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I^^ATHOLIC
News & Herald Volume 4 Number 39 • June
Serving Catholics in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte
Give You
I
My
23, 1995
Catholic, Lutheran Bishops Join Sisters'
To Comfort Those With HIV/AIDS By
EDUARDO PEREZ
Oue Lord
tioned love.
looks at you and
CHARLOTTE — For years, people
me and wants us for who we are," Bishop Curlin said. "Jesus says, bring me the
HIV or AIDS have been
brokeness, the hurt, the ridicule, the criti-
However, the only
cism and the despair. I will refresh you." James ( a pseudonym) has lived with HIV for seven years. He is enlivened by what he calls a circle of faith. "It's important to have Bishop Curlin and Bishop Menees as representatives of their churches supporting us in our
Staff Writer
suffering from
ostracized by society.
sickness that
is
terrifying
is
the absence
of God. In the Diocese of Charlotte, those same shunned individuals receive
comfort in the healing power of the Lord. It was the second year for the Healing Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral, and on June 11, the arms of compassion were flung wide open for the 100 individuals hungry for the healing that comes from
His word. Bishop William G. Curlin established the Mass last year as a sign of compassion to those with HIV, AIDS, their families and caregivers. This year, Bishop Curlin was joined on the altar by Bishop Mark Menees of the North Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to perform the laying on of hands a sign of spiritual healing for people who are suffering. "We are here today to be filled with the presence of God," said Bishop Curlin. "We need a deep spiritual awakening in us of his presence." Those attending the Mass were encouraged by Bishop Curlin to have faith in God' s love. "God doesn't have condi-
—
— —
pain."
Not only does James cherish the ecumenical efforts supporting those suffering with AIDS but he says, "It allows people to see the best example of God's ,
and caring for
love, actively loving
people."
"The Church needs to reach out with the forgiveness and healing of Christ and
make an
effort to
show
that the
Lord
is
with those who are suffering," said Jesuit Father Gene McCreesh, pastoral advisor to four
RAIN
teams from
Peter
St.
Church.
RAIN Network)
(Regional is
AIDS
Interfaith
made up of church
.teams
that assist persons with AIDS
by visiting them and giving them
them, caring for whatever is needed.
See AIDS, Page 2
Abbot Oscar Burnett Receives Cuthbert Allen Ecumenical Award BELMONT — The Ecumenical Inoperated jointly by Belmont Abbey College and Wake Forest University stitute
Bishop William G. Curlin welcomes Missionaries of Charity Sisters Maria assistant superior, Maria Cecil Ann and Maria Christy convent superior, in the chapel of the newly established convent in Charlotte. See section two of The Catholic News & Heraldior a special report on the June 13 Celebration of Faith with Mother Teresa. Photo by JOANNKEANE Shanti, Maria Elvira
—
presented its Cuthbert E. Allen Award to
—
Benedictine Abbot Oscar Burnett of Belmont Abbey at the annual Allen Dinner and Memorial Lecture June 1 1 at the college.
The award
is
presented annually in
recognition of significant contributions to the
Bishop Curlin To Ordain
11
New Permanent Deacons
cause of ecumenism.
It is
named
for the late Benedictine Father Cuthbert
E. Allen a three-time president of the
July
college whose vision led to the founding
1
of the Ecumenical Institute in 1968.
Abbot Burnett, who became abbot of Belmont Abbey Monastery in 1 99 1
Eleven men, including three from the Hispanic community, have completed an
are awaiting transfer of their faculties.
The men
to be ordained July
1
are
intensive three-year formation period and
Carlos Medina,
Edwin Rodriguez and
become permanent deacons of the Diocese of Charlotte. Bishop William G. Curlin will or-
Rafael Torres,
all
will
dain the
new deacons
at
1 1
a.m. Satur-
Hispanic Catholic
Center, Charlotte; Wayne Adams of Trinity and Ron Steinkamp of Thomasville, both Our Lady of the Highways, Thomasville; Neil Chirico, St. John
,
is
CEO
of Belmont Abbey College. He is a native of Savannah, Ga., where he practiced law until he also chancellor
and
entered the monastery in 1957.
He made
solemn profession as a monk at Belmont Abbey in 1961 and was orhis
for the members of the class last weekend
of Jamestown, St. Benedict, Greensboro;
dained a priest in 1962. He is a former professor and dean of students at Belmont Abbey College and served as campus minister from 1973-
Catholic Conference Center in Hickory.
Keith Kolodziej, St. Matthew, Charlotte; Michael Langsdorf of Lewisville, Holy
Ecumenical
Msgr. Anthony Kovacic, vicar of Permanent
Family, Clemmons; Paul Teich, Our
day, July Charlotte.
1
at St.
Gabriel Church in
The bishop
directed a retreat
at the
Neumann,
Charlotte; Philip Killian
Jr.
84.
He was In
executive director of the from 1984-90.
Institute
making
the presentation, Dr.
the diocesan Office of the
Lady of Grace, Greensboro; and John
Claude Broach noted Abbot Burnett's
Diaconate, says there are presently 51 permanent deacons serving actively in
Weisenhorn,
the diocese. Two men who were ordained
as deacons in other dioceses and
who
have moved to the Diocese of Charlotte
ABBOT OSCAR BURNETT would be blest beyond measure if there were many, many more who shared his spirit
and
his
dreams."
The annual
lecture
was delivered
Michael, Gastonia. The position of deacon has existed in the Church since the earliest times although the role of the deacon has varied through the centuries.
"warm heart, his good common sense ...
jointly by Dr. Walter Harrelson of Wake
and the unfailing optimism which is born of a great faith." Broach, a former director of the institute and former pastor of
Forest and Rabbi Shira Lander of the Jewish College Services in Baltimore. They discussed "The Influence of Jewish-Christian Studies and Dialogue on
See Deacons, Page 2
added, "This troubled world of religions
St.
St.
John's Baptist Church in Charlotte,
My Own Faith."
A (^ELEBRATION OF FAITH zuitli
Mother Teresa The Catholic News
& Herald
•
Serving Catholics In The Diocese
Of Charlotte
•
Volume 4 Number 39
•
June
23, 1995
''Love to pray.
for prayer gives a ckan
tI
And a
heart.
ckan heart
can see Qod.
Mother Teresa
'atbolic News
& Herald • June 23
,
Celebration Of Faith With Mother Teresa
1995
Mother Teresa Brings Gift Of Her Sisters To Diocese Bishop William G. Curlin
recalls the conversation that
preceded Mother Teresa's historic third bishop of the
gratulatory call "I
new
have a
He had just been named
from Mother Teresa.
gift for
diocese,"
visit.
Diocese of Charlotte, and received a conyou. I'm going to send
Mother Teresa
new
the need
would be
"Hundreds of bishops ask for her to supply them," says
sisters to
your
said long distance to her friend of
25 years. Though Bishop Curlin had yet to Charlotte, he
my
Bishop Curlin.
tional blessing for our diocese.
Some
visit the
Diocese of
evident. sisters, I
and she's not able
consider this an excep-
(bishops) wait five to ten
Mother to be able to answer their request." "The Lord has blessed us," says Bishop Curlin. "This gift from God." years for
is
a
Bishop Curlin greets Mother Teresa at the airport.
Father Mauricio West, chancellor and vicar general, Father Anthony Marcaccio, priest secretary to the bishop and chaplain for the Missionaries of Charity in Charlotte, and Bishop Curlin with Mother Teresa and her Sisters.
Photos by JoannKeane
Mother Teresa carries the Blessed Sacrament.
"This is to be a house of love," said Bishop Curlin in his homily to Mother Teresa and her sisters during the first Mass at the new convent. "Don't just bring your hands that help the poor and suffering, bring us your hearts."
Bishop Curlin blessing the newly established Missionaries of Charity convent.
Celebration Of Faith With Mother Teresa'
June
23, 1995
•
The Catholic News
&B
Mother Teresa Brings Message Of Hope By JO ANN
KEANE
Associate Editor
CHARLOTTE — Mother Teresa' Charlotte
visit to
fulfills
month
a 14-
promise to Bishop William G. Curlin. Following his appointment last spring bishop of Charlotte, Mother Teresa telephoned; offering congratulations, assurance of prayers, and a pledge to send her Missionaries of Charity Sisters to open a convent in the as third
Diocese of Charlotte. On June 13, the 85-year-old Nobel laureate stood before 1 3,500 in the Charlotte Coliseum, conferring her gift upon the
Queen
heart. I give you
"Look at all the people," said Mother
returned her seat on stage, Mother Teresa
turned to Bishop Curlin asking
here."
against the child, a direct killing of the
The 4
foot 10 inch matriarch of the
Catholic Church stood
cepted ovations.
ward
As she stepped
for-
to speak, an unbreakable silence
over the crowd. Planners had woraged voice would fall prey to arena acoustics. Not so. Her words may have echoed, but every syllable fell
ried that her
And
the audience
the Missionaries of Charity Sisters
—
along side their Mother General
re-
body, prayer
commu-
visit.
Four of
—
in Charlotte, establishing the
North Carolina convent. But for the people of Charlotte, the convent was miles from their thoughts
order's first
on this
is
abortion, because
it
is
summer day,
as Catholics lined
up with non-Catholic neighbors outside Coliseum, waiting in ear-
the Charlotte
Mother Teresa.
"I
want the
willing to accept any child
is to
the soul.
The body,
—
—
prayer."
c
In her white sari, and thread-bare
sweater,
Mother Teresa spoke for about
10 minutes, then turned to her year-old National Prayer Breakfast
text.
For the
child. I am who would
COYNE WESSLING
Teresa was coming to Charlotte until late
Monday
afternoon.
herself years
ago that
She promised if the famous
her mother-in-law and 6-year-old son in the stands and rolled Gary T.
left
down
ters,
Mother Teresa
said,
"We
make every
effort to go. Peters
someone to travel with her and her two sons, Gary T. and Elliot, from Simpsonville, S.C., to the Charlotte Coliseum the next spent that evening trying to find
day.
are not
work in the eyes of some people, but we must be contemplatives in the heart of the world." Reiterating one of her themes, she added, "For we must bring
God into your family."
She urged the audience to seek out the poor in their own communities. "Begin love there. Be that good news to your
mother-in-law,
Mary
Peters, to go.
The
van hoping to get and find a place where Gary T., 13, could get a good view from his wheeljchair. Gary T. was born deaf and disjabled from cerebral palsy. At the top of four set out in Peters' in
Section 126, just right of the skyboxes, |the
Peters family settled
in.
Though
from the stage, Peters (was in awe of being in the same place with Mother Teresa. She recalled how ihundreds of yards
[years
before she
town
was
thrilled to learn
which she was born, lamshedpur, India, housed a leper colony begun by Mother Teresa, "Even though my family left there when I was only 1, 1 felt a special bond Iwith Mother Teresa," she said. Then something even more starItling happened at the Coliseum: Peters [was approached by Jill Walker who was tin charge of the children chosen to |present flowers to Mother Teresa when he came on stage. "I told (Adrienne) she might think what I was going to ask her to be really trange but would her son like to give flowers to Mother Teresa because we ere short one child," explained Walker. Peters immediately replied, "Of ourse he would!" Walker said she'd that the
in
j
need to
first
clear
it
with Father Francis
D'Rourke who was coordinating the Btage activities. Later Peters said, "Even if Jill came back and told us Gary couldn' po it, just the fact that she asked was
with others."
Office of the Bishop
Dear Friends
23, 1995
in Christ:
take this opportunity to express
my heartfelt gratitude to all
ramp
who contributed their time and talent toward the wonderful "Celebration of Faith with Mother Teresa" in the Charlotte Coliseum last week. As soon as Mother entered the Coliseum, she whispered to me, "Look at all these wonderful people. I
"I
on
wanted
stage.
to roll
The little
him up
girl
the
who rolled Gary
T.'s chair in place did fine.
I sat
can
feel love all
around me."
right in
Gary T. could see me," said Peters. Once on stage, the boy realized he was separated from his mother and almost began to cry. "I thought he was going to burst into tears so I touched my lips which is the sign for smile. He broke out into a big grin," his mother said. Other worries were soon laid to rest as well: Gary T. did not tear the bouquet front of the stage so
Eventually she convinced her
"coming out to that area was one of the most moving moments of the whole program," said Bishop Curlin. The intensity of her love radiated throughout the coliseum. "Her love and joy is contagious," said Bishop Curlin. "She struck a spark in everyone's heart that rekindles the sense of God's love, creating a desire to be at peace and to share the Lord's love and happiness
sis-
We may be doing social
that presence of
security, touching as
because I was concerned about setting the brakes on his chair. But Father O'Rourke didn't want too many people
missionary ever made it to the Carolinas she'd
She defied
many possible. Though a pressing crowd made it impossible to reach everyone,
and thrown away."
social workers.
I
front.
she replied.
make that one point, that no
June
Once chosen, Gary T.'s mother moved through the event in a daze. She
she took the bishops' hand. let us go, this is the Missionaries of Charity work, to be with the sick,"
"Come,
care of the mother and adoption for her
Of her Missionaries of Charity
Celebration of Faith with
tation,
work to offer solutions. "I will tell you something beautiful. We are fighting abortion by adoption, by
Flowers At Celebration Adrienne Peters didn' t know Mother
As "A
sisters'
baby. Let us
to the spot-
Mother Teresa" neared completion, Bishop Curlin whispered, "Mother, would you mind going with me to visit the sick," pointing to wheelchair bound members of the audience. Without hesi-
be aborted." Mother Teresa drew applause with references to the horror of abortion, and her
would return
light three times.
"Please don' t kill the child," pleaded
together,
cannot live without blood, so our hearts our souls cannot live without
thoughts. She
innocent child," said Mother Teresa.
Disabled Youth Presents By MARY
a war
for, or killed
and underscored her
main
today
child will be unwanted, unloved, uncared
and if you stay together, you will love each other as God loves each of you. I always say, what blood is to the
nity,
"I feel the greatest destroyer of peace
as she ac-
tall
if she could return to the podium to add other
dignitaries.
ering to keep families strong through
the
first."
she concluded her address and
members of congress and
prayer. "Families that pray together, stay
welcomed by
the Diocese,
people
As
about4,000, including President Clinton,
by
a gift graciously accepted
own
Teresa to Bishop Curlin as they ascended the stairs onto the platform. "How wonderful to see all of God's people
my sisters," said Mother
Teresa. It is
nally delivered in the nations' capital to
became immersed in her simple message of the living Word. Mother Teresa reminded the gath-
silver to give
What I have, I give with my whole
you.
next half hour, she read passages origi-
public address.
saturated the arena.
City.
have no gold and
"I
nest to hear Mother Teresa deliver a rare
of flowers apart, his chair stayed in
and best of all, a kind man who sat behind the boy gently wiped the drool from Gary T.'s face. place,
marvel at how much was accomplished in the brief time of eleven days which preceded Mother's arrival in Charlotte. Many, many generous people came forward to offer their services. Their names are too many to list; however, I do wish to publicly express my gratitude to Ms. Pat Signs, Associate Director of Development for the Diocese of Charlotte, who coordinated everything associated with the celebration in the Coliseum. Also, I express deep appreciation to Father Frank O'Rourke, Rector of St. Patrick Cathedral, for creating a I
atmosphere of worship. The enormous cross suspended above the podium united all hearts in a true celebra-
visible
tion of faith.
Peters said of that act of kindness:
"Here was Mother Teresa talking about brotherly love; being kind to your neigh-
bor and here was
Gary T.'s
drool.
wiping example
this stranger
What
better
could there be?" Prior to her speech, Mother Teresa was approached by each child who gave her the blue and white flowers. As with the other children, Mother Teresa laid her hands on Gary T.' s head and smiled at him. His mother's final concern passed: Gary T., who has a fear of people wearing things on their heads, did not scream but smiled back at Mother Teresa. After the presentation, Walker es-
This edition of The Catholic News &f Herald will, I trust, be a lasting reminder and memento of this historic occasion in the Diocese of Charlotte. Please God, may the love ofJesus that Mother Teresa has stirred up in our hearts, move all of us to witness that love in the service of our needy brothers and sisters.
To share in this ministry of the Missionaries of Charity Sisters, please call their consent, (704) 339-0028. Their address is 236 S. Torrence St., Charlotte, NC 28204.
Begging God above,
I
to bless
each one of you with every grace from
am
corted the children off stage. Gary T.
joined his mother in the front row. "He sat wonderfully while Mother Teresa
Prayerfully in the Lord,
spoke," said Peters of her son. "He's a
wonderful not sure
lip
reader but even then I'm understood."
how much he
See Flowers Page 5
Most Reverend William G. Curlin Bishop of Charlotte
4 The Catholic News
& Herald • June 23, 1995
Celebration Of Faith With Mother Teresa
Stewardship Can Be Learned
Mercy Sisters Reflect On 125 Years Of Service By
Mercy
Staff Writer
Sister
four-year college.
Throughout the history of the order, Sisters have sought to minister to the poor, sick and ignorant (those uneducated academically as well as in the faith). For many years that mission the
Mercy
was achieved through
the operation of
waiting crowd.
hospitals and schools.
Though the impact of the Sisters of Mercy may be more subtle, it is no less great. For more than 125 years, this
they expanded
women
religious,
founded
in
Ireland, has ministered to countless
people in North Carolina through numerous institutions and programs. They were not alone. For decades the Church in North Carolina has benefited from the ministries of women religious. Other orders with long histories here include the Sisters of St. Joseph, the Trinitarians and the late
By EDUARDO PEREZ
MARY COYNE WESSLING
Pauline Clifford walked on stage at the Charlotte Coliseum just moments before Mother Teresa appeared. Sister Pauline may have been contemplating the impact this tiny woman from India would have on the
order of
From Mother Teresa
Immacu-
Heart of Marys. The first presence of the Sisters of
a
Over
the years
their outreach to include
number of special ministries like Holy
Angels, a
home
for mentally retarded
and multiply handicapped children. They also established The Mc Auley Center which offers adult religious education and retreats, the Mercy Institute/ Well of Mercy which provides individual and group therapy for adults, House of Mercy which provides a home for people living with AIDS and case
management
for people with
AIDS
in
Gaston and surrounding counties, and Catherine's House which is a transitional housing facility for women and
ombmbbb
children
who
are
home-
less.
In addition, Sisters of
TJie le individual can carry the mission,
Mercy
are
still
teaching
in diocesan schools, op-
hut she also carries the
community
Hosand of-
erating St. Joseph's pital in Asheville,
vohich in turn aives her support.
fering pastoral care in
Mercy Hospital lotte
^^mmmmmm
in Charand pastoral minis-
"We have always meet the needs of people," said Sister Pauline, president of the Re-
worked
bey. Sacred Heart Convent served as a
were the needs in our area." Like Mother Teresa' s order, the Sisters of Mercy provide immediate comfort and care to people every day. But in addition, they study the economic needs of the poor and strive to change the system which causes poverty. "Many women religious are actively working
for the sisters
Eventually, the
and an academy.
academy grew
into a
A Celebration of Faith 'With
Mother Teresa of Calcutta is
a special section of
The Catholic News & Herald June 23, 1995
Bishop William G. Curlin, Publisher
to
1524 East Morehead St., NC 28207
Charlotte,
Mail:
PO Box 37267, Charlotte,
Phone:
NC 28237
(704)331-1713
The Catholic News & Herald, USPC 007-393, is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1524 East Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28207, 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
POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to The Catholic News & Herald, PO Box 37267, Charother cities.
lotte,
NC 28237.
were invited to establish roots in places where little was known about nuns. "Even if the mission was difficult," said Sister Pauline, "they went because they saw a religious
entire order.
"The individual can carry the miscommunity which in turn gives her support. Even if sion but she also carries the
may not know who I am, the name Mercy is known. Being part of the (religious) community gives credibility
people
when
so
many
fraudulent things Trinitarians or
Missionaries of Charity, the
women re-
Sheree McDermott Eduardo Perez
Kathy Schmugge
lotte.
Cover design and Page 12 photography and design: joann keane Extra thanks to:
Nancy Biggs
Mary Coyne-Wessling
ligious in
them assistance. Those four women won't be able to carry that whole load by themselves, said Signs. They are going to need support from the community. "The sense of giving and receiving is what stewardship is all about," said Signs. "Mother Teresa's treasure is the Christ that she portrays and gives to others."
Service To Poor Is Mission Of
Catholic Social Services By MARY COYNE WESSLING Elizabeth Thurbee
is
looking for-
working with the Missionaries
to
"We
Teresa has agreed to send her sisters here to open a convent. They have certainly
shown
in other countries
and
ministry," said Thurbee. director of Catholic Social Ser-
And while the Missionarof Charity's ministry is most welcomed, they will quickly discover they are not alone in serving the neediest in should know. ies
the Carolinas.
Catholic Social Services (CSS) has the poor.
With outreach
get back
offices in
on
their feet.
CSS dates back to 1948 when, under the Diocese of RaThe
leigh,
it
origin of
was
staffed
by three
sisters
of
the Missionary Servants of the Blessed
When the Diocese of Charlotte was established in 1972, CSS opened an
Trinity.
office in Charlotte. Since
its
beginning,
CSS
has maintained a commitment to social services as well as education and
health care.
vides
many
services to the poor includ-
ing crisis counseling, food, clothing and spiritual support.
"Anyone who comes to us is given something," said Thurbee. "Sometimes they need food and assistance in paying bills. Sometimes they just need someone to listen. Each person is treated with dignity; their value as a
and child of God
is
human being
affirmed."
Assistance to the
many
Some
outreach
programs comes from several parishes in the diocese. On designated Sundays
support
CSS
donations. All of
through monetary
them give
spiritual
support, said Thurbee.
In addition to crisis assistance,
cit-
U.S. their devotion to the poor and needy. Charlotte and the Carolinas definitely have people in need of their ies in the
As
throughout the year, many parishes colfood and clothing which is then distributed to the branch offices. Some
lect
parishes refer needy people to CSS.
Mother
are very blessed that
A staff of more than 50 people pro-
go on."
