LENT G HOLY WEEK G EASTER
In Focus
Pope Francis’ Easter messages:
Love, presence and beginning ‘anew’
BY MIKE NELSON Catholic News Service
I
“
t is always possible to begin anew.” “He is alive here and now.” “Jesus, the risen Lord, loves us without limits.” If you caught Pope Francis’ Easter Vigil homily a year ago, you will recognize these as his “three messages of Easter” – messages that are relevant, really, at every moment in our lives. These were certainly the messages conveyed to Jesus’ disciples on the first Easter morning, as described in this year’s Gospel readings from the Easter Vigil (Lk 24:1-12) and Easter Sunday ( Jn 20:1-9). Both relate how Mary Magdalene and other women discovered the empty tomb, how they hurried to tell the apostles, how Peter and John hurried to see for themselves what was (or wasn’t) in the tomb, and how all were not only “amazed” by what had happened, but challenged to make sense of it all. Eventually, “what had happened” became more clear, though no less amazing, to Jesus’ disciples, then and today: Jesus has risen from the dead, and invites us to follow him. And that starts, as Pope Francis said a year ago, with “beginning anew.” How? In last year’s Easter Vigil, the Gospel reading (Mk 16:1-7) told essentially the same story of the empty tomb’s discovery as Luke’s and John’s, with one additional detail: a young man at the tomb, dressed in white, tells Mary and the other women to tell his disciples, “He is going before you to Galilee; there
you will see him, as he told you” Pope Francis lights the (Mk 16:7). paschal candle at the start To “go to Galilee,” Pope of the Easter Vigil in St. PeFrancis said, is to begin anew, to ter’s Basilica at the Vatican return to the place in our hearts April 3, 2021. In his homily, where Jesus first called us to Pope Francis said, “It is follow him. “In this Galilee,” the always possible to begin Pope said, “we learn to be amazed anew.” CNS photo/Vatican Media by the Lord’s infinite love, which opens new trails along the path of our defeats.” In times and places of challenge and struggle, it is comforting to know there is a loving and compassionate God whose own Son rose to new life – the ultimate example, one might say, of “starting over.” “Going to Galilee,” he said, “means realizing that faith, if it is to be alive, must get back on the road. It must daily renew the first steps of the journey, the amazement of the first encounter.” As we “begin anew,” we can draw strength from knowing that Jesus “is alive here and now,” the second of Pope Francis’ Easter messages. “He walks beside you each day, in every situation you are experiencing, in every trial you have to endure, in your deepest hopes and dreams,” said the Pope. “He opens new doors when you least expect it; he urges you not to indulge in nostalgia for the past or cynicism about the present. Even if you feel that all is lost, please, let yourself be open to amazement at the newness Jesus brings: He will surely surprise you.” Continued on 22
April 2022
THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 7
In Focus
Bishop O’Connell will celebrate Holy Week with faithful during parish visits
E
ach year, Catholics from throughout the world are invited to experience the unfolding of the Paschal Mystery of our Lord by participating in the various liturgies that commemorate his Passion, Death and Resurrection during Holy Week. Here in the Diocese of Trenton, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will commemorate Holy Week, which occurs this year April 10-17, by celebrating Masses and liturgies in parish communities around the Diocese. APRIL 10 PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD At the start of this Mass, faithful will receive palm fronds which they will use to participate in the reenactment of Christ’s arrival in Jerusalem with a procession. In the Gospels, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding a donkey to the praise of the townspeople who laid palms or small branches in front of him as a sign of homage. This was a customary practice for people of great respect. Bishop O’Connell will celebrate the 9:30 a.m. Mass on Palm Sunday in Nativity Church, Fair Haven. The Mass will be livestreamed at www. facebook.com/The-Church-of-the-Nativity-458535774167612/videos APRIL 11 MASS OF CHRISM The Chrism Mass reflects the communion of the priests with their bishop. All of the priests of the Diocese who are gathered publicly renew their commitment to their priestly service. The Mass is also when the Bishop blesses the oils to be used in parishes throughout the
coming year – the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of Catechumens, and he also consecrates the Sacred Chrism, which is used for the Sacraments of Confirmation, Baptism and the ordination of priests and bishops and the consecration of churches. Bishop O’Connell will be principal celebrant of the Mass of Chrism at 7:30 p.m. in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold. The Mass will be livestreamed at youtube.com/trentondiocese APRIL 14 HOLY THURSDAY The Mass of the Lord’s Supper commemorates when Jesus gathered with his disciples to celebrate the Passover. During this Mass, Jesus instituted the Eucharist and the priesthood and is also when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. By washing his disciples’ feet, he set for them and for all of his followers, the example of what it means to “love one another” and to be of service to others. At the end of the Mass, the Eucharist to be shared on Good Friday is not returned to the tabernacle. Instead, the Blessed Sacrament is carried in procession by the priest. This action symbolizes Jesus’ walk to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus agonized over the suffering he was soon to endure. Bishop O’Connell will celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7 p.m. in St. David the King Church, Princeton Junction. The Mass will be livestreamed at www.stdavidtheking.com/livestream-mass
For questions on COVID-related precautions, consult your parish’s website. 8 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE
April 2022
APRIL 15 GOOD FRIDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD Good Friday, a day of fasting for the Church, commemorates Jesus’ Crucifixion and Death. The celebration of the Lord’s Passion takes place within the context of a Communion service and is held at 3 p.m., which places the prayer close to the traditional hour of Jesus’ Death. The service includes a Liturgy of the Word, the Veneration of the Cross and reception of Holy Communion. The Passion is proclaimed again, but on this day, it is from John’s Gospel account, which is more personal than the other accounts found in Matthew, Mark and Luke. Bishop O’Connell will commemorate the Lord’s Passion during a noon service in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. The Mass will be livestreamed at youtube.com/trentondiocese APRIL 16 HOLY SATURDAY The Roman Missal explains: “On Saturday, the Church waits at the Lord’s tomb, meditating on his suffering and death. The altar is left bare, and the sacrifice of the Mass is not celebrated. Only after the solemn vigil during the night held in anticipation of the Resurrection, does the Easter celebration begin, with a spirit of joy that overflows into the following period of 50 days.” EASTER VIGIL IN THE HOLY NIGHT Although celebrated on Holy Saturday evening, the Easter Vigil liturgy marks the beginning of Easter.
