Feb. 5, 2023, ET Catholic, A section

Pope Benedict XVI laid to rest

Pope Francis remembers Benedict’s ‘wisdom, tenderness, devotion’

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

Pope Benedict XVI “spread and testified to” the Gospel his entire life, Pope Francis told tens of thousands of people gathered Jan. 5 for his predecessor’s funeral Mass.

“Like the women at the tomb, we, too, have come with the fragrance of gratitude and the balm of hope in order to show him once more the love that is undying. We want to do this with the same wisdom, tenderness, and devotion that he bestowed upon us over the years,” Pope Francis said in his homily.

The Mass in St. Peter’s Square was the first time in more than 200 years that a pope celebrated the funeral of his predecessor. Pope Pius VII had celebrated the funeral of Pius VI in 1802 when his remains were returned to Rome after he died in exile in France in 1799.

Pope Benedict, who died Dec. 31 and had retired in 2013, requested his funeral be simple; the only heads of state invited to lead delegations were those of Italy and his native Germany.

However, many dignitaries including Queen Sofia of Spain and King Philippe of Belgium and presidents and government ministers representing more than a dozen nations were in attendance, as were most of the ambassadors to the Holy See.

Members of the College of Cardinals sat on one side of the casket, while, on the other side, sat special guests, including the late pope's closest collaborators and representatives of the Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Anglican, Protestant, and U.S. evangelical communities. Jewish and Muslim organizations also sent delegations.

Pope Francis presided over the Mass, and Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, was the main celebrant at the altar. Some 120 cardinals, another 400 bishops, and 3,700 priests concelebrated. More

A fond following Pope Benedict XVI arrives to celebrate Mass on New Year's Eve in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on Jan. 1, 2010. Catholics and people of many faiths around the world mourn the Holy Father, who died on Dec. 31.

Addressing the state of the diocese

Bishop Stika cites successes and challenges for the Church in East Tennessee

By Jim Wogan

In his 14 years guiding the Diocese of Knoxville, Bishop Richard F. Stika says he remains motivated by something he spoke about during his episcopal ordination at the Knoxville Convention Center on March 19, 2009.

“I proclaimed it then, and it remains my motivation even after all these years,” Bishop Stika said. “Teach Jesus; that is what I said we would do. And together we have done that since I arrived here almost 14 years ago.”

Those who have observed his work say that when Bishop Stika arrived in East Tennessee it seemed obvious that his other goal was to lead the diocese from infancy into adolescence.

“I have heard that,” Bishop Stika said. “Anyone who has raised a child would probably agree that moving them along in life can be a test. It requires love, and some -

times there are challenges. Parents know this, and they understand that tough love is also an essential part of being a good parent.”

“Sometimes parents don’t have all the answers,” the bishop continued. “Books are nice, but most

parents will probably tell you that nothing prepares you for parenthood more than experience. You learn as you go, and you make decisions based on what is right for your child. Sometimes, it’s the same for a bishop. But instead of

books, we pray…a lot.

“A lot has happened in the diocese since I arrived here, and it has been good for those we serve—Catholics and also nonCatholics. We have grown, we have been faithful and charitable, and we continue to teach Jesus with our words and through our actions. Sometimes we need to be reminded of that.”

The Diocese of Knoxville turns 35 years old in 2023. The “new” cathedral will celebrate its fifth birthday in March. Bishop Stika, the longest serving bishop of the diocese, will mark 14 years as its shepherd next month. Other anniversaries and milestones are approaching. The bishop took time recently to update readers of The East Tennessee Catholic on the state of the diocese.

Financial strength

In January, the diocese posted

Farewell to a papal theologian Pope Francis presides over the funeral Mass of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on Jan. 5.

Pope Benedict continued on page A15

Newly ordained Bishop Richard F. Stika and Cardinal Justin Rigali welcome the diocese's newest permanent deacons, pictured with their wives, following their June 11 ordination at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

‘Catholics Got Talent?’

Competition invites musicians, composers to promote zeal for the Eucharist

By Francesca Pollio Fenton Catholic News Agency

Catholic poets, composers, and songwriters are invited to participate in a competition in which the winning piece could be performed before 80,000 people at the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat for Evangelization and Catechesis is sponsoring a Eucharistic Revival musical competition in an effort to renew zeal for the Eucharist.

The musical competition is one facet of the multiyear National Eucharistic Revival launched on June 19, 2022 — the solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, or Corpus Christi. The revival’s mission is to “renew the Church by enkindling a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the holy Eucharist,” as stated on the initiative’s website.

After a 2019 Pew survey revealed that only 31 percent of

Catholics believe in a basic tenet of their faith — that the Body and Blood of Christ are truly, really, and substantially present in the Eucharist — the U.S. bishops decided to take action. In 2021, at their annual fall meeting, they voted to embark on a national eucharistic revival to restore and promote an understanding of and devotion to the Eucharist.

Catholic artists can submit entries for either one of two cat-

egories: hymn-writing or theme song. One submission will be chosen in each category and will be featured at the National Eucharistic Congress, which will take place in Indianapolis from July 17–21, 2024. Dioceses across the country will be encouraged to use the winning pieces in any events that focus on the eucharistic revival.

Those submitting entries are encouraged to proclaim the

teaching of the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and express our unity in the Body of Christ. Pieces can also be multilingual.

New and original work will be evaluated on poetry, musicality, creativity, theological and doctrinal soundness, beauty, appropriateness for liturgical use, and expression of the mission of the eucharistic revival.

Tim Glemkowski, executive director of the National Eucharistic Congress, said, “The musical competition is just the beginning of a number of initiatives on the horizon for the revival in 2023 that celebrate the beauty and mystery of the Eucharist.”

The winners will also receive $2,500 in cash. Entries will be accepted from Jan. 13 to April 21, 2023. Winners will be announced on June 9, 2023. For complete rules and to enter the competition, visit the National Eucharistic Revival website, eucharisticrevival.org ■

How to sign up and qualify for Diocese of Knoxville’s safe-environment program

The Diocese of Knoxville has implemented the CMG Connect platform to administer the Safe Environment Program, which replaces the former Safe Environment Program (VIRTUS “Protecting God’s Children”).

element of the Safe Environment Program

The Handmaids of the Precious Blood in 2022 celebrated their Diamond Jubilee: 75 years since their founding in 1947; 75 years of prayer and sacrifice for priests. Did you know you can receive weekly cartoons and short reflections and news from the Handmaids of the Precious Blood? Visit their website, nunsforpriests.org, and sign up for the FIAT newsletter.

February Prayer Intentions

“We pray that parishes, placing communion at the center, may increasingly become communities of faith, fraternity, and welcome towards those most in need.”

Pope Francis

“Lord, guide us during our Lenten journey. Make us strong when we abstain, humble when we pray, and filled with compassion when we encounter a person in need. Help us understand the true power of our Lenten experience and the healing that awaits us on the day of Your resurrection. Amen.”

Bishop Stika

DIOCESE OF KNOXVILLE

PROCEDURE FOR REPORTING SEXUAL ABUSE

Anyone who has actual knowledge of or who has reasonable cause to suspect an incident of sexual abuse should report such information to the appropriate civil authorities rst, then to the McNabb Center victim's assistance coordinator, 865.321.9080.

CMG Connect is a web-based platform that will assist in ensuring that all employees and volunteers who are in a position of trust with children and vulnerable adults within Diocese of Knoxville schools and parishes are trained to recognize behavior patterns of potential abusers and provide pro-active measures for preventing abuse in any context.

“Safe Haven-It’s Up to You” is a three-part video that provides vignettes of real-life situations to educate the viewer about methods of grooming, desensitization, bullying, and neglect, all of which can lead to abuse.

Each part of the video is immediately followed by a brief questionnaire to further develop understanding.

Education is a key

All clergy, employees, contracted school personnel, volunteers, members of groups and organizations over the age of 18 who work, volunteer, or participate in any capacity are required to complete the diocesan Safe Environment training and a criminal-background check before they can begin employment, volunteer, or participate with ministries, groups, and organizations affiliated with the Diocese of Knoxville.

In addition, the mandatory renewal training must be completed every five years and a new background check submitted before the five-year expiration of prior training.

The Diocese of Knoxville Safe Environment compliance training and renewal training is a condition of employment and for volunteer ministry in the Diocese of Knoxville.

The CMG Connect

platform contains all three elements of the Diocese of Knoxville’s Safe Environment Program:

n Annual review of the Diocese of Knoxville’s Policy and Procedures Relating to Sexual Misconduct; n CMG Connect Safe Haven training program to be completed every five years; n Criminal background check to be completed every five years.

In compliance with the Diocese of Knoxville’s Safe Environment Program, all affiliates require that volunteers and employees complete the requirements prior to working and/or volunteering in a parish, school, The Paraclete, or through Catholic Charities and/or St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic Go to https:// dioknox.org/safeenvironment on the Diocese of Knoxville website for more information ■

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PUBLISHER Bishop Richard F. Stika

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EDITOR Dan McWilliams dan@dioknox.org

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He dwells among us by Bishop Richard F. Stika

What color are your vestments?

In sacrifices we make in the Mass we must live each week,

“All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”

— Galatians 3:27

Identity and clothing. Fashion designs often strike me as odd, and more than occasionally as silly, immodest, or even just plain vulgar. But in general, people tend to pay great attention to their clothing. For it is an expression of their identity, of who they see themselves as and want others to recognize as well.

But there is no clothing that is more dignifying and communicates more beautifully our true identity and purpose in life as those of a priest’s vestments. For they help us to better understand the great dignity of our baptismal identity and life in Christ, and the “spiritual” vestments of our daily sacrifices when offered in union with Our Redeemer’s upon the cross.

With the Lenten season that begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22, let us strive to “put on” the vestments of Our Lord Jesus Christ (cf. Romans 13:14).

Baptismal garment. When Adam and Eve fell prey to Satan’s temptation and sinned, they divested themselves of God’s garment of “light and glory” by choosing to exercise their human will apart from its fruitfulness in the Divine Will, thereby bringing sterility and death upon them and all their descendants (cf. Genesis 3:7, 21).

But by descending from heaven and taking upon Himself the poor clothing of our fallen humanity, Jesus brought our sins to the cross and paid the price of our salvation so that we might be clothed anew in Him, with “the finest robe” as the prodigal son was (Luke 15:22)—a “robe dipped in blood” (Revelation 19:13)

So, it is through baptism that we receive the white wedding garment of sanctifying grace—of supernatural life and fruitfulness in our heavenly Bridegroom as His brides in the Church. Now do the mysterious words said of Moses by his wife have their true meaning in Christ—“You are a bridegroom of blood to me” (Exodus 4:25).

With the Lenten season that begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22, let us strive to “put on” the vestments of Our Lord Jesus Christ (cf. Romans 13:14)

A priestly people. Through baptism, not only are we clothed anew with the “garment of immortality,” but as members of Christ’s Mystical Body we also have a “common” share in His royal priesthood. For as Christ is “a priest forever” (Hebrews 7:17, 21), our baptism unites us to His priestly sacrifice upon Calvary, which is re-presented in an unbloody manner upon the altar of every Mass.

And since the holy sacrifice of the Mass is the action of the whole Christ—Head and Mystical Body—so Christ’s priestly sacrifice must include ours. As Father Clifford Howell, SJ, explains in his wonderful 1952 classic Of Sacraments and Sacrifice , which can be read online:

“On Calvary Christ offered Himself as He then was—possessing only His physical body. And in the Mass He offers Himself as He now is: and now He has a Mystical Body. And you are Christ’s Body—members of it. Therefore, in the Mass you are offered; you are victims! And as you are offering, it follows that you must offer yourselves.”

A beautiful quote from a French priest, Father Raoul Plus, SJ, (1882-1958), further expresses this:

Christ, the High Priest, we as subordinate priests; Christ, the Chief Victim, we as co-victims! But, Christ and we—total Priest, and total Victim!

Spiritual sacrifices . St. Peter reminds

Bishop Stika’s schedule of Masses and public events

These are some of Bishop Stika’s upcoming public appointments:

n Saturday, Feb. 4, 11 a.m.: Confirmation Mass at St. Jude Church in Chattanooga

n Sunday, Feb. 12, 9 a.m.: Mass at St. Joseph Church in Norris

n Saturday, March 4, 5 p.m.: Confirmation Mass at Immaculate Conception Church in Knoxville

n Saturday, March 11, 7:30 a.m.: Men's Conference at St. Dominic Church in Kingsport

n Sunday, March 12, 9 a.m.: Mass at St. Joseph Church in Norris

n Saturday, March 26, 10 a.m.: Confirmation Mass at St. John Neumann Church in Farragut

n Saturday, March 26, 5:30 p.m.: Confirmation Mass at St. Augustine Church in Signal Mountain

n Sunday, March 27, 10 a.m.: Confirmation Mass at St. Albert the Great Church in Knoxville

n Wednesday, March 28, 6 p.m.: Confirmation Mass at St. Alphonsus Church in Crossville

must 'put on the Lord Jesus Christ'

us, “Let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5)

And what are the spiritual sacrifices that we should offer?

They should represent all that we are and do of body and soul—our crosses, anxieties, sufferings, our marriage and children, our work and frustrations, our loneliness, our prayers and longings of heart, our joys and disappointments. And it is during the offertory of the Mass when we should especially make this offering.

The vestments of sacrifice The offertory is that crucial hinge in the Mass where we transition from the Liturgy of the Word— from the ambo—to the Liturgy of the Eucharist—the altar

This is the decisive part of the Mass that truly determines the measure of our full and conscious participation. For it is what we offer—our spiritual sacrifices—that Christ takes and joins to His offering upon the altar during the consecration.

Though the ordained priest of the altar is vested to offer the holy sacrifice of the Mass, we, too, are “spiritually” vested in the spiritual sacrifices we offer.

And the exercise of our baptismal priesthood doesn’t end with Mass but should continue in the Mass we live throughout our week with all the spiritual sacrifices we make in dying to our selfishness so as to be the face, the hands, and heart of Christ to others.

The colors of our vestments . In the Mass we live, the spiritual vestments of our sacrifices should represent all the liturgical colors. Our vestment should always be “white,” representing the baptismal garment of our purity in Christ as His bride.

In the sufferings and crosses we offer up, our vestment becomes “red,” representing our share in Christ’s sufferings.

Our vestment should also be that of “gold,” reflecting the kingly dignity and sacrifices of our moral life in Christ. Even

Vestments continued on page A12

Cardinal Rigali released from hospital

Cardinal Justin Rigali is resting comfortably at home following his hospitalization in Knoxville on Jan. 16.

Doctors evaluated a medical condition that required Cardinal Rigali, who is 87, to be admitted to Parkwest Medical Center.

Cardinal Rigali remained hospitalized for just over a week until he was released from Parkwest Medical Center on Jan. 25 to return home. Bishop Richard F. Stika is asking for continued prayers for Cardinal Rigali ’ s recovery and he thanked Cardinal Rigali ’ s doctors and the staff at Parkwest for the excellent medical care the cardinal received. ■

Bishops announce Tennessee Catholic Conference

Tennessee Register

Bishops of the dioceses of Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis have announced the establishment of the Tennessee Catholic Conference to serve as their combined public policy voice and to provide a regular presence before the Tennessee General Assembly, federal, state, and local governmental officials.

The mission of the Tennessee Catholic Conference is to represent the Church and the state’s Catholic dioceses in public policy matters with the General Assembly, the governor, and state agencies, advocating for laws and policies that reflect Gospel values and the social teachings of the Church.

The Conference seeks to promote the common good for all Tennesseans. Catholic social teaching is defined broadly as the total of all conditions necessary economic, political, material, and cultural that allows all people to realize their human dignity and reach their full potential.

The bishops have appointed Rick Musacchio as executive di -

rector and Julie Perrey as deputy director of the Tennessee Catholic Conference.

The conference will create committees that further the mission and goals developed by the three bishops in the dioceses across the state.

Mr. Musacchio will work on conference duties on a full-time basis. Ms. Perrey will remain vice chancellor and chief mission integration officer for the Diocese of Nashville and devote part of her time to the conference.

