SERVING THE CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF CORPUS CHRISTI
South Texas
Catholic M AY 2 019
W W W. S O U T H T E X A S C AT H O L I C .C OM
2  South Texas Catholic | May 2019
ON THE
VOL. 54 NO. 5 Publisher Bishop Michael Mulvey, STL DD Director of Communications Margie Rivera mrivera@diocesecc.org
25
COVER Alexis was a former foster child.
The West family relaxes in their backyard in Corpus Christi recently. Mikell and Alexis West began fostering children in 2016 partly because
Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic
Communications Board Father Jose A. Salazar, Sister Rosa Maria Ortiz, IWBS, David Campa, Regina Garcia, Zach Everett Shannette Hoelscher, Deacon Richard Longoria, Elizabeth Nguyen and Benjamin Nye Managing Editor Mary Cottingham MCottingham@diocesecc.org Theological Consultant Ben Nguyen, JD/JCL. BNguyen@diocesecc.org Office Manager Adel Rivera Sauceda ARivera@diocesecc.org
20 Make a summer family pilgrimage to Catholic sites in Texas. Madelyn Galindo, South Texas Catholic
STC Support Staff Jennifer Branson and Madelyn Galindo Correspondents Luisa Buttler, Rebecca Esparza, Dayna Mazzei Worchel and Corinna Longoria Translator Gloria Romero Photographers Ervey Martinez and David Mendez
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FROM THE BISHOP 4 MESSAGE May is dedicated to Our Blessed Mother
7 Kneeling with the Faithful NEWS BRIEFS 9 Celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and VOCATIONS
Blood of Christi for 2019
PARISH LIFE 11 Knights and Catholic Daughters live out the ‘spirituality of community’
FROM THE DIOCESE 15 ANEWS mother’s journey of faith CATHOLIC EDUCATION 29 Advocacy Day, taking a stand for truth NATIONAL NEWS 31 Arizona home helps women rebuild lives after prison VATICAN NEWS 33 Rome’s ‘Holy Stairs’ uncovered for the first time in 300 years
Keep up with the faith at www.SouthTexasCatholic.com
May 2019 | South Texas Catholic 3
MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP
Dear brothers and sisters,
Happy Easter!
T
he month of May is dedicated to our Blessed Mother. When we look at her life, we see that Mary is the model of every “yes.” She didn’t know what was before her, but she trusted in God. Mary was already dedicated to the Lord, she was a servant of God in her personal life, but, in a pivotal moment in human history, God called her to trust him completely in becoming the Mother of Christ. Mary’s obedience was not blind. At the Annunciation, together with her profound “yes,” Mary asked, “how can this be?” Later, in Luke 2:41-52 she finds Jesus in the Temple and says, “child why have you done this to us?” In those two instances, I think, Mary foreshadows Jesus on the cross who cries out, “my God, my God why have you forsaken me?” Already in conformity with him, Mary says her “yes” through these two questions. Because of those questions, she was brought to a deeper sense of what it means to trust completely and say “yes.” The same happens in our lives. I am sure that you also have asked yourself in moments of your life the same questions. How can this be? Why have you done this to me, to us? We too paradoxically experience God’s presence in the midst of personal suffering and confusion. We too are called to deeper faith and to trust - by saying “yes.” Let’s look to another important moment of the life of Mary in Matthew 12:50 when his mother came to find Jesus as he spoke to a crowd. Instead of going to her, he pointed to his disciples and said that they indeed were his mother and brothers: “For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.” You might be tempted to think that he was ignoring his Mother by not going to her, instead, he showed us Mary as the perfect disciple. Her “yes” to the will of God as she walked with her son, even to his suffering and death, gives us inspiration and comfort as we can be assured that she will walk with us in our trials and help us stay close to Christ. Finally, Mary stood at the foot of the cross. She “stands” (stabat) firm. She doesn’t give up. She is not there just accepting in resignation but knowing that this Jesus’ passion and death on the Cross, will bring forth fruit. I see in Mary’s constant “yes” her fidelity to the beauty of our Christian calling. So, when we don’t understand, when we don’t know what to do, we stand with her in faith, in hope and most of all in love. In this way, we relive in our life Mary’s fidelity. Let us stay close to Mary. She is close to us. When I was in seminary years ago, I had a very good spiritual director, a Jesuit. Just before I was ordained, I said to him, “I want to have a closer relationship with Mary.” He simply responded, “Ask God to show his mother to you.” He has done so in many ways over the years. May the Lord bring each of you closer to Mary in this special month of May.
4 South Texas Catholic | May 2019
MENSAJE DEL OBISPO
Queridos hermanos y hermanas,
¡Felices Pascuas!
E
l mes de mayo está dedicado a nuestra Santísima Madre. Cuando miramos su vida, vemos que María es el modelo de todo “sí”. No sabía lo que tenía frente a ella, pero confiaba en Dios. María ya estaba dedicada al Señor, era una sierva de Dios en su vida personal, pero, en un momento crucial de la historia de la humanidad, Dios la llamó a confiar en él para convertirse en la Madre de Cristo. La obediencia de María no fue ciega. En la Anunciación, junto con su profundo “sí”, María preguntó: “¿cómo puede ser esto?” Más tarde, en Lucas 2: 41-52, encuentra a Jesús en el templo y dice: “¿por qué nos has hecho esto?” En esas dos instancias, creo que María prefigura a Jesús en la cruz gritando: “Dios mío, Dios mío, ¿por qué me has abandonado?” Ya en conformidad con él, María dice “sí” a través de estas dos preguntas. Debido a esas preguntas, ella encontró un sentido más profundo de lo que significa confiar completamente y decir “sí”. Lo mismo sucede en nuestras vidas. Estoy seguro de que también te has preguntado en algunos momentos de tu vida las mismas preguntas. ¿Cómo puede ser esto? ¿Por qué me has hecho esto a mí? Nosotros también paradójicamente experimentamos la presencia de Dios en medio de la confusión y el sufrimiento personal. Nosotros también estamos llamados a una fe más profunda, a confiar y a decir “sí”. Veamos otro momento importante de la vida de María en Mateo 12:50, cuando su madre vino al encuentro de Jesús mientras le hablaba a una multitud. En lugar de acercarse a ella, señaló a sus discípulos y dijo que ciertamente eran su madre y sus hermanos: “Porque el que hace la voluntad de mi Padre celestial es mi hermano, mi hermana y mi madre”. Tal vez te sientas tentado a pensar que Él estaba ignorando a su Madre al no ir hacia ella, en cambio, nos mostró a María como la discípula perfecta. Su “sí” a la voluntad de Dios mientras caminaba con su hijo, incluso a su sufrimiento y muerte, nos da inspiración y consuelo, ya que podemos estar seguros de que ella caminará con nosotros en nuestras pruebas y nos ayudará a estar cerca de Cristo. Finalmente, María se paró al pie de la cruz. Ella “se mantiene” firme (stábat). Ella no se rinde. Ella no está allí simplemente aceptando con resignación, sino sabiendo que la pasión y muerte de Jesús en la Cruz, rendirá sus frutos. Veo en el constante “sí” de María su fidelidad a la belleza de nuestro llamado cristiano. Entonces, cuando no entendemos, cuando no sabemos qué hacer, estamos con ella con fe, con esperanza y sobre todo con amor. De esta manera, revivimos en nuestra vida la fidelidad de María. Mantengámonos cerca de María. Ella está cerca de nosotros. Cuando estuve en el seminario hace años, tenía un muy buen director espiritual, un jesuita. Justo antes de ser ordenado, le dije, “quiero tener una relación más cercana con Mary”. Simplemente respondió: “Pídale a Dios que le muestre a su madre”. Y El lo ha hecho de muchas maneras a lo largo de los años. Que el Señor los acerque cada vez más a María, en este mes de mayo, especialmente.
+Most Rev. Michael Mulvey, STL, DD Bishop of Corpus Christi
May 2019 | South Texas Catholic 5
2 0 19 B i s h o p’s Stewa rd s h i p A p p e a l My brothers and sisters in Christ, Each of us is called by name and sent as a missionary disciple to bear witness to Jesus. This is our mission, the very nature of what it means to be Catholic. According to Pope Francis, “We are all missionary disciples with the power of the Spirit.” The Diocese of Corpus Christi is a family of faithful disciples and a community that is defined by our very name, the Body of Christ. This name expresses who we are and the responsibility it gives us. Being partners in ministry to change the lives of individuals and enrich our community is our mission. Our stewardship to time, talent, and treasure does remarkable things when it is transformed into ministry and mission. I am especially grateful for all that we have accomplished through the student centers built throughout the Diocese, most recently our new chapel and renovated student center located at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, which gives our young adults a dedicated place to grow in their faith, to worship, and gather together. Our diocesan Appeal goal this year is $2.1 million dollars. Every dollar a parish raises over their goal will be returned 100% back to the parish. This will provide an excellent opportunity for parishes to partner with the Appeal and raise funds for special parish projects or needs. As the Body of Christ, please share in the Bishop’s Stewardship Appeal so that together we can continue to advance God’s love through charity. The individuals, agencies and initiatives supported through the Appeal provide the means to respond to the spiritual, educational, and physical needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Let’s take up the mission together as missionary disciples and continue to move the Church forward. Your leadership in generosity contributes to the long-standing success of our community of faith. Because of your commitment to the Diocese of Corpus Christi we are an ever-increasing effective witness to Jesus Christ. I am grateful to you, and for your example in what it means to be a faithful steward.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Rev. Wm. Michael Mulvey, STL, DD Bishop of Corpus Christi
†† VOCATIONS
By Deacon Richard Longoria
I
Contributor
Deacon Richard Longoria is Deacon of St. Helena of the True Cross of Jesus and Disaster Relief Volunteer Coordinator for the Diocese of Corpus Christi.
