The COURIER
PoPe Francis: IndIfference Is a 'cancer of democracy'
By JUSTIN MCLELLAN, Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY, July 8, 2024 (CNS) - Catholics are called to be active participants in political life and be a force against the decline of democracy worldwide, Pope Francis said.
"In today's world, democracy - let's be honest - is not in good health," the pope told some 1,200 participants at an event during Italian Catholic Social Week in Trieste, Italy.
The pope traveled to the northern Italian city for a one-day visit July 7 to participate in the four-day conference organized by the Italian bishops' conference on the theme "At the Heart of Democracy." The Vatican published his talk the same day.
Speaking in the Generali Convention Center in Trieste, Pope Francis said that "just as the crisis of democracy cuts across different realities and nations," Christians everywhere are called to develop an "attitude of responsibility toward social transformation."
The pope criticized the effects on democracy of the "throwaway culture" present in global society in which "there is no place for the poor, the frail, the sick, children, women, the young, the old." Such a culture makes government structures "incapable of listening and serving people."
"Whenever someone is marginalized, the whole social body suffers," he said, comparing the current crisis of democracy to a "wounded heart" which is
hurt by the various forms of exclusion.
Pope Francis explained that democracy does not merely entail voting - putting aside his speech to voice his concern about declines in voter turnout - and said "it demands that we create the conditions for everyone to express themselves and participate." He added that people must be "trained" in democratic participation from a young age and develop "a critical sense regarding ideological and populist temptations."
The pope warned of the "seductive" nature of ideologies and urged that society cultivate a sense of solidarity to combat them. "Everyone should feel part of a community project; no one should feel useless," he said
Departing from his prepared remarks, Pope Francis said that the welfare state alone is "the enemy of democracy, the enemy of love for neighbor,"
Inside the Capitol
The Three C's Behind How Legislators Vote
�n a representative democracy, citizens vote to determine who will represent them, their families, and their neighbors at all levels of government. When voting for a candidate, citizens trust that the elected official will consider his or her conscience and do what is in the best interest of the constituents.
“When I was elected, I decided that three things should guide my vote, the three C’s, conscience, constituents, and caucus. In that order. In too many cases, we now only have one C, the caucus, and it’s on both sides,” said Minnesota State Representative Dean Urdahl during his retirement speech on the House floor in May. Historically, legislators have prioritized and balanced three guiding principles when casting their votes: conscience, constituents, and caucus. However, as we reflect on the words of retired Representative Dean Urdahl, we must confront a significant shift in our historic legislative process. Because in recent times, it appears that many decisions are made not with conscience or constituents in mind, but based solely on caucus affiliation. Prioritizing caucus alone usually means promoting the policy agenda of a chosen few, appeasing the wishes of financial donors, and winning-at-all-costs to retain power - all at the risk of constituents and consciences. This shift is evident on contentious issues
Indifference,
cont'd from pg. 1
statements that were met with strong applause by the crowd in the convention center.
Certain approaches to welfare and social assistance "that do not recognize the dignity of people are social hypocrisy," he said, reading again from his text. "And what is behind this distancing from social reality? There is indifference, and indifference is a cancer of democracy, a non-participation."
To combat indifference and heal the heart of democracy requires widespread participation in political life, the pope said.
A "healed heart" of democracy requires creativity, he said, citing examples of how the Holy Spirit has been at work in economics, politics and society to strengthen a sense of community. The pope highlighted in particular the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce; communities promoting renewable energy practice; policies that increase birth rates, jobs, education, accessible housing and mobility; and the integration of migrants.
Such issues, he said, cannot be addressed on a political level without people's participation in politics.
Pastor
Officials
The Most Rev. Robert Barron, Bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, announces the following: Faculties
Rev. Jaime Abúndiz Acevedo, IVE: a priest of the Institute of the Incarnate Word, granted priestly faculties in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, effective June 18, 2024.
Rev. Alex Salazar, IVE: a priest of the Institute of the Incarnate Word, granted priestly faculties in the Diocese of WinonaRochester, effective June 18, 2024. Rector
Very Rev. Patrick Arens: reappointed Rector of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka in Winona, effective August 17, 2024.
Political participation requires courage "to think of oneself as a people" rather than solely as "myself, my clan, my family, my friends," the pope said, which he specified is different from populism.
Pope Francis also urged the participants not to be deceived by easy solutions to society's problems but rather to prioritize the common good.
"As Catholics, in this regard, we cannot be content with a marginal or private faith," he said. Yet bringing one's faith into the public sphere means "not so much to be heard, but to have the courage to make proposals for justice and peace in the public debate."
Catholics, he said, "have something to say, but not to defend privileges. No. We must be a voice, a condemning and proposing voice in a society that is often mute and where too many have no voice."
The pope asked Christians to develop "politics of love" and to move beyond polarization, which "does not help to understand and confront challenges."
Rather, the role of the church is to engage people with hope, Pope Francis said, "because without it we administer the present but do not build the future."
"Without hope we would be stewards, balancers of the present, and not prophets and builders of the future," he said
Parochial Vicar
Very Rev. Patrick Arens: reappointed Pastor of St. John Nepomucene Parish in Winona, effective August 17, 2024.
Rev. Kevin Connolly: appointed Pastor of St. Bernard Parish in Stewartville and St. Bridget Parish in Simpson, effective June 18, 2024.
Rev. Alex Salazar, IVE: appointed Pastor of Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Mankato, effective August 1, 2024.
Rev. Andrew Vogel: appointed Pastor of St. Olaf Parish in Mabel, in addition to his current assignments, effective August 1, 2024.
The Courier is the official publication of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester 55 West Sanborn, P.O. Box 588, Winona, MN 55987 Vol 115 - 8
Most Reverend Robert E. Barron, Publisher Nick Reller, Associate Editor
Telephone: 507-361-3068 E-mail: nreller@dowr.org
Publishing Schedule: Monthly - Deadline for advertising & articles is the 10th of the month prior. (ISSN 0744-5490)
Rev. Jaime Abúndiz Acevedo, IVE: appointed Parochial Vicar of Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Mankato, effective September 1, 2024.
Canonical Administrator
Rev. John Kunz: appointed Canonical Administrator of Calvary Cemetery in Mankato, effective July 1, 2024.
Chaplain
Deacon Scot Berkley: appointed Chaplain for the Serra Club of Owatonna, effective August 1, 2024.
Clergy Personnel Committee
Very Rev. Mark McNea: appointed to the Clergy Personnel Committee for the duration of time he serves as Dean, effective July 1, 2024.