The conference will replace the Tennessee Catholic Public Policy Commission, which was established in 1983 with a similar mission.

Most other states have used the Catholic Conference structure to bring the Catholic voice to the public square.

Mr. Musacchio and Ms. Per-

rey held similar positions with the public policy commission after the bishops decided to bring duties that had been previously outsourced in-house as a cost-saving measure two years ago.

Mr. Musacchio served as the editor-in-chief of the Tennessee Register , the newspaper of the Diocese of Nashville, from 1998 until 2022.

In the additional role of director of communications for the Diocese of Nashville during his tenure, he worked closely with the Tennessee Catholic Public Policy Commission as it advised the bishops on public policy issues.

During his time as editor, the Tennessee Register on four occasions won the General Excellence Award essentially the top newspaper of the year in the Catholic Press Awards, which is

sponsored by the Catholic Media Association.

The Tennessee Catholic Conference also will provide support to the communications offices of the state’s three dioceses on an asneeded basis.

The communications offices of three dioceses of Tennessee will continue to manage local communications and media efforts. The three communications directors are Jim Wogan, director of communications, Diocese of Knoxville; Joe Cacopardo, director of marketing and strategic communications, Diocese of Nashville; and Rick Ouellette, director of communications, Diocese of Memphis.

The Diocese of Nashville was established in 1837 and included the entire state. The Diocese of Memphis was established in 1971 and includes the counties west of the Tennessee River. The Diocese of Knoxville was established in 1988 and includes the eastern one-third of the state.

The dioceses roughly correspond to the Grand Divisions that historically make up the state of Tennessee. ■

Follow Bishop Richard Stika on Facebook for news and events from the diocese.

we

Mr. Musacchio

Ms. Perrey

Funeral Mass for Monsignor Bill Gahagan held at cathedral Bishop Stika, priests, deacons gather to honor longtime diocesan priest

By Dan McWilliams

The Diocese of Knoxville bid farewell to one of its most beloved priests in January as it celebrated the life of Monsignor Bill Gahagan.

Monsignor Gahagan passed away Jan. 10 at the age of 85 after serving as a priest for 52 years in assignments at many parishes and as a hospital chaplain in East and Middle Tennessee. Advancing years could not keep the native of Maine from coming out of retirement again and again to serve the people of God. The phrase “a priest’s priest” came up more than once as his friends remembered him.

His funeral Mass was celebrated Jan. 17 at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus with Bishop Richard F. Stika presiding and more than 45 priests and 15 deacons taking part. A receiving of friends was held that morning at the cathedral as well as Jan. 16 at St. Joseph Church in Norris, where Monsignor Gahagan served multiple times and where his remains will be inurned in the parish columbarium.

Concelebrating the funeral Mass were cathedral rector Father David Boettner, homilist

Father Mike Creson, Father Peter Iorio, Father Mike Nolan, Father Michael Cummins, and Father Brent Shelton. Father Cummins led the final commendation for his mentor and friend, and Father Nolan sang the “Celtic Song of Farewell” at the end of Mass.

Bishop Stika visited Monsignor Gahagan, who helped found what later became Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, on Jan. 8, the Sunday before he died.

“At one point we talked about Pope Benedict’s last words: ‘Jesus, I love you.’ And Bill had made a comment, not knowing that in two days he would be called home to God, he said, ‘I hope those are the words on my lips when I die: Jesus, I love you,’” the bishop said. “Throughout his years of life, he told Jesus that. He witnessed to that and did it in many different ways. So, today we commend him to Almighty God. We pray for him, and we pray that he might pray for us.”

Before Bishop Stika departed from Monsignor Gahagan, the two shared a special moment.

“As I left on that Sunday, I knelt down before him. I asked for his priestly blessing, which maybe was his last. I got up and kissed him on the forehead. I said, ‘I’ll see you, Bill, next time,’ and he said, ‘God love you,’” the bishop said. “We also talked about death and how he still wanted to get better and maybe return to being a pastor for the 200th time after retirement. But he said, ‘If the good ol’ Lord is ready for me, I’ll be ready for Him.’ A true man of God.”

Father Creson said in his homily that “Isaiah reminds us that our God will destroy death forever.”

“We believe that. We are here around the body of Monsignor Bill Gahagan to pray for him, that he may join the saints in glory. We believe in resurrection and God’s love. I don’t know anyone who preached more about God’s love than Monsignor Bill. It was as constant as his Maine accent.”

Finding the way, the truth, and the life

The future priest graduated from Lewiston High School in Maine in 1955.

“After high school, the 17-year-old Bill Gahagan, following his love for the sea, enlisted in the U.S. Navy,” Father Creson said. “After months of chronic seasickness, he later sought out air and ground service in the U.S. Air Force. His European assignments afforded him an audience with Pope Pius XII, who asked him, ‘What are you going to do with your life?’ The young William replied, ‘I don’t know.’

“Luckily for all of us, Monsignor Bill found the way, the truth, and the life.”

Father Creson quoted John’s Gospel and the promise of the Lord that there would be “many dwelling places” for His people in heaven.

“I think Bill felt everyone had a place because God’s love is so overwhelming,” Father Creson said. “From Hassett to Holly, Monsignor Bill poured out his love on his family of dogs. He would want us to know that if we can love God’s many creatures, how much more God loves us. It is grace and salvation freely given and not earned. It is a pure gift

from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Stories about Monsignor Gahagan “are almost legendary,” and everyone—bishop, priest, deacon, seminarian, religious Sister and Brother, and parishioner—“has been affected by one of his tales,” Father Creson said.

“One story from his days as a seminarian illustrates so well who he is. Upon entering seminary for the Diocese of Nashville, Bill was sent to Chicago to study Latin. The priestprofessor hands the young William his graded test paper with a perfect zero. After class, he goes to the professor and says, ‘I’ll go ahead and drop the class.’ The teacher responds, ‘I never said you were failing. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.’ Certainly, you don’t want your neurosurgeon to have a zero. But the professor knew the young Bill Gahagan was going to be a fine doctor of the soul, a beloved priest.”

Many of those present at the funeral Mass “have sought out Monsignor’s wisdom,” Father Creson continued.

“Like St. Peter, he may get the details askew, but the big things he gets right,” he said. “He is the Thomas Aquinas of common sense and spiritual insight. Monsignor Bill made life more livable for the rest of us.”

What you see with Monsignor Gahagan is what you get, Father Creson noted.

“I doubt that he ever had a thought on being anything different,” he said. “When you were

in the company of Monsignor Bill, you never had to guess what kind of mood he was in or what he wanted. He was simply a man of God who lived joyfully in the lives of his family, friends, and parishioners.

“We love Monsignor Bill because we so often wish we could be more like him. He wants us to know that Jesus is OK with you. You need to be OK with who you are. Smooth out the rough edges, and you are good to go.”

For all of the laity, his parishioners, staff, and friends, Monsignor Gahagan “poured out his life with love for all of you,” Father Creson said. “All of you gave such purpose and joy to his life. Monsignor Bill loved without reason because one can never partition off God’s love. We now give him over to the Lord, faithfully knowing that perpetual light will shine upon him.”

A monsignor and his bishop

At the end of Mass, Bishop Stika said he had been spending “a good deal of time” with Monsignor Gahagan in recent weeks.

“I’ve been filling in in Norris and Clinton as an assisting priest, and he concelebrated with me on Christmas Eve, so it was his last Christmas to be able to celebrate Eucharist,” the bishop said. “He talked a lot about priesthood. He talked a lot about his ‘children,’ the dogs, and his piano, a beautiful—I guess it’s a mini-grand piano—that took up half of a room, that he was playing. He talked about his support group: Father Creson is a member of that, and Father Nolan and Father Alex [Waraksa] and Father [Michael] Sweeney, how much he depended on them for support.”

Monsignor Gahagan wasn’t above visiting a casino now and then.

“He talked about how often he would make a pilgrimage, and I didn’t know there was a shrine somewhere in Cherokee, N.C. He told me he prayed there a lot,” Bishop Stika said. The monsignor “was a priest’s priest,” the bishop added.

“At the end of any conversation, he would say, ‘God love you,’ and he meant it. I don’t think he ever talked ill about anybody. He didn’t participate in gossip, which could happen amongst people. He just appreciated 52 years of priesthood. He talked about the priesthood—it was almost like a love affair with Jesus, and he actually saw in you, God’s people, the presence of Jesus. He did that in his parish assignments. He did that in his hospital work. He did that when he was a high school chaplain at Knoxville Catholic. He was one of the founders of what is now Catholic Charities, and today I’m announcing that we’re going to formulate an award in his name, in his honor, for someone of charity. I don’t want his name to be separated ever from being truly the face of Jesus to people that he met.”

The earlier years

William Hassett Gahagan was born Sept. 27, 1937, in Lewiston, Maine, to John Thomas and Winnifred Hassett Kearns Gahagan. He was baptized and later confirmed at St. Patrick Church in Lewiston. He attended Jordan Grammar School and Lewiston High School.

As a 13-year-old, the young Bill Gahagan drew newspaper attention when he saved the life of a 6-year-old girl by swimming out to rescue her after she had stepped into a hole off Popham Beach, Maine. The girl’s mother had called the teen’s attention to her daughter’s plight.

The future priest’s Air Force service, which took him to France, brought him to Tennessee in the 1950s when he was stationed at Joelton Air Force Station. In 1962, he was accepted as a seminarian for the Diocese of Nashville. He attended college at St. Pius X Seminary in Erlanger, Ky., before going on to study for the priesthood at St. John Seminary in Little Rock, Ark., and Notre Dame School of Theology in New Orleans.

He was ordained to the priesthood on Jan. 31, 1970, at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville with Bishop Joseph A. Durick presiding.

That same year, he served as an instructor at Knoxville Catholic High School, as an assistant chaplain at St. Mary’s Hospital in Knoxville, and as director of Knoxville Catholic Charities and spiritual moderator for the Ladies of Charity.

In the mid-1970s, he began Monsignor continued on page A5

A priest's priest Monsignor Bill Gahagan is shown in his official portrait upon being named a monsignor in 2017.

Blessings for a brother priest Bishop Richard F. Stika sprinkles holy water on the casket of Monsignor Bill Gahagan in the narthex of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus at the end of the Jan. 17 funeral Mass. Monsignor Gahagan's brother priests surround the casket.

BILL BREWER

THE EAST TENNESSEE CATHOLIC ARCHIVE PHOTO

DAN MCWILLIAMS

Heartfelt homily Father Mike Creson delivers the homily during the funeral Mass for Monsignor Bill Gahagan on Jan. 17 at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

his long association as pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Norris and St. Therese in Clinton. He continued to serve as a chaplain at St. Mary’s while also being named Knoxville Deanery director of vocations, and his service extended to Our Lady of Perpetual Help in LaFollette and St. Thérèse of Lisieux in Cleveland.

He served as pastor of St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge from 1984 to 1987 and pastor of St. Dominic in Kingsport from 1987 to 1995, marking his 25th anniversary of ordination in his final year in Kingsport. During that time, in 1988, he became incardinated into the new Diocese of Knoxville. In 1989, he was appointed vicar for charities and established the Columbus Home and Catholic Social Services for the young diocese.

Then-Father Gahagan went on to serve as pastor of St. Mary in Johnson City for many years beginning in 1995, as well as serving as chaplain at East Tennessee State University and as chaplain for Johnson City Medical Center. In the early 2000s, he also served as parochial administrator for St. Elizabeth Parish in Elizabethton and in ministry at the Jesuit House of Prayer in Hot Springs, N.C. In 2005, he returned to St. Joseph in Norris and later served for many additional years as pastor of St. Jude in Helenwood and St. Therese in Clinton.

In spring 2017, the veteran priest was named “a chaplain to His Holiness” and given the title of monsignor. Bishop Stika made the announcement at a meeting of priests at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City, and the roomful of clergy erupted in applause at the news.

Saying farewell

Monsignor Gahagan is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Sonny and Jim Gahagan; and his sister, Mary Fournier. He is survived by his nephew, Michael Fournier Sr.; his niece, Linda Doyon; his great-nephews, Michael Fournier Jr. and Michael Derosier; and his great-niece, Cathy Derosier

At the receiving of friends at St. Joseph in Norris, longtime parish volunteer office assistant Sally Jackson said Monsignor Gahagan “was everything to this parish, everything.”

“He was wonderful. He could address needs wherever they were, and he was there to help you,”

Mrs. Jackson said.

Monsignor Gahagan served at St. Joseph and St. Therese in the 1970s as a young priest as well as an older priest in more recent years

“He came and went and came and went, but he considered us his family, and this was his home,”

Mrs. Jackson said. “He came to Norris in the early ’70s for the first time, and that’s when I met him. He would bring Sisters from up north and have summer vacation Bible school for the children, so the Sisters would stay at our house, and we would do Mass in the backyard for all the children, and that was so nice.”

Margaret Donaldson and husband Bill owe their membership at St. Joseph to Monsignor Gahagan.

“If it hadn’t been for Monsignor Bill, we wouldn’t be here,” Mrs. Donaldson said. “We came and met with him when we were finding a church, and my husband was not Catholic and wanted to come into the Church. We met with him, and he was so kind and so welcoming, and that’s why we are here at St. Joseph. That’s been 15 years ago now. It’s remarkable. He’s such a kind and loving man.”

Two large banners hang to the left and right of the altar at St. Joseph. One banner depicts a pair of hands holding the Body of Christ and the other banner two hands holding the Blood of Christ. The hands may look familiar.

“When we were getting ready to do those, I met with Monsignor Bill,” Mrs. Donaldson said. “He sat down with me, and he held those up and modeled, so those hands

on Jan. 17.

from the 1970s onward. Monsignor Gahagan “meant so much” to the hospital, Sister Martha said.

“He certainly did,” she said. “The day he arrived there was Valentine’s Day. Sister Assisium got a box of chocolates in the shape of a heart and put it in his room to welcome him. He has always been such a blessing to each and every Sister, all the employees, the patients. He was always there. They organized a pastoral care department, and he was key in getting some chaplains together in order to be able to provide the spiritual care and the support for all the St. Mary’s people. He was one of a kind. He was always in the middle of whatever was going on.”

Monsignor Gahagan could even help fill special requests at St. Mary’s.

“One day, this person up on the oncology floor was dying, a young girl, and she wanted a dog,” Sister Martha said. “So, Sister Yvette called around and finally found a dog, and she and Father Gahagan went to get the dog and managed to get it into the girl’s room up on the oncology floor.”

Father Cummins teared up as he led the final commendation at the funeral Mass. Now the pastor at St. Dominic in Kingsport, the future Father Cummins was a student at ETSU when Monsignor Gahagan was pastor of St. Dominic.

Final commendation Father Mike Cummins, pastor of St. Dominic Parish in Kingsport, incenses the casket of Monsignor Bill Gahagan during the final commendation as part of the Jan. 17 funeral Mass. Father Mike Nolan, pastor of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish in Cleveland, sings the “Celtic Song of Farewell” from the pulpit as Bishop Stika, Father Mike Creson, Deacons Dan Hosford and Walt Otey, and priests of the Diocese of Knoxville stand at left

“When I first started thinking about priesthood, he was one of the first priests that I met, and he welcomed me over to the rectory quite a bit at St. Dominic’s, and now I serve there,” Father Cummins said. “In many ways, he was a big influence.”

Father Cummins remembered being invited, in his pre-seminary days, to St. Dominic for Christmas Eve dinner by Monsignor Gahagan.

Paying respects Friends and parishioners of Monsignor Bill Gahagan pay their respects at a receiving of friends for the longtime Diocese of Knoxville priest at St. Joseph Church in Norris on Jan. 16. As part of the service, the church where Monsignor Gahagan served set up a display to honor their beloved priest

are modeled after his hands, which is kind of a neat thing for me.”

Jane Carter of St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge, where Monsignor Gahagan served as pastor, attended the receiving of friends at St. Joseph.

“We loved Monsignor Bill. He was the priest when we first moved here. We’d been here less than a year when he came to St. Mary’s,” she said. “He was so personable and so loving and so welcoming. He’s the one who got me into religious education and started me in the MLF (ministry and leadership formation). The man got me into church with both feet running.”