was ordained a deacon in 2012, but my diaconate journey began long ago in three phases. The first was in high school at Corpus Christi Academy where most of my teachers were Benedictine priests, holy men who were dedicated to the education and well-being of young men. They taught the value of “Ora et Labora,” that is, pray and work, prayers and works of mercy of every kind for my neighbor, for the stranger, for the poor, for our enemies, for the world. I wanted to be a part of their noble work. After graduation I was accepted by the order as a seminarian and was sent to St. Joseph Abbey in St. Benedict, Louisiana, to attend the collegiate seminary administered by the monks of the abbey. After two wonderful, insightful years, a wise monk told me that I was better made for the world, not the monastic life. “Your purpose is to confront directly the vagaries that roam the lives of people,” he would say. “In what way I would ask.” “Go find out, out there,” he said. I left and attended the University of Houston, graduating with a BA in English, and afterward entered graduate school with a teaching fellowship. Then began my second phase. One of my roommates was part of the University’s Speaker’s Bureau and arranged to have Cesar Chavez come to the university to give a speech. His message of justice for the poor, for migrant farm workers left me enthralled. I left school and became an organizer for his organization, the United Farm Workers Union, and got to know Chavez on a personal level. Through the next four years I was a staff member of the union. Chavez went to Mass and received Holy Communion nearly every day. He was a practicing Catholic. He and his wife Helen had eight children. Whenever he made speaking engagements around the country, he always made time to go to Mass and receive the Eucharist. Chavez taught me how to be a good Catholic in the face of adversity. He preached non-violence. He believed in prayer, believed in the power of the rosary and saw himself as a little soul, ready to sacrifice all for the benefit of poor farm workers and their families. He was a
servant of the poor and needy. When he would engage in month long fasts, his only nourishment was the Body and Blood of Christ. He was totally grounded in the Good News of Jesus. By his example, I saw what it was to be a Catholic with faith in action, to love, to sacrifice, to be humble, to pray, to bring peace, to be brave in the face of danger and anger. He taught me the beauty of Catholicism and what it was to be a little soul who could do great things. Without knowing it at the time, this was one of the foundations of my future diaconate. In my third phase I met a beautiful young lady, Catalina “Cat,” who was a news anchor at the Telemundo station in Houston. Within eight months we were married and she taught me and is still teaching me how to live in the light of Christ, loving the positive, the upbeat, loving the happiness of family, of children, loving the Church and her people. She taught me never to lose hope even in the face of potential disaster, as when our youngest daughter needed a bone marrow transplant to save her life. I was in the middle of my diaconate studies when our daughter became sick. I was ready to quit because I was so distraught and couldn’t consentrate on my studies. Cat wouldn’t have it. Cat never doubted that our daughter would live and that I would become a deacon. She gave both of us strength. Nine years later our daughter is a healthy, beautiful young lady. Now I am the deacon at St. Helena of the True Cross of Jesus in Corpus Christi where I assist at Mass, sometimes preach, baptize children and lead the efforts to take Holy Communion to the sick, the elderly and the homebound, and offer classes on our faith, all under the leadership of Bishop Michael Mulvey and our pastor, Father Richard Libby. My brother deacons and I are proud to be the fruit from the living roots of the diaconate. Our history reaches back to the earliest days of the Church when seven worthy men were called on to assist the apostles in distributing the Eucharist and serving the church and its members in spiritual and bodily needs. The first martyr of the Church, St. Stephen, was an ordained deacon who died by stoning in 34 AD. In the article, “Deacons Yesterday May 2019 | South Texas Catholic 7
†† VOCATIONS
Kneeling with the Faithful
†† VOCATIONS
and Tomorrow,” published in 1995 in Christifidelis, Duane L.C.M. Galles writes that from 432 to 684 AD there were thirty-seven popes who were deacons when they ascended to the papacy, three of them became priests after becoming pope, the rest remained deacons. St. Leo the Great and St. Gregory the Great were deacons when they were elected pope. From the earliest days of the Church through the Middle Ages
deacons were a vital part of Catholicism. In the gospel of Mark and Matthew, when Jesus is tempted by the devil, we have a foreshadowing of the diaconate. After the devil left Jesus, angels came and ministered to Him. In the original Greek the word for ‘ministered’ in both gospels is “dikonoun,” that is the angels came and took care of Jesus, served him, waited on him, or translated literally, the
angels “deaconed” Jesus. They were his “diakonos,” that is, his servants. We deacons, mostly married, who have children, who work in secular jobs, are the little souls inspired by the angels to bring good works to God’s people, to bring mercy and help, to dry the tears of the bereaved, to serve and be one with the faithful as we kneel with them at Mass, when bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ.
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The Diocese of Corpus Christi at the recommendation of the Diocesan Financial Council and Presbyteral Council have furthered their commitment to good stewardship and nancial accountability on behalf of generous donors by instituting a nancial abuse hotline. The Diocese of Corpus Christi has selected an independent third party, The Network, to provide you with a new way to anonymously and condently report nancial abuse and fraud. Employees, parishioners, volunteers, vendors and other interested parties will be encouraged to report concerns they have regarding nancial misconduct within the Diocese of Corpus Christi. All inquiries will be treated promptly and discreetly. Callers will have the right to remain anonymous. Call 1-877-571-9748
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8 South Texas Catholic | May 2019
Thomas Swierc
Daniel Flores
Seminarians installed into the Ministry of Lector
Bishop Michael Mulvey installed Corpus Christi seminarians Thomas Swierc and Daniel Flores, currently Theology I students at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston, into the ministry of Lector. Candidates at the end of the second year petition for and, if selected, receive the Ministry of Lector. This calls them to be servants of the Living Word of God. In proclaiming the readings at liturgy, the lector does more than simply read. Those who exercise the ministry of lector must be truly suited and carefully prepared, so that the faithful may develop a warm and living love for Sacred Scripture from listening to the sacred readings.
Bishop Michael Mulvey personally invites everyone, especially those who will be receiving their first Communion, to attend the celebration and procession of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ on June 20 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Corpus Christi Cathedral. You are welcome to dress in traditional clothing to indicate your national or cultural identity and you are also welcome to bring your parish or group banner for our procession. Free food will be provided on the Cathedral grounds. To receive updates on this event, text the word “CorpusChristi” to number “84576” on your cell phone. Sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Ministry. For more information call Jaime Reyna at (361) 693-6637 or email at JReyna@diocesecc.org. See more at www.Diocesecc.org/CorpusChristi.
Centurions place high in state academic competition
St. John Paul II High School placed eighth out of 21 schools in the state in 5A TAPPS Academic Competitions. The grueling twoday event was held in Waco on April 2-3. The contestants who competed in the TAPPS State Academic, Speech and Debate contest were Katie Cortinas, who placed fourth in Seek and Sketch Drawing; Mary Arnolds, who placed fourth in Painting and second in Literary Criticism; Andrea Fernandez, who placed second in Spanish; Max Kimmel, who placed fifth in Current Events, fourth in Science and received Top Chemistry Student award; Seth Campos, who placed fourth in Persuasive Writing; Amber Hernandez, who placed fourth in Social Studies; Sarah LeeSang, who placed eighth in Number Sense; Timothy Nye who placed sixth in Prose; and Maya Zamarron who placed fifth in Poetry. “Congratulations to our TAPPS Academic contestants,” JJ Trujillo said.
Celebre la fiesta solemne en honor al Santísimo Cuerpo y Sangre de Cristo 2019
El Obispo Michael Mulvey invita personalmente a todos a participar y en especial a aquellos que recibirán su primera comunión a asistir a la celebración y procesión de la Solemnidad del Santísimo Cuerpo y Sangre de Cristo, que se llevará a cabo el 20 de Junio, de 6:30 a 9:30 p.m. en la Catedral de Corpus Christi. Le invitamos a vestirse con ropa tradicional de su identidad nacional y cultural. También puede traer el estandarte o pancarta de su parroquia o grupo religioso a la procesión. Se proporcionará comida gratis en los terrenos de la Catedral. El evento esta patrocinado por la Oficina de Ministerio Multicultural. Para recibir actualizaciones sobre este evento, envíe un mensaje de texto con la palabra “Corpus Christi” al número 84576” en su teléfono celular. Para mas información llame a Jaime Reyna al: (361)693-6637 o por email a: JReyna@diocesecc.org o www.Diocesecc.org/CorpusChristi. May 2019 | South Texas Catholic 9
†† NEWS BRIEFS
Celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ for 2019
†† NEWS BRIEFS
IWA students organize Awareness Week
Beeville Knights give donation to Corpus Christi Pregnancy Center
Allyson Sturgeon with the Corpus Christi Pregnancy Center received a check in the amount of $2,020 from Lawrence “Lorenzo” Garcia, Grand Knight of the St. Joseph Knights of Columbus Council #1653 in Beeville. “This is the second year our council has supported the Pregnancy Center with our ‘Koin for Kids’ program,” Garcia said. “Baby bottles were distributed to our parishioners who in turn deposited their loose change and returned it to the Parish. The Knights of Columbus collect the change and write a check to the center.” The pregnancy center helps with unplanned pregnancies by providing free pregnancy tests, ultrasound confirmations and provides answers to questions about abortion, parenting and adoption.
By Denise Calderon, Incarnate Word Academy Incarnate Word Academy held a student-led project organized by two passionate middle level students Allie Salazar and Alexa Reyes, called Angel Outreach Week. Angel Outreach Week consisted of several guest speakers from local nonprofit organizations along with other projects throughout the week of March 18. The featured guest speakers helped raise awareness about their respective organizations and created volunteer and service opportunities for the students. To help the students learn more about opportunities to serve the community, the middle level hosted speakers from Team Luke Help for Minds, The Rise School of Corpus Christi, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Corpus Christi, and West Side Helping hand. Middle level students also participated in several field trips to these organizations during the first two weeks of April. Students visited with residents at Ronald McDonald House Charities, helped students with their homework at West Side Helping Hands, and created Easter baskets for patients at Driscoll Children’s Hospital, along with other activities related to inclusion and service.
Allie Salazar, left, and Alexa Reyes
Saint Francis Xavier Annual Spring Festival Games Food Fun Fellowship 323 Frio Street Tynan, Texas 78391 10 South Texas Catholic | May 2019
Sunday Fun for the entire family May 5, 2019 All day Live Music 12 p.m. until ? Dancing Folklorico Dancers
By Jennifer Branson
D
South Texas Catholic
“
o you want to hear a funny story? I thought it was condemned.” Lee Lopez, Chancellor of the Knights of Columbus Council #8170 didn’t even know that St. Theresa (of the Little Flower) Church was a functioning parish, at first. While he was on retreat at Our Lady of Corpus Christi, he ran past it one morning and assumed that it was closed down because of the state of the structures and the landscaping. When a friend informed him that it was indeed open and operational, he knew he needed to help. “It’s amazing what you can do with four phone calls and two text messages,” he said. Those communications led to a group of his brother Kknights and volunteers – including his father, brother, sons, friends,
Catholic Daughters, and young men needing community service for school or confirmation – committing to a hard day’s work. One man even worked a night shift, slept a couple hours in his car, and got back to work helping with the landscaping team. Indeed, “just a ‘hail Mary’ away from Our Lady of Corpus Christi” sits St. Theresa Church, a small parish with an aging but dedicated community. On Saturday morning, March 23, parish workers from St. Paul the Apostle, Most Precious Blood, and St. Theresa converged to help make the parish a little more beautiful and functional. The tasks for the day were carefully organized by Deacon Stephen Nolte of St. Theresa and his assistant, Paul Pineda. Teams concentrated on different areas of the parish and the adjoining school
building, including yard work, repairing windows, power washing and boxing books. Not even an hour into the morning, one of the teams had already cleared out and trimmed the rectory yard, including the demolition of a long-defunct raised garden. Over by the school building, teams were hard at work, as well. Even though it hasn’t been a functional school for ten years, the parish has been working on cleaning up the school building for the past two years. Restoring the classrooms will help the parish save on the cost of air conditioning the entire parish hall for CCD classes, and give them a smaller, more functional space to use. They had previously installed new outdoor lights to make the building safer and, on this day, they worked on power washing the exteriors and inside bathroom to ready it for use.
Raymond Curiel, Manuel Quesada, John Longoria and Tommy Howell work to replace the screens in all of the windows on the sides of the church. Jennifer Branson, South Texas Catholic
May 2019 | South Texas Catholic 11
†† PARISH LIFE
Knights and Catholic Daughters live out the ‘spirituality of community’
†† PARISH LIFE
Rick Marcantonio and Deacon Stephen Nolte discuss the bathroom power wash project. Having a functioning bathroom is important for the use of the St. Theresa School building for classes. Jennifer Branson, South Texas Catholic
A team consisting of members of Catholic Daughters and the Altar Society boxed up books and cleaned out one of the classrooms. Around the corner, a group of ladies from Saint Theresa cooked lunch for all of the volunteers. “This is a great gesture from the other churches,” said Celia Quesada. “It means a lot to have the help.” In his address at the Pastoral Planning meeting in August of 2018, Bishop Michael Mulvey quoted from “Novo Millennio Ineunte,” an Apostolic Letter from Pope Saint John Paul II about a “spirituality of communion.” His hope was that unity and harmony among the people and parishes of the diocese would feed the spiritual preparation for forming a pastoral plan. This
spirituality, Deacon Nolte said, is exactly what inspired this Knights of Columbus group, the Catholic Daughters, and other volunteers to come help out. As Pope Saint John Paul II says in his letter, “A spirituality of communion means, finally, to know how to ‘make room’ for our brothers and sisters, bearing ‘each other’s burdens’ (Gal 6:2) and resisting the selfish temptations which constantly beset us ... Let us have no illusions: unless we follow this spiritual path, external structures of communion will serve very little purpose.” A total of 49 people came out that day to live out the “spirituality of communion” and worked for six hours to accomplish the projects that would have taken St. Theresa parishioners at least a month to complete. Not only that, but they have promised to come back for more. In fact, many of the Knights involved in this project spoke of committing to help at parishes across the diocese as they have need. “The Spirit of God is alive and moving!” Deacon Nolte said. He added that this act of kindness has bolstered the faith of the St. Theresa community and is a good reminder that “God knows no boundaries and calls us to love wherever we are.”