The Holy Father's Intention for August 2024
For Political Leaders
We pray that political leaders be at the service of their own people, working for integral human development and for the common good, especially caring for the poor and those who have lost their jobs.
Loyola Catholic School
Mr. Steven Helget: appointed to the Loyola Catholic School Board of Trustees for a threeyear term, effective July 1, 2024.
Mr. Paul Moosbrugger: appointed to the Loyola Catholic School Board of Trustees for a three-year term, effective July 1, 2024.
Ms. Susan Peller: reappointed to the Loyola Catholic School Board of Trustees for a one-year term, effective July 1, 2024.
Child Abuse Policy Information
• Hard copies are distributed at DOW-R parishes on the first weekend of each month.
• An online version may be viewed at www.dowr.org/offices/ courier/index.html
• To be added to the home delivery list free of charge, readers should send their names and addresses to:
Diocese of Winona-Rochester The Courier 55 W Sanborn St. Winona, MN 55987 or nreller@dowr.org
The Diocese of Winona-Rochester will provide a prompt, appropriate and compassionate response to reporters of sexual abuse of a child by any diocesan agent (employees, volunteers, vendors, religious or clergy). Anyone wishing to make a report of an allegation of sexual abuse should call the Victim Assistance Coordinator at 507-454-2270, Extension 255. A caller will be asked to provide his or her name and telephone number. Individuals are also encouraged to take their reports directly to civil authorities. The Diocese of Winona-Rochester is committed to protecting children, young people and other vulnerable people in our schools, parishes and ministries. The diocesan policy is available on the diocesan web site at www.dow.org under the Safe Environment Program. If you have any questions about the Diocese of Winona-Rochester’s implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, please contact Mary Hamann at 507-858-1244, or mhamann@dowr.org.
Where to Find The Courier
Taking the Time This Summer to Pray
�or the month of May, my media ministry Word on Fire offered a challenge: pray 50,000 rosaries on behalf of those who have fallen away from the Church. The invitation went out to the whole world, and the response was fantastic. More than 90,000 rosaries were prayed. For the month of July, Word on Fire asked for 10,000 Holy Hours to be prayed for the success of the national Eucharistic Revival.
As I compose these words - about a third of the way through July - already 5000 have been offered. The Holy Hour is a practice closely associated with the great Archbishop Fulton Sheen. At the close of every talk Sheen ever gave to priests, he challenged his brothers to spend, every day, an hour of uninterrupted prayer in
the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Though the Holy Hour was not emphasized when my generation was going through the seminary, it has been enthusiastically embraced by the present generation of seminarians and young priests - and through them, it has begun to have a powerful effect on the entire Church. In three very different dioceses - Chicago, Los Angeles, and now Winona-Rochester - I have seen parishes completely revolutionized by the practice of sustained adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
Some have put forward a criticism of Word on Fire’s campaigns: do you really think that God will be persuaded by the sheer number of prayers and rosaries offered? Well, that’s just missing the point. The purpose of the campaign is not so much to influence God as to encourage people to pray, to raise their minds and hearts to God. And this, as I have been arguing for years, is of prime importance today when a soul-killing secularism has gripped so many in the West, especially young people. These slower days of summer provide a greater opportunity to pray, to rest in the Lord, to consider the higher and deeper things.
I have already referenced two practices of prayer, but may I recommend some others, especially if you have been away from prayer for a while? First, pray with the Scriptures, using what the
spiritual tradition calls Lectio Divina. There is no text more central, more sacred, more inspired than the Bible itself. In his first letter to Timothy, St. Paul refers to the Bible as theopneustos , literally, “God-breathed.” He means that the Holy Spirit (a term that means “Sacred Breath”) blows through its words, its images, its narratives. Therefore, if you want to get in touch with that Spirit, open the Bible. But approach it, not casually, but in a spiritually disciplined way. Lectio divina (divine reading) is a fourstep method. First, you read a Scriptural passage slowly and with great attention. This is called “lectio.” Next, you “chew” on the text, mulling it over, allowing its images and ideas to soak into your own spirit. This is called “meditatio.” Third, having heard the word, you speak back to God; you tell him how the text has affected you. This is called “oratio.” Finally, having spoken to God, you listen deeply to what he says back to you. This highest engagement with the Bible is termed “contemplatio.” Try this method during these summer months, making sure you choose a relatively short passage from the Bible.
A second method I would suggest is what the tradition calls “the prayer of the Center.” Find a quiet
place, compose yourself, fix your gaze on an image of the Lord or on a crucifix. Then imagine all of the elements of your life - your friendships, your job, your kids, what you do for recreation, your political commitments, etc.and consciously place them in relation to Jesus. Perhaps you could imagine a Rose Window in which all of the various features of the design are connected by spokes to the center. In the presence of God, honestly assess to what degree the various aspects of your life are under the Lordship of Jesus, truly connected to him. The great spiritual masters teach us that the steady practice of this prayer actually brings about the unity and harmony that you seek. Many years ago, a young man approached me, and without telling me much about himself, simply asked for recommendations as to how to pray. I gave a basic instruction in the prayer of the Center. About a month later, he returned and said, simply enough, “I have to stop having promiscuous sex!” I knew nothing about his sex life and had given him no advice; the prayer itself had brought a key aspect of his life in line.
A final suggestion I will offer especially to those who have no strong relationship to church or liturgy or the tradition of prayer. Use nature itself as a prompt to pray.
Great saintsFrancis of Assisi, John Paul II, Pier Giorgio Frassati come readily to mind - loved to commune with God amidst the glories of the natural world. Frassati was a mountain climber (hence his spiritual motto, Verso l’alto , to the heights); John Paul loved to ski in the mountains of Poland and Italy; and Francis moved with enthusiasm through field and forest, going so far as to preach to the birds! Thomas Aquinas taught that whatever exists is marked by goodness, truth, and beauty. So go out into the natural world. Maybe you’re closest to the sea or the desert or a forest or a lake - it doesn’t matter. Move into that space and wonder at the splendor, intelligibility, and value that you see. And then ask a very simple question: where did all of that come from? In posing that question, you are at the threshold of prayer. So might I urge everyone, during these more languid weeks of summer, take the time to pray!
traducción al español en la página 16
*indicates event is open to the public
August 1, Thursday
10:30 a.m. - Mass for Camp Summit Catholic Adventure Camp - Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, Lanesboro
August 2-4, Friday-Sunday Wonder Conference - Mayo Civic Center, Rochester
August 7, Wednesday
5:15 p.m. - Mass for Voluntas
Dei Secular Institute Gathering
- St. Mary's University, Winona
August 8, Thursday
4 p.m. - Seminarian Gathering - Resurrection, Rochester
August 9, Friday
*7:10 p.m. - Honorary First Pitch for the Minnesota Twins Game - Minneapolis
August 11, Sunday
*10:30 a.m. - Mass and Installation of Msgr. Tom Melvin as Pastor - St. Joseph the Worker, Mankato
August 13, Tuesday
*11:30 a.m. - Homeschool Mass - Resurrection, Rochester
August 14, Wednesday
*5 p.m. - Vigil Mass for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Canton
August 16, Friday
10:30 a.m. - Diocesan Teacher
Assembly - Lourdes High School, Rochester
August 17, Saturday
*4 p.m. - Mass and Installation of Fr. Peter Schuster as Pastor - St. Anthony, Westbrook
August 18, Sunday
*10:30 a.m. - Rural Life MassAdrian Cluster
August 21-24 - WednesdaySaturday
Region VIII Bishops Gathering - Bismarck, ND
August 28, Wednesday
4 p.m. - Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota Board Meeting - Rochester
August 29, Thursday
12 p.m. - Deans Meeting - The Chancery, Rochester
August 30-31 - FridaySaturday
Good News ConferenceMinneapolis
Non Nisi Te Domine
Bishop Robert Barron
Bishop's Calendar
& Family
Women's Conference Keynote Speaker Announced
� his year’s Diocesan Women’s Conference is excited to announce Crystalina Evert as its keynote speaker! The theme of this year’s conference is BELOVED: Temple of the Holy Spirit. It takes place at the Alverna Center in Winona on Saturday, September 14 with the option of a Holy Hour and Social Friday evening (featuring Immaculate Jazz the
Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary’s jazz band). The Alverna Center has rooms available (first-come-firstserved), if you choose to spend the night in Winona. Bishop Barron will celebrate Mass on Saturday and there will be plenty of time for Confession, Adoration, as well as an inspiring talk by Sr. Mary Micaela, RSM Saturday afternoon. Registration is now available at https://www.dowr.org/event-details/3761 Come join us to be renewed and refreshed in your faith and empowered to live for God!
Inside the Capitol, cont'd from pg. 1
that involve human dignity, where votes often fall strictly along party lines. In recent legislative sessions, we saw this in committee hearings and on floor votes with issues like physician-assisted suicide, gender ideology, and immigration. Legislation frequently does not even reach the floor of the full body unless the majority caucus is confident that they have the votes of their caucus members to pass it. Members who may personally disagree with the caucus position often stay quiet, opting to align with their party rather than voice dissent and risk political blowback.
In his 1956 book, Profiles in Courage, President John F. Kennedy described acts of integrity by senators who defied the wishes of their party to do what their conscience felt was right.
This concept is at the core of what we believe as Catholics. Practicing Faithful Citizenship is not about party affiliation, ideology, or societal pressures. It
is about focusing on what protects or threatens the dignity of every human life.
In Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) states that “Catholic teaching challenges voters and candidates, citizens and elected officials to consider the moral and ethical dimensions of public policy issues.”
This is what drives our work at the Minnesota Catholic Conference. As staff, we work to educate and engage policymakers on the moral and ethical angles of legislation in the hopes that it resonates with the legislators’ consciences.
Constituents play a key role in helping form the consciences of legislators, too. They also can inform caucus priorities to reflect more virtuous aspirations than pure political gamesmanship. This is why Catholic citizens need to be involved in the whole process.
The first step is to do more than vote. Voting is incredibly important for our political process, and Catholics should continue to do so. However, to com-
Peter Martin Director of Life, Marriage & Family pmartin@dowr.org
bat the forces that created an environment where caucus priorities overshadow conscience and constituent needs, further action is required.
Beyond the ballot box, Catholics should engage with legislators and candidates running for office. Meet them at the Capitol and in the district. Personal interactions remind them of their duty to their constituents and the importance of voting their conscience. Mobilize your family, friends, and fellow parishioners to join you in advocacy. A collective voice is more powerful and harder to ignore.
All of this can be achieved by joining the Catholic Advocacy Network (CAN). This network provides regular opportunities to engage, learn, and act on issues that matter to our faith.
While the shift towards caucus-dominated decision-making is concerning, it is not irreversible. By actively participating, we can encourage our legislators to return to a balance of conscience, constituents, and caucus.
The Minnesota Catholic Conference has been the public policy voice of the Catholic Church in Minnesota since 1967. The voting members of the MCC's board of directors are Minnesota's Catholic bishops.
Music in Catholic Schools
By PHILIP SMITHLEY
We must have music. It is good for our souls. It reminds us of the beauty of God’s world. And through music, through making music or listening to it, we can thank God. Music is one of the best ways to pray.
-Pope John Paul II
�usic has always been an integral part of my life. Growing up, my brother and I would take daily visits to visit our grandparents and listen to Oldies with Grandpa, singing along and learning about the different instruments in the music. Throughout my schooling, I participated in numerous musical activities offered by my school and community. These experiences were a great outlet, and offered social time with friends. This came to a head when, as a senior in high school, I realized that I wanted to pursue a career in music education. This decision was impacted by my love of music, and seeing and experiencing how music in our schools can change peoples’ lives for the better.
While at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, I took part in all of the music opportunities I could get my hands on. Some of my favorite experiences were being able to play in a brass ensemble for Sunday Masses on campus, and being able to work with students at St. Mark’s and St. Agnes’ Catholic Schools in St. Paul. These experiences were enlightening, revealing how effective Catholic music programs can be run at schools, as well as how our students can enhance the liturgy through their musical gifts.
Upon graduating and gaining my teaching license, the first job I took was with a Catholic
school in rural Minnesota. While I was not specifically looking for a teaching job in a Catholic school, this opportunity allowed me to “jump in” to the field, to work with kids, and to foster their love of music. This was a rather small school, which meant that, for sports and other extracurricular activities, students had to go to a nearby town to participate. However, one of the beautiful things about making music in an ensemble is that it can be done in any size group, and the school worked to ensure that students could receive a band lesson once per week during school, as well as daily band and choir rehearsals during the school day. Nearly every student was in band and/or choir from 6th-12th grade, allowing them to creatively express themselves and to work as a team toward improvement.
After two years there, I began working for a Catholic school just north of Minneapolis. This job brought me to multiple Catholic elementary and middle schools to teach band to students in grades 4-8. Similar to my first teaching experience, these schools offered students a chance to be part of something bigger than themselves. I worked with music colleagues to coordinate a number of opportunities for our band students at our various schools to get to know each other. It was also during this time that I was playing brass for Masses whenever I could, directing a church handbell choir, and singing in a church choir. Through all these experiences, my fellow musicians would reflect on how important music was for them growing up, and how it still holds a special place in their souls.
Now, for the past three years, I have had the great good fortune to teach junior high band at Cotter Schools in Winona. There is a rich musical tradition that emanates from our school, which I am proud to be part of. My time here continues to be fulfilling, and has given me the opportunity to work in
Deacon Sean Costello Superintendent of Catholic Schools scostello@dowr.org
a larger classroom than my first two teaching positions. I also have the pleasure of directing a number of small ensembles and giving weekly lessons to students in grades 7-12, and I get to know students and the lives they lead. In working with a wide age range of students, I have learned that they are truly experiencing a multitude of challenges that were not present in any other generation. This, coupled with the mental health training Cotter Schools offers staff so that we can effectively help students, has been truly helpful to make sure that all students feel heard, and cared for.
The music classroom is a place where students from all walks of life are able to come together and progress toward a common good. I have seen students throughout my career who have had assumptions about their classmates that have kept their peers at a distance in all other areas of their school life, but by working together in band, have forged life-long friendships. In a time when there is so much divisiveness in our culture, it is refreshing to see the camaraderie of students who you wouldn’t often see together.
In closing, I would like to offer the following prayer from St. Thomas Aquinas that I begin every class with, for the intention of all of our students, teachers, administrators, custodians, benefactors, and anyone who works with our Catholic schools in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, that they may have a restful summer and a joyful school year to come: Grant, O merciful God, that I may ardently desire, prudently examine, truthfully acknowledge, and perfectly accomplish what is pleasing to Thee, for the praise and glory of Thy
Philip Smithley teaches junior high band at Cotter Schools
Give Yourself to God
�
Rev. Jason Kern Director of Vocations jkern@dowr.org
hope your summer has held up for you many of life’s moments of grace. Last month we shared about the ordinations in our diocese. This month I would like to hold up a couple of distinct moments of grace that are causes of great rejoicing and reflections of God’s providence and care.
This past month I attended the wedding of a young man who was strongly considering priesthood and seminary but never quite felt compelled or able to make the final leap into seminary formation. His best friend is a seminarian in the Archdiocese and gave the best man speech at his wedding. Both of these young men were students at Minnesota State, Mankato. It was powerful to hear how God brought about their conversions and then as friends how God ordered their lives for Himself.
I also had the opportunity to attend the final vows of a young woman who was a classmate of mine while I was in college (I was in seminary and attended classes at the university with her while we were at St. Mary’s University in Winona). I attended her final vows with three other priests who were classmates of mine while at IHM Seminary. This was a time of rejoicing in the vocation of consecrated life and a significant
moment in her life of making those final vows and becoming a Bride of Christ as a religious.
It was not only a beautiful ceremony celebrated by Archbishop Hebda, but it was also a true moment of reflection for all of us who were friends in college to reflect on the work of grace so prevalent in our lives all these years. That God has called us as priests and her as a religious sister in the community of Pro Ecclesia Sancta to serve the Church. Another young woman that was her roommate and friend over the years is also finally professed in the Nashville Dominican community. It is remarkable what God has done! It has been over 15 years since I graduated from college and now as Vocation Director, I continue to see such beautiful graces of God calling individuals to follow
Diaconal Preaching
By DEACON ROBERT YERHOT, MSW
�ur world today stands in need of God's mercy. Our world is deeply wounded and in need of healing, forgiveness, and peace. Deacons must be in the world and transform it through a well-proclaimed Gospel. I repeat: Deacons must be in a wounded world and proclaim well the Gospel of mercy and forgiveness. What are we up against? What would the world have us believe? Here are just a few examples:
The world says: "The sick and homeless are numerous, and growing in numbers. There are too many of them and we cannot afford to care for them all."
The world says: "The willingness to forgive is weakened with each new act of terrorism and war. Forgiveness is a sign of weakness. The response to terrorism is war."
The world says: "The Christian faith is antiquated, corrupt, and unworthy of trust. It is best discarded in favor of Eastern philosophies or the New Age religions. Worship the created world, the sun and the moon, the wind and the earth."
The world says: "The joy and peace of Christianity is naïveté. The only rational response to reality is fear, seriousness, cynicism, and a dour mood."
The world says: “The answer to injustice is punishment. Injustice without punishment is intolerable.”
The world says: “An unborn child is the property of a woman.”
The world says: “You are who you decide to be.” Yes, these are just some of the messages prevalent in today's world. These were the same social messages in the Roman world at the time of the Apostles. They faced the same world we face. What did the Apostles do? They changed that world!
The Apostles went forth and preached the Gospel with fervor, and at great cost to themselves. They announced the mercy of God found in Jesus Christ who died to save us and rose from the dead. They went forth with trust and confidence, and hundreds were healed and thousands were converted.
Pope Benedict XVI wrote something remarkable in his encyclical Deus Caritas Est: "God's passionate love for his people - for humanity - is at the same time a forgiving love. It is so great that it turns God against himself, his love against his justice."
Deacons, we too must go forth and do what the Apostles did! We must change the world by proclaiming that love is stronger than death, mercy prevails in justice, and that we are to live in Jesus who gives us our identity and our mission in life.
Deacons, we must live and eloquently preach in a wounded world so desperately in need of the Gospel. Every deacon must preach the Gospel! It is at the core of our vocation. Like the Apostles, we must change hearts from the dominant social messages to the message of Jesus.
Him and serve the Church. I have seen it consistently happen that much like we felt those years ago, still today young people feel compelled to give everything in service to God. Even when not called to be a priest or religious, young people want something lasting and noble to give themselves to and the longing of their hearts for meaning and purpose is found in giving all to follow Jesus. There is nothing more meaningful and beautiful than a beautiful Catholic wedding or the final vows or ordination of one giving themselves to God and His Church. May we continue to rejoice in the call of God for each young person and may our young people have great courage to say yes in following Jesus and His plan for their lives.
Deacon John Hust Director of the Permanent Diaconate jhust@dowr.org
Jesus says: "The sick are numerous and they are my Body. You will find freedom in serving them. I will give you everything you need to serve them well."
Jesus says: "There is great power and authority in forgiveness. Forgive those who have harmed you, and pray for them."
Jesus says: "Your faith in me and in my Church is ancient and forever new. Behold! I am sending forth my Spirit to renew the face of the earth. You shall have no other god before me."
Jesus says: "To those who are mature in faith, filled with hope, and fervent in love, I give a peace and joy that is beyond understanding."
Jesus says:”Forgive and seek not vengeance! Do not judge.”
Jesus says: “Every unborn child has the right to life.”
Jesus says: “I have made you and I know you. In me you will know who you are.”
Yes, a deacon is to preach the Gospel with clarity, to put love and mercy into daily life, and change the attitudes of society. It is our mission to engage the world and, through the power of the Holy Spirit, transform what it is into what it can be in Jesus. May each of us do just that!
Deacon Robert Yerhot serves the parishes of St. Mary in Caledonia and St. Patrick in Brownsville.
Reflections on Our Discipleship Journey
The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
The LORD is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made.
All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your faithful shall bless you.
-Psalm 145:8-10
�reetings of peace!
This month, I am again sharing reflections from the resource, Impact –“a dynamic, monthly resource to form people as disciples and good stewards who share their gifts and faith, making an impact in their lives and the life of the world.”
Impact is produced by Grateful Disciples (a project of Catholic Life and Faith) and can be shared via email, your website, parish bulletin, or at parish gatherings. To learn more, go to: www.gratefuldisciples.net/. The content below is reprinted with permission, and with thanks to my colleague and friend, LEISA ANSLINGER, founder of Catholic Life and Faith.
Risk Giving More
Follow the example of the young boy. [The gospel reading for the last Sunday of July] is a story of faith - the faith of the disciples who sought to respond to their Teacher, and of the young boy who gave his five loaves and two fish. Surely, he did not expect the great miracle that produced enough food to feed them all…. Yet, he risked giving what he had and trusted that Jesus would use it well. Through his generosity, the crowds were fed and all experienced a remarkable outpouring of the mercy and care of God through Jesus.
What will your response to Jesus’ command be? How might you feed the hungry - those who need spiritual, physical, and emotional sustenance? When we consider what faith in Jesus leads us to do with our lives, especially when we pay close attention to the Gospel and Jesus’ message of care for the hungry and poor, compassion for those who are suffering, grieving, and in need, suddenly discipleship becomes real, and so does stewardship. This is where faith meets life.
We always have room to grow as disciples and stewards, whether we have never given these things conscious thought before or we have been on the path of stewardship for a long time. And we always have fears to face. It might be fear that if we give too much of our financial resources there won’t be enough for us; it might be worry that if we give too much of our time, we will be tired and stressed. The obstacles might be more subtle, however. Perhaps it is not fear that we will not have enough, but rather, simple selfishness. Sometimes we simply don’t want to share with others.
We find the path through the obstacles when we act on our commitment to Jesus. The leap of faith that feels so risky becomes easier when we are encouraged by and learn from those in our lives
and community who freely give of themselves and their resources. There is great value to the example of people who embrace stewardship and tell us that “God will never be outdone in generosity,” or “God loves a cheerful giver.” How might you follow the example of the young boy whose generosity and trust in the Lord brought about an outpouring of the love of God?
Be Prepared
Grace is in your midst. I include in my email signature a brief quote from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton who said, “Be prepared to meet your grace in the daily circumstances of your life.” Every time I send an email, I see the quote and am reminded to be attentive, to pay attention to the ways I experience God’s love and how I am called to share it with others.
Like the air we breathe and the passing of days, nights, weeks and months, God’s grace is always with us. In order for this to change us, we must be attentive to God’s love and mercy in our daily lives. Being attentive is not always easy. We have responsibilities we must fulfill, people who need us, many things that vie for our attention.
Todd Graff Director of OCIA tgraff@dowr.org
attentiveness to God’s love and in willingness to be a bearer of God’s mercy in the days to come.
Being attentive to God and God’s action in our lives may feel like another “thing” that has to be done, even while we know that doing so is good for our spiritual well-being. Let us consider small ways in which we may grow in attentiveness, becoming conscious of God’s love throughout our days.
Morning: Begin the day with a time of prayer. If only for five minutes, take time to be mindful of God’s love and mercy. Invite the Holy Spirit to give you an open mind and heart throughout the day, in order to perceive God’s grace in your life and to respond to it freely and generously.
Midday: Just before or during lunch, pause to thank God for the blessings of the morning. Make a note of any special moments, experiences, or gifts received — a kind interaction with a co-worker, a task completed, a complicated situation that was resolved. Just being alive is a gift! Look ahead to the afternoon, and ask God to give you the grace to live as a disciple in the hours that come.
Dinnertime: If you live with others, take a moment at dinnertime to hear about each person’s day. Pray a prayer of blessing over the meal you will share and the time you have together. Ask God to be with those who lack food, shelter, or companionship, and consider ways you may help to meet their needs in the future. If you dine alone, talk with God while you eat, as a friend would converse with a friend, sharing silence and your inmost thoughts.
Night: Before you go to bed, thank God for the day that is passing. Make note of the grace of the day, mercy received and given. Resolve to grow in
Taking St. Elizabeth Ann’s instruction to heart can be life-changing. The grace of God is not abstract, distant, only for a few special ones. God’s grace is for each of us. In our midst. Waiting for us to pay attention, to be prepared. We know and experience God’s grace uniquely, as each of us is fearfully and wonderfully made, created in God’s image and likeness. Just as God’s grace is poured out on each of us personally, so we are called to share the love of God with others in the way in which only we can. Be prepared to meet your grace.
This Month…
Invite the Holy Spirit to show you how you may grow as a disciple and as a good steward:
• Make a list of the ways in which you give your time, gifts, and material or financial resources in service or outreach. Consider, too, the ways you give to your family, parish, and local community.
• Reflect on how you may be called to risk giving more. How might you deepen your commitment to love and serve? What or who would help you to trust God more deeply in order to sacrifice in this way? How might doing so enrich your life and faith?
• Make some commitment to follow-through on this reflection. Share with another who will check in with you about this periodically.
• As you reach out in sacrificial love, be attentive to the ways in which doing so gives you a sense of purpose, meaning, or peace.
I wish you God’s grace and peace as we move through these late summer days. Deo Gratias!
The LORD is faithful in all his words and gracious in all his deeds.
The LORD upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down…. The LORD is just in all his ways and kind in all his doings.
The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
- Psalm 145:13-14, 17-18
Catholic Charities Active Aging Programs: Supporting Healthy Aging
Sue Degallier Director of Active Aging Programs Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota
�
ust as the name implies, older adults in the communities served by Catholic Charities are finding ways to be active and strong, despite unpredictable health concerns. In Winona, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston Olmsted, Wabasha, Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, LeSueur, Martin, Nicollet, Watonwan, Dodge, Freeborn, Mower, Rice Steele and Waseca counties of Southern Minnesota, Active Aging Programs facilitates AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP and maintains a robust schedule of evidencebased health and wellness programs.
Through Active Aging Health and Wellness Programs, older adults in the counties listed above can access a number of free, evidence-based classes. Evidenced-based programs are those that have been tested through clinical trials with the results published in peer-reviewed journals. In other words, they’ve been proven to work and follow a specific order to ensure they continue to work in the same way.
Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL) is a program proven to prevent falls through providing exercises that improve strength and balance along with educational information. This hourlong class is fun, able to adapt to any level of exercise and supports social interaction. Participants use ankle and hand weights, which are provided for use by Active Aging Programs.
Another free exercise program option is the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program. This class is a little less strenuous than SAIL, only 45 minutes in length, and concentrates on range of motion activities to strengthen joints. Participants use hand weights and stretch bands along with
some other fun items to help stay fit and keep joints active.
Living Well with Chronic Pain is a six-week group workshop designed to help individuals living with chronic pain better manage their symptoms and improve their daily lives. It does not rely on medical advice but on learning self-management with proven techniques. The information presented helps participants build a toolbox of techniques to use when managing their condition.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) is an educational program designed to help family caregivers take care of themselves while caring for a loved one who has a chronic illness. Whether you provide care for a spouse, partner, parent or friend; at home or in a care facility; whether down the block or miles away, yours is an important role. The PTC program provides tools and strategies to better handle the unique challenges caregivers face.
One of the ways Active Aging Programs is able to continue offering this suite of wellness programs is by training and supporting volunteers
to facilitate the classes. Currently, we have nearly 200 volunteers who keep all of the above classes running. Our staff is there to ensure all supplies are taken care of, leaders are presenting the programs with skill and integrity, and taking care of all the tasks behind the scenes.
Are you interested in any of these wellness classes? Just check out the Catholic Charities of Southern MN website www.ccsomn.org to find locations and times near you. Don’t see a class being offered near enough to where you live? Let us know and we will work to offer one! The need for trained volunteers throughout the diocese is great. If you have an interest in health and wellness and want more information about what it would be like to lead one the classes mentioned, please contact Active Aging Programs Director Sue Degallier at 507-454-2270. She would love an opportunity to talk to you about joining our crew. All training and support is provided to you free of charge. Help us keep older adults active and aging well!
Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program in Plainview
Owatonna KCs Sponsor Pilgrimage to Shrine of Our Lady of Champion
Submitted by LEE JARDINE
�he Our Lady of Champion Shrine hosted their third annual Marian Conference May 17 and 18. Owatonna Knights of Columbus Council 945 sponsored a bus pilgrimage to the Marian Conference to provide an opportunity for local parishioners to make the trip and attend the conference. In order to raise the funds to pay for the bus, Council 945 held six Friday shrimp fries at the KC Hall in January and February. The 25 pilgrims made the five-hour pilgrimage with fellowship and prayers along the way.
We were blessed to have excellent speakers at the conference, including Fr. Bill Casey, CPM; Fr. Don Calloway, MIC; and Mother Mary Cathrine, Missionaries of the Word. In addition, we attended the Sunday Pentecost Mass at the shrine chapel with Shrine Rector Fr. Joseph Aytona, CPM. Everyone left the conference with spirits elevated in the love of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
This is a wonderful event and a great location to visit to recharge your spiritual batteries and get close to Our Holy Mother in prayer. Make time for your own pilgrimage and plan to attend the fourth Annual Marian Conference at the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion in 2025.
The only approved Marian apparition in the United States is a short drive away, just east of Green Bay, WI, in the farming community of Champion, WI. The initial name was the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help. In 2010, Most Reverend David L. Ricken, Bishop of Green Bay, declared the apparitions “Worthy of Belief” by the authority of the Catholic Church, and in 2016, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops designated the grounds as a National Shrine. Further, in December 2022, the Vatican Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments approved the October 9 solemnity and officially changed the name to the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion as it is customary for approved apparitions to be named after the location of the apparition.
The Shrine has a fascinating story of Our Lady and her encounters with a young lady who immigrated from Belgium with her parents.
Adele Brise had three visits and encounters with Our Lady in 1859. Our Lady told Adele “I am the Queen of Heaven who prays for the conversion of sinners, and I wish you to do the same. You received Holy Communion this morning and that is well. But you must do more. Make a general confession and offer Communion for the conversion of sinners. If they do not convert and do penance, my Son will be obliged to punish them.
“What are you doing here in idleness while your companions are working in the vineyard of my Son?”
"What more can I do, dear Lady?” asked Adele, weeping.
“Gather the children in this wild country and teach them what they should know for salvation.”
“But how shall I teach them who know so little myself?” Adele said.
“Teach them,” replied her radiant visitor, “their catechism, how to sign themselves with the sign of the Cross, and how to approach the sacraments; that is what I wish you to do. Go and fear nothing, I will help you.”
Adele went to work on her assignment and worked with the local farmers to teach their
Fa�her J�� Bern�n�, Pastor of St. Peter's Parish in Rose Creek, drove an Oliver 77 tractor in the Rose Creek Days Parade on Saturday, July 13, 2024, to invite people to the parish.
The Televised Mass Is Offered Every Sunday
Sioux Falls - ODLT Channel 7 at 7 a.m.
Sioux City - KPTH Channel 44 at 8:30 a.m.
Mankato - KEYC Channel 12 at 7:30 a.m.
Digital Channel 12.2 or Charter Channel 19 NEYC at 9:30 a.m.
Digital Channel 7 (DirecTV) or Channel 11 (DISH) KMNF at 9 a.m.
Rochester/Austin/Mason City
KIMT Channel 3 at 7:30 a.m.
MyTV 3.2 at 9 a.m.
Twin Cities - WFTC Digital Channel 29 or Channel 9.2 at 11:30 a.m.
Southeastern MN - HBC Channel 20 at 3 p.m. (repeated Wed. at 3:30 p.m.)
Winona/La Crosse/Eau Claire - WLAX/ WEUX Channel 25/48 at 7:30 a.m.
and on our website, dowr.org (click "Weekly Mass")
children the catechism. In 1871 the Great Peshtigo fire engulfed eastern Wisconsin in the largest forest fire in our history. The farmers all gathered at Adele’s school/chapel to pray. They walked around the chapel while they prayed the rosary and sang hymns. The fire went around the property scorching the white fence posts surrounding the property. Inside the white paint on the fence posts was perfect. Then a huge rain storm started that put out the fire. Read more at championshrine.org.
Lee Jardine is a member of the Owatonna Knights of Columbus Council 945.
A rosary procession around the grounds of the Our Lady of Champion Shrine. Lee Jardine, Joel Justin, and Rich Gerdts of Council 945 are carrying the Marian statue.
The 25 Owatonna pilgrims with Fr. Joseph Aytona in front of the shrine's chapel following Pentecost Sunday Mass.
M&Ms
By SHELLY HOLT
�ast month I wrote on the importance of membership in our Council of Catholic Women. This month will focus on mentoring, and I’m “borrowing” Rosi Schuhmacher Reese's column from the July issue of the National Council of Catholic Women’s President’s Pen
When I think of my first memories of being Catholic - Latin Mass at St. Aloysius in Olivia, MN, in the early 1960s to my grandma, Mary; praying the rosary daily; my mom’s involvement in CCW at St. Mary’s in Bird Island, MN, in the 1970s; college at the Newman Center at Mankato State University; moving to Mapleton and being invited by my neighbor to my first CCW event at St. Teresa; getting involved as a unit chair, followed by an invitation to serve as our area family commission chair in the late 1980s; being invited to my first diocesan meeting in 1989 at Wabasha with Bishop Vlazny in attendance - I’m reminded how personal invitations to plant the seeds, along with good mentors who watered the seeds, helped keep me involved and growing in my faith as a Catholic woman. So many women, too numerous to mention, have sown seeds in my life with the love of Jesus, and have grown a desire in me to make his love known to others!
Leadership Commission Mentoring
By Rosi Schuhmacher Reese
Many years ago, I gave a presentation and asked the women if any of them ate M&M’s. They all raised their hands - I then asked if any of them just ate one M. They all just laughed. I then proceeded to tell them that “Membership & Mentoring” were like the M&M’s, you could not just have one. To have a sustainable membership, your membership must be coupled with mentoring. Mentoring means different things to different people. Some may think it is having new members do exactly how you do things. Although we are all made in the image of God, we are all unique. We not only look different but think and process problems differently. A good mentor takes the newer member under her wing but does not smother her. A good mentor
explains our council structure and tells her of some of our past projects. She finds out what commission interests her and encourages her to get involved. A good mentor always praises in public and corrects in private. Every affiliation should have a mentoring plan to protect the longevity of your membership. All “seasoned members” (sounds better than old members) should be willing to share her knowledge of council. If you should be an “overly seasoned member like me” than you should be encouraging younger women wherever you may be to step up to the plate and take a swing at the bat of leadership. Years ago, I was a guest speaker at another diocese, and I became engaged in a conversation with a younger woman. She was an affiliation president. I told her that I thought she would make a good district president. She looked at me as if I were crazy, but then I get that a lot. I just planted a seed. I am not sure how that seed started to grow, but that women did become her district’s president and then became a diocesan president. Have you planted any seeds lately? Think of our membership as a beautiful garden that needs tender loving care. We must reseed with new members, water them with knowledge and nourish them with loving words of encouragement. If we do all these things with Christ’s love, our membership garden will stand the test of time.
Who have been your mentors? Do you continue to plant seeds and water them? Are you open to listening to God’s call? Our Diocesan Council is looking for women who want to grow in service through becoming a commission chair or member of our board. Current open positions include Spirituality Commission Chair and Parliamentarian. If you have any questions, concerns or comments, I can be reached at 507-381-2842 or shellyholttotalwellness@gmail.com.
Our Diocesan Convention will be held at the Church of the Resurrection in Rochester, on October 12, 2024. Look for the registration form in this issue. We have a great day planned!
Shelly Holt is the president of the WinonaRochester Diocesan Council of Catholic Women.
Fa�her T����hy Reker celebrated his final Mass before transitioning to senior priest status on June 30, 2024. Fr. Reker has provided the sacraments for DOW-R Catholics for 42 years; the past 9 years were spent shepherding the people of St. Joseph the Worker (Mankato) and Holy Family (Lake Crystal). May God Bless Fr. Reker. He will be sorely missed by his former parishioners!
Photo and caption submitted by ANNIE SCHMITZ, a member of Holy Family Parish in Lake Crystal.
Events
September 8, Sunday
Holy Trinity Church, Rollingstone, will serve its 41st annual Chicken Dinner from 11 a.m. to 2p.m., or until gone. $12 for half a chicken, baked beans, cole slaw, bun, cookie, and milk or coffee. Dine in or carryout. Bingo called from noon to 2 p.m. Theme baskets, quilts and baked goods for sale. Big ticket sales with a drawing at 2 p.m. 111 Broadway in Rollingstone.
St. Anthony Church, Lismore, will hold its Parish Bazaar & Auction. Turkey dinner served 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, tea rolls, cranberries, desserts and beverage. Live auction starts at 1:30 p.m. Big Ticket drawing throughout the auction. Homemade crafts, home decor, unprocessed hogs, pork & beef bundles, themed baskets. Country store with baked goods. Games for kids and adults. Nachos and beverages sold during auction.
St. Mary of the Lake Church, Lake City, will hold its annual Fall Festival. Famous chicken dinner served 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Farmer's market, silent auction, bake sale, kids' games, raffle, bucket raffle and more!
September 15, Sunday
St. Felix Church & School, Wabasha, will will hold its 70th annual Fall Festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the St. Felix Auditorium and School Grounds in Wabasha. Games, grilled chicken dinner, farm store, general and specialty auctions, bingo, minnow races, tootsie roll booth, lots of raffles, tons of prizes and so much more. Join us for food, fun and friendship. All proceeds go to St. Felix School. For more information call 651-565-4446.
Ss. Peter & Paul Church, Mazeppa, will hold its Fall Bazaar from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Ham & turkey dinner $15/person. Free 5 & younger. Raffle and country store.
September 17, Tuesday
St. Felix Church, Wabasha, will host Alan Ames at 6:30 p.m. Ames is an internationally-known Catholic evangelist approved by his bishop in Australia. He has been graced with the gift of healing, a close union with Jesus and his passion, and a mystical prayer life. He has shared this globally over the past 22 years in more than 50 countries, with thousands of documented spiritual and physical healings. For other scheduled nights visit alanames.org.
September
22, Sunday
St. John the Baptist de la Salle Church, Dodge Center, will serve its 31st annual Turkey Dinner (with all the fixings) from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Adults $15. Kids 6-10 $6. 5 & younger eat free. $5 raffle tickets for lots of prizes. Bingo, tent sale, baked goods, produce, bucket drawing, quilts for sale by the Common Thread Quilters. All dinner and take-out tickets sold at the door. Take-outs of 6 or more require a phone call to 507-374-6830 on September 19 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., to reserve your dinners to go. 20 2nd Street NE in Dodge Center. We are handicap accessible.
Dedicar tiempo a la oración este verano
Por MONS. ROBERT BARRON
�urante el mes de mayo, mi ministerio Word on Fire propuso un reto: rezar 50.000 rosarios en favor de los que se han alejado de la Iglesia. La invitación se hizo a todo el mundo, y la respuesta fue fantástica. Se rezaron más de 90.000 rosarios. Para el mes de julio, Word on Fire pidió que se rezaran 10.000 Horas Santas por el éxito del Reavivamiento Eucarístico nacional. En el momento en que escribo estas palabras, aproximadamente un tercio del mes de julio, ya se han ofrecido 5.000. La Hora Santa es una práctica estrechamente relacionada con el gran arzobispo Fulton Sheen. Al final de cada charla que Sheen daba a los sacerdotes, retaba a sus hermanos a pasar, cada día, una hora de oración ininterrumpida en presencia del Santísimo Sacramento. Aunque cuando mi generación estudiaba en el seminario no se hacía hincapié en la Hora Santa, la generación actual de seminaristas y sacerdotes jóvenes la ha adoptado con entusiasmo y, a través de ellos, ha comenzado a tener un poderoso efecto en toda la Iglesia. En tres diócesis muy diferentes -
Chicago, Los Ángeles y ahora Winona-Rochester- he visto parroquias completamente revolucionadas por la práctica de la adoración sostenida del Santísimo Sacramento.
Algunos han criticado las campañas de Word on Fire : ¿creen realmente que Dios será persuadido por el mero número de oraciones y rosarios ofrecidos? Pues bien, eso es no entender la cuestión. El objetivo de la campaña no es tanto influir en Dios como animar a la gente a rezar, a elevar sus mentes y sus corazones a Dios. Y esto, como vengo sosteniendo desde hace años, es de capital importancia hoy, cuando un secularismo que mata el alma se ha apoderado de tantos en Occidente, especialmente de los jóvenes. Estos días más lentos del verano ofrecen una mayor oportunidad para orar, para descansar en el Señor, para considerar las cosas más elevadas y profundas.
Ya me he referido a dos prácticas de oración, pero ¿puedo recomendar algunas otras, especialmente si has estado alejado de la oración durante un tiempo? En primer lugar, reza con las Escrituras, utilizando lo que la tradición espiritual llama Lectio Divina. No hay texto más central, más sagrado, más inspirado que la propia
Biblia. En su primera carta a Timoteo, San Pablo se refiere a la Biblia como theopneustos, literalmente, "inspirada por Dios". Quiere decir que el Espíritu Santo (término que significa "Aliento Sagrado") sopla a través de sus palabras, sus imágenes, sus narraciones. Por tanto, si quieres entrar en contacto con ese Espíritu, abre la Biblia. Pero acércate a ella, no casualmente, sino de un modo espiritualmente disciplinado. La lectio divina (lectura divina) es un método de cuatro pasos. En primer lugar, se lee un pasaje de las Escrituras despacio y con gran atención. Esto se llama "lectio". A continuación, se "mastica" el texto, reflexionando sobre él, dejando que sus imágenes e ideas se impregnen en el propio espíritu. Esto se llama "meditatio". En tercer lugar, una vez escuchada la palabra, hablas con Dios; le cuentas cómo te ha afectado el texto. Esto se llama "oratio". Por último, una vez que has hablado con Dios, escuchas profundamente lo que te dice. Este mayor compromiso con la Biblia se denomina " contemplatio ". Prueba este método durante estos meses de verano, asegurándote de elegir un pasaje relativamente corto de la Biblia.
Un segundo método que sugeriría es lo que la tradición llama "la oración del Centro". Busca un lugar tranquilo, acomódate, fija tu mirada en una imagen del Señor o en un crucifijo. Luego imagina todos los elementos de tu vida -tus amistades, tu trabajo, tus hijos, lo que haces para recrearte, tus compromisos políticos, etc.- y ponlos conscientemente en relación con Jesús. Tal vez podrías imaginar un rosetón en el que todos los elementos del diseño están conectados por radios con el centro. En presencia de Dios, evalúa honestamente hasta qué punto los diversos aspectos de tu vida están bajo el Señorío de Jesús, verdaderamente conectados con Él. Los grandes maestros espirituales nos enseñan que la práctica constante de esta oración produce realmente la unidad y la armonía que buscas. Hace muchos años, un joven se me acercó y, sin contarme mucho sobre sí mismo, simplemente me pidió recomendaciones sobre cómo rezar. Le di una instrucción básica sobre la oración del Centro. Aproximadamente un mes después, volvió y me dijo, simplemente: "¡Tengo que dejar de tener relaciones sexuales promiscuas!". Yo no
sabía nada de su vida sexual y no le había dado ningún consejo; la oración en sí había puesto en línea un aspecto clave de su vida.
Una última sugerencia que ofreceré especialmente a aquellos que no tienen una fuerte relación con la iglesia o la liturgia o la tradición de la oración. Utilizar la propia naturaleza como estímulo para rezar. A los grandes santos -Francisco de Asís, Juan Pablo II, Pier Giorgio Frassati- les encantaba estar en comunión con Dios en medio de las glorias del mundo natural. Frassati era alpinista, de ahí su lema espiritual: " Verso l'alto" (hacia lo alto); a Juan Pablo II le encantaba esquiar en las montañas de Polonia e Italia; y Francisco se movía con entusiasmo por campos y bosques, ¡llegando incluso a predicar a los pájaros! Tomás de Aquino enseñaba que todo lo que existe está marcado por la bondad, la verdad y la belleza. Así que sal al mundo natural. Quizá estés más cerca del mar, del desierto, de un bosque o de un lago, no importa. Dirígete a ese espacio y maravíllate ante el esplendor, la inteligibilidad y el valor que ves. Y luego hazte una pregunta muy sencilla: ¿de dónde viene todo eso? Al plantear esa pregunta, te encuentras en el umbral de la oración.
Así que, durante estas semanas más lánguidas del verano, los invito a todos a que se tomen el tiempo de rezar.
Congratulations to the following parishes, who have met their goals for the 2024 Catholic Ministries Appeal:
St. Luke