The Carter family kept track of Monsignor Gahagan even as he went on to serve at St. Mary in Johnson City and elsewhere.

“We also followed him—we never really lost him,” Mrs. Carter said. “Our son was at ETSU when [Monsignor Gahagan] was at Johnson City, and they reconnected.

Michael lives in Rhode Island and got engaged here in Tennessee. He came here to get engaged so Father Bill could bless the rings because he was a special priest in his life. We’re all going to miss him, that’s for sure. We went to his 25th [anniversary celebration], his 50th, his 40th—we’ve been to all of them.”

Father Jim Haley, CSP, said at St. Joseph that he had known Monsignor Gahagan for many years.

“I came to Knoxville in 1979 and met him shortly after that. He was a fantastic person,” he said. “His sense of humor and his outreach to other people, the way that he helped so many people, was incredible. He was very personable and very approachable. They talk about a ‘priest’s priest,’ but I think very much he was. He had the respect of everyone, really.”

St. Joseph Deacon Dan Hosford remembered his friend.

“Monsignor Bill was a true parent, a true father to everyone in this parish, absolutely,” he said. “I think the one thing that you can say about him is he was full of joy, full of care, full of all the wisdom that comes with caring for so many people, walking the life with so many people.”

Deacon Hosford said Monsignor Gahagan did not forget the less fortunate.

“One thing that he asked me was, ‘Deacon, have you visited those who don’t have anybody this Christmas? This is what we’re called to do, is to walk with those who have no one to walk with them,’” Deacon Hosford said. “Truly, he walked with this parish and with each member.”

At the funeral Mass, Sister Martha Naber, RSM, and Sister Yvette Gillen, RSM, came to honor their longtime co-worker who served alongside many Sisters of Mercy as a chaplain at St. Mary’s Hospital

“I got there a little bit early. He and Father Creson were in there preparing the meal with all of the Masses going on,” he said. “Father Bill got a phone call about a family in need, and so he dropped everything. I went along for the ride. He bought some food for this family, and I think he even got a blanket somewhere. We took the food to the family, and then we just went back to the parish. He never mentioned it—it was just something else in the life, the day, of a priest. But it struck me that there’s something different about the life of a priest, and it’s a life that I wanted, that I was looking for. I think Bill helped me to find that, and so I’m truly grateful for it.”

At the luncheon after the funeral Mass, Father Creson said he was “one of many friends” of Monsignor Gahagan.

“It was a privilege to be here today. I loved him dearly. He was so much of a mentor, an example of what a great priest can be, and I just loved him to death,” he said.

In October 2019, Monsignor Gahagan spoke with The East Tennessee Catholic following the celebration of his 50th anniversary of ordination that September, held a few months early because snow and ice often came during previous celebrations on his actual ordination anniversary in January.

He recalled having heart surgery in 2004 and how then-Bishop Joseph E. Kurtz encouraged him to retire. He agreed to slow down but after a few months found himself back in active ministry. Monsignor Gahagan was retired again at the time of his ETC interview.

“Canonically I am retired, but so far in my head and heart, I am not retired,” he said. “I have always enjoyed the priesthood and the blessings of service I have given to the Lord.”

Monsignor Gahagan said one thing never changed even in retirement.

“That is the center of my life, the Eucharist,” he said. “It still brings me to the point of awe. The people and the sacraments themselves, I find the bloodlines of what we are all about now—and in the world to come. It’s humbling beyond expression.” ■

A solemn Mass Father Mike Cummins, pastor of St. Dominic Parish in Kingsport, joins Bishop Richard F. Stika, left, at the altar during the Liturgy of the Eucharist in the funeral Mass for Monsignor Bill Gahagan. Also at the altar is Father Mike Nolan, center, pastor of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish in Cleveland, and Deacon Walt Otey, right, of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, where the funeral Mass was celebrated

DAN MCWILLIAMS

DAN MCWILLIAMS

BILL BREWER

Marching for life in a post-Roe world

Knoxville event draws hundreds to celebrate an abortion-free Tennessee

By Gabrielle Nolan

Jan. 22 would have commemorated the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade

It would have, if not for the fact that the legislation legalizing abortion throughout the United States was overturned by the Supreme Court on June 24 in the landmark Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision.

This reality informed the theme for this year’s Knoxville March for Life celebration, which was “Goodbye to Roe, Hello to Life.”

The annual march is sponsored by Tennessee Right to Life (TRL), a nonprofit and non-sectarian prolife advocacy organization that is affiliated with the National Right to Life Committee in Washington, D.C.

Stacy Dunn, president of Tennessee Right to Life and executive director of TRL’s Knox County chapter, gave opening remarks to those assembled at the Knoxville Convention Center on Jan. 22.

“It does matter that you are here, and it matters that so many of you have been here year after year after year. You have been so very faithful. But more importantly, God has been faithful,” she said.

“On June 24 of last year, the Supreme Court finally decided what has been known since 1973, there is no right in our U.S. Constitution to kill unborn children,” Mrs. Dunn said. “That decision came too late for the more than 63 million children who have lost their lives under the decision that was wrong from the beginning.”

“The overturning of Roe returned the responsibility of protecting unborn children to the state legislatures. Tennessee was more than ready and happy to accept that responsibility,” she continued. “See, in 2019 we saw this coming. So, Tennessee Right to Life helped to pass the Human Life Protection Act, which said that when Roe was overturned our pre-1973 protections that were on the books would be restored and abortion would once again be illegal in our state with a provision for the life of the mother.”

Mrs. Dunn, a longtime member of Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville, noted that on Aug. 25, Tennessee's Human Life Protection Act went into effect and now it is a Class C felony to intentionally take the life of an unborn child or attempt to do so. Elected officials in attendance at the March for Life rally included state representatives Ed Butler, Bryan Richey, and Jason Zachary; Knox County Commissioner Rhonda Lee; Knox County Board of Education member Steve Triplett; and Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, who spoke to the pro-life crowd.

“We live in the best place in the entire world, but sometimes that actually works to our disadvantage because we’re in such a good place that we have a little complacency, maybe some naivete, about what’s happening,” Mayor Jacobs began. “We look out from our little safe bubble at the rest of the country and we think, man those people are lunatics, right? That’ll never happen here. Then, trust me, as mayor I found out I can never say that because it does end up happening here.”

Mayor Jacobs referenced the pro-abortion protests in downtown Knoxville's Market Square after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade

“Nowadays, it’s shout your abortion, be proud of what you’ve done … that is a cult of death is what that is,” he said. “And that was right here in Knox County, Tenn. It wasn’t in New York City, it wasn’t in San Francisco. It was right here in Knox County, Tenn.”

Mayor Jacobs also addressed reports out of Nashville that the General Assembly wants to reevaluate the “trigger” law, which he stated is the “strongest anti-abortion, pro-

life law in the country.”

“That’s happening right here in Tennessee, and that cannot be allowed to happen,” he said, noting that having a strong pro-life movement may be more important now than ever.

“So, thank you all for having the courage to stand up for your convictions, for being here, and for protecting life here in Tennessee,” Mayor Jacobs said.

During the opening remarks and prayer, proabortion protestors inside the building could be heard shouting outside of the doors to the Convention Center ballroom.

“Today is a day we can look up and we can hear those voices of those babies crying out, saying thank you. We have some voices that we hear, but don’t let those little babies’ voices ever be silenced,” said Knox County Commissioner Lee, responding to the protestors’ chants.

Ms. Lee read a resolution honoring the right to life, which she previously presented to Knox County Commission. The resolution, which would mark the month of January as Right to Life Month in Knox County, was voted on and passed Jan. 23.

Will Brewer, a Knoxville lawyer who also serves as director of government relations and legal counsel for TRL, spoke during the ceremony and invited those in attendance to contact their lawmakers.

“Stay in contact with your legislators, please. We are in a battle that is ongoing,” Mr. Brewer said.

“We are celebrating today; we are celebrating the wisdom of the Supreme Court; we are celebrating the wisdom of the Tennessee General Assembly for passing the Human Life Protection Act in 2019, but we also are leery and cautious that at any given moment that could change.”

“We are always one election and one General Assembly away from the complete overturning of the Human Life Protection Act,” he continued. “Dobbs only said it was up to the states. Right now, this state says we prohibit abortion, but the state could change its mind. So, it’s up to you all to remain vigilant and to make sure that doesn’t change.”

Mr. Brewer, a member of Holy Ghost Parish, explained that the Human Life Protection Act, also known as the “trigger” law, bans all medical and surgical abortions in Tennessee except when a physician believes a woman’s life is in danger or there is an irreversible threat to her physical health.

As the Tennessee General Assembly reconvenes for its 2023 session, some state lawmakers have expressed a desire to change the Human Life Protection Act.

Father Michael Woods, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade, delivered the closing remarks and Benediction.

The march began immediately after the ceremony concluded. The

number of participants was reported at around 500 on the cloudy and damp afternoon.

Participants carried homemade signs and banners with many creative and unique designs, and Tennessee Right to Life provided signs expressing statements such as “Choose life,” “Stop Abortion Now,” and “Follow the Science.”

The march, which began at the Convention Center, had a slightly

A FOCUS on life

Left: Members of the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) at St. John XXIII University Parish on the University of Tennessee-Knoxville campus take part in the Knoxville March for Life on Jan. 22.

All lives matter

Below: Pro-life supporters from throughout East Tennessee, like Ray Chan of St. John Neumann Parish, took part in the first March for Life since Roe v. Wade was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court in June.

different route this year, going down Cumberland Avenue to reach the corner of 16th Street and Clinch Avenue.

Marchers paused for prayer by the building that previously housed an abortion facility, the Knoxville Center for Reproductive Health, which closed last year following the Dobbs decision. The building now has a “For Lease”

March continued on page A10

BILL BREWER

GABRIELLE NOLAN

‘We are not yet done’

March for Life holds first national event after Roe v. Wade overturned

By Kate Scanlon OSV News

Tens of thousands of prolife advocates descended upon the nation's capital for the 50th March for Life Jan. 20 the first national march since the overturn of the U.S. Supreme Court's 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that initially prompted the annual demonstration.

Standing on the event stage at the National Mall, with the U.S. Capitol visible in the background, Jeanne Mancini, March for Life president, told attendees at a rally prior to the march that “the country and world changed” when Roe was reversed in June. But she said the annual March for Life would continue in Washington until abortion is “unthinkable.”

“While the march began as a response to Roe, we don't end as a response to Roe being overturned,” Ms. Mancini said. “Why? Because we are not yet done.”

The march took place on a sunny and unseasonably warm day in Washington, D.C. A headcount of attendees was not immediately available, as the National Park Service does not release crowd size estimates.

The national March for Life first took place in Washington, D.C., in 1974 in response to the Roe decision legalizing abortion nationwide the previous year. The protest has taken place in Washington each year since, with a smaller-inscale event held during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.

The 2023 event was the first national March for Life since the high court’s June ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization that overturned Roe and returned the matter of regulating or restricting abortion to state legislatures.

At the pre-march rally, the Christian band “We Are Messengers” performed, followed by a number of speakers, including Jonathan Roumie, known for his role as “Jesus” in the television series “The Chosen,” former Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy, Democratic Connecticut State Rep. Trenee McGee, and Gianna Emanuela Molla, the daughter of St. Gianna Beretta Molla.

Canonized in 2004, St. Gianna gave her life for Giana Emanuela, choosing to move forward with her fourth pregnancy even after doctors discovered a tumor in her uterus.

Ms. Molla told the rallygoers that she thanks her “saint mom” for the gift of life. “I would not be here now with all of you if I had

not been loved so much,” she said.

Mr. Roumie took a picture of the crowd behind him from the stage, telling marchers to tag themselves on social media, and quipping he is the “TV Jesus,” not the real one.

“God is real and he is completely in love with you,” he said, adding that each person is individually loved by God.

“Remember my dear friends, we know how the story ends: God won,” Mr. Roumie said.

The rally also featured some lawmakers from the U.S. House of Representatives. Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey, a Catholic Republican and co-chair of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, said at the rally, “Future generations will someday look back on us and wonder how and why a society that bragged about its commitment to human rights could have legally sanctioned” abortion.

“The injustice of abortion need not be forever, and with your continued work and prayers, it will

Biden vows to hike abortion pill access on Roe v. Wade anniversary

By Peter Pinedo Catholic News Agency

President Joe Biden issued a memorandum on Jan. 22, the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade , directing federal agencies to support wider access to abortion pills.

In his memo, President Biden called upon the secretary of Health and Human Services, the attorney general, and the secretary of Homeland Security to issue guidance to help women and providers legally obtain abortion drugs.

President Biden’s memo comes after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) changed its policy on Jan. 3 to allow any patient with a prescription to obtain mifepristone from her local retail pharmacy, such as CVS or Walgreens.

Shortly following the FDA’s rule change, both CVS and Walgreens quickly announced they would soon begin offering abortion drugs. Rite Aid announced Jan. 19 that it would dispense the drugs at a limited number of pharmacies and through the mail.

Abortion drug distribution remains legally limited to hospitals, clinics, and physicians’ offices in states such as Texas and Florida.

In Tennessee, which has the strongest pro-life law in the country regarding abortion pills, the pills such as mifepristone and misoprostol are completely banned.

In the Jan. 22 memo, President Biden vowed to fight state efforts to limit abortion drug distribution.

“My administration remains committed to supporting safe access to mifepristone, consistent with applicable law, and defending women’s fundamental freedoms,” the president said in the memorandum.

Mifepristone is the first of the two pills used in a chemical abortion. The drug works by cutting off nutrients necessary for a fetus to continue developing. Mifepristone is commonly taken with a second drug, misoprostol, which is ingested 24 to 48 hours later and induces contractions that expel the dead unborn child.

Abortion continued on page A18

not be,” Rep. Smith said.

Prior to speaking to the sea of pro-life marchers on the National Mall, Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch, who argued the Dobbs case before the Supreme Court, told OSV News that “empowering women and promoting life” were the next steps post-Roe

“Some of the things that we're talking about in Mississippi and promoting legislation on are workplace flexibility options, particularly for mothers,” she said. “We lose young mothers because they don't have any options. They don't have that flexibility. We've got to have childcare. It's got to be affordable, accessible, and quality.”

Ms. Fitch said she wants to see the pro-life movement do “some heavy lifts” to push laws enhancing child support enforcement and reforming the adoption or foster care systems.

“(These systems) are failing our children; they're broken,” Ms. Fitch said. “We've got to make those

(changes) happen and put those children in these loving families.”

Speaking with OSV News at the march, Kristan Hawkins, president of the pro-life group Students for Life of America, said the next front of her organization's activism will focus on fighting the spread of medication abortion.

Ms. Hawkins said the pro-life movement should also focus on broadening the social safety net and its remaining goals at the federal level, such as stripping Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest single abortion provider, of taxpayer funds.

“We're walking and running and chewing gum all at the same time,“ she said.

“There is a lot for us to do as a nation, especially raising awareness among its citizens,“ Isalyn Aviles Rodríguez, who came to the march from Miami, told OSV News. Ms. Rodríguez said she was motivated to march because “the nation needs to know that children are part of God’s plan from conception until natural death.“

As in prior years, the march drew teenage advocates for life as well. Angeline Moro, 14, from Trenton, N.J., attended the event to learn how to raise her voice in defense of the most vulnerable.

“We all need to have a chance to live,“ Angeline said.

At various events leading up to the march, pro-life advocates joined together in prayer and solidarity.

At the Jan. 19 opening Mass for the annual National Prayer Vigil for Life, the night before the march, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington, Va., said in his homily that the pro-life movement has “much to celebrate“ because Roe v. Wade is no more.

But, he added, a “new important phase“ for the cause of life “begins now.“

“Our efforts to defend life must be as tireless as ever“ not only to change laws but also hearts“ with steadfast faith in the grace and power of God to do so,“ said Bishop Burbidge, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities.

The event, held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., drew between 6,000 and 6,500 people, with most of the congregation filling the Great Upper Church. Dozens also viewed the Mass via screens in the lower level of the basilica.

Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United

Life continued on page A8

Standing for life Top photo: Pro-life advocates gather for the 50th annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 20. Bottom photo: Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington, Va., chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, gives the invocation at the 50th annual March for Life on Jan. 20.

The Eucharistic Revival is underway — and you’re invited

Each parish and Catholic community is being asked to take part in celebrating love of the Eucharist

By Deacon Jim Bello and Emily Booker

Catholics across East Tennessee are invited to reflect and deepen their connection to Jesus in the Eucharist during the National Eucharistic Revival, now underway.

The revival is a movement to restore understanding of and devotion to the mystery of the Eucharist in the United States.

One of the prompts for a national revival was a 2019 Pew Research study that found 69 percent of Catholics don’t believe the Church’s teaching that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist.

Overall, 43 percent of Catholics believe that the bread and wine are symbolic and also incorrectly think that this reflects the position of the Church.

Still, one-in-five Catholics (22 percent) reject the idea of transubstantiation even though they know the Church’s teaching.

This lack of understanding of the source and summit of the faith can seem discouraging.

But this revival offers Diocese of Knoxville faithful an opportunity to improve understanding and foster a genuine love of the Eucharist.

During this time, every Catholic is invited to explore the meaning of Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist—body and blood, soul and divinity—and to respond to the gift of the Eucharist. Each Catholic also is being called to go out and invite others so that they may come to know and love Jesus, too.

The revival is designed to impact every level of the Church, from the home and parish to the national stage. The plan for the revival, according to the national planning committee, includes five pillars:

n To foster encounters with Jesus through kerygmatic proclamation and experiences of eucharistic devotion.

n To contemplate and proclaim the doctrine of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist through the truth of the Church’s teaching, the beauty of the Church’s worship, and goodness of a life of service.

Life continued from page A7

States, read a message from Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, issued on behalf of Pope Francis, who imparted his blessing on all those participating in the March for Life.

“His Holiness trusts that Almighty God will strengthen the commitment of all, especially the young, to persevere in their efforts aimed at protecting human life in all its stages, especially through adequate legal measures enacted at every level of society,“ the message said.

The Mass was followed by a “Holy Hour for Life“ at the basilica, which launched a series of holy hours of eucharistic devotion throughout the night in dioceses across the country. Auxiliary Bishop Joseph L. Coffey of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services celebrated Mass at 8 a.m. on Jan. 20 to close the vigil.

Meanwhile, hundreds of teens and young adults from the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., gathered at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle for the Youth Mass of Celebration and Thanksgiving for Life, where homilist Father Robert Kilner of Solomons, Md., urged them to be “witnesses to life, witnesses to the truth that every life matters.“

“Pray and be confident that God can and will do great things,“ he said. “Witness by the way you love your family, and especially the smallest, most helpless around you. Witness by your words in defense of the unborn, witness to God's mercy, inviting everyone back to the joy of confession.“

Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory of Washington, D.C., the principal celebrant of the youth Mass, said it was “a special joy for me to be able to celebrate this Eucharist with you, our young, youthful, joyful, happy Church.“

Across town, at the Entertainment & Sports Arena in Washington's Congress Heights

n To empower grassroots creativity by partnering with movements, apostolates, educational institutions, and parishes.

n To reach the smallest unit: parish small groups and families.

n To embrace and learn from the various rich intercultural eucharistic traditions.

There is an unmistakable excitement around the Eucharistic Revival in the Diocese of Knoxville and a curiosity about practical ways to

neighborhood, another new premarch event welcomed a sold-out crowd of pro-lifers. Sponsored by the Sisters of Life and the Knights of Columbus, the early morning Life Fest drew some 4,200 people most of them teens and young adults for a program of prayer, worship music, and personal testimonies that concluded with eucharistic adoration and Mass.

“The law has changed … (but) hearts need to change toward advancing a culture of life in this nation,“ Sister of Life Mariae Agnus Dei told OSV News. “Some of the biggest battles are in front of us.“

Celebrating “the gift of life and the beauty of the human person“ is essential to that task, she said.

The thousands of attendees at these events then streamed into the National Mall, where they assembled at the noon rally and prepared to begin marching an hour later.

With the overturn of Roe, organizers had planned for a reworked march route, resulting in a new final destination: the East Front of the U.S. Capitol, symbolizing the movement's new goals. However, restrictions on the use of sticks for signage put in place by the U.S. Capitol Police after the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol resulted in the route instead passing by the West Front. For the 50th time, the national march ended in the same spot: before the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Morgan Ehlis, a student from the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D., told OSV News that being in Washington with “like-minded people“ was an “overwhelming experience.“

“I'm grateful to be pro-life,“ the North Dakota student said. “It's swimming upstream for sure, but (this is a) big support group we have.“ ■

Julie Asher, Gina Christian, Marietha

and Kurt Jensen contributed to this report.

One of the prompts for a national revival was a 2019 Pew Research study that found 69 percent of Catholics don’t believe the Church’s teaching that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist.

participate. The Office of Christian Formation is offering resources to help parishes and individuals embrace this revival and promote the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

Throughout the revival, the diocese will be organizing processions, gatherings, and likely at least one diocesan eucharistic gathering in 2024.

Parishes also will be hosting special eucharistic events, talks on the Eucharist, and an increase in adoration. Parish missionaries in each parish will be available to help implement a renewed focus on the Eucharist in every Catholic community.

The Eucharistic Revival in the Diocese of Knoxville should be one of communio, or unity and community, that serves to bring God’s children together with Christ at its center.

Parishioners can participate by personally inviting others to small groups, book studies, and sharing personal experiences. Parish ministries can begin to include a few minutes of eucharistic adoration in meetings, and parishioners can form prayer groups to pray for the success of the revival.

A calendar of events for significant parish and deanery activities, as well as resources designed to facilitate eucharistic evangelization and catechesis, is available at dioknox.org/revival in English and dioknox.org/avivamiento in Spanish.

The webpages also feature testimonials of eucharistic experiences from parishioners, resources to help guide small groups, and information about the National Eucharistic Revival and Eucharistic Congress.

In July 2024, the National Eucharistic Congress will be held in Indianapolis, calling tens of thousands of people from all over the country Revival continued on page A19

The Real Presence Father Julian Cardona, associate pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Lenoir City, leads a eucharistic procession outside of Immaculate Conception Church in June. Father Cardona is being assisted by members of Knights of Columbus Council 16523 at Holy Ghost Church. Photo by Bill Brewer

Góngora,

Helping youth in need Catholic Charities Safe Place for Kids supports Department of Children's Services

By Gabrielle Nolan

In Knox County, children in custody with the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) need a safe place to sleep at night.

A November report by WBIR10News revealed that children were sleeping in DCS offi ces due to a lack of placement resources, such as foster homes or shelters, in addition to DCS staffi ng shortages.

Knox County Juvenile Court Judge Tim Irwin believes there has been a problem since the initial COVID epidemic.

“The Department of Children ’ s Services has been severely shortstaffed,” Judge Irwin explained. “They’re down, currently, 46 percent of their workforce. The agencies that contract with the department are also down signifi cantly, and what this does is results in less people to do the work of investigating foster-care supervision (and) placement.”

Judge Irwin, a parishioner of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, is entering his 18th year as a judge.

“You don’t get bogged down with statistics and numbers,” he said. “It’s a one-child-at-a-time business, and you do the best you can for every kid that appears in front of you, no matter what the circumstances are. You use all the resources that you can muster.”

“Sometimes, lately, we’ve been running out of resources, and that’s tragic,” Judge Irwin said. “To say the system has almost collapsed would not be inaccurate.”

Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, a partner with the Department of Children’s Services, offered their services to aid children in need through their Columbus Home Safe Place for Kids, which opened in April 2022.

“While everybody else is step-

ping away, Catholic Charities stepped up to help our department and help our youth in a time of dire need,” Judge Irwin said. “The work at Catholic Charities Safe Place has just come up and knocked it out of the ballpark to help some of our kids that need the help the most.”

Columbus Home Safe Place for Kids

Lisa Healy, executive director of Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, noted the staffi ng shortage for DCS and the “great resignation” that has happened throughout the country post-COVID.

“It’s been really, really tough for

DCS to do what they do, but they do it with great care and they do it the best that they can. We really are a very proud partner of, fi rst and foremost, our children in Knox County and [Knoxville], but with the Department of Children’s Services and with the juvenile court,” Mrs. Healy said. “Any way that we can help them, if we can do it, we’re going to do it.”

Judge Irwin and DCS approached Mrs. Healy last year asking if they had a space to safely host children in need.

“Columbus Home Safe Place for Kids is a new program that Catholic Charities opened in response to the need of children in Knox County,” she continued. “These kids are already in the custody of the Department of Children’s Services.”

Judge Irwin noted that Safe Place for Kids is not used for treatment or rehabilitation but is a temporary solution “until we can fi nd [the children] a permanent placement bed for them to stay and get the services that they need.”

“Catholic Charities has stepped up during this time in order to keep kids from sleeping on the fl oor of the DCS offi ces and has come up with safe places to enable the kids to go stay in more of a home environment with a worker there,” Judge Irwin said. “It makes it much easier, and it’s much more suitable for shortterm stays.”

Catholic Charities’ Safe Place for Kids has a dual space where children in DCS custody can safely stay and DCS employees can work near the children.

For the children, there is a desk to do homework, and there is availability for a tutor; there are movies and video games to enjoy; there is a kitchenette where the children can help themselves to

Saturday, April 29, 2023

Victor Ashe Park

EAST TENNESSEE CATHOLIC

A Safe Place for Kids Above: Catholic Charities of East Tennessee executive director Lisa Healy, left, and Judd Van Sickle, facilities manager of Safe Place for Kids, show off the kitchenette space inside the facility. Below: Knox County Juvenile Court Judge Tim Irwin is shown on the bench in his courtroom. Judge Irwin and CCETN are working together to provide quality temporary housing and care for juveniles who are under Department of Children’ s Services oversight.

GABRIELLE NOLAN

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Cardinal Dolan: Church must pivot ‘ from maintenance to mission’

By Tom Tracy OSV News

During a visit to Florida's St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York encouraged South Florida Catholics to find a silver lining as they confront declining religious observance, shuttered churches, dioceses in bankruptcy, and diminished cultural clout.

Examining the legacy of what he called “usedto-be-Catholicism,” which assumed the cultural acceptance of faith practice that he grew up with during the 1950s and 1960s in his native Midwest, Cardinal Dolan wondered aloud how to overcome negative trends facing the Catholic Church.

“It’s over and we know it, so what now? What takes its place because we are convinced

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snacks and microwavable meals; a basketball court and walking trail are on the property; and, if needed, there are bedrooms for the children to stay overnight. Clothing and hygienic items also are provided.

“But in that same space, DCS has a place to continue to work on their computers, working to place the kids in their custody,” Mrs. Healy said. “So, these case managers have a place to work while they’re with their kids, and their kids have age-appropriate kid activities in the same place. So, it’s a win-win.”

The Safe Place for Kids environment has greatly helped reduce the number of children sleeping on the DCS office floors, but there are still occasionally kids who go without a bed.

“Once in a while, we fill up even all the beds that Catholic Charities has provided and there still are, regrettably, some kids sleeping in the DCS offices. But not nearly as many as there was before the program started,” Judge Irwin said.

‘We’re still serving kids’

Judge Irwin noted that part of the solution will be finding more organizations to partner with DCS to safely house children until they are placed.

“I mean, here we got the Catholic Church through their charitable arm of Catholic Charities taking care of kids who I bet are 9899 percent Protestant, and that’s OK. Let’s get some of these other faiths to reach out and do the same thing; that’d be great,” he said.

The juvenile court judge also hopes that long-term-care organizations get restaffed and that more foster homes open up, or that more individuals decide to become foster parents.

“And of course, we’d like to have a fully staffed Department of Children’s Services,” Judge Irwin said.

Amid the struggles within the system, Mrs. Healy recognizes the dedication of DCS employees.

“I’ve not ever met somebody that works for DCS that doesn’t have a love for these kids deep down in their heart. They do a wonderful job,” Mrs. Healy said.

“It is so evident that the best interests of those children are always first and foremost on Judge Irwin’s mind,” she continued. “When you go to his court … there’s toys for those kids to play with while he’s working

March continued from page A6

sign in the front yard.

“Tennessee’s law is honestly one of the strongest in the nation, and it has made a difference,” Mrs. Dunn said. “That building, where for decades children died and women cried, that building is now empty, has been sold, and is for lease, praise God.”

Married couple Blake and Morgan Chapman, parishioners at Holy Ghost in Knoxville, attended the local march.

“It was my first time; I’ve always wanted to go in (Washington) D.C., just was never able to,” said Mr. Chapman. “It was very crazy, very impactful.”

He noted that they were near the back of the march line, where protestors were actively following the march.

“We were kind of catching the brunt of all the counter-protestors, which was crazy, but we were just praying a rosary… I was pretty much screaming the rosary the whole time,” Mr. Chapman said. “It was a lot of spiritual warfare going

something must and we are speaking about the Church?” the cardinal asked during a Jan. 19 lecture at the Boynton Beach seminary, which serves the dioceses of Florida and is situated near West Palm Beach.

“We are today in what (sociologists) would call a paradigm shift: meaning we have a significant transition in attitude, approach, and strategy… about the Church. Probably, the most accurate description of that shift is from maintenance to mission,” Cardinal Dolan said.

“I worry many of us bishops and many priests are still in the maintenance mode where we are tending to a museum, taking care of what we had and hoping something comes along to help us,” he said. “And that shift of focus is what Pope Francis means when he summons us frequently and joyfully to ‘missionary discipleship.’”

Cardinal Dolan noted the role that new immigrant arrivals to the United States, along with population shifts, have brought to parts of the Church, including his Archdiocese of New York,

"So, we’re working, and we’re still here, and we’re trying every day. And Catholic Charities has been a huge ally in that struggle We’re still serving kids. [CCETN] has filled a need that nobody else is willing to come in and fill, and I’m eternally grateful. "

with the parents; there’s stuffed animals that he sends those kids home with.”

Mrs. Healy acknowledged that Judge Irwin created a safety council that meets every other month with shareholders involved with juveniles.

“There’s always a brain trust thinking about, you know, what do we have out there in resources to support kids? And more importantly, what do we need, and how do we get that going?” she said.

“If there’s something needed for the kids in the county, he’s the man to see; he’s the man that makes it happen, and he does it with a huge heart because not only is he just a wonderful man, but he’s involved,” Mrs. Healy said. “The children and families of Knox County are lucky to have him as an advocate and judge working in the judicial system on behalf of the kids.”

Judge Irwin is thankful for Safe Place for Kids because it helps “kids that are in dire need, that are stressed out anyway, that don’t need to be sleeping in an office.”

He noted that bandage solutions will lead to “a larger fix soon.”

“So, we’re working, and we’re still here, and we’re trying every day. And Catholic Charities has been a huge ally in that struggle,” he said. “We’re still serving kids. [CCETN] has filled a need that nobody else is willing to come in and fill, and I’m eternally grateful.” ■

Caring for kids Catholic Charities of East Tennessee ’ s Safe Place for Kids in Knoxville provides quality housing and care for children who are under Department of Children's Services oversight . The photos above show an activity room and a bedroom with bunk beds for youth who are sheltered at the facility. Knox County Juvenile Court is working with Catholic Charities to assist DCS in housing children on a temporary basis as DCS works to provide permanent housing for the children

we live and just support life… super powerful,” she said.

Looking toward the next pro-life rally and march, Mrs. Dunn noted that it is likely Tennessee Right to Life will mark the anniversary of the Dobbs decision on June 24.

Mrs. Dunn said she does not want people to forget that for almost 50 years there was a “holocaust that Roe allowed.”

“We never want to forget what has happened in our land and that so many babies have died,” she said. Legislation also continues to be a top priority for Mrs. Dunn and Tennessee Right to Life.

on, but it was really impactful.”

Mr. Chapman, who works with campus ministry at the University of Tennessee, is also very passionate about the pro-life movement and wanted to “get as many people out here as possible” for the march.

