in various other positions including district training chairperson, Southeast Regional Cub Scout Woodbadge Counselor, Talahi District Chief and Catholic Camporee Chief.

“We have had the pleasure and reward of seeing young men, whether they are Eagle or not, who have matured and have prepared to step out in the world and do what is right,” said Joseph. “It has been a real privilege to have been a part of these young folks’ lives. They all came with something, and all we did was help the seeds that were already planted to grow.”

Contact Staff Writer Alesha M. Price by calling (704) 370-3354 or e-mail amprice@charlottediocese.org.

1 0 The Catholic News & Herald

Ordination

June 14, 2002

New priests called to be light

and be the salt of the earth. Wen people criticize the church, we can point to you and say, ‘They’re the priesthood. They’re what the priesthood is.’ Make God proud.”

To be entrusted with the souls of men and women, each priest must be a mature, “trustworthy representative of Jesus Christ,” said Bishop Curlin. “The people have a right to see in us a profound resemblance to Jesus Christ when they put their souls in our hands.”

Being a good priest means living in intimacy with Jesus Christ, said the bishop. He encouraged the priests to spend one hour a day before the Blessed Sacrament and called it the heartbeat of every priest’s life.

“Never spend a day without celebrating the Eucharist,” he said. “You must share your heart with Christ. Enrich your life with him.”

Priests are to be “servants of the servants of God,” said Bishop Curlin. “Jesus said ‘I came to serve others.’”

This message applied to the importance of priests respecting the members of their parishes. “They’re not under you; they are your co-workers,” said the bishop.

“Welcome them.”

Bishop Curlin also focused on the importance of priestly brotherhood, that priests should rely on one another for support, prayer and guidance.

“Find a good, brother priest to whom you can turn, laugh with and rejoice with,” he said. To the priests in attendance, he said, “Welcome them with joy in your hearts and show them that we share with them this wonderful gift. Be brothers to them. Help them be wonderful priests.”

Concelebrants to the Mass included Father Mauricio West, vicar general and chancellor; Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B., spiritual and administrative leader of Belmont Abbey and chancellor of Belmont Abbey College; Father Paul Gary, rector of St. Patrick Cathedral; and Father John Allen, assistant to the bishop for vocations and pastor of St. Michael Church in Gastonia.

During the rite of ordination, the candidates confirmed their promises to fulfill the office of priesthood.

Kneeling, both men placed their hands between Bishop Curlin’s hands in a promise of obedience to him and his successors.

The congregation was invited to join in prayer for the candidates, the church and its people as the candidates lay prostrate.

During the rite’s most solemn moment, the candidates knelt in silence before Bishop Curlin, who laid his hands on their heads. The celebration of the sacrament of holy orders was completed as the bishop extended his hands over the kneeling candidates and prayed the prayer of consecration.

Both new priests were vested with a stole and a chasuble — outer garments of the priestly office. The bishop anointed their hands with sacred chrism, and they were then presented with a chalice and paten signifying their roles as celebrants of the Eucharist.

Pictured above: Father John Hanic helps his son, newly ordained Father Johnathan Hanic, with his vestments. Pictured above right: Father John Allen; Father Lawrence LoMonoco; Bishop William G. Curlin; Father Johnathan Hanic; and Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B. Pictured right: diocesan, religious and visiting priests lay hands on the heads of the candidates during the most solemn moment of the ordination rite.

The newly ordained Father Hanic and Father LoMonaco then joined their brother priests to concelebrate the Mass, thus opening new chapters in their lives.

Bishop Curlin expressed his pride in the new priests. “I have no doubt that you will be wonderful priests. You’re such a hope for us and an encouragement for all of your brothers still in the seminary. You are our future.”

The bishop made a point to address the families of the newly ordained. “We thank you for the gifts of your sons,” he said.

“I am very proud of my son. He’s worked very hard,” said Betty LoMonaco, mother of Father LoMonaco.

“He’s a very devoted and loving person, and I think he’ll do very well as a priest. He’ll live to serve the people.”

“Nothing’s ever felt so right,” admitted Father LoMonaco after the

ceremony.

Father John Hanic expressed joy at witnessing the ordination of his son. “Having my son as a priest in the Diocese of Charlotte is more meaningful to me than anything else that’s ever taken place in my life,” he said. “I rejoice in this.”

Father Allen worked closely with Father Hanic and Father LoMonaco during their formation. “They each bring unique and wonderful gifts to the diocese,” he said.

“I think Bishop Curlin’s challenge to all of the priests and the faithful to give our hearts generously to the vocation to which God has called us is itself the key to our earthly happiness and fulfillment,” he added.

Father Johnathan Hanic is looking forward to his life as a priest. “It’s all about Jesus Christ,” he said.

By KEVIN E. MURRAY Associate Editor CHARLOTTE — In a spirited message to two candidates for the priesthood in the Diocese of Charlotte, Bishop William G. Curlin focused on the responsibility that comes with the sacrament and called on his brother priests to be living examples of Christ.

Before a church packed with clergy, religious, seminarians and the two candidates’ families, Bishop Curlin proudly welcomed Rev. Messrs. Johnathan Hanic and Lawrence LoMonaco as the diocese’s newest priests during a two-hour Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral June 2.

The ordination was unique as the newly ordained Father Johnathan Hanic joined his father, Father John Hanic, chaplain at Holy Trinity Middle School, as a priest of the diocese.

In his homily, Bishop Curlin expressed the fulfillment and rewards of being a priest,

June 14, 2002

The Catholic News & Herald 11

Ordination

ts in the world and salt of the

Photos by Alesha M. Price

Pictured above right: the candidates kneel and place their hands between Bishop Curlin’s hands in a promise of obedience to him and his successors. Pictured below right: the congregation was invited to join in prayer as the candidates lay prostrate.

but revealed it as a life that requires endless faith and devotion.

“I imagine that only in the years to come will you realize the enormity of what you are doing today,” he said to the two candidates. “It will demand much sacrifice on your part. It may mean receiving criticism that is unjust and unfair. It will entail at times making sacrifices.

“You have to be proud to be a priest and never apologize for it,” he added, stating the priests should have a deep reverence for the church. “You should defend the church and speak up for it.”

Bishop Curlin spoke of the recent scandals in the church that have “horrified, sickened and angered us.” Even though the percentage of involved priests is small, he said, “One is too many for a priest to be guilty of abuse of a child.”