Women from the Altar Society of St. Theresa and Catholic Daughters from St. Theresa and Most Precious Blood, Norma Curiel, from left, Maria Gonzales, Rita Lopez, Irma Rodriguez, and Mabel Lynn Ortiz help box books and clean out a classroom of the school building adjoining the church. The refurbished classrooms will be used for CCD classes. Jennifer Branson, South Texas Catholic
12 South Texas Catholic | May 2019
†† PARISH LIFE
Caballeros de Colón de las parroquias de San Pablo Apóstol y de la Presiosísima Sangre son: Danny Reddick, (de izquierda a derecha) John Longoria y Adrian Vega arrancan un jardín elevado en el patio trasero de la rectoría de Santa Teresa. Jennifer Branson, South Texas Catholic
Viviendo la ‘espiritualidad de comunidad’ Por Jennifer Branson
Q
South Texas Catholic
“
uieres escuchar una historia graciosa? Pensé que estaba clausurado, fuera de servicio público”. Al principio, Lee López, Canciller de los Caballeros de Colón, concilio #8170, ni siquiera sabía que la Iglesia de Santa Teresa (de la Pequeña Flor) era una parroquia que funcionaba. Mientras estaba en un retiro espiritual en Nuestra Señora de Corpus Christi, una mañana, pasó corriendo frente a la iglesia y supuso que estaba clausurada, debido al estado de las estructuras y al abandono de sus alrededores. Pero cuando un amigo le informó que realmente estaba abierta y operando, supo que necesitaba ayudar. “Es increíble lo que puedes hacer con cuatro llamadas telefónicas y dos mensajes
de texto”, dijo. Esas comunicaciones llevaron a un grupo de sus hermanos; Caballeros y voluntarios, entre ellos a su padre, hermano, hijos, amigos, a la organización de -Catholic Daughters- (Hijas Católicas) y a muchachos jóvenes que necesitaban hacer un servicio comunitario para su escuela o su confirmación, a que se comprometieran y dedicaran un día para trabajar arduamente. Uno de los hombres que había trabajado durante el día, quiso trabajar un turno de noche, durmió un par de horas en su automóvil y volvió para ayudar al equipo que estaba arreglando la jardinería. De hecho, tan lejos como rezar una ‘Ave María’ es la distancia en que se encuentra la Iglesia de Santa Teresa de los terrenos de” Nuestra Señora del Corpus Christi.
La mañana del sábado 23 de marzo, los obreros de las parroquias de Saint Paul the Apostle, Most Precious Blood y Santa Teresa se reunieron para hacer que la parroquia estuviera un poco más bella y más funcional. Las tareas del día fueron cuidadosamente organizadas por el diácono Stephen Nolte de Santa Teresa y su asistente, Paul Pineda. Los equipos se concentraron en diferentes áreas de la parroquia y áreas adjuntas incluyendo el edificio de la escuela contigua. Se trabajó en el patio, en la reparación de ventanas, se lavó a presión y se ordenaron los libros en cajas. No había pasado ni una hora esa mañana cuando uno de los equipos ya había terminado de arreglar el jardín de la rectoría, incluyendo la demolición de un jardín muy antiguo casi muerto. Sobre el edificio de la escuela, los equipos May 2019 | South Texas Catholic 13
✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE
Caballeros de las parroquias de La Preciosísima Sangre y de Santa Teresa, de izquierda a derecha: Bob de la Cruz, Paul Martinez, Vince Stark y Lee Lopez, despejan el area crecida del jardín, frente a la iglesia de Santa Teresa. Los equipos recortaron, podaron y limpiaron toda el area alrededor de la parroquia para que luciera mas atractiva a los ojos de los feligreses. Jennifer Branson , South Texas Catholic
también trabajaron duro. A pesar de no haber sido una escuela funcional durante diez años, la parroquia ha estado trabajando en la limpieza del edificio los últimos dos años. Restaurar los salones de clase ayudará a la parroquia a ahorrar en el costo del aire acondicionado al igual que el salón parroquial donde se imparten las clases de CCD, y se les dará un espacio más pequeño y funcional para usar. Previamente, se habían instalado nuevas luces exteriores para hacer que el edificio fuera más seguro y, en este día, trabajaron en el lavado a presión de los exteriores y también dentro de un baño que quedó listo para su uso. Un equipo formado por miembros de “Catholic Daughters y de Altar Society” se encargó de empacar y limpiar los libros en una de las aulas. A la vuelta de la esquina, un grupo de damas de Santa Teresa preparó y cocinó un almuerzo para todos los voluntarios. “Este es un gran gesto, un ejemplo para otras iglesias”, dijo Celia Quesada. “Significa mucho tener la ayuda”. En su discurso de la junta para la Planificación Pastoral de agosto del 2018, el obispo Michael Mulvey citó la carta: “Novo Millennio Ineunte”, una carta apostólica del Papa San Juan Pablo II sobre una “espiritualidad de comunión”. Su esperanza era que la unidad y la armonía entre la gente y las parroquias de la diócesis alimentarían la preparación espiritual para formar un plan pastoral. Esta espiritualidad, dijo el diácono Nolte, es exactamente lo que inspiró a este grupo de Caballeros de Colón, de Hijas Católicas y de otros voluntarios para venir a ayudar. Como dice el Papa San Juan Pablo II en su carta, “Una espiritualidad de comunión significa, finalmente, saber cómo” hacer espacio “para nuestros hermanos y hermanas, compartiendo las cargas que cada uno lleva.” (Gal 6: 2) y a resistir las tentaciones egoístas que nos acosan constantemente ... No nos hagamos ilusiones: a menos que sigamos este camino espiritual, las estructuras externas de comunión tendrán muy poco propósito.” Un total de 49 personas salieron ese día para vivir la “espiritualidad de comunión,” trabajaron intensamente seis horas, para cumplir los proyectos que por lo menos les habría tomado un mes 14 South Texas Catholic | May 2019
a los feligreses de Santa Teresa completar. No solo eso, sino que se comprometieron a regresar y ayudar más. De hecho, muchos de los Caballeros de Colón, involucrados en este proyecto hablaron de comprometerse para ayudar a las parroquias a través de la diócesis de acuerdo con sus necesidades. “¡El Espíritu de Dios está vivo y en movimiento!” Deacon Nolte dijo. Añadió que este acto de bondad ha reforzado la fe de la comunidad de Santa Teresa y es un buen recordatorio de que “Dios no conoce fronteras y nos llama a amar dondequiera que estemos”.
Dale Spaleck, Caballero de Colón de Santa Teresa de la Pequeña Flor lava a presión el costado del edificio de la escuela parroquial del mismo nombre. Los voluntarios completaron muchas tareas, como limpiar años de escombros, que la comunidad parroquial no ha podido realizar en mucho tiempo. Jennifer Branson, South Texas Catholic
†† NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE
Paulette Guajardo (left) remembers her mom, Magdalena Rodriguez (center), as the strict parent. She in turn is harder on her son Jude Victor (right) than her husband Victor is. They represent three generations of faithful Catholics. Magdalena and husband Juan Manuel live in the same neighborhood as the Guajardo family and they remain close. Contributed photo
A mother’s journey of faith By Mary Cottingham
T
South Texas Catholic
hey say, “God laughs when we make plans,” and Magdalena Rodriguez had a plan for all four of her children. They were to finish high school, go to college and get married in that order. She is very proud of all four of her children, but when they were growing up there were times, she shared, “when your children are just out of your control, and God and Mary are the only ones who can take care of them.” Magdalena said her husband and children’s father, Juan Manuel, was far too lenient and preferred she be the one to discipline them. She grew up in a quiet little town in Mexico where she met Juan
when she was five years old. She knew him as her brother’s friend. He was from Robstown and his family frequently came to visit as their families were very close. When they married, they moved to Corpus Christi, where they had one boy, Johnny and three girls, Amy, Paulette and Jessica. According to this somewhat shy, soft-spoken, now 79-year-old woman, raising her children was much easier when they were little. She was a stay-at-home mom, who sewed most of their clothes, made sure they were fed, nurtured, cleaned and loved. They attended elementary school at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Academy, and she remembers those early years as the safe years, “when they all lived in a bubble.” When the family moved to Flour Bluff
and the children started attending a public school that bubble burst. She worried because they were being introduced to the ‘real world,’ a world that was a big shock for her, as well. “What am I going to do,” she wondered? Looking back now, she remembers that her children’s teenage years were hardest on her. They were standard teenagers during the 1990s, the era of grunge music and heavy metal rock bands. Her children didn’t want hand sewn clothes anymore. They wanted jeans and storebought dresses. For four years she worked part-time at Sears, helping supplement the family’s income even though Juan Manuel had an excellent job as an aircraft mechanic on the base. May 2019 | South Texas Catholic 15
✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE
When schools began allowing teenagers to go home for lunch, her girls started bringing friends and boys to their house. Magdalena decided she needed to quit her job so she could keep a watchful eye on them. Her girls liked the boys, and they were invited to many parties, but she didn’t always let them go. She would call the parent of the teenager who was supposed to be having the party. “I was very careful, I didn’t know anybody,” she said. “Life had been simpler in Mexico, where everybody knew everyone else.” She made sure the children attended CCD at St. Paul the Apostle and kept tabs on them through a deacon from the church who would call and let her know if one of them skipped a class. She was worried that her son wouldn’t finish high school. Sometimes she would get a call from the school telling her that one or even more of her children were in trouble. “I thought they were being wild and rebellious and if they didn't respond right; I would get very upset,” she said. She prayed and spoke with their pastor, Father Mark Chamberlin, now Monsignor, and she got more involved in the community around her. She said, “somehow, God gave me the strength to be hard on them.” The first hiccup in Magdalena’s plan was after her son Johnny, having barely finished high school, announced he was joining the Air Force. To her, he was still just a little boy. “He had never been by himself,” she said. But he was adamant “and the day he left, it was like, we were all at a funeral.” Now, she realizes that it was probably the best thing for him. After serving 24 years, he is now retired and lives in North Carolina with his wife and daughter. “That was prayer and God taking care of us,” Magdalena said. Paulette Guajardo was different from all her other children on many levels. Where most of her children moved away, she remained close to her parents. Her first job in telemarketing taught her about sales. Her mother was amazed that after attending Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and earning a bachelor’s degree in business, her 24-year-old daughter had the courage to start her own business, Allstate Insurance. “Paulette was something else! She was going 100 miles a minute.” Paulette is now a Councilwoman for the City of Corpus Christi and serves on several boards. She also sits on the Citizens Review Committee at Child Protective Services and volunteers her time at Incarnate Word Academy, where her son, Jude Victor attends
Ayudenos a Prevenir el Abuso Financiero La Diócesis de Corpus Christi por medio de la recomendación del Concilio Diocesano de Finanzas y el Concilio Presbiteral han llevado su dedicación mas allá para la buena administración y responsabilidad nanciera en nombre de donantes generosos al instituir un “hotline” para reportar el abuso nanciero. La Diócesis de Corpus Christi ha seleccionado un tercer partido independiente, La Red, para proporcionarle a usted con una manera para reportar anónima y condencialmente el abuso nanciero e fraude. Los empleados, los parroquianos, los voluntarios, los vendedores, y otros partidos interesados estan impulsados para reportar las preocupaciones que tengan respeto a la conducta de påca ética nanciera dentro de la Diócese de Corpus Christi. Todas las investigaciones serán tradas inmediatamente y discretamente. Personas que llamen tienen el derecho de mantenerse anónimas.
