Summer 2022 - Vol. 57 No. 2 by South Texas Catholic

SERVING THE CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF CORPUS CHRISTI

South Texas

Catholic

Diocese of

Corpus Christi W W W. S O U T H T E X A S C A T H O L I C . C O M • S U M M E R 2 0 2 2

S O U T H T E X A S C AT H O L I C

SUMMER 2022

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

Keep up with the faith at

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I N S ED

mcottingham@diocesecc.org

Theological Consultant Ben Nguyen, MTS, JCL/JD, D.Min (ABD) bnguyen@diocesecc.org Communications Specialist Elizabeth Morales and Adel Sauceda emorales@diocesecc.org asauceda@diocesecc.org

STC ARCHIVES

VOL. 57 NO. 2 Publisher Bishop Michael Mulvey, STL DD Director of Communications Julie Stark jstark@diocesecc.org Managing Editor Mary Cottingham

Broadcast Technical Director Richard Luna rluna@diocesecc.org

Correspondents Rebecca Esparza, Jesse De Leon Translator/Correspondent Gloria Romero Contributors: Thank you! Father Brady Williams, SOLT Dale Rose Gonzales and John McFarland Manage Subscriptions If you or someone you know would like to receive the South Texas Catholic Contact us at (361) 882-6191 555 N Carancahua St, Ste 750 Corpus Christi TX 78401-0824 stc@diocesecc.org or to subscribe, unsubscribe or submit a change of address go online at: southtexascatholic.com/subscribe

CALENDAR ITEMS Submit your announcements by using our online form, email, mail or drop it off at the Chancery office. All calendar items will appear on the South Texas Catholic website at southtexascatholic.com or on the diocesan website at diocesecc.org. The South Texas Catholic is not liable or in any way responsible for the content of any advertisement appearing within these pages. All claims, offers guarantees, statements, etc. made by advertisers are solely the responsibility of the advertiser. Deceptive or misleading advertising is never knowingly accepted. Complaints regarding advertising should be made directly to the advertiser or to the Better Business Bureau.

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I N S ED

Foto de la Fiesta de Corpus Christi del 2019, también conocida como la Solemnidad del Santísimo Cuerpo y Sangre de Cristo. Este año se celebra universalmente, el jueves 16 de junio y da apertura oficial al Congreso Eucarístico diocesano 2022, que da principio también al Renacimiento Eucarístico Nacional. Se invita a los católicos y las comunidades de los 12 condados que conforman la Diócesis de Corpus Christi a reunirse una vez más como un solo cuerpo en la Catedral de Corpus Christi.

4 | BISHOP’S MESSAGE: Bishop Mulvey encourages readers to open their eyes and hearts to a renewed faith in the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

25 | MARRIAGE: Dorothy and Ray

Garza stay close to the Church through volunteerism and prayer.

27 | CATHOLIC SCHOOLS: IWA

students volunteer to help others during their Spring Break.

6 | VOCATIONS: Father Peter

Elizardo praises God for the men who have discerned God’s call for the priesthood.

31 | SPREADING THE LIGHT:

Head coach for the Javelina baseball team, Jason Gonzales, invites players to dinner and Bible study.

9 | JESUS SAYS: Father Brady

Williams, SOLT, explains the Great Commission.

12 | WOMAN OF STRENGTH:

33 | IN MEMORIAM: Sister Mary

14 | EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS

34 | A WORD: Pope Francis says

St. Gianna Beretta Molla sacrifices her life for her unborn daughter.

2022, a diocesan-wide celebration calling for a renewed faith in His true presence, is scheduled for June 16-25.

Ann Korczynski, IWBS and Sister Mary Lucy Cuvin , SSPSAP passed away in April. Jesus wants us “to seek him, to call on him, or even, like Thomas, to protest — bringing him our needs and our unbelief.”

COVER ILLUSTRATION

Diocesan-wide Eucharistic Congress Convention begins June 25 at Omni Corpus Christi Hotel. For more information go to diocesecc.org/ec22 . WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

SUMMER 2022

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BISHOP’S MESSAGE True Presence

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful that we may become Corpus Christi, the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, who is the source and the summit of our faith. Although a gift born in faith, the Eucharist is made visible and tangible as the sacrament of God’s presence in the world today. It is the sacrament of Love, that memorializes Jesus’ perfect love on the Cross. It continues to assure us of God’s love as Mercy. It is the sacrament of Unity to build the Church, the Body of Christ. St. Paul writes, “Because the loaf of bread is one, we, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf” (1 Corinthians 10:17). He is our communion with God and one another. There is another aspect of the Eucharist that we must acknowledge and develop in ourselves, in our families, and in our communities. I take my direction for my remarks from chapter 15 of the Gospel of St. John. The entire chapter treats our relationship with the origin of God’s life in us using the metaphor of the vine and the branches. I encourage you to put yourself in front of this powerful and revealing illustration

that explains how God remains in us. Verse 16 of this important passage is vital for our self-understanding. Jesus speaks to us in strong and incomparable terms. First, he tells us that He has chosen us; we did not choose him. We are not the cause of our faith; He is. And He, who has chosen us has appointed us, commissioned us to do something for Him —to bear fruit. The fruit that Jesus wants us to bring to life is found in the next verse (17). “This is I command you: love one another” (John 15:17). There is too much hatred and division around us. Jesus wants us to bear His fruit: love, mercy, peace, and unity. Can we do that? Can we? The

Eucharist is the beginning because it is the true presence of Jesus, who has already done it for us. The Eucharist is His strength flowing through our entire person. Saint Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa) told her sisters who worked in the slums “to seek out Jesus in the poor” that “Unless we believe and see Jesus in the appearance of bread on the altar, we will not be able to see him in the distressing disguise of the poor.” God’s grace, opening our eyes and hearts to a new faith in His presence in the Eucharist, will give us the strength and wisdom to accomplish our mission to bear fruit each day, in every circumstance and in every present ~ Saint Teresa of Calcutta moment.

Unless we believe and see Jesus in the appearance of bread on the altar, we will not be able to see him in the distressing disguise of the poor.”

+Most Rev. Michael Mulvey, STL, DD Bishop of Corpus Christi

S O U T H T E X A S C AT H O L I C

SUMMER 2022

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

MENSAJE DEL OBISPO Presencia Verdadera

Queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo: Ven, Espíritu Santo, llena los corazones de tus fieles para que podamos convertirnos en Corpus Christi, el Cuerpo y la Sangre de Jesucristo, quien es la fuente y la cumbre de nuestra fe. La Eucaristía, aunque la recibimos como un don, nace en la fe y se hace visible y tangible como sacramento de la presencia de Dios en el mundo de hoy. Es el sacramento del Amor que conmemora el amor perfecto de Jesús en la Cruz. Continúa asegurándonos que el amor de Dios es misericordia. Es el sacramento de la Unidad que edifica la Iglesia como Cuerpo místico de Cristo. San Pablo escribe: “Puesto que el pan es uno, nosotros, que somos muchos, somos un solo cuerpo, pues todos compartimos el mismo pan” (1 Corintios 10:17). Él es nuestra comunión con Dios y con los demás. Hay otro aspecto de la Eucaristía que debemos reconocer y desarrollar en nosotros mismos, en nuestras familias y comunidades. El Capítulo 15 del Evangelio de San Juan me guía en este comentario. Todo el capítulo trata sobre nuestra relación con el origen de la vida de Dios en nosotros, utilizando la metáfora de

la vid y los sarmientos. Los animo a que se pongan de frente a esta poderosa y reveladora ilustración que explica cómo Dios vive en nosotros. El versículo 16 de este importante pasaje es vital para nuestra autocomprensión. Jesús nos habla en términos fuertes e incomparables. Primero nos dice que nos ha elegido. No lo elegimos a él. Nosotros no somos la causa de nuestra fe, Él lo es. Y Aquel que nos ha escogido nos ha designado nos ha encargado que hagamos algo por Él —que demos fruto. El fruto que Jesús quiere que llevemos a la vida se encuentra en el versículo 17 del mismo capítulo. “Este es mi mandamiento: que se amen unos a otros como Yo los he amado” (Juan 15:17). Hay

demasiado odio y división a nuestro alrededor. Jesús quiere que demos su fruto, que es amor, misericordia, paz y unidad. ¿Podemos hacerlo? ¿Podemos? Mediante la Eucaristía que es el principio de esta actitud porque es la presencia verdadera de Jesús que ya lo ha hecho por nosotros. La Eucaristía es su fuerza fluyendo a través de toda nuestra persona. Santa Teresa de Calcuta (Madre Teresa) dijo a sus hermanas que trabajaban en los barrios marginales para buscar a Jesús en los pobres y afirmó que a menos de que creamos y veamos a Jesús presente en el pan eucarístico, no podremos verlo en el angustioso disfraz de los pobres.” Con la gracia de Dios, abriendo nuestros ojos y corazones a una nueva fe en su presencia en la Eucaristía, obtendremos la fuerza y la sabiduría para cumplir nuestra misión de dar fruto cada día, en cada circunstancia y en todo momento. ~ Saint Teresa of Calcutta

a menos de que creamos y veamos a Jesús presente en el pan eucarístico, no podremos verlo en el angustioso disfraz de los pobres.”

+Reverendísimo Michael Mulvey, STL, DD Obispo de Corpus Christi

SOMOS EL CUERPO DE CRISTO

VERANO 2022

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VOCATIONS

A Shepherds View

‘Come follow me’

FATHER PETER ELIZARDO, Contributor

Fr. Peter Elizardo is Rector of Corpus Christi Cathedral and pastor at Sacred Heart Parish in Corpus Christi.

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n the Gospel of St. Luke, we see how the crowds are pressing upon Jesus to hear the word of God when He was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He stepped into the boat that was Simon’s and preached to the crowds on the shore. Afterward, we read about a great catch of fish. Simon, as well as James and John, were all amazed. But Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” This is Luke’s version of the calling of the first apostles. In the Gospel of John, it is told differently. The first apostles of Jesus are originally disciples of John the Baptist. Then, to the young Philip, Jesus simply says, “follow me” (Jn 1:43), and Philip goes. In the Gospel of Matthew, we read that on another occasion, Jesus sees the tax collector, Matthew, and addresses him in the same words, “Follow me” (Mt 9:9), and Matthew rises and follows Him. My dear family, the same Jesus, the same Lord, continues to walk among us through time, choosing His disciples, His priests: “You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you …” (Jn 15:16). He chooses those He seeks; He takes them from all walks of life. If Jesus sought the perfect and the flawless, we would have no priests today. Jesus has never sought the perfect because they do not exist. Jesus, who called the imperfect men, the Apostles, from their fishing boats, also went on to call St. Gregory and St. Basil from the schools of Athens, St. Jerome from the midst of Roman |

SUMMER 2022

splendor, St. Augustine in tears of penance, and St. Vincent de Paul from a farm. He is hard at work calling still more men to follow. Men such as Deacon Carlos De La Rosa from the pews of Our Lady of Perpetual Help on Williams Drive; Deacon Charles Silvas from the pews of St. Joseph on 19th Street; Raymond Pendleton from the pews of Santa Rosa de Lima from the little town of Benavides; as well as Thomas Swierc from the pews of St. Thomas Aquinas in College Station. He called them from public and private schools, large families, and small families. These four men are approaching the blessedness of Holy Orders this June. What a tremendous and joyous gift we receive from God. He singles out these young men from different walks of life, places His divine hand upon them, and says, “Come and follow Me!” And they did. What a gift from their families who encourage the gift of a son to “Go and follow Him.” The question for all of us is. “Do we encourage such a gift of a young man to accept Jesus’ invitation to “Come and follow Me?” In a world and in a time when to follow Jesus in such a way is often discouraged, we, my dear family, must be firmly rooted in encouraging more and more young men to hear and accept Jesus’ invitation to follow Him. We should never stand in the way or be the cause for the one Jesus calls not to follow Him, but instead, we should be the voice that with Jesus prays, this man will listen and respond, “Speak Lord, for your servant

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

VOCATIONS

A Shepherds View

Deacon Carlos De La Rosa

Deacon Charles Silvas

is listening” (1 Sm 3:9). We need more young men to respond and follow Jesus as He stands at the Bay of the Diocese of Corpus Christi, ready to share Himself with them through those He will ordain to be His Presence. Jesus still walks in our midst, today, calling young men from the very pews you sit in every Sunday. He calls them from the domestic Church he has entrusted to you. It is from the sanctuary of your homes where encouragement begins for these men to be open and willing to follow our Lord as He will lead them to the Church, to lay down their

Thomas Swierc

Raymond Pendleton

lives for the many. Praise be to God for Deacon Carlos De La Rosa and Deacon Charles Silvas, who will become our newly ordained priests on June 18. Praise be to God that Raymond Pendleton and Thomas Swierc will be ordained transitional deacons on June 29. Praise be to God for their response, “Here I am, Lord, I come to do your will.” And praise be to God that you will encourage your sons, brothers, and friends to be the next to hear from you, “Do not be afraid. Go and follow Him.”

STC ARCHIVES

Ordinations June 18 and June 29

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

SUMMER 2022

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“For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under Heaven…”

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Introducing our new season for the 2022 We serve any person in need throughout the 12 counties of the Coastal Bend. Your gifts help make our vital ministry possible.

Virtual Fundraiser Please show your support with a donation May 16 - June 16 Donate online, scan the QR Code, or send a check to 615 Oliver Ct., Corpus Christi, Texas 78408 Virtual Fundraiser Link catholiccharities-cc.org/celebration Connect with us

These new dates were changed to better align with our fiscal year and improve program budgeting.

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WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

JESUS SAYS

Explaining the Gospel message

“Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel” (Mk 16:15)

FATHER BRADY WILLIAMS, SOLT

B Contributor

ack in the 1950’s a young, enthusiastic pastor was invited to make a pilgrimage to Rome, but first he needed to get his bishop’s permission. So, he quickly sat down and wrote a very lengthy letter – in Latin, of course – about how good this would be for him and even for his parishioners, of all the beautiful religious art, architecture, and liturgies he would see, of how this would deepen his love for the Church and strengthen his priesthood, etc. .... About a week later, he received a response from the bishop, and to the surprise of the pastor, it contained only one word, in fact, only one letter: “I” (Latin meaning “Go!” That is, commanding a person to “go!”). There is something similar in the brief concluding rite of the Mass: Ite missa est. “Go forth, the Mass is ended.” It is a command to all of us, not a suggestion. We are charged to go forth into the world to proclaim by our way of life what we believe, celebrate and receive. The term “Mass,” in fact, is derived from the ecclesiastical Latin formula for the dismissal of the congregation: Ite, missa est (“Go, it is the sending [dismissal]”).” In Sacramentum caritatis Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI expressed the link between the

Eucharist and mission so perfectly: The love that we celebrate in the sacrament [of the Eucharist] is not only something we can keep to ourselves. By its very nature it demands to be shared with all … The Eucharist is not only the source and summit of the Church’s life, but also of her mission … We too must be able to tell our brothers and sisters with conviction: “That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you may have fellowship with us” (1 Jn 1:3). Truly, nothing is more beautiful than to know Christ and to make him known to others (84). Jesus provides us with directions in his parting words on the Mount of the Ascension: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature!” This is traditionally called the Great Commission because Jesus is not just sending us out by ourselves but is with us (commission); “I am with you always even until the end of the age” (Mt. 28:20). We evangelize with Christ. Yet, when we consider the essential relationship between Eucharist and mission something more profound

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

SUMMER 2022

Father Brady Williams is a member of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT). Father Williams serves as the SOLT General Secretary and as the Novice Servant.

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JESUS DICE

Explicando el mensaje del evangelio

occurs. Not only is Jesus with us, but since He lives in us through Holy Communion, we are actually called to evangelize in Jesus Christ, that is, in the Spirit of Christ Jesus himself. For He says, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you … Receive the Holy Spirit” (Jn 20: 21-22). St. Paul expresses it this way: “He who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him” (1 Cor 6:17). This helps make sense of what Jesus says next in connection with the Great Commission: “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mk 16:16). Those who accept the proclamation are immersed into the life of the Trinity and those who will not take the plunge remain on the outside. The last recorded words of Jesus in St. Mark’s Gospel form the conclusion of the Great Commission and reveal the various signs that will accompany those who believe and proclaim the Gospel. Here, things get a little ‘charismatic.’ “In my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick and they will recover” (16:17-18). These gifts of the Spirit were present to give credence to the proclamation of the Gospel. Jesus himself performed many of these signs and tells us, his disciples, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father” (Jn 14:12). Therefore, we should expect that such signs would accompany us, yet this remains the discretion of the Spirit. The Great Commission and the Eucharistic dismissal send us out in the spirit of Christ to evangelize. St. Paul states with great clarity what evangelization in Christ is: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I live now in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Gal 2:20). Let us then “Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel!” 10

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VERANO 2022

“Id por el mun proclamad el E POR EL PADRE BRADY WILLIAMS, SOLT

E Contribuyente

n la década de 1950, un pastor joven y entusiasta fue invitado a hacer una peregrinación a Roma, pero primero necesitaba obtener el permiso de su Obispo. Rápidamente se sentó y escribió una carta muy larga - en latín, por supuesto - sobre todas las ventajas que tendría no solo para él sino también para sus feligreses, el hacer ese viaje. Porque las bellezas arquitectónicas y pictóricas del arte religioso que vería, así como las liturgias a las que asistiría, le ayudarían a profundizar su amor por la Iglesia y a fortalecer su sacerdocio, etc... Aproximadamente una semana después, recibió una respuesta del Obispo, y para sorpresa del párroco, contenía solo una palabra, de hecho, solo una letra: “I” (en latín significa “¡Ve!”, en otras palabras, es un mandato para que la persona “¡vaya!”). Hay algo similar en el breve rito de conclusión de la Misa: Ite missa est. “Adelante, la Misa ha terminado”. Es un mandato para todos nosotros, no es una sugerencia. Estamos encargados de salir al mundo para proclamar con nuestra forma de vida lo que creemos, celebramos y recibimos. El término “Misa”, de hecho, se deriva de la fórmula latina eclesiástica para la despedida de la congregación: Ite, missa est (“Ve, que es al mismo tiempo que te despido, un te envío”). En Sacramentum caritatis, el Papa emérito Benedicto XVI expresó muy perfectamente el vínculo entre la Eucaristía y la misión: El amor que celebramos en el sacramento [de la Eucaristía] no es solo algo que podemos guardar para nosotros. Por su misma naturaleza, exige ser compartido SOMOS EL CUERPO DE CRISTO

JESUS DICE

Explicando el mensaje del evangelio

do entero y vangelio” (Mk 16:15)

con todos… La Eucaristía no es sólo fuente y cumbre de la vida de la Iglesia, sino también de su misión… También debemos saber decir con convicción a nuestros hermanos y hermanas: “Lo que hemos visto y oído, os lo anunciamos también a vosotros, para que tengáis comunión con nosotros» (Primera carta Juan13). En verdad, nada hay más hermoso que conocer a Cristo y darlo a conocer a los demás (84). Jesús nos proporciona instrucciones en sus palabras de despedida en el Monte de la Ascensión: “¡Id por todo el mundo y proclamad el Evangelio a toda criatura!” Esto se llama tradicionalmente la Gran Comisión porque Jesús no solo nos envía solos, sino que está con nosotros (con-misión); “Yo estaré con vosotros todos los días, hasta el fin de los tiempos” (Mateo. 28,20). Quiere decir, evangelizamos con Cristo. Sin embargo, cuando consideramos la relación esencial entre Eucaristía y misión, ocurre algo más profundo. Jesús no sólo está con nosotros, sino que, puesto que Él vive en nosotros a través de la Sagrada Comunión, en realidad estamos llamados a evangelizar en Jesucristo, es decir, en al Espíritu del mismo Cristo Jesús. Porque Él dice: “Como me envió el Padre, así os envío yo… Recibid el Espíritu Santo” (Juan 20, 21-22). San Pablo lo expresa así: “El que se une al Señor, se hace un solo espíritu con él” (1 Corintios 6, 17). Esto ayuda a dar sentido a lo que Jesús dice a continuación en relación con la Gran Comisión:

“Quien creyere y fuere bautizado, será salvo; mas quien no creyere, será condenado” (Marcos 16,16). Los que aceptan el anuncio se sumergen en la vida de la Trinidad y los que no dan el paso, quedan fuera. Las últimas palabras de Jesús registradas en el Evangelio de San Marcos forman la conclusión de la Gran Comisión y revelan las diversas señales que acompañarán a aquellos que creen y proclaman el Evangelio. Aquí, las cosas se ponen un poco ‘carismáticas’. “En mi nombre expulsarán demonios; hablarán en nuevas lenguas; recogerán serpientes, y si bebieren algo mortífero, no les hará daño alguno; sobre los enfermos pondrán sus manos, y los sanarán” (16:17-18). Estos dones del Espíritu estaban presentes para dar crédito a la proclamación del Evangelio. Jesús mismo realizó muchos de estos milagros, como señales a través de las cuales también nos dice a nosotros, sus discípulos: “En verdad, en verdad os digo: el que cree en mí, también hará las obras que Yo hago; y aún mayores, porque yo voy al Padre” (Juan 14,12). Por lo tanto, debemos esperar que tales señales nos acompañen, pero esto sigue siendo a discreción del Espíritu. La Gran Comisión y la despedida Eucarística nos envían en el espíritu de Cristo a evangelizar. San Pablo afirma con gran claridad qué es la evangelización en Cristo: “Ya no vivo yo, sino que Cristo vive en mí; y lo que ahora vivo en la carne, lo vivo en la fe del Hijo de Dios, que me amó y se entregó a sí mismo por mí” (Gálatas 2,20). Entonces, “¡Id por el mundo entero y proclamad el Evangelio!”

SOMOS EL CUERPO DE CRISTO

VERANO 2022

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WOMAN OF STRENGTH St. Gianna Beretta Molla

She gave her life for her unborn child

Love and sacrifice are closely linked, like the sun and the light. We cannot love without suffering, and we cannot suffer without love.” St. Gianna Beretta Molla

BY ELIZABETH MORALES, South Texas Catholic wentieth-century St. Gianna Beretta Molla chose the life of her unborn child over her own, which may be precisely why devotion to her spread during a time when the latter is often encouraged. The decision was not isolated or random for Gianna but rather a journey that began long beforehand. Born October 4, 1922, in the north Italian town of Magenta, Gianna was the tenth of thirteen children to Alberto Beretta and Maria de Micheli, members of the Third Order of Saint Francis. Nestled in the latter half of a large family, Gianna was given an example from her parents of openness to the culture of life. Furthermore, she was educated in Catholic schools and received the sacraments growing up. Active in her parish, she made the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius in 1938 as a fifteen-year-old but experienced a delay in her studies due to illness. Eventually, Gianna was able to pursue academics in 1942, and she went on to complete degrees in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Pavia in 1949. Gianna loved skiing,

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mountaineering, and helping the elderly and needy. One of her dreams was to join her brother Giuseppe, a missionary priest in Brazil, and offer gynecology services to the poor — however, her health deterred this desire. Staying in Italy, Gianna opened a medical practice in 1950 and began specializing in pediatrics, continuing her education at the University of Milan. While practicing medicine, she met Pietro Molla, an engineer, who would become her husband on September 24, 1955. She embraced her roles as a wife, a mother, and a pediatrician. The happy couple went on to have four children: Pierluigi (b. 1956); Mariolina (1957-1964); Laura (b. 1959); and Gianna (b. 1962). She also suffered two separate miscarriages. During the second month of her last pregnancy, Gianna experienced a mysterious pain in her body, diagnosed as a fibroma on her uterus. Doctors gave her three options: an abortion to preserve her life, possibly allowing her to conceive at a later date; a complete hysterectomy that would remove the baby and her uterus but save her life; or removal of the fibroma alone, which would

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save the baby but could lead to her health complications. Gianna chose to remove the fibroma only. She let her family know that if necessary to choose the child’s life, believing the unborn child’s life was worth saving over her own. In this selfless action, she then prepared for childbirth and the prospect of her death. On April 21, 1962, she gave birth to her youngest daughter named, Gianna Emanuela. Despite treatment, an infection did incur in her body, and one week later, Gianna breathed her final breath on April 28, 1962. The cause for her canonization began in 1972, and due to the miracle of Lucia Cirilo, healed of a fistula after the birth of her stillborn child in 1977. Gianna was beautified in 1994 with the miracle of Elizabeth Comparini, who was able to give birth to a healthy baby after losing all her amniotic fluid in the early stages of pregnancy. The canonization of Gianna took place by St. John Paul II in 2004. Gianna’s husband Pietro wrote her biography and was the first husband to be present at his wife’s canonization. Their living children were also in attendance. St. Pope Paul VI said Gianna was “a young mother from the Diocese

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JOSÉ LUIZ BERNARDES RIBEIRO/WIKIMEDIA. CC BY SA 3.0

St. Gianna Beretta Molla

St. Gianna Molla with two of her children. St. Gianna’s feast day is celebrated on April 28.

of Milan, who, to give life to her daughter, sacrificed her own, with conscious immolation,” drawing a connection between Gianna to the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross and in the Holy Eucharist. Gianna once said, “Love and sacrifice are closely linked, like the sun and the light. We cannot love

without suffering, and we cannot suffer without love.” In the brave and counter-cultural act of choosing her child’s life during a difficult pregnancy and redemptive suffering, Gianna gave witness to Christian marriage, family and life. She led an exemplary life, living out the words she spoke and staying faithful

to Church teachings, defending an unborn’s fundamental right to life. Her youngest daughter went on to become a doctor. At the 2015 World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, she read part of a love letter from her mother to her father that they were being called to serve God in a “saintly way.”

In the spirit of proper stewardship, the Diocese of Corpus Christi encourages the reporting of any financial abuse concerns or related issues. Report confidentially to: financialconcerns@diocesecc.org En el espíritu de una administración adecuada, la Diócesis de Corpus Christi alienta a informar cualquier inquietud de abuso financiero o problemas relacionados. Informe confidencialmente a: financialconcerns@diocesecc.org WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

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Eucharistic Congress 2022 is June 16-25 If there’s any wake-up call for the Church today or any wake-up call for us as disciples of Jesus, the truth is a person. And the more we know the person, the more truth reigns in our lives. The more truth reigns in our lives, the more we understand who we are and who God has created us to be.” –Bishop Michael Mulvey

BY MARY COTTINGHAM, South Texas Catholic ishop Michael Mulvey invites the Catholic community and all people in the 12-county communities that make up the Diocese of Corpus Christi to the upcoming diocesan Eucharistic Congress 2022. The event officially begins with the Feast of Corpus Christi Family Celebration and Procession on June 16 at Corpus Christi Cathedral. (See entire schedule and events at feastofcc.org). The Holy Hour Adoration Novena will begin with 24 hours a day representation from each deanery after the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, and conclusion of the Feast of Corpus Christi Family Celebration and Procession. The novena will include nine consecutive days of 24-hour eucharistic adoration, except during daily Mass and during the priestly ordination of our two deacons, Carlos De La Rosa and Charles Silvas, which all are welcome to attend on June 18 at 10 a.m. The novena will close at noon on June 24. His Excellency, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, MTh, JCD, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, will be the principal celebrant at the Opening Mass for the Eucharistic Congress conference at Corpus Christi Cathedral on June 24 (see schedule on page 19). A reception will follow Mass. Join us in celebrating the 110th Anniversary of the Diocese of Corpus Christi in the cathedral courtyard. The Eucharistic Congress conference will continue into the next day, June 25, at the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel with registration, followed by Mass celebrated by the Most Reverend Wm. Michael Mulvey, STL, DD, Bishop of Corpus Christi. This singular event includes distinguished speakers from far and wide: Archbishop Pierre will give the principal keynote

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address; Most Reverend Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS, Archbishop of San Antonio will give another keynote; and talks will be led by Andrew Lichtenwalner, Ph.D., Director of the Office of Evangelization and Discipleship from the Archdiocese of Atlanta, and Ralph Martin, STD, Director of Graduate Theology in the New Evangelization, Sacred Heart Major Seminary from the Archdiocese of Detroit. There will also be a Youth Track, “Let’s Color Our Community,” for ages 13-18, who will join efforts in a service project with the Mother Teresa Shelter and prayer and reflection moments. There will also be adoration, praise and worship with Dave Moore. The event will end in the Nueces Ballroom at 5 p.m. Cost to attend is $20 for adults and $15 for ages 13-18, includes lunch. The youth will receive a free t-shirt. The complete schedule of events will be available at diocesecc.org/ec22. According to Father Jorge Torres, Secretariat of Evangelization & Catechesis for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, there may be National Traveling Monstrance as part of the National Eucharistic Revival. The procession structure is being developed in the upcoming months. The procession will be sometime in 2023, leading up to the National Eucharistic Congress. The Knights of Columbus will lead the procession while receiving input from the bishops and the people of God. Stay tuned for more news of the upcoming National Eucharistic Revival, which begins June 16, 2022, on the Feast of Corpus Christi Family Celebration and Procession. This three-year revival initiative will culminate with a National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis in 2024.

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Archbishop Christophe Pierre, MTh, JCD, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, will be the principal keynote speaker.

Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS, Archdiocese of San Antonio will be the keynote speaker.

Andrew Lichtenwalner, PhD will give a talk on the Eucharist.

Ralph Martin, STD will give a talk on the Eucharist.

Dave Moore will provide music for the praise and worship.

Congreso Eucarístico 2022 Del 16 al 25 de junio Si en verdad hay un llamado de atención para la Iglesia de hoy, o un llamado de atención para nosotros como discípulos de Jesús, la verdad está en la persona. Y cuanto más conocemos a esa persona, más reina la verdad en nuestras vidas. Cuanto más reina la verdad en nuestras vidas, más entendemos quiénes somos y a quiénes Dios ha creado para ser”.

–Obispo Michael Mulvey

POR MARY COTTINGHAM, South Texas Catholic l Obispo Michael Mulvey invita a la comunidad católica y a toda la gente y comunidades, de los 12 condados que conforman la Diócesis de Corpus Christi, al próximo Congreso Eucarístico diocesano de 2022. El evento comienza oficialmente con la celebración y procesión familiar de la Fiesta de Corpus Christi el 16 de junio en la Catedral de Corpus Christi. (Vea el calendario completo y los eventos en feastofcc.org). La Novena de la Hora Santa de Adoración, comenzará

con la representación de cada decanato las 24 horas del día, después de la Bendición del Santísimo Sacramento y la conclusión de la Celebración y Procesión de la Familia de la Fiesta de Corpus Christi. La novena incluirá nueve días consecutivos de Adoración Eucarística las 24 horas, excepto durante la Misa diaria y durante la ordenación sacerdotal de nuestros dos diáconos, Carlos De La Rosa y Charles Silvas, a la que todos son bienvenidos el 18 de junio a las 10 a.m. La novena concluirá al mediodía del 24 de junio.

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Su Excelencia, el Arzobispo Christophe Pierre, MTh, JCD, Nuncio Apostólico en los Estados Unidos, será el celebrante principal en la Misa de Apertura de la conferencia del Congreso Eucarístico en la Catedral de Corpus Christi el 24 de junio (ver calendario en la página 19). Habrá una recepción después de la misa. Únase a nosotros para celebrar el 110.º aniversario de la Diócesis de Corpus Christi en el patio de la catedral. La conferencia del Congreso Eucarístico continuará hasta el día siguiente, 25 de junio, en el Hotel Omni de Corpus Christi con previa inscripción, seguida de una Misa celebrada por el Reverendísimo Wm. Michael Mulvey, STL, DD, Obispo de Corpus Christi. Este evento singular incluye oradores distinguidos de todas partes: el Arzobispo Pierre dará el discurso de apertura principal; El Reverendísimo Gustavo GarcíaSiller, MSpS, Arzobispo de San Antonio dará otro discurso de apertura; y las charlas serán dirigidas por Andrew Lichtenwalner, Ph.D., Director de la Oficina de Evangelización y Discipulado de la Arquidiócesis de Atlanta, y Ralph Martin, STD, Director de Teología Graduada en la Nueva Evangelización, del Seminario Mayor del Sagrado Corazón en la Arquidiócesis de Detroit. También habrá una Ruta Juvenil, (actividad para jóvenes) titulada “Coloreemos Nuestra Comunidad”, para

edades de 13 a 18 años, en donde unirán sus esfuerzos para un proyecto de servicio con el Refugio Madre Teresa, que incluirá momentos de oración y reflexión. También habrá adoración, alabanza y adoración con Dave Moore. El acto finalizará en el Salón Nueces a las 5 p.m. El costo de asistencia, es de $20 para adultos y $15 para jóvenes entre las edades de 13 a 18 años, incluye almuerzo. Los jóvenes recibirán una camiseta gratis. El calendario completo de eventos estará disponible en: diocesecc.org/ec22. Según el Padre Jorge Torres, del Secretariado de Evangelización y Catequesis de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos, el evento podría incluir una Custodia Viajera Nacional como parte del Avivamiento Eucarístico Nacional. La estructura y recorrido de la procesión se desarrollará en los próximos meses. La procesión se llevará a cabo en el curso del año 2023, antes del Congreso Eucarístico Nacional. Los Caballeros de Colón encabezarán la procesión, de acuerdo a la decisión de los Obispos y del pueblo de Dios. Manténgase atento a más noticias sobre el próximo Avivamiento Eucarístico Nacional, que comienza el 16 de junio de 2022, en la Fiesta de la Celebración y Procesión de la Familia de Corpus Christi. Esta iniciativa de avivamiento de tres años culminará con un Congreso Eucarístico Nacional en Indianápolis en el año 2024.

Traveling Monstrance sets the stage BY JESSE DELEON

Correspondent

he tradition of the monstrance in the Catholic Church is irreversibly linked to the Eucharist, the body of Christ. The monstrance is an open or transparent receptacle in which the consecrated Host is exposed for veneration. It allows Christ to be brought to many members of the Church, regardless of their geographic location. To get a better idea of how the monstrance serves as a kind of sacred conduit for prayer, adoration, and connection to our Lord, one must examine its indelible place in history. See full story at SouthTexasCatholic.com/news/travelingmonstrance.

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The second meeting of the Diocesan Monstrance Committee was at Sacred Heart Church rectory in Rockport on June 9, 2021.

The making of a new diocesan monstrance, a labor of love

BY MARY COTTINGHAM, South Texas Catholic ishop Michael Mulvey commissioned the creation of a diocesan monstrance that is being manufactured in Mexico and will be officially presented at the Feast of Corpus Christi on June 16 after the noon Mass. “The Traveling Monstrance unites all cultures and is a way to bring Jesus to people on the margins of society,” said Jaime Reyna, Director of the Offices of Multicultural and Social Ministry for the Diocese of Corpus Christi and coordinator of the

Diocesan Monstrance Committee. Those involved in incorporating the key elements in the design of the new diocesan monstrance were: Reyna, Father Richard Gonzales, pastor of St. Joseph in Beeville; Father Patrick Donohoe, pastor of St. John of the Cross Parish in Orange Grove; Father Alfredo Villarreal, pastor of St. Martin of Tours Parish in Kingsville; and Father Ray Yrlas, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Rockport; Graphic designers Brad Snyder and Ettore Risi from Snyder and

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Associates created the printouts according to the manufacture’s specifications. The new diocesan monstrance was custom-made by Bernardo Anguiano Orfebres in Guadalajara, Mexico. The team met in person and virtually, working out key elements to incorporate into the designing process. Brad Snyder and Associates donated their time and talent to work on the project alongside the four priests. “I believe God gave me a gift as a designer and a communicator, and the monstrance is our gift to honor the skills and blessings we receive,” he said. According to Snyder, his team learned so much about the Catholic faith, the relevance of the Feast of Corpus Christi and the significance of religious artifacts and symbols. “It was a great opportunity to work alongside the four priests,” Snyder said. “I grew to respect and appreciate them as individuals, as leaders of the diocese and stewards of faith. It became easier to talk with them in specific detail about symbolic elements we could include. The monstrance tells a story, and I appreciated Father Richard, Father Ray, Father Pat and Father Alfredo for adding depth and pulling the story together in a tangible way.” The new monstrance has been a labor of love for the design team. “Love for Christ in the Eucharist. Love for the People of God. Love for our Diocese. And we wanted it to be majestic and worthy of holding the most precious sacrament, Corpus Christi, for adoration,” Father Yrlas said. “And it is opportune as we prepare for the upcoming Eucharistic Congress 2022.” According to Father Donohoe, most cathedrals have a unique, sizeable eucharistic monstrance for the Feast of Corpus Christi and other diocesan events. “The new monstrance is larger than average so that it can be seen at a distance —from the back of the Cathedral and at the back of a large diocesan event like the Eucharistic Congress,” Father Donohoe said. The design is simple and tries to bring an onlooker’s gaze towards the Blessed Sacrament at the center of

the monstrance. Elements link the Old Testament ‘Ark of the Covenant’ with the ‘Eucharistic Covenant’ in the New Testament. There was constant intention to elevate the design to center on the Eucharist, rather than add any distracting artistic elements.” “The committee had to come up with a design that would capture the specialty of our diocese having such a beautiful name. Our idea was to capture the relation between the Eucharist as it is being adored and the Passover meal or Last Supper, which I believe we have succeeded in doing,” Father Yrlas said. “We wanted the design to represent the correlation between the Body of Christ in the Eucharist and the Body of Christ in the People of God,” Father Yrlas said. “There really has never been a monstrance designed, particularly for our diocese.” “I am excited about the unveiling of the new diocesan monstrance during the Feast of Corpus Christi,” Father Gonzales said. I’m excited for the Diocese of Corpus Christi and the glory of God. Knowing that every parish and mission in the diocese will have the opportunity to host this same monstrance and every parishioner may pray before it in adoration is an incredible thought to imagine.” “When we were designing the traveling monstrance, the team and I wanted the design to be unique to the Diocese of Corpus Christi. Since the name of our diocese translates into ‘Body of Christ,’ we wanted a beautiful, interwoven, eucharistic theme,” Father Gonzales said. “Every part of the design speaks of Christ’s majesty and the eucharistic sacrifice of which he gave,” Father Gonzales said. “A lot of time, thought, prayer and love went into the design of the Traveling Monstrance. It was a serious endeavor, and we wanted to get everything done right. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to design something for the diocese that will have lasting impressions for future generations,” Father Gonzales said. “We believe the end result of the monstrance will be beautiful, classic, catechetical, and will evoke prayer for adoration and eucharistic processions.”

El obispo Michael Mulvey y el personal de la Oficina del Medio Ambiente Seguridad y Recursos para Niños y Familias están comprometidos a ayudar a aquellos que han sufrido abusos de cualquier tipo. Para asistencia inmediata, apoyo e información de referencia, llame al Coordinador de Asistencia a Víctimas Stephanie Bonilla al (361) 693-6686. 18

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La confección de una nueva custodia diocesana, una obra de amor

BY MARY COTTINGHAM, South Texas Catholic l Obispo Michael Mulvey encargó la creación de una custodia diocesana que se está fabricando en México y será presentada oficialmente en la fiesta de Corpus Christi el 16 de junio después de la Misa del mediodía. “La Custodia Viajera une a todas las culturas y es una forma de llevar a Jesús ante las personas marginadas de la sociedad”, dijo Jaime Reyna, Director de las Oficinas de Pastoral Social y Multicultural de la Diócesis de Corpus Christi y coordinador del Comité Diocesano de la Custodia. En el diseño de la nueva Custodia, se incorporaron elementos claves, participando en ello: Reyna, el Padre Richard Gonzales, párroco de San José en Beeville; el padre Patrick Donohoe, párroco de San Juan de la Cruz en Orange Grove; el padre Alfredo Villarreal, párroco de San Martin en Kingsville y el Padre Ray Yrlas, párroco del Sagrado Corazón en Rockport; Los diseñadores gráficos Brad Snyder y Ettore Risi de Snyder and Associates crearon las impresiones de acuerdo con las especificaciones del fabricante. La nueva custodia diocesana fue creada por la firma ‘Bernardo Anguiano Orfebres’ en Guadalajara, México. Los diseñadores gráficos ‘Brad Snyder and Associates’ donaron su tiempo y talento para trabajar en el diseño junto con los cuatro sacerdotes. “Creo que Dios me dio un regalo como diseñador y comunicador, y la custodia es nuestro regalo para honrar las habilidades y bendiciones que recibimos”, dijo él. Según Snyder, su equipo aprendió mucho sobre la fe católica, la relevancia de la Fiesta de Corpus Christi y el significado de los artefactos y símbolos religiosos. “Fue una gran oportunidad trabajar junto a los cuatro sacerdotes”, dijo Snyder. “Crecí para respetarlos y apreciarlos como individuos, como líderes de la diócesis y administradores de la fe. Se me hizo fácil hablar con ellos sobre los detalles específicos y los elementos simbólicos que podíamos incluir. La Custodia cuenta una historia, y aprecié al Padre Richard, Al Padre Ray, al Padre Pat y al Padre Alfredo por agregar profundidad y unir la historia de una manera tangible”.

El equipo se reunió en persona y virtualmente, para trabajar en elementos clave e incorporarlos en el proceso del diseño. La nueva Custodia ha sido un trabajo de amor por parte del equipo de diseño. “Amor por Cristo en la Eucaristía. Amor por el Pueblo de Dios. Amor por nuestra Diócesis. Y queríamos que fuera majestuosa y digna de celebrar el sacramento más preciado, Corpus Christi, para Su adoración”, dijo el Padre Yrlas. “Además es el momento oportuno, ya que nos preparamos para el próximo Congreso Eucarístico de 2022”. De acuerdo al padre Donohoe, la mayoría de las catedrales tienen una Custodia Eucarística única y de tamaño considerable, tanto para la fiesta de Corpus Christi, como para otros eventos diocesanos. “La nueva Custodia es más grande que el promedio para que se pueda ver a distancia,- desde la parte trasera de la Catedral y por detrás de un gran evento diocesano - como lo es, el Congreso Eucarístico”, dijo el padre Donohoe. El diseño es sencillo y trata de atraer la mirada del espectador hacia el Santísimo Sacramento en el centro de la custodia. Los elementos vinculan el ‘Arca de la Alianza’ del Antiguo Testamento con la ‘Alianza Eucarística’ del Nuevo Testamento. Hubo una intención constante de elevar el sentido del diseño y centrarlo en la Eucaristía, en lugar de añadir elementos artísticos que distrajeran la atención.” “El comité tuvo que idear un diseño que capturara la belleza esencial del nombre de nuestra diócesis; Corpus Christi. Nuestra idea era capturar la relación entre la Eucaristía como es adorada y la comida de Pascua o Última Cena, lo cual, creo que logramos hacer”, dijo el Padre Yrlas. “Queríamos que el diseño representara la correlación entre el Cuerpo de Cristo en la Eucaristía y el Cuerpo de Cristo en el Pueblo de Dios”, dijo el Padre Yrlas. “En realidad, nunca se habίa diseñado una custodia, deliberadamente para nuestra diócesis”. Comentó. “Estoy emocionado por la inauguración de la nueva custodia diocesana durante la Fiesta de Corpus Christi”, dijo el Padre Gonzales. Estoy emocionado tanto por la Diócesis de Corpus Christi, como por la gloria de Dios. Saber que cada parroquia y misión en la diócesis tendrá la

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oportunidad de albergar esta misma custodia y que todos los feligreses podrán rezar ante ella en adoración, es un pensamiento increíble de imaginar”. “Cuando estábamos diseñando la Custodia Viajera, el equipo y yo queríamos que el diseño fuera exclusivo de la Diócesis de Corpus Christi. Dado que el nombre de nuestra diócesis se traduce como ‘Cuerpo de Cristo’, queríamos un tema eucarístico entretejido y hermoso”, dijo el Padre Gonzales. “Cada parte del diseño habla de la majestad de Cristo y del testimonio que dio en el Sacrificio Eucarístico.”

Dijo el Padre Gonzales. “Se invirtió mucho tiempo, pensamiento, oración y amor en el diseño de la Custodia Viajera. Fue un esfuerzo serio, en el que queríamos hacer lo correcto. Es de esas oportunidades únicas en la vida para plasmar un diseño de la diócesis que dejará una huella duradera en las futuras generaciones de la diócesis”, dijo el Padre Gonzales. “Creemos que el resultado final de la Custodia será hermoso, clásico, catequístico, y evocará la oración para la adoración y las procesiones eucarísticas.”

Programa de actividades del Congreso Eucarístico 25 de junio en el Omni Corpus Christi Hotel

7:00 a.m.

** Apertura de puertas y Registración (check-in) en el tercer piso del Hotel Omni

8:00 a. m.

Misa - Reverendísimo Wm. Michael Mulvey, STL, DD, celebrante principal en Salón Nueces

Después de la misa: Evento juvenil ¡Coloreemos

nuestra comunidad! Edades de 13 a 18 años se reúnen en el primer piso del vestíbulo principal

11:15 a.m.

Mesa de debate en el Corpus Christi Ballroom

12:30-13:15 p.m.

Almuerzo (Lunch) en el Salón Corpus Christi Ballroom

1:30 p.m.

Charla – Andrew Lichtenwalner, PhD, en Corpus Christi Ballroom

2:00 p.m.

Charla – Ralph Martin, STD, en el Corpus Christi Ballroom

2:30 p.m.

Descanso / Aperitivos / Vendedores / Adoración

9:30 a.m.

Descanso / Bocadillos / Vendedores / Adoración

3:00 pm.

Mesas de debate en el Salón Corpus Christi

10:00 a.m.

Conferencia principal: Arzobispo Christophe Pierre, MTh, JCD, Nuncio Apostólico para Estados Unidos; en el Corpus Christi Ballroom

3:30 p.m.

Comentarios finales en el Salón Corpus Christi Ballroom

4:00 p.m.

Adoración y alabanza. Culto - Música de Dave Moore Jóvenes se unen en Adoración, Alabanza y Culto en el Nueces Ballroom

5:00 p.m.

Finaliza Congreso Eucarístico 2022

10:45 a.m.

Conferencia de Apertura – Arzobispo Gustavo GarcíaSiller, MSpS, Arquidiócesis de San Antonio En el Salón Corpus Christi

** Aquellos que buscan asistencia de traducción (español o ASL), solicite asistencia en la mesa de registro. 20

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Foto de la Fiesta de Corpus Christi del 2019, también conocida como la Solemnidad del Santísimo Cuerpo y Sangre de Cristo. Este año se celebra universalmente, el jueves 16 de junio y da apertura oficial al Congreso Eucarístico diocesano 2022, que da principio también al Renacimiento Eucarístico Nacional . Se invita a los católicos y las comunidades de los 12 condados que conforman la Diócesis de Corpus Christi a reunirse una vez más como un solo cuerpo en la Catedral de Corpus Christi.

Ven a celebrar nuestra identidad

South Texas Catholic

a Solemnidad, también conocida como la Fiesta de Corpus Christi, comienza universalmente este año el jueves 16 de junio, y los católicos se reunirán una vez más como un solo cuerpo en la Catedral de Corpus Christi. La fiesta de Corpus Christi es una celebración de la presencia real de Cristo en la Santa Eucaristía.

Si desea mas información sobre la Solemnidad del Santίsimo Cuerpo y Sangre de Cristo, vea la historia completa en línea; southtexascatholic.com/news/focc21. La Diócesis de Corpus Christi celebrará esta solemnidad con horas santas, confesión y procesión eucarística diocesana. El evento comenzará a las 11 am. con palabras de bienvenida, lecturas de la historia de la Fiesta de Corpus Christi, milagros eucarísticos y anuncios del

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próximo Congreso Eucarístico Diocesano, Avivamiento Eucarístico Nacional y Congreso Eucarístico Nacional en 2025. Habrá una lectura de proclamación por pare de la alcaldesa Paulette Guajardo y la jueza del condado Bárbara Canales. El Obispo Michael Mulvey celebrará la Misa a las 12:05 p.m. Habrá charlas, reflexiones, música, adoración y vísperas de 1:30-6 p.m. El Servicio Religioso esta encabezado por el Obispo Mulvey. La Diócesis de Corpus Christi quisiera honrar el día de la fiesta universal, celebrando este día, con horas santas, confesiones y una gran procesión eucarística. Las confesiones estarán disponibles en el patio para el Sacramento de la Penitencia. El Obispo elevará el Santísimo Sacramento a las 6 p.m. y la procesión eucarística comenzará por la calle Upper Broadway hasta Leopard, deteniéndose para orar en un altar temporal fuera del Refugio de la Madre Teresa en la calle Sam Rankin. Luego, la procesión continuará por Sam Rankin hasta Comanche, deteniéndose en otro

altar temporal para orar frente a la Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón, luego continuará hasta la calle Lipan y se detendrá en el último altar temporal frente a la Cárcel del Condado Nueces. La procesión finalizará después de la Bendición del Santísimo Sacramento en el exterior de la catedral. Las procesiones son expresiones culturales de un pueblo peregrino que camina con su comunidad de Fe. Le invitamos a participar, a vestirse con ropa tradicional que celebre su identidad nacional o cultural. Todas las parroquias, monaguillos, ministros extraordinarios de la Sagrada Comunión y miembros de todas las organizaciones parroquiales están invitados a portar pancartas y banderas que representen a su parroquia y a sus organizaciones. Partes de este evento se transmitirán en vivo y se grabarán. Estarán disponibles de YouTube de la Diócesis de Corpus Christi en youtube.com/dioceseofcorpuschristi Para obtener más información, llame a Jaime Reyna al (361) 882-6191 o visite el sitio web en feastofcc.org.

SS. CYRIL & METHODIUS CATHOLIC CHRUCH

3210 SOUTH PADRE ISLAND DR. CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS 78415

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2 p.m. to 7 p.m. SS. CYRIL & METHODIUS CATHOLIC CHURCH 3210 SOUTH PADRE ISLAND DR. CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS 78415 22

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VERANO 2022

SOMOS EL CUERPO DE CRISTO

EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS 2022

STC ARCHIVES

Celebration and Renewal

Photo of the 2019 Feast Of Corpus Christi, also known as the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, begins universally this year on Thursday, June 16, and officially opens the diocesan Eucharistic Congress 2022, which also begins the National Eucharistic Revival. Catholics and the communities in the 12 counties that make up the Diocese of Corpus Christi are invited to once again gather as one body at Corpus Christi Cathedral.

Come celebrate our identity

South Texas Catholic

he Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, also known as the Feast of Corpus Christi, begins universally this year on Thursday, June 16, and Catholics are once again invited to gather as one body at Corpus Christi Cathedral. The Feast of Corpus Christi is a celebration of the real presence of Christ in the holy Eucharist. For more information on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ see story in its entirety online at southtexascatholic.com/news/focc21.

The Diocese of Corpus Christi will celebrate this solemnity with holy hours, confession and a diocesan eucharistic procession. The event will begin at 11 a.m. with welcoming remarks, readings of the history of the Feast of Corpus Christi, eucharistic miracles and announcements of the upcoming diocesan Eucharistic Congress, National Eucharistic Revival, and National Eucharistic Congress in 2025. There will be a proclamation reading from Mayor Paulette Guajardo and County Judge Barbara Canales.

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CONGRESO EUCARISTICO 2022 Celebración y Renovación

the cathedral. Processions are expressions of culture and community as well as of faith. You are welcome to dress in traditional clothing celebrating your national or cultural identity. All parishes, altar servers, extraordinary ministers of holy Communion and members of all parish organizations are invited to carry banners representing their parish and organizations. Portions of this event will be Livestreamed and recorded and will be available via Youtube on the Diocesan channel at youtube.com/dioceseofcorpuschristi.

For more information call Jaime Reyna at (361) 882-6191 or visit the website at feastofcc.org.

STC ARCHIVES

Bishop Michael Mulvey will celebrate Mass at 12:05 p.m. There will be talks, reflections, music, adoration, and vespers from 1:30-6 p.m. led by Bishop Mulvey. Confessions will be available in the courtyard for the Sacrament of Penance. The bishop will elevate the Blessed Sacrament at 6 p.m. and begin the eucharistic procession down Upper Broadway to Leopard, stopping to pray at a temporary altar outside the Mother Teresa Shelter on Sam Rankin. The procession will then continue down Sam Rankin to Comanche, stopping at another temporary altar to pray in front of Sacred Heart Church, then continue on to Lipan and stopping at an altar in front of the Nueces County Jail. The procession will end after the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament outside

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MARRIAGE

REBECCA ESPARZA | FOR STC

Witnessing God’s love to one another

Dorothy and Ray Garza say volunteering for the Church helps keep their marriage on track —a marriage united by Jesus Christ.

Volunteering in the Church brings couple great joy

BY REBECCA ESPARZA, Correspondent arried for 43 years, Dorothy and Ray Garza remember fondly the influence their parents had on them as children: they had a passion for giving selflessly to others, and it’s had a lifelong effect on their lives. “We saw our parents do it, and so naturally, we just

dived into volunteerism ourselves,” Dorothy said. The couple remembers when Ray’s job with H-E-B sent them to Corpus Christi for the first time in the late 1990s. They found a church home at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH), however, it was not to be as Ray was transferred to Houston. During a visit to Corpus Christi a few years later, she attended Mass

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Witnessing God’s love to one another at OLPH and recalls thinking how she would love to immerse herself as a volunteer there if given the opportunity. “A few weeks later, Ray tells me you’ll never believe what happened,” she chuckled. “We are being transferred back to Corpus Christi. I believe it was the Holy Spirit in action!” When they returned to Corpus Christi the second time, Ray volunteered at OLPH when work permitted, but Dorothy threw herself back into it. “I did homebound visits, hospital ministry, eucharistic minister, lector, RCIA; every ministry there is, I have volunteered for at OLPH,” she said. “As a couple, we have volunteered with RCIA and the Arts & Environment committee, where we formed lifelong friendships.” Since moving closer to St. Andrew by the Sea on Padre Island, they have “semi-retired” from volunteering at the parish level but have rededicated their efforts to working on special programs for the Diocese of Corpus Christi. “About eight years ago, we were recruited by Father Joseph Lopez to help with the Serra Club at the diocese, where we promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life,” she said. “Right now, we are trying to increase our membership. A lot of what we do with the Serra Club is supporting and praying for our seminarians.” The couple has recently committed to serve on the Synodal Encounter Sessions Committee with the diocese. The goal of these encounter sessions is to gather feedback from various constituents throughout the diocese, including from various populations like prisons and the homeless.

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“Volunteering helps our marriage and helps us spend quality time, not only together as a couple, but united by Jesus Christ,” Ray said. “Plus, when our grandchildren observe our example of volunteering together doing God’s work, I like to believe this will encourage them to do the same someday.” High school sweethearts born and raised in Gonzales, Texas, Dorothy and Ray feel strongly that their passion for volunteerism is rooted in the fact that everyone is born with a purpose. “I want to know I am fulfilling my purpose,” she explained. “God has given everyone talents, and we are called to use our talents for His glory. How can you know what your talent is if you don’t go out there and at least try? Volunteering at your parish shines a light on our Catholic faith to everyone you come across. This is what we are supposed to do with our lives: be self-sacrificing for others.” Ray added that there are so many parishes looking for volunteers to assist with Mass, community-based groups, outreach activities, and education. “For me, it’s the fulfillment of completing your assignment or task that is most rewarding,” he said. “Praying for vocations is so important because that’s the future of our Church.” Volunteering as a couple gives them both great joy, but Dorothy adds it is hard work. “We pray together every day; say the rosary together and pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy every day. It has been difficult some days to show up, but when I think about complaining or feeling tired, I think of Jesus, who was spit upon, punched, and suffered tremendously for us; the least I can do is volunteer a few hours.”

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

REBECCA ESPARZA | FOR STC

Faith • Knowledge • Service

High school students, from left, Leila Elizondo, Maddie Herndon, Ellie Clark, Jasmin Fernandez, Sarah Diaz and Araceli Saenz at Incarnate Word Academy review pet food donations made at the school recently. The group, who recently took a mission trip to Fort Worth over Spring Break, regularly do community service projects throughout the year.

IWA students find meaningful way to experience Spring Break

BY REBECCA ESPARZA, Correspondent nstead of doing typical Spring Break teenager activities like hanging out at the beach with friends or playing video games all day, some students from Incarnate Word Academy (IWA) preferred to be of service to others during a five-day mission trip to Fort Worth. “When we go on these mission trips, we can tell people are thankful for the impact we are making in their lives,” said Madeline Herndon, an IWA senior. IWA students have been taking high school mission trips for over 25 years. As mission trips to Mexico became unsafe for students during the last decade, the school switched to domestic trips. The change did not affect the meaningful impact of volunteering in service to others.

“We change the area we visit every two years,” said Ashley Cartwright, IWA Campus Minister. “This year, we chose Fort Worth with a lot of prayer and research. A few years ago, after Hurricane Harvey, we chose the Beaumont area and right before the pandemic, we visited New Orleans.” During each trip, the students focus on a particular area to address through their volunteerism. They study this all year in preparation for their mission trip. “As a group, we attended weekly meetings and learned about a specific social issue. This year the focus was on domestic violence, children in poverty and children in foster care. While we were in North Texas, we sorted clothing donations in multiple rooms,” said Leila Elizondo, another senior at IWA.

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“Oftentimes, we forget the different circumstances people live in, so it was an eye-opener to see what some people go through and how they live. It made me appreciate what I have a lot more,” Elizondo said. “I wish more students would consider going on a mission trip. It opens your heart and mind, and I can’t wait to come back someday as a chaperone.” The students spent their first day in Fort Worth at Mission Arlington, a community-based non-profit that assists those in need with clothing, furniture, medical care, housing, and many other social services. Another day they helped package up dog food for those who had difficulty purchasing food for their pets. “Our second day was going door-to-door evangelizing. We knocked on doors and asked kids if they wanted to come outside and play with us. We also went to Grace Grapevine, a place where people with limited means can shop with dignity,” Adrian Cantu, senior. The students not only reap the rewards of giving back, but they build friendships and camaraderie with each other along the way.

“We bond as a mission team during the five days we are together. We eat meals together, worship together, and help people together. It’s a rewarding experience because you are growing as a person and helping others at the same time,” said Ellie Clark, senior at IWA. The program is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors who maintain good grades and have excellent conduct at school. Attendance at weekly meetings is required. Although there is no charge for students to participate in a mission trip, there are multiple fundraising opportunities for students, which help pay for the bus ride to their location, accommodations, and meals noted Cartwright. “Our biggest fundraiser is our poinsettia sale in December,” she added. “And any students are welcomed to join us, Catholic or not. This year, former IWA students who had been on a previous mission trip joined us as chaperones. These college students gave up their spring break at college to participate, so that is special.” The students are not only making a difference in the lives of others, but they are gaining a new perspective on how to be grateful for the everyday things they have.

Incarnate Word Academy high school students, from left, Cara Lichtenberger, Araceli Saenz, Sarah Diaz, Jasmin Fernandez, Demetri Lopez, Maddie Herndon, Leila Elizondo, Ava Lichtenberger, Ellie Clark, Adrian Cantu and Darien Delgado participated in a mission trip over Spring Break, assisting various service organizations with different projects. 28

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Faith • Knowledge • Service

Mr. Jacob Windnagle, chair of the History Department at St. John Paul II High School, gives a reflection on one of Jesus’ last words, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). He provides a powerful example of the life of Father Emil J. Kapaun.

Holy Thursday, a beautiful reflection on the seven last Words of Christ

BY JOHN MCFARLAND, Contributor n Holy Thursday, students at St. John Paul II High School spent their half-day rotating through seven stations reflecting on the seven Last words of Christ. Mr. Benjamin Nye, chair of the Theology Department, organized the day of reflection and six additional teachers, including Mr. Michael Edghill, the principal at St. John Paul II High School, prepared reflections based on one of the seven last words of Christ. Each 25-minute presentation was a beautiful, unique, and moving reflection on one of the seven last words of Christ. The presenters shared a heartfelt message, which included

an activity allowing the students to reflect and pray on their station and those words of Christ. Hannah Reynolds, a senior at St. John Paul II, said, “Thursday’s reflections were a really nice opportunity to reflect on Jesus’ last words themselves and the events that took place that day. It allowed me to better enter the Easter Triduum celebration and prepare my heart for the upcoming Masses and services that I would attend.” After the students rotated through the seven stations with their homeroom classes, everyone went to the chapel and ended the day of reflection by singing the Divine Mercy Chaplet, led by several students.

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of the Easter Triduum by boosting my mood and allowing me to find beauty in the smaller moments of life.” Sophomore Kaitlyn Lopez said, “I was able to pray and be in my own time with God. I learned a lot about what happened during the time of Lent and was able to visualize it. Some teachers like Mr. W. [Windnagle] and Mr. Heeder, got into a lot of detail about what happened to Jesus and what he was going through. When we went to the chapel with Ms. Carreon, we were praying, and I was able to just feel His presence. Even in Mr. [Steve] Bernal’s [reflection], I could talk to Him and smell what they put on Him when He was on the cross. It influenced us that we shouldn’t take anything for granted because everything we get is a sacrifice someone makes for us.” Junior Nicolas Urbina said that each station stood out to him and helped him reflect on Christ’s love. He said that the day left him with a desire to “strive to be better” and “to carry the name Centurion all our lives” and that overall, he was left with a sense of peace and appreciated the beautiful day of reflection. This day of reflection on the Seven Last Words of Christ was truly a beautiful and unique way for the students to enter into Holy Triduum and begin their Easter break. We hope to continue to do things like this in the future to help our students encounter and know the love of Christ. To see the full story go to SouthTexasCatholic.com/news/7Stations.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Several students commented on how moving and beautiful it was to hear everyone singing and praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet in the chapel. It was an amazing way to end a beautiful and inspiring day. Students had many things to say on this day of reflection as they were truly moved and inspired. Senior Nathalia Fernandez said, “From Thursday, I learned a lot of little things, but they were really interesting to me. From Mr. [Matthew] Heeder’s talk, I learned that sin was brought into the world by disobedience and a sweet fruit because of Adam and Eve, but it was defeated with obedience and a bitter fruit because of Jesus. In Ms. [Marissa] Carreon’s talk, she mentioned that John was called “beloved” not because he was Jesus’ favorite but because John realized and accepted that he was loved by Jesus and made that his identity. In Ms. [Molly] Demel’s talk, I like how she mentioned that when Jesus died on the cross, He said, “It is finished,” not “I’m finished”. She then compared it to an artist who finishes a painting and steps back to look at it and says, “It is finished.” All these things really stood out to me on Thursday.” Mackenzie Childs, a sophomore, said, “What I got out of Thursday’s reflections is that the last few phrases of Jesus all had some significance and deeper meaning behind them. I learned that each of the phrases echoed some other event or words in scripture. I encountered God that day,” Childs said. “The events on Thursday influenced my experience

Mr. Steve Bernal, the health teacher, gives a beautiful reflection on Christ’s words. Playing background music as students entered a candlelit room, he incorporated artwork, music, prayer, and singing. Mr. Bernal allowed students to smell hyssop, frankincense, and myrrh. 30

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SPREADING THE LIGHT

COURTNEY GONZALES | FOR STC

Holy friendships

Focus missionary Daniel Rosa leads a Bible study in the Fall of 2021 in the home of Head Coach Jason Gonzales. The team meets once a week during the baseball season. It isn’t unusual that one of the athletic trainers or a girlfriend comes to the Bible study group.

It’s not all about baseball BY DALE GONZALES

C Contributor

oach Jason Gonzales kicks off every baseball season with a Bible and a prayer at the annual First Pitch Banquet. “We cannot be afraid to talk about God, now more than ever. I don’t want your boys to leave this program saying, ‘Coach never talked about God,’” he told members of the boys’ families. Jason is the head coach for the Javelina baseball team at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Gonzales wants his boys to know not only the fundamentals of baseball but of life as well. “If I only taught them how to lay down a bunt after four years with them, I have done something wrong,” he said. Gonzales teaches his players to be respectful men, good husbands, and amazing fathers. “I promised God that if he put me into a head coaching position, I would offer a Bible study,” Gonzales says. The event starts with a home-cooked meal prepared by his wife, Courtney Gonzales, who is thrilled to cook for the

boys every week. Courtney built a twelve-seater dining room table to host the boys more comfortably. Throughout Gonzales’s fourteen years with the Javelinas, the Bible studies are led by different people, including Father John Chavarria and last year, FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) missionary Daniel Rosa from TAMUK. FOCUS missionary TJ Jakubowski leads this year’s Bible studies. The Holy Spirit has been working among the Bible study group for many years. One man felt called to be a priest six years ago. Assistant coach at the time, Luke Prihoda, who joined the Bible study, gained a deeper understanding of what God was calling to do. In the Fall of 2016, Luke became a seminarian for the Diocese of Galveston/Houston and continues to follow God’s call at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston. He will be ordained a priest in the Diocese of Victoria in 2023. Javelina baseball player, Giancarlo Servin, has been

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SPREADING THE LIGHT

DALE GONZALES | FOR STC

Holy friendships

Texas A&M University-Kingsville Javelinas baseball team enjoying a home-cooked meal prepared by Coach Gonzales’ wife, Courtney Gonzales in their home.

with the team since 2018. He says the coach’s Bible study is something he looks forward to every year. “It’s been my rock. At first, I would hear some of the Bible verses, but I didn’t understand. Now I know what I’m reading, and the Bible teaches me how to navigate life.” Servin says getting to know the Gonzales’s and watching how they interact as a family has taught him about having good relationships. And, of course, “I look forward to the dinners obviously, her (Mrs. Gonzales’s) food is amazing, but I see how the coach goes about his business at church [St. Gertrude], how he carries himself on and off the field, and how he has conversations that impress me. I learn a lot even when Coach talks to other people, the other guys.

I try to regurgitate a lot of the stuff he says,” Servin said. The weekly Bible studies have been a staple in the TAMUK baseball program for years. Coach Gonzales prays with his team before every game and when families come to eat after the game on Senior Day. Gonzales finds a place where everyone can hear him and prays before the meal because after the scoreboard goes off and the game is over, the love that moves through the field doesn’t fade with the grass. It lives and breathes because the Holy Spirit is alive in this program and active in the hearts and minds of the people who make this program a family. To see more photos of this story go to SouthTexasCatholic.com/news/Javelinas

Bishop Michael Mulvey and the staff of the Office for Safe Environment and Child and Family Resources are committed to assisting those who have faced abuse of any kind. For immediate assistance, support and referral information, please call Victim Assistance Coordinator Stephanie Bonilla at (361) 693-6686. 32

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IN MEMORIAM Rest in Peace

Sister Mary Ann Korczynski, IWBS August 15, 1944 - April 6, 2022 Sister Mary Ann Korczynski, Sister of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament of Corpus Christi, was welcomed into eternal life by her loving God on Wednesday, April 6, 2022. Born to Joseph Steve and Cecelia Dworaczyk Korczynski on August 15, 1944, she was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, Jearline Wostal, Katherine Webb, and Genevieve Normand, and one brother, Steve Korczynski. She is survived by two brothers, Joe (wife, Beth), John, and one sister, Patsy Dyess. Sister Mary Ann entered the Sisters of the Incarnate Word on August 30, 1963 and celebrated her 50th anniversary of religious profession on April 2, 2016. She earned a Master of Natural Science with specialization in mathematics from the University of Oklahoma in 1975. She taught at St. Patrick School and Incarnate Word Academy High School in Corpus Christi and Incarnate Word Academy and Villa Maria High School in Brownsville. She served in leadership and several other positions within the Congregation, as well as the Finance Council of the Diocese of Corpus Christi. Sister Mary Ann had a great love of her community and a deep sense of stewardship of God’s spiritual gifts, as well as the material resources God has bestowed on the Congregation. Her expertise with accounting and the ins and outs of banking, assets, and insurance were treasured gifts for the community. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “Incarnate Word Sisters Retirement Fund,” Attention: Sister Annette Wagner, 5201 Lipes Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78413.

Sister Mary Lucy Cuvin , SSPSAP September 22, 1930 - April 8, 2022 Sister Mary Lucy, (Mercedes Cuvin) was called to eternal life on April 8 at the age of 91. Sister Mary Lucy was born on Sept. 22, 1930, in Lucban, Lucena, Philippines, to Nicanor and Maura Cuvin. She had ten brothers and sisters all of whom she outlived. She entered religious life as a Missionary Sister of the Holy Spirit, the active branch of the Religious Congregation for Sisters founded by our Founder, St. Arnold Janssen, SVD. As a Holy Spirit Missionary Sister, she taught Chemistry in different colleges in the Philippines. Several years later, at the age of 54, she discerned a call within a call and transferred to the Congregation of the Sister Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration, giving her life to the service of Perpetual Adoration to be the praying hands of the Church for the sake of her missionary works and for the sake of the whole world. As a cloistered Sister, she served in our convents in Driburg, Germany, Lincoln, Nebraska and finally, in Corpus Christi. Sister Mary Lucy celebrated her Golden Jubilee of Religious Profession on May 29, 2010, with many of her nephews, nieces, friends, numerous former students from the Philippines and benefactors attending. She was a born artist with a sharp mind and an eye for detail. She will always be remembered for her sweet smile and for the fidelity and love with which she adored our Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament.

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A WORD

From our Holy Father

Pope Francis: ‘The Lord is not looking for perfect Christians’

Catholic News Agency

esus’ merciful words to a doubting St. Thomas reminds us that the Lord does not expect us to be “perfect Christians,” Pope Francis said. Instead, Jesus wants us “to seek him, to call on him, or even, like Thomas, to protest, bringing him our needs and our unbelief,” the pope said. In his reflections prior to the recitation of the Regina Caeli, Pope Francis spoke to a large crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Divine Mercy Sunday about the gospel account of Jesus’ encounter with Thomas in the Upper Room. Thomas, who was not present the first time the resurrected Jesus appeared to the apostles, “represents all of us,” the pope said. “We too struggle at times like that disciple: How can we believe that Jesus is risen, that he accompanies us and is the Lord of our life without having seen him, without having touched him? How can one believe in this? Why does the Lord not give us some clearer sign of his presence and love? Some sign that I can see better,” Pope Francis said. “Here, we too are like Thomas, with the same doubts, the same reasoning,” he continued. “But we do not need to be ashamed of this. By telling us the story of Thomas, in fact, the Gospel tells us that the Lord is not looking for perfect Christians. The Lord is not looking for perfect Christians.” The pope went on to speak in strong terms against an attitude of righteousness and self-assurance. “I tell you: I am afraid when I see a Christian, some associations of Christians who believe themselves to be perfect. The Lord is not looking for perfect Christians; the Lord is not looking for Christians who never doubt and always flaunt a steadfast faith. When a Christian is like that, something isn’t right,” the pope observed. “No, the adventure of faith, as for Thomas, consists of lights and shadows. Otherwise, what kind of faith would that be? It knows times of comfort, zeal and enthusiasm, but also of weariness, confusion, doubt, and darkness. “The Gospel shows us Thomas’ ‘crisis’ to tell us that we

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should not fear the crises of life and faith,” Pope Francis continued. “Crises are not sins, they are part of the journey, we should not fear them. Many times, they make us humble because they strip us of the idea that we are fine, that we are better than others. Crises help us to recognize that we are needy: they rekindle the need for God and thus enable us to return to the Lord, to touch his wounds, to experience his love anew as if it were the first time.” The pope said: “Dear brothers and sisters, it is better to have an imperfect but humble faith that always returns to Jesus, than a strong but presumptuous faith that makes us proud and arrogant. Woe to those, woe to them!” Pope Francis went on to highlight the fact that, after appearing to the apostles while Thomas was not present, he returns a second time. “Jesus does not give up, he does not get tired of us, he is not afraid of our crises, our weaknesses. He always comes back: When the doors are closed, he comes back; when we are in doubt, he comes back; when, like Thomas, we need to encounter him and to touch him up close, he comes back,” the pope said. “Jesus always comes back, he always knocks on the door, and he does not come back with powerful signs that would make us feel small and inadequate, even ashamed, but with his wounds; he comes back showing us his wounds, signs of his love that has espoused our frailties,” the pope said. “Jesus is the Lord of ‘other chances’: He always gives us another one, always. So let us think about the last time — let’s try to remember a little — that, during a difficult moment or a period of crisis, we closed in on ourselves, barricading ourselves in our problems and shutting Jesus out of the house. “And let us promise ourselves, the next time, in our fatigue, to seek Jesus, to return to him, to his forgiveness — he always forgives, always! — to return to those wounds that have healed us,” Pope Francis said. “In this way,” the pope urged, “we will also become capable of compassion, of approaching the wounds of others without inflexibility and without prejudice.”

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

We are many parts of the Body of Christ SUMMER 2022 COLLECTIONS —your support counts

Retired and Infirm Priests Collection: May 14-15 Money from the Retired and Infirm Priests Collection provides for the long-term funding needed by the welfare fund, to enhance the monthly benefits to our retired priests in perpetuity and to assist in the special health care needs of the infirm and retired priests of our diocese. They are the ones who have baptized our children, married our adult children, given the sacraments to our children, forgiven our —Pope Francis sins, challenged us to live the Gospel, been at the bedside of the dying in the middle of the night, and are at the altar every Sunday to bring us Jesus. Now it is our turn to say…“Thank you.”

“May our words be seeds of goodness for the world.”

Catholic Communications Campaign: May 28-29 Through websites, social networks, television, radio, and print, the Support the Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC) helps the Church spread the Catholic Gospel message through the media locally and nationally. Half of all Communication donations to the CCC collected in your diocese stay in your diocese to Campaign support your local communications needs, such as radio and television programming and diocesan publications. To learn more about the CCC and the projects it supports, visit www.usccb.org/ccc.

Connect with Christ WWW.USCCB.ORG/CCC

Peter’s Pence Collection: June 25-26 The Peter’s Pence collection is a gesture of solidarity through which every member of the faithful can participate in the activity of the Pope as Pastor of the universal Church. The Church is at the forefront in the world, dealing with the consequences of the coronavirus, bringing humanitarian aid and health assistance, and, through the local Churches, finding new ways to bring the comfort of the Word of God everywhere.

Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa: July 16-17

Be a Witness of

Charity

support the works of the holy father through the

Peter’s Pence Collection

The people of Africa are joyous and faith-filled, but as the Church in Africa grows, the pastoral needs of the people also increase. From the formation of clergy to communications programs that bring the Gospel to remote territories to youth ministries that engage the next generation of disciples, the Church’s needs are wide-ranging. The Solidarity Fund is an opportunity for our parish to stand with the people of Africa. Our contributions help them face these challenges, and we support them as they build lasting foundations of missionary discipleship. Please be generous. To learn more, visit www.usccb.org/africa.

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We are humbled and grateful for those who continue to give during this time of uncertainty. Thank you! Because of you, we are better able to serve the needs of our brothers and sisters. We understand that some may not be able to give. However, if you are able and can continue to give to your parish, please also consider giving to these worthy causes. WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

SUMMER 2022

| S O U T H T E X A S C AT H O L I C

SUMMER 2022 ISSUE South Texas Catholic 555 N Carancahua St, Ste 750 Corpus Christi, TX 78401-0824 (361) 882-6191