The bishop challenged the candidates — and all the priests in attendance — to be holy priests and to be “lights in the world

1 2 The Catholic News & Herald

Graduation

June 14, 2002

Graduates leave their mark on their high

was reflected in the nicknames that were called out from the graduates as the students walked on stage and in the bear hugs that Augustinian Father James Cassidy, principal, received and doled out to every member of the class. Several students jumped for joy as they received their diplomas, while others waved at family and friends or smiled when their nicknames were yelped.

After the processional, salutatorian Patrick Elliot told his classmates to reflect on their years together in a Catholic school setting and to take that knowledge with them on their journeys in life. He said that their lives are beginning anew as they leave their high school and walk into a new world.

“Our education from Charlotte Catholic has come not only from lectures and textbooks; but also from the daily instruction that we received on how to live as Christians and from the examples that faculty and students set for each other ...,” he read to his classmates. “... The diplomas we will receive today reflect more than our knowledge of subjects such as science, English and social studies; they demonstrate that we have been given the wisdom and understanding necessary to make the difficult ethical and moral decisions that we face each day.”

Valedictorian Hampton Conly delivered a more humorous but, nonetheless, serious message to his class as he mentioned their achievements and the sobering and life-altering effects that the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11 left on the country. He also thanked his family, the CCHS faculty and his friends for the last four years. “... Our focus must now shift from the past to the future. As we begin to look ahead, a myriad of emotions fills each of us: apprehension, sorrow, anxiety and eagerness. ... I have recently discovered that one man and his military forces will not defend freedom; rather, we, our generation, will be the first to begin reshaping the United States of America ...,” read Conly.

“As a class, we have achieved a staggering number of accomplishments, yet I

Photos by Alesha M. Price

Pictured above: Colleen Phelan, right, helps Jennifer Tryon, valedictorian, pin her medals onto her gown at the BMHS baccalaureate Mass May 30 at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro.

Pictured right: CCHS students throw up their hats at the end of the commencement exercises June 6. see no reason to stop here. The cohesive unit seated in front of me comprises student governors, talented artists, intelligent scholars and celebrated amateur athletes. What stops us from becoming national politicians, world-renowned artists, published professors or world-class athletes? The person seated next to you may be your closest crony or your fiercest foe, yet each of you would have no reservations about crossing the threshold of the future next to him or her,” he said.

After the conferment of diplomas, Father Cassidy thanked Dr. Michael Skube, who is stepping down as diocesan superintendent of schools, and gave him a token of appreciation from CCHS. The students recessed out into the night and threw their hats up in a familiar gesture signaling that their high school days are over.

Bishop William G. Curlin celebrated the baccalaureate Mass at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte June 5.

Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School Students fanned themselves as

they waited to be called outside. The heat in the cafeteria of Our Lady of Grace School rose up as students busied themselves with zipping up their gowns, placing their Honor Society stoles on correctly and pinning on their medals earned throughout the year. Sister of St. Joseph Anne Thomas Taylor, dean of students, gave lastminute instructions to her 68 students right before they walked outside to join their faculty for the procession into Our Lady of Grace Church May 30.

This was the first time that the baccalaureate Mass, celebrated by Bishop Curlin, was held in the Greensboro church. Principal George Repass said that the school will be celebrating the Mass in various locations throughout the Triad in years to come.

“We thought it was an appropriate time to move it in recognition of the fact that we serve the Triad as a wider community,” said Repass. “There were several options, and we went along with Our Lady of Grace. It was a lovely setting for it.”

Dressed in their navy blue gowns, the students processed in with roses for their parents, which they gave out along with hugs and kisses during the Mass.

The bishop told the graduates that they must prepare themselves for a rocky road ahead and must arm themselves with not only what they have learned but also their faith instilled in

them through their Catholic education.

“This is frightening time in which to graduate, but you have the gifts and potential to make this a better world,” he said. “I am hoping that maybe some of you will find a cure for AIDS or find a way to create peace on earth.

“In order to do this, you have to adopt a way of life grounded in the faith of Jesus Christ that can transform the lives of others. If you young people believe in God and use your faith and make it the foundation of your lives, then you will be able to face any challenges of this world,” said the bishop.

After the Mass, students received

See Next Page

June 14, 2002

Graduation Pictured left: Carol London, BMHS guidance counselor, fixes Lo Tsz Cheng’s collar while Tessa Tu, center, looks on. Cheng was an exchange student from Hong Kong.

Pictured below from left to right, Nicolas De Castro, Daniel de Armas and Joshua Davis stand after receiving their diplomas at the CCHS commencement exercises June 6 at Ovens Auditorium in Charlotte.

By ALESHA M. PRICE Staff Writer Graduation is a time filled with thoughts and feelings that run the gamut: leaving old friends behind, the excited fear of meeting new acquaintances, the anticipation of learning the quickest route through the maze of college campus buildings that all look the same, starting a career and enter-

ing a world very different from high school. Over 300 graduates from the diocese’s two high schools, Charlotte Catholic High School (CCHS) and Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School (BMHS), reached a milestone in their young lives as they crossed the narrowly bridged chasm between adolescence and young adulthood.

Charlotte Catholic High School Thunderstorms met many of the graduates June 6 with navy blue gowns flapping in the strong winds as students and families ran into Ovens Auditorium to avoid the downpour. However, the weather did not dampen the spirit and zest of the class of 2002 or their families.

People packed into the auditorium to watch 237 young men and women receive diplomas which stood for years of academic achievement, sports awards and life’s highs and lows.

The nervous bunch of future college students and working men and women gathered upstairs waiting to present themselves to the audience until they heard the familiar strains of “Pomp and Circumstance,” played for the first time by the CCHS Concert Band.

The students represent 66 colleges and universities including Belmont Abbey College, Catholic University, North Carolina State University and others and earned over $3.7 million in scholarship money from their prospective schools.

The family atmosphere of the school

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various awards for their achievements throughout the year. Graduate exercises continued June 1 at the Stevens Center in the North Carolina School of the Performing Arts in Winston-Salem.

The commencement speaker; Dr. Philip Cary, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at North Carolina A&T State University; talked to the students about the common denominators of success, said Repass.