LENT G HOLY WEEK G EASTER The Vigil is arranged in four parts: a service of light, which includes the blessing of the fire and lighting of the Paschal Candle; the Liturgy of the Word, during which seven Readings from the Old Testament may be proclaimed that tell the Salvation History of God’s people; the liturgy of Baptism, when new members are welcomed into the Church through the Sacraments of Initiation, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Bishop O’Connell will celebrate the Easter Vigil in St. Paul Church, Princeton. The Mass will be livestreamed at https:// stpaulsofprinceton.org/mass-streaming APRIL 17 EASTER SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD Easter Sunday continues to proclaim the glorious news of the Resurrection. Jesus has been raised from the dead and the power of sin and death has been destroyed forever. As has been his annual tradition before the pandemic, Bishop O’Connell will celebrate Mass at 8:30 a.m. in NJ State Prison.
Vatican releases Pope’s Lent, Holy Week, Easter schedule BY JUNNO AROCHO ESTEVES Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY • The Vatican published Pope Francis’ calendar for Holy Week and Easter, which includes the Way of the Cross at Rome’s Colosseum for the first time in two years. Rome’s Colosseum is illuminated The annual commemoration during the Way of the Cross. of Christ’s Passion at the ColosseCNS file photo/Paul Haring um was canceled in 2020 due to restrictions on outdoor gatherings to prevent the spread of COVID-19. And in 2021, there was a pared-down Way of the Cross service in St. Peter’s Square. The Vatican said that Masses on Palm Sunday, Easter Sunday, as well as a canonization Mass May 15 will be celebrated outdoors for the first time since the pandemic began. As is customary when first publishing the Pope’s calendar for Holy Week, the Vatican did not provide the time or place for his celebration of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, April 14. Before the pandemic, Pope Francis had made it a tradition to celebrate the Mass and foot-washing ritual at a prison or detention center, refugee center or rehabilitation facility. Last year, the Pope celebrated a private Mass on Holy Thursday with Cardinal Angelo Becciu, the former prefect of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes, who was forced to resign amid an investigation into suspected financial malfeasance. The evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper in St. Peter’s Basilica that year was instead celebrated by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals. Here is the schedule of papal liturgical ceremonies and events for April and May released by the Vatican March 21: • April 2-3, Apostolic visit to Malta. • April 10, Palm Sunday, Mass in St. Peter’s Square. • April 14, Holy Thursday, morning Chrism Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. • April 15, Good Friday, afternoon liturgy of the Lord’s Passion in St. Peter’s Basilica. • April 15, Way of the Cross at night in the Colosseum. • April 16, Easter Vigil Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. • April 17, Easter morning Mass in St. Peter’s Square, followed at noon by the Pope’s blessing “urbi et orbi” (the city and the world). • April 24, Divine Mercy Sunday, Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. • May 15, Canonization Mass in St. Peter’s Square.
St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel. File photo April 2022
THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 9
In Focus
THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE:
A Teaching from
BISHOP DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M.
‘Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more (John 8: 11)’
T
o answer frequent questions and clarify Church teaching, in 2014 Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., composed a catechetical instruction on the seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church, including three installments on the Sacrament of Penance published by The Monitor and on the diocesan website. The following are excerpts from that series; the full text can be viewed at dioceseoftrenton.org/catechetical-writing-series.
The outward “sign” of the Sacrament of Penance has multiple parts: contrition or sorrow for sins; confession of sins to the priest; absolution of sins by the priest; performing the penance given by the priest to atone for sins confessed. For the record, priests, bishops and even the Pope have to go to Confession, too.
In the Gospel of St. John, when Jesus appears to the disciples after his Resurrection, the sacred author recalls, he greeted them saying: “As the Father has sent me so I send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained (John 20: 21-24).” Jesus again extends a special authority to the apostles who share in his divine mission: to forgive or retain sins.”
To read the U.S. Bishops’ “How to make a good Confession,” visit usccb.org/resources/ Bulletin-Insert-Penance-ENG.pdf 10 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE
Forgiveness is not something we can give ourselves. One asks forgiveness, one asks it of another person, and in Confession, we ask forgiveness from Jesus. Forgiveness is not a result of our efforts but is a gift … of the Holy Spirit who showers us with mercy and grace that pours forth unceasingly from the open heart of Christ crucified and risen.
The Second Vatican Council and Catechism of the Catholic Church refer to the Sacrament of Penance as a “Sacrament of healing (CCC, 1421)” along with the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick (formerly called Extreme Unction). The 1983 Code of Canon Law states: In the Sacrament of Penance, the faithful, confessing their sins to a legitimate minister, being sorry for them, and at the same time proposing to reform, obtain from God forgiveness of sins committed after Baptism through the absolution imparted by the same minister; and they likewise are reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by sinning (canon 959).