Llamada 1-877-571-9748 16 South Texas Catholic | May 2019
middle school. “I just love it. It’s just part of who I am. Never did I dream, I would be serving the City of Corpus Christi, but then again, you know, our dreams are irrelevant, it’s what God wants that really matters.” Paulette said. Magdalena remembers her own father as an active business-oriented man who loved the community. “He would hand out awards at the schools, and he loved to give to charities. I guess that’s where she got it from.” Her eldest daughter Amy went to college in San Antonio, graduated, got a good job and married. “She was very responsible after she went away to college,” Magdalena remembers. “But not Jessica, she was the wild one. She never wanted to go back to school.” “Eventually she did go back when she realized the importance of getting a degree,” Guajardo said, speaking for her sister. “Now she’s a teacher and she’s always at school,” she said, exchanging smiles with her mother. “I mothered them like my own mother did with me and with God’s grace, they came out fine,” said Magdalena, who is now a parishioner at St. John the Baptist Parish. She is a Guadalupana, an adoration coordinator, member of a Spanish faith formation group called Caminando en la fe (walking in faith) and visits residents at Villa South. She continues to learn about her Catholic faith through her “great teacher, Father Rodolfo D. Vásquez.” and she and her husband have been married for over 50 years. They now have how two grandchildren. Magdalena is grateful to her daughter. “Paulette has made me a big part of her life and activities. I have stepped out of my comfort zone and had worked with her for 15 years at her Allstate Insurance,” she said. Magdalena and Juan Manuel live just down the street from the Guajardo’s, so Magdalena gets to see her grandson, Jude Victor, frequently. He is in seventh grade at Incarnate Word Academy. Paulette says her mom influenced her on how she raises him. Like her mother, she is harder on him than her husband is. For Magdalena the Catholic faith is the “pillar” of family life. She is very proud of each and every one of her children. “The four of them are completely different – they all have different talents,” she said. “My best advice to struggling mothers is to pray and trust in God.” He always has a plan.
Obispo Michael Mulvey y el personal de la Oficina de un Ambiente Seguro y de Servicios para Niños y Familia se comprometen a ayudar en el proceso de curación de las víctimas y sobrevivientes de abuso. Si usted o alguien que usted conoce está en necesidad de estos servicios, llame a Stephanie Bonilla, Directora de la Oficina de un Ambiente Seguro y de Servicios para Niños y Familia: (361) 882-6191 para asistencia inmediata.
Oficina de un Ambiente Seguro y de Servicios para Niños y Familia
†† NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE
Jude Victor Guajardo, (a la izquierda) su madre Paulette Guajardo y sus abuelos, Magdalena y Juan Manuel Rodriguez, son vistos aquí en un evento social.
El viaje de fe de una madre
Contributed photo
Por Mary Cottingham
E
South Texas Catholic
s un decir que: “Cuando hacemos planes, Dios se ríe”, y Magdalena Rodríguez tenía un plan para sus cuatro hijos. Debían terminar high school, (preparatoria) ir a la
universidad y casarse en ese orden. Está muy orgullosa de sus cuatro hijos, pero cuando iban creciendo, tuvo momentos difíciles y nos compartió: “cuando los hijos crecen y están fuera de tu control, solo Dios y María pueden cuidarlos.”
Magdalena dijo que su esposo y padre de sus hijos, Juan Manuel, era demasiado indulgente y prefería que fuera ella quien los disciplinara. Ella creció en un pueblo pequeño y tranquilo de México donde conoció a Juan Manuel, desde que tenía May 2019 | South Texas Catholic 17
✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE
cinco años, porque era amigo de su hermano. Él era de Robstown y su familia solía visitarlos en México frecuentemente porque eran amistades muy cercanas. Cuando se casaron, se mudaron a Corpus Christi, donde tuvieron a su hijo, Johnny y a sus tres niñas, Amy, Paulette y Jessica. Según esta mujer un tanto tímida y de voz suave, que ahora tiene 79 años, criar a sus hijos era mucho más fácil cuando eran pequeños. Era una madre que se quedaba en casa, que cosía la mayor parte de su ropa, y que se aseguraba de que estuvieran bien alimentados, limpios y criados con amor. Asistieron a la escuela primaria en la Academia Our Lady of Perpetual Help, y ella recuerda esos primeros años como los años seguros, “cuando todos vivían en una burbuja”. Cuando la familia se mudó a Flour Bluff y los niños comenzaron a asistir a una escuela pública, fue cuando la burbuja explotó. Empezaron las preocupaciones porque estaban siendo introducidos al “mundo real”, un mundo que también fue un gran shock para ella. “¿Qué voy a hacer”, se preguntaba? Ahora, mirando al pasado, recuerda que los años de adolescencia de sus hijos fueron más difíciles para ella. Eran adolescentes estándar que vivían en la década de los noventas, una era de música estridente y bandas de rock pesado. Sus hijos ya no querían ropa cosida a mano. Querían jeans y vestidos comprados en la tienda. Decidió trabajar medio tiempo, y lo hizo durante cuatro años en Sears, ayudando a complementar los ingresos de la familia, a pesar de que Juan Manuel tenía un excelente trabajo como mecánico de aviones en la base naval. Cuando las escuelas empezaron a permitir que los adolescentes fueran a casa a almorzar, sus hijas comenzaron a traer amigos y chicos a su casa. Fue entonces que Magdalena decidió renunciar a su trabajo para poder vigilarlos. A sus hijas les gustaban los chicos y las invitaban a muchas fiestas, pero ella no siempre las dejaba ir. Antes de permitirles ir a la fiesta ella llamaba o se ponía en contacto con los padres del adolescente que se suponía, iba a tener la fiesta. “Fui muy cuidadosa con las relaciones de mis hijos porque no conocía a nadie”, dijo. “La vida había sido más simple en México, en donde todos conocían a todos los demás”. Se aseguró de que los niños asistieran 18 South Texas Catholic | May 2019
a clases de catecismo en la parroquia de San Pablo Apóstol y los vigilaba a través de un diácono de la iglesia, ya que él le avisaría si alguno de sus hijos faltaba a una clase. Le preocupaba mucho que su hijo no terminara high school. Ocasionalmente, recibía llamadas de la escuela diciéndole que alguno o más de uno de sus hijos tenía problemas. “Pensé que estaban siendo groseros o rebeldes y si no respondían correctamente, me enojaba mucho”, dijo. Ella oró y habló con su pastor, el padre Mark Chamberlin, ahora Monseñor, y se involucró más con la comunidad que le rodeaba. Ella dijo, “de alguna manera, Dios me dio la fuerza para ser dura con ellos”. El primer tropiezo en el plan de Magdalena ocurrió después de que su hijo Johnny, que apenas había terminado high school, anunció que se uniría a la Fuerza Aérea. Para ella, su hijo todavía era un niño pequeño. “Nunca había estado solo”, dijo ella. Pero él se mantuvo firme “y el día que se fue, parecía que todos estábamos en un funeral”. Ahora, ella se da cuenta de que probablemente fue lo mejor para él. Después de servir 24 años, se ha retirado y vive en Carolina del Norte con su esposa e hija. “Esa fue mi la oración y Dios nos cuidó a todos,” dijo Magdalena. Su hija Paulette Guajardo fue diferente a sus otros hijos en muchos aspectos. Mientras que la mayoría se mudó de ciudad, ella permaneció cerca de sus padres. Estudió en la Universidad Texas A&M Corpus Christi y obtuvo una licenciatura en negocios. Su primer trabajo en telemarketing le enseñó sobre ventas. Sorprendió a su madre cuando con tan solo 24 años, su hija tuvo el valor de iniciar su propio negocio, la agencia de seguros “Allstate Insurance”. “¡Paulette era otra cosa! Iba a 100 millas por minuto”. Paulette ahora es miembro del Concilio de la Ciudad de Corpus Christi y es parte de varios comités directivos. También forma parte del Comité de Revisión de Ciudadanos al Servicio de Protección Infantil y es voluntaria donando su tiempo en Incarnate Word Academy, donde su hijo, Jude Victor, asiste a la escuela secundaria. “Simplemente me encanta. Es solo una parte de quien soy. Nunca soñé, que algún día estaría sirviendo a la Ciudad de Corpus Christi, pero nuevamente, nuestros sueños son irrelevantes, lo que Dios quiere es lo que realmente importa”, dijo Paulette. Magdalena recuerda a su propio padre
como un hombre activo, al que le gustaban mucho los negocios y que amaba a la comunidad. “Repartía reconocimientos en las escuelas, y le encantaba dar donaciones a organizaciones benéficas. Supongo que de ahí fue de donde lo sacó.” Su hija mayor, Amy, fue a la universidad en San Antonio, se graduó, consiguió un buen trabajo y se casó. “Desde que ella se fue a la universidad, se hizo muy responsable”, no así su hija Jessica, recuerda Magdalena, “Jessica, era la silvestre. Ella nunca quiso volver a la escuela”. “Finalmente, ella regresó cuando se dió cuenta de la importancia que tiene obtener un título”, dijo Guajardo, hablando por su hermana. “Ahora es maestra y siempre está en la escuela”, añadió, intercambiando sonrisas con su madre. “Los cuidé, de la misma manera que mi madre lo hizo conmigo y con la gracia de Dios, salieron bien”, dijo Magdalena, quien ahora es feligrés de la parroquia de San Juan Bautista. Es también Guadalupana y coordinadora del grupo de adoración, también es miembro de un grupo de formación de fe en español llamado, Caminando en la fe y visita a los residentes en Villa South. Ella continúa aprendiendo sobre su fe católica a través de su “gran maestro, el padre Rodolfo D. Vásquez”, tiene un matrimonio de más de 50 años y dos nietos. Magdalena esta agradecida con su hija y dijo: “Paulette me ha hecho participe de su vida y sus actividades. Me ha hecho salir de mi zona de comodidad, para trabajar con ella, ya por 15 años en su agencia de seguros Allstate.” Magdalena y Juan Manuel viven muy cerca de los Guajardo, de manera que pueden ver a su nieto, Jude Victor con frecuencia, él cursa el séptimo grado en la Academia del Verbo Encarnado. Paulette dice que su mamá la ha influenciado en la manera de criar a su hijo. Porque como su mamá ella es más estricta con él que su marido. Para Magdalena, la fe Católica ha sido el “pilar” fundamental de la vida familiar. Esta muy orgullosa de cada uno de sus hijos. “Los cuatro son completamente diferentes y tienen distintos talentos.” Dijo ella. “El mejor consejo que puedo dar a las madres que batallan con sus hijos es que recen y confíen en Dios.” El siempre tiene un plan.
May 2019 | South Texas Catholic 19
A summer pilgrimage Sometimes the summer months fly by so fast they’re gone before we’ve had a chance to encounter God. Sure, there’s Vacation Bible School for the children and Sunday Mass for the whole family. Maybe even a retreat for the older children, but what about an experience the whole family can enjoy? Many Catholics nowadays are seeking alternatives for family fun. Not an expensive pilgrimage to the distant Holy Land, but one that can be affordable and hassle-free. There are many missions and shrines right here in the state of Texas – some not even that far away. You can even stay right here in Corpus Christi. There will be a procession of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ on June 20
from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Corpus Christi Cathedral. For more information visit www.diocesecc.org/corpuschristi. Walk the grounds of Our Lady of Corpus Christi campus and visit the Marian Prayer Garden, Meditation Garden. For more information visit www.ourladyofcorpuschristi.org. Fathers and sons can register for the Schoenstatt 50th Annual Boys Walk on July 13 and 14. Encounter the spirit of the Schoenstatt Movement and trek more than 40 miles to the Confidentia Shrine on 134 Front Street in Lamar. See flyer and registration form at www.bit.ly/2KVUsam. There are plenty of amazing religious sites right here in the state of Texas. Keep reading to learn more and plan your family pilgrimage today.
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DESIGN BY MADELYN GALINDO
❶ BASILICA OF OUR LADY OF SAN JUAN DEL VALLE NATIONAL SHRINE 400 VIRGEN DE SAN JUAN BOULEVARD, SAN JUAN WWW.OLSJBASILICA.ORG
Here in the Rio Grande Valley, hundreds are drawn to the Shrine dedicated to Our Lady of San Juan del Valle, and the number of pilgrims continues to grow. Averaging more than one million visitors a year (20,000 a weekend), it is one of the most visited shrines in the United States.