Salutatorian Peter K. Attwater weaved building and construction metaphors throughout his speech as he talked about the new school facility in Kernersville and the senior class gift of a boulder to represent the class of 2002 as being a part of the foundation of the new school. “... Now we stand before you, having not forgotten the old, but excited and honored to be the first class to graduate from that new Bishop McGuinness that we made our home...,” he said to his classmates. “...We are known as the class that sticks together, but now it is time for us to go our separate ways. ...

Soon, we will begin the construction process as we journey out into the vast unknown that is the world around us.

We will be leaving Bishop McGuinness, but it will never leave us. Bishop McGuinness, when it is all said and done, is more than a building, more than a name, more than high school; it is an experience and a spirit that we will always remember and hold dear to our hearts.”

Jennifer Tryon was the valedictorian of the class of 2002.

BMHS graduates received more than $1.5 million in scholarship money and are scheduled to attend over 30 colleges and universities including the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, Appalachian State University, East Carolina University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Contact Staff Writer Alesha M. Price at (704) 370-3354 or e-mail amprice@charlottediocese.org.

1 4 The Catholic News & Herald Book Review

Books on alcoholism inspire life-altering

Reviewed by Graham G. Yearley Catholic News Service All textbooks instruct, some entertain, and a few — and only a very few — change lives.

“Alcoholics Anonymous,” affectionately called the “Big Book” by AA members, is one of those rare textbooks that does all three. It teaches, inspires and promotes life-altering changes. It also resists qualitative judgments; no sensible reviewer would pass judgment on this book any more than on the Bible or the Quran.

The first edition of “Alcoholics Anonymous” was published in 1939, a mere four years after the first meeting of Bill Wilson and “Dr. Bob” Smith in Akron, Ohio, which gave birth to AA. Traditionally the authorship of the first edition is credited to 100 of the earliest members of AA, but the actual writing was done, for the most part,

by Bill Wilson. In the first 164 pages, the early members outline the spiritual program of the Twelve Steps with other chapters devoted to the families of alcoholics and their employers. These first 164 pages have remained unaltered through all of the succeeding editions of the “Big Book.”

“Oldtimers” in AA, many with 30 and 40 years of sobriety, are no less astonished than newcomers to the program that no one involved in the compiling of “Alcoholics Anonymous” had more than four or five years of sobriety.

AA’s insight into the nature of alcoholism as a disease was particularly farsighted, as the idea generally was not accepted by the medical profession in the 1930s. Even more radical was the conviction of AA

June 14, 2002

Read-

members that only a spiritual awakening, a dependence on a higher power, could lead to sustained sobriety and that each alcoholic might choose a higher power of his or her own liking.

The changes in this new fourth edition come in the second major portion of the “Big Book,” a collection of stories of individual members of AA. In 1939 most AA members were male, white and Protestant, but as the program grew, so did the variety of its members. With each new edition of the “Big Book,” stories have been added and older ones subtracted. Stories of African-Americans, Native Americans, Catholics and women appeared in the second and third editions. In this new edition there is a second story of Native Americans and new stories of Jewish, gay and teen-age members.

Meanwhile, “Seeds of Grace: A Nun’s Reflections on the Spirituality of Alcoholics Anonymous” is a slim, charming series of meditations based on the experience of a Catholic nun in AA. In keeping with AA’s tradition of anonymity, the author uses a pen name, Sister Molly Monahan. The author links the nondenominational spirituality of AA to the classic Christian division of the spiritual life into the purgative, illuminative and unitive ways.

While the connection seems legitimate, it seems of secondary importance to her principal interest in revealing the gentlebut-demanding path AA members follow to greater communion with the God of their understanding and their fellow human beings.

Word to Life

Sunday Scripture Readings: June 16, 2002

Cycle A Readings: June 16, Eleventh Sunday of Ordinary Time 1) Exodus 19:2-6a Psalm 100:2-3, 5 2) Romans 5:6-11 3) Gospel: Matthew 9:36 to 10:8

By JEFF HENSLEY Catholic News Service The intentions of the teacher who chose the scenes for the greatly condensed version of a children’s drama class presentation of C.S. Lewis’ “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” were likely innocent. Her excerpted version omitted the dramatization of the lion Aslan coming back to life.

It may have been done to avoid any offense to non-Christians in the audience or simply have been an accident caused by failing to appreciate how crucial the scene was to the meaning of the book. Aslan, a Christ figure throughout the three-book “Chronicles of Narnia” series, offered himself as a stand-in for Edmund, one of the four Pevinses children who had betrayed the others to the White Witch. After his sacrificial death on a great stone table, Aslan, according to the action of the book, then came back to life.

The significance of the series of events was not lost on my then 10-yearold daughter, Amy. And she was not happy that the meaning had been

blurred.

Together we looked at the script and discovered that in shortening the lines with a highlighter, the director had eviscerated the meaning right out of the playlet.

Though Amy was upset by the cutting of the lines, we counseled her on how to respectfully present her case for the reinstatement of the crucial lines that would restore the Christian message of Aslan’s resurrection.

The teacher, a fine woman with a strong Christian faith herself, readily agreed to the changes Amy suggested.

By acting firmly but not in an accusing manner, my young daughter had won a victory for the presentation of the Christian message in the arts I suspect that the universal call to holiness, so much emphasized in the church today, calls for nothing more than what my daughter did — a certain degree of fearlessness about proclaiming the Gospel in the circumstances of our lives.

Jesus in this week’s Gospel commissioned his 12 disciples to go out to the lost sheep of Israel and call them home; he’s calling each of us to do the same today.

QUESTION: Where is God calling you to bring his kingdom, to proclaim the redemptive love that buys us all back from the consequences of our sins?