North Carolina are symbols of integrity and service. In Sister Pauline's words: "People expect something from us and that is to live up to who we say we are; to be women who live by the Gospel." Mary Coyne Wessling, a former assistant editor of the North Carolina Catholic, is a freelance writer in Char-
Donna Jernigan
tunities to give
wants us to love one another as he loved each one of us," said Mother Teresa. There are so many ways people can become stewards of Christ and enjoy giving something back to the needy in their communities, said Signs. Many parishes throughout the diocese are involved in projects such as: homeless shelters, Meals on Wheels, Crop- Walk, Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Habitat for
lem, CSS has helped thousands of people
Be they Mercys, photography:
hopes that there will be plenty of oppor-
community gives women
and
sisters."
good news; that God loves us and that he
general, Sister Pauline said the aspect of spiritual
asked, "If you have time, give help to
ards of Christ. "Jesus came to give us the
Asheville, Charlotte and Winston-Sa-
emotional support and allows individuals to minister while representing the
Signs recalls being emotionally
overwhelmed when Mother Teresa
Once the four Missionaries of CharMother Teresa ity establish themselves in Charlotte urged those attending to become stew- and decide what their mission is, Signs
a long and reputable tradition of serving
Speaking about women religious in
Teresa told us not only to live our lives
In her presentation,
vices for the Diocese of Charlotte, she
women
in-
helps others and promotes justice.
ties,
for systemic changes," Sister Pauline
In the past, in an effort to affect
become
volved with stewardship. "Mother
money to church and community activi- my
of Charity.
today
Special Section Cover:
volve giving time, talent and treasure. Being with God in prayer and worship, as well as volunteering time and giving
ward
said.
a sense of inspiration to
as Jesus lived His, but to find the Godaccording to the principles of given gifts that each one of us have and give them back to the church and comstewardship." The principles of stewardship in- munity," said Signs.
ministry and Catherine's House. Those
to our work. That is important especially
Special Ac(cnowtedgemmts
Signs hopes that people attending
Mother Teresa' s presentation took home
live a life
Community of North Carolina. "That"s why we got involved in AIDS
great need." Office:
Diocese of Charlotte.
"Her whole life is a living out of what stewardship means," said Pat Signs, associate director of development for the Diocese of Charlotte. "Mother Teresa is the embodiment of what it means to
gional
change,
Volume 4 • Number 39
visit to the
try in parishes.
Mercy in the Piedmont dates back to 1892 when a group of them opened a school for young women in Belmont at the invitation of Bishop Leo Haid and the Benedictine monks of Belmont Ab-
home
Mother Teresa brought the message Humanity. These projects and others of Jesus' love as well as the example of are always seeking people to volunteer giving time, talent and treasure in her their time, said Signs.
CSS
chance to begin a new life in a new place. The Refugee Office, located in Charlotte, is considered a preferred site by the United States Catholic Conference. More than 4,800 refugees of 20 nationalities have been assisted by the Refugee Office since 1975. Along with fulfilling those housing needs, CSS's Charlotte branch works with St. Peter's Homes, an ecumenical effort to put people in homes who otherwise cannot afford one. Children have always held a special place in the hearts of CSS workers. In addition to providing needy children with food and clothing, CSS organizes special giving drives around the holidays. Gifts of toys and games are given offers people a
by caring Catholics as generously as food and new clothes. Other targeted populations include migrant workers. The Winston-Salem and Asheville offices offer specific support services to migrants and their famithroughout the year. CSS workers understand the enormous stress of poverty so they also offer counseling. This support is given on a
lies
sliding fee scale and enables people to have access to trained professionals who can help them through difficult times. This past year, through the help of clergy, religious, counselors and volunteers, CSS was able to touch the lives of an accomplishthousands of people ment of which even Mother Teresa
—
would be proud. Mary Coyne Wessling, a former assistant editor of the North Carolina Catholic, is a freelance writer in Charlotte.
Celebration Of Faith With Mother Teresa
June
23, 1995 •
A Chance Of A Lifetime To See A Living Saint
&
The Catholic News
Herald
Thank you, Media The Diocese of Charlotte sincerely all members of the media for
thanks
such wonderful coverage of A Celebration of Faith with Mother Teresa.
Media
By
inquiries began immediand so did the reporting. Many television stations and newspapers conducted advance interviews with Bishop Curlin; the interest in Mother Teresa and her Missionaries of Charity sisters was overwhelming. We are
MARY COYNE WESSLING
ately,
A cool breeze swept through Charon Tuesday afternoon, lune
lotte
1
3 as
thousands of people waited outside the
Coliseum for
their chance to fulfill a dream: to see and hear Mother Teresa.
The crowd cooperated as beautifully as the weather. Even though some people stood in line for more than two hours, the mood was peaceful. While no one appeared anxious about getting
certain these stories helped i-
t*,'
,
'Nik y
^^-'v
ing the Coliseum service.
in-
—
Director of Communications
y§4
His message to love one another. It did not matter if the people were
many were
not.
Nor
matter if they were infirmed, educated, rich or poor they knew the one
—
a crowd of about 13,500 admirers waits at the charlotte coliseum for mother Teresa to come to the stage.
photo by Mary Coyne Wessling
who serves the poorest of the poor would welcome them with open, loving arms. "Mother Teresa reveals Jesus Christ to anyone who is looking," said Susan Smith, a mother and member of Nations Ford Baptist Church in Charlotte. "You don't have to be Catholic to feel the Holy Spirit working through her." Smith, 40, brought her 10-year-old daughter, Rachel, to the Charlotte Coli-
seum to see Mother Teresa. When asked what she knew of the missionary, Rachel replied: "She picks people up off the
could attend the event, said she hoped many of her clients decided to come too.
of her former students from Our Lady of
could not be in Charlotte and not go see this saintly person. This is impor-
field trip to see the saint
"I
tant for
me,
my work and my own spiri-
tual life," said Stein
who
is
Jewish.
Glenn Fleming, 15, who attends Queen of the Apostles Church in Belmont decided to accompany his mother to the event "to make sure everyone had a good time." The most impressive trait of Mother Teresa, he said, is her generous spirit and special caring
and takes care of them." "I have always tried to use (Mother Teresa) as an example of what Jesus was like," said Smith. "Some people might say she's Catholic and into the pope but I say she's into Christ and reminds us we are all children of God." Louise Jackson, 77, of Gastonia's St. Stephen AME Zion Church, believes Mother Teresa is doing a wonderful job. "I'd like to keep her here to help some of
Fleming's mother, Cheryl, is Director of Nursing for Hospice of Gaston County, an organization that serves people with life-threatening illnesses. "Mother Teresa is the ultimate hospice person. She promotes care for people no matter what their affliction AIDS,
the people in this country."
hospices in the area jump
Clara Lowrey, Jackson's daughter, travelled with her mother to see what she described as a great inspiration. "I
to
streets
Mother Teresa could stay here and influence some of our people who commit violence. She can teach us to too wish
find peace in ourselves because that's
the only
way we can
Marie Vetter and her friends from Durham and Raleigh reflected on what impresses them about Mother Teresa. "We all talk about doing good works but she does it everyday," said Vetter, a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Durham. "She knows who she is. For those of us who aren't always sure, we come to see someone who is sure," said Margaret Pegg, also of Immaculate Conception.
Holding a stack of books written about Mother Teresa, Bobby Lufty, 45, said
he
tant,
attending churches in Raleigh and
Chapel
is
both a Catholic and a Protes-
Hill.
A
longtime admirer of
Mother Teresa, Lufty said, "Probably more than any one else today, she embodies the
Once
spirit
of Jesus."
inside the coliseum, people
sat patiently in their seats or
roamed the
aisles in search
of friends or to get a closer look at the center stage. A steady current of goodwill mixed with excite-
age,
— and no matter
background or
work with her
their
hope the chance
status in life. I
sisters,"
at
ForOliverC. Conner, 81, of Shelby, Mother Teresa in person was just too good to pass up. Conner,
the chance to see
a Methodist, said the event was "a wonderful time to hear a great lady speak.
She is a kind, loving Christian lady who lot of good in this world." Kathy Duppstadt of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte left work early on Tuesday to bring her daughters Sandra, 15, and Jennifer, 18, to the event. Duppstadt said she was hoping Mother Teresa's message that day would inspire people to live better lives and think about things besides material goods. "Mother Teresa tries to show us that
we need God
in our lives, especially in our families," said Duppstadt. Joe Bianco of St. Matthew Church
Matthews said he is impressed with Mother Teresa's commitment to live "a very basic lifestyle. She's done things that overpower the miniscule efforts we all make in an effort to be good people. It's good to hear from someone who knows what life is all about." For family man Bianco, a good life means putting his loved ones before work. He was true to his word that day as he sat in the stands reading a book to his in
5-year-old daughter, Laura.
rector of "To Life," an organization that
fortunate."
excitement to-
helps people deal with loss. Stein, who rescheduled her appointments so she
"When
the children
saw
than themselves abandoned. real impact," said Kersey. Catholic, decided to
come
Patty Kersey of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte, rounded up several
"Be like Jesus and practice what He preaches." Josie Backhaus, St. Ann Church,
—
Charlotte.
the slides
from Mother Teresa's place in India, they were shocked. They did not realize the poverty; the sick and dying people she cares for. They saw children younger It
made
a
see
"Be a good person and
—
share." Hillary Belk, 13, St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte.
"Help the poor but also rehow important family unity is and how it's in danger alize
Mother
Teresa because she wanted to be "in the presence of an enlightened person. The work she does, her commitment to service is not something we see everyday."
—
of being lost." Mary Belk, St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte.
"Love and compassion. Openness and tolerance." Kevin Melody, St. Peter
—
Flowers from page 3
she said.
day," said Alexis Stein, executive di-
"I love the feeling of
Mother Teresa has generated here
of India. SevAssumption, she invited a friend to speak about Mother Teresa to the students. eral years ago, while teaching at
—
terminal illness
During interviews with people who came to hear Mother Teresa, we asked people what they believed her most important message is for the world. Here are some of their responses:
Assumption Catholic School for a
Phyllis Rollins of Rock Hill, a non-
His wife, Mary Ellen, kept on eye on daughter Catherine, 2. He brought his family, he said, to help his children "understand the many blessings they have and to begin teaching them to help those less
ment prevailed.
the
for children.
does a
survive."
—
—
seeing Mother Teresa. Many of those interviewed described her as a modern day saint, a personification of Jesus and
it
The Media
were respectful that this was first and foremost a prayer service. We thank you, and appreciate the video and print clips. Joann Keane
pressed excitement at the thought of
Catholic. In fact,
the
We're most impressed with the reverence given to Mother Teresa dur-
side the 23,000-seat facility, several ex-
did
fill
Charlotte Coliseum.
Church Charlotte. "Love.
In the course of the event, Peters
moved Gary and onto her
It's
Phyllis Rollins,
—
universal."
Rock
Hill.
T. out of his wheelchair lap.
With
his
head resting
gently on his mother' s shoulder, Gary T.
A
smiled. cameraman captured the tender mother-son scene and their image
flashed on the large screens high above
Coliseum floor. "Every time they showed us, my mother-in-law wanted to jump up and scream, 'That' s my grandson and daugh-
the
ter-in-law!'" Peters said.
On the ride home, the family stopped Gastonia for pizza. "A woman approached me and asked if that was my son who met Mother Teresa. I told my in
husband later that Gary T. was already a celebrity," said Peters.
The following day Adrienne
Joe and Mary Ellen Bianco read to DAUGHTERS LAURA (l) AND CATHERINE (r) WHILE THEY WAIT TO SEE MoTHERTeRESA.
Peters
anyone willing to listen. She even joked with her pastor that she could give the homily at Mass that afternoon. In the same humorous vein, Peters said she would not wash Gary T.'s hair until everyone had a chance to touch his head as Mother
izing
Teresa did.
Christ."
Putting the chance meeting between Gary T. and Mother Teresa in perspective, Adrienne Peters said: "This is so much of how Gary T. has touched the
Leo Church, Winston-Salem.
related the story to
lives
of our family.
He
brings us
many
moments. All through the event all I could think was God is so good." Mary Coyne Wessling, a former assistant editor of the North Carolina special
Catholic, lotte.
is
afreelance writer in Char-
"Service, discipline, service to humanity... love."
— Nina Layton, Rock
Hill.
"Love and peace and the
real-
humbleness
— Gail Atkinson,
of St.
"Pray and be a nice perCollette Gardner, 8,
son." St.
—
Matthew
Church,
Matthews.
"Love and help everyone and don't ask anything in return."
— Jennifer Duppstadt,
18, St. Vincent de Paul Church,
Charlotte.
5
51 Celebration
Proo
'Come Let Us Together
Scores of Individuals Anxiously await the Opening of the Coliseum Doors
Photo by Nancy Biggs
Left:
John
Wilkins OF
Our Lady of Consolation,
Charlotte shares a
-
fSONGBOOK with Mother
Teresa as Alice Vance
of
St.
Patrick
Cathedral,
Charlotte looks ON.
Photo by Donna Jernigan
Mother Teresa and Bishop Curlin share a light moment during the prayer service.
of Jm
With 'Mother Teresa
the Greatness of the Lord'
Photo by Nancy Biggs
Above:
A crowd of 13,500 listens to Mother Teresa in the Charlotte Coliseum.
Below
Right:
To welcome Mother Teresa to Charlotte,
children representing the cultural
diversity of the dlocese presented small bouquets of flowers. Photo by Nancy Biggs
Left:
At the conclusion of the mother teresa
prayer service,
stepped into the audience; stopping to meet the
handicapped, and handed out
Miraculous Medals. Below: missionaries of Charity Sisters wait for the service to BEGIN.
Photo by Donna Jernigan
Left:
Mother
Teresa shares a sign of peace
with Methodist Bishop Bevel Jones.
Photo by Joann Keane
by Joann Keane
Photo by Joann Keane
8 The
Catholic News & Herald
•
Celebration Of Faith With Mother Teresa
June 23, 1995
A Life Of Giving: Do Small Things With Great Love News
Catholic
Service
Even Mother Teresa
after health
problems led
Dublin and in Darjeeling, India, she made her first vows as a nun in 1928 and
Twenty-one years later, when President Ronald Reagan presented her with
Charities in 1990, her order re-elected
principal at Loreto House, a fashionable
Medal of Freedom at White House, he called her a "heroine of our times" and noted that the
her as superior anyway and she went on
girls'
was de-
plaque honoring her described her as the
to resign as
traveling at a pace that
would have tired
vows nine
her final
years
the presidential
later.
While teaching and serving
head of the Missionaries of
college in Calcutta, she
as a
the
"saint of the gutters."
Mother Teresa might be the
first
recipient to take the plaque
and melt
world to deliver a single message: that love and caring are the most important
homeless street urchins, the ostracized sick people lying prey to rats and vermin in the alleys. In 1946 she received a "call within a call," as she described it. "The mes-
things in the world.
sage was clear.
A favorite motto she has lived and preached has been "Do small things with great love." But the "small things" she has done so captivated the world that she has been showered with honorary degrees and other awards, almost universally praised by the media and sought out by popes, presidents, philanthropists and other figures of wealth and influence. During a month-long tour of the United States in 1982, she was asked at a press conference in Charleston, S.C., about the popular conviction that she
vent and help the poor, while living
city's streets, the
The tiny, wizened nun iar
white and blue
was already
sari
in her famil-
has traveled the
a saint.
I
was
to leave the con-
among them,"
down
to get
money
Mother Teresa's
—
sends it. We do
work; he provides the means. If he does not give us the means, that shows he does not want the work. So why worry?" his
Two to
the
Loreto Sisters
Her com-
follow
new
toward
attitude
years later, the Vatican gave her per-
and
it
money was that "God will provide." "Money I never think of it," she once said. "It always comes. The Lord
said.
leave
award
for the poor.
she
mission
call-
bination of se-
ing under the
rene, simple
her
rarely known to praise Popes, still-living individuals
He also joked that
pressed by the destitute and dying on the
people half her age.
Times of London. "She has given me a whole new vision of what being a Christian means: of the amazing power of love, and how in one dedicated soul, it can burgeon to cover the whole world."
and
for
have not hesitated to hold Mother Teresa up as a symbol of what it is to be a Christian. Awarding her the first Pope John XXIII Peace Prize in 1 97 1 Pope Paul VI proclaimed her "an example and symbol of the discovery of the secret of peace... that man is our brother." "We hold up to the admiration of all this intrepid messenger of the love of Christ," Pope Paul said when he announced that she would be the first recipient of the award. Mother Teresa used the $25,000 prize to establish a sanctity,
,
home
for leprosy patients.
Pope John Paul has invited Mother Teresa to visit him almost every time she has been in Rome. In 1 980 he named her one of five auditors to that year's Synod of Bishops, where in a half-hour
jurisdiction of
faith
di-
address she asked the assembled bish-
archbishop of
rect, practical
When Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway, on
Calcutta.
ten
Dec. 10, 1979, she accepted it "In the name of the hungry, of the naked, of the homeless, of the blind, of the lepers, of all those who feel unwanted, unloved, un-cared for throughout society." In recent years, she began work with
ops to give the world holy priests. In 1982 as she was about to leave Rome for war-torn Lebanon, Pope John Paul invited her to the podium at an audience and declared that she "already knows" the language of peace because it belonged to her "Christian spirituality, to her soul, to her genius, to her heart." He then publicly thanked God "for having sent among us Mother Teresa, whom we all admire for her simplicity, her authenticity, her apostolate." In addition to winning the Nobel and Pope John XXIII peace prizes, Mother Teresa was given the Templeton
"Please, let
me
die first," she an-
swered.
the
efficiency of-
amazed
After
those
three
came
of
months medical
tact
training under
with her. In
when
American
the
who in con-
1982, Israeli
Medical Missionary Sis-
troops were
deficiency syndrome
ters in Patna,
under siege
She opened shelters in New York, Philadelphia and Washington for people with AIDS. She founded houses in Cuba and the Soviet Union countries not generally open to foreign church
Mother Teresa went
an effort to
acquired
immune
sufferers.
—
India,
into
C
a
1
Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta in 1950.
cation into her
In 1963
Mother Teresa co-founded the
Missionary Brothers of Charity with an to join in her
work.
In 1969, in response to growing interest of laypersons
who wanted to be
associated with her work, an informally
became a diocesan religious community and 15 years nized
it
directly
as a pontifical congregation,
Teresa was formed with the approval of Pope Paul VI.
dience, but the
more peasant than merchant.
too serious for her age.
Of the three
of us, she alone did not steal the jam." As a student at a public school in Skopje, she was a member of a Catholic sodality with a special interest in for-
eign missions. "At the age of 12, 1 first knew I had a vocation to help the poor," she once said.
—
vian Jesuit missionaries in Bengal present-day Bangladesh but then part of
At 18 she
than in other congregations because, as
Mother Teresa explained, "to be able to love the poor and know the poor, we must be poor ourselves." Jn addition the Missionaries of Charity
take a vow of "wholehearted and free
service to the poorest of the poor."
Mother Teresa once explained: vow means that we cannot work
left
home
to join the
Irish branch of the Institute of the
Blessed
Virgin Mary, known as the Loreto Sisters. After training at their institutions in
a community of her nuns at
we accept any what we do. Ours is to be a free service and to the poor." In 1952, Mother Teresa opened the Nirmal Hriday (Pure Heart) Home for Dying Destitutes in a dormitory formerly a hostel attached to a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Kali donated by the city of Calcutta. Although some of
Spring School, a east Beirut.
It
home
for the
aged
in
was her first visit in a war
zone but not her last. Meeting with Red Cross officials about relief needs, she asked what their most serious problem was. They took her to a nearby mental hospital that had just been bombed, requiring immediate evacuation of 37 mentally and physically handicapped children. "I'll take them," she said. "What stunned everyone was her energy and efficiency," a Red Cross official
involved in the evacuation said
afterward. "She
saw the problem,
fell to
—
chamber
those taken in survive, the primary func-
home is to be "a shelter where the dying poor may die in dignity." Tens tion of the
of thousands of people have been cared for in the
home
since
it
opened.
caring for leprosy patients in 1 957
.
When
Pope Paul VI visited Bombay in 1964, he gave Mother Teresa a white ceremonial Lincoln Continental given to him by people in the United States. She raffled off the car and raised enough
money
to finance a center for leprosy
victims in the state of
West Bengal.
In recent years, ten appears high on
pots.
We
Mother Teresa lists
of-
of the world's
most admired women, but she and her work were not widely known until 1968, when the noted British journalist and TV personality Malcolm Muggeridge, a curmudgeonly intellectual and caustic social critic, produced the television documentary on her, "Something Beautiful for God." His TV documentary and 1971 book by the same title were the first major popular works on Mother Teresa, who has since been the subject of several books and thousands of magazine and newspaper articles. When Muggeridge and his wife, Kitty, 1
became Catholics
in
November
982, he attributed his conversion largely
to
"Words cannot convey how beholden
I
am
to her,"
he wrote
in
The
Kennedy
1971, the $300,000 Balzan Prize for Humanity, Peace and Brotherhood in 1979, and dozens of other awards and honors, including one of India's highest the Padmashri Medal.
—
Dear Jesus, Help us to spread your fragrance everywhere we go. Flood our souls with your spirit and your
life.
Penetrate and possess our whole being
so utterly lives
may only be a
That every soul we come
radiance
in
us
in contact
with
May feel your presence
our
in
soul.
Let them look up and see no longer
us,
But only Jesus. Stay with
us,
and then we
shall begin to
shine as you shine.
So to shine is to be a light to others. The light, oh Jesus, will be all from you.
None of it It will
will be ours.
be you, shining on others,
through
us.
Let us praise you in the
way you
love
best
By
shining with love on those around
us.
Let us preach you without preaching, not by words, but by example.
By
the catching force, the sympathetic
influence of what
Mother Teresa.
F.
in
and then she was rattling off a list of nappies (diasupplies she needed didn't expect a saint to be so efficient."
—
John
Award
That our
pers), plastic pants,
—
in 1973, the
International
of yours. Shine through us and be so
money
for
Award
her knees and prayed for a few seconds,
for the rich; neither can
The Missionaries of Charity began
At 1 5 Agnes was inspired to work in India by reports sent home by Yugosla-
India.
vow of poverty is stricter
"This
Lazar said their mother's example was a factor that led to Agnes' vocation. "Already when she was a little child she used to assist the poor by taking food to them every day like our mother," he said. When Agnes was 9, he said, "She was plump, round, tidy, sensible and a little
Vatican recog-
under Vatican jurisdiction.
take
Albanian parents in Skopje, in the Yugoslavian republic of Macedonia, on Aug. 27, 1910. She had a sister, Aga, and a brother, Lazar. Her father was a grocer, but the family was
later the
The members of the congregation vows of poverty, chastity and obe-
structured, ecumenical International
to
to join her.
1950 the Missionaries of Charity
In
Association of Co- Workers of Mother
Teresa was born Mother Agnes Ganxhe Bojazhiu
Teresa visited photo by Joann keane
Soon volunteers came
Australian, Father Andrew Travers-Ball,
who left the lesuits
,
Mother
school.
first
in
root out the Palestine Liberation Organ i z a t i o n
the c u 1 1 a
slums to bring children cut off from edu-
workers.
holding Beirut
we do
—
The evident fullness of the love. Our hearts bear us to you. Amen.
Celebration Of Faith With Mother Teresa
June
Generations Find Inspiration By
MARY COYNE WESSLING
The memories of Mother Teresa's visit
14 years ago in Charleston are still
When asked if she remembered any of Mother Teresa's speech, Belk replied, "What she said wasn't something so profound as
was basic
Students Learn: Treat People As Children Of God By Kathleen Schmugge
— don't
Sarah Lawlor, a student
Gardner and her daughter, Mary Gardner Belk. "My son told us the day before her visit that she was coming. We went not knowing if we'd even get in," said
forget the poorest of the poor. But she
Forest University,
said it in such a loving way I didn't feel preached to but joy-filled to hear it. I thought afterwards, 'Yeah, I could do
ten students at
Charlotte, a member of Our Lady of the
that.'"
clear for Charlotte
Assumption Church
it
"Even after all that she has seen and
in Charlotte.
done, all the poverty she has lived among,
Stadium, both women soaked up every small detail of the day and stored them
Charlotte. "I often recall her words: 'Joy
memories, sure that this would be the only time they d ever see Mother Teresa in person. Fast forward to June 13, 1995. Mary and Charlotte sit among their family and friends waiting once again to see and hear the famous missionary to the world. Before Mother Teresa in their
'
came on stage for the Charlotte event, Mary and Charlotte reflected on the similar event 14 years before
and their
admiration for the guest speaker.
remember
"I
it
started to rain,"
she has so
is I
much joy and
a net of love by which
think of that when
I
we catch souls.'
start to get discour-
aged." Charlotte, mother to eight children
and Mary, mother of four, both find other inspiring messages from Mother Teresa. "I believe she reminds mothers to have unconditional love for their children," said Mary. 'That' s what her motherhood is ... that and to be happy and
giving in
all that
"She inspires
we
do."
me to find the saintli-
ness in other people," said Charlotte. "I
"Mother Teresa asked everyone who had an umbrella to please share it with the person next to them. I was struck by her voice it was beauti-
know people
—
sweet with her accent." Mary Belk, a member of St. Patrick
fully
in
my parish who are also
people who do so many things for others without other people knowing about their good works." saintly;
Mary's four children accompanied her and their grandmother to the Char-
Cathedral in Charlotte, recalled Mother
lotte
Teresa's stature. "I saw a
Gardner, cousins and in-laws. Hillary Belk, 13, said the chance to see Mother
little
person
come out on the stage and I was struck by that. Then suddenly, I hear this melodious voice and felt such a peace and calmness. I could have sat there for days and listened to her speak."
event along with Grandfather Bill
Teresa was a chance to be in the presence of someone who is likely to be-
come
Sarah described her days as won-
Wake
knows first hand the positive influence of Mother Teresa. A year ago December, Sarah was one of
Wake
selected for the
Mother homes in Calcutta, India. It was a dream come true for the 1 9-
year-old Catholic
"She's a good person
God's
who
it
all
the
more
special.
Mary
Coyne
Wessling, a former assistant editor of the
North
Carolina Catholic, is a
Three Generations: Hillary and Allie Belk (front), Charlotte Gardner and Mary Gardner Belk (rear). freelance photo by mary coyne wessling Charlotte.
writer in
the problem," said Sarah.
Although Sarah's parents were supportive, they had some trepidation about such a long journey. Sarah did not. "there is nothing I can get that I can't get rid of," replied their faith-filled daughter.
"People who by American standards have nothing, truly have so much in their strong family ties." Sarah described the many kinds of poverty and how she now can see the tremendous spiritual poverty in every socio-economic group in the U.S. "I personally look for poverty in my own relationships and try to reach out more." A typical day was "fun" but exhausting with much physical work. She and the other students stayed in a YMCA, which was similar to a college
Staff Writer
CHARLOTTE
— During Mother
Teresa's ecumenical prayer service, no
unloved, the sick, the dying, the crippled
and demented." "Mother Teresa's presence in the Diocese of Charlotte was an unbeliev-
little
Mother Teresa. After breakfast, they began work in one of two homes; Prendan, which means "gift of love," or Kalighat, a
home
for the dying and
destitute.
Sarah spent most of her time in Prendan with the mentally and physically ill and disabled. She would bathe patients and help them dress or take them "to the sun." The group would also help with the laundry which was done by hand and carried up and down many flights of stairs. "We sang religious songs with the sisters while we worked. We really had a great time."
happen to carry out God's word and message until people give." Mother Teresa also exemplifies the importance of leaving a legacy behind
message does not happen without people
a legacy of giving love and service to
giving," said Kelley.
people in need.
generously sharing their God-given gifts
ing, is the
eventually die. She will leave
important example of this giv-
Kelley encourages people to use
"There was no collection because
work put into the Cherry neighborhood house occupied by four
the flavor of the celebration was to focus
Missionaries of Charity Sisters. Mother
on the message Mother Teresa brought us," said Jim Kelley, director of development for the Diocese of Charlotte. In her presentation, Mother Teresa encouraged her listeners to live their lives as Jesus lived His and to always have a sense of giving. "The aim of our
Teresa's
Mother Teresa as an example in their lives. "Her life should cause us to think of what we could do to help people in our communities by giving of
have four of her Sisters in Charlotte began with finding them a house. Locally, the principles
Jesus on the Cross," said Mother Teresa.
of stewardship were shown by people donating money to help purchase the home and donating their time and expertise to fix it up with the necessary items. "That house did not become a reality until people started giving their time,
"Love
talent
congregation is
is
to satiate the thirst of
revealed by asking for the
salvation and sanctification of the poorest
of the poor, for the unwanted, for the
and treasure," said Kelley.
like that in
our Christian
core of what
we
life.
"It's
God is the
do, but things don't
ourselves,"said Kelley.
"We need to start
looking beyond our death to what type of legacy we might leave for future generations."
Our legacy
we
give in this
is
a direct result of what
life,
said Kelley. Like
Mother Teresa, our legacy should involve sharing our God-given gifts with people in need.
comfort
woman
grabbed the
to rub Sarah's arm. "I
were many of
these touching moments."
The day would often end in the The physical and mental strain was great and an afternoon nap was not uncommon. After dinner, the students would gather for reflection their time to pray and share some of their experiences. Sarah felt it was a early afternoon.
—
time of rediscovery and awareness of her own obligation to help those in need.
Communication was not
the ob-
one might imagine for the group. Sarah did learn a few phrases in the local dialect and the sisters could speak some English, but most communication came in the form of smiles, gestures and stacle
touch. "I was so impressed with all of Mother Teresa's accomplishments. With more than 450 homes, her own all
this,
the assertiveness
she
maintains
still
great humility."
When
asked about what
it
was
like
to work for Mother Teresa, Sarah quickly
pointed out that she worked with Mother Teresa. "She did everything that every-
one else
did, often to leaving the
most
degrading jobs for herself, like cleaning the bathrooms." Sarah came to Calcutta with many questions and left with a new set. She said it changed her life, showing her what needs to be done and what her faith can do. Her desire to join the Peace Corps demonstrates her sincerity. Sarah's advice to young people is not to worry about what you can't do but to
do what you
can. "Treat people as
God." a free-lance writer in Taylorsville and a member of St. Aloysius Church in Hickory. individuals, children of
Kathy Schmugge
is
...
The best laid plans of journalists and printers sometimes go astray ...
stewards of time, talent and treasure with the poor in their communities by
to
the old
and began
OOPS
Charlotte encouraged people to become
commitment
when
necessary to do
and
when we
An
tient
order of nuns, and
in the center
able occasion, but carrying out of her
was
start to
comforted. She shared a story in which she began to put lotion on a dying pa-
no roof
taken, but the Diocese of
offering
Often Sarah would
a patient and end up being the one
dorm except with no air condition-
Diocese Encourages The Giving Of Time, Talent And Treasure By EDUARDO PEREZ
was easy to see the face of Christ
just started to cry. There
to get involved with this
mission; to be part of the solution, not
the illness
all
in these people."
want others
moderate so it was comfortable. The group would get up at 5:45 a.m. and walk the couple of miles to the Motherhouse. They would usually attend Mass where they always saw
for me." second meet-
tiful. It
bottle
said
will,"
ing with Mother Teresa was more than Charlotte and Mary had hoped for. Bringing along the next generation of family
made
is
Amid
and death, Mother Teresa has created an environment of peace and hope. "Everyone was so friendly, warm and beau-
leading another trip this December. "I
privacy. Luckily the temperatures were
good
A
the eigh-
follows
Hillary. "Seeing her is
who found
teen day trip so enriching that she
ing,
a saint.
derful and tiring.
grant which sends students to
Teresa's
peace," said
recalled Charlotte of the Charleston event.
at
City of Joy Scholars, a service-oriented
They did. And while in the Citadel
& Ki
The Catholic News
23, 1995 •
In
the
tujo
first
section of this edition,
ads contain information to be
corrected.
A video on the Celebration of Faith with Mother Teresa was advertised, suggesting a $20 donation. Carly requests have exceeded planned volume, thus reducing the cost per tape. The new suggested donation is $10.
A second advertisement offered the text of Mother Teresa. This text is now contained in this second section.
This week's edition of The Catholic News & Herald was printed in two installments. Section one printed
days before the second. As
we went
to press with section one, we did not have the complete text transcribed. UUe're now pleased to include the message of Mother Teresa.
Catholic News & Herald
Celebration Of Faith With Mother Teresa
June 23, 1995
•
Her Words: MotheI
In
We
have
been created
all
—
for great things
to
love and to be loved.
Let us ask Our Lady to give us her heart: so beautiful, so pure, so immaculate. Her heart, so full of love and humility, that
we may be
able to re-
ceive Jesus, the bread of life: love Him as she loved Him and serve Him in the distressing disguise of the poorest of
the poor.
Jesus said: as the father has loved
me, so I have loved you. Love one another as I have loved you. Where does this love begin? In our own family. How does it begin? By praying together. Families that pray together stay together; and if you stay together you will love each other as God loves each one of you. I always say, what blood is to the body, prayer is to the soul. And so the body cannot live withour out blood, so also our hearts
gift of God to our To be with Jesus, teaches us that whatever we do to the least, we do it to
most beautiful
the
society.
We are also so close to Him in the
him.
Eucharist.
Ask your parish priest to give
you the joy of Adoration. It' s something so real, so beautiful.
It
brings us so close
bring prayer to your family. This has
been the greatest congregation: that ful
of God to our we have the beautigift
time to pray together; and the more
we pray together, the more we come to
came
Jesus
news: that
God
good
to give us the
loves us and that
He He
wants us to love one another as loved each one of us. To make it easy for us to love one another Jesus said: if you give a glass of water in my name, you give it to me. If you receive a little
£)esus insisted
we
love
each one of
us...
still
to
give whatever
—
that
we may
continue I
another. child in
my name you receive me. And
when you again
we
die and
go home
God "Come
to
will hear Jesus say:
you blessed of my Father, receive the kingdom prepared for you; because I was hungry and you gave me to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me to drink; I was naked and you clothed me; I was homeless and you took me in; I was sick and in prison and you visited me. Come, receive the kingdom prepared for you. If we read the
gospel carefully this
He preached the beautiful word of God and He was is
exactly what Jesus did.
busy with the sick, with the lepers, and with the hungry. He spread beautiful proof of tender love so that we may learn from Him how to show that love for each other.
Again I say, where does this love begin? In our own family. The aim of our congregation is to satiate the thirst of Jesus on the cross, for love that is revealed by working for the salvation and sanctification of the poorest of the poor, for the unwanted, for the unloved, the sick, the dying, the crippled,
and demented. Anyone that
not wanted. He frees the hearts of people to be His love, His compassion, His is
presence. To be able to do that we need the deep life of prayer. That's why we
have daily Holy Mass and Holy Communion and with God's blessing we have daily Adoration. That has been
also
want to thank the families that have been generous in giving their children, their to daughters and their sons, to join us be Missionaries of Charity. We are now in 126 countries; we have 555 tabernacles all around the world. I want you all to pray very specially that we may continue this beautiful work with God'
—
Mary
Jesus brought peace to John the Baptist,
On
"Come,
on
his right hand,
enter the kingdom.
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was sick and you visited me." Then Jesus will turn to those on his left hand and say, "Depart from me because I was hungry and you did not feed me, I was thirsty and you did not give me to drink, I was sick and you did not visit me." These will ask Him, "When did we see you hungry, or thirsty or sick and did not come to your help?" And Jesus will answer them, "Whatever you neglected to do unto one of the least of these, you neglected to do unto me!" As we have gathered here to pray together, I think it will be beautiful if we begin with a prayer that expresses very well what Jesus wants us to do for the least. St. Francis of Assisi understood
0esus
is thirsting
love,
and
for
this is the
of
thirst
everyone, rich alike.
I am so used to seeing the smiles on our people, even the dying ones smile. And Sister said: "This is the way it is
nearly every day.
they are hoping that a son or daughter
And as if that were not enough, as if were not enough that God the Son should become one of us and bring peace and joy while still in the womb of Mary, Jesus also died on the cross to show that greater love. He died for you and for me, and for that leper and for that man dying of hunger and that naked person lying in
will
the street, not only of Calcutta, but of
do we put our own interests first? These are the questions we must ask ourselves,
it
Africa, and everywhere.
Our sisters serve
do good to one another. And in the Gospel Jesus says very clearly; "Love as I have loved you." Jesus died on the cross because that is what it took for him to do good to us to save us from our selfishness in sin. He gave up everything to do the Father' will to show us that we too must be willing to give up everything to do God' will to love one another as He loves it
takes to
—
— —
each of us. If we are not willing to give whatever it takes to do good to one another, sin is still in us. That is why we too must give to each other until it hurts. It is not enough for us to say, "I love God," but I also have to love my neighbor. St. John says that you are a liar if you say you love God and you don't love your neighbor. How can you love God
whom you do not see, if you do not love your neighbor whom you do see, whom you touch, with whom you live? And so it is
very important for us to realize that
be
has to hurt.
willing to give whatever
—
we
will pray
it
together.
Let us thank God for the opportunity He has given us today to have come here to pray together. We have come here especially to pray for peace, joy and love. We are reminded that Jesus came to bring the good news to the poor.
He had told us what is that good news when He said: "My peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you." He came not to give the peace of the world which is
only that
we don't bother each
other.
everyone was looking toward the door. And I did not see a single one with a smile on their face. I turned to Sister and asked: "Why do these people who have every comfort here, why are they all looking toward the door? Why are they
beth.
love, to
had the same difficulties that we have today. I think that some of you so already have this prayer of peace
—
who leapt for joy in the womb of Eliza-
very well expressed by a prayer. And this prayer, which we say every day after Holy Communion, always surprises me very much, because it is very fitting for each one of us. And I always wonder whether 800 years ago when St. Francis lived, they
—
and forgotten them maybe. I saw that in that home these old people had everything good food, comfort-
not smiling?"
and poor
very well these words of Jesus and his life is
hurts.
I
able place, television, everything, but
whatever
the last day, Jesus will say
it
tution
of
us
Prayer Breakfast
text
true love, to give until
leapt with joy.
womb
in the
tells
delivered at the Feb. 1994 National
blessing and God's love.
is thii sting
and this is the thirst of everyone, poor and rich alike. We all thirst for the love of others, that they go out of their way to avoid harming us and to do good to us. This is the meaning of
the child in the
those poor people in 126 countries throughout the world. Jesus insisted that we love one another as He loves each one of us. Jesus gave his life to love us and He tells us that we also have to give
it
takes to do good to one
— womb of Elizabeth —
I
this beautiful work, this great love.
dying on the cross,
can never forget the experience I had in visiting a home where they kept all these old parents of sons and daughters who had just put them into an insti-
her cousin, Elizabeth, Scripture
our
love?
to those
have
went in haste to give that good news. And as she came into the house of ately she
—
we
that
came in to Mary' s life, immedi-
While
we have homes for people with AIDS. There is one thing I can tell you sincerely, that no one has died disturbed. The most beautiful death each one died in peace and in love with God. What work of love can bring so much peace and unity with God's
Mother Teresa read from her
one another as I7ie loves
—
unborn child
to pray for us
So
live without prayer.
And God loved the world so much He gave His son it was a giving. God gave His son to the Virgin Mary, and what did she do with Him? As soon
that
that the
the United States
When He was
Jesus said, "I thirst." Jesus for our love,
to others.
mented, the lepers and in many places in
one of us.
— cannot
— from doing good
as Jesus
love each other as Jesus loved each
souls
comes from loving
Him. As you know we work for the poorest of the poor. We have homes for the sick and the dying, the crippled, de-
to
want also to thank all of you who have been helping the sisters to do this work with great love because, as you know, we cannot do everything. So many who have come to share the work with us; it has made it possible for us to have these homes in many places and to give tender love and care. Everyone has died in peace with God. That's why I want you to all of you
—
He came to give the peace of heart which
true,
it
I
harm other people and, in fact, to do good to them. This requires that I be willing to give until there
is
no
it
hurts. Otherwise,
true love in
me and
injustice, not peace, to those It
I
bring
around me. We have
hurt Jesus to love us.
been created in His image for greater things, to love and to be loved. We must "put on Christ" as Scripture tells us. And so, we have been created to love as He loves us. Jesus makes Himself the hungry one, the naked one, the homeless one, the unwanted one, and He says, "You did it to me." On the last day He will say to those on his right, "Whatever you did to the least of these, you did to me, and He will also say to those on His left, whatever you neglected to do for the least of these, you neglected to do it for me."
are expecting,
come to visit them. They are hurt because they are forgotten." And see, this neglect to love brings spiritual poverty. Maybe in our own family we have feeling lonely, who is who is feeling worried. Are we there? Are we willing to give until it
somebody who is feeling sick,
hurts in order to be with our families, or
especially as
we
begin this year of the
We
must remember that love begins at home and we must also remember that "the future of humanity passes family.
through the family." I
was surprised in the West to see so
many young boys and girls given to drugs. And I tried to find out why. Why is it like that, when those in the West have so many more things than those in the East? And the answer was: " Because there
no one
is
receive them."
Our
us for everything
in the family to
children depend on
—
their health, their
nutrition, their security, their
coming to
know and love God. For all of this, they trust, hope and expectaBut often father and mother are so busy they have no time for their children, or perhaps they are not even married or have given up on their marriage. So the children go to the streets and get
look to us with tion.
involved in drugs or other things. We are
which is where love and peace must begin. These
talking of love of the child,
are the things that break peace.
But
I feel
that the greatest de-
stroyer of peace today is abor-
must be
takes not to
They
tion,
because
it
is
a
war
against the child, a direct killing of the
innocent child, murder by the mother And if we accept that a mother
herself.
can kill even her own child, how can we tell other people not to kill one another?
do we persuade a woman not to have an abortion? As always, we must persuade her with love and we remind ourselves that love means to be willing to give until it hurts. Jesus gave even His life to love us. So, the mother who is thinking of abortion should be helped to
How
love, that
is,
to give until
it
hurts her
plans, or her free time, to respect the life
of her child. The father of that child, whoever he is, must also give until it hurts.
By
abortion, the mother does not
learn to love, but kills even her own child to solve her problems. And, by abortion,
the father is told that he does not have to
Celebration Of Faith With Mother Teresa
June
eresa,
June
We cannot
We are not social workers. We may be doing social work in the eyes of some people, but we must be contemplatives in the heart of the world. For we must bring that presence of God into your family, for the family that prays together, stays together. There is so much hatred, so much misery, and we with our prayer, with our sacrifice are beginning at home. Love begins at home, and it is
the problems in the world, but
not how much we do, but how much love
take any responsibility at all for the child
turn the attention to each other as hap-
pens in natural family planning, and not to self, as happens in contraception. Once that living love is destroyed by contraception, abortion follows very
women
into
same trouble. So abortion just leads more abortion. Any country that ac-
the to
cepts abortion
not teaching
is
its
people
what they want. This is why the greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion. people are very, very concerned with the child-
Many
ren of India, with the child-
where quite a few die of
ren of Africa,
hunger, and so on.
Many people are also
concerned about all the violence in this great country of the United States. These concerns are very good. But often these same people are not concerned with the millions
who
And
what
this is
And for this
I
— "Let us bring
solve
all
family planning.
us never bring in the worst problem
let
and that is to destroy love. And this is what happens when we tell people to practice contraception and abortion. of
all,
This
— at home in the
begins
—
and concern. This is the only way that our world can survive because our children are the only hope for the future. As older people are called to God, only their children can take their places. But what does God say to us? He says: "Even if a mother could forget her child, I will not forget you. I have carved in the palm of my hand." We are carved in the palm of His hand: that unborn child has been carved in the hand of God from conception and is
you
The poor have a very great people. They can teach us so many beautiful things. Once one of them came to thank us for teaching her natural family plan-
to teach us natural family planning be-
nothing more than self-conout of love for each other." And
trol
it is
what this poor person said is very true. These poor people maybe having nothing to eat, maybe they have not a home to live in, but they can still be great people
when
When street,
by God
called
to love
and
now in this life, God can never forget us. not only
will tell
to
be loved,
but forever.
a piece of bread. But a person shut out,
beautiful.
who
who feels unwanted, unloved, who has been thrown
out of society
much
—
harder to overcome.
And
abor-
by care of the mother and adoption for her baby. We have saved thousands of
the
lives.
We have sent word to the clinics, and police
stations:
"Please don't destroy the child;
we will
So we always have somethe mothers in trouble: "Come,
take the child."
one
tell
we will take care of you, we will get a home for your child." And we have a tremendous demand from couples who
—
cannot have a child but I never give a child to a couple who have done something not to have a child. Jesus said,
"Anyone who receives a
child in
my
name, receives me." By adopting a child, these couples receive Jesus but, by aborting a child, a couple refuses to receive Jesus.
don't
Please
want the
me
kill
the child. I
child. Please give
the child.
I
am
willing to
who would be aborted and give that child to a married couple who will love the child and be loved by the child. From our children's home in Calcutta alone, we have saved over 3 ,000
accept any child
children from abortion. These children
have brought such love and joy to their adopting parents and have grown up so full of love and joy. I
their
know that couples have to plan family and for that there is natural
poor, and that
is
be very wonderful people. One evening we went out and we picked up four people from the street. And one of them was in a most terrible condition. I told the Sisters:
"You
take care of the other
three; I will take care of the
I put her in bed, and there was such a beautiful smile on her face. She took hold of my hand, as she said one word only: "Thank you" and she
love can do.
—
died.
could not help but examine my own conscience before her. And I asked: "What would I say if I were in her place?" And my answer was very simple. I
would have tried to draw a little attention to myself. I would have said: "I am I
hungry,
I
am
dying,
am
I
am in gave me
cold,
pain," or something. But she
I
— she gave me her
much more love. And she
grateful
died with a smile on her
Then there was the man we picked up from the drain, half eaten by worms and, after we had brought him to the face.
said, "I have lived like an animal in the street, but I am going to die as an angel, loved and cared for. " Then,
home, he only
after
we had removed
from
his body, all
God"
power
who
looks worse." So I did for her all that my
family
natural family planning, not
one
— and he
he I
died.
am It
ful to see the greatness
all
said,
the
worms
with a big
going
home
to
was so wonderof that man who
giving life, through contraception, a lusband or wife is doing something to self. This turns the attention to self and
could speak like that without blaming anybody, without comparing anything. Like an angel this is the greatness of
Him or her.
people who are spiritually rich even when they are materially poor.
)f
so destroys the gift of love in In
loving, the
husband and wife must
—
One of the most demanding things is when I have to travel to so many places. But God is so beautiful;
me
for
so generous in His love for us
all.
we remember that God loves us, and that we can love other as He loves If
us, then America can become a sign of peace for the world. Let us thank God for his great love. As Jesus said: as the father has loved me I have loved you. Love one another as God loves each one of you. And I have the most beautiful gift news to
—
New York ten sisters took
us in Scripture: "Even
if a
forget the child in her
womb"
ence and wholehearted service of the poorest of the poor. These are the children of the United States The other day we had also final vows of 15 sisters who took their vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and wholehearted service to the poorest of the poor in Washington. I'm very grateful to the families who have been so generous in giving
—
—
never forget you." And so here I am talking with you. I want you to find the poor here, right in your own home first. And begin love there. Be that good news to your own people first. And find out about your next-door neighbors. Do you know who they are? I
"I will
first
—
dMake
us worthy, JZord,
our
to serve
ovo
man
throughout the voorld voho
and
live
die in
vows
— consecrated
their lives to
Jesus in poverty, in chastity, in obedi-
.
their children. Please give
—
I
had the most extraordinary experi-
ence of love of neighbor with a Hindu family. A gentleman came to our house and said: "Mother Teresa, there is a family who have not eaten for so long. Do something." So I took some rice and went there immediately. And I saw the children their eyes shining with hunger. I don't know if you have ever seen hunger. But I have seen it very often. And the mother of the family took the rice I gave her and went out. When she came back, I asked her: "Where did you
most difficult to overcome. Those who are materially poor can
smile, was: "Sister
is
&H
The Catholic News
give you. In
the worst poverty and
amily planning. The way to plan the :ontraception. In destroying the
•
problems, these problems can never discourage us. We must always remember what God tells all its
which often follows from contra-
ception, brings a people to be spiritually
to the hospitals
of the world with
that spiritual poverty is
We are fighting abortion by adoption —
I
If
is
terrified, the person
tion,
you something
they are spiritually rich.
pick up a person from the hungry, I give him a plate of rice, I
I
>
"You people who have
practiced chastity, you are the best people
cause
we do. we are contemplatives in the heart
put into what
forget
family.
ning and said:
we
mother could something impossible, but even if she could
where love
is
I
the
image and likeness of God for to love and to be loved. In this year of the family we must bring the child back to the center of our care special
tice natural
to such blindness.
The child is God's gift to Each child is created in the
greater things
in the
— abortion
child back." the family.
—
world that many spouses do not love each other enough to prac-
own moth-
appeal in India and
appeal everywhere
also know that there are great prob-
the greatest
is
destroyer of peace today
which brings people
I
lems
by the
are being killed
deliberate decision of their ers.
easily.
but to use any violence to get
to love,
1995
1995
13,
he has brought into the world. That father is likely to put other
23,
some more
need more. God bless you all. Following the National Prayer
Breakfast text, Mother Teresa continued with additional comments:
As
we
are here together
would
I
pray for poor people throughout the like us to
is so much suffering, so much pain. In some countries we have so many difficulties regarding the poor, and so much suffering, so many diseases. I hear now that there is a new sickness down in Africa where many
world. There
people are dying already. So let us pray: Make us worthy Lord, to serve our fellow man throughout the world who live and die in poverty and hunger. Give them, through our hands, this day their daily bread and by our understanding love, give peace and joy. May God's blessing be with you all, in the name of the Father, the Son and the
Holy
Spirit.
God bless
you.
go? What did you do?" And she gave me a very simple answer: "They are hungry
have no gold and silver to give you. What I have I give with my whole heart. I give you my sisters. We are opening two more centers here and we will be able to take tender love and care
also." What struck me was that she knew
to the needy, to the suffering, to those
I
poverty.
— and who they? A Muslim family — and she knew bring any more are
.
I
didn' t
who need love and care. Counting these two, we will have about 40 houses in want you
rice that evening because I wanted them,
the United States.
Hindus and Muslims
share the joy of loving and whenever
to enjoy the joy of
sharing.
But there were those children, radiating joy, sharing the joy and peace with their mother because she had the love to give until it hurts. And you see this is where love begins at home in the
—
So, as the example of this family
God will never forget us and something you and I can always do. We can keep the joy of loving Jesus in our hearts, and share that joy with all we come in contact with. Let us make that no child will be that one point unwanted, unloved, uncared for, or killed and thrown away. And give until it hurts
all to
you have time, please come and help the sisters. So pray for these new houses,
my
gift to
you.
have good news to give you. We are soon going to have a home for babies to give in adoption in WashingI
ton.
family.
I
So pray for us that we may do this work with great love. Some-
beautiful
we have been
shows,
thing like in Calcutta,
there
able to give over 3,000 children in
is
—
— with
a smile.
Because
I
talk so
much
of giving
with a smile, once a professor from the United States asked me: "Are you mar-
And I said: "Yes, and I find it sometimes very difficult to smile at my spouse, Jesus, because He can be very demanding sometimes." This is really something true. And there is where love comes in when it is demanding, and yet we can give it with joy for with joy it brings joy, peace, love and
ried?"
— —
unity.
—
do the same Washington will be ready soon and we will be able to do something beautiful for God. Let us give thanks to Almighty God for these and all the other benefits which of thy bounty we have received through Christ, our Lord, Amen. May God's blessing be with you all. God bless you. We give you thanks, Almighty God, for these and all the other benefits which of thy bounty we have received adoption.
I
thing here.
would like The house
to in
through Christ, our Lord, Amen. May God' s blessing be with you all. Always pray together, and if we pray together
we
will stay together. If
we
stay to-
gether we will love each other as Jesus loves each one of us. in peace.
God bless you. Go
LEBRATION OF F with
Mother Teres of Calcutta
The Diocese of Char expresses heartfelt
THE MANY VOLUNTEi p S WHC VORK TO INSURE THE SI ESS OF THE ecumenical prayer service with Mother Tere
be Catholic
News
& Herald
June 23, 1995
Bishops' Meeting At
A Glance
CHICAGO (CNS) — When the U.S. bishops met in Chicago June
15-17 for
the spring general meeting of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, they:
—
Called unanimously for a sharp curb on international arms sales and a worldwide ban on land mines in a 10-page statement, "Sowing the Weapons of War." Decided to disband their Catholic Telecommunications Network of America this summer and set up a planning process to develop a new telecommu-
—
nications plan within three years.
—
Failed after intense debate to approve or disapprove the proposed revision of the day-by-day Mass prayers of the Sacramentary, with mail balloting of absent bishops needed to resolve the question.
—
Approved with almost no debate a statement, titled "Faithful for Life," condemning abortion and euthanasia as "particularly grave" attacks on human life.
—
Issued new "Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments With Persons With Disabilities," designed to improve access to the sacraments by disabled persons and to reduce inconsistencies in pastoral practice. Began discussions, in small groups and as a body, of the possible
—
restructuring of the
NCCB and U.S. Catholic Conference, with bishops appearing
evenly divided on one of the basic questions, whether the NCCB-USCC should be
combined into a single conference. Were told that orders of U.S men and women religious still need to add $6.9
—
.
billion to their retirement funds in order to
cover expected needs of their aging
members, even though they now have $5.8 billion set aside. Heard a detailed report on Chicago Cardinal Joseph L. Bernardin's surgery June 12 for malignant tumors on his kidney and pancreas, his recovery in the hospital, and his need for radiation and chemotherapy because of a strong
—
likelihood of recurrence.
— Approved
a plan for a forum of scholars and a small team of U.S. bishops
Lutheran Bishop Mark
June
1 1
AIDS
Menees
(r)
joins
Bishop Curlin
(From Page
Bishop Curlin said. There is hope that the Healing Mass will become an annual ecumenical event, said Father McCreesh. "This year we wanted the Lutheran community to join us because their efforts to help people with HIV or AIDS have been active for
1)
on the liturgy, to cover not just translation questions but other issues surrounding During his homily Bishop Curlin
liturgical texts.
— Heard
a preliminary report
on a three-year national vocations
recruiting
plan which the Vocations Committee intends to submit for the bishops' approval in
told of his days as chaplain at Gift of
November.
— Proposed Vatican — evangelization, vocations and care — consideration themes planned Pan-American Synod of Bishops. from Bishop John Kinney on work of — Heard progress Ad three topics to the
pastoral
as
for
for the
report
a
the
F.
his
Hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse, now working on a second volume of resource on issues this November. materials
related to clergy sexual abuse of minors to
go to the bishops
—
Greeted Cardinal Jaime Ortega Alamino of Havana, who said his people need humanitarian aid because of deteriorating economic conditions under
home for persons AIDS in Washington, D.C., run by
Peace, a residential
with
annual Healing Mass Photo by JOANN KEANE
for the
at St. Patrick Cathedral.
Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Char-
some years." "This Mass
ity.
He
urged those attending to allow God to enter the depths of their souls and confirm His love. "God lives in us," said Bishop Curlin. "When we feed a hungry person, it's God feeding the hungry. Bear witness to Jesus, not by talking about Him, but by living like Him,"
that the
Church
clearly is
made
evident
a place of mercy and
care for all people," said B ishop Menees.
"In the judgmental world
we live in, we
must remember to imitate Christ in praying for the healing of all people, no matter what their illnesses."
communism.
Greensboro
Woman —
ELON COLLEGE
Gets Council Post
Johnson, a member of St. Paul the Apostle
on the council's Equal Rights and Children and Families Advocacy commit-
Parish in Greensboro has been elected
tees.
third vice president of the lina
Bridget
North Caro-
Council of Churches.
She was elected by the Council's House of Delegates at its annual meeting
May
1 1
at the First
United Methodist
Church of Elon College. She also serves
Diocese of Charlotte P.O. Box 36776 Charlotte,
June
Johnson has been very active in her parish and on the diocesan and vicariate levels. She is a member of the diocesan for Human Development Committee and of the Greensboro Vi-
Campaign cariate
Dear Friends
Community Life Network.
(From Page
1)
proved the idea in 1 964 and Pope Paul VI issued directives for implementing the
In the beginning, the deacon was regarded as a helper to the priests and served many functions including works
restoration in 1967.
of charity, celebration of some sacred
diaconate in the Diocese of Charlotte in
and fulfillment of some pastoral by the fifth century, the position came to be regarded almost exclusively as a step toward ordination as a priest a role comparable to the
rites
duties. But,
—
present transitional deacon.
As part of the changes decreed by the Second Vatican Council the permanent diaconate was restored, the council ap-
Now retired Bishop Michael J. Begley established the permanent 980 and the first permanent deacons in were ordained in 1983. The permanent diaconate is open to married men but there are some restrictions. A deacon who is single at the time of ordination must remain celibate and a married deacon whose wife dies after his 1
the diocese
ordination
A Celebration of Faith
may not remarry.
1995
in Christ,
Evangelization, the proclaiming of the Gospels,
Catholic Church. Since 1885, the
Deacons
14,
NC 28236
is
a priority in the
Home Mission Collection
(the Black
and Indian Mission Collection) has been a tremendous help to the dioceses that otherwise would have a serious problem promoting evangelization. The faithful have annually been very generous and the Church has advanced in many parts of the United ,
States
because of
this collection.
The 1 995 Home Mission Collection will be taken in our diocese on the weekend of July 8-9. I ask your support and generosity that once again needed assistance may be available to areas of our land that still are mission areas. What began over a century ago and has been a tremendous success for the Church is needed today more than ever. Today in the United States, there are priests, sisters, deacons and bringing the Church to people who do not have a financial base. People in their areas are very poor, work is scarce and for the Church to be available to the people, these religious must receive financial assistance - and that is the reason for the Home Mission Collection. laity
vfith
Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Asking your generous response to this collection and wishing you and yours God's abundant blessings, I am
Come Let Us together Proclaim the greatness of the Lord
Sincerely yours in Christ,
The Text of Mother Teresa's June 13 Ecumenical Address at the Charlotte Coliseum is
Very Reverend Mauricio W. West, V.G. Chancellor
available from:
The Office of Communications 1524 E. Morehead St. Charlotte, NC 28207 A Five Dollar Donation is requested 1
524
E.
Morehead
Street Charlotte,
NC 28207
The Catholic News &
June 23, 1995
Statue Dedication...
\
Knights Elect Officers, Honor
Top Councils At State Convention GREENSBORO — Luther J. Stultz of Fayetteville was elected state deputy of the North Carolina State Council of the Knights of
Columbus at last month
the annual
convention
state
Greens-
in
boro. Stultz will serve for the 1995-96 fraternal year, succeeding James L.
Neely
of High Point. Other officers elected for
coming year were John Harrison of Clemmons, state secretary; Robert Singer the
of Wilson, state treasurer; Tony Petite of Kernersville, state advocate; and
Onofrio of Fuquay-Varina,
David
state
war-
den. Father Thomas Gaul, pastor of Good
Shepherd Church
in
Hope
was
Mills,
appointed state chaplain. North Carolina councils receiving national awards at the convention included Charlotte Council 770 which re-
John Harrison
ceived the Supreme Youth Award.
On
of
Clemmons
(r),
outgo-
ing state treasurer of the Knights of
Columbus, presents the State Golden Knight of the Year Award to Past State Deputy Richard Grebner of Gastonia at the recent state convention in Greens-
the state level, the best large
council award went to Council 9499 of
Clemmons. The First place Ladies Auxiliary was Council 7343 of Charlotte. Council 9560 of Charlotte had the big-
boro.
gest percentage gain over quota and the
Father
Raymond
Hourihan, pastor of Our Lady of the Annunciation Church,
Albemarle, recently dedicated a statue of the Blessed Mother with the Christ Child.
The
statue, sculpted by Adrian
Van Der
Staak,
was
set
in
largest net increase in membership among
Knight of the Year Award, an honor
the state's large councils.
reserved for Knights over 50 years of age
of Gastonia received the State Golden
Cardinal Bernardin's Pancreatic CHICAGO (CNS) — Doctors said
Tumor Was Malignant
the pancreatic tumor removed from Chi-
of other organs.
cago Cardinal Joseph L. Bernardin June 12 was malignant but caught in time
Doctors initially believed a tumor found on the kidney was cancerous though
some discomfort during his treatment, he expected to resume his work duties. The cardinal was in good spirits and accepted the news with equanimity, ac-
before
ney, 40 percent of the pancreas and parts
is
unrelated to the tumor on the pancreas.
cording to doctors and Chicago Archdio-
Yet doctors gave the cardinal only a 20-25 percent chance to survive the next five years and will begin chemotherapy and radiation treatment to prevent a re-
At the press conference they said they were unsure if the kidney growth was
cese officials.
cancerous.
cardinal's deep faith and resignation to
currence.
remarkably well from the surgery and was expected to leave the hospital in a week, will undergo intensive chemo-
Raymond E. Goedert, who as vicar gen-
therapy treatment for four to six weeks
accept whatever
and will receive intermittent treatment two years. Although he will be in
him."
it
spread.
The announcement came during
a
June 14 press conference at Loyola University Medical Center, two days after the cardinal's surgery. The seven-hour surgery removed the cardinal' s right kid-
The
cardinal,
with more than 15 years of service.
Past State Deputy Richard Grebner
a garden created by
parishioner Jackie Haynie near the parish's Family Life Center.
who was
progressing
for
"We God's eral is
have
will,"
been inspired by the
all
said Auxiliary
Bishop
running the archdiocese while the
cardinal
is ill.
"He has been
The bishop
God
willing to
has in store for
said he
met with
the
cardinal not long after he learned of the
tumor's malignancy, and the cardinal
WILL AN EXTRA $1 ,000 A MONTH HELP YOUR CLUB / CHURCH?
DO YOU HAVE NEEDS THAT YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS CAN'T COVER?
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calmly explained his medical status. "He was so matter of fact you'd think he was building a building or something," said Bishop Goedert. Dr.
Warren Furey, the
CARDINAL BERNARDIN Dr. Gerard Aranha, chief of surgical oncology at Loyola, said he was encouraged in finding the cancer had not spread other than to a lymph node, which had been removed. "We've passed a lot of hurdles," said Dr. Richard Fisher, head of Loyola's Cancer Center.
cardinal's
personal physician, described how eager
was to begin his recovery. Soon after he received the news form his doctor, the cardinal said, "Let's get on with that walk I'm supposed to take." the cardinal
Remember HisWll
"A valid Will stands as a continuing expression of our
concern for loved ones, as well as an ongoing commit-
ment to the Church and the community in which we live!'
In Yours.
Y
Bishop William G. Curlin
ou can express your commitment to your Church by making a bequest to the Diocese of Charlotte or to your parish. Simply have the following statement included in your Will:
"I leave to the
Charlotte (or
Roman
Catholic Diocese of
parish, city) the
sum of$
percent of the residue of my estate) for religious, educational and charitable works." (or
1
-800-992-2468
us
Fiber
its
For more information on how to make a Will that works, contact Jim Kelley, Diocese of Charlotte, Office of Development, 1524 East Morehead
St.,
Charlotte,
NC 28207,
(704) 331-1709 or 377-6871.
& Herald
The Catholic News
June 23, 1995
Pro-Life Corner Gruesome experiments on tiny pre-born boys and girls will be funded with your tax dollars unless you act now! The National
Institute of Health
wants to use your tax
dollars to fund
human embryo
experimentation. Please contact your Congressman today:
Hon.
House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 Switchboard: 202-225-3121
Editorial The Impact on Charities The theory behind proposed
Trie
cuts in funding for
Respect Life Office
"Diocese
(704) 331-1 720
of Charlotte
welfare and other federal social programs is that private charitable organizations will take
Church Must Revitalize Preaching
up the slack and met
the needs of the poor.
But a new report indicates
budget
that the federal
cuts will significantly reduce the ability of nonprofit
organizations to meet the needs of their communities at a time
when those budget cuts will also sharply increase
the need for their services.
The
comes from Independent Sector, a 800 voluntary organiza-
report
national coalition of more than
and corporate giving programs. It is based on the current and projected financial operations of 108 nonprofit organizations in 31 states. It predicts a $254 BILLION cumulative gap between available funds and the amount needed by those organizations to maintain the current level of services during the fiscal years 1996-2002. That doesn't take into account the expected increased demand for services because of federal budget cuts during the period. Sara Melendez, president of Independent Sector, says that in 2002 "if the participating organizations had to make up their program revenue with private giving, charitable contributions would have to be increased by 124 percent from the previous year ..." The organizations included in the report provide services ranging from child care to counseling, from education to environmental action and from disaster tions, foundations
relief to disability rights.
Lester Salamon of the Johns Hopkins Institute for Policy Studies, one of the authors of the report, says private giving in
2002
have
will
to increase
by 252
percent over 1 996 if the 1 08 organizations surveyed are to provide the
Not eral
same
community.
services to the
fund and those that do not will not be impacted as
severely by the budget cuts. But even they will be
impacted by an increase in the number of people needing their services.
While important ecumenical and
The federal government has been helping nonprofit human needs for more than a century. The first federal human services grant went to the Little Sisters of the Poor in Washington in 1 892. This does not appear to be the time for a major reversal of long-standing federal social policy.
The Catholic
m
News & Herald June 23, 1995
Volume
primary aim of pastoral efforts should be announcing the Gospel, he said. Specifically, he said, the Church' s preaching should be capable of "reawakening the consciences of contemporary people, who are often apparently indifferent or caught up in other interests."
He called for "a renewed preaching, for a renewed evangelization," capable of prompting men and women to take a close look at their
own religious attitudes and
ethical practices.
4,
tians can give to the men and women of our time, marked it is by hatred, violence, injustice and, above all, by a loss of the true meaning of life," he said. "In fact, in confronting the conflict between death
as
and life in which we are immersed nothing can help like faith in the Son of God," who became human and lived on earth so that all people would have abundant life, he said.
In doing so, the Church should not be afraid of using
new media and technology, he
adding that it was a fact of modern life that the evangelization of culture depends greatly on the impact of mass media. As the year 2000 approaches, he said, the Church needs to pay attention to the "new language, the new techniques and the new psychological attitudes" that characterize our age. said,
"It is faith in the risen Lord who conquered death and faith in the blood of Christ ... which gives hope and gives back to humanity its authentic face," the pope
said.
Pope John Paul expressed his thanks and that of the Church to men and women who have made a complete and lifelong commitment to missionary activity and especially "to those
Pope Says Proclaiming 'Good News' Is Great Service For Humanity VATICAN CITY (CNS) In a world
—
filled
with
and confusion, proclaiming the Christian message is the greatest service Catholics can perform for humanity, Pope John Paul II said. All Christians are called to witness to the love of
God and
salvation through Christ, the
message
for the 1995 celebration of
pope said in his World Mission Sunday. The message was released at the Vatican June 1 0 for the celebration, which will be held Oct. 22 in most
radical
and
total self-giving
"Do
not
let
yourselves be intimidated by doubts,
difficulty, rejection or persecution,"
The pope
also addressed special
Mail Address:
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St.,
NC 28207 NC 28237
Charlotte,
37267, Charlotte,
Mullen Publications,
&
Inc.
Herald,
USPC
007-393,
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by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1524 East Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28207, 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 lished
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and $18 per year for
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all
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other subscribers.
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young
being in announcing the Gospel and serving His people,"
pope told young people. "But do not
His
involvement in spreading the Christian message and for "a greater passion" for evangelization, the pope said. "This is the first and most important service Chris-
ished by closing in on yourselves; open your minds and
week The Catholic News
to
requests of you are also a measure of His love for you.
"Do
not
let
fear!
yourselves be withered and impover-
your hearts to the infinite horizons of the mission," the
pope
said.
Laid Plans...
and other
TER:
Send address corrections
to
Herald,
PO Box
NC
37267, Charlotte,
cities.
Second-class
POSTMAS-
The Catholic News 28237.
it
became
obvious that our original plan for a rush edition to cover Mother Teresa would be a logistical impossibility. As you probably remember, we had planned to try to print the June 23 issue a week early with the entire issue devoted to Mother Teresa's visit to Charlotte. Because of the timing of her visit with the only public appearance late on Tuesday afternoon, it quickly became apparent that the mechanics alone would preclude the possibility of publishing a special edition a
Phone: (704)331-1713 Printing:
words
God expects great things of them, he said. "He asks the maximum commitment of your whole
people.
mm
McDermott
1524 East Morehead
Office:
he told missionar-
ies.
the
After the June 9 issue went to press
Hispanic Editor: Luis Wolf
Gene
and new and courageous
efforts."
The annual day for recognizing the Church's missionaries is also a time to pray for a wider Church
The Best
Eduardo Perez
Editorial Assistant: Sheree
name of
dioceses.
Most Reverend William G. Curlin
Advertising Manager:
are suffering for the
The commitment of the missionaries, he said, is a model for the whole Church "which always needs
Robert E. Gately
Staff Writer:
who
Christ."
Number 39
Associate Editor: Joann Keane
lotte
interreligious
events are being planned for the coming five years, the
hatred, violence
organizations meet
Editor:
of the second millennium.
of the organizations surveyed receive fed-
all
Publisher:
—
VATICAN CITY (CNS) In its evangelization campaign leading up to the year 2000, the Church needs to revitalize its preaching and take advantage of modern mass media, Pope John Paul II said. The pope, addressing the Vatican's planning committee for the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 on June 8, said the Church willneedamajor effort to break through the widespread religious indifference that marks the end
&
1
Editor's
Notebook Bob Gately
early.
After studying all of the possibilities, we decided on this issue.
We present the regular issue of June 23 with
the usual stories and features plus a 12-page special
section devoted to Mother Teresa and her sisters as they
begin their ministry in the Diocese of Charlotte.
The
credit for putting together the special section
goes largely to Associate Editor Joann Keane with help
Editorial Assistant Sheree McDermott and Staff Writer Eduardo Perez. There also were contributions from freelance writers and photographers who supplemented our staff. You'll see their bylines and photo
from
credit lines throughout the special section.
The Catholic News
June 23, 1995
& Herald
5
Discerning God's Will At times, discerning God's
will can
be as easy as reading the Gospels; at other times it's more difficult than finding your way out of a dense forest on a
It may not be immediately clear what God wants of you. Questions abound
when you're young. Should I attend this school or that? Should
I
serve in this
As you
get older the
dark moonless evening.
capacity or that?
Webster defines the verb "discern" as "distinguishing with the eye or the
questions change. Should
mind." The healthy eye can distinguish between the colors red and green. The healthy mind can distinguish between good and evil. To discern also implies the ability to detect something that is not immediately obvious. A secret service agent can detect the stirrings of a genuine vocation hidden beneath the confused emotions of a teenager. All you need to know about God's will is contained in these three words of Jesus, "Love one another." When you try to be a more loving person, more respon-
want
more self-sacrificing, more forgiving and more compassionate, you are sible,
doing God's
That part is easy. However, discerning God' s will becomes more difficult when you try to ponder your purpose and direction. will.
Monuments connect
souls, serving
The monuments I'm thinking of come and in my environment I pass them every day. There are war
overlooked as they come to be taken for granted.
Their significance struck
me
in a
way recently when I saw the film "Maya Lin: A Strong, Clear Vision" at
fresh
the National Gallery of Art in
Washing-
ton. It
recounts
how
at the
age of 20,
Maya Lin
submitted her model for the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, never thinking it would be chosen.
Of course, it
was chosen. But she paid the price of a true artist, being rejected at first by many of those she most wanted to serve, Viet-
really
I do know that there are three things keep in mind when it comes to discerning God's will. Here they are:
to
The Holy Spirit often leads us along paths we would not have chosen
wrong. Do not do to another what you would not want done to you. Discerning God's will in a crisis situation is
for ourselves. Expect the unexpected.
not always easy, but
The
respect
1.
and where a cross. Don't be
Spirit calls us to love,
there
is
love there
surprised
if
is
you find yourself called
to
make sacrifices. 2. In all circumstances try to obey God' s supreme law of love. Keep in mind that the moral law is concerned with love in action. For example, Pope John Paul II in his recent encyclical, The Gospel of Life, sates that abortion is always mor-
ber and be with their loved ones in It
Some rial
and a flag over
it,
.
have a beautiful voice, then use it in some way for God's glory, and for your own happiness. If you are a good teacher, then presume that God wants you to teach. Put your gifts at the service of others. Be a cheerful giver and you will find that, "all the way to heaven is heaven" (St. Catherine of Sienna).
Maya
News Note, "What Do I Want To Do ?,
"
send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to The Christophers, 12 East 48th Street,
New
York,
NY 10017.
Father Catoir
is
director of The
Christophers.
Lin
memo-
but she objected,
saying this would take away from the main purpose, to have a place where a person could meditate on the life of those whose names were inscribed there. She fought (and won) to have the flag and statue placed at a distance from the sanctuary she had designed. She wanted as few distractions as possible. The Vietnam Memorial is a V-shaped wall which slowly slopes down from its highest end to below ground level. On its black granite are inscribed the names of those killed in the Vietnam War. When one visits there, the sound of voices tends instinctively to hush
—
a
is
the
their husbands, fathers, brothers
and
friends.
also designed another
John The
likewise
it,
people
come first.
That monument is inscribed with the names of many who gave their lives to the civil rights movement. Water, which signified cleansing and new life for Martin Luther King Jr. lightly flows over the ,
inscriptions.
around
it
to touch the
water, they are forced to
come together in spirit in order to overcome prejudice, division and hatred. Whenever people view this monument,
it,
like the
The New Testament describes John
vating virtue and practicing justice to-
ward one another and piety toward God. Apparently John did not know who Jesus was. The fourth Gospel emphasized this twice (John 1:31,33). Even the earliest and most straightforward ac-
from the crucifixion, mentioned outside the Gospels (Acts 10:37).* The first three Gospels present John
count of Jesus' baptism at the hands of John found in Mark (1:9-11) does not imply that John recognized Jesus. The dialogue between John and Jesus in
the Baptist as a prophet proclaiming a
Matthew (3:14-15)
soon to come upon Israel and calling people to a baptism of purification and to reformation of their lives. The fourth Gospel eliminates these references to sin and repentance and instead pictures John giving testimony to Jesus. The late-first-century Jewish historian
bue the baptism scene with this writer's theme of righteousness. Only Luke (1:36) makes John a relative of Jesus. After His baptism, Jesus seems to have remained a disciple of John for
Josephus, writing for a Roman audience,
apparently took
goes even further: for him John was a good man, perhaps somewhat of a moral
disciples
philosopher, who invited Jews to join the
were originally disciples of John the Baptist (John 1:35-37), and also that
composed
creates a silence
awe which
is
and instills the sense of
so necessary in a true
monument. As I watched the Maya Lin film, I reflected also on our churches as monuments to God. I was reminded of the architects I have known who, like Maya Lin, envisioned churches as places where people can be drawn into a sacred part of the earth to be with their Creator and to unite their living spirit with God's infinite life.
Father Hemrick
is
research direc-
tor for the United States Catholic
Con-
ference
Copyright© 1995 by Catholic News Service
Vietnam Memorial,
Baptist: Jesus'
the Baptist as having the greatest influ-
Mentor
Guest Column Father Francis
T.
Gignac, SJ
to im-
some time before beginning a ministry of His own.
Montgomery,
names under the become a tightknit circle symbolizing the dream of the civil rights movement that people might
As they move slowly along the wall, they become one in spirit with
is
this one, in
When large numbers of people gather
if spirits
signer envisioned. People come, stop,
Maya Lin
—
Ala., to civil rights leaders. In
are to
necessary
way
memorial
monument's de-
loved ones.
culti-
3 Let your gifts and talents lead you If you
veterans wanted a sculpture
representing soldiers next to the
But she defended the design, which she maintained was not meant to make a political statement. Rather it was meant for the people. She wanted to create a place where people could come, remem-
baptism provided that they were
our duty to
tism.
meditate, quietly cry and remember their
fiery judgment
is
spirit.
war, its sacrifice or America' s suffering.
Jesus, apart
it
life.
Pray for the grace to know God's and for the courage to carry it out. True happiness is found in cheerful acquiescence to the Lord' s will. Jesus said, "My yoke is easy, my burden light." For a free copy of the Christopher will
was not meant to glorify war or patrio-
There were those who were outraged because they felther design didn'treflect
baptism of repentance. This is the first historical event preserved by the Gospel tradition and the only event in the life of
ally
Strong, Clear Vision Of
unite in the
by coming to John and submitting to his
f
but
hush that
who began His public life
*9 ^?
One Candle
Father John Catoir
me to do?
nam veterans.
ence on Jesus,
Light
my
I don't pretend to be an expert in the mysterious field of vocational guidance,
in many forms,
memorials, gravesites, statues, churches. Their role is significant, but perhaps
change
What does God
career or not?
The as a link to living spirits that never die.
I
Jesus Himself baptized and began to acquire more followers than His mentor
(John 3:22, 26). Jesus continued
many of the
ings of John the Baptist.
teach-
They shared
sense of
God
as Father,
His joyful an-
nouncement of God's mercy, and His emphasis on the role of love in human life were reflected in His acts of healing and his association with sinners.
When He left John' s circle, He
common
themes: the view of an immi-
The baptism of Jesus by John and the
some of John's other with Him. The fourth Gospel
nent divine judgment, the urgent need for
subordinate role Jesus originally played
repentance, and the key motif, the
com-
kingdom of God. But Jesus
also
undoubtedly proved a source of embarrassment to the early Christian communities, some of which came in to contact
suggests that the
first
disciples of Jesus
ing
proclaimed a new mode of salvation that through Him was available at once. His
See Gignac, Page
1
6 The Catholic
News
& Herald
June 23, 1995
Multiculturalism Begins At Today our Church
in
America
is
striving to be more catholic (with a small
phy, share a common culture while still made up of different subcultures. They
different
would not be "community" if there were
ethnic and racial cultures sharing the
not some common elements that connect
"c") with respect to the
same worship
man
many
The
space.
pristine
Ro-
lady finds herself dancing with a
variety of gentlemen callers
and has
learned to step to many different rhythms.
For many of
living
us,
in
a
multicultural environment is part of our everyday lives: on the job, in our neighborhoods, at school and at play. The same challenges in those aspects of our lives are present in the incensed sanctuaries and pews of main-stream Catholic
parishes across the country.
We are strug-
gling to be culturally relevant in a multicultural environment.
What is culture anyway? The American Heritage Dictionary defines culture as "the totality of socially transmitted
behavior patterns,
and
tions
all
arts, beliefs, institu-
other products of
human
work and thought." In light of this definition, we've always lived in a multicultural world. In fact, whether
recognize
it
or not,
all
we
communities, no
matter the size, race ethnicity or geogra-
Home
them. But no matter how tightly connected people are, each person is unique
and therefore different, and by those differences.
is
Family Reflections
cultured
Andrew
we
look at multiculturalism as a normal part of our existence we are better able to deal with the challenges that come with it. When we start with our If
own families we can
&
Terri Lyke
see our capacity to
live in a multicultural setting.
Our family members are of different and
sexes, generations, temperaments
Each member is of a unique culture and experiences the world through a unique prism. Yet, our families function as a system. Each family member's unique qualities, with those shared by other family members, comprise the common culture of the system. The family just wouldn't be the same without even one of its members. How do we handle conflict in the family? Do our differences tear us apart? Or do we find ways to remain a functionidiosyncrasies.
ing system despite our differences?
to take
Though we don't always agree with each
ethnicity, sex,
other (or even like each other), ate, accept,
socioeconomic class, etc. Sharing worship space with other
we toler-
compromise, negotiate, sac-
that
is at
home
we've learned
we
learn to dance to
However, because of the life-lessons we've learned in our family settings, we may find that we're pretty good dancers and ready for the challenge. After all, that's what being "catholic" is all about. Your comments, questions and suggestions for topics are welcome. Send them to Family Reflections, P.O. Box 652, Matteson, IL 60443. Send E-mail to Lyke2Lyke@aol.com. FAX to (708)
and good parishioners. The best way to learn tolerance, acceptance and to value within our families.
Multiculturalism begins at home.
may require new rhythms.
ethnic and racial cultures
submit and persevere in the face of our differences. And we do it with confidence and expectation for good. Good families make good neighbors rifice,
others
on the bigger challenges of race,
Once
cope with the challenges of cultural diversity within our families, we have a prototype from which to
481-3501.
On Q.
Our
oldest child just finished
year of college, in a Catholic school. We were told it is one of the her
first
real Catholic colleges and universities in the country. She has become very confused, however, by the various groups or movements she is urged to join to be a better and active Catholic. Frankly, we share her confusion. Some make us suspicious, especially one
which is tied (they say) to appearances of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Another scares her, and us, the way they (clergy and lay people) claim someone cannot be "good, loyal Catholics" except their way. Sometimes they sound awfully narrow. Can you give us any advice? (Ohio) A. Your concern and,
my
if
is
is
any
a healthy one criterion,
one
shared by a large number of good and obviously well-informed Catholics. Plain
good common sense is always
A 'Good
Being
with them, or who sees things differently, is
somehow a second-level Catholic.
These types of organizations (one might even call them cults) have been around since the beginning of Christianity.
We
New Testament. Such exaggerated claims seem to be a common temptation for any In my 4 1 years as a priest, I have led or participated in dozens of spiritual and apostolic
plished
movements. All have accom-
much good.
But nearly every one went through a stage when it was tempted to consider itself something like an eighth sacrament, to believe no one is a genuine, full Catholic until he or she has done their "thing" or seen things their way. Of course, groups and societies who pursue this course always have the highto "purify" the Church est motives and so on. But, unchecked, such attitudes often lead to gross intolerance and
—
Catholic tradition.
caused enormous personal injuries, persecution and hurt to the body of Christ. But still they surface every generation or
Before anything else, however, it is important to remember that ours is a big Church. Throughout history, when it is at its best and most alive, there has always been room for a whole rainbow of ways for people to pray, to think, to live out their faith and grow in holiness. Just because something does not appeal to us doesn't mean there is anything bad about it. Without respect and
Father John Dietzen
religious movement.
arrogance.
I
Question Box
read about them already in the
might also suggest a few basic guidelines from our
the first judge of such things.
Catholic'
When
sufficiently large, they
have
ments, the Gospels and the basic prayer
good, loyal and complete Catholic Chris-
and spiritual efforts taught in continuous
tians.
Church
tradition
^
Spirit
who was
now. Another warning flag is the claim of this or that group to be the elite. They are the real, genuine Catholics. Anyone not
past
is
with
it
Reflections on the Social Mission of the Parish
need and to
"change the structures that deny people their dignity and rights as children of God.
OF SA^y.
Service and action, charity and justice are
complementary components of parish social ministry. Neither alone
is
sufficient;
both are essential signs of the Gospel at Work."
U.S. Catholic Bishops,
The Eucharistic
Communities ofSalt and Light
Peter
liturgy, the sacra-
and Paul §Heai>ing§ for «)e toeeft of 3utte
Sunday:
25-$uty 1
Zechariah 12:10-12 Galatians 3:26-29 Luke 9:18-24
is
with the Church in the
See Question, Page 13
atholic teaching calls us to serve those in
I
Monday:
any position which rejects out-of-hand what the Church is teaching today. For example, some refuse to accept any developments in the Church since Vatican Council II. In their opinion these teachings and practices conflict with what they see as the "golden age" of Pope Pius V and the Council of Trent in the 1 6th century. We believe on the contrary that the same sign to look for
make
so.
stagnates.
One danger
suffice to
&fitt ^ln<h Jji<gAt
room for these honest varieties within the appropriate framework of faith, the Church
still
Tuesday: The
feast of these
two
saints
had
at
Paul were ardent in their efforts to spread the Christian faith and were martyred as a result. Jesus told Peter,
"You are
Peter
and on
this rock
I
love,
I
gain nothing."
Their feast
is
June
Genesis 12:1-9
Ephesians 2:19-22
Matthew
John 20:24-29
7:1-5
Genesis 13:2, 5-18
Genesis 19:15-29
Matthew
Matthew 8:23-27
7:6,
12-14
Wednesday: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 Matthew 7:15-20 Thursday:
Acts 12:1-11 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18 Matthew 16:13-19
Genesis 21:5, 8-20
Matthew 8:28-34 Genesis 22:1-19
Matthew 9:1-8
will
my church." Paul preached, "If I deliver my body to be
build
burned but have not
1 Kings 19:16, 19-21 Galatians 5:1, 13-18 Luke 9:51-62
is
two great of the church, even though both times denied Christ. Peter and
celebrated together as the pillars
fReo&iitg^ for the toccfe of guttj
Friday:
1 7: 1 , 9-1 0,
15-22
Matthew
fiSjt*
— ^* Saturday:
29.
©1995 CNS
Genesis
Graphics
8:1-4
Genesis 23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67
Matthew 9:9-13
Genesis 18:1-15
Genesis 27:1-5, 15-29
Matthew
Matthew 9:14-17
8:5-17
2-8
The Catholic News
June 23, 1995
Hope To Disabled
Missionaries Bring By SISTER
BARBARA MAYER
In
& Herald
7
Madagascar
difficult roads," explained Father
Although he was born blind, 12year-old Dylan is still a lucky boy. He
hours of waiting, intervening, arguing,
attends a special school for the blind in
interceding and crying. Often, discour-
comes from the Scripture passage in which Peter and John tell a lame beggar at the temple gate called The Beautiful, "In the name of Jesus, get up and walk"
Morondava, Madagascar and has learned to read Braille. He loves to "watch" the fishing boats on the ocean and is learning
aged by the endless red tape and
inertia,
(Acts 3:2)
like loading the children
up and
with a Braille typewriter that Father Don Pelletier, a LaSalette missionary, brought him from the United to write
Dylan' s friend is his CFCA sponfrom Missoula, Mont., who writes to him and sends him gifts so that he will know how special he States.
Pelletier.
I felt
returning to Morondava. girl,
Before Father Pelletier and other
came
LaSalette missionaries
Mada-
to
gascar, families hid their children with
handicaps because they were ashamed
Many
for others to see them.
of the
children had polio and could not
walk
because of shriveled and paralyzed legs. When Father Pelletier learned that most of these children could regain some mobility through orthopedic surgery and appliances or physical therapy, he organized trips to the National Polio Center in Antsirabe.
the
"We would pack 1 0 or 1 2children in Land Rover for the 14-hour trip over
"This best defines our goals: that the
One 7-year-old
Nadia, from Bethany (a nearby
lame
vil-
toward
will take
...
Father
to serve as
new we added four rooms lodging for children who
came from
distant areas.
grant from Raskob,
In 1985, the LaSalette missionaries their efforts
up and walk
Pelletier said. "Last year with a
—
began directing
will stand
full responsibility for their lives,"
had to have her foot amputated. Our numbers kept growing from 20 to 50 to 100." lage)
sor Richard Beighle
is.
"At the polio center there were
re-
children,
habilitating their children with polio with-
accompanied by
Thus these
their parents,
out having to take them out of Morondava.
can receive intensive therapy for five to 10 days. On a rotating basis, they can
With a grant from the Raskob Founda-
return to the center
Wilmington, Del., they built a cobbler shop for the maintenance of shoes and braces. They received a second grant to purchase aluminum bars to build braces. Eventually, they were able to convert a storeroom into a consultation and therapy room. As more and more children began coming from Antsirabe to have their shoes and braces repaired in Morondava, the need for ongoing therapy and reeducation increased. There was also a need
year."
tion of
The center now has more than 300
made
plans to build a
clients. Salaries, materials, transporta-
Jerry Tolle, the late vice president of the
tion,
and Aging, with Dylan, a blind Malagasy boy, during a 1988 visit to Morondava, Madagascar. Christian Foundation for Children
water and electricity
bills are all
paid through Christian Foundation for
Children and Aging, a Catholic sponsorship organization aiding more than
50,000 children and elderly around the world.
permanent rehabilitation center on a piece
"Our present concern and permanence
of land next to the local hospital.
The
more
to assure
is
our program," said the LaSalette priest. "We felt the only way to do this was through a community of sisters. The Sisters of St. Jeanne Delanoue have agreed to take on this work. "There is so much more we could do for these children. We want to organize recreational, educational, nutritional and stability
"The Beautiful Gate," was completed in 1 990 with grants from various foundations. The name
to reach out to other handicapped. In
1988, they
two or three times a
center, called
to
vocational activities that would eventually contribute to a tion.
more total rehabilita-
We have begun teaching crafts and
organizing modest work units that could
income for both the children and the program." The LaSalette mission teams looks back in gratitude over the growth and development of the past 12 years. As they tried to respond to the needs of the youth, God provided the funds through create jobs and
caring agencies and
CFCA sponsors.
we have journeyed
"In 12 years
a
very long road," Father Pelletier said.
"We have given to hundreds of disabled children the hope of a normal
many we have
To
life.
up and walk!' Many are not motivated and we hope to continue our j ourney with them and to go even further. said, 'Get
"In the Third
Sponsor a child
at a Catholic
This
She lives in a small village in the mountains of Guatemala. Her one-room house is made of cornstalks with a tin roof and a dirt floor. Her father struggles to support his family of six on the $30 a month he earns as a day laborer. Now you have the opportunity to help one very poor child like Marta through Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA), is
Marta.
the only Catholic child sponsorship program working in the 23
countries For as
little
as $10 a month, you
Yes,
I'll
Boy I
I
will
Dylan
Diocesan Position: Re-
Christine
can.
gional Coordinator of
rector of Faith Formation,
that fallacy.
Any
in
Name
most need
$20
$25
Other $
.
of your sponsored child, information about your child's family and country, letters from your child and the CFCA quarterly newsletter.
Please take this opportunity to
employment opportunities
Faith Formation For Western Region :
cfca;
(Asheville,
Catholic Child
Sponsorship
(please
person
print)
in this position
semi-annually
annually
Endosed
is
my first contribution of $ my gift of $
cannot sponsor now but endose
Please send
I
me more
.
.
information.
I
Phone Financial report available
on request/ Donations are U.S. tax deductble
Christian Foundation for 203
Children and Aging
Member: U.S. Cathol ic Mission Association, Natl Catholic Development Conference, Cathofc Press Association, Catholic Network of Volunteer Service, Natl Catholic
I
Stewardship Council, Natl Catholic Council
tor
Hispanic Ministry
One Elmwood Avenue / P.O. Box v "YA 3910 City, KS 661 03-091 0 / (800) 875-6564 '
Kansas
n §
I 1
«i 1
Organist/Music DirecPosition immedi-
tor:
240
responsible for the co-
Responsibilities include
ordination of ministry
direction of choirs and
of faith formation serv-
cantors for weekend Masses and special liturgies. Degree preferred,
degree
in
ish in
Swannanoa, NC.
Must have experience a
in
church,
liturgical
religious education or
Strong knowledge of
related ministry, experi-
Catholic liturgy essen-
enceincatechesisforall
tial.
age levels, teaching and
Send resume,
administrative experi-
salary history to: Organ-
ence
Search Committee, Box 99, Swannoa, NC 28778.
in
educational or
ministry setting. Send
I
"
household Catholic par-
diocese. Qualifications
City \State\ Zip
St.,
NC 28207.
Diocesan Director of Faith Formation and is
western region of the quarterly
524 East Morehead
Charlotte,
ately available for
ing the parishes in the
Address
^ 1
Newnan, Di-
reports directly to the
are: Master's
I
Smokey
Mtn. Vicariates). The
contribute:
monthly
He is healthy and intelligent
and receiving a good education. For more information, contact Christian Foundation for Children and Aging, One ElmwoodAve., Kansas City, KS 66103 or call (800) 875-6564.
To help build your personal relayou will receive a picture
tionship,
is:
$15
one example of destroying
day!
Teenager
Girl
is
make a difference in the life of one poor child. Become a sponsor to-
benefits as other sponsored children.
help one child:
My monthly pledge $10
fallacy."
same
donations and the tireless efforts of our dedicated Catholic missionaries that your child receives the
we serve.
and complete rehabilitation of the handicapped, we hope to destroy that total
can help a poor child at a Catholic mission site receive nourishing food, medical care, the chance to go to school and hope for a brighter future. You can literally change a life! Through CFCA, you can sponsor a child with the amount you can afford. Ordinarily it takes $20 a month to provide a child with the life-changing benefits of sponsorship. But if this is not possible for you, we invite you to do what you
CFCA will see to it from other
desperately poor developing
mission
month
for just $10 a
World we identify the As we work for a
disabled with beggars.
resume by July 15
to:
ist
P.O.
Salary competitive, references,
8
& Herald
The Catholic News
June 23, 1995
How one man
into
fell
work of justice
the
All
contents copyright
FAITH IN THE
©1995 by CNS
MARKETPLACE
What can a parish
actually
do to promote social justice? is not just another program. It is a way of life. It should inform everything else we do.... When we vote we need to do it from a social justice
"Social justice
ments
(a stolen
CD player;
one teen-ager quitting; the landlord stalling on lights), gains far outweighed losses.
He became
a friend,
in-
vited for meals and sought for advice. Residents took
more responsibility
for keeping the complex safe and clean. Some were looking into a tenants' rights organi-
CNS
illustration
by Robert
F.
McGovern
By Dan Luby Catholic
He knew,
News
Service
pressed a clean handkerchief to the wound. Then an old man hobbled into view, and the painter handed the crying child to her grandfather. The
abstractly, that justice
was something to which Jesus' followers ought to be committed. But he'd also seen too
much not to be skeptical.
The conflicts of the Vietnam era,
"His rule was, 'Don't get
corporate corruption and global poverty led
Then came
involved.'...
him
the
"The people
still.
this
doubt that much could be done. His rule was, "Don't get involved." He'd built a
to
people living
in the truck
back
in (dilapidated)
job painting houses into a prosperous busi-
and "felt beyond what
painter got involved
enriched, far
and the
the little girl's affection were great. Conversation was animated.
ness with two he'd risked." dozen employees. But he didn't The discovery watch the news that the painter and changed the subject when people knew the building's owner brought a talked about social justice ("too defrightened silence, and then piercing pressing"). questions. In the end (asking himself,
Then came a
providential encoun-
ter with people living in apartments
owned by a customer. The units were appalling: roaches the size of mice, broken light fixtures, glass on the floor, peeling paint. He wouldn't even bid on the job. As he was leaving that place, a toddler came rocketing around the corner
it
was time
for
them to become
grandfather sat with him during long hours in waiting rooms. When his landlord wanted to evict him, the grandfather called a tenants' rights advocate for help. His daughter negotiated appointments with doctors and stared down a bill collector. At his funeral, his priest movingly told the story of the man and his new friends as an example of ordinary Christian people making justice hap-
apartment. The grandfather's gratitude and
apartments owned by a customer." Reluctantly, the
summer
at
told his friends his
But
clinic.
pen.
"We may not be able to influence great political movements," he said, "nor stop wars blazing half a world away. But we can make a difference
"How did
I get into this?"), the painter offered to talk to his customer about promised repairs. He made a deal with the landlord, offering, if the repairs were made, to do the painting at cost. He decided to head the crew and hire three teen-
it
are
also helps the
parish better understand their real
needs and how they help the fulfill its
role."
— Dan
Robinson, Ripley, Tenn. in a parish most commit themselves to do are already tied up with other
likely to
Yet social justice is simply a Christian. Each of us can only do so much, so we
things.
part of being
need
to simplify
how we
organize
our parishes to eliminate the overload and burnout, and free us up to focus more on social justice issues." Liz Simpson, Dorcas,
—
W.Va.
"When
social justice issues are
happening in other places in the world, have a speaker come in from that place to educate the parish about it. For example, when the civil war was raging in Rwanda, my parish had a priest from there come and talk about the situation during the homily."
— Cristina Ward, "Christian justice
Clairton, Pa.
is
not the
same
here.
as social
"And when we take the risk of speaking out for those who need our help, when we put our own comfort on
we seek the God for others. For example, when someone comes to my door wanting money to buy
the line for what is right, we lay the foundations for justice worldwide."
(Luby is the director of the division of Christian formation for the Diocese of Fort Worth, Texas, and a free-lance
justice. Christian justice
demands kingdom
that
of
hand them the money, them that am a sinner and ask them to pray for me. That Father makes them my equal." Jim Creedon, Petersburg, W.Va. food and I
agers from the complex. Although there were disappoint-
who
terminal illness, his health declined rapidly and his business more rapidly
his advocate. He had lost his truck, so they drove him to the clinic. The girl and the
They talked
providential encounter with
community not
part of the parish
parish
pacity to be their advocate.
drove them to
a
"People need to be first made an equal part of the community before they can be helped wisely with their other problems. Being a
day he died. That day came sooner than expected. When the painter found he had a
news sadly. He had no more money, no more ca-
though. Then he
scandals in govern-
ment,
— Sister Shawn
Ashby, W.Va.
marginalized, but
He
painter held onto her foot,
Ft.
enriched, far beyond what he'd risked. And he maintained his friendship with the girl's family felt
until the
and jumped when she saw him, right onto a shard of glass. She howled, and blood flowed from a foot gash. Instinctively, he picked her up and
Scanlan,
only helps those
zation.
He
perspective."
I
tell
I
—
writer.)
An upcoming
FAITH IN ACTION "Often,
when one engages
in
a
life
of active ministry, time for prayer gets shortchanged," states Sister of St.
Joseph Betsy Clark
New
World Order (Paulist Press, 997 Macarthur Blvd., Mahwah, N.J. 07430. 1994. Paperback, $4.95). In her "Prayer of an Anti-racist Racist" she writes: "Something is wrong. When look around me, see almost everyone looks just like me.... may not be the one responsible for slavery, but unless begin to live my life differently, could be responsible for maintaining the situation that results from it. Divine Compassionate One ... open my heart to learn." in
her collection of Prayers for a
I
I
Reflection: Is there in turn
some
by the very people
prayer in
I
I
I
sacrifice for
my heart "to learn."
I
whom
can make I
that could enrich another's
sacrifice? This
week
I
will start
life
the long run? And am willing to be enriched my world through new eyes, and with a new
in
looking at
I
edition asks:
What
is
your definition of "consumerism"? If you would like to respond for possible publication, please write: Faith Alive! 3211 Fourth St. N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017-1100.
The Catholic News
June 23, 1995
& Herald
!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT a "new culture of life." have attracted great interest. But the pope is also explicit about the essentials of a culture of life, for example a "renewed lifestyle" that involves "passing from indifference to concern for others, from rejection to acceptance of them." Pope John Paul wrote about this in a 1 995 encyclical titled The Gospel of Life. Essential to a culture of life, he said, is the attitude that "other people are not rivals ... but brothers and sisters to be supported. They are to be loved for their own sakes, and they enrich us by their very presence" (No. 98). To construct this culture people must proclaim the Gospel of life, the pope
The present pope wants people
A common ground
for justice
and unity are especially necessary because justice work can be filled
light
By Father Herbert Weber
to mobilize for
His thoughts on the "culture of death"
II
Catholic
News
with conflict and struggle.
Service
Dolores, a mother of three
A nun I know
deeply involved in social justice issues. She counsels is
many women who have been abused or otherwise victimized. This sister works tirelessly to help poor women speak up for themselves. She challenges institutions that take
advantage of women. Recently she visited another sister
who works in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, on the border between the United States and Mexico. That sister also is committed to social justice issues, but her focus is on the rights of aliens and the injustices done to un-
documented aliens. The two women spent a week together learning about each other's concerns. There were points of common concern. Nevertheless, my friend reported to me later that it had been a disappointing expe-
the
war effort.
But Dolores felt that the war was unjust and unnecessary. Friends and neighbors asked how she could not "support the troops" since her own son was one of them. Her response, spoken in a quiet, gentle way, was that she did indeed support the troops. So much, in fact, did she support them that she did not want them to participate in a war she be-
knew what
she
so-
frustration in their
rather disunity than hope in their
common
war was her view of
justice issues often will not
humanity. She knew that
innocent victims. Indeed, children died in the
many
bombing." -
justice.
tion for all social justice in the Chris-
community. I felt that if some guiding principles could be highlighted as a common ground, then all justice concerns would be seen as diftian
ferent expressions of the tian justice.
same Chris-
The Christian concept
of justice
from the image of creation itself. Genesis gives a reminder that God not flows
only created the world with a sense of order, but that what was created was also very good. This basic goodness has been marred since then, and order sometimes has given way to chaos. Justice seeks to recreate the world to make it a place where each person's dignity is respected and all people live
—
in solidarity
with each other.
Jesus was more explicit in many of and actions as he sowed the seeds of the kingdom of justice. When people feed and clothe each his teachings
I
I
other,
when
starvation and exploita-
and when the powerless are not condemned, then the tion are eliminated,
(
kingdom must be
flourishing.
Therefore, the guiding principle of
simply stated, is to transform the world into a new order that has the basic goodness that God intended.
justice, i
admit, never will be fully attained. But it becomes a guid ing light and source of unity. Such
This goal,
I
CNS
photo by Dwkjht Cendrowski
Stepping over Lazarus on the
way home
be popular. the expense of the poor
of popularity, I would add that it is rare for a parish justice committee to have
bombs, would have
Her story made search to find some basic founda-
David Gibson, Editor, Faith Alive!
26
And speaking
war, even using smart
me
—
another reminder about social justice: What you regard as
vision of
It is a matter of showing care "for all life and for the life of everyone," he writes. Throughout the ages, this gave rise "to an outstanding history of charity" a history every Christian community must continue writing today (No. 87).
her view. But that provides
conviction regarding the
issue was most urgent. In short, they found
81).
was unjust. That particular war was "popular" among many U.S. citizens and judged to be just by many others. So Dolores wouldn't achieve popularity through
"What kept Dolores anchored in her
cial justice
Its "core" elements include the belief that Jesus' unique relationship with each person "enables us to see in every human face the face of Christ" (No.
says.
lieved
rience.
Each person had her own agenda, and each thought
grown
sons, was in a particularly difficult situation during the Persian Gulf War. One of her sons, serving in the Navy, was assigned to a ship participating in
"They
parishes don't even have a justice com-
their castles what they have extorted and robbed" (Amos
justice
although
workers can
2:6-7; 3:10).
By Father John Catholic
The very
News
first
J.
This became a constant theme in Jesus' preaching. The Gospel of Luke especially portrays him championing what today is called
Castelot
Service
Christians were
rooted in Judaism, and the law made ample provisions for fairness in dealing with others. The law was explicit about treating helpless
and disadpeople
The
justly:
widows,
or-
phans, aliens. This was not a matter of
what we
call "char-
but of basic justice: regard for human dignity and the rights of everyone to
"His parable of Lazarus
and the
rich
—
—
many strands
are necessary to form a single tapestry, all these areas of concern are important in the task of restoring the beauty and goodness of the created world that God first provided.
(Father Weber is pastor of St. Peter's Parish, Mansfield, Ohio, and a freelance writer.)
lived luxu-
and feasted
riously
sumptuously "every day," while the homeless sick
Lazarus lay
in squalor at his gate.
selfish disregard for
This was
concerned with justice. The first three commandments dealt with respect for God's rights; the other seven protected people's rights. Later, kings will be lauded if they "judge the poor with justice and decide aright for the land's afflicted" (Isaiah 11:4).
But human nature being what it some people were faithful mainly
is,
to
the laws that didn't interfere with their selfish interests or greedy pursuits. The prophets relentlessly condemned these breaches of justice. Amos, the first prophet whose sermons were preserved in writing, set the tone for future preaching and is known, significantly, as the prophet of
He lived in a situation where the wealthy few became wealthier at
The man and
his
simply friends stepped over Lazarus to get to the house.
others."
food, clothing, shel-
justice.
a
powerful denunciation of
ity,"
summed up in the Ten Commandments, all of which were
issues, or questions of discrimination, or as Dolores was to issues of
man was
self-centered
man
rich
Rather than compete with each other, they need to support each other. The hope is that by sharing
some common guiding principles about the need to transform the world, these connections will grow stronger. Certainly, some people will favor working to stop world hunger while others will be drawn to unemployment
a "preferential option for the poor." Not that he was contemptuous of the rich, but he was honest and fearless in pointing out their injustices. His parable of Lazarus and the rich man was a powerful denunciation of selfish disregard for others.
vantaged
ter.
is.
to do right,
says the Lord, storing up in
serve as models to each other of what
war. Just as
the just man for
know not how
mittee
social justice
sell
and the poor man for a pair of sandals.... For they silver
more than a few members. (Many
they might have service committees or outreach teams that provide local charity. Even the very word "justice" is more threatening than "charity.") What kept Dolores anchored in her conviction regarding the war was her view of humanity. She knew that war, even using smart bombs, would have innocent victims. Indeed, many children died in the bombing. Dolores also believed that violence degrades the human race, thus impeding the work of rebuilding the world. Having strong convictions, even if they are based on church tradition and Scripture, may not be enough to prevent one's justice work from becoming lonely work. So people who want to work for justice need to make connections with others working for justice. Actually, through the way they
work together,
ma-
jority.
The rich man didn't physically abuse the poor wretch, but ignored him. This callous disregard for an unfortunate human being was especially reprehensible (Luke 16:19-31). Another parable told of a man who reaped such a bumper crop that he didn't know what to do with it all. His
was to build larger storerooms and enjoy the proceeds. All around him people were starving. But the man came to a sudden, sad end. And Jesus draws this lesson: solution
"Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God" (Luke 12:1621).
The early Christians learned this lesson well and put it into practice. (Father Castelot
is
scholar, author, teacher
a Scripture
and
lecturer.)
9
10
The Catholic News
& Herald
June 23, 1995
People Retired Pennsylvania Bishop Connare Dies At 83
GREENSBURG,
Pa.
(CNS)
In
—
Greensburg died June 12 after a lingering illness and complications from ane-
He was
A
83.
celebrated June
1 6 at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Greensburg with Bishop Anthony G. Bosco of Greensburg as the
main celebrant. Bishop Connare served 27 years as bishop of Greensburg until 1 987, when he was succeeded by Bishop Bosco.
He
attended
all
office.
own
Head Says Crisis Of Fatherhood Mired In Divorce Culture NEW HAVEN, Conn. (CNS) The best news about fatherhood is that "more people are acknowledging that fatherhood and fathering are in deep crisis," said the head of the Knights of Columbus in a statement for Father's Day. "There is a growing awareness that
conclusions you can draw." Meanwhile,
—
Mass was
funeral
Prep briefly before transferring to public high school.
Knights'
Retired Bishop William G. Connare of
mia.
The News
the decline of the father's role
is the biggest single factor in a host of prob-
sessions of the
Second Vatican Council, addressing it in 1 962 on behalf of the U.S bishops on the divine office and the breviary. Shortly
lems afflicting society," Supreme Knight Virgil C. Dechant said June 7 from the
before Vatican IF s close, he prepared the
ven.
diocese for the upcoming liturgical changes and had the cathedral renovated
nals and into mainstream media." There
.
organization' s headquarters in New
"has
meet the new liturgical norms. In 1980, Bishop Connare was one of three U.S. prelates at the funeral mass of Arch-
is
bishop Oscar Romero
problems will become."
to
is
wel-
comed by his sister, Stacy, on his arrival Andrews Air Force Base, Md., June O'Grady survived six days in the woods after being shotdown by Bosnian at
11.
Serbs while on a United Nations (CNS photo from Reuters)
—
found themselves unable to say no to children in need of homes, so they adopted 10 of them. As parents of children enrolled in a Catholic foster parents, they
patrol.
when their
were Catholic. Once they started attend-
—
dramatic rescue.
out there,
faith, his
I
heard
all
"When I was
your prayers, heard
time "was very emotional at times, but a very good feeling. I felt a closeness to
them loud and clear," he told a cheering crowd June 1 1 at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, just outside Washington. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1965, O'Grady grew up in Spokane, Wash.,
God."
where he attended Cataldo Catholic Grade
and School in Ottawa. His wife, 40, said receiving the sacraments for the first
(CNS)
—A
priest ac-
He was
School.
enrolled at
Gonzaga
Father Cunha said he is suing the Toronto
Star for
libel.
Irish Bishop Says
Church Must Allow Married Priests DUBLIN, Ireland (CNS)
—
Bishop Brendan Comiskey of Ferns has said that to end the drop in vocations the Latin-rite Catholic Church must allow a married priesthood. "Where there is no priest there is no Eucharist, and where there is no Eucharist there is no Church," he said in an interview published in the June 1 Dublin Sunday Tribune. Bishop Comiskey noted that married priests who converted from Anglicanism are ministering in parishes in London. "We have already made an exception," he said. "How can you have two guys on the same street ministering, side by side, under different rules?" Bishop Thomas Flynn of Achonry, spokesman for the Irish bishops' conference, said he would need "some convincing" before accepting the idea of married priests.
back taxes will maintain his position within the Church while the dollars in
archdiocese investigates the allegations. Father Alberto Cunha, who chairs the
if serious
after his
contentment," said Shields, 42, a maintenance worker at St. Columba Parish
TORONTO
cused of owing hundreds of thousands of
northern Bosnia, credited his
and heroic Marines for bringing him home. "The first thing I want to do is thankGod.Ifitwasn'tforGod'slovefor me and my love for God I wouldn't be here," he said at a press conference held at an air base in Aviano, Italy, two days
as a family, they couldn't say
To Keep Position While
Archdiocese Investigates Allegations
board of two nonprofit buildings in
training
no to becoming Catholics all at once. Twelve members of the Shields family were received into the Catholic Church at St. Patrick's Parish in Ottawa on May 4. "I have a feeling of great relief and
Priest
Downed Pilot Credits God's Love, Marines' Heroics For His Rescue WASHINGTON (CNS) While everyone was hailing him as a hero, Capt. Scott F. O'Grady, the downed Air Force pilot who was rescued June 8 from
—
youngsters wanted to attend Mass, even though neither they nor their children
Mass
Force Capt.Scott O'Grady
Air
Family Of 12 'Couldn't Say No,' Everyone Becomes Catholic OTTAWA, 111. (CNS) Terry and Penny Shields "just couldn't say no." As
ing
also increased awareness that "the
longer this situation continues, the more entrenched and harder to solve those
in San Salvador. During the Mass gunshots rang out and bombs exploded in the square outside the cathedral. Forty people died and 250 were injured in the violence.
school, they couldn't say no
Ha-
He said recognition of the crisis moved out of social science jour-
"He's still there, so draw your conclusions," said Msgr. Boehler. "If that changes, then there are other
Toronto, will continue in that capacity, said Msgr. Edward Boehler, judicial vicar for the Toronto Archdiocese.
Msgr.
THE ORATORY SUMMER BIBLE INSTITUTE
Boehler, who investigates alleged wrong-
Sunday, Aug.
allegations are made, often the archdiocese will remove the accused from
INTERN AT. AUDTTOR The Diocese of Charlotte
Fr.
Dr.Toni Craven Eugene LaVerdiere, SSS
Old Testament: Dr.Toni Craven will focus on the Book of Daniel. These
is
sessions will be
internal auditor. Responsible for
Friday morning. Dr.Craven is on the
internal audits at locations throughout western North Carolina and coordination of the annual audit.
faculty of Brite Divinity SchoolTexas Christian University. New Testament: Father Gene is an
Applicants must be
CPAs with a
old friend of the
accounting. Applicants must have fund accounting experience and be proficient in using PCs.
EOE. history to:
Summer Bible
Gafffor compfete (feiaifs
C>
c^eorye
n ~LT r
(k
(704)333-4663
POBox
1//
(SOO) 333-2328
Jielene
7
11586
Rock Hill, SC 29731
NC 28236
Gabriel School, Charlotte,
St.
Institute
The Oratory
Manager
Charlotte,
Bible In-
stitute
years related experience, including 3 years in public
Send resume and salary
Summer
from Emmanuel magazine and Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. His talks will be Sunday evening through Thursday evening. For more information:
minimum of 5
P.O. Box 36776
QfZOTg&f
Monday through
accepting applications for an
Fiscal
Gjj
6, to
Friday, Aug. 11, 1995
doings of archdiocesan employees, said
NC
Principal
(JUyatt
St.
Jfiy/i ^7~as£ion CP/iotograp/iy
Gabriel School seeks an experienced educator for principal effective
July
1,
1995.
students.
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counselor, learning support teacher, Spanish, P.E., computer and media
Superintendent of Schools Diocese of Charlotte
1524 East Morehead NC 28207
Charlotte,
St.
to:
field.
The Catholic News
June 23, 1995
New Media WASHINGTON
—
watching violent TV make my child vio-
November in Minneapolis, where 6,500
lent?"
teens are expected to gather.
founder said is "the biggest and best we've ever done." Called Beyond Blame: Challenging
that
The
its
"We know from personal reflection
audiences: grade
schoolers, middle schoolers, teens and
"A more
relevant question
learning to ask now
is:
we
public, said center founder and executive
Sister Elizabeth said media violence
take a
good
good and started"
five years to get
in getting the kit's
director Sister Elizabeth Thoman, a mem-
breeds insensitivity "to people
ber of the Congregation of the Humility
come
of Mary.
out
But like tobacco and alcohol, media violence is due for "demarketing," she
is
said. "It's like anything like socialjustice
she said, "creates an appetite for
or environmental consciousness. Ittakes
and more violence" and fosters world syndrome" because of fears that the kind of violence seen in the media could happen at home. "The Club for my car, dogs for the yard, guns for quote-unquote 'protec-
a while."
The
kits contain lesson plans,
worksheets and handouts, plus audio and video segments to inform citizens old and young of the effects of media violence in society and the connection be-
tween make-believe violence and the real thing.
Sister Elizabeth to take part in
was in Washington
a White House conference
on drug and alcohol abuse policy. This conference was aimed at deterring adolescents
from
starting to
smoke or drink
stuff."
A
What is the long-
concepts to take hold with the general
"It'll
and communities.
media literacy training workshop leaders "and getting people to use this step in
are
term impact of excessive violent imagery as entertainment doing to our individual collective psyches? What kind of personal value system and culture world view are we passing on to our children?"
adults, parents
Sister Elizabeth envisions as the next
watching violence does not itself cause people to be violent or we would all be murderers!" the kit says.
Violence in the Media, the kit has separate parts for specific
who
on a shelf?" she asked. Even if all were being used, "there are 1 8,000 parishes in the United States and we haven' sold one-tenth of that," she added. Sister Elizabeth noted the comments
on media violence made in May by Sen. Robert Dole, R-Kan., and President
be-
City federal building
media,
on violence and the
tional conversation
more a "mean
"You don't So you stay at home at
Oklahoma bombing for a na-
Clinton's call after April's
ethic,
very important in Christianity."
tion,'" Sister Elizabeth said.
,700 copies,
sitting
distrust
in
1
but "are they being used or are they just
and of reaching — victims" "the Good Samaritan which
The amount of violence
Catholic Connections to Media
Literacy kit has sold about
media. "If
you want
to start that conversa-
Affirmative Action
tion to take an active role in setting
relief."
publication through the center.
flurry of kit-based training is also being
ducers, network executives and advertis-
done with religious communities with a large percentage of teaching members. The center also will do a presenta-
Gignac
(From Page
He warned
women
there has been
year."
He said it is possible to change curand people may legiti-
rent programs,
mately disagree on specifics of affirmative action policies. But any change must involve an acknowledgement of past and present discrimination and must keep the elimination of discrimination as its principal goal, he said.
none
greater than John the Baptist" (Matt.
with followers of John (Acts 18:25; 19:3).
Each successive Gospel writer tries to tone down the story of the baptism and to portray John as the precursor of Jesus. Perhaps this is done most effectively by the author of Matthew (11:14), who [placed John in the person of the prophet [Elijah, expected by devout Jews to return to inaugurate the kingdom of God. But [he also incorporated a phrase derived
[from the hypothetical
Q document that
[he shared with the author of Luke, in
which Jesus praises John: "Among those
Luke 7:28). What an honor to be called by Jesus the greatest human being up to that time No wonder John the Baptist has always 11:11;
is
the only saint except
Mary whose
we celebrate as a feast, on June
24.
—
has a responsibility for eliminating the
standards and providing mechanisms for
"The human impact of our choices must remain uppermost in our debate," he said.
The cardinal urged parishes throughout his archdiocese to hold educational sessions over the next 1 8 months "that will enable parish members to reflect on and discuss the substantive issues." He also urged nonpartisan voter registration drives and get-out-the-vote campaigns. "Voting on election day is a
concrete
of putting our faith into
The cardinal noted that efforts in the
which proposals for change must be
California Legislature to repeal affirma-
measured:
tive action
"Although progress has been made, we must not fail to remember that societal and institutional racism and discrimination and their effects remain
ballot."
have failed so far. But he warned, "In the upcoming months, attempts will be made to place an affirmative action voter initiative on a 1996 California voters have determined
deeply woven into the fabric of society."
— "Any proposal
Gignac is a professor and chairperson of the Department of Biblical Studies at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
way
action," he said.
He cited three basic principles against
—
held a unique position in Christianity and is the patron saint of French Canada. He birthday
that the future of affir-
mative action "seems destined to be at the center of debate in the 1996 election
Catholic Youth Ministry' s conference in
who have historically and systematically suffered from it." "Society, including government, tion against those
discrimination historically suffered by
8.
tion during the National Federation for
born of
5)
Needed
Still
certain groups of persons and an obliga-
fit
blame," in which viewers, writers, pro-
blame the others without admitting
Center for Media Literacy, 1962 S. Shenandoah St., Los Angeles, CA 90034. For details call (800) 226-9494.
dismantle existing affirmative action pro-
didn't
Affir-
ciples underpin the national discussion."
any responsibility themselves. The circle, Sister Elizabeth said, "has been fueled by one unanswerable question: Will
view unit including a town hall presenis $59. 95. The children 's resource package which includes the introduction and overview unit and the elementary and middle school curriculums costs $1 49.95, as does the adult resource package, which substitutes the teen-adult and parent-caregiver programs. Quantity discounts are available. Shipping is $5 for orders under $100, $7.50 for orders between $100-$500, and $10for orders over $500. Orders can be sent to tation
into standard teaching prac-
it
—
The first
ers
coming political season." The complete media kit costs $249.95. The introduction and over-
Noting efforts across the nation to
LOS ANGELES (CNS)
grams, Cardinal Mahony said, "It is imperative that moral and ethical prin-
about the "circle of
moral high ground" on the issue "during this
mative action is still needed in some form, Cardinal Roger M. Mahony of Los Angeles said in a pastoral statement June
She said the center relied greatly on funding from religious orders to support
kit talks
kit. "This is a real challenge for parishes. They can take the
go out at night. night and watch more TV." She said educational publishers turned down the multimedia kit, which contains audio- and videocassettes, magazines and other printed material, saying
and alcohol in adulthood as well as a using illegal drugs.
Beyond Blame
Los Angeles Cardinal Says
tices.
The
1
she said of the
tion, here's the tool"
because of links to greater use of tobacco start to
Herald
Focuses On Exposure To Violence
Kit
Center for Media Literacy in Los Angeles has produced a kit on media violence
(CNS)
&c
Jesuit Father
to
reform the
sta-
and programs must not fail to advance society toward the elimination of discriminatus of affirmative action policies
public policy by popular referendum on a
number of significant
issues in recent
years.
Cardinal
Mahony
said that since
affirmative action programs began with the
1
964 Civil Rights Act, there has been
progress toward ending discrimination, but the battle
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REFINISHING
12 The Catholic
News
& Herald
June 23, 1995
'Qmuniquemonos
La hermana Margarita Brewer con sus hijos Dan, a la izquierda y William con su esposa, a la derecha durante la recepcion con motivo de su consagracion religiosa, en el convento de las Hermanas de la Caridad en Cincinnati, Ohio.
Grupo de ninos que asisten al catecismo los domingos en la iglesia de la antigua Asuncibn y que recibieron su primera comunidn en la parroquia de Santa Ana hace un par de semanas.
De madre a hermana Por
ARTURO DE AGUILAR
despues de varios anos de estudio, trabajo
Para cualquierjoven seria muy diffcil explicar a sus amigos que su
mama
es
una "monja". Esto se debe a que la idea tradicional que la gente tiene respecto a las "monjas" es que son jeres que nunca se han casado ni que nunca se casaran. Pero en mi historia de hoy, descubri que esa idea es un poco erronea y las cosas pueden ser diferentes. Esto es lo que les paso a Dan y William Brewer, quienes no creyeron que su madre en verdad queria ser una religiosa.
La
idea, el sentimiento estaban ahf
desde los dieciseis anos de edad. Pero no fue hasta la anulacion de su matrimonio que ella decidio dar el primer paso hacia la vida consagrada. Ella siempre supo que Dios la estaba llamando a algo distinto, a su servicio, y es por eso que ella contesto
con un "sf
al
Senor para
dedicar su tiempo y su vida completa a las obras de Dios. Esta mujer, de la cual
estoy escribiendo, es la hermana Margarita Brewer, quien el mes pasado profeso sus votos perpetuos como Hermana de la Caridad en Cincinnati, Ohio.
La hermana Margarita nacio en Ciudad de Panama, Panama, y emigre a los Estados Unidos en 1964. Poco despues de su llegada, comenzo a envolverse en diversas actividades de la Iglesia en los distintos lugares donde ella vivio. Cuando ella, junto con su familia vinoavivirala comunidad de Moors ville, N.C. ella comenzo a trabajar acti vamente el la iglesia de Santa Teresa, con el padre William Kelly. Ah, desempeno el cargo de presidente del comite de la construction de la nueva iglesia, y debido a que es arquitecta en diseno, estuvo a cargo del disefio interior de la misma. Tambien estuvo envuelta en muchas de las actividades de su comunidad. Una vez que sus hijos fueron autosuficientes, ella se fue al convento de las Hermanas de la Caridad en la ciudad de Cincinnati, donde Colaboradores Voluntarios El padre Roberto Graves esta interesado en publicar una hoj a en espanol con contenido doctrinal para ser distribufda gratuitamente en todas las
comunidades hispanas. Para ello necesita voluntarios que le ayuden con este apostolado. Interesados comunicarse con el aesta direction: Box 1 123 Wadesboro, NC 28179 Tel. (704) 694 5183.
Primera Comunion
y discernimiento vocacional, decidio los votos perpetuos de la vida
tomar
religiosa.
"Yo,
sister Margarita,
libremente
me comprometo de por vida al
servicio
de Dios y su Pueblo..." fueron laspalabras por medio de las cuales ella prometio colaborar con el plan de la salvacion de Dios. Esta fue la reafirmaci6n del contmuo y dedicado trabajo que ella ha estado realizando gran parte de su vida. En los ultimos anos ella ha estado trabajando en Outer Banks, N.C. en la diocesis de Raleigh, como asociada de la pastoral. Sus obligaciones ahf comprenden el cargo de Directora de
En la Iglesia de Santa Ana mas de veinte ninos y ninas que asisten regularmente a las clases de catecismo ofrecidas en el Centra Catolico recibieron la primera comunion. Las catequistas encargadas de preparar este grupo han sido Consuelo Cansler y Daisy Medina, quienes con mucho amor, empeno y
dedication ofrecen su tiempo para el crecimiento doctrinal de estos
pequenuelos. Toda la comunidad de Charlotte le agradece a Consuelo y Daisy su labor en la comunidad y ademas felicita atentamente a estos ninos y ninas y les da la
bienvenida al Banquete dominical.
Education Religiosa, laresponsabilidad por el programa RCIA, por el grupo de mujeres y especialmente el trabajo con los hispanos inmigrantes.
Es interesante descubrir como Dios trabaja de una
forma misteriosa e
Como una mujer que despues de ser madre, trabajar como arquitecta por 23 anos y criar a sus hijos es llamada por Dios para colaborar con la obra de santificacion en la vida religiosa consagrada. Eso me hace invitarles a reflexionar si Dios no esta llamando a cada uno de nosotros a una mision especial, quiza no a la vida consagrada, pero si a colaborar con su trabajo de la salvacion en nuestras inescrutable sus designios.
Al final del retiro
poso para esta
se celebro la Eucaristia dominical y despues el grupo de parejas de recuerdo de su presencia en el centra de Cristo Rey de
foto
Yadkinville.
situaciones concretas y particulares.
Toda
la
comunidad hispana de
la
diocesis de Charlotte se alegra por la
hermana Margarita, quien beneficio a nuestra comunidad con su servicio desinteresado y amoroso, y eleva una plegaria par que Dios le bendiga en su trabajo y en la lucha diaria por contestar al
llamado de Dios.
To Our Friends Article by Arturo De Aguilar about Sister Margarita Brewer, a hispanic woman born in Panama City,
Panama who professed her final vows as a Sister of the Charity in Cincin-
Ohio. The Centro Catolico Hispano prepared a group of children nati,
who received the sacrament of Eucarist in St. Ann Church. Article about a retreat for couples held in Cristo Rey Hispanic Center in Yadkinville.
Experiencia de amistad
y
amor en Por
En
Yadkinville
ARTURO DE AGUILAR
pasado retiro para parejas realizado en el centro Cristo Rey de Yadkinville, un numeroso grupo de mujeres y hombres se dieron cita para compartir una verdadera experiencia religiosa en la cual, a lo largo del dfa reflexionaron temas como el amor, la relation de la pareja, la comunicacion y la familia. El matrimonio Rivera de Orlando, Florida estuvo a cargo del programa y, como invitado especial el padre Jose Luis Mesa de Mexico, pero radicado en Miami, Florida, dirigio varias de las charlas y celebro la Eucaristia el
padre.
Tambien muchos de
los
participantes aprovecharon la ocasion
para recibir
el
sacramento de la un poco con el
reconciliation o platicar
padre Mesa.
Las hermanas Linda y Andrea, quienes son las responsables del centro Cristo Rey, trabajaron mucho invitando a la gente y durante el dfa del retiro, logrando que la gente pasara un dfa
agradable y de verdadera reflexion. Mas de cincuenta personas se dieron cita ese
domingo, y comieron, rezaron y como verdadera compartieron comunidad. Muchas de ellas expresaron
muy
su deseo de volver a participar en una
beneficioso segun el testimonio de varias parejas participantes, quienes dijeron
experiencia como esa y a la vez invitaron al padre y al matrimonio Rivera a volver
haber sido "tocados" por las palabras del
pronto.
para las parejas. Este retiro fue
June 23, 1995
Father Catoir To Direct
Media Evangelization PATERSON, N.J. (CNS)
— Father
John T. Catoir, a priest of the Paterson Diocese and director of The Chri stophers since 1978, will return to his home diocese in October to take up a new diocesan position as director of evangelization and communication. Paterson Bishop Frank J. Rodimer announced the appointment of Father Catoir, who he called "an evangelizer, one who tells the good news."
"He's coming back to us to do the do for and with people," the bishop said, and "especially, to use his talents as a communicator." things priests love to
The new Paterson office is believed to be the first in the
United States to focus
on the use of mass media for evangelization.
Mass
Effort
ning seminary studies.
He was ordained
Paterson in 1960, and holds a doctorate in canon law from The Catholic in
University of America in Washington. In Paterson, he served in the diocesan tribunal 1964-73, was a member of the Priests' Senate and Personnel Board, and had three parish assignments.
At The Christophers, the New Yorkbased organization that uses print and broadcast media to promote Christian values in society, Father Catoir has written a column distributed to 200 newspapers and has hosted a weekly TV show airing on 60 commercial and 1 ,500 cable stations, as well as the Armed Forces TV Network. He is the author or co-author of 10 books, and has held national office in
Father Catoir told The Beacon,
several professional associations.
He was
Paterson' s diocesan newspaper, that he
president of the Catholic Press Associa-
plans to create a new entity called the St.
tion in
Jude Media Foundation to produce spiri-
Francis de Sales
tually oriented radio "I will
up
and television spots.
be using my own savings as startfor this venture," he said. native of Jackson Heights, N.Y.,
Fordham Army, and
Father Catoir will take up residence Mary Parish in Passaic Oct. 10,
at St.
following work as color commentator
WABC-TV
Father Catoir graduated from
for
University, served in the
Pope John Paul
NBC
worked as an
St.
Award for outstanding
contributions to Catholic journalism.
money
A
1988-90 and received its 1993
page before begin-
in
New York
II' s visit
to the
during United
States.
Spiritual Pilgrimage to the Holy Land September 14-24 11 days, 10 nights A Roman Catholic journey through the Holy Land. Limited to a maximum of 25 pilgrims, relaxed pace. Spiritual director: Father Jim Wilmes, Andrews, N.C.
We will have daily
Mass, Rosary and
by Father Jim. Visit Bethlehem, explore Jerusalem, Mount of Olives, ride cable car up to mountain top of Massada, see Dormition Abbey where Our Lady was assumed into heaven, the Franciscan Cenacle commemorating the Last Supper, the Place of the Ascension, walk the way of the cross and more. An opportunity for spiritual growth & deeper appreciation of your Catholic faith. inspirational
talks
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A
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At Oratory Aug. 6-11 — Blessed SacCraven' Old Testament course
ROCK HILL, S.C.
s
rament Father Eugene LaVerdiere and Dr. Toni Craven will be the guest speakers at the annual Summer Bible Intitute Aug. 6-1 1 at the Rock Hill Oratory. Father LaVerdiere will present the New Testament course entitled, "In the Breaking of the Bread: the Development of the Eucharist According to the Acts." His presentations will be evenings Aug.
focus on the
6-10.
too
He
coupon below with check payable to:
THE DIOCESE
of
CHARLOTTE
1524
E. Morehead Street Charlotte, NC 28207 Attn: Media Resource Center
University of
St.
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is
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the
Lake
in
tute,
Emmanuel
Hill,
Question (From Page 6)
City:
Phone:
State:
Zip:
1 1586, Rock or phone (803) 327-
SC 29731
The third and best criterion of all
in
evaluating the genuineness of these move-
One archbishop noted
this in
con-
ments and societies
is
the old standby:
nection with one of the several dozen
What
alleged apparitions current today. His
they bring to the Catholic
is
valid in other matters as well.
are their fruits, their results?
(parish,
Do
community diocese, universal Church)
"One can become a saint," he wrote,
greater hope, unity, charity, kindness,
"and fully participate in the life of the Church, without giving credence to such apparitions; they are not part of the deposit of faith. In fact, basing one's piety on them can often be narrow and
peace and other fruits of the Spirit listed by St. Paul? (Gal. 5:22) Or do they cause mistrust, secretiveness, elitism, hostility and bickering, division and oppression? You can guess which ones St. Paul
illusory."
Service of Others
Consider
PRIESTHOOD in
The Diocese of Charlotte Contact Father Frank O'Rourke Vocation Director
Address:
The Oratory, PO Box
2097.
Maine: Please Print
interested in Scripture study.
all
mation, contact The Summer B ible Insti-
at Catholic
at the
A DONATION OF $20.00 IS REQUESTED.
will
emphasize the visionary and apocalyptic writings from the prophetic literature of the Jewish Scriptures. Her presentations will be mornings Aug. 7-11. Craven is professor of Old Testament at Brite Divinity School of Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. The Summer Bible Institute is open
Theological Union and the
understanding of the Eucharist in the
of Calcutta pleased to make available a two hour video capturing the Ecumenical Prayer Service held June 13, 1995 * Charlotte Coliseum.
will
early Church. Father LaVerdiere teaches
view of Luke's Eucharistic message in on the Acts of the Apostles and their contribution to the the Gospel, he will focus
PUT YOUR GIFTS is
Book of Daniel and
Continuing education and catechetical certification credit can be arranged. Tuition is $60 for each course or $1 10 for both. Room and meals are available at the Oratory at additional cost. For registration or additional infor-
says that after giving an over-
Mother Teresa The Diocese of Charlotte
CRAVEN
Speakers Set For Summer Bible
remark
ft-
Religious Plaques, Cards
DR. TONI
magazine.
Mediatrix Tours 1-800-555-9480
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FATHER EUGENE LAVERDIERE
1621 Dilworth Road East
28203 334-2283 (704)
Charlotte, N.C.
and Christian tradition recommend. (Afree brochure on confession without serious sin and other questions about the sacrament of penance is available by sending a stamped self-addressed envelope to Father John Dietzen, Holy Trinity Church, 704 N. Main St., Bloomington, IL 61701. Questions for this column should be sent to Father Dietzen at the same address.) Copyright 1 995 by Catholic News
©
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News
atholic
June 23, 1995
Diocesan News Briefs church.
ister at the
Healing Retreat
"Inner Healing: Healing the Child Within," with spiritual directors Father
peer support group for the separated or divorced, meets Tuesdays from 7:30-9 p.m. at St. Gabriel Church. For information, call Martin at (704) 523-1708.
Damion Lynch and Bobbie May, is July 21-23 at Belmont Abbey College. The
Group For Widowed Meets
BELMONT — A weekend retreat,
theme
is life
God's
patterns that need
ASHEVILLE
—
A
over 30
Summer Retreat
Chardin," exploring how the insights of Teilhard can help to overcome negativ-
support group
Aug.
ity, is
1 1-1
healing touch. For information, call Bobbie May at (704) 327-8692.
for widowed men and women meets Sun-
ter.
day, June 25 at 4 p.m. at Catholic Social
diocesan
Services. For information, call Sister
editor of The
Widowed, Separated,
Marie
at
(704) 255-0146.
Divorced Retreat
—
HICKORY A weekend retreat, "One Candle Lights Another," offers
Day Of Recollection
presentations, reflection, prayer, liturgy
Monastery Day of Recollection is the first Sunday each month beginning with Mass at 1 1 a.m. followed by meditation, sharing and the reading of a short story by Flannery O'Connor. Bring a bag lunch. Call (910) 699-4005 for reservations at least one week in advance.
and optional group sharing for widowed, separated and divorced Catholics Aug. 5-6 at the Catholic Conference Center. Registration deadline is July 26 (see the ad in this issue and the next for registration form). For information, call Suzanne Bach at (704) 377-6871.
Mass In Latin
— The Mass
ASHEVILLE
BOONVELLE — The New Creation
Eucharistic Adoration Anniversary HIGH POINT There was a spiritual gathering recently in celebration of
—
is
cel-
Sunday each Lawrence Ba-
ebrated in Latin the
first
the first anniversary of Perpetual Eucha-
month
St.
ristic
5 p.m. at
at
Solemn Vespers
silica.
is at
4:30 p.m.
Ret rou vail le Weekend The Retrouvaille program offers a "lifeline" for couples in troubled mar-
Adoration at Maryfield Nursing Home Chapel. The program consisted of a Eucharistic procesion, a blessing of the sick and the aged, and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament followed by a reception.
who and want their marriages to
work. The next Retrouvaille weekend is July 14-16. For information, call Nick and Irene Fadero at (704) 544-0621.
Healing Mass
CHARLOTTE — A Mass for heal-
ing mind, body and spirit is July 5 and the first
Wednesday each month at 7 30 p.m. :
at St.
HICKORY
—A
six
week
adult
formation program which focuses on stages in the human journey begins June 25 from 9:15-10:45 a.m. at St. Aloy sius Church in the lower level video
room. For information, contact Mary vale Sister
Mary Norman Woodend
at
around you. The donation is $210. A week-long retreat July 12-18, 'The Personality of Jesus," directed by Father Chester Michael (co-author of Prayer and Temperament), focuses on who Jesus is as reflected in the Sermon on the Mount and other Scripture. Donation is $200. A week-long retreat July 19-25, "I Will Seek Him Whom My Heart Loves," directed by Conventual Franciscan Father Donald Halpin, focuses on Biblical poetry. Donation is $200. all
To tact
register for these retreats, con-
Living Waters Reflection Center,
1420 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 2875 1 For information, call (704) 926-
And Leaders'
Schools
MORGANTON — Ultreya for the
Morganton/Hickory areas meets the fourth Tuesday each month at 7 p.m. at
lished the scholarship in 1994 for the
children of members of the council.
Perpetual Novena
— There
is
a per
Novena to the Blessed Mother ai St. Vincent de Paul Church Mondays ai 8:30 a.m. For information, call Eva at
petual
(704) 542-1614.
Charles Church. Leaders' School
St.
follows.
SALISBURY
—
Ultreya for the
Salisbury/Albemarle areas meets the last Friday each month at 7: 30 p.m. at Sacred
Heart Church. Leaders' School follows.
CHARLOTTE— Ultreya meets the last Thursday
each month at 7:30 p.m.
at
Gabriel Church. Leaders' School
Red Cross Bood Drive
GREENSBORO
—
The
St.
Paul
the Apostle annual ecumenical blood
drive
p.m.
is
A
Monday, Aug. 7 from 2:30-8 nursery
is
provided and no ap-
pointment is necessary.
327-2341.
Fun And Game Night
Bible Seminar
of
Hospice Volunteers Needed GREENSBORO Hospice ol Greensboro needs volunteers to woii with terminally ill patients and their fami
—
lies.
Training sessions are Mondays anc
Thursdays from 6-8:30 p.m. For infor mation, call Mil Hendrix at (910) 621 2500.
The Catholic News & Herald welcomes parish news for the diocesar. news briefs. Good photographs, preferably black and white, also are welcome, Please submit news releases and photoi at least 10 days before the date of publication.
MAGGIE VALLEY — Family Life
present the Fourth Annual Bible Semi-
nar July 17-21 from 9:30 a.m.-12:30
on the
Open Door Quarterly, who
—
Maule Council of the Knights of Columbus has presented the $500 John P Raywood Scholarship to Deborah Taormina. The scholarship committee selected her on the basis of her essay "Perseverance." Raywood' s wife estab-
(704)
p.m.
Sister Jeanette Stang, focuses
and Marie Norrisey,
priest,
Wins Scholarship ARDEN The Father Joseph
CHARLOTTE Ultreya
faith
of the Creatures," directed by Franciscan
presence of the creative Spirit within and
Richmond
are single, divorced on
follows.
nature retreat July 5-11, "The Canticle
Father Thomas Vigliotta and Dominican
Tabor Retreat Cen-
Explore Life's "Crossroads"
CHARLOTTE — Susan Brady will
MAGGIEV ALLEY— A week-long
at
have co-authored two books, Arise: A Christian Psychology ofLove and Prayer and Temperament, will co-direct. The cost is $50 for overnight stay and $30 for commute. To register by Aug. 4 or for information, contact Tabor Retreat Center, 2125 Langhorne Rd., Lynchburg, VA 24501 or call (804) 846-6475.
Peter Church.
Living Waters Retreats
2
Father Chet Michael, a
St.
riages, including separated or divorced
couples
—
LYNCHBURG, Va. The retreat, "The World View of Teilhard de
who
widowed. Events include dinners, sporting events, dancing, trips and outdooi activities. For a current newsletter, call Kathy at (701) 552-2401.
Margaret Church sponsors a Fun night the first Friday each month at 7:30 p.m. in Murphy Garland Hall. Bring a game and your own reSt.
and
Game
John Neumann Church. The theme, "Stories Jesus Knew from Books Jesus Loved," explores the prophets' role as speakers of the Word of God. Fee is $25 and there is no fee for Catechists. For information, call (704) 845-9441.
freshments.
Maryfield Volunteers Needed
Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools seeks a development director to take
at St.
Singles Summer Activities
CHARLOTTE— Catholic Singles of Charlotte
is
a social group for those
FOUR GREAT NAMES
Development Director
HIGH POINT volunteers
— Maryfield needs
who like to work outside and
over established public relations, stitutional
fication of the grounds. If interested, call
ing programs. Effective July 1, 1995. Candidate must have excellent communication skills (oral and written), high level of enthusiasm and energy
(910) 869-8186 or (910) 886-2444.
Maryfield
at
at
—
advancement and fundrais-
MITSUBISHI MITSUBISHI
Vacation Bible School
CHARLOTTE
KNOW
in-
care for flowers to help with the beauti-
Dot Hockett
to
The
Church vacation bible school
St.
Ann
for chil-
dren in pre-school through grade 6
is
July 10-14from9a.m.-12:30p.m. Reg-
coupled with collaborative leadership skills. Apply to Dr. Michael Skube, Superintendent of Schools, Diocese of Charlotte, 524 E. Morehead St. Charlotte, NC 28207.
MOTORS
6951 E.Independence 531-3131
1
.
7001 E. Endependence
3833.
SPLUNGE CHARLOTTE —
Take the
The Diocesan Office of Youth Ministry offers
SPLUNGE July
1
8-23.
It is
an inner-city
service experience for youth at least 15
years of age and interested in growing in
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CHARLOTTE
—
Pathfinders, a
1337 Central Ave. Charlotte, N.C. 28205 (704) 375-8108 (800) 331-0768
DEALERSHIPS SERVING CHARLOTTE WITH INTEGRITY FOR OVER 33 YEARS! Frank LaPointe, President St. Gabriel Church
Member of
The Catholic News
June 23, 1995
& Beraki
World And National Briefs was
Editor Says Religionists, Not
degree. Father Fernando, 50,
ac-
ket ban on recruitment of maids for
of the intangible and sacred nature of
Religions, Foment Ethnic Conflicts
cused of attempting to rape a 30-year-old housekeeper May 4 at the rectory of Sacred Heart Church, where he was serving. State Supreme Court Judge Norman J. Felig scheduled sentencing
service in Singapore," noting that such a
life." In
ban could deny domestic workers an opportunity to earn more money abroad than they could working in India. The bishops' letter came as news media in India reported that Singapore needs more than 75,000 housemaids following the partial withdrawal of Filipina maids, reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand. Hundreds of Filipinas working as domestic workers in Singapore left after a Filipina maid convicted of murder was executed in March, despite a plea to review the case from Philippine President Fidel
ritory
WASHINGTON (CNS)— Religion is
not necessarily at fault in ethnic con-
flicts
past and present, according to a
Muslim editor, but he said those acting in the name of religion deserve more of the blame.
"It is pointless to
debate whether
Islam has been more successful or less successful than Christianity in solving
and tackling ethnic conflicts," said Khalid Duran, editor of TranState Islam. "That would be turning religion into a tool instead of visualizing us as servants of the faith." Duran was part of a panel discussion on "The Vocation of Monotheistic Faiths in a Conflict-Ridden World" June 8 as part of an interfaith symposium, "Scriptural Faiths, Ethnicity and Ethnic Conflict" at The Catholic University of America, Washington. "A chief characteristic of the racial question
— extremists terrorism —
our 'anarcho-Islamists' resorting to
their appalling
teachings,"
is
precisely
ignorance of Islamic
Duran
said.
Retired Archbishop Offers Plan For New Catholic TV Venture
WASHINGTON (CNS) — Retired
Archbishop Philip M. Hannan of Orleans believes the next
move
New
for the
U.S. bishops in television programming
with direct broadcast satellite technol-
is
for
Aug.
priest
is
8.
1
Under the plea bargain,
the
expected to be deported but not
imprisoned. In the interval before sentencing, he
was to undergo counseling at
a hospital.
Churches Look For Their Role On Information Highway
WASHINGTON
(CNS)
— As
the
information superhighway gets even more
crowded, churches not only want to take want to ensure that the escalating technology is accessible to everyone. These were just some of the issues discussed during a June 8-9 conference on "Global Information Infra-
The
Justice
homes
proposed National Catholic Television Network, which could debut his
Agenda, The
would carry five cable outlets: CNN, ESPN, American Movie Classics, the Discovery Channel, and a
Rivera Carrera of Tehuacan when he named him to head the Archdiocese of
Mexico City. In his nine-and-a-half years as a Mexican prelate, Bishop Rivera has never administered any of Mexico's 14 archdioceses, nor has he ever been elected by fellow bishops to a post on the important 20-member Permanent Council of the Mexican bishops' conference. Yet, following the pope's June 12 appointment, the 53-year-old prelate will move in July from the Diocese of Tehuacan, a
more
disturbing than the fact that
children' s channel, the archbishop wrote
no one may ever know how many people died in Rwanda is the fact that no one seems able to predict when the violence
terminally
the territory.
Mainland
Chinese Priests Concelebrated With Pope In Belgium
LOUVAIN, Belgium (CNS)
the "patriotic" Catholics and the Chinese state
1
in the greater
Mexico City metropolitan
8 million Catholics living
The new archbishop told reporters
Tehuacan
Pope Prays For WWII Victims, Denounces Continuing Conflicts VATICAN CITY (CNS) Pope
—
that
he was surprised by the
not only a historical necessity but a
moral one. We must not forget!" the pope
by the U.S. bishops' Ad Hoc Committee on the Future of CTNA, the Catholic Telecommunications Network of America. The committee recommended that Archbishop Hannan be encouraged
sphere in the country, making reconcili-
overseeing the largest Catholic archdio-
June
cese in the world.
to continue his efforts.
Tomko,
territory
was an "extremely dangerous"
country such as Rwanda."
step that violates the sacredness of hu-
other clerical prisoners of German troops.
Vatican Official Condemns Australian Euthanasia Law
gelization of Peoples. Writing June 9 in
the Vatican newspaper, in a series of
VATICAN CITY (CNS)
marking the first anniversary of murder of three Rwandan bishops,
Cardinal
Tomko
a Staten Island parish, pled guilty 1
May
8 to a charge of sexual abuse in the first
said reconciliation is
P. O'Rourke Certified Public Accountant 4921 Albemarle Road, Suite 116 Charlotte,
NC 28205
A
man life. "When one asks for euthanasia it' s as if one wants to kill oneself. To help
Indian Bishops Warn Against Sending MaidsTo Singapore
domestic workers because of possible
is an inhuman and cruel act," said Bishop Elio Sgreccia, secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Family. Bishop Sgreccia, who made the remarks in an interview with Vatican Radio June 1 1, said that with or without
However, a nun who works
the consent of the patient, euthanasia
women cautioned against "a blan-
represents "a violation of the right to life,
that person kill himself
NEW DELHI, India (CNS) — The
Catholic Bishops' Conference of India
Joseph
—
Vatican official said the recent legalization of assisted suicide in an Australian
Father Albert Fernando, a visiting priest
from Bombay, India, who was serving at
11.
"the only true, realistic prospect for a
prefect of the Congregation for the Evan-
articles
NEW YORK (CNS) — Norbertine
Mass in St. Peter's Basilica The Mass marked the 50th
said after a
anniversary of the end of the war, which ravaged Europe, the Pacific and other parts of the globe. Concelebrating with the pontiff were the bishops of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, where atomic bombs were dropped in August of 1945; two Polish bishops interned at the Nazi concentration camp in Dachau, Germany; and
ation difficult, said Cardinal
the
Nobertine Priest Serving In New York Pleads Guilt To Sex Abuse
without compromising Catholic
doctrine and lines of authority.
Hatred continues to poison the atmo-
will end, said Cardinal Jozef
The government-approved
during a June 12 press conference in
the estimated
area.
Tomko.
Vatican.
bishop Hannan' s proposal was discussed
Arch-
has cautioned the Indian government against sending exploitation.
with
women to Singapore as
Card Of Thanks Thanks to God, St. Jude, St. Anthony and the Holy Infant of Prague for prayers answered.
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church officially does not recognize papal authority over its affairs and elects bishops without Vatican approval. However, there have been ongoing Vatican efforts to normalize relations both with
papal appointment, adding that he is nervous over the challenge presented by
in a
ill
the country can obtain assisted suicide in
John Paul II, joined by priests and bishops who suffered in concentration camps during World War II, prayed for the war' s victims and denounced continuing conflicts around the globe. "To keep alive the memory of what happened is
Puebla state, to replace Cardinal Ernesto Corripio Ahumada as spiritual leader of
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Poten-
tially
May 22 letter to the bishops.
II
provincial city of less than 500,000 in
satellite
Bill
before they could join in, according to the
—
Vatican Concerned No End In Sight To Rwandan Violence
as early as next year. In addition the
111
doctor-assisted suicide.
surprised Bishop Norberto
John Paul
ogy. The satellite would carry directly to
which legalized Under the law, patients from anywhere in
the Terminally
Pope Surprises Mexican Bishop With Appointment To Mexico City MEXICO CITY (CNS) Pope
Ramos.
Churches," held at The Catholic University of America in Washington. The conference was cosponsored by the Conference of Major Superiors of Men's Institutes, National Council of Churches of Christ USA, World Association for Christian Communication, U.S. Catholic Mission Association and U.S. Catholic Conference. Organization officials said it was the first such conference they had sponsored.
Australia's Northern Ter-
During his recent trip to Belgium, Pope John Paul II concelebrated a beatification Mass with three priests from mainland China's government-approved Catholic organization. The Chinese clergy were allowed to participate in the service, which involved a large number of priests and bishops, after making a profession of faith which was required
part, but they also
structure,
May,
Parliament passed the Rights of
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Vietnamese Bishop Recalls
He Survived Concentration NEW YORK (CNS) — An exiled Vietnamese archbishop told a New York audience how he continued his ministry in a concentration camp and how he got a communist guard to sing a medieval Christian hymn. Archbishop Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, who has served since No-
vember as vice president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, said he overcame the constraints of imprison-
ment by maintaining his determination to love.
He said he told his two guards of his love for them, and eventually "they be-
came my
students."
They asked him to teach them French, and one of them later wanted to learn a song in Latin, the archbishop said. So he
hymn
taught the guard the Pentecost
Veni Creator (Come, Creator).
"He learned it by memory, and every morning while this communist policeman was doing his exercise and washing, I could hear him singing Veni Creator" said Archbishop Nguyen. He said that his persistence in showing love to the guards led them to take a tolerant attitude when he wanted to make a wooden cross and then sought wire for hanging the cross around his neck. Archbishop Nguyen, who said his family had been Catholic since the first evangelization of Vietnam, was named
How Camp
on the Apostle Paul writing letfrom prison, and decided: "I will
flected ters
write."
For a time, Archbishop Nguyen was under house arrest in an area where children could come in and out. He told of getting a boy to bring him old calendars and take away what he wrote on the back of them. A compilation of these messages
was later published asThe Road ofHope, and translated into several languages. Msgr. Clark wrote an introduction to an English edition. The boy who took the writings out is now a seminarian in Holland, the archbishop said. Recounting other prison experiences, Archbishop Nguyen told of writing a message asking his people to send wine for his "stomach disease." He said they understood and sent him the wine he needed to celebrate Mass, but labeled it "for stomach relief." The Church in Vietnam has freedom still
must operate
within limits, Archbishop
Nguyen said.
of worship today, but
Some
mostly former military chaplains, remain in prison, he said. B ut he said that despite the limits the Church experienced large numbers of vocations and of conversions. priests,
He said the Church in Vietnam now more than 100
had
communists in 1975 and was renamed Ho Chi Minh City. He was arrested later that year and
students in each. But he said the govern-
it fell
to the
held until 1 9 8 8
,
1
six seminaries with
ment limited the number of men who could attend seminaries, and each diocese had a large group of men preparing
much of the time spent in
solitary confinement. Since
for the priesthood but
99 1 he has ,
who are unable to
been in exile. Archbishop Nguyen recounted his prison camp experience June 8 in a lecture sponsored by the Wethersfield Institute, program arm of the Homeland Foundation in New York. Headed by Msgr. Eugene V. Clark, pastor of St. Agnes Church in Manhattan, the foundation
enroll in regular seminary programs.
makes
tism.
the
Nguyen said.
He told of a Hmong group from the Laos border region
walked seven and ask for bap-
that
days to reach a priest
grants to Catholic educational
They had learned of the
Christian
faith by listening to a radio broadcast in
language from Protestant broadcasters in the Philippines, he said. "The Holy Spirit can use the Protestant radio to make Catholics," Archbishop Nguyen remarked. But he credited most of the conversions to a large and active corps of catechists. Archbishop Nguyen said Vietnam needs U.S. help both economically and politically as a counterforce to China, and he favors U.S. establishment of diplomatic relations with Vietnam.
The New York lecture followed the
their
archbishop' s appearance at a meeting of
Vietnamese clergy in Chicago. Archbishop Nguyen said that when he was arrested he remembered a statement by the late Mary knoll Bishop James •
Walsh about
the importance of con-
was imprisoned
tinued activity while he in China.
"My
Conversions have come not only from Vietnamese but also from the
country's ethnic minorities, Archbishop
projects.
E.
decision
was
to
do something
every day, and to do everything for the love of God and my neighbor," Arch-
Diocesan School Board Openings The Diocese of Charlotte School Board has
five
board
for three years.
Bishop Curlin
The Board
to enact in
is
Third grade faith formation students at St. John
Neumann Church in Charlotte made
origami cranes and sent them, along with a copy of the book Sadako, to children
Oklahoma City following the bombing of
in
the federal building there. In the book, paper
cranes are symbols of peace and hope.
Pope
Leaders
Tells Financial
New Economic System Needed VATICAN CITY (CNS)
— The
the great moral challenges of our time,"
world needs a new economic system that
the
new opportunities for investment and the opening of new mar-
pope
kets, but also contributes to the dignity
ways of
thinking and the proposal of models of
economic growth which defend and promote the dignity and freedom of each individual and of every community," he
of
every person, Pope John Paul II said. During a brief audience with participants in the Paine
told the group.
"It requires of everyone new
not only presents
Webber Chairman's
said.
The pope asked members of the group
Council Conference June 12, the pope asked leaders in the banking and invest-
to carry out their financial activities in "a
make human welfare
spirit of solidarity with the men and women of developing countries" and with
"The dramatic political and economic changes of recent years," he said, have not only brought new international business possibilities, "they have also drawn attention to the many situations of pov-
a commitment to ensuring that economic
ment
industries to
their bottom line.
erty
and
injustice in
growth serves not just the material wellbeing of some, but takes into account the spiritual, moral and cultural needs and rights of all people.
which so many
®
members of the human family continue to live."
"The urgent need for integral human development on the global scale is one of
0^e candle
This newspaper
is
printed on recycled
newsprint and
is
re-
cyclable.
lights another.
a retreat for Wftoweb, Separated, Divorcee) presentations, personal reflection, prayer and liturgy, optional group sharing
Catholic Conference Center August
5-6,
1995
$55 double occupancy, of which $15.00 is a non-refundable deposit required to confirm reservation. Add $12.00 for single room occupancy. For Friday night registration, call the Catholic Conference Center at (704) 327-7441. Mon. thru Fri., 9 a_.rn.-4 p.m. For financial assistance, call Suzanne Bach at (704) 377-6871.
REGISTRATiON
member
positions and one teacher representative position to be filled. is
Of Peace
bishop Nguyen recalled. Concerned about staying in touch with his people, he re-
coadjutor archbishop of Saigon shortly before
Gifts
The term
PHONE
NAME
(
)
responsible for proposing policies to
governing
1
ADDRESS
7 schools.
The Board meets monthly from September
to
June on agreed upon
CITY/STATE/ZIP
dates from 6:30-9 p.m. rotating from the Catholic Center in Charlotte
PASTOR
to a school in the Triad area.
Interested applicants should send
by July
18,
1995 a
letter
and
resume detailing parish and/or school involvement and state why you would like Bishop Curlin to appoint you to serve on the Diocesan
PARISH PHONE
PARISH
PLEASE CIRCLE: Widowed
Separated
Divorced
School Board.
Send information
to:
SMOKING ROOM YES /NO
AMOUNT ENCLOSED.
Diocesan School Board c/o Catholic Schools Office The Catholic Center
Please return registration by July 26, 1995.
1524 East Morehead Street Charlotte, NC 28207
Suzanne Bach, 1524 East Morehead Charlotte, NC 28207 (704) 377-6871 ext. 314
to:
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"WSD Retreat... One Candle Lights
Another" Street