❷ THE CATHEDRAL SHRINE
❹ LOURDES GROTTO & GUADALUPE TEPEYAC 5712 BLANCO RD, SAN ANTONIO WWW.OBLATEMISSIONS.ORG/OUR-LADYOF-LOURDES-GROTTO
A tribute to the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe to St. Juan Diego at Tepeyac 2215 ROSS AVE. DALLAS Hill in Mexico City. The Grotto is shaped WWW. CATHEDRALGUADALUPE.ORG to resemble the cave in which the Blessed The Cathedral preserves a sense of the historical Mother appeared to St. Bernadette at the evolution of Dallas. Located in the heart of the city original Shrine in Lourdes. Located on five it is nestled amid gleaming glass and polished stone acres, Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto and facings of surrounding buildings and is one of two Tepeyac de San Antonio grounds are open cathedrals in the United States to honor Our Lady of 24 hours, 7 days a week and admission is Guadalupe, the patroness of the Americas. always free.
OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
❸ CROSS OF OUR LORD JESUS
❹ MISSION CONCEPCIÓN
EXIT 112, GROOM
807 MISSION ROAD, SAN ANTONIO
WWW. CROSSMINISTRIES.NET
WWW. LASMISIONES.ORG
190 ft. Steel Cross – illuminated at night to represent the Resurrection, Life Size Bronze Sculptures that depict the Passion of Our Lord, A 19-story symbol of His suffering, redemption, and love. The grounds at Cross Ministries are open 24/7.
Today, Mission Concepción is still powerful in its beauty and grace. It is the only mission that is completely intact from the colonial period. This makes it the oldest unrestored stone church in the United States. And it still stands in silent testimony to the centuries that have gone by.
20 South Texas Catholic | May 2019
➎ MISSION OF THE DIVINE MERCY 531 INDIAN CHIEF TRAIL, NEW BRAUNFELS WWW.MISSIONOFDIVINEMERCY.ORG
The Holy Eucharist is at the center of the Community’s life, and its apostolate is to bring God’s message of Mercy to our suffering world. Many people are drawn to the Mission because of the reverence with which Mass is celebrated, whether it is in English or Spanish.
❹ MISSION ESPADA 10040 ESPADA ROAD, SAN ANTONIO WWW. LASMISIONES.ORG
Espada was the only mission to make brick—and you can see some of these bricks today in the mission itself. The last years of Espada, however, were difficult and tragic. In 1858 French Priest Reverend Francis Bouchu intervened. He made records of everything still standing, including all the painted artwork still visible. He established Mission Espada as his home and made a start at rebuilding the church.
❹ MISSION SAN JOSÉ 701 E. PYRON, SAN ANTONIO WWW. LASMISIONES.ORG
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Known as the “Queen of the Missions”, this is the largest of the missions. Completed in 1782, it has held on to its reputation as the mission with the most beautiful church along the entire frontier of New Spain ever since. Still an active parish, visitors are welcome to attend Mass on Sundays.
❹ MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO GRAF ROAD, SAN ANTONIO WWW. LASMISIONES.ORG
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The church at Mission San Juan is simple, smooth and unsculpted, especially when compared to the churches of the other missions. But it is still a rare treasure from another time and it is deeply beloved today by the community of Berg’s Mill, which it still serves.
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❻ PAINTED CHURCHES OF TEXAS SCHULENBURG WWW. BLUESKYTRAVELER.COM/PAINTED-
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CHURCHES-OF-TEXAS
The Painted Churches of Texas are a sight to be seen. European styled painted churches of high gothic windows, tall spires, elaborately painted interiors with brilliant colors and friezes created by the German and Czech settlers in America.
➐ PRESIDIO LA BAHIA
➑ THE SHRINE AT LAMAR
217 US - 183, GOLIAD,
134 FRONT ST, ROCKPORT
WWW. PRESIDIOLABAHIA.ORG
WWW. SCHOENSTATT-TEXAS.ORG
Located on the La Bahia fort grounds, this chapel has been holding continuous Catholic worship services since the middle 1700’s. Small, with walls of beautiful artwork.
The shrine is a refuge of spiritual help and guidance. Many pilgrims come to visit bringing their petitions and gratitude. May 2019 | South Texas Catholic 21
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†† NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE
Review of the movie: ‘Unplanned’ By Jennifer Branson
T
South Texas Catholic
Jennifer Branson is a correspondent for the South Texas Catholic and works part-time for the Diocese of Corpus Christi.
he film opens on Abby Johnson’s perfect life. She kisses her beautiful family goodbye, drives her perfect red convertible to her executive parking space at Planned Parenthood, exchanges friendly hellos with her coworkers, and hunkers down in her office to work. There are no hints that her life – and perhaps yours – is about to change dramatically. She is asked to help with an abortion. As she holds the ultrasound wand in place so that the doctor can complete the procedure, she is rattled by the sight of the baby writhing in pain and resisting the suction tube as it is dismembered piece by piece. The scene is made even more saddening once you know that it’s true to life – the doctor is played by a real doctor who performed actual abortions. As Abby runs to the bathroom and cries uncontrollably, I sit in my seat and think about all of the little souls rejected in this way every day. This is a movie, yes, but this really happens every single day. To keep watching I had to tell myself, “it has to get better, it must!” I’m glad I did. The scene flashes back to college, showing Abby, full of optimism and naiveté, the first step she took toward Planned Parenthood at a college fair, following her relationship with the abortion giant, including through two of her own abortions, volunteering, and ultimately working there. The treatment of life in the clinic is fair. It is portrayed as clean, there are friendly and efficient staff that you could readily identify as people you’ve worked with (even that one that marches to the beat of her own drum), and everyone there genuinely believes that they are helping women. Even the less charitable side of the prolife movement is represented honestly: people in grim reaper costumes and a man jeering loudly at the vulnerable women entering the clinic set a harsh contrast to Abby calmly and respectfully
escorting them inside the doors. But the story gradually but firmly exposes the horrors of even the “tidiest” abortions at each step. The pain, cramping, and clotting of Abby’s second abortion, one done by RU-486 pill, and the accompanying coldness from the clinicians about her symptoms being “normal.” The girl who nearly bleeds to death from a perforated uterus while the abortion doctor has to do his best with limited resources to save her so that the clinic can avoid the PR disaster of calling an ambulance. Even in a perfect clinical environment, the gruesomeness of the act does not go unnoticed. True to evangelical film form, there are a few details that will annoy you. The portrayal of Abby’s boss and mentor, Cheryl, is completely cold and villainous, which falls flat, especially since the other clinic staff is well-rounded. The development of Abby’s home life is also left a little flat, with her parents and husband displaying what seems like St. Monica’s patience with her work at Planned Parenthood. Those things, however, don’t get in the way of what has been an overwhelmingly powerful message that has rocked the box office and shaken Hollywood. Already many fruits of its message are evident. Shawn Carney of 40 Days for Life, depicted in the film, reports that there has been an increase of people coming out to pray at abortion clinics across the U.S. Lead actress Ashley Bratcher not only solidified her own views on abortion, but discovered that when her mother was pregnant with her she went to get an abortion. She was in the clinic, and something changed her mind and made her go through with having Ashley. Pro-Choicers watching the film have admitted to taking a critical look at their views. This is a movie that is worth supporting and a message that, despite its “R” rating, is appropriate for young adults and older.
➤ Pro-Choicers watching the film have admitted to
taking a critical look at their views. This is a movie that is worth supporting and a message that, despite its “R” rating, is appropriate for young adults and older. May 2019 | South Texas Catholic 23
✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE
2019 Cursillo Dates/Fechas English
Men’s Sept. 26-29
Contact
Women’s May 2-5 Oct. 17-20
Emma Botello (361) 853-2754
Español
Hombres
Mujeres
Oct. 10-13
Sept. 19-21
Contacto
Frank Mata
(361) 437-2292
Mary Mendoza (361) 701-0034
Make a friend, Be a friend, Bring your friend to Christ
Hacer un amigo, Ser un amigo, Traer su amigo a Cristo
Talk to God about your friend before talking to your friend about God
Hable con Dios antes de hablar con su amigo de Dios
We Invite You to Come Live and Enjoy a Cursillo.
Los Invitamos a Vivir y Gozar De Un Cursillo.
What is a Cursillo? Cursillo is a short course (Cursillo) in Christianity. To many, it is the beginning of a walk with Christ. The only purpose of Cursillo is evangelization of our environment and to bring others closer to Christ. It starts on Thursday evening and ends on Sunday evening. All attendees attend Mass daily. It is a joyful time where all share and pray together and listen to talks (rollos) that are given by clergy and laypersons. It is a personal encounter with Christ and with oneself. Cursillo started in Spain in the early 1940’s. It has rapidly spread and is now all over the world.
24 South Texas Catholic | May 2019
¿Qué es un Cursillo? Cursillo es un corto curso en Cristiandad. Muchos empiezan andar con Cristo. El propósito de cursillo es evangelizar nuestros ambientes, y traer a otros a Cristo. Comienza el Jueves en la tarde, y termina el Domingo en la tarde. Durante estos días, los asistentes viven y trabajan juntos. Escuchan unas charlas (rollos) sencillas presentados por sacerdotes y seglares. Asisten Misa diaria. Es un tiempo gozoso donde compartimos, y oramos. Es un encuentro personal con Cristo y uno mismo. Cursillo empiezo en principio de 1940’s en España. Se desparramo por todo el mundo.
†† NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE
Alexis West looks at a family photo album with her children at their home in Corpus Christi. West and her husband fostered their first child in 2016. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic
A mother’s unconditional love By Rebecca Esparza
A
Correspondent
lexis West was 13 years old when she and her two younger siblings had entered the foster care system in Michigan. Although an aunt and uncle eventually adopted them, she didn’t know them well, and there was still a time of adjustment. West said the gift of adoption was the foundation for her decision to do the same once she was able. “I always knew adopting kids from foster care was something I wanted to do,” she said. “It was always on my heart.” Married in 2014, Alexis and her husband Mikell have four children, and two of them joined the family via the foster care system. “Our original plan
was to have a biological child first and then adopt, but we ran into some fertility issues,” West explained. “So, we then decided to pursue foster care first.” They started the process of becoming certified for foster care in the summer of 2015, and by December the couple was ready for their first foster child. They received the call only one day after becoming certified, due to the number of children in the system. “We were open to a sibling group of two children, under the age of five and instantly received a call for placement,” she explained. “That one fell through, but we received another call shortly after for a nine-month-old girl who needed a foster right away, and she arrived at our house at 9 p.m. that same day.”
That placement lasted only three weeks, and West learned the hard way: foster care can take a toll on a new mother’s emotions. With the selfless love only a mother can understand, she knew leaving their loving home was ultimately best for the child. “I was a mess. It was hard,” West said. “I was packing her clothes and crying the entire time. But the baby was going to be adopted by a family who had already adopted her siblings.” For the next four months, they cared for two siblings who came from a home with no boundaries. The older child could not speak, and the younger one was barely learning how to walk. “A lot of times, children in foster care come with little to no personal belongings. May 2019 | South Texas Catholic 25
✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE
My goal was to make sure that children who left our home left with new clothes. Another trademark of children in foster care are trash bags, so my other goal is they would leave with a nice bag.” Soon, it was time to send the children home to their parents. It was a bittersweet moment for Alexis since she had four months to create a close bond with the children. She said, “One of the main goals of foster care is reunification with the biological parents, especially when the children are so young. Many times, we would meet the parents when the children had scheduled visits with them.” Just a few days later, yet another pair of siblings landed on their doorsteps. “The plan was to take a break for a month since the previous children we had were with us so long. But four days later we got the call and here comes another pair,” Mikell West chuckled. The siblings were reunited with their mother pretty quickly, and they were gone with just one day’s notice. It was
another tragic heartbreak for both Alexis and Mikell. They contemplated a break, but the next call was two days later, and this time for a boy who would eventually become a permanent member of the West family. “He stayed with us as a foster child for over a year starting at just 9 months of age. We decided to intervene in his case. At that point, we were all he knew. After having him for over a year, the idea of this child leaving was too much to bear. We felt like it would have been too traumatic for him,” she said. During this time, another sibling set arrived for foster care at the West home, but the case was another emotional roller coaster. “There was a point where we didn’t know if they were staying or leaving the next day. But that didn’t bother me. I didn’t hold back my love for them. I felt like that was done to me, when I was a child in foster care. I didn’t want to do that to them,” West said. Meanwhile, the Wests made the
decision to try to conceive a child of their own. A few months later, they learned she was pregnant with twins. “It was a surprise! I wasn’t expecting anything and then to find out at your first ultrasound it’s twins! I wasn’t sure how to feel. It was hard to comprehend there were two humans inside of me,” she laughed. “Our foster care manager asks if we want any more kids and I jokingly told her: ‘No, where would I put them? We are full!’” Today, their home is filled with giggling toddlers and cooing infants. Alexis and Mikell West wouldn’t have it any other way. “A lot of the things I experienced in foster care I saw in a couple of the children we have fostered. I saw myself. Fostering has given me a sense of purpose,” she said. “When I was young, I relied on my faith to get me through some of the toughest times in my life. I’ve always felt like I had a relationship with God because many times, He was the only one I could really talk to.”
Mikell West, 35, holds Gianna and his wife, Alexis, 31, holds Lincoln. The twins were born after the couple had fostered many children and were in the process of adopting two of their foster children. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic 26 South Texas Catholic | May 2019
†† NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE
Nieves Frazier, an instructor at St. John Paul II High School, wears a veil for daily and Sunday Mass and said that for her, wearing a veil reminds her of the sacred ground she steps onto at each Mass. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic
Veiling for Mass sees local resurgence By Rebecca Esparza
N Correspondent
ieves Frazier recalls with great fondness seeing her grandmother and mother using a veil during Mass. Today, Frazier is proud to use her mother’s veil, which is now 60 years old. Churches across the country are seeing a resurgence of ladies wearing a veil during Mass, as a show of ultimate reverence for God, symbolizing the veiled bride of the church. “I started veiling when I took part in the women’s schola at St. John the Baptist for the Mass in Extraordinary Form. I was going to sing in the midnight Mass in this form, so I wanted to respect the
tradition of veiling,” Frazier explained. “I asked my mother for one of hers. It is a black Spanish floral mantilla with gold trimming, which is traditional to use on feast days.” Frazier, social studies department head at St. John Paul II High School, said her students ask about her veil from time to time during weekly Mass at the school, mostly out of curiosity. “I remind them about how a chalice and tabernacle are veiled, as well as during Eucharistic procession all point toward veiling in His presence,” she said. For Frazier, being veiled reminds her of the sacred ground she steps into at each Mass, Eucharistic procession or
adoration. “We encounter the living God, who is the creator of beauty, so wearing a special veil for the occasion is appropriate,” she said. “At the Immaculate Conception Chapel at our campus, viewing the image of Our Blessed Mother, God’s masterpiece, reminds us of her fiat, and veiling is a way to be open to the will of God, the true order of things.” Even some teenage students have started the tradition of veiling for Mass. As a young child, 16-year-old Therese Castillo recalls seeing older Hispanic ladies wearing veils at Holy Family parish and asked her mom about it. “Two years ago, I began asking these questions again, but this time I did my May 2019 | South Texas Catholic 27
✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE
own research online and what I learned intrigued me. One of the things I learned is that the shape of the traditional veil, a triangle, symbolizes that the woman is protected under the Trinity,” she said. “God has a special role for me as a woman: to be a vessel.” Castillo, a sophomore at St. John Paul II High School, said that most tabernacles have a veil that covers the ciborium that holds the Eucharist. The veil, she explained, is there for multiple reasons. The most obvious reason is because the contents are sacred. “Mary veiled herself because who she was carrying in her womb was/is/always will be sacred. And as women, we have this same duty to veil ourselves in the presence of the Lord because of the role that He has given to us is to help bring life into the world, which is precious and sacred. I’m aware that I’m way too young to have kids, but it always helps to pray as I wait,” Castillo said. She encourages other women to at least consider veiling for Mass, as a way to increase their own spirituality. “In a world that tells young girls they are objects and not sacred, I think it's vital to reiterate they are not objects and they are sacred,” Castillo said. “The world tells us we are made for pleasure and instant gratification, but God tells us we’re made for more. We’re destined to bring good into the world, whatever way that may be, just like Mary.”
Therese Castillo,16, says prayers following weekly Mass at St. John Paul II High School. She said wearing a veil allows her to focus more intently on the Mass and allows her to block out any distractions. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic
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†† CATHOLIC EDUCATION
At 5:30 a.m. St. John Paul II High School students board a bus heading to Austin. The students, along with principals, staff, administrators and a group of laity attended the 2019 Texas Catholic Advocacy Day at the state capitol to take a stand on moral issues. Margie Rivera, South Texas Catholic
Advocacy Day, taking a stand for truth By Margie Rivera
W
South Texas Catholic
hen 50 high school students wake up early enough to be at school, on a bus, at 5:30 a.m., that is an event worth noticing. Students from St. John Paul II High School, along with principals, staff, and administrators from theirs and other schools around the diocese, as well as a group of lay people, embarked on a mission March 26. They put their faith in action at the 2019 Texas Catholic Advocacy Day, hosted at the state Capitol by the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops. More than 2,000 Catholics from the 14 dioceses and one ordinariate of the State of
Texas converged on that day to advocate for bills from the 86th Texas Legislative Session supporting the prohibition of abortion, equal protection of private and public school students, public school finance reform and bail reform. The group from the Diocese of Corpus Christi split into teams, and were able to meet with the offices of five different legislators representing the 13 counties that make up the diocese: State Representatives Todd Hunter, Ryan Guillen, J.M. Lozano and Abel Herrero, as well as State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa’s Chief of Staff, Luis Moreno. Evelyn Farias, a layperson who also dedicated herself to an early morning bus ride
to Austin, was very pleased at the hospitality of her State Representative visit. “Todd Hunter was very welcoming, and he took us in like we were family. He even offered us pan dulce and coffee,” she said. Midday, everyone took a break from their meetings with legislators and gathered on the south steps of the Capitol for a rally. The crowd was welcomed by the Executive Director of the TCCB, Jennifer Carr Allmon, who introduced Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller of San Antonio for the opening prayer. Archbishop Garcia-Siller expressed great joy to see the thousands of people gathered from throughout the beautiful state of Texas. He then introduced every May 2019 | South Texas Catholic 29
†† CATHOLIC EDUCATION
Teachers, principals, and concerned lay Catholics representing the Diocese of Corpus Christi meet with representative Todd Hunter, center, to discuss issues relating to Catholic social and moral teachings. Therese Martinez, from left, Elizabeth Martinez, Jahaira Cardoza, a teacher from Bishop Garriga Middle Preparatory School, Dr. Rosemary Henry, superintendent of Catholic Schools, Kathy Barnes, principal from Sacred Heart School in Rockport, Jose Torres, principal from Incarnate Word High School, Evelyn Farias, Emma Tacke, Sister Marilyn Springs, IWBS, principal of Holy Family School, and Father Peter Martinez, president of St. John Paul High School and Bishop Garriga Middle Preparatory School put their faith in action at the 2019 Texas Catholic Advocacy Day.
bishop from the present dioceses. The crowd cheered as their respective bishop/ archbishop was allowed to say a few welcoming words. Farias remembered the rally fondly. “I enjoyed listening to the bishops give the motivation speech to the crowd, it felt like a pep rally. It touched my soul. I also enjoyed when Father Peter Martinez had the crowd chant ‘Be Not Afraid,’” she recounted. Refreshed by the words of their shepherds and a barbecue lunch, the students were able
30 South Texas Catholic | May 2019
to participate in a mock hearing and learn more in-depth about their local government. Others from the diocese continued their meetings to advocate in legislators’ offices. At the end of the day, many boarded the bus excited to come back in 2021 to advocate during the 87th Texas Legislative Session. So, what exactly could motivate that many high-schoolers and lay Catholics to wake up and spend twelve hours to advocate at the Capitol? Nothing less than the truth and a love for the faith. As Allmon described
the day, “Our advocacy covers a full range of public policy issues. We look at these issues through the lens of our Catholic social and moral teachings.” For these students and for those who participated, Advocacy Day was a way to bring those teachings to those who run the local government and to live their faith in a real way. And that is worth getting up for. To learn more about the work of the TCCB and to get involved with local Catholic advocacy, please visit www.txcatholic.org.
†† NATIONAL NEWS
Lonely woman
Ekkasit Rakrotchit Shutterstock, Catholic News Agency
Arizona home helps women rebuild lives after prison By Perry West
W
Catholic News Agency
omen leaving prison can face numerous challenges – from finding housing and employment despite a criminal record to repairing relationships with family members and friends. At one women’s home in Flagstaff, Arizona, former inmates receive help getting back on their feet. The home, run by Catholic Charities, has seen so much success in its first few years that it is now planning to expand. Since it opened in 2016, the Juniper
House has helped 55 women re-enter society after leaving jail – with a sober environment, manageable rent, and the resources to get their lives on track. The Juniper House began through a partnership developed between Catholic Charities and the local authorities. Sandi Flores, Catholic Charities Community Services’ senior programs director for the northern offices, said the project works with the woman who have gone through Exodus, a sobriety program completed during incarceration. “[It began with] some interest from the local sheriff department and jail folk, who
were looking for an alternative for women who were exiting the substance abuse program that was offered at the jail. So we collaborated with them.” Since women will exit the Exodus program at different times, the Juniper House staff consistently conducts interviews at the jail once a month. The house only holds eight women at a time, so there is a growing wait list. Women going through the program will set goals, like focusing on jobs, completing their education, or reuniting with family members. Flores said many of these women will May 2019 | South Texas Catholic 31
†† NATIONAL NEWS
face challenges that hinder these goals and their recovery. A criminal record may make it hard for the individuals to find work, and past friendships may push the women back into substance abuse. The goal of the Juniper House, she said, is to minimize the stresses these women face as they exit incarceration, giving them the best possible shot at remaining substance free, finding work, and moving forward with their lives. Residents receive free rent for the first month, followed by discounted rent. This allows them to focus on sobriety and accessing resources, like school or searching for employment. “It gives them a chance, when they first get out, to be in a sober living environment, focus on recovery, to work at getting a job, learning to budget their funds, build some social support and social connections that don’t involve alcohol or drugs,” said Flores. Unlike many other halfway homes, Flores said, the Juniper House allows residents a significant amount of freedom.
Women who live at the house can take behavioral medication and work late if necessary. They are not removed from the program if they relapse, but instead will be coached alongside a case manager to develop a recovery plan. And they are able to move at their own pace, with some staying a house for a few months, and others for up to a year. Flores said the one of the house’s most beautiful qualities is the accountability that develops among the women. While it can be difficult for people in general to give or receive feedback, she said, the women routinely warn each other about dangerous behavior or motivate each other to find better solutions. “They empower each other, and they support each other, and they are quick to point out when they are seeing something that is starting to go wrong.” “We don’t want them to feel accountable to us. That’s not our role. Our role is to provide an opportunity for them and the support and resources to help themselves to permanent stability. Holding them
accountable to us is not the message, is not the mission. Letting them be accountable to each other is very strong and powerful.” According to the Catholic Sun, 50 percent of the residents are expected to gain income within 30 days and 80 percent to gain income within 60 days. Four in ten are working to reunite with their children. Last year alone, the house served 25 women. The Diocese of Phoenix now wants to use the Juniper House as a model for similar homes across the state of Arizona. A diocesan campaign that began two years ago has raised the funds to help the project expand to Maricopa County and Yavapai County, with $1 million going toward the expansion. Flores expressed hope that the project will continue to grow, providing more women with the opportunity for rehabilitation. At Catholic Charities, she said, “it is always our mission to serve our community’s most vulnerable. So we are always looking to see what is that vulnerable population that is not being served.”