Weekly Scripture Scripture for the week of June 16 - June 22 Sunday (Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time), Exodus 19:2-6, Romans 5:611, Matthew 9:36—10:8; Monday, 1 Kings 21:1-16, Matthew 5:38-42; Tuesday, 1 Kings 21:17-29, Matthew 5:43-48; Wednesday (St. Romuald), 2 Kings 2:1, 6-14, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18; Thursday, Sirach 48:1-14, Matthew 6:7-15; Friday (St. Aloysius Gonzaga), 2 Kings 11:1-4, 9-18, 20, Matthew 6:19-23; Saturday, 2 Chronicles 24:17-25, Matthew 6:24-34 Scripture for the week of June 23 - June 29 Sunday (Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time), Jeremiah 20:10-13, Romans 5:1215, Matthew 10:26-33; Monday (Birth of John the Baptist), Isaiah 49:1-6, Acts 13:22-26, Luke 1:57-66, 80; Tuesday, 2 Kings 19:9-11, 14-21, 31-36, Matthew 7:6, 12-14; Wednesday, 2 Kings 22:8-13; 23:1-3, Matthew 7:15-20; Thursday (St. Cyril of Alexandria), 2 Kings 24:8-17, Matthew 7:21-29; Friday(St. Irenaeus), 2 Kings 25:1-12, Matthew 8:1-4; Saturday (Sts. Peter and Paul), Acts 12:1-11, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18; Matthew 16:13-19

June 14, 2002

Entertain-

The Catholic News & Herald 15

“Ya-Ya” is only so-

By Anne Navarro Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) — In “Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood” (Warner Bros.), writer-director Callie Khouri adapts Rebecca Wells popular novel with mixed results.

Calling to mind other films such as “Beaches,” “Fried Green Tomatoes” and “Steel Magnolias,” which also paid tribute to the fruits of female friendship and, like the last, rocky motherdaughter relationships, “Ya-Ya” centers around an estranged Southern mother and playwright daughter and an eccentric circle of aging Southern belles who try to salvage the mother-daughter relationship.

In the way it presents women’s relationships, particularly Southern women, the film sporadically makes an emotional connection with the audience. And the talented cast and snappy dialogue soften the high melodrama of the talky film.

But more often than not, it may leave viewers dissatisfied with frugal character development that often crosses the line into caricature. And, unfortunately, “YaYa” is encumbered by confusing flashbacks from two time periods and the use of three different sets of cast members to play the women during different stages in their lives. Yet it’s likely to strike a chord with many in its target audience — women — while possibly pulling in a few male viewers along for the ride as it showcases the considerable aptitude these grand dames have for portraying the colorful but shallow characters.

In a magazine interview, successful New York City playwright Sidda Lee Walker (Sandra Bullock) takes a few swipes at her Louisiana mother’s parenting skills, unintentionally setting off a bitter feud with her bigger-than-life mother, Vivi (Ellen Burstyn).

Scurrying to the rescue are Vivi’s long-time pals: widow Necie (Shirley Knight), who holds the moral compass of the group; Caro (Maggie Smith), who throws back drinks as often as she reaches for her oxygen mask; and Teensy (Fionnula Flanagan), a wealthy Alcoholics Anonymous member who drives a canary-yellow convertible Rolls-Royce. Now elderly members of the secret childhood society, the Ya-Ya Sisterhood (of which Vivi was the ringleader), the trio trot off to the Big Apple and stage an “intervention,” Ya-Ya style.

They kidnap Sidda and take her back to Louisiana to show her all the things she never knew about her mother — which turns out to be a lot — and possibly to help Sidda understand the fear of com-

mitment that has kept her from marrying her Celtic beau Connor (Angus MacFadyen) of seven years.

The women share with Sidda all their “divine secrets” — as carefully recorded in an old, frilly scrapbook — about their lives, loves and losses. The film rolls out these memories in a series of flashbacks with Ashley Judd conveying the inner demons that the young Vivi suffered. However, the film never probes deeper than the surface to examine Vivi’s emotions and frustrations or how her actions impacted Sidda, the oldest of four children, who bore the brunt of Vivi’s tantrums. And by the time the film reaches its dramatic climax, revealing the truth behind Vivi’s erratic behavior and then the reconciliation between mother and daughter, it is a letdown.

Nonetheless, “Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood” does have a few gems to offer. Foremost is the cast, but most surprising is the film’s spiritual side.

Pained by the guilt over her sins, Vivi confesses to her local priest regularly, and faith seems to have been a constant in her life regardless of the turmoil surrounding her. In her own extravagant way, Vivi prays to the Blessed Virgin asking her to intercede and take her prayer to God and Jesus. And although the spiritual aspects are somewhat downplayed, they do exist and are presented in a confident manner in keeping with the character.

Fans of the book as well as those who never picked up the novel may find that, although screenwriter Khouri tried to cram in as much as possible, so much more is missing, particularly in the background and stories of the characters. However, for those who enjoy down-home, lively female flicks, “Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood” just may be fine summer entertainment.

Due to a live-in relationship, a scene of child abuse, mature thematic elements and intermittent profanity and crass language with an instance of rough language, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is A-III — adults.

The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 — parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Navarro is on the staff of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Office for Film and Broadcasting.

CNS photo from Touchstone

Scene from movie ‘Bad Company’ Anthony Hopkins and Chris Rock star in a scene from the movie “Bad Company” by Touchstone. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 — parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Movie Capsules

By Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) — The following are capsule reviews of movies recently reviewed by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Office for Film and Broadcasting.

“Elling” (First Look) Sympathetic Norwegian tale about two previously institutionalized 40-yearolds (Per Christian Ellefsen and Sven Nordin) sharing an Oslo apartment and struggling to cope with independence as one timidly befriends an elderly poet while the other falls for an abandoned pregnant woman. Directed with equal parts compassion and earthy humor

by Petter Naess, the film celebrates the characters’ humanity and potential to overcome their fears and frustrations.

Subtitles. Some casual rough language, an implied sexual encounter, fleeting nudity and crass expressions. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R — restricted.

“The Sum of All Fears” (Paramount) Espionage thriller loosely based on the Tom Clancy novel in which rookie CIA analyst Jack Ryan (Ben

Affleck) races to prove a nuclear attack on the U.S. was not ordered by Russia while both the American and Russian presidents prepare to initiate a nuclear response. Sleekly directed by Phil Alden Robinson, the frightening visuals of nuclear devastation add up to more than escapist entertainment, yet the narrative glosses over a morally questionable course of action to deliver a pat, romanticized ending. Some catastrophic and recurring violence, the issue of vigilante justice, an implied affair, intermittent profanity and an instance of rough language. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is A-IV — adults with reservations. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 — parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

“Thirteen Conversations About

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Editorials & Col-

The Pope Speaks

POPE JOHN PAUL II

Pope, at weekly audience, explains mystery of pain,

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — While the Bible often views suffering as the result of disobedience or sin, that is not always the case, Pope John Paul II said.

In the biblical vision, the just person “is filled with well-being, joy and long life as a natural consequence of an honest and faithful existence,” the 82-year-old pope said June 12 at his weekly general audience.

In the same way, sins are punished with suffering and misfortune, he said, but such a vision is only partially true.

“The reality of human pain is much more complex and cannot be so easily simplified,” the pope said. “In fact, human suffering must be considered through the perspective of eternity.”

The pope, addressing some 8,000 visitors filling the Paul VI audience hall, spoke about Psalm 92’s description of the just person before God. As the psalm makes clear, he said, “the Lord’s love and fidelity must be celebrated through liturgical song, which is conducted artfully. This call is valid for our celebrations as well so that they find splendor not only in the words and rites, but also in the melodies which animate them.”

The psalm, while making a clear distinction between the just who are as strong as cedars and the wicked who wither like the grass, “is an optimistic hymn,” he said.

“It celebrates trust in God who is the source of serenity and peace, even when one sees the apparent success of the ungodly,” the pope said.

As the psalm points out, it is “a peace which is intact even in old age, a season still to be lived with fruitfulness and security,” he said.

The psalm also speaks of the oil with which the just are anointed, giving them energy and symbolizing God’s protection.

Borrowing the words of Origen, an early church theologian, the pope said, “We pray to the Lord that our old age, all our struggles and all our darkness would be enlightened by the oil of the Lord.”

The nun victims of war’s atrocities The daily headlines read like constant obituary pages, tallying how many people were killed in the day before by so much hatred in so many parts of our world.

I get on my knees as I finish reading, remembering the atrocities of the multiple wars that have taken place in my lifetime, none worse than World War II. Recently I heard yet another story of Nazi military men gone mad in World War II when they took over the town of Nowogrodek in Poland. To assert their power and, no doubt, to put their hatred for the church into action, they marched the nuns who had long worked in the town, 11 Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, out to a wooded field and shot them point blank to death.

I had never heard of the 11 martyrs of Nowogrodek until a couple of months ago. I had even missed seeing a small item in the paper back in the year 2000 that mentioned them among saintly people that Pope John Paul II was elevating to “blessed” for their bravery, motivated by their love of others. Now that I know their incredible story, these women have become unforgettable heroines to me.

I was introduced to these “Blessed Martyrs” by Sister M. Agnese, the provincial superior of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth based in Monroe, Conn. Sister Agnese had called me and asked me if I would be the guest speaker for their community day of recollection, emphasizing reconciliation and forgiveness.

When I got there, Sister Agnese told me about their foundress, Mother Frances Siedliska, a beautiful woman from Poland, who died at age 60 in 1902.

She wanted to found a community that would serve the human family, from children to the old, always remaining a witness of God’s love as revealed in the holy family of Nazareth.

Then Sister Agnese told me about the sisters of Nowogrodek. Though this was a Polish town with much ethnic and religious diversity, the sisters, who came in 1929, had always had great relationships

Economy of Faith GLENMARY FATHER JOHN S. RAUSCH Guest Columnist Msgr. Higgins (“The Yardstick,” February 14, 2000) counters the trend toward individualistic values “when people prefer to and are expected to shift for themselves.” Proponents of individual bargaining over collective action believe the market protects individual workers and negotiates for them according to the dynamic of free competition. Msgr. Higgins’ rebuttal: “Catholic social teaching has rejected the notion that wage justice can be left purely to the workings of the free market.” He notes that Pope Leo XIII in 1891 taught that the requirements of natural justice supercede an unjust wage agreement even if both worker and employer agree to the terms.

In his last column (September 10, 2001) Msgr.

Higgins used the words of the Catholic social reformer, Msgr. John A. Ryan, from the 1930s to summarize his thinking about labor: “Effective labor unions are still by far the most powerful force in society for the protection of the laborer’s rights and the improvement of his or her condition. No amount of employer benevolence, no diffusion of a sympathetic attitude on the part of the public, no increase of beneficial legislation can adequately supply for the lack of organization among the workers themselves.”

For Msgr. George Higgins the labor movement represented a vehicle for justice and human dignity.

“I am convinced that we are not likely to have a fully free or democratic society over the long haul without

The Bottom Line ANTOINNETTE BOSCO CNS Columnist

with the people. It was the war, with invaders, first the Belorussians, and then the Nazis, that brought evil and destruction to this place.

Knowing that Polish and Soviet partisans were a threat to them, the Germans first retaliated by executing 60 people, including two Catholic priests, on July 31, 1942. This was followed by intensified Nazi oppression, resulting within a year in a new wave of 120 arrests, mostly fathers and sons torn from their families.

The people came to the sisters and it is known that Sister Stella, in charge, literally prayed, “Oh God, if sacrifice of life is needed, accept it from us who are free from family obligations, and spare those who have wives and children in their care. We are praying for this.”

Unexpectedly, the Germans approached the sisters, escorted them to Gestapo headquarters and kept them confined that night. At daybreak, on Aug. 1, 1943, they were driven to nearby woods and shot, execution-style.

The community affirms, “God accepted the sacrifice offered on behalf of their brethren.” Unbelievably, “all those for whom they sacrificed their lives were saved!”

War is hell, indeed, but meeting these 11 Blessed Martyrs was assurance once again for me that God lets heaven break through in unexplainable ways.

Labor priest spoke from Catholic tradition When Msgr. George Higgins died on May 1, 2002, the American church lost a prophetic voice for justice.

Nicknamed the “labor priest,” Msgr. Higgins spoke out tirelessly promoting the dignity and economic status of all workers, especially those in agriculture, health care, mining, poultry, housekeeping, teaching and steel.

He championed the civil rights of minorities and the rights of workers to form trade unions. A humble person maneuvering behind-the-scenes, Msgr. Higgins infused a sense of justice into disputes as he listened and talked to both sides.

Each week for 56 years, Msgr. Higgins wrote a syndicated column, “The Yardstick,” that reflected on social justice and challenged Catholics to remember their traditions. While his column spanned a wide range of topics that included abortion and JewishCatholic relations, a central focus was labor.

Frequently Msgr. Higgins quoted directly statements of the popes and bishops to teach social justice principles. In “The Yardstick,” August 30, 1999, he cites the American bishops’ critical questions for evaluating public policy: “How does the policy touch the human person? Does this policy enhance or diminish human dignity and human rights? Does this policy advance the common good.?”

In this same column he uses the National Labor Relations Board as an example — a bad example.

The NLRB is not guaranteeing workers their rights to free labor elections, he observes. Management can force workers to attend mandatory meetings to discourage union organizing while denying workers equal time for pro-union rebuttals. It can hire unionbusting consultant firms and violate the spirit of labor law by lengthy legalistic challenges and delays.

All this hurts the common good by intensifying the adversarial relationship between management and labor through fear, anger and lingering resentment.

In another column (August 27, 2001) echoing the American Catholic bishops, Higgins promotes “new experiments in co-management and co-ownership” and a broader role for trade unions beyond their limited role in traditional collective bargaining.

June 14, 2002

Editorials & Col-

Light One Candle MSGR. JIM LISANTE Guest Columnist

in a questionable way is just good common sense. Knowing roads, lights, curves and blind spots is all part of adequate preparation. And yet, with even the best preparation, people still die in unacceptable numbers. Families still build increasing numbers of roadside memorials to those they have loved and lost in the most commonplace of activities, the drive from one place to another.

When someone we love goes off to war, we know what may well happen. When someone we love has a problem with drugs or alcohol, we know they may not face a happy end. When someone we love lives on the edge, we know they face the real risk of going over that edge. But driving seems so basic, so normal, so unthreatening. Well, it is and it isn’t. Because even in the everyday, there are dangers. There are risks.

Rather than avert our eyes, we should slow down and notice those shrines. They remind us of lives now ended.

They encourage us to drive more slowly, watch more cautiously, temper our rage and anger, and remember that we’re driving in an instrument which can cause death.

We all want to make a difference for good in the world.

Sometimes that’s accomplished by something as ordinary, as basic as being a careful driver who respects life: your own and others. Those are not just makeshift shrines, after all.

They are reminders that caution and concern can be signs of true love.

and that even then God was laying the groundwork for healing and restoring us to intimacy with him.

In other words, the Genesis stories are pretty much the tale of each human being’s spiritual journey of sinfulness, hope and reconciliation with God and other people.

We are led to this way of understanding these stories first of all by the sheer number of contradictions encountered when we try to take them absolutely literally.

Cain, supposedly the son of the first man and woman, not only marries a wife and has a son, he actually founds a city, made up of people from somewhere, which he names after that son, Enoch (Gen 4:17).

Just seven or eight generations later (perhaps 200 years?), descendants of Cain and Enoch are described as cattle and sheep raisers, tillers of the soil, and workers in bronze and iron, all of which (especially the last) are occupations we now know human beings only developed after many thousands of years.

Nearly 60 years ago, Pope Pius XII, in his classic encyclical on the Catholic way of interpreting the Scriptures, noted that the Bible uses all the idioms and modes of expression common to the people of the Near East.

It is the scholar’s task, he said, to ask where and to whom the sacred authors were writing? What literary forms did they use? Why were they writing, and what were they trying to say?

The answers to these questions leads to the key question of interpretation, says the pope: What was the author really trying to express by his writings? (“Divino Afflante Spiritu,” 31-38) What I said above is the explanation which by far most Scripture scholars give to the creation stories. It will save your children lots of confusion later, and perhaps difficulties of faith, if you begin now to help them interpret the words of the Bible appropriately.

Roadside reminders You see them only briefly, usually out of the corner of your eye. But even in that flash, you recognize that someone died there. I’m speaking of the shrines built by grief-stricken families and friends. They mark our highways and roads with increasing frequency, formed by mounds of flowers, perhaps topped with a homemade wooden cross or a photograph of the person who died on that spot.

Rarely do we slow down to look closely at these tributes to loved ones now gone. There is something just a little off-putting about knowing that we’ve just passed a place where someone actually died. And yet, that’s the reality.

People die on our streets by the thousands each year. According to statistics for the year 2000, provided by the U. S. National Highway Safety Administration, 41,821 people died in motor vehicle crashes. About one-fourth of them were aged 16 to 24. Few, if any, expected that ride to be their last. Most presumed that this was just one more ride, no more special or different from any other. But it wasn’t.

This time, they died.

Young people, no older than sixteen in most states, can’t wait to drive. It represents something wonderful for most, the freedom of getting around without depending on others. Cars and trucks are a sort of liberation. They not only get teens to school and work, but to get-togethers with friends, opportunities to be away from parents and others who have authority. Wheels can, in fact, be a wonderful and freeing thing.

But there’s more to it than that. These instruments of our freedom have power. They have potential for great good, and a parallel bad. More frightening, perhaps, is the arbitrariness of life. You can be the world’s greatest driver, obeying all the rules, looking both ways before you move, and still get killed. It just takes one other driver out there to accomplish this horrible reality. Most cars are made of at least a ton of steel, a force that can save you or destroy you, depending on the circumstances.

Of course, there are some things we can do to improve chances of survival. Deciding every single time you go partying to have one person in the vehicle as a designated driver is vital. And avoiding people who seem to be driving

Question Corner FATHER JOHN DIETZEN CNS Columnist

What to tell children about the Bible Q. I am wondering how to explain some parts of the Bible to our children, especially the description of Adam and Eve. I know the story may be something like a metaphor to help us understand the “fall” of mankind, when they disobeyed the Creator.

But what do we say when asked where wives came from to marry Cain (when he was banished by the Lord to the land of Nod), Seth, Adam and Eve’s third son, etc.?

(Massachusetts) A. I think we must start, even with children, to help them understand that the stories of creation in Genesis, as well as many other passages in the Bible, are not meant by God to give us historical “facts” about the beginning of the human race.

They are God’s way, through deceptively simple human stories told by the sacred authors, of revealing certain crucial and basic facts about God and ourselves, and about our relationship with him and each other.

Among these are the truths that God created the world out of nothing by simply commanding it to be (Genesis 1 and 2); that this creation was meant to be a blessing and delight for people; that as it came from his hands the earth was very good; that sin and other evils came, not from God or an evil power outside somewhere, but from our own hearts when we became confused and conflicted by wanting to be like God (3 and 4);

The Catholic News & Herald 17

Family Reflections ANDREW & TERRI LYKE Guest Columnists Exploration of the “Iceberg Analogy” To better understand culture and how it affects cultural groups and individuals, educators, sociologists and researchers use the iceberg analogy.