Mrs. Chapman is currently pregnant and said the march “definitely hit home a lot more” and she “felt the emotions of it all a lot more.”

“I have been to the March for Life in D.C., and it was just really cool to do that here in Knoxville where

“As far as legislation, we’re going to try to keep our law strong, the one the people of Tennessee and their legislators passed, so that we’ll be able to protect all unborn children,” she said. “Then we’ll also be working to make sure taxpayer funding does not go to take vulnerable unborn children across state lines to have them aborted.”

For more information about Tennessee Right to Life, visit www.tnrtl.org ■

COURTESY

Cardinal Dolan

— Judge Tim Irwin Knox County Juvenile Court

Mission continued on page A19

Faithful advocates Lisa Morris, a parishioner at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, and Father Alex Hernandez, associate pastor of All Saints Parish in Knoxville, take part in the 2023 March for Life.

GABRIELLE NOLAN

its independently audited financial report for the 2021-22 fiscal year. The report is placed on the diocesan website and in The East Tennessee Catholic newspaper.

Bishop Stika called it “a very good year” for the diocese. Parish offertory was up nearly 10 percent, and the Bishop’s Appeal for ministries, something the bishop refers to as “the lifeblood of all that we do with our social programs,” is expected to top $3 million for the first time in diocesan history.

“Your commitment and generosity have allowed our diocese to prudently reduce debt, educate seminarians, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, provide medical care for the uninsured, form our young people in the Catholic faith, and helped our diocese grow in many other ways that fulfill Jesus’ call to evangelize,” Bishop Stika said in a letter that accompanied the report’s publication.

“People in this diocese are extremely generous,” he said during the recent interview. “When COVID hit, there was uncertainty in every diocese in the United States. With that uncertainty, we had to ask, should we cut back, should we trim budgets? But we have been pretty good with the predictability of our budgets. This fiscal year we should be under budget again; I think that's two years in a row.”

The bishop said the diocese extended tangible financial rewards to employees by providing significant direct contributions to health savings accounts in 2022 and by providing health-care premium holidays for two months.

Parishioners dug deep to help people and causes outside of East Tennessee. Through special parish collections, the diocese raised more than $340,000 to help victims of the Russian war in Ukraine.

The bishop believes, despite its status as a mission diocese, that the Catholic Church in East Tennessee has shown it is capable of great things as it moves ahead in 2023.

“We must make sure we are able to stand on our own two feet. We can't always think that we're a small diocese that nobody pays attention to,” he said. “People have helped us along the way, organizations like Catholic Extension, … but we also have to stand on our own feet to be available to help other people.”

The Diocese of Knoxville supports its parishes and ministries in different, yet very impactful ways. That support grew in 2022.

n The St. Mary’s Legacy Foundation designated nearly $1.5 million in combined grant distributions in 2022 and 2023. More than $733,000 went to support diocesan Catholic schools and tuition assistance, and $354,500 assisted parish St. Vincent de Paul conferences and Catholic Charities of East Tennessee programs.

n The Pope Francis Charitable Trust Fund distributed more than $106,000 in 2022. The matching grants assist parish charitable efforts. Those efforts include direct, grassroots services to assist the poor in the form of food, shelter,

and clothing.

n The Catholic Foundation of East Tennessee distributed more than $125,000 in 2022. Since its inception, the fund has given almost $3.9 million in support of seminarian education and property purchases for building churches.

n The Catholic Education Trust Fund provided more than $550,000 for education at 10 Catholic schools in 2021-22. It will distribute more than $560,000 this fiscal year.

When the COVID pandemic struck, Bishop Stika gave parishes an opportunity to expand technical capabilities, including the development of new websites and the purchase and installation of video streaming equipment. Nearly $200,000 was

distributed to parishes between 2020 and 2022 for this effort.

n The Bishop’s Appeal for Ministries is “the lifeblood” of diocesan charity, Bishop Stika said. In 2022, the appeal is expected to raise more than $3 million for the first time in history.

It distributed $578,000 for Christian formation, $500,000 for clergy and seminarian education, $500,000 for Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, and $465,000 for youth, young adult, and college campus ministries. Additional funds were used to support the Office of Justice and Peace and the St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic.

“I think the numbers we’re seeing are barometers that indicate people believe in what we are doing. If people don't trust you or they don't like your vision, they will not give,” Bishop Stika said. “A gift to the Church isn't because of my personality; a gift to the Church is to help people on their journey in life and faith.”

Spiritual growth

The Church is built in various ways, and the Diocese of Knoxville is no different. Spiritual growth was measured by the number of sacraments offered, Masses celebrated, and a few shovels of God’s good earth being turned.

Major work started on building a new St. Alphonsus Church in Crossville. Father Mark Schuster, recently installed as pastor there, is now leading the effort that began under Father Jim Harvey.

“They have a really nice facility for classrooms and a parish hall, and they have been worshiping on Sunday at the parish hall, which means after Mass on Sunday they have had to pick up all the chairs and move them back and forth all these years,” the bishop said.

“I visited Crossville a few weeks ago to bless a bell that was gifted to the parish and will be placed in the new belltower there. I am going back in March to dedicate the church,” the bishop added. “It is going gangbusters. It will be a beautiful, beautiful church.”

In Chattanooga, a strong Vietnamese community recently established as a Public Association of the Faithful is raising enough money to purchase a building for its own church.

“This will give us two vibrant Vietnamese worship communities, our parish in Knoxville, and God

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Breaking new ground Bishop Richard F. Stika, center, is joined by St. Alphonsus Parish pastor Mark Schuster, to the bishop's left, and others in breaking ground for the new St. Alphonsus Church building in Crossville in December 2021. The new church building is expected to be completed this year. Photo by Jim Wogan.

Growing the Church in East Tennessee The new St. Alphonsus church building in Crossville takes shape in this October photo. Construction on the project is expected to be completed this year.

BILL BREWER

New home for a young and growing community St. John Paul II Catholic Mission members moved into their new church home in Rutledge in 2022. Bishop Stika celebrated a special dedication Mass in the church on May 29. The Grainger County building includes sanctuary, office, and social space.

JIM WOGAN (2)

Standing room only Members of St. John Paul II Catholic Mission fill their new church in Rutledge on May 29. They outgrew their former storefront worship space and worked with Bishop Stika in completing the building project. Bishop Stika dedicated the building during Sunday morning Mass.

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Extending the healing hands of Jesus Staff from St. Mary's Legacy Clinic and Catholic Charities of East Tennessee cut the ribbon on a new partnership to provide medical and pregnancy care in Helenwood at St. Jude Church

JIM WOGAN

the little crosses or routine sacrifices of each day can be the “green” vestment of our “ordinary” sacrifices.”

The “violet” vestment represents the penitential practices that help us say “yes” to God more readily in all He asks of us in the various circumstances of life.

The rarest color is that of the “rose” vestment representing the “sacrifice of joy” (Psalm 27:6) that should accompany our every sacrifice for love of God and neighbor. And in standing at the foot of the cross with those who mourn, the heavily burdened, the sick and dying, there is the “black” vestment of our compassion and solidarity. Though black vestments were traditionally worn for

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willing, someday a full parish in Chattanooga. The diocese already celebrates Masses in English, Spanish, Korean, Tagalog (Philippine) Swahili, and Polish. For a small diocese in a region perceived as not being very diverse, we truly reflect the global Catholic Church here,” Bishop Stika said.

The bishop traveled to Rutledge to dedicate the new St. John Paul II Church in May.

“Thanks to the presence of the Glenmary priests, we have three Catholic churches in remote communities where once there were none,” Bishop Stika noted. “In recent years, I was able to dedicate new churches in Maynardville (St. Teresa of Kolkata) and in Erwin (St. Michael the Archangel), and now the community in Rutledge is growing and I was able to dedicate their new church in 2022.

“It was a blessing seeing the members of this parish work hard to move from their rented space in a strip mall to a new church they built and can call their own.”

In May, Bishop Stika ordained Joseph Austin, Neil Blatchford, and Andrew Crabtree to the transitional diaconate. All three men are scheduled to be elevated to the priesthood this year. Bishop Stika also ordained 23 new permanent deacons in June. In December, he incardinated Father Valentin Iurochkin, a priest from Russia, into the Diocese of Knoxville.

“Father Valentin has been a gift. He serves faithfully and with enthusiasm at both the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul and as the chaplain at the Catholic Center on the campus of the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga,” Bishop Stika pointed out.

Last month, Bishop Stika traveled to Mexico City to ordain Renzo Alvarado Suarez as a transitional deacon for the Diocese of Knoxville.

“Our vocations are strong, but we can’t rest on our laurels. We can ’ t just say we ’ re fine, we are getting enough priests. No, because we have guys who are retiring and guys who deservedly maybe don ’ t want the responsibility to be a pastor anymore, but they still want to function as a priest. We have lost several good priests who passed away lately: Father (Joe) Brando, Monsignor (Bob) Hofstetter, Father (Christopher) Riehl, and Monsignor (Bill) Gahagan," Bishop Stika said. “Three of them were retired, but they all meant so much to our diocese. We still need a sense of purpose in terms of vocational recruitment,” he added.

In 2021, more than 1,200 children and adults received the sacrament of confirmation. The numbers for 2022 and 2023 are expected to be similar. In one vivid example of the growth in the diocese, more than 160 children are expected to be confirmed during three Masses this year in the newly renovated sanctuary at St. Patrick Church in Morristown.

Catholic schools

Each of the 10 Catholic schools in the diocese saw an increase in enrollment for the 2022-23 academic year.

“We’re tremendously excited about this,” Bishop Stika said. “Our school leadership has done

funerals, it is rarer today. But it should remind us not only of life’s brevity but also of the vestment of “light and joy” that awaits us, having died in Christ so as to rise with Him in eternal life.

The vestment of Our Lady’s children Though the laity do not wear material vestments, it is most recommended by the Church that they wear the brown scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Consisting of only two simple pieces of brown wool worn over the shoulders, it is likened as the vestment of Our Lady’s children who labor in the world for the coming of God’s kingdom. It is a visible and beautiful sign of our baptismal consecration and love of Christ as His co-workers in the Fa -

ther’s vineyard. Only a priest can invest one with the scapular.

Here, I would recommend the book by Father Jeffrey Kirby, A Journey to Mount Carmel , which offers a nine-day preparation for investiture in the brown scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Vested with Christ Jesus . During this Lent, may you reflect upon the many ways you can exercise your baptismal priesthood in Christ for love of others.

And in the Mass you live, may you “put on” the sacred vestments of Christ our High Priest (cf. Hebrews 9:11) and complete in our “living sacrifice” (cf. Romans 12:1) what is “lacking in the afflictions of Christ,” in His Body, the Church (cf. Colossians 1:24) ■

those steps.”

Roe v. Wade decision

In June, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that abortion is not constitutionally protected, reversing almost a half century of legalized abortion in the country. Bishop Stika said that the diocese won’t change its pro-life efforts.

“Tennessee and other states have moved to make abortion illegal, and I support this,” Bishop Stika said. “But we know that other states and activist groups are pushing to overturn or block our right to protect innocent lives, and we need to remain steadfast in what we’re doing. Our voices need to be heard and our work needs to continue.

“In August, Catholic Charities of East Tennessee opened its new adoption services office. This is a significant step for our diocese in that we can now give women an option that protects the life of their unborn child and gives couples struggling to have children an opportunity to build a loving family. What a joy this is for everyone.

Lawsuits, media backlash, and other challenges

The year did not pass without its share of challenges. The diocese was named as a defendant in two separate and unrelated civil lawsuits—one involving allegations of sexual abuse by a priest serving in Gatlinburg and the other focused on abuse allegations against a former seminarian. The priest, not currently serving in ministry, also faces criminal charges.

“These cases, on a number of levels, have been difficult,” Bishop Stika said. “We have been pressed to answer questions from the media, and I respect their interest, but all of these are accusations, and we will answer relevant questions in the proper way, under oath, and at the proper time, in a court of law, if it comes to that.”

“It’s been difficult to endure some of the one-sidedness of the reporting. The media is doing what it does, and they’ve given us an opportunity to respond," he added. “There are some details being reported, based on allegations, that are just flat-out incorrect. We will respond to those and the other allegations in court when necessary

an outstanding job highlighting the benefits of a Catholic education to their communities and delivering on those promises.

“While we are stronger in all regions of the diocese, I am especially pleased with the efforts in Chattanooga. Leadership there has Notre Dame moving in the right direction. Very happy.”

Religious communities

In 2009, before Bishop Stika arrived in Knoxville, the diocese had three religious communities serving in East Tennessee. Today, there are 10. In December, the Benedictine Daughters of Divine Will and the Benedictines of Divine Will women’s and men’s communities were approved to move from Italy to the Diocese of Knoxville. Bishop Stika signed the decree establishing them as a Public Association of the Faithful on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dec. 12

Thanks to the gift of a donor, two separate monasteries are being built on a 125-acre site near

Knoxville. The communities hope to occupy their respective monasteries this summer. Four Benedictine priests and six to seven Benedictine nuns are expected to be part of the orders’ beginning in East Tennessee.

Bishop Stika said that he expects to ordain three new priests and two new deacons from the Benedictine community.

In March, the diocese welcomed nearly 200 new Catholics into the Church during Easter Vigil. Christian formation, religious education, and a path to full communion with the Church remain priorities.

“Deacon Jim Bello now heads our Christian Formation office, and he’s moving it in a great direction,” Bishop Stika said. “We want to continue giving families resources to grow in our faith and receive the sacraments of baptism, first Communion, and confirmation, and to continue bringing new people fully into the faith if they’ve missed any of

“It’s disappointing that those criticizing us for utilizing the rights we’re afforded under the law would expect their rights to be protected if it were them being accused of something.”

In December, the diocese announced a unique, new partnership with the McNabb Center to serve as the new Victims Assistance Coordinator for anyone who feels they’ve been the target of sexual abuse in the Church.

“This partnership is a good, positive step for the diocese and the Catholic Church,” Bishop Stika said. “We had an excellent coordinator, but she passed away in March 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer. When discussing options, it was mentioned that while we know we were doing things the right way before, perhaps it would be an even stronger move if we offered this position to someone completely outside the diocese and the Catholic Church. It was a huge, positive move and might serve as a model for other

dioceses. Unfortunately, all that gets lost in the sensationalism and innuendo.” ■

Celebrating Catholic schools Bishop Richard F. Stika is surrounded by students at St. Joseph School, where he celebrated Mass on Jan. 18. Enrollment is rising at the Diocese of Knoxville's 10 schools.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KATHY RANKIN/ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL

Welcome to East Tennessee Bishop Stika signs the decree establishing the Benedictines of Divine Will and the Benedictine Daughters of Divine Will in the Diocese of Knoxville on Dec. 12 at the Chancery.

In prayerful communion Bishop Stika celebrates Mass with the Handmaids of the Precious Blood at the religious order's Cor Jesu Monastery in Jefferson County. The Handmaids celebrated their 75th anniversary in 2022

BILL BREWER

GABRIELLE NOLAN

Putting his flags down

Father John O'Neill is officially an American citizen following Nashville naturalization ceremony

By Katie Peterson Tennessee Register

After 30 years in the United States, Father John O’Neill is officially an American citizen after taking his Oath of Allegiance during his naturalization ceremony on Jan. 18 at the Fred D. Thompson Federal Building and Courthouse in downtown Nashville.

“It’s a homecoming,” Father O’Neill said. “Not unlike the day of my ordination, I’m in a complete daze this morning. It’s super overwhelming, but maybe that’s a good thing because it’s so serious and so important.”

Father O’Neill, who serves the Diocese of Nashville as pastor of Holy Trinity Church in Hohenwald, Christ the Redeemer Church in Centerville, and St. Cecilia Church in Waynesboro, is a native of Dublin, Ireland, who came to the United States in 1993.

Before immigrating, he was working as a vascular surgery resident in Ireland, England, and even Pakistan, but all the while pondering the idea of becoming a priest. Both the attending surgeon he was working under at the time and the Sister in charge of the emergency room gave him the same advice when he made his thoughts known.