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†† VATICAN
The Scala Sancta in Rome
Daniel Ibanez, Catholic News Agency
Rome’s ‘Holy Stairs’ uncovered for the first time in 300 years By Hannah Brockhaus
T
Catholic News Agency
he bare, white marble of Rome’s ‘Scala Sancta,’ which are believed to be the stairs trod by Christ on the day of his trial and death, are exposed and visible to pilgrims for the first time in almost 300 years. The stairs, encased in wood since the 1700s, will be uncovered for veneration
from April 11 to June 9, the feast of Pentecost. During this time, pilgrims may ascend the marble steps on their knees. “We thought this opportunity was important,” Paolo Violini, the head of the restoration of the staircase, told EWTN. He said the idea to open the Holy Stairs to the public came when they removed the wood to restore it and discovered the beautiful white stairs beneath.
“No one had ever thought to be able to climb the marble stairs. It was simply restoration work, maintenance work of the wood covering them,” Violini said. “The moment we saw what was underneath, the idea came to open them publicly… for the devoted, even for a brief period and for what is possible, obviously, for the conservation of the marble.” “As long as the restoration of the wood May 2019 | South Texas Catholic 33
†† VATICAN
is not finished, and it is not covered, it will be possible on the part of the faithful to climb to the top on one’s knees,” he said. The Holy Stairs are held to be those which led to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem, and which Christ would have ascended on his way to the trial before his Crucifixion. According to tradition, the stairs were brought to Rome by St. Helena in the 4th century. The mother of Constantine the Great, it is believed that she restored many sites in the Holy Land and discovered the True Cross, in addition to other relics. The stairs, which are near the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, were first opened to the public more than 400 years ago by Sixtus V. In 1724, Servant of God Benedict XIII covered the Holy Stairs in wood for their protection, since the marble had already begun to be worn down significantly by pilgrims over the prior century, Violini explained. The marble under the wood has not been seen since then, he stated, and their “re-uncovering” during the end of Lent and Easter is a “highpoint.” The Holy Stairs have been closed for over a year for restoration of the frescoes on the walls surrounding the steps and leading up to a once-private papal chapel, the Church of St. Lawrence. The renewal of the wooden planks over the stairs was the final step. But when the restoration workers removed the wood, they found deep divots in the center of the steps. “It was a surprise for all of us to see the state of conservation of these steps, with this central consumption, which digs a rather deep furrow, to the
Marriage Retreat May 31st - June 2nd OurLadyofCorpusChristi.org Bishop Michael Mulvey and the staff of the Office for Safe Environment and Child and Family Resources are committed to assisting in the healing process for victims and survivors of abuse. If you or someone you know is in need of such services, call Stephanie Bonilla, Director of the Office for Safe Environment and Child and Family Resources at: (361) 882-6191 for immediate assistance. 34 South Texas Catholic | May 2019
Office for Safe Environment and Child and Family Resources
point that for some of the steps the whole depth is consumed,” Violini noted. “But, going forward with the uncovering of the steps, we realized that it is nothing more than a sign of the use, of the consumption, of the pilgrims who went up on their knees,” he explained. “The furrow in the center was caused by the tip of the shoe that, resting on the step below, served to give the push to climb the next step.” Before being removed, the wood encasing the steps had squares cut out where pilgrims could reach down to touch the marble. There were also glass cases protecting spots believed to have marks of the bloody footprint of Christ. Pilgrims who visit the stairs must ascend them on their knees as a sign of piety and reverence but can choose how they wish to pray while doing so. Those who cannot climb on their knees may kneel on the first step and then walk up one of the other staircases to reach the top. There is also a plenary indulgence, or the remittance of temporal punishment due to sins which have already been forgiven, attached to ascending the entire staircase. The usual conditions for a plenary indulgence must be met: the individual must be in the state of grace and have complete detachment from sin. The person must also pray for the pope’s intentions and sacramentally confess their sins and receive Communion up to about twenty days before or after the indulgenced act. Alternately, a partial indulgence may be gained for every step climbed while meditating on the Passion of Christ.
†† OUR FAITH
Mothers are an indispensable gift By Father Paul Hesse Father Paul Hesse is Pastor at St. Pius X Parish.
P Contributor
ractically every day, I look out the windows of the rectory and see mothers dropping off their children for school or picking them up in the afternoon. To be fair, there are also fathers, grandparents, and other relatives who do the same, but I’d like to focus on the mothers since they are the majority who do so. I never cease to be amazed at the special skills these mothers possess that enable them to take special care of their children. There is no doubt in my mind about how influential they are and how these mothers are an indispensable gift to their children. As a former child, I know that it takes a lot to get children to school. Behind the scenes, mothers have to rouse their children from sleep, get them dressed, and get something in their bellies before they take off. That doesn’t even take into account the job of getting the children to do their homework the night before and all the washing, drying, and other prep work that has to be done. Once they pile into the car, they head off to school. When they arrive here, I see those same mothers straightening their kids’ clothing, getting their backpacks out, giving their children their daily dose of advice, and frequently walking them to their classrooms. I fail to mention having to make sure that their children have those special little things they need for a project or event that is going on in a particular day. When the school day ends, those same mothers are back again to chauffeur their kids home or to other activities. This is only the tip of the iceberg. There are so many facets to motherhood – it is a vocation that weighs heavy with responsibility. It involves being a coach, a policewoman, a nurturer, a comforter, a teacher, a cook, a doctor, a nurse, a judge, an advocate, and a worrier. Mothers have to be entertainers, counselors, drill sergeants, and organizers. One cannot encapsulate everything that mothers must do and be. Nevertheless, the ones that I know become very adept at all these things. It is a particular vocation that requires tremendous
multitasking skills. When I look at the many mothers that cross my path day in and day out, I see all the qualities that we applaud in all of our mothers. Interestingly, the job of a mother never goes away. It is a job and a vocation for life. There is a special bond that a mother has with her children. It is a bond that is forged at the very beginning, while the child is forming in the womb. It is a relationship that carries, as I said, a heavy weight of responsibility, but a responsibility that is borne in joy. Mothers don’t normally resent the vocation set before them. They embrace it. They take it up willingly. During this month honoring Mary, the Blessed Mother, we recognize that she modeled motherhood in the most perfect way. She embraced her vocation as the Mother of Our Lord, willingly following the Lord’s bidding. She endured her own cross of suffering as she witnessed Jesus’ rejection, passion, and death. We know that she understands the fullness of motherhood because of her role in salvation history. We pray that she may inspire all mothers as they strive to fulfill their vocation of raising their children. In the Gospel of John 14:9, Jesus says, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” When we look to Jesus, we see the concrete love of the Father. If we look at the many sacrifices that our mothers make for us – if we see the many acts of love they give to us, then in a very real way, we also see the love of the Father in our mothers. If our mothers do these things, then they are certainly imitating Christ. In imitating Christ, they are revealing to us the goodness and love of our Heavenly Father. Our mothers are indispensable. Their love is enduring and unconditional, like the love of our God. If we are grateful to God for his abiding love, we should also be grateful to our mothers who witness to the enduring love of God. We wish all mothers a very blessed and happy Mother’s Day! May you experience an abundance of our love in return for the love you have shown us! We love you and we cherish you! May 2019 | South Texas Catholic 35
May Liturgical Calendar
1 | Wed | Easter Weekday | white/ white [Saint Joseph the Worker] Acts 5:17-26/Jn 3:16-21 (269) or, for the Memorial, Gn 1:26—2:3 or Col 3:14-15, 17, 23-24/Mt 13:54-58 (559)
2 | Thu | Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church | white | Memorial | Acts 5:2733/Jn 3:31-36 (270) 3 | Fri | Saints Philip and James, Apostles | red | Feast | 1 Cor 15:1-8/ Jn 14:6-14 (561) Pss Prop 4 | Sat | Easter Weekday | white | Acts 6:1-7/Jn 6:16-21 (272) 5 | SUN | THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER | white Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41/ Rv 5:11-14/Jn 21:1-19 or 21:1-14 (48) Pss III 6 | Mon | Easter Weekday | white | Acts 6:8-15/Jn 6:22-29 (273) 7 | Tue | Easter Weekday | white | cts 7:51—8:1a/Jn 6:30-35 (274) 8 | Wed | Easter Weekday | white | Acts 8:1b-8/Jn 6:35-40 (275) 9 | Thu | Easter Weekday | white |
Acts 8:26-40/Jn 6:44-51 (276)
10 | Fri | Easter Weekday | white/ white [USA: Saint Damien de Veuster, Priest] Acts 9:1-20/Jn 6:52-59 (277) 11 | Sat | Easter Weekday | white | Acts 9:31-42/Jn 6:60-69 (278) 12 | SUN | FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER | white Acts 13:14, 43-52/Rv 7:9, 14b-17/Jn 10:27-30 (51) Pss IV 13 | Mon | Easter Weekday | white/white [Our Lady of Fatima] Acts 11:1-18/Jn 10:1-10 (first choice) (279) 14 | Tue | Saint Matthias, Apostle | red | Feast | Acts 1:15-17, 20-26/Jn 15:9-17 (564) Pss Prop 15 | Wed | Easter Weekday | white/white [USA: Saint Isidore] Acts 12:24—13:5a/Jn 12:44-50 (281) 16 | Thu | Easter Weekday | white | Acts 13:13-25/Jn 13:16-20 (282) 17 | Fri | Easter Weekday | white | Acts 13:26-33/Jn 14:1-6 (283) 18 | Sat | Easter Weekday | white/ red [Saint John I, Pope and Martyr] Acts 13:44-52/Jn 14:7-14 (284)
19 | SUN | FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER | white Acts 14:21-27/Rv 21:1-5a/Jn 13:31-33a, 34-35 (54) Pss I
20 | Mon | Easter Weekday | white/white [Saint Bernardine of Siena, Priest] Acts 14:5-18/Jn 14:21-26 (285) 21 | Tue | Easter Weekday | white/ red [Saint Christopher Magallanes, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs] Acts 14:19-28/Jn 14:27-31a (286) 22 | Wed | Easter Weekday | white/white [Saint Rita of Cascia, Religious] Acts 15:1-6/Jn 15:1-8 (287) 23 | Thu | Easter Weekday | white | Acts 15:7-21/Jn 15:9-11 (288) 24 | Fri | Easter Weekday | white | Acts 15:22-31/Jn 15:12-17 (289) 25 | Sat | Easter Weekday | white/ white/white/white [Saint Bede the Venerable, Priest and Doctor of the Church; Saint Gregory VII, Pope; Saint Mary Magdalene de’Pazzi, Virgin] Acts 16:1-10/Jn 15:18-21 (290) 26 | SUN | SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER | white Acts 15:1-2, 22-29/Rv 21:10-14, 22-23/Jn 14:23-29 (57) Pss II
27 | Mon | Easter Weekday | white/white [Saint Augustine of Canterbury, Bishop] Acts 16:11-15/Jn 15:26—16:4a (291) 28 | Tue | Easter Weekday | white | Acts 16:22-34/Jn 16:5-11 (292) 29 | Wed | Easter Weekday | white | Acts 17:15, 22—18:1/Jn 16:12-15 (293) Ecclesiastical Provinces of Boston, Hartford, New York, Newark, Omaha, Philadelphia: 30 | Thu | THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD | white | Solemnity | [Holyday of Obligation] | Acts 1:111/Eph 1:17-23 or Heb 9:24-28; 10:1923/Lk 24:46-53 (58) | Pss Prop | All Other U.S. Ecclesiastical Provinces: 30 | Thu | Easter Weekday | white | Acts 18:1-8/Jn 16:16-20 (294) 31 | Fri | The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary | white | Feast | Zep 3:14-18a or Rom 12:9-16/Lk 1:3956 (572) Pss Prop
Laying the foundation for school and life success! Parents are their child’s first and most influential teachers and we want to support you on that journey! • Free home visiting program accepting prenatal mothers, Dads, Moms, grandparents raising grandchildren and caregivers of children from 0-5 years of age, residing in Nueces County. • Personal home visits; monthly or biweekly • Child screenings
• Fun-filled group meetings for client families, and FREE monthly Parent Café’s • Resource connection to Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi services and community resources • Certified Parent Educators • Rewards closet; earn while you learn, and free children’s books
Pre-enroll today at catholiccharities-cc.org/pat-enroll or call (361) 884-0651, ext. 287 36 South Texas Catholic | May 2019
May 2-5 at the Cursillo Center on 1200 Lantana. Be a friend and bring your friend to Christ. For more information call Emma Botello, Pre-Cursillo Chairperson at (361) 853-2754 or any Cursillo leader for information or applications.
Spiritual 2 Women’s Exercises Retreat
May 2-5 begins Thursday at 5:30 p.m. and ends Sunday at 1:30 p.m. You will be led deeper in our relationship with God through the power of prayer and quiet time with the Lord. Register at ourladyofcorpuschristi.org or call (36) 289-9095, ext. 321.
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Gertrude the 4 St. Great School/Parish Community Festival
May 4 from 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at JK Northway Coliseum in Kingsville Barbecue is from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. There will be a live auction, silent auction, kids’ games, sweet shoppe and raffle. For more information call (361)-592-6522.
11 Filipino-American Pilgrimage to Schoenstatt-Lamar
May 11 at the Schoenstatt Center (134 Front Street) in Rockport. The program begins with a Holy Mass at 10 a.m. followed by a procession, coronation of Mary with flowers, consecration of the Philippine Islands to the Blessed Mother in the shrine and a potluck dinner with Filipino foods. All are welcome to attend and dress in Filipino attire if desired. For more information contact, Sister Erlinda at (361) 729-2019 or Sheila at (956) 266-2114.
Academic Contest at IWA May 4 at Incarnate Word Academy (2920 S Alameda St.) is hosting an Academic Contest that will offer private school students an opportunity to compete in 13 different comprehensive academic events.
Saint Joseph the Worker Feast Day
May 4 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at St. Joseph Church (1400 Brookshire Drive) in Kingsville. Come celebrate Saint Joseph’s Feast Day with a Mass celebration at 9 a.m. followed by family fun. The family event begins at 10 a.m. and includes music, games, moonwalks, Loteria, queen pageant, talent show, basket raffle, and family food booths showcasing favorite dishes. Free admission.
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7-dias en español para Religiosas, Consagradas a Dios
Mayo 19-25 El Centro de Retiro Pax Christi esta ofreciendo un Retiro de 7-dias en español para Religiosas, Consagradas a Dios. Será un tiempo de renovación y de re-encuentro con Dios. $400 por persona La reservación incluye cuarto privado con baño, las tres comidas y refrigerios. Para más información ó registración llamar (361) 241-2833 or (361) 241-5479.
Spiritual 23 Men’s Exercises Retreat
May 23-26 begins Thursday at 5:30 p.m. and ends Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Corpus Christi Retreat Center (1200 Lantana). A weekend to go deeper in our relationship with Our Lord through the power of prayer and silence. Register deepprayer.org or call (361) 289-9095, ext. 321.
Retreat at OLCC 31 Marriage
May 31-June 2 begins Friday at 6 p.m. and ends Sunday at 11:30 a.m. This retreat offers tools based on the Theology of the Body for discovering your spouse anew, time spent together in eucharistic adoration, confession, and even a romantic evening dinner and dancing. Register ourladyofcorpuschristi.org or call (361) 289-9095, ext 321.
de Sanación Interior 31 Retiro
May 31–Junio 2 at Sacred Heart Church (1218 Comanche St.) en Corpus Christi. Ministerio Católico de Houston, Texas y la Iglesia Católica del Sagrado Corazón Presenta el Retiro de Sanación Interior presenta un retiro sobre la curación interior. Para hombres y mujeres mayores de 18 años. Donación es $100. Registración: Viernes 5-8 p.m. Cupo Limitado 100 participantes. Para mas informacion llame (956) 573-6863, (361) 207-0395 or (956) 457-4121.
Ongoing Calendar Events
Alzheimer’s & General Support Group
• May 1 and every first Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. at SCC River Ridge Nursing Rehab Center located at 3922 West River Dr. (off FM 624) in Corpus Christi. • May 2 and every first Thursday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at Gulf Point Plaza (1008 Enterprise Blvd.) in Rockport. • May 7 and every first Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at Elan Assisted Living & Memory Care (5441 Lipes) in Corpus Christi. • May 8 and every second Wednesday of the month at 12 p.m. at Lindale Center/ Caregiver SOS located on 3133 Swantner St. in Corpus Christi. For more in Corpus Christi. • May 9 and every second Thursday of the
month at 3 p.m. at Mirador Plaza (back side of facility) located at 5857 Timbergate Drive in Corpus Christi. • May 14 and every second Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Woodridge Nursing & Rehab Center located at 600 So. Hillside Dr. in Beeville. • May 15 and every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at Woodridge Nursing & Rehab. Center (600 So. Hillside Dr) in Beeville. • May 16 and every third Thursday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at Ed & Hazel Richmond Public Library, located on 110 N. Lamont Street in Aransas Pass. • May 21 and every third Tuesday of the month at 9:30 a.m. at Brookdale (formerly Homewood Residence) located at 6410 Meadow Vista in Corpus Christi. • May 23 and every fourth Thursday of the
month at 4:30 p.m. at Kleberg County Nursing & Rehab located on 316 General Cavazos Blvd. in Kingsville. • May 28 and every fourth Tuesday of the month at 4 p.m. at Alice Public Library (401 E. Third Street) in Alice. • May 24 and every last Friday of the month at 2 p.m. at The Viera Senior Living located at 3010 Airline Road in Corpus Christi.
El Grupo De Oracion Prayer Group
Mayo 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 y todos los miércoles de 6:30-8:30 p.m. en la Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón en Corpus Christi. El Grupo de Oracion se juntan cada Miercoles en el salon de la parroquia at 1322 Comanche St. En frente de la escuela George Evans. Todos estan invitados.
May 2019 | South Texas Catholic 37
†† MAY CALENDAR
2 Women’s English Cursillo
†† MAY CALENDAR
Catholic Charities is offering Immigration Services
May 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 and every Thursday starting at 7:30 a.m. at Catholic Charities (615 Oliver Court) to discuss client eligibility according to USCIS qualifications. The first 15 people who sign in will be seen in order of arrival; there is a $25 consultation fee. Information on government and legal fees as well as needed documents are given to persons who qualify for an immigration process.
Holy Hour & Healing Mass
May 2 and every first Thursday of the month at 5-6:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Jesus Nazareno Chapel at Sacred Heart Church in Corpus Christi. For more information call Mary Rangel at the parish office (361) 883-6082 or email sacredheartchurch001@stx.rr.com.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
May 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 and every Friday 7 a.m. - 12 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Helena of the True Cross of Jesus (7634 Wooldridge Rd. Corpus Christi, 78414)
Q&A about the Extraordinary Form of the Mass
May 4 and every first Saturday of the month Q&A about the Extraordinary Form of the Mass at St. John the Baptist Church Catholic Church (7522 Everhart Rd, 78413) beginning after the 8 a.m. mass. Please join St. Michael the Archangel Latin Mass Apostolate for light refreshments and Q&A about the Extraordinary Form of the Mass. Latin Mass Missals are provided. For more information contact Jackie Hein at (361) 443-1945.
Secular Franciscans in Corpus Christi Monthly Gathering
May 4 and every first Saturday of each month from 9:30 p.m.-12 p.m. at Corpus Christi Cathedral Room 4. For more information contact Liz Conces at (936) 344-1353.
Blue Army Mass
May 4 and every first Saturday of the month in the Jesus Nazareno Chapel at Sacred Heart in Corpus Christi. For more information call the church at (361) 883-6082 or email sacredheartchurch001@stx.rr.com.
St. Peregrine Healing Mass
May 5 and every first Sunday of each month from 5-6 p.m. at Our Lady of Corpus Christi (1200 Lantana St.) in Corpus Christi. St. Peregrine is the patron saint of people suffering from cancer, AIDS, and other illnesses. The Healing Mass on the first
Sunday of each month is to pray for his intercession.
Tea Time and Book Study: Father Joseph Kentenich’s Life
May 6, 13, 20 and 27 and Mondays from 12:30-2 p.m. at Schoenstatt Movement Center in Corpus Christi. “Brushstrokes of a Father” Reading: Volume 2 Reading about Father Joseph Kentenich, Founder of the Schoenstatt Movement. We read about his life as a child, seminarian, teacher and priest. But he was truly a prophet of Mary. His whole life was given to Mother Thrice Admirable and he was spiritually guided throughout his life with Blessed Mother’s hand of love and mercy for him and Her mission in Schoenstatt.
Christ the King Prayer Group
May 6, 13, 20 and 27 and every Monday from 7-8:30 p.m. at Christ the King (3423 Rojo). Come join our prayer group for a more in-depth understanding of what God wants us to do after he heals our hearts and souls. Spanish and English. For more information call (361) 510-5802.
OLPH Bereavement & Grief Support Ministry
May 7, 14, 21 and 28 and every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the St. John Paul II Conference Room at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Rectory (5830 Williams Drive). These sessions are intended for adults who have experienced the death of a loved one. For more information call Chaplain Ray Claveria at (361) 215-4395.
Healing Mass and Prayer Service
May 10 and every second Friday of the month at 6 p.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Church (1123 Main Drive) in Corpus Christi. Call Parish office with questions (361) 241-2004.
Family Rosary
May 11 and every second Saturday of the month in the Emmanuel Chapel (505 N Upper Broadway) after 12:05 Mass. Cathedral Knights of Columbus Council #11107, is inviting all Parish Families and community to participate in the Family Rosary. All participants are encouraged to bring their own rosaries. For those who do not have one, the Knights will provide finger rosaries, along with instructions on how to properly pray the rosary. For more information call faith director Awin Bau at (530) 518-7615 or email matmet32@gmail.com.
Grounded in Truth at OLCC
Chapel 7-8 p.m., followed by music and fellowship in Cafe Veritas (attached to Our Lady of Corpus Christi’s Bookstore) from 8-9:30 p.m. All music led by talented local musicians. Call (361) 289-0807 for more information.
The Helpers of God’s Precious Infants Pro-Life Mass
May 18 and every third Saturday from 8-10 a.m. the Helpers of God’s Precious Infants Pro-Life Mass will be held at St. Joseph Church (710 19th Street) in Corpus Christ.
Meeting of lay apostolates of St. Dominic
May 18 and every third Saturday of each month at 3:45 p.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary School (next to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church), located on 2233 Waldron Road in Flour Bluff. The group is under the spiritual guidance of Sister Claudia Ongpin, O.P., of the Religious Missionary Sisters of St. Dominic.
Face to Face
Every fourth Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Conference Center located behind the Doctor’s Regional Hospital Emergency Room, 3315 S. Alameda. Nestor H. Praderio, MD hosts an interactive learning experience for Caregivers of loved ones Alzheimer’s Disease and other related Dementia. Complimentary refreshments are sponsored by our trusted community partners.
Parent Café Support Group
May 23 and every fourth Thursday from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi (615 Oliver Court). For more information call (361) 884-0651, ext. 287. Please RSVP. Open to all parents, grandparents and caregivers raising children.
Grandparents and Other Relatives Raising Children Support Group • May 28 and the last Tuesday of each month from 10-11 a.m. at Greenwood Senior Center (4040 Greenwood Drive). For more information call (361) 826-1368. • May 30 and the last Thursday of each month from 6-7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church (900 South Shoreline Blvd.) in Corpus Christi (2nd floor–Rm #216 / parking and entrance behind church). Facilitated and presented by MCH Family Outreach. Please call if you bring your grandchild(ren). Classes for all ages. For more information call (361) 334-2255.
May 18 and every third Saturday of the month. An hour of Adoration with Praise and Worship in the OLCC Perpetual Adoration
To see more calendar events go to: SouthTexasCatholic.com/events 38 South Texas Catholic | May 2019
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May 2019 Issue SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC 555 N Carancahua St, Ste 750 Corpus Christi, TX 78401-0824 (361) 882-6191
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