It is important to note that God did not create evil and sin. Likewise, it is important to note that God did not create the effects of sin and evil within the world. The prophet Isaiah proclaimed: “It is your crimes that separate you from God, it is your sins that make him hide his face from you … for our offenses before you are many, our sins bear witness against us” (Isaiah 59: 2; 12). Despite sin, good continued and continues to exist … But alongside of good, because of “original sin,” now evil continued and continues to exist. And human beings, using the gifts of intellect and free will, could now and can choose that option.
The Gospels present Jesus frequently showing mercy through the forgiveness of sin. The ultimate act of forgiveness was his death on the Cross, which the prophets predicted and Jesus himself foretold. “Behold the wood of the Cross,” we chant on Good Friday, “on which has hung our salvation.” It was necessary that he die, the sinless One for the sinner, in order that humanity could gain access to salvation.
April 2022
LENT G HOLY WEEK G EASTER What is sin? The notion of sin … basically describes any deliberate (willful) choice to act contrary to the will of God as it has been manifested to us … Sin involves willfully choosing and doing something evil or wrong. In the Old Testament, such a deliberate or willful choice expresses rebellion against God. In the New Testament, sin describes choices and actions that reveal contempt for God and his revealed will and a deliberate refusal to accept and follow his will.
How does one make a good, “integral” Confession? First, we must admit and acknowledge our sinfulness. In our quiet moments, we need to identify how we have turned away from God in the things that we have said and done or failed to do since our last Confession … Next, we should pray and ask God to enlighten our conscience so that our Confession is honest and true. Our prayer should lead us to an “examination of conscience.” Using the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20: 2 - 17; Deuteronomy 5: 6 21) as a guide, we should consider our experience of living or failing to live those commandments … And, next, the “moment of truth:” make your Confession to the priest! If you need or want to write your sins down, feel free to do so and bring your note with you. If you have doubts about anything, simply mention your doubts to the priest. He will advise you. Tell him when you made your last Confession. If it has been a long, long time since your last Confession, do not be afraid or embarrassed. Simply tell that to the priest. He will help you make a good Confession. He is not there to judge or condemn you. He is there to be a minister of God’s forgiveness, mercy and your reconciliation with God.
Following your Confession, the priest may give you some advice or suggestions to help you. He will ask you to make a good “act of contrition” after giving you a penance – prayer or good works – to perform as a sign of that contrition after you finish your Confession ... The priest will then give you absolution from your sins. Next step, “go in peace and sin no more.”
Bishop answers FAQ about Confession
A
ny catechesis about a Sacrament would be incomplete without explaining the requirements of Church law related to it. There is ample Church legislation about the Sacrament of Penance or Confession, but I will confine my study here to those things that the ordinary parishioner needs to know. Who can receive the Sacrament of Penance? Any baptized Catholic who has “attained the age of discretion” not only can but must receive the Sacrament of Penance and confess serious sins at least once a year (canon 989). How often should a baptized Catholic go to Confession? A baptized Catholic should confess serious sins to a priest as soon as possible after committing them but, minimally, once a year. …Less serious sins should be confessed regularly. Who is able to hear Confession? Only a validly ordained priest (or bishop) is able to hear a Confession as a “minister of the Sacrament (canon 965).” He obtains the power to do so by his ordination, but he must obtain the “faculty” or permission from the bishop of the diocese before exercising it. Is it necessary to confess sins to a priest? The simple answer is “yes.” Although it is God who “forgives sins,” Jesus gave this power specifically to the apostles and their successors, bishops and priests … The ordained Catholic priest is the minister of this Sacrament. What is meant by “general Confession and absolution?” There are actually three Sacramental rites of Penance. Two of these rites, whether individual or in a group, require the individual confession of sins by the individual penitent confessing sins to a priest. The third rite involves general confession by a group and absolution by a priest [for rare circumstances]. Where should Confession be made? The proper place to hear Sacramental Confession is a designated confessional or reconciliation room in a Catholic Church, a Catholic chapel or oratory (canon 964.1). Confessions may be heard elsewhere but not without a “just cause” or reason (canon 964.3). What should the baptized Catholic confess? Any and all sins ... that a Catholic person commits after Baptism. The penitent should mention the kind of sin and number of times committed. Prior to going to Confession, the penitent should examine his/her conscience to discern what sins have been committed or what obligations he/she might have omitted. How are sins forgiven or absolved? The penitent confesses to the priest the kind and number of sins committed since his/her last Confession, expresses contrition for those sins, is assigned a penance and receives absolution from the priest. What is meant by “contrition” and firm purpose or intention of amendment? Contrition is that feeling and expression of remorse or regret for sins committed. That contrition means little if the person does not make or intend to avoid such sins again — a firm purpose or intention of amendment. April 2022
THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 11
In Focus Pope Francis goes to Confession during a Lenten penance service in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican March 25, 2022.
Confession
CNS photo/Paul Haring
is more about God’s forgiveness than our sins, Pope says BY CINDY WOODEN Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY • The Sacrament of Reconciliation “is not so much about our sins” as it is about God’s forgiveness, Pope Francis said. “Think about it: If our sins were at the heart of the Sacrament, almost everything would depend on us, on our repentance, our efforts, our resolve,” but it is about God’s power, mercy and grace, the Pope said March 25 during a Lenten penance service in St. Peter’s Basilica. The service, with individual Con-
fessions, preceded the Pope’s formal act of consecrating the world, particularly Russia and Ukraine, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Pope Francis went to one of the confessionals in the basilica and, remaining standing because of knee trouble, confessed his sins before joining more than 100 other priests in hearing Confessions. The Vatican penance service was canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of COVID-19 restrictions.
Pope Francis began the service praying that God would “open our eyes, that we may see the evil we have committed, and touch our hearts, that we may be converted to you.” The prayer booklet given to people participating in the service contained a 25-point “examination of conscience” designed to prepare them for Confession and absolution by looking at their faith and prayer lives, the way they treat Continued on 22
Bishop among clergy to hear Confessions at Notre Dame
D
uring the Fourth Week of Lent, students in Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, were given the opportunity to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
At the invitation of NDHS chaplain, Father Jason Parzynski, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., and priests from across the Diocese of Trenton visited the school to hear the students’ Confessions
for about an hour each day. A Reconciliation service was held for the students prior to receiving the Sacrament of Penance. While participation was voluntary, most of the school’s Catholic community took part in the services offered throughout the week as part of their Lenten journey. “Notre Dame’s student population is about 80 percent Catholic,” Father Parzynski mentioned to the students who assembled in the auditorium waiting for Confessions to begin March 29. “And 70 percent of them took the opportunity to share in the Sacrament of Penance, a great way to prepare for Easter.” Notre Dame High School students, Lawrenceville, participate in a Reconciliation prayer service March 29. Staff photo.
12 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE
April 2022
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THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 13
In Focus
Parishioners from St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Bradley Beach, and St. Rose Parish, Belmar, participate in the Stations of the Cross. John Batkowski photo
24 Hours for the Lord: a time to be reconciled with God, others, oneself It is an annual worldwide Lenten initiative for Catholics to receive the mercy of God through participating in Eucharistic abina Talone appreciated the chance to participate in Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, as well as 24 Hours for the Lord and spend some extra time in other prayer experiences such as the Stations of the Cross on prayer in her parish church this year. Friday evening. So that parishes throughout the world would Considering all that’s happened – the global panbe unified during the observance, the Holy Father selected the demic and now the war in Ukraine – “it’s very important that days ahead of the Fourth Sunday of Lent as the time to hold we come together and pray,” said Talone, a member of Our the 24 Hours. Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Moorestown. “It’s so important that we know our Lord is with us in “We need a lot of help,” she said. “We need a lot of prayers.” the present moment; it’s a message we all need to hear in the Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish was one of 13 parishes midst of the trying and challenging times we live,” said Father to carry on what has become a Lenten tradition in the Diocese. Christopher Picollo, pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel 24 Hours for the Lord began in 2018 when Bishop David Parish. “The 24 Hours for the Lord is a tangible reminder of M. O’Connell, C.M., asked parishes to join with Catholics how important it is for us to visit our God in the sacred setting throughout the world in the initiative that was established in of our churches as well as meet Christ in the Sacrament of 2014 by Pope Francis as part of the Year of Mercy observance. Reconciliation.” While several of the 13 parishes in the Diocese were open for 24 consecutive hours, others followed Parishioners kneel during the Stations of the Cross in the Crypt Chapel of schedules best suited for their individual needs. There Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Moorestown. Mike Ehrmann photo were parishes that dedicated hours on both Friday and Saturday, and parishes that had hours on Friday only. With OLGC hosting its first 24 Hours, Father Picollo said the schedule provided a significant opportunity for parishioners to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He and parochial vicar Father Jack Bogacz heard Confessions from 4 to 7 p.m. and then Stations of the Cross were prayed. The first 24 Hours was daylong in Corpus Christi Parish, Willingboro. Mass was celebrated at 8 a.m., followed by Eucharistic Adoration taking place until late afternoon. Confessions, the Stations of the Cross
BY MARY STADNYK Associate Editor
S
14 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE
April 2022
LENT G HOLY WEEK G EASTER and time for prayer were also available. “I would hope that the experience allowed people to deepen their faith during their personal Lenten journey and to provide the opportunity for them to utilize the Sacrament of Reconciliation,” said Father John Testa, pastor. “Given what is happening in our world, especially in Ukraine, it provides a chance for people to pray for those in need. It’s good to provide this opportunity for prayer.” In Monmouth County, St. Rose Parish, Belmar, and St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Bradley Beach, took a collaborative approach to offering 24 Hours. Using St. Elizabeth of Hunga-
Father Christopher Picollo, pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Moorestown, hears a confession of a penitent. Mike Ehrmann photo
Father Erin Brown, pastor of St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Bradley Beach, leads the congregation in praying the Stations of the Cross, which was part of the parish’s 24 Hours for the Lord observance. John Batkowski photo
ry Church, which is part of St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, the priests from both parishes celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Father Erin Brown, pastor of St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, said he hoped that anyone who went to Confession, especially those who might have been nervous or had not been in a long time, would “God’s learn that “God’s mercy is easy” to obtain. forgiveness Along with being welcoming to the penitents, Father Brown tries to is easy, we “give them the sense that God called just have them here. I hope everyone learns God’s forgiveness is easy, we just have to ask for it.” to ask for it.” “I also hope that people get a sense that they are a sinner, but I also hope they sense that they’re on the way to becoming a saint. I hope they don’t get the idea that they can never be forgiven,” Father Brown said. “I want them to learn that God loves them, he wants to forgive them and he wants them to be a saint.” Joanne Bianco, a member of St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, commented on the timing of this year’s 24 Hours for the Lord, especially since the first day began on March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. “That was the beginning of Jesus’ [earthly] life and I thought what a great day to hold it,” she said, then added it was doubly heartening to learn it was also the day that the Holy Father called for the worldwide Consecration of the Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. “It’s very consoling to know that so many people from around the world are united in prayer,” she said. “This is what God has asked for.” Video interviews by Monitor freelance photographers John Batkowski and Mike Ehrmann contributed to this report
To view photo galleries from St. Teresa of Calcutta and Our Lady of Good Counsel Parishes, visit TrentonMonitor.com>Multimedia>Photo Galleries April 2022
THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 15
In Focus
1.
2.
Mercer County parishes uphold sacred Roman Station Church custom BY MARY STADNYK Associate Editor
A
s a native Trentonian, Peg Kowalski is very familiar with the history of the “mosaic” of Catholic parishes within the city’s boundaries and those from other parts of Mercer County. While growing up she fondly recalls making a pilgrimage to the different churches on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. And now years later, she has come to enjoy a different kind of pilgrimage
in which she visits those same churches. Only it’s during Lent and through participating in what has become a new tradition called the Station Churches of Mercer County. This year 14 parishes joined in the Station Churches of Mercer County initiative that was started nine years ago by Msgr. Vincent Gartland and Msgr. Michael Walsh, who both were serving as pastors of Mercer County parishes. Msgr. Gartland explained the idea for the Station Churches, which was modeled after the Station Churches of
3.
Rome, a tradition that dates back as far as the fourth century. It had been the practice of the Bishop of Rome to celebrate the liturgies of the Church year in various churches throughout the city. As time passed, many changes were made to the schedule, and it was during Lent when the various stations were organized so that the Masses would be in different areas of the city. Msgr. Gartland said it was his privilege to be introduced to the Station Churches practice during his threemonth sabbatical at the North American College in Rome in 2006. Pilgrims would journey throughout the streets of Rome early every morning during Lent to a different church for the celebration
Continued on 23
1. The video screen in St. Ann Church, Lawrenceville, was prepared for March 29 visitors. 2. In Immaculate Conception Church, part of Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Trenton, Father Carlos Aguirre, pastor, celebrates the first Mass to start off the 2022 Station Churches of Mercer County pilgrimage. 3. Pilgrims, including Deacon Rich and Elise Hobson, check out the area where the tabernacle is kept during a tour of St. Ann Church and Faith Development Center, Lawrenceville, March 29. Mary Stadnyk photos 16 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE
April 2022
LENT G HOLY WEEK G EASTER
A Few Treasured FACTS & FINDS
O
ver the past nine years since the Station Churches of Mercer County was started, a highlight for pilgrims who are journeying from parish to parish is learning about their histories and seeing some unique, historical and sacred elements that are found in the churches. A few of surely many examples are shown on this page.
SACRED HEART CHURCH, TRENTON In Sacred Heart Church, Trenton, the main altar, elevated five steps above the floor of the apse, is 24 feet high, more than 18 feet wide and weighs more than 11 tons. The immense weight is supported by solid masonry piers and 16-inch iron girders installed in the church basement. Each of the side altars is 7’5” long x 7’6” high. Sacred Heart Church, Trenton Holy Cross Church, Trenton
HOLY CROSS CHURCH, TRENTON In Holy Cross Church, Trenton, which is part of Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton, the paleotto, which is the front of the altar, was crafted in Algerian onyx and the Tabernacle was hewn out of rose coral marble. The white oak baldachino, which is the dome, of the main altar is supported by six 15foot columns of Breccia marble. The main altar is made of light Botticiono marble as well as the side altars. The marble from the walls was imported from Italy. Msgr. Kasprowicz personally visited the quarries in Italy to choose the marble. The burgundy marble and Algerian onyx wainscoting were imported from Morocco. ST. PAUL CHURCH, PRINCETON
One of the few churches in the area to claim this, St. Paul Church, Princeton, has real working bells. The 88-foot high bell tower houses five bells – three of which were cast in bronze at the Paccard Foundry in Annecy, France, and were installed in 1957 by Professor Arthur L. Bigelow, Princeton carillonneur, who also donated the smallest of the bells, dedicated to St. Vincent De Paul. The largest bell was a gift of St. Paul’s parishioners; the retuned center bell was taken from the former 1870 church. The bells play the Angelus each morning, noon and evening, and are controlled by electric clock mechanisms. They toll for the faithful departed and ring in accompaniment of religious ceremonies. April 2022
THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 17
In Focus
GREEN THURSDAY SOUP adapted from the Internet
Lois Rogers photo
This year, it seems right to begin Holy Thursday with
Ukrainian Green Soup BY LOIS ROGERS Correspondent
F
or several years, I’ve looked forward to starting Triduum observances with a bowl of Green Thursday Soup – the hallmark meal on that day in many Eastern European countries and Germany. It was one of many Catholic heritage recipes I’ve collected over the decades and I treasure it especially because it’s something the Slovakian side of the family most likely enjoyed. Traditionally composed of seven to nine herbs and vegetables, just some of which are spinach, parsley, leeks, chives, dandelion greens and sorrel, there are many traditions related to the ancient soup. One is that in medieval times, green was the color of priestly vestments worn on Holy Thursday. Another is that it’s a reference to “the Green Ones,” penitents who, being re-admitted to the Church, wore sprigs of green herbs to express their joy. Still another explanation – my favorite actually – is that it was created in memory of Jesus’ anguished prayers in a green meadow in the Garden of Gethsemane
18 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE
on Holy Thursday night. I’ve been thinking of that garden where Jesus prayed that night over these weeks of Lent. As war explodes in Ukraine, savaging a vibrant landscape that countless photos and video footage depict as abloom with green meadows and gardens in the warm months of the year, it’s hard not to. While not specifically a Green Thursday Soup, this recipe is meant to reflect those gifts. Adapted from several Ukrainian green soup recipes, the blend of herbs and vegetables in this version is very much in keeping with traditional Green Thursday soups. And, taking the advice of one of the Ukrainian cooks on the internet, I went straight to my own vegetable bins where all kinds of greens – most often destined for my rabbit Boo – are always at hand. In this case there were dandelion greens (a staple in this house), two kinds of parsley, spinach, an onion, carrots and potatoes in the bins, which I supplemented with dill and scallions – two of my favorites – I bought at the market. The soup was easy to prepare and very soothing. In fact, it tasted like
April 2022
7 cups of vegetable broth 1 onion (chopped) 2 medium carrots (cut into half moon slices) 1 small bunch dill (chopped) 1 small bunch curly parsley (chopped) 1 bunch scallions (trimmed and chopped ) 4–5 Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and cut into bite size pieces) 2 cups baby spinach (roughly chopped) 1 cup new dandelion greens (sliced) 1/4 cup white rice juice of half a lemon salt and pepper to Taste DIRECTIONS: In a large pot or skillet, melt a couple of teaspoons of butter and saute the onion and carrots lightly. Add the potatoes, rice and vegetable broth and cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes. Once the potatoes are firm but not soft, add the scallions, dill, parsley, spinach and dandelion greens and cook on medium heat for about 20 minutes. Add in the salt and pepper and lemon juice and adjust according to taste. Serve with sour cream, a squeeze of lemon and Ukrainian black bread (rye sourdough). spring in a bowl. As the Triduum approaches, offer a prayer for Ukraine at the table. The source for this one is the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family: Heavenly Father, Your Son taught us “Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called Children of God.” In this time of great worry, we fervently pray that Your Holy Spirit sustain all the people of Ukraine to be vigilant and dedicated to peace and justice. Grant their leaders wisdom and prudence. Yet, may they also have the strength and perseverance to defend their land from all adversity and foreign attacks. Help us all to live according to your Divine Will. “O God, our Father, in the days to come, we beseech you to comfort the suffering, heal the wounded, and accept the souls of the faithful departed into Your Heavenly Kingdom. We ask also that the Most Holy Mother of God extend her blessed mantle of protection over our Ukraine. Amen.
LENT G HOLY WEEK G EASTER
New CRS Lenten series puts Diocese’s priests in the kitchen BY LOIS ROGERS Correspondent
T
hroughout this Lenten season, the rectory kitchen in Freehold’s St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral has bustled with activity on alternate Mondays, acting as a production studio for a new series of cooking videos that feature simple, tasty, meatless recipes from around the world. Hosted by the Co-Cathedral’s rector, Msgr. Sam Sirianni, the culinary adventure is presided over by some unlikely cooks: parish priests from around the Trenton Diocese. They proved that the recipes – gleaned from Catholic Relief Services’ annual Rice Bowl effort – result in dishes that are easy to prepare, cost-saving and set the table for worthwhile mealtime Lenten discussions. Brenda L. Rascher, diocesan executive director of Catholic Social Services, and creator and producer of the series, provides commentary for the videos.
On March 14, the cook was Father Jean Felicien who hails from Haiti and serves as parochial vicar of St. James Parish, Pennington; St. George Parish, Titusville, and St. Alphonsus Parish, Hopewell. The dish was Riz National – rice, kidney beans and a variety of spices – regarded as the most popular rice dish in Haiti according to internet sources. Father Felicien, who doesn’t consider himself a “great cook,” sees the videos “as a good way to share cultures.” While cooking, he shared the ongoing hardships Haitian’s have endured from natural disasters. Since 1998, Haiti has been battered by 10 hurricanes and tropical storms and an earthquake in 2010 which inflicted great loss of life and property. GLOBAL AND LOCAL Ever since Catholic Relief Services launched its Rice Bowl initiative back in 1975, its Lenten focus has been on ways Catholics throughout the country can
In his video for the CRS series, Father Ariel Robles, pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, West Trenton, cooks Pescado Al Horno, (Baked Fish), a popular meal in the Philippines. YouTube screenshot help their brothers and sisters worldwide overcome hunger and malnutrition. Since 2014, along with prayer, fasting and almsgiving, the journey has also included recipes from the CRS Global Kitchen. Rascher described the weekly series, which may be viewed at dioceseoftrenton.org/catholic-social-services, as global and local with three of the recipes prepared by diocesan priests alternating with three videos from the worldwide Catholic community. The diocesan Department of Multimedia Productions, which edited the episodes and posted them to the Diocese of Trenton YouTube channel, reported that the first local video, aired on Continued on 23
To view the video series, visit Youtube.com/trentondiocese An expanded version of this story can be found at TrentonMonitor. com > Faith & Culture > Seasons & Celebrations > Lent, Holy Week & Easter Father Jean Felicien, left, and Msgr. Sam Sirianni plate the Haitian dish Riz National they created together. Mike Ehrmann photos April 2022
THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 19
In Focus
FA IT H AT Holy Week: A celebration HOM E
of the senses BY JENNIFER ELSENSOHN Special Contributor
T
here is no more perfect opportunity to learn the mysteries of our faith than through the liturgies of Holy Week, the Triduum and Easter. In them, God interacts with us using all of our senses. We are immersed in sound, sight, smell, touch and taste. Beginning with Palm Sunday, our senses of touch and sight are engaged. We walk through the doors of the church and receive palms to hold and wave. We hear the story of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. We are sprinkled with holy water as the palms are blessed. Then, we participate in the reading of the Passion and everyone has a part. As we enter the Triduum, we see feet being washed, hear bells ringing enthusiastically throughout the Gloria, see the church decorated lavishly. There’s incense, a Eucharistic procession – the parish moving together, following Christ
in the Eucharist – and gathering for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. We leave in silence. We gather again in silence on Good Friday for the Veneration of the Cross. The clergy lies prostrate on the floor of the church, recommitting themselves to the servitude of their ordination. Again we participate in the reading of the Passion. We do the “Catholic aerobics” we’re so famous for during the Intercessions where we stand, sit, and kneel repeatedly. The cross is lifted high, we approach it, touch it, bringing our pain, grief, and struggles as we embrace it. We leave in silence. We come back after dark on Holy Saturday and are each given a candle. There is fire, darkness, candlelight, stories of salvation history, light, bells, incense, joyful singing, and the Alleluia comes back. There is sprinkling with holy water, maybe adult Baptism with the scent of chrism mingled with incense, lilies, hyacinth, and all matter of Easter flowers. We renew our baptismal
Faith at Home is a monthly column coordinated by the Diocese of Trenton’s Departments of Catechesis, Evangelization and Family Life, and Youth and Young Adult Ministry. For additional Faith at Home resources, visit dioceseoftrenton.org/faith-at-home. 20 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE
April 2022
Making Faith Come Alive for Your Family
FE CA SA
The glow of candles illumines St. Mary of the EN Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, at the start of the 2018 Easter Vigil. Special contributor Jennifer Elsensohn reflects on people use all Haciendo que la fe of their senses as they experience theviva movese mantenga photo ments of Holy Week. Craig enPittelli tu familia vows, taste the Eucharist and depart singing about the Resurrection. I’m not going to lie – these are longer liturgies than normal. Use your judgement about whether to bring your children. But, if you do, there’s so much to capture the imagination. Parents can quietly invite their children to look, or smell, or touch as the elements unfold. Bring their attention to the various items and moments as the significance of each is made present. There are many ways to make this Holy Week meaningful to even little ones, including the suggestions that follow: 1) Let them hold the palms. Yes, they will duel and poke at each other, but that’s the beginning of creating connection with this special day. Place a palm in each child’s room (on the cross if they have one), and bring them back next year to be burned for Ash Wednesday. 2) Have some Matzah and grape Continued on 23
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April 2022
THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 21
In Focus
How to celebrate a
creation-conscious Easter mid news of pandemic and war, Easter not only holds God’s promise of new life, it also reminds us of how closely our lives intertwine with all of creation on this planet that Pope Francis calls “our common home.” So how can families and parish groups celebrate a creation-conscious Easter this year? A good way to start is with hands in the earth, planting seeds, says Marie Dennis, former co-president of Pax Christi International. The whole family can plan the garden, even if it’s in pots on the porch, with older members helping young children decide what seeds to plant. If it’s too cold to sow seeds outside, “start the plants indoors and tend them through the Easter season, moving them outside when it is warm enough,” she said. “Read a story or talk about the importance of nurturing our relationships with all of creation.” In preparation, the family can take a trip to the library to look up Easter traditions from different countries, she adds” One of those traditions is the Easter egg hunt, which became
a beloved part of Easter that Kathy Bond and Flavio Rocha, Maryknoll lay missioners in Brazil, shared with kids in São Paulo when their daughter Maya was small. Bond placed candies or cookies in reusable plastic eggs, then hid them around a local city park. Kids decorated cloth bags, then fanned out to fill them with the eggs they found. For a combination of prayer and care for the Earth at Easter, a family or parish can organize a “litter pilgrimage,” suggests Brenna Davis, director of education for justice and environmental initiatives at the Ignatian Solidarity Network. This can be a meditative individual activity, too, but if you’re walking with a group, plan out the route in advance and have a starting and ending time. Have bags or buckets on hand in two colors – one for trash and one for recyclables. Or for a meditative awakening to God’s love poured out through creation, individuals, families or parish groups could take the advice the pastor of my parish offered years ago when I lived in West Virginia: “Go for a walk in the woods and remember that all of this was made for you.” Barbara Fraser is a freelance journalist based in Lima, Peru.
EASTER MESSAGE
SEEKING FORGIVENESS
BY BARBARA FRASER Catholic News Service
A
Continued from 7
Amazement and surprise are certainly what the disciples experienced at the empty tomb, and who wouldn’t? It took them time (some more than others) to recall and accept Jesus’ promise that he would rise from the dead. Likewise, it takes many of us who have regularly heard these Gospels at Easter – who acknowledge in our creed every Sunday that Jesus “rose again on the third day ... ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father” – an inordinate amount of convincing that Jesus is not only alive but present and available. The Lord “makes himself present in the lives of those around us, those who share in our day, our home, our work, our difficulties and hopes,” says Pope Francis. Indeed, “we will be amazed how the greatness of God is 22 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE
revealed in littleness, how his beauty shines forth in the poor and simple.” Which leads to Pope Francis’ third message: Jesus loves us “without limits.” “Having made himself present in the heart of our world,” said the Pope, “he invites us to overcome barriers, banish prejudices and draw near to those around us every day in order to rediscover the grace of everyday life.” As we renew our baptismal promises at the Easter liturgies, let us open our hearts, embrace life anew, and receive and share the love given, completely and eternally, by our Lord Jesus – alive, here and now. “With him, life will change,” said Pope Francis. “For beyond all defeats, evil and violence, beyond all suffering and death, the Risen One lives and guides history.” Catholic journalist Mike Nelson writes from Oxnard, California.
April 2022
Continued from 12
family members and others, whether they go to Mass every Sunday and holy day of obligation, how they practice charity, follow Church moral teachings and how they use the time and talents God has given them. Holding the service on the feast of the Annunciation, the Gospel read at the service was the story of the angel appearing to Mary and telling her she would become the mother of Jesus. Mary, he said, is told to rejoice, because God is with her. “Dear brother, dear sister, today you can hear those words addressed to you,” Pope Francis told people in the congregation. “You can make them your own each time you approach God’s forgiveness, for there the Lord tells you, ‘I am with you.’” “All too often,” he said, “we think
that Confession is about going to God with dejected looks. Yet it is not so much that we go to the Lord, but that he comes to us, to fill us with his grace, to fill us with his joy.” Pope Francis also had a word for priests about how they should be ministers of God’s forgiveness. “Offer to those who approach you the joy of this proclamation: ‘Rejoice, the Lord is with you.’ Set aside rigidity, obstacles and harshness; may you be doors wide open to mercy!” If a priest is not prepared “to act in the person of the good shepherd, who takes his sheep into his arms and cradles them,” the Pope said, it is better that he not hear Confessions. And, to those who find it hard to accept the forgiveness of a sin in their past or are upset by their inability to mend their ways, Pope Francis said: “Do not be afraid. God knows your weaknesses and is greater than your mistakes.”
LENT G HOLY WEEK G EASTER STATION CHURCHES Continued from 16
of the 7 a.m. Mass. “When I returned from Rome, the idea came to me to replicate this type of Lenten pilgrimage right here in Mercer County,” he said. “Mercer County is home to many beautiful churches all with very distinguished and unique histories that often remain hidden or are known only to the parishioners of a particular parish,” said Msgr. Gartland. “I believe that the Station Churches of Mercer County Lenten Pilgrimage helps to unify the various parishes of Mercer County and strengthen our sense of community. It also helps us to see what treasures we have both in the physical buildings and in the various activities of the parishioners. “The Station Churches provide us with an opportunity to reconnect with those who have gone before us. It was a way to remember the many people of faith who worked to build our Church and the Catholic community in Mercer County,” he said. Though the Station Churches tradition was disrupted in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic, Msgr. Dennis Apoldite, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish and episcopal vicar of Mercer County, explored the possibility of reintroducing the tradition for Lent 2022. Fourteen parishes responded with the first Mass having been celebrated March 10 in Immaculate Conception Church (part of Our Lady of the Angels Parish). Other participating churches were St. Joseph, Trenton; Sacred Heart Church, part of Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton; St. Alphonsus, Hopewell; St. David the King, Princeton Junction; St. Ann, Lawrenceville; Our Lady of Good Counsel, West Trenton; St. Raphael-Holy Angels,
Hamilton, and Incarnation, part of Incarnation-St. James Parish, Ewing. The last Mass will be celebrated April 7 in Holy Cross Church, part of Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton. Faithful pilgrims Penny Bowen-Lewis of Incarnation-St. James Parish, Ewing, and Deacon Rich and Elise Hobson of the linked parishes of St. James, Pennington; St. Alphonsus, and St. George, Titusville, echoed Kowalski’s sentiments saying how much they liked seeing and learning about the parishes, meeting other parishioners and making new friends. “Participating allows for me to meditate on the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord and receive the Eucharist with other pilgrims as we prepare for Easter,” Bowen-Lewis said. “You never get to go to other churches when you are involved in your own parish and this is an awesome opportunity to take the time during Lent to visit new churches,” Elise Hobson said, adding that it gives the pilgrims the opportunity to share how each parish community observes their individual Lenten practices. “Yes, we are all one Church, but each parish has its personal touch. This experience can only enhance our individual Lenten journey,” Deacon Hobson added.
DOT PRIESTS COOK FOR CRS Continued from 19
March 9, garnered more than 400 hits shortly after it went up, with numbers steadily increasing. Msgr. Sirianni, who assists with the cooking, commentary and cleanup, said many factors go into the rising numbers. “In these days, people want to know how to
cook and ‘star chefs’ receive a lot of interest, including the priests who are cooking on television,” said Msgr. Sirianni, noting Msgr. James Vlaun of Catholic Faith TV’s “Real Food” who consistently brings faith and family into the kitchen. Rascher pointed to Father Leo Patalinghug, who created and hosts CRS Global Kitchen and EWTN’s “Savoring Our Faith.” When the newly formed CRS Chapter of the Trenton Diocese got underway last fall, the possibility of a cooking show to reach the faithful during this year’s CRS Rice Bowl project emerged. Rascher, Msgr. Sirianni and Father Felicien all spoke of how important the CRS programs are to those in countries facing non-stop destruction from a range of issues, including poverty, famine, weather conditions and, in the case of Ukraine and other nations now, war. “Many people don’t know the impact that giving to CRS has around the world, [and] how it benefits so many facets of society,” from nutrition to health to education, Rascher said. Maria Isabel Barbosa, relationship manager with Catholic Relief Services, noted that CRS recognizes the work and enthusiasm invested in getting the cooking series underway, calling it a “wonderful reflection of
our global Church. … Having priests from different countries prepare the recipes and share the stories” of their homelands is a “beautiful way to celebrate the universal Church.”
EASTER HOME PRACTICES Continued from 20
juice at Holy Thursday dinner. Talk about the Last Supper that Jesus had with his disciples. Begin dinner by washing your children’s feet and tell them the story about how Jesus did that for his friends. 3) On Good Friday, if they are too small to sit through the Veneration of the Cross, take a crucifix at home and talk about what Jesus did for us. 4) Provide a preview of what to expect before arriving in church and tell children to keep a lookout for particular items. After Easter, take them on a scavenger hunt throughout the Church. Help them find the things they saw during Holy Week. 5) If they are too little to sit through the Holy Week liturgies, take them to church during off-hours and show them the Stations of the Cross, the Paschal candle, flowers, etc. Be ready to answer their questions. Jennifer Elsensohn is the pastoral associate in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold
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