“The surgeon said to me that being a Catholic priest was far more important than anything I could do with them,” Father O’Neill recalled. “The Sister said, ‘There are

plenty of surgical residents, but not enough priests.’”

Once he finally made his choice, through the Sister’s connections with the bishop of the Diocese

of Knoxville at the time, Father O’Neill began his seminarian studies. Initially coming to the United States on a work visa, he studied at Conception Abbey in Missouri for

“I had permission from the seminary and from several bishops to return to Ireland to look after my mother. She would have none of it. She said, ‘You must stay in America. Don't look after me. The Americans have been too good to you.’”

two years and another four years in St. Louis before being ordained as a priest for the Diocese of Knoxville on July 3, 1999.

He served as an associate pastor for several parishes throughout the Diocese of Knoxville for the next five years, particularly Holy Ghost Church, where he founded its Legion of Mary chapter.

In East Tennessee, he also served at St. Jude Parish in Chattanooga, St. Francis of Assisi in Townsend, Our Lady of Fatima in Alcoa, and St. Francis of Assisi in Fairfield Glade.

He switched his service to the Diocese of Nashville in 2005 when he became chaplain for Overbrook School and St. Cecilia Academy, both owned and operated by the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation. Additionally, he served as a pastoral-care chaplain for Ascension St. Thomas Midtown and St. Thomas West hospitals for several years.

But he still was quite content remaining in America on his work visas and green cards. Things only began to change when he was assigned as pastor of Holy Trinity, Christ the Redeemer, and St. Cecilia on Aug. 1, 2018, his first pastoral assignment in the Diocese of Nashville.

It was around that time that his mother passed away, and he began to deeply ponder what she once said to him while he was caring for her in Ireland.

“I had permission from the seminary and from several bishops to

April 20, 21 & 22

KATIE PETERSON/TENNESSEE REGISTER

America's newest citizen priest Father John O'Neill of the Diocese of Nashvillle, formerly a Diocese of Knoxville priest, stands outside of the federal courthouse in Nashville on Jan. 18 following his naturalization.

Father O'Neill continued on page A19

— Father John O’Neill pastor of Holy Trinity Church in Hohenwald, Christ the Redeemer Church in Centerville, and St. Cecilia Church in Waynesboro

Bishop Stika leads local memorial Mass for Pope Benedict XVI

Cardinal Rigali, who knew Benedict for years, concelebrated cathedral service

By Dan McWilliams

Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated a memorial Mass for Pope Benedict XVI on Jan. 4, the day before the Holy Father was laid to rest at the Vatican after he passed away on Dec. 31.

Cardinal Justin Rigali concelebrated the Mass at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and shared a reflection on his friend Pope Benedict. Also concelebrating were cathedral associate pastor Father Martin Gladysz, Father Peter Iorio, and Father Michael Hendershott. Deacon Sean Smith was deacon of the Word, and Deacon Fredy Vargas was deacon of the altar. In all, more than 12 priests and 12 deacons took part in the Mass, and many women religious attended.

“We join tonight and this week with people throughout the world, in big parishes and little parishes, in monasteries and convents, in any place where Mass will be celebrated, remembering Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI, a man who only wanted to teach at the university level,” Bishop Stika said in his opening remarks. “So, we pray for the repose of his soul [and remembering] all his moments of kindness as he shepherded the Church for nearly eight years and as a priest for over 70 years, that he might be received into the presence of God.”

Bishop Stika was the homilist at the Mass for the pope who appointed him bishop of Knoxville in January 2009.

“Actually, I probably shouldn’t be preaching today, for I knew of Benedict. He named me bishop of Knoxville, but the one who really should be preaching is Cardinal Rigali, who called him friend for many years,” Bishop Stika said.

The bishop recalled how the future Pope Benedict had humble plans for his life but that God had other ideas.

“His name was Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, born in April of 1927. His father was a police officer, and his mother was a housewife. He had a sister, who never married but actually took care of the cardinal all through his life until she died of cancer. He had a brother who was a priest, Georg, who was a concertmaster in Germany, and the two of them were ordained priests together in 1951,” Bishop Stika said. “All he wanted to do was to be a teacher, a professor, in Germany. But as I’ve often said, if you want to make God laugh, tell Him what your plans are for the rest of your life. At one point, he was named the archbishop of Munich.

“He was one of the last cardinals to be made a cardinal by St. Paul VI. Paul VI interrupted his life, because he wanted to be a professor, and he became an archbishop, and John Paul interrupted his life—he called him to Rome to be the chief theologian of the Church for many, many, many years. At one point, when he turned 70, he had enough of being the chief theologian of the Church, so he wanted to retire, but not really retire—he wanted to be the Vatican librarian. Just imagine all those books and archives. And John Paul said, ‘No, I need you, my brother Joseph.’”

Pope Benedict’s journey through the life of the Church before he became Holy Father continued, and he earned “nicknames that were not really complimentary” such as “The German Shepherd” and “The Rottweiler,” Bishop Stika said.

“He had a very difficult job in trying to guide the Church into the next days,” the bishop said. “In his role, he was one of the foremost advocates of how to deal with the sexual abuse of minors by priests, instituted all kinds of new rules and regulations. And then the great saintly John Paul died, and Benedict gave a wonderful homily at John Paul’s funeral in St. Peter’s Square on that windy day when the Gospel book, even the pages, flipped over until it closed at the end of Mass, not

“Some called him a conservative, which he scoffed at many times because he was a theologian at the Second Vatican Council. He was considered a liberal and even joked about it in one of his books. He said, ‘I’m the same person. Then, I was a liberal. Now, I’m a conservative.’ But ultimately, he said, ‘I am faithful. I am faithful.’”

— Bishop Richard F. Stika, in his homily about Pope Benedict XVI

by man’s hand but by the wind, the Spirit. And Benedict, Cardinal Ratzinger, talked about his friend, who returned to the home of his Father, as John Paul said in his last words: ‘Let me go to the house of my Father.’”

After John Paul II’s funeral, the cardinals—including Cardinal Rigali—entered into the conclave that would elect Pope Benedict.

“[Cardinal Rigali] still won’t tell me who he voted for, because he can’t,” Bishop Stika said. “I think it was on the second ballot, when someone stood before Cardinal Ratzinger and said, ‘Do you accept election?’—a man at 78 years of age. Then ‘what name do you wish to be called?’ Benedict XVI, as a follow-up of course to Benedict XV, who was pope before World War I and right after that.”

The newly elected Benedict “then took on new names,” the bishop said.

“Since he was a product of Germany before

World War II, he was called a Nazi because he belonged to the Hitler Youth group, as every child in Germany did, and yet people called him a Nazi. He eventually was drafted into the German army at the end of World War II, but his whole unit kind of hid from the rest of the German army because they knew of the atrocities of war. So, he had to live with these tags that were given to him when he was elected pope by the cardinals through the intercession of the Holy Spirit.

“He stood on that balcony, and it almost looked like he wasn’t prepared because he probably, I would say, didn’t want to be pope at 78. He and his brother the year before bought a house in their home village in Germany, where his brother and Benedict were going to retire. But just like John Paul said no to him, and Paul VI said, ‘No, you can’t just be a teacher,’ the Holy Spirit said the Church needs you at this moment, at this place in time. He stood on that balcony, unprepared maybe for what he was to be given and to be challenged by.”

Pope Benedict “took up the mantle that John Paul and Paul VI had by traveling throughout the world to Youth Days and to the United States,” Bishop Stika said. “Even on his birthday at the White House, George Bush orchestrated a ‘Happy Birthday’ and a birthday cake. [Cardinal Rigali] was there for that, too. He loved the world. He loved nature. The first ‘green’ pope: on the roof of the Paul VI Audience Hall, that huge building where the popes gather, there are solar panels.

“And he wrote, and he wrote, and he wrote encyclicals and books, and probably the one great gift he gave to the Church was this trilogy on Jesus Christ. Some called him a conservative, which he scoffed at many times because he was a theologian at the Second Vatican Council. He was considered a liberal and even joked about it in one of his books. He said, ‘I’m the same person. Then, I was a liberal. Now, I’m a conservative.’ But ultimately, he said, ‘I am faithful. I am faithful.’

“He has contributed much to the Church. In the act of absolute humility, when he was told by doctors that he could no longer travel internationally on flights, because even as a cardinal he suffered a stroke and lost sight in his eye. He had a pacemaker. And he realized that the job of the pope was to be the pastor of the Universal Church, and in

Bishop reflects on the Holy Father who appointed him to lead diocese

By Jim Wogan

Bishop Richard F. Stika and Cardinal Justin Rigali had special relationships with Pope Benedict XVI, something one would expect between a bishop of Rome and a priest he named to lead one of the Church’s dioceses and between two members of the College of Cardinals.

Bishop Stika and Cardinal Rigali recently reflected on Pope Benedict and the nearly eight years he led the papacy.

Pope Benedict appointed Bishop Stika as the third bishop of the Diocese of Knoxville in 2009.

And Cardinal Rigali and thenCardinal Joseph Ratzinger served the Vatican together and worked closely with Pope John Paul II, who would become St. John Paul II.

Q: Bishop Stika, how many times did you have the opportunity to meet Pope Benedict XVI?

A: Five times. I met him once as

Cardinal Ratzinger and four times as pope.

Q: Before I ask about those meetings, he was often perceived as a strict theologian by the media and the laity. Is that a correct impression?

A: He was a theologian of Vatican II. He was part of that process. In one of his books, he said he was considered a liberal during Vatican II, and now he is considered a conservative. I wouldn't use the word strict; I would just say he was very faithful to the teachings of the Church. As pope and as pope emeritus, he was very gentle—a firm and a kind shepherd.

Q: Do you have a special memory of any of the times you met him?

A: I saw him at my first ad limina As I was talking to him, I said Holy Father, I just finished the book that your brother wrote about you, the name of the book is My Brother the Pope He asked, ‘How was it; I haven't read it yet?’ I told him, ‘Now I

know everything about you, and I smiled. I turned to leave and I walked about five feet, then I heard in a very frail voice, ‘Please pray for me. I turned around and walked back to him. I was the last one in the room. I walked back, kissed his ring, and I said, ‘You are always in my prayers. Please pray for me as well. That was the last time I had contact with him in terms of a conversation.

Q: Benedict followed John Paul. How was that for Benedict?

A: I think it was a natural flow from John Paul as pope to Benedict XVI. It could have been much more difficult for a different man to follow John Paul because John Paul was such an immense figure in the Church.

He had more heads of state attend his funeral, including three presidents (one president and two former), so that would have been significant, and he is now a saint,

Reflections continued on page A18

In prayer and praise Cardinal Justin Rigali concelebrates a memorial Mass for Pope Benedict XVI on Jan. 4 at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Bishop Richard F. Stika led the Mass following the Dec. 31 death of the pope. Assisting Cardinal Rigali is Deacon Hicks Armor.

Memorial Mass continued on page A16

DAN MCWILLIAMS (2)

Captured on canvas The official portrait of Pope Benedict XVI is by Igor Babailov, who was commissioned to paint it in 2006. He officially completed it in 2007.

OSV NEWS PHOTO/COURTESY OF IGOR BABAILOV

than 1,000 journalists, photographers, and camera operators from around the world were accredited to cover the funeral, which was held in St. Peter’s Square.

An estimated 50,000 people filled the square for the Mass, and a number of visitors told Catholic News Service that banners and flags were being confiscated by security upon entrance. Of the few flags and banners that did make it past security was a white cloth with “Santo Subito” (“Sainthood Now”) written in red and a “Thank you, Pope Benedict” written in light blue in German.

Just as Pope Benedict dedicated his pontificate to directing the faithful’s focus to the person of Christ, Pope Francis dedicated his homily to Christ’s loving devotion and suffering witness as the “invitation and the program of life that He quietly inspires in us,” rather than on a summary of his predecessor’s life.

Pope Francis spoke of Jesus’ grateful, prayerful, and sustained devotion to God’s will and how Jesus’ final words on the cross, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit,” summed up His entire life, “a ceaseless selfentrustment into the hands of His Father.”

“His were hands of forgiveness and compassion, healing and mercy, anointing and blessing, which led Him also to entrust himself into the hands of His brothers and sisters,” the Holy Father said.

“Father into your hands I commend my spirit,” the pope said, is the plan for life that Jesus quietly invites and inspires people to follow.

However, he said, the path requires sustained and prayerful devotion that is “silently shaped and refined amid the challenges and resistance that every pastor must face in trusting obedience to the Lord’s command to feed His flock.”

“Like the Master, a shepherd bears the burden of interceding and the strain of anointing his people, especially in situations where goodness must struggle to prevail, and the dignity of our brothers and sisters is threatened,” the pope said.

“The Lord quietly bestows the spirit of meekness that is ready to understand, accept, hope, and risk, notwithstanding any misunderstandings that might result. It is the source of an unseen and elusive fruitfulness, born of His knowing the One in whom He has placed His trust,” he said.

“Feeding means loving, and loving also means being ready to suffer. Loving means giving the sheep what is truly good, the nourishment of God’s truth, of God’s word, the nourishment of His presence,” Pope Francis said, quoting his predecessor’s homily marking the start of his pontificate on April 24, 2005.

“Holding fast to the Lord’s last words and to the witness of his entire life, we too, as an ecclesial community, want to follow in his steps and to commend our brother into the hands of the Father,” he said of Pope Benedict. “May those merciful hands find his lamp alight with the oil of the Gospel that he spread and testified to for his entire life.”

“God’s faithful people, gathered here, now accompany and entrust to him the life of the one who was their pastor,” the pope continued. “Together, we want to say, ‘Father, into your hands we commend his spirit.’”

“Benedict, faithful friend of the Bridegroom, may your joy be complete as you hear His voice, now and forever!” he concluded, as the crowd prayed in silence.

Among the people in the crowd was Georg Bruckmaier, who traveled nearly 10 hours by car to come to the funeral from his home in Bavaria, not far away from where the late pope was born.

Wearing a Bavarian flag around his back, he told Catholic News Service, “There are a lot of Bavar-

ians here today. I’ve seen people I know from university. I wanted to be here for the atmosphere.”

“People felt very close to him, because he is a Bavarian, so this is a really big event to be here,” Mr. Bruckmaier said, adding that being able to pay his last respects before the pope’s remains in St. Peter’s Basilica, “is a different thing than seeing it on television. It’s something I won’t forget in my whole life.”

Fiona-Louise Devlin told CNS she and her companions were wearing scarves from the late pope’s visit to Scotland in 2010. She said they traveled to Rome from Scotland specifically for the funeral, booking their flight the day the pope passed away.

“He’s the pope of our generation. Like, how so many people say that John Paul II was their pope; he was mine. I’ve traveled around the world to go to celebrations that he’s been a part of, so I wanted to be here for this,” she said.

As the day began, the thick

morning fog obscuring the cupola slowly began to lift as 12 laymen emerged from the basilica carrying the pope’s casket. The crowd applauded as the cypress casket was brought into the square and placed before the altar.

The pope’s master of liturgi -

Ecclesial rhapsody in white

Pope Francis chats with Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at the retired pope's home in the Mater Ecclesiae monastery at the Vatican on June 30, 2015.

Ecumencial patriarchs

Pope Benedict XVI and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople greet the faithful from the balcony of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul, Turkey, on Nov. 30, 2006.

cal ceremonies, Monsignor Diego Giovanni Ravelli, and Archbishop Georg Gänswein, the late pope’s longtime personal secretary, together placed an opened Book of the Gospels on the casket. The simple casket was decorated with his coat of arms as archbishop of Munich and Freising, Germany, which depicts a shell, a Moor, and a bear loaded with a pack on his back

The Bible readings at the Mass were in Spanish, English, and Italian, and the prayers of the faithful at the Mass were recited in German, French, Arabic, Portuguese, and Italian.

The prayers included petitions for “Pope Emeritus Benedict, who has fallen asleep in the Lord: may the eternal Shepherd receive him into His kingdom of light and peace,” followed by a prayer “for our Holy Father, Pope Francis, and for all the pastors of the Church: may they proclaim fearlessly, in word and deed, Christ’s victory over evil and death.”

The other prayers were for justice and peace in the world, for those suffering from poverty and other forms of need, and for those gathered at the funeral.

At the pope’s funeral, like any Catholic funeral, Communion was followed by the “final commendation and farewell,” asking that “Pope Emeritus Benedict” be delivered from death and “may sing God’s praises in the heavenly Jerusalem.”

Pope Francis prayed that God have mercy on his predecessor, who was “a fearless preacher of your Word and a faithful minister of the divine mysteries.”

While the funeral was based on the model of a papal funeral, two key elements normally part of a papal funeral following the farewell prayer were missing: there were no prayers offered by representatives of the Diocese of Rome and of the Eastern Catholic churches, since those prayers are specific to the death of a reigning pope, who is bishop of the Diocese of Rome and is in communion with the leaders of the Eastern-rite churches.

A bell tolled solemnly, and the assembly applauded for several minutes with some chanting “Benedetto” as the pallbearers carried the casket toward St. Peter’s Basilica.

Pope Francis blessed the casket and laid his right hand on it in prayer, then bowed slightly in reverence before it was taken inside for a private burial in the grotto of St. Peter’s Basilica, in the same tomb that held the remains of St. Pope John Paul II before his beatification. ■

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE PHOTO/L'OSSERVATORE ROMANO

Emeritus in action Retired Pope Benedict XVI waves as he arrives to attend Mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on Oct. 19, 2014.

A fondness for cats Pope Benedict XVI pets a lion cub held by a performer of the Medrano Circus during his weekly general audience at the Vatican on Jan. 28, 2009. The Holy Father reportedly had a keen fondness for cats of all stripes.

A future pope Then-Archbishop Joseph Ratzinger, who became Pope Benedict XVI, is pictured on May 28, 1977, the day of his ordination as archbishop of Munich and Freising in Germany.

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE PHOTO/KNA

Six ways to make your parish better

By Lorene Hanley Duquin OSV News

Today, parishioners are expected to feel a true sense of ownership in their parish. That means looking at your parish as more than just a place where you go to Mass.

A parish can be a sacred place where the human and the divine meet, where people of all ages grow in the knowledge and understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.

It can be a place where people receive spiritual nourishment, guidance, inspiration, and strength

health that was pretty frail, he stunned the world. For the first time in hundreds and hundreds of years, in an ultimate act of humility, as he met with cardinals and spoke in perfect Latin, he resigned. The cardinals for the most part did not understand perfect Latin except for a few, so they were puzzled, until one talked to the other who talked to the other, and they realized that instead of just voting on new saints, something would change.”

Pope Benedict after that announcement to the cardinals “hung around as pope for a while,” Bishop Stika recalled “and eventually there was this very dramatic moment when he returned to the summer residence of the pope, Castel Gandolfo, and at midnight on that February day, I think, or maybe a little bit earlier, he said goodbye to the world as pope and became pope emeritus, and the doors were closed. And he stayed there for a while and eventually returned to Mater Dei Monastery, which is right behind St. Peter’s Dome. He wrote and he visited with people until finally his health after 10 years gave out.”

The 95-year-old pope emeritus’ health began to fail this past Christmas.

“And then, on New Year’s Eve, he said words that I think really and strongly spoke of his heart. According to Archbishop Ganswein, the man who took care of him so well as pope, his last words were, ‘Jesus, I love you,’” Bishop Stika said. “He was born on Holy Saturday, and he died the last day of the year. On Holy Saturday then, they would celebrate the Easter Vigil in the morning. Now, we do it in the evening. But it was centered around a candle that was lit in the darkness of the churches and remembered in our own day and age as Christ the light. He certainly brought the light of faith to those who read his books, heard his teachings, reflected on his encyclicals, and saw his witness in some ways as very much of a suffering pope in a world that is so complicated, where so many people say no to God. He even predicted, he said, ‘Maybe the Church must shrink, but then true believers will exist.’ He said that many years ago, this man who was so much the light of faith.”

Known as “Pope Ratzinger” in Italy, Benedict “loved Jesus,” Bishop Stika pointed out.

“So, today we gather together with churches around the world to celebrate his legacy, for he will not be forgotten,” the bishop said. “Many seminaries today use many of his books, his reflections, his books on Scripture, his books on liturgy, for he touched all those different aspects, this man who only wanted to be a teacher and died as the pope emeritus. Now, he gets rid of that title as well: emeritus. He’s now part of the ages as Pope Benedict XVI. He carried a cross and a burden, as does Francis, as did Paul VI, as did John Paul.

“In the private chapel of the pope, in the papal apartments, there’s a crucifixion scene. It’s kind of a modern chapel. It’s a beautiful chapel. Cardinal Rigali was in it many times. I was there a few times for Mass. The story goes that Paul VI noticed when he entered that chapel that there was something different. There was something missing as he looked upon the corpus, the body of Jesus, on that cross. You know what was missing? The crown of

not just from the priests but from other members of the parish as well.

It can be a spiritual home where people share in each other’s joys, support each other in times of sorrow, offer encouragement to those who are struggling, and help to heal anyone who feels battered or broken by life’s trials and tragedies. Or it can be a social place where people make new friends, reach out to those less fortunate, and invite others to become part of a community of believers who try their best to live the Gospel message.

Maybe your parish is already all

thorns. The artist who sculpted that beautiful sculpture in silver, when he was quizzed by Paul VI, said, ‘Holy Father, you now wear the crown of thorns,’ as did Benedict and now does Francis.”

Social communication is so powerful in this day and age, Bishop Stika continued, that “it’s kind of ironic that almost everyone feels free to say this or that about leaders in the Church or leaders in the world. How Benedict was attacked because he was faithful. How bishops are attacked because they are faithful. How priests are attacked or religious because they try to direct people to Jesus and to God. The one thing I’ve learned as a bishop, and I hear it from other bishops, is so often we have to make decisions that nobody will ever know why or the reason, but they must be made. That’s why this day we give thanks to Almighty God for the witness of Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, a man of faithfulness.”

Popes such as John Paul II “usually write a spiritual testament, not a will that ‘I leave this, that, or the other thing’ to somebody else—that all becomes property of the Church,” Bishop Stika said. “But Benedict at one point did that. I’d like to share it with you because I think it sums up him, who he is.”

Benedict’s testament reads, in part: “If, in this late hour of my life, I look back at the decades that I have been through, first I see how many reasons I have to give thanks. First and foremost, I thank God Himself, the giver of every good gift, who gave me life and guided me through various confusing times, always picking me up whenever I needed, when I began to slip, and always giving me again the light of His face. In retrospect, I see and understand that even the dark and tiring stretches of this journey were for my salvation and that it was in them that He guided me well.

“I thank my parents, who gave me life in a very difficult time and who, at the cost of great sacrifice, with their love prepared for me a magnificent abode that, like clear light, illumines all my days to this day. My father’s lucid faith taught us children to believe, and as a signpost it has always been steadfast in the midst of all my scientific acquisitions. The profound devotion and great goodness of my mother represent a legacy for which I can never give thanks enough. My sister, never married, has assisted me for decades selflessly and with the affectionate care of a sister. My brother, with the lucidity of his judgments, in his vigorous resolve and serenity of heart, has always paved the way for me. Without this constant preceding and accompanying me, I could not have found the right path.

“From my heart, I thank God for the many friends, men and women, whom He has always placed at my side, for the collaborators in all the stages of my journey, for the teachers and students He has given me. I gratefully entrust them all to His goodness, and I want to thank the Lord for my beautiful homeland in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps, in which I have always seen the splendor of the Creator Himself shining through. I thank the people from my homeland because in them I have been able again and again to experience the beauty of faith. I pray that our land remains a land of faith, and I beg you, my dear countrymen, do

of this and more, but even the best parishes can become even better when parishioners take an active interest in making the parish grow and prosper. Here are six ways to do just that:

1. Think of yourself as part of a parish family. Family members share a common heritage and history. They are grounded in the same beliefs, values, and traditions. They embrace new members of the family with a spirit of love and acceptance.

Family members don’t always agree, but they do feel a strong commitment to one another and to the family as a whole.

not yourselves be turned away from the faith. And, finally, I thank God for the beauty I have been able to experience in all the phases of my long journey of life, especially in Rome and Italy, which has become my second homeland.

“To all those who I have wronged in any way, I heartily ask for forgiveness. What I said before to my countrymen, I now say to all those in the Church Universal, who have been entrusted to my care and my service: stand firm in faith. Do not let yourselves be confused.”

Bishop Stika added, “And so in those last words of Benedict just a few days ago, probably sums up his life as a life that we should all say at the end, ‘Jesus, I love you.’”

Cardinal Rigali spoke at the end of Mass.

“Dear friends in Christ, over the years Bishop Stika and I have been able to share various events in the life and ministry of several popes,” he said. “I am very grateful now to be invited by Bishop Stika to share this moment of special communion in the Church. Whether we are bishops, priests, deacons, religious, or laity, the Holy Father is so important for all of us. According to God’s plan, it is the Successor of Peter who keeps us united with one another and with the Lord Jesus Himself in the unity of the Blessed Trinity.

“The hour has come for us to express farewell to Pope Benedict XVI, but we are called to renew our communion and love for him, for the Diocese of Rome, and for all God’s people. We do this knowing that whoever the current Successor of Peter is, he is powerfully assisted by the Holy Spirit of God. The great lesson we learn from each new pope is that he represents Jesus of Nazareth in a unique way. For the life of Pope Benedict XVI, we are eternally grateful. Amen.”

Bishop Stika closed the Mass with a special story on Pope Benedict and Cardinal Rigali.

“Just imagine if you’re elected pope, all the complexities that fall upon you,” the bishop said. “And

2. Be welcoming. When you come together on the weekend for Mass, think of it as a large family reunion with people you know well, know slightly, and don’t know at all.

Introduce yourself to people you don’t know, especially if they are sitting alone in church or standing by themselves at the coffee-anddoughnut hour. If they’re new to the parish, offer to give them a tour, introduce them to other parishioners, or simply tell them why you love the parish. Enthusiasm is catching!

Watch your nonverbal commuParish life continued on page A18

there you are with the cardinals, those who chose to make your life different. Before you’re presented to the world, each cardinal came up to the new pope, Benedict, and knelt before him, and they put their hands in his hands, and they pledged fidelity and peace and obedience, just as every new bishop does when he signs the document after he’s appointed a bishop.

“Benedict, brand new, less than an hour, looked at Cardinal Rigali when he knelt before him, and the thing that Pope Benedict said to our cardinal was, ‘Happy birthday, Your Eminence,’ for it was his 70th birthday that day. He could have said thank you. He had all these other things on his mind, but he remembered a friend was celebrating his birthday. That kind of marks the person of now the departed Pope Benedict XVI.”

Pope Benedict was buried in a tomb “as close as you can get to the remains of St. Peter,” Bishop Stika said, adding that “it’s a used tomb, but the former occupants were pretty cool. Pope St. John XXIII was there for many years, and then when he was declared blessed he went upstairs. Next was St. John Paul. He was there, and when he was declared blessed, he went upstairs. Right across from Benedict’s soon-to-be tomb is the tomb of Blessed John Paul I, and there’s a tomb right down the aisle from it that I guess will be for Francis because nobody’s there yet. Pretty good neighborhood to be in.”

Pope Benedict may also “move upstairs,” the bishop said.

“I kind of think that maybe someday God will honor Benedict with the title of saint. It’s up to Him,” he said

Bishop Stika thanked the cathedral music staff for its use of classical music during the liturgy, something Benedict loved in his life, he said.

At the memorial Mass for the Holy Father were a picture of Benedict on display in front of the altar with a lighted candle nearby, as well as a white zucchetto he once wore.

“The man who wore that hat is indeed a good man,” Bishop Stika said ■

Funeral Masses held for M.L. Coughlin Dubay, Rachel Donahoo-Wiggins

Mary Louise Coughlin Dubay

A funeral Mass was held at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on Jan. 13 for Mary Louise (M.L.) Coughlin Dubay, with Father David Boettner serving as the Mass celebrant.

Mrs. Dubay was born in Knoxville to Dr. Dennis and Margaret Ruth (Cathcart) Coughlin. She was a 1982 graduate of Knoxville Catholic High School and 1987 honors graduate of the University of Tennessee, where she was a Lady Volunteer on the UT tennis team and a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority.

For the past 30 years, Mrs. Dubay was a resident of Plano, Texas, and was active in her community and church, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. After a 22-year courageous battle with brain cancer, Mrs. Dubay passed away peacefully in her home with her loving husband by her side.

In July 2000, Mrs. Dubay was initially diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. After successful surgery to remove the tumor, she underwent seven weeks of radiation and two years of chemotherapy. After the treatment, she was able to resume her career as vice president of marketing for Nortel Networks in Richardson, Texas. She was cancer free for 20 years.

In 2010, she left Nortel to create her own business, “Toffee Treats.” Over the years, she built it into a successful company, offering toffee and various candies and confections to numerous major accounts.

In 2020, she suffered a relapse of her brain tumor and braved two additional brain surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. In late 2022, the tumor began to overtake her medical team’s ability to fight it, and on Jan. 4 she transitioned into new life.

Through the years, Mrs. Dubay was a vocal supporter of brain tumor survival support organizations and was a founding member of the Legacy Brain Foundation and the Baylor Richardson Brain Cancer Treatment Center. She was a featured guest speaker of the

American Brain Tumor Association at its annual meeting in Chicago.

She was a published author, co-writing 100 Questions & Answers About Brain Tumors, offering a clinical and patient’s perspective on living with a brain tumor. One of her goals was to help others realize the importance of a positive attitude and how it can provide strength, courage, and hope to those who are fighting the battle of brain cancer.

Throughout her entire life, Mrs. Dubay was known for her positive attitude and always living life to the fullest. She could light up a room with her confidence, poise, and elegance, and she had a one-of-a-kind sense of humor that will never be forgotten.

She is survived by her loving husband of 29 years, Duane Dubay of Plano, Texas. She also is survived by her mother, Ruth Coughlin, brothers Dennis Coughlin III and wife Cindy, Mark Coughlin, Steven Coughlin, sister Annemarie and husband Michael Gray, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her father Dr. Dennis Coughlin Jr. Interment for Mrs. Dubay was in Highland Memorial Cemetery in Knoxville.

Donations in Mrs. Dubay's memory can be made to the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, 711 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919, or to Legacy Brain Foundation, 7777 Forest Lane, Suite B238, Dallas, TX 75230.

Rachel Donahoo-Wiggins

Rachel Lucille Donahoo-Wiggins, age 48, of Florence, S.C., formerly of Knoxville, passed away suddenly on Dec. 25.

A funeral Mass for Mrs. Donahoo-Wiggins was held on Jan. 16 at All Saints Church in Knoxville, with Father Michael Woods serving as celebrant and Father Doug Owens serving as concelebrant.

Born Aug. 28, 1974, in Nashville, Mrs. DonahooWiggins was a longtime resident of Knoxville before moving to Florence two years ago. She was a member of All

Saints Church and was passionate about her Catholic faith.

Mrs. Donahoo-Wiggins was a 1992 graduate of Knoxville Catholic High School, achieving membership in The National Honor Society and participating on the Irish softball and volleyball teams.

She attended the University of Tennessee, where she focused on theater and drama studies and performance. She loved the performing arts, live theater, movies, working with theater youth groups at the Bijou Theatre in Knoxville, and serving as longtime director of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. ”

Mrs. Donahoo-Wiggins also enjoyed picnics at mountain streams, spending time with family and friends, and her pets. She was kind, gentle-hearted, caring, and quick to help people in need, as she did with her organ donations that she hoped would give the gift of life to others, particularly children.

Mrs. Donahoo-Wiggins was a dedicated daughter, sister, wife, and friend, and will be greatly missed. As Gene Wilder said in “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, ” she was a “music maker, a dreamer of dreams. ”

Mrs. Donahoo-Wiggins is preceded in death by her grandparents, Bayard Donahoo and Lucille Curran Donahoo, and Thomas Anvil Blalack and Laura Baker Blalack.

She is survived by her husband of 13 years, James Robert (Jim) Wiggins; parents, Duane Donahoo and Debbie Blalack Donahoo; siblings, Jean-Marie Kelly and husband Randy of Maryland, Adam Donahoo of Knoxville, Shane Donahoo and wife Julie of Florida, Travis Donahoo of Illinois; niece, Marigold Donahoo; uncles, Bayard Donahoo, Gary Blalack and wife Kathy, Alan Blalack and wife Robin; aunt, Janet Blalack Callicott and husband Bill; sister-in-law Mary Keith Wiggins; cousins Jennifer, Jeff, Justin, Bay, Bree, Clay, Dillon, Drew, Hannah, Jonathan, and Mary Grace.

A private inurnment was at Sacred Heart Cathedral Columbarium.

Memorials for Mrs. Donahoo-Wiggins can be made to Imagination Series for Children or to the Summer Student Workshop Series at the Bijou Theatre, www.knoxbijou.org, or to the Darlington County Humane Society, www.darlingtonhumane.org ■

The Assurance of Peace, Quiet Reflection, & Prayer

Mrs. Coughlin Dubay

Mrs. DonahooWiggins

nication, too. If you’re sitting on the end of a pew, for example, don’t make others crawl over you to get to middle seats. Remember to smile; take the time to compliment the people sitting around you on everything from their singing ability to the cuteness of their kids.

3. Use your gifts and talents for the good of the parish. God has given each person unique gifts and talents that are intended to be shared.

Like public speaking? You might get involved as a reader. If you’re friendly and outgoing, you could be an usher or a greeter. You can share your deep devotion to the Eucharist by becoming an extraordinary minister of holy Communion or an adult altar server.

If you play an instrument or sing, the music ministry might be the place for you. Maybe you’re a teacher and could help in religious education; if you love children, you could assist in the babysitting room. Any expertise business, finance, public relations, photography, grant writing, engineering, carpentry, building maintenance, or even such skills as cooking, baking, cleaning, or gardening can find a place in the parish.

Maybe your greatest gift is time; if you’re already an extraordinary minister or instituted acolyte, you can take Communion to the sick and homebound. Or you can help with your parish outreach ministry to the

Abortion continued from page A7

Until January, FDA policy only allowed certified doctors, clinics, and some mail-order pharmacies to dispense mifepristone.

On Jan. 19, 22 state attorneys general signed a letter addressed to the FDA condemning the administration’s policy change and vowing to uphold state laws limiting the distribution of abortion drugs.

President Biden’s memorandum specifically condemned the actions taken by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to ensure the distribution of abortion drugs remains limited to hospitals, clinics, and physician offices, per Florida law.

“In Florida, the governor recently said that major pharmacy chains

Reflections continued from page A14

so it was a very difficult position for Benedict. But I think Pope Benedict, being so close to John Paul, made it better. Benedict would meet with John Paul at least once a week when he was John Paul’s chief theologian.

So, it was just a natural flow and it allowed the Church to continue into the future almost seamlessly. Benedict s writings were different from John Paul’s. John Paul was more philosophical, Benedict more theological. His [Benedict’s] books were excellent

Q: Benedict abdicated around 10 years ago. Can you comment on that unusual moment in the Church?

A: It was an absolute act of humility. I think he wrote in his book that his doctor told him he could no longer travel as pope due to his health. He recognized that part of the role of the pope these days is to travel like St. Paul.

I think with his health issues, it was a great act of humility to say, I will step back and let a new man take my place, and I will offer my life now in terms of prayer for the Church,” which he did.

Q: Did you and Cardinal Rigali consider going to Rome for the funeral Mass?

A: We were talking about going, but there were too many logistical complications. We have never, in many centuries, had a retired pope pass away. So, if they followed the same process, there would be nine days of mourning, nine days of Masses said every day for those nine days. But they also were preparing for the election of a new pope, which was not the case this time. But Cardinal Rigali, being friends with Benedict for all of those years, wanted to go, so we tried to make it happen.

But we made plans to remember

poor. You might even have an idea for a new ministry, support group, organization, or event, and your enthusiasm and energy can help other people get excited and involved.

4. Attend parish events. Although Mass is our central focus, other parish ministries, activities, and events help to increase spirituality and build community as well.

Whether it’s a mission, a lecture, a lawn fête, or a spaghetti dinner, take advantage of opportunities to meet new people, feel more connected, and affirm your fellow parishioners who work hard to plan and execute these events.

Invite family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers to join you especially those who are not Catholic or may have stopped practicing their faith. These folks may not be ready to attend Mass, but they might enjoy coming to a parish event, meeting other parishioners, and seeing some of the good things that the Catholic Church has to offer.

5. Support your parish financially. You know how expensive it is to run your own home. Parishes face even higher costs and depend on parishioners to help meet them.

Take a serious look at the money you give to your parish each week. Do you increase your contributions each year as the cost of living rises?

Giving to the Church is more than just a financial obligation. Once you recognize that everything you have

in the state will not offer mifepristone. … These actions have stoked confusion, sowed fear, and may prevent patients from accessing safe and effective FDA-approved medication,” said President Biden, who is a practicing Catholic.

Vice President Kamala Harris announced the memo while commemorating Roe v. Wade in Tallahassee, Florida’s state capital.

Taking a swipe at Gov. DeSantis and congressional Republicans, Vice President Harris said: “Can we truly be free if so-called leaders … dare to restrict the rights of the American people and attack the very foundations of freedom?”

“Members of our Cabinet and our administration are now directed, as

Pope Benedict in our diocese and give the faithful an opportunity to be part of that through Masses in the diocese, with bunting or memorials, including portraits with candles burning by them per USCCB guidance.

So, I think in terms of liturgy it mimicked somewhat the death of a pope. But when he resigned or abdicated, the question was, what do we call him, because he is no longer a pope and no longer a cardinal? Again, this showed his humility. He wanted to be called Father Benedict and was told that wasn't possible.

He, himself, came up with pope emeritus. In some of the things he would wear, his cassock, although white, didn t have the shoulder cape and some of the papal trimmings. He simplified his vesture, but showed his humility in other ways, but that s how he was referred to going forward.

Q: Cardinal Rigali, what are your impressions of Pope Benedict XVI?

A: I had the privilege of knowing Pope Benedict for many years, going back to his time as a cardinal of the Church, when he was Cardinal Ratzinger. I have always admired his expertise in terms of theology and understanding the Church.

He was an excellent theologian and will be remembered as a theologian. It was a privilege to participate in the election of Pope Benedict. I can remember when I went up to the pope and knelt before him to show my respect and offer to him my pledge to be faithful and obedient, the first thing that Pope Benedict said to me was, Happy Birthday, Your Eminence. ”

It was my 70th birthday. Pope Benedict remembered that, and that is a memory I will always carry with me.

is a gift from God, you see that giving generously to continue God’s work in the parish is an essential part of your spirituality.

6. Pray for your parish. Keep your pastor, parish staff, and fellow parishioners in your daily prayers.

Praying a rosary, spending time in eucharistic adoration, fasting, or offering up any suffering, annoyance, or inconvenience you experience for the well-being of your parish will bring rewards not just for the parish but for you personally. You will begin to see yourself as spiritual support for all the good work being done in and through your parish.

Pray also for the return of Catholics who have strayed from the practice of the faith, people raised with no faith, and people searching for meaning and purpose in life.

No parish is perfect, and even the best parishes can improve. Imagine what would happen if every person in your parish did one little thing to make the parish better!

While considering the positive steps to improving parish life, also be aware of four things that can hurt parishes:

n Negativity. Negativity usually starts with a few disgruntled people who complain about virtually everything, then can spread like wildfire.

The best way to deal with negativity is to address it head-on by asking some key questions. Is what this person is saying true? If yes,

of the president’s order, to identify barriers to access to prescription medication and to recommend actions to make sure … that women can secure safe and effective medication,” the vice president said.

President Biden’s letter directs federal agencies to issue guidance in support of abortion drug access within the next 60 days.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Catholic bishops condemned the Biden administration’s decision to allow pharmacies to distribute abortion drugs.

“The FDA should protect the life and health of both mothers and children, not loosen safety standards under industry or political pressures,” said Bishop Michael

Yes, he was a gentle man. He had a real concept of the Church in the United States and in the world because he was involved for so long in being the chief theologian of the Church. His role changed when he left the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to become the pope, which is a more pastoral position. He served the Church as a brilliant theologian, and he realized that as pope, he was now a shepherd. In his previous role, had to make decisions that were very

what needs to be done to address the problem? If no, the person must be confronted and the negativity exposed.

n Gossip. Gossip is negativity directed at a person or a group of people in the parish.

Every parish has gossip-mongers whose own insecurity drives them to put others down as a way of feeling better about themselves. The best way to deal with them is directly: ask why others really need to know the things they share, or how others can help the person whose reputation is at stake.

n Cliques. Sadly, people involved in a clique usually don’t think of themselves as “cliquish.” They’ve just been running things for so long that they automatically rely on the same people over and over to help.

Sometimes they just need a friendly reminder to invite others. Newcomers also often benefit and help the parish by starting their own new ministries, organizations, and events.

n Refusal to change. Tradition is good, but when parishioners become rigid about the way things have “always been done,” a parish can quickly begin to decline.

Change is never easy, but talking about it will help.

Try to find a balance that will maintain some time-honored, faith-based traditions, while incorporating new ways of doing things and involving new people in doing them. ■

F. Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington, Va., the chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities.

“We call on the administration to correct its policy priorities and stand with mothers in need,” Bishop Burbidge added.

As pro-life chair, Bishop Burbidge reaffirmed the Church’s position on life.

“The Catholic Church is consistent in its teaching on upholding the dignity of all life, and that must include care for both women and their children,” he said. “We decry the continuing push for the destruction of innocent human lives and the loosening of vital safety standards for vulnerable women.” ■

focused, to make certain there were no heresies.

Q: Bishop, what are your thoughts on Benedict's role at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith?

A: Despite what some have reported, when leading the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith he was very instrumental in addressing the rules and policies regarding the abuse issue. He was very progressive in that and on how the Church would deal with priests who offended. ■

Revival continued from page A8

to celebrate Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist.

Itineraries and tickets for joining a pilgrimage from the Diocese of Knoxville to the Eucharistic Congress will be announced later this year.

Individual voices are a vital wit-

Mission continued from page A10

where Latino Catholics and others have breathed new life into area churches and schools.

But he said he also has known the pain associated with closing parishes and Catholic schools as society has moved into an era of increased secularism and indifference to tradition and family life.

“If you look at the map of the United States, if you draw a line from Boston to Baltimore, over to St. Louis through Chicago and Milwaukee, that upper quadrant used to be the muscle and wallet of American Catholicism; its demographic is shrinking, to the benefit, by the way, of any diocese in the South and the West,” Cardinal Dolan said.

“But we must move on from a self-referential Church: No longer should we be looking constantly within, but looking up to Jesus and out to His people,” the cardinal

return to Ireland to look after my mother,” Father O’Neill said. “She would have none of it. She said, ‘You must stay in America. Don’t look after me. The Americans have been too good to you.’”

But he still didn’t make the choice to become a citizen right away.

“I used to pray, ‘Lord, give me some sign of where I’m supposed to be,’” Father O’Neill said. “I began to think of St. Paul, who even in his martyrdom towards Rome claimed very clearly that he was a citizen of Rome, and that’s been a great alchemy about dual citizenship.

“St. Paul was a citizen of the kingdom of God, and he was also a citizen of the great power at the time. That has given me great consolation and peace to finally make up my mind, to act totally freely in obedience.”

And planting his roots with his three congregations the past five years seemed to be his final push, he said.

“Five years in the four southwest counties and three parishes of the diocese have been amazing. It’s not the easiest appointment in the diocese … but it’s good to have a struggle,” Father O’Neill said. “It’s good to have a place where you have to row uphill all the time, to go out there and cherish every single parishioner with great love and tenderness no matter how things are going.

“You put your flag down today, the flag of the cross is what you're placing down where you want to be, where you believe you should live and die,” he said. Being pastor of those three parishes, “made me finally make up my mind. Sometimes, when things are more difficult, God purifies you and helps you finally decide what you really want.

“I want to apologize for taking 30 years to make up my mind,” he said. “But it’s wonderful to be an American, and God bless our

ness to this revival. Christ longs for every single soul. Every believer is called to share the Good News. It is individuals who will help others return to the source and summit of the Faith: Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist.

How has Christ’s presence in the Eucharist affected your life?

added, in reference to the teachings of Pope Francis.

The weakening of the institutional Church is an invitation to focus on the Church’s sacred mission: “Maybe we are better off without silver and gold. We still have the most precious treasure of all: Jesus Christ, without whom nothing is possible, and He alone is the silver and gold of the Church,” Cardinal Dolan added.

“For our clout as Catholics is not in the visible and what we can see and touch, the brick and mortar, the numbers and bank accounts; our only treasure is and always has been invisible: faith, hope, love, joy, the journey, the sacraments, God’s Word, the Eucharist, and prayer,” he said.

“Our treasure is only Jesus Christ, and we have not received Him.”

The cardinal’s talk comes as a 2023 study from the National Bureau of Economic Research shows that deaths by drugs, alcohol,

If you would like to share a story about an experience or your relationship with the Eucharist, you can e-mail a written (100-300 words) reflection or a video (approximately one minute) to revival@dioknox.org

Testimonies will possibly be shared in promotional materials

and suicide, known as “deaths of despair,” dramatically increased among middle-aged, white Americans in the late 20th century due to lower participation in organized religion.

“The impact that we witness seems to be driven by the decline in formal religious participation rather than in belief or personal activities like prayer. These results underscore the importance of cultural institutions such as religious establishments in promoting wellbeing,” the researchers noted in their paper, “Opiates of the Masses? Deaths of Despair and the Decline of American Religion” by Tyler Giles, Daniel M. Hungerman, and Tamar Oostrom.

Whether other types of voluntary or community activities could have similar large-scale effects on health outcomes is unknown and represents an excellent topic for future

to open more hearts to the healing power of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Diocese of Knoxville parishes also can send event schedules, testimonials, and encounters, or coverage of eucharistic events in their communities to revival@ dioknox.org ■

research,” the researchers noted.

Referencing an observation attributed to Pope St. Paul VI, Cardinal Dolan noted “when it's easy to be a Catholic, it’s actually hard to be a good Catholic; and when it’s hard to be Catholic, it’s easier to be a good one.”

The cardinal pointed out that the “used-to-be-Catholicism” that has now passed away came with the comfort of an American culture that held it in “high esteem”; but it was a faith “transmitted not by the depth of interior conviction but as cultural heritage.” He told seminarians to “let that sink in,” emphasizing again “it’s now hard to be a Catholic; so it’s actually easier to be a good one.”

“You seminarians something tells me you know that,” Cardinal Dolan said. “Now, for you to discern and hold steadfast to a vocation is hard and perhaps your vocation may be more durable.” ■

“Father O’Neill does so much for our church and the smaller churches down there that we feel like it’s good to celebrate him,” said Melinda Cothran, a parishioner of St. Cecilia. “He’s a very special person.” “I’m retired military, and I just think that it’s nice that he wants to be a part of this country in addition to Ireland for dual citizenship,” added her husband, Jack Cothran. “It’s wonderful that he thinks that much of America.”

Francis Horn, a former history teacher at St. Cecilia Academy who currently works as a part-time assistant in the athletic department, said he had many reasons for wanting to be there to celebrate with Father O’Neill.

He pledges allegiance Above: Father John O’Neill, center, is surrounded by friends who celebrated his new American citizenship on Jan. 18 in Nashville. Joining him are, front row from left, Shawn Curley (Cathedral of the Incarnation); Jeanne Robinson (St. Mary of the Seven Sorrows Parish); Elizabeth Phillips (Cathedral of the Incarnation); Sister Marie Blanchette Cummings, OP, principal of Overbrook School; Angel Brewer (Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville); Melinda and Jack Cothran (St. Cecilia Parish in Waynesboro). Back row, left to right, Matt Curley (Cathedral of the Incarnation); Mