CO M M E M O RAT I V E
ISSU E
South Texas
Catholic SERVI N G TH E C H U RC H I N TH E D I OC ESE O F CO RP US C H RISTI
We are the Body of Christ. My brothers and sisters, Our Eucharistic celebrations last month were a great success and triumph in celebrating the Lord’s promise: “I am with you always…” I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of you who assisted in the organization and execution of the events and for being a part of this very special moment in the life of our diocese. It proved to be a celebration that was filled with many blessings. Several significant events preceded the Eucharistic Congress including a day of prayer culminating with the Corpus Christi procession through the streets of the city. Additionally, the ordination of two new priests, Fathers Carlos De La Rosa and Charles Silvas, provided a special solemnity to the event. The presence of Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, and Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, was a true sign of the universality of the Church. As representative of the Holy Father Pope Francis, Archbishop Pierre began the Congress by celebrating the opening Mass in the Cathedral on Friday night. On Saturday, his Excellency was the keynote speaker at the Eucharistic Congress. Archbishop Pierre’s address entitled “Do Whatever He Tells You,” highlighted the intimate relationship between the Eucharist and Mary. Mary’s familiar words to the servants at the Wedding in Cana in Galilee was her intercession to Jesus amidst a crisis.
Recalling the miracle of Jesus in response to her intercession, Archbishop Pierre had six empty stone jars arranged on stage beside him to represent our presentday crises and spoke of how Jesus intercedes to “fill the jars of human need.” The jars symbolized six areas of emptiness living in people today. These six needs were described as the areas in which we lack fulfillment, or areas of crisis in our lives. The lack of festivity, the lack of giving, the lack of memory, the lack of prophecy, the lack of beauty, and the lack of silence all create longing in our hearts. We must remember the words of Jesus, “Fill the jars.” The young people at the Eucharistic Congress heeded that call to fill the emptiness in the lives of those close to them. This group went to the nearby Mother Theresa Shelter and offered their time and service the help those in need. This vividly highlighted how the Eucharist calls us to action in the service of others. Their spirit of charity also reminds us that a celebration that does not evangelize is not authentic. The Eucharistic Congress was both a celebration and an opportunity. Its celebration of the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist resonated in a distinct way with everyone who attended. It was also an opportunity for us to deepen our communion with Christ and with one another. Going forward, the Eucharistic Congress in the Diocese of Corpus Christi sets the stage for prayer, liturgy, and service on a grander scale when the National Eucharistic Congress takes place in Indianapolis in 2024. I pray that more people will experience a deeper understanding and love of the Eucharist as it calls us to fill the emptiness in the lives of everyone we encounter. May God continue to bless you, Bishop Michael Mulvey I A M W I T H YO U A LWAY S
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EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS 2022
Committee Members Very Rev. James G. Stembler Very Rev. Pete Elizardo Deacon Lee Alvarado Stephanie Bonilla Mary Cottingham Bob Cummings Heath Garcia Monica Gatlin Nannette Quintanilla Hatch Dr. Rosemary Joanne Henry Deacon Santos Jones Richard Luna Norma Martinez Liz Morales Sister Laura Nieves, PCI Jaime Reyna Margie Rivera Jason and Hester Rodriguez Olivia Rodriguez Adel Sauceda Kristi Skrobarczyk Julie Stark
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“The Eucharist is ‘the source and summit’ of the Christian life” (CCC, nos. 1324-1327).
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9 DAYS OF ADORATION
Adoring His Presence The Nine Days of Adoration from June 16-24 included 6 p.m. vespers and reflections. Monsignor Walter Rossi, the rector of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., presided over the June 17 Holy Hour and Solemn Vespers, themed “Thanksgiving for Priestly Ordinations.” Father Charles Silvas and Father Carlos De La Rosa were ordained priests the following day. Father James G. Stembler, the Vicar General, and Father Pete Elizardo, the rector for Corpus Christi Cathedral, were also present. There were other themes throughout the week as faithful adorers prayed for youth and young adults, single life, marriage and family life, the elderly and more. Thank you, Jason and Hester Rodriguez, adorers and leaders of all the holy hours.
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We are the Body of Christ. CITY PROCLAMATION AND COUNTY RESOLUTION
Commemorating our community’s rich history Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo, who is a parishioner at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, presents Bishop Michael Mulvey with the city proclamation naming June 16, 2022, as “Feast of Corpus Christi Day.”
Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales, who is a parishioner at Corpus Christi Cathedral, presents Bishop Michael Mulvey with the Nueces County Resolution declaring June 16, 2022, the Feast of Corpus Christi Day in Nueces County. The Nueces County Commissioners Court commission unanimously passed the resolution.
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“Let us renew ourselves personally and spiritually as people of God in communion with God and the Church.” ~ Bishop Michael Mulvey
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“We wanted it to be majestic and worthy of holding the most precious sacrament, Corpus Christi, for adoration.” ~ Father Raynaldo Yrlas Jr.
From left, Father Ray Yrlas Jr., Brad Snyder, Jaime Reyna and ASL interpreter David Gaitan present the unveiling of the new diocesan monstrance at the Feast of Corpus Christi on June 16.
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From left, Father Richard Gonzales and Father Patrick Donohoe reveal the new diocesan monstrance. Newly ordained Deacon Thomas Swierc looks on reverently.
UNVEILING THE NEW DIOCESAN MONSTRANCE
Celebrating the Eucharist Thank you Diocesan Monstrance Committee members: Father Raynaldo Yrlas Jr. Father Richard Gonzales Father Alfredo Villarreal Father Patrick Donohoe Jaime Reyna Brad Snyder & Etto Risi, Snyder & Associates Josefina Anguiano & Family, Bernardo Anguiano Orfebres
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WHAT The diocesan Eucharistic Congress 2022 has been at the forefront of Bishop Michael Mulvey’s agenda since before he wrote his pastoral letter, “I am with you always to the end of the age.” It is a gathering of diocesan clergy, religious, and laity to bear witness to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. We are united in faith to discover what it means to be a Eucharistic people.
WHY In recent years, many Catholics seem to have begun wondering about the belief in the True Presence of our Lord in the Eucharist. The diocesan Eucharistic Congress is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the mystery of Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist — body, blood, soul and divinity.
HOW The celebration officially began with the Feast of Corpus Christi Family Celebration and Procession on June 16. The Diocese of Corpus Christi celebrated this event with holy hours, confession and a diocesan eucharistic procession. During the following days, there were hours of adoration, ordinations, and a celebration of the 110th anniversary of the diocese, followed by a culmination of events at the diocesan Eucharistic Congress Conference. This sequence of events will go down in the history of the Diocese of Corpus Christi for the valuable and dedicated collaboration of staff, volunteers and the participation of its people. The diocesan Eucharistic Congress opens the doors to reflection and meditation on another great event — the three-year National Eucharistic Revival. For more information, visit eucharisticrevival.org.
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Grace Piedra shows her cousin, Aubree Sprecher the model altar in the atrium set up at the Feast of Corpus Christi on June 16. Grace is a parishioner of Corpus Christi Cathedral and Aubree is a parishioner at St. Patrick Parish.
“Catechists often ponder, share and wonder about atrium experiences together. We are frequently reminded of who is the real teacher.” ~ Mary Ellen Galvan, Corpus Christi Cathedral
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FEAST OF CORPUS CHRISTI
Something for everyone Thank You Individual Volunteers & Helpers:
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Gina Bottari
Minnie Moraida
Erica Cortez
Deacon Raymond Pendleton
Father Carlos De La Rosa Terry Green
Rudy II, Rudy III and Bertha Ortiz
Linda Guartuche
Angie Ortiz
Donald Harris
Carissa Reyes
Ronald Harris
Nilda Reyes
Kathleen Huffmeyer
Gracie Rodriguez
Nelda Ibarra
Myrna Rodriguez
Sharon Longoria
Father Charles Silvas
Deacon Michael Mantz
Jennifer Stamp
Celia Méndez
Vince Stark
Roland Moraida
Deacon Thomas Swierc
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FEAST OF CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSION
Celebrating the soul of the Church Processions are expressions of culture and community as well as of faith. Participants were encouraged to dress in traditional clothing that celebrated their national or cultural identity. All parishes, altar servers, extraordinary ministers of holy Communion and members of all parish organizations were invited to carry banners representing their parish and organizations.
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“The processsion was the highpoint of the event. One could feel the Presence of Our Lord Jesus —True Presence. People could feel it.” ~ Minnie Moraida
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MANY PARTS, ONE BODY
Celebrating Unity Thank you musicians: Reyes Family (Filipino Choir) —Mother Teresa Shelter Orlando Zepeda & others (Spanish Choir) —Sacred Heart Church Linda Lugo (American Sign Language) —Nueces County Jail
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QUÉ
El Congreso Eucarístico diocesano del 2022 ha estado al frente de la agenda del obispo Michael Mulvey desde antes de que escribiera su carta pastoral: “Yo estaré con ustedes siempre hasta el fin de los tiempos”. En el Congreso participa el clero diocesano, religiosos y laicos para dar testimonio de la Presencia Real de Jesús en la Eucaristía. Estamos unidos en la fe para descubrir lo que significa ser un pueblo Eucarístico.
POR QUÉ
En los últimos años, muchos católicos parecen preguntarse a cerca de la creencia en la Verdadera Presencia de nuestro Señor en la Eucaristía. El Congreso Eucarístico diocesano es una oportunidad para profundizar en el entendimiento del misterio de la presencia de Jesús en la Eucaristía. Presencia en Cuerpo, Sangre, Alma y Divinidad.
CÓMO La celebración comenzó oficialmente con la Celebración y Procesión de la Familia Fiesta de Corpus Christi el 16 de junio. La Diócesis de Corpus Christi celebró este evento con horas santas, confesión y una procesión eucarística diocesana. Durante los días siguientes hubo horas de adoración, ordenaciones y celebración del 110 aniversario de la diócesis. Al día siguiente fue el evento culminante: la Conferencia del Congreso Eucarístico. Esta secuencia de eventos quedará escrita en la historia de la Diócesis de Corpus Christi por la valiosa y dedicada colaboración de su personal y por la participación de su pueblo. El Congreso Eucarístico diocesano, abre las puertas a la reflexión y meditación de otro gran acontecimiento: el Avivamiento Eucarístico Nacional de tres años. Para obtener más información, visite eucharisticrevival.org.
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We are the Body of Christ The Feast of Corpus Christi is special to our diocese for two reasons. First, tradition has it that the explorer Alonzo Alvarez de Pineda discovered and named the bay on the Feast of Corpus Christi in 1519. Second, in 1912, Pope Pius X named Corpus Christi a diocese–which, as Pope Pius XII told Bishop Mariano Garriga, has “the most beautiful name in the world.”
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Celebrating OUR NEW PRIESTS 22
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During Eucharistic Congress 2022, Bishop Michael Mulvey ordained Deacons Carlos De La Rosa and Charles Silvas. Pictured above are bishops, priests, family and friends giving a warm welcome to Father Carlos de la Rosa (left) and Father Charles Silvas (right) following their ordination to the priesthood on June 18 at Corpus Christi Cathedral. I A M W I T H YO U A LWAY S
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EC22 110TH ANNIVERSARY
Celebrating 110 years of faith Thank you, bishops for joining the Diocese of Corpus Christi in celebration at the 110th Anniversary of the Diocese of Corpus Christi on June 24. The Most Reverend Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America and Titular Archbishop of Gunela The Most Reverend Wm. Michael Mulvey, STL, DD, Bishop of Corpus Christi The Most Reverend Edmond Carmody, DD, Bishop Emeritus of Corpus Christi Most Reverend Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS Archbishop of San Antonio Most Rev. Brendan J. Cahill, S.T.D. Bishop of Victoria The Most Reverend Curtis J. Guillory, SVD, DD, Bishop Emeritus of Beaumont The Most Reverend Michael D. Pfeifer, STL, Bishop Emeritus of San Angelo
“The Eucharist is a mystery of self-giving. Jesus makes a radical gift of himself.” ~ Archbishop Christophe Pierre
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S OS UO TH U TTHE X TE AX S ACSA C TH AT OH LO I CL I C E | UECUHCAHRAI S RTI S I CT I C COCNOGNRGERS ES S2S0 2 0 22 2
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“Beautiful experience! We brought in food and organized curbside bags. All the poor and homeless are gonna be okay, because we want to bring Him [Jesus] into everybody’s lives. Everyone who showed up for curbside seemed very nice, respectful, and grateful to receive goods.” ~ Armando Botello, a teen from Our Lady of Guadalupe, CC 28
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EC22 YOUTH TRACK
Celebrating our Community The Conference Youth Track, “Let’s Color Our Community,” joined efforts with the Mother Teresa Shelter and Catholic Charities in a service project. They also participated in prayer and reflection moments. There was adoration, praise and worship with Dave Moore Music.
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“All participating teens showed their hunger for God’s love. It was so breathtaking to witness each of our youth open up their hearts and allow God’s love to flourish into each one of them as they without hesitation became the hands and feet of Jesus.” ~ Michelle Gonzalez, Chaperone from OLPH
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EC22 QUOTES FROM YOUTH TRACK
Celebrating our Youth Teens from “Let’s Color our Community” were inspired by the theme for the diocesan Eucharistic Congress 2022 Youth Track, “love one another” and “You did it to me.” Below are some of their reflections after volunteering at the Mother Teresa Shelter and Catholic Charities: “At the homeless shelter a guy was talking about needing $5 for a sleeping bag. I conveniently had $5 on me. So I gave it. That was actually the highlight of my day, giving my $5 to someone who needed it.” “Going to help out with the people with disabilities made it was easy to recognize Jesus’ presence! To see everyone so faithful and not wanting to give up was one of the best things I’ve seen. I think Jesus was present today in that room and has been for them all of their lives.” “To talk to some of the clients with disabilities and to get to know them as individuals was the highlight of my day!” “The words of Jesus ‘You did it to me,’ helped me during the day when I didn’t want to go outside to help. Then, I thought, if I don’t do it, I am not doing it for Jesus, when I thought of Jesus I was able to do anything.”
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southtexascatholic.com Publisher Bishop Michael Mulvey, STL DD Director of Communications Julie Stark jstark@diocesecc.org
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Special Thanks Most Reverend Wm. Michael Mulvey, STL, DD Bishop of the Diocese of Corpus Christi Very Reverend James G. Stembler Vicar General of the Diocese of Corpus Christi & Eucharistic Congress 2022 Coordinator Very Reverend Pete Elizardo Director of Divine Worship & Rector of the Corpus Christi Cathedral Jaime Reyna Director of the Office of Multicultural & Coordinator for the Feast of Corpus Christi
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S O U T H T E X A S C AT H O L I C
Mayor Paulette M. Guajardo – Proclamation County Judge Barbara Canales – Resolution, EMT Sheriff J. C. Hooper – Water station and security
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS Terry Espinoza, David Gaitan and Celia Mendez
MUSICIANS Marc Joseph Zamora, St. Joseph, Alice Cristian De La Rosa, OLPH Alex Oldroyd & Cantors, Corpus Christi Cathedral
SERRA CLUB MEMBERS
Ray and Dorothy Garza, Manuel and Rosie Pena, Scott and Merci McCoy and Lupita Elizondo EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS 2022
Special Thanks YOUTH TRACK CHAPERONES
Bob Cummings, Chancery Brandon Hodge, Corpus Christi Cathedral Maria Beatriz Romo-Sanchez, Holy Family, CC Eduardo Alonso, Holy Family, CC Sarah Lichtenberger, Holy Family, CC Christina Zuniga, Holy Family, CC Kimberly Rosa, Holy Family Danielle Muniz, Holy Family, CC Phillip Maresh, , Holy Family, CC Emily Salazar, Holy Family, CC Pedro Casias, Sr., Our Lady of Guadalupe, CC Reshma Philip, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Natalya Reyna, OLPH Ned Perez, OLPH Micelle Gonzalez, OLPH Judy Brako, St. Joseph, Beeville Gwen Hesseltine, St. Joseph, Beeville Deneise Thomson, St. Patrick Natasha Medina, St. Pius X Andres Trevino, St. Thomas the Apostle
CONFESSORS
Bishop Emeritus Edmond Carmody Reverend Richard Gutierrez Reverend Matthew Stephan Monsignor Roger Smith Reverend Jose Salazar Reverend Fernando Gutierrez Reverend Mark Wheelan Very Reverend Raynaldo Yrlas Jr.
VOLUNTEERS FROM OTHER ORGANIZATIONS AND OFFICES Catholic Daughters of America, Holy Family KLUX 89.5 Radio Office of the Deaconate and Property
Office of Catholic Schools Office of the Chancellor Office of Vocations Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi Mother Teresa Shelter Federation of Our Lady of Guadalupe Societies Knights of Columbus
CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Steve and Mary Galvan, CC Cathedral Debbie Brown, St. George in George West Sandra McCutchon, St. Philip the Apostle Shanna Larson, St. Philip the Apostle Jackie Hernandez, St Thomas More Sandy Gonzalez, St. Thomas More Stephanie Fernandez, St. Thomas More Nicole Cuellar, St. Thomas More
SPONSORS/DONORS
Oso Golf Course – Golf Carts Christus Spohn Health System – Water & Water station at Sacred Heart Church Ruben & Belinda Riojas, Seminarian Ruben Riojas III, Brenda Riojas & “One Bead At a Time Rosaries” – Water Knights of Columbus – Water Federation of Our Lady of Guadalupe Societies – Decorations John R. Cantu – Bus Juan Cortez Jr. – Pillars for the monstrance
EUCHARISTIC MIRACLES Sharon Longoria, Kathleen Huffmeyer and Mary Crabtree
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