The obvious characteristics—what we see, taste, hear and touch—are at the tip of the iceberg and above the surface. Below the surface are the hidden assumptions, values, patterns, myths and beliefs that make up the much larger mass. The analogy is helpful for intercultural relationships in neighborhoods, workplaces, learning institutions and faith communities.

Knowing what’s below the surface helps us understand persons different than us.

The iceberg analogy holds true in families as well. When two people marry, their union is a meeting of two cultures. Both families of origin have their own sets of hidden assumptions, values, patterns, myths and beliefs that may impede their harmonious merging of cultures.

It’s helpful for each person to explore his or her own iceberg so that they may better understand their feelings and behavior responses to situations with the other’s family.

A simple example from our early years of marriage may help clarify what we mean here.

Though Andrew was always treated with respect and abundant hospitality with Terri’s family, he felt a bit uncomfortable when visiting their family home. Terri’s parents were gracious hosts and doted over him. He appreciated their warm hospitality, yet there was something that made him uneasy when visiting them.

Exploring his own family culture, Andrew realized that their families had very different hosting styles. In his family welcomed guests helped themselves. This helped him to understand his own uneasiness with Terri’s parents. It also helped him to express his needs to them. To feel “at home” in their home, he needed to help himself sometimes. But, he also gained insights on Terri’s family’s hosting style and was better able to receive it with the grace it was given.

Understanding what’s below the surface in one’s own iceberg is a lifetime endeavor. However, it’s the place to start. When we are aware of the hidden patterns, myths and beliefs below the surface in our own families of origin, we have more to share with our spouses. When they remain hidden, the iceberg below the surface can be a minefield.

In many other ways we recognize our different cultures from our families of origin. All marriages struggle with the merging of cultures. It’s part of the work of two becoming one.

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Around the Di-

Indian archbishop speaks on war, church’s

By REV. MR. GERALD POTKAY Correspondent EDEN — After attending an international meeting of the Kopling Society in Mexico City, Mexico, Archbishop Dr. Arul Das James of Madras-Mylapore, India came to visit the priests of his archdiocese whom he had sent to work in the “mission fields” of the United States.

His visit brought him to Father Thomas Selvaraj at St. Joseph of the Hills Church in Eden May 28 to June 2.

The trip was made possible by a grant Archbishop James received from the Kopling Society, which was founded to help improve the social and economic status of people around the world and make them more self-sufficient.

“The people are taught to build houses, run small businesses, or to effectively cultivate the land,” said Archbishop James. “This is a concept that will continue to grow because the poor in countries like Mexico and India will continue to benefit from this effort.”

Archbishop James said the Catholic Church in India does a lot of social work due to the discrimination of the country’s caste system.

“The lower caste people today are given a lot of help in the form of education and job placement from the government, if they are non-Christian.

Then, should one convert to Christianity, all government assistance stops for him or her,” he said. “So, we could say that even though there is no physical persecution going on, economic persecution persists.”

The 70-year-old archbishop has been a member of the church hierarchy for 29 years — 20 years as the bishop of the Diocese of Ooty and nine as the archbishop of the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore.

Although the leader of the largest archdiocese in India, with over 1 million Catholics in 170 parishes, Archbishop James has met much resistance on the part of the Indian government.

Currently, 85 percent of India’s population is Hindu, while 2.5 percent is

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A r ch b i s h o p A r u l D a s Ja m e s, archbishop of Madras-Mylapore, India, came from a meeting in Mexico to visit Father Thomas Selvaraj at St. Joseph of the Hills in Eden. Archbishop James oversees the largest archdiocese in India, with over 1 million Catholics in 170 parishes. He speaks about his work and struggles in a country on the verge of war.

ism to spread. Therefore, they blame the bishops and priests for forcing conversion on the people,” said Archbishop James. “This is simply not true, as we explain that a forced conversion is no conversion at all. True conversion must come from the heart.”

In the event of a war between India and Pakistan, Archbishop James said that both countries would lose.

“Money diverted to the war effort means that there will be even less money available for development of economic and social structures in both countries,” said Archbishop James.

“The poor in both countries are going to be hurt the hardest. Because ... both countries are already poor and will only become poorer.”

Jamu-Kashmir is the disputed part of India, said Archbishop James. “The government of India wants to settle this dispute amicably, but it would seem that Pakistan is more interested in taking up arms and fighting over it,” he said. “Many from the South will be recruited for the army. Many will be killed, and many families will suffer.”

Archbishop James is worried

about the use of nuclear weapons in a war. He said many innocent people would lose their lives unnecessarily.

“The northern sections of India and Pakistan will be immediately affected. The economy will go down, especially in the effects of the aftermath,” said Archbishop James. “Why would they want to destroy these countries and start all over again? A lot of prayer is needed to stop this war before it starts.”

Archbishop James is grateful that President George W. Bush is “trying his best to work at achieving peace. We are saying special prayers throughout our diocese that peace and not war will prevail.”

Contact Rev. Mr. Gerald Potkay by calling (336) 427-8218 or e-mail gpotkay@triad.rr.com.

Christian. Only four-fifths of those Christians are Catholics.

“In the early days, when the British ruled the country, missionaries from America, France, Germany, Italy and many other countries made many converts,” said Archbishop James.

“Now, the Indian government, which is primarily Hindu, is very strict on conversions. In spite of this, many of the people are strongly attracted by our religion of love and charity.”

Archbishop James believes that those in power in India are afraid that Christians might eventually control the country if conversions continue.

“They (the government) want Hindu-

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June 14, 2002

The Catholic News & Herald 19

In the

Ecumenical partners express support for Catholic efforts on Catholic Church shares with the wider ecumenical community deep concern for the victims of sexual abuse, especially children and young people.”

The meeting was convened by Cardinal William H. Keeler of Baltimore and included 13 representatives of U.S. Christian denominations with episcopal church structures, as well as three staff members of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Cardinal Keeler is a longtime member of the Catholic bishops’ Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs.

Participants in the meeting gave their input on the draft text of the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People,” which was to be discussed by the bishops June 13-15 in Dallas, and shared information about the sexual misconduct policies in their own denominations.

“The American bishops of the Catholic Church are going to their semiannual meeting in Dallas with a determination to provide clear policies in dioceses throughout America that will ensure the protection of children and prevention of abuse,” Cardinal Keeler said.

At the New York meeting, “the participants agreed to seek ways in the future to cooperate together in order to take even more dramatic steps on the specific issue of abuse of children and young people in church and society,” the statement said.

In addition to the USCCB, church leaders in New York represented the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ;

Armenian Orthodox Church in America; Orthodox Church in America; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Episcopal Church; Reformed Church in America; Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church in America; United Methodist Church; Greek Orthodox Archdiocese; United Church of Christ; and Presbyterian Church U.S.A.

By Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) — Eleven ecumenical partners of the Roman Catholic Church have pledged their support for efforts to deal with sexual misconduct by clergy and lay leaders as the Catholic bishops prepared to discuss the issue in Dallas.

“All Christians must work together in seeking to find ways to offer healing to those who have been so wounded and

CNH 6/02

to restore the faithful to the faith that has been taken from them by these actions,” said a statement issued after a June 5 meeting at the Episcopal Church Center in New York.

“It was clear from the meeting that the Roman Catholic Church and its bishops do not stand alone in the painful experience of dealing with sexual misconduct among clergy and lay leaders in the church,” the statement said. “The

2 0 The Catholic News & Herald

Living the

Sister’s life of ministry evolves with the either side of your head), and you

By JOANITA M. NELLENBACH didn’t see; we couldn’t drive,” Sister Correspondent Irene said. The headdress changed to ROSMAN — Midlife career change a simple headband with a veil reachis usually associated with the business ing below the waist. Later, the habit world, but Charity Sister Irene Mongranalso was simplified. Finally, the sisters di went from teaching to nursing halfway could dress as they chose. through her 58 years of religious life.

An even more momentous change Irene Mongrandi joined the Sisters of came for Sister Irene in the 1970s when Charity of Convent Station in New Jersey in she was able to embrace the profession 1944 when she was 22. “I went to a Catholic she had wanted to purschool run by the Sissue at the beginning ters of Charity and was of her religious life impressed by them, and 30 years earlier. “The I just felt it was someatmosphere was more thing God wanted me open to changing your to do,” she said. ministry,” she said. “I After high school, decided that I would she worked for several like to go into nursing years for an accounting as a licensed practical firm before choosing a nurse. What I liked religious vocation. She was bedside nursing, didn’t get to decide on not administration. So, her focus area. after consultation, that “The Sisters of happened.”

Charity were a teachShe trained for a ing order when I year in New Haven, entered,” Sister Charity Sister Conn., with five months Irene said. “Now we Irene Mongrandi of classes in Eli Whithave many sisters in ney Technical School, various works: sothen seven months of cial services, pasclinical work at St. Ratoral care, business phael’s Hospital. After completing her administration, diocesan positions. I training, she worked at St. Raphael’s for was placed in a teaching school in New two years before moving to Fort Gay, Jersey. I had thought I would like to W.Va. She nursed at a hospital across the be a nurse rather than a teacher, but river in Louisa, Ky., for 13 years I already knew that unless you were a “I found it very fulfilling and chalnurse when you went in, nurses were lenging, just being able to assist the diffew and far between.” ferent patients with different needs,” she For 30 years she taught first, said. “I was impressed by the faith of the fourth, sixth and seventh grades. It people. This was primarily Baptist counwasn’t always easy, although working try. People would ask if you were saved, with the children was rewarding. “The and that was a very different concept association with the individual chilfor me. I usually just said, ‘Yes.’ I don’t dren was a good thing,” she said, “but think they would have understood our I found the discipline aspect difficult.” concept.”

Still, she added, “I found my life at the A year’s sabbatical followed. She convent was happy.” spent some of her time volunteering at a Changes in her order began to clinic in El Paso, Texas, where another happen on the eve of the 1960s. The Charity Sister was stationed. At a meethabits that the sisters wore were modiing, she ran into fellow Charity Sister fied, then disappeared altogether. They Carol Hoban, a nurse working at the had worn a floor-length black dress Frances Warde Health Center in Roswith a black cape to the waist, a black man. apron and a square, white, fluted head“She told me that a nurse was plandress. ning to leave and would I be interested,” “We had a big change in 1959 Sister Irene said. “So I came for six or eight because the headdress came out (on

weeks to see if I liked it and if I would fit in.”

She did fit, and worked there from 1995 until she retired in 2001.

This past February Sister Irene celebrated her 80th birthday. She continues to live in Rosman with the sisters with whom she worked. On Fridays, she visits the clinic for lunch. She keeps as busy as she can.

“Now I’m puttering,” she said. “I try to do little things at home, help with food preparation. It’s all in slow motion.”

Her advice to women considering the religious life: “I would tell them to try it because now we have programs where there are various steps of living in community and talking to sisters. They also have a chance to see the works that we’re engaged in.”

For Sister Irene, her most satisfying work, she said, has been “to be able to be of some assistance to people who are in need, which is part of the charism of charity.”

Contact Correspondent Joanita M. Nellenbach by calling (828) 627-9209 or

June 14, 2002

Catholic school student wins handwriting contest

By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic News Service BALTIMORE (CNS) — More than a few doctors, notorious for their illegible scribble, would do well to take Michael Daniel Fairley’s advice about good handwriting.

“First, you think of something and write it down — slowly,” explained the 7-year-old, who is a first grader at Mother Seton School in Emmitsburg.

“You don’t want to rush it,” he advised. “Taking your time is the most important thing.”

Michael is a young expert when it comes to impeccable penmanship. He has been named the national handwriting champion among first graders by ZanerBloser, an Ohio-based publisher of the handwriting textbooks used at Mother Seton School.

Competing against more than 110,000 children, Michael’s clear, perfectly spaced manuscript was judged to be the best in the nation among those in his age group.

First and second graders compete in the manuscript category. Second graders also can compete in the cursive category, which has a division for grades 2-4 and one for grades 5-8.

It’s no wonder Michael came out on top in his age group. He’s an old pro in the handwriting business.

“I started when I was 2,” he told The Catholic Review, newspaper of the Baltimore Archdiocese. “It wasn’t exactly writing. I liked to draw little pictures. It was a lot of fun.”

He credits his parents, Richard and Catharine Fairley, along with teachers Mary Jo Burkell and Donna Gebhart, for showing him the finer points of perfect printing. His father is the headmaster at a Catholic high school in Frederick.

“They told me to practice,” Michael said. “I’m proud that I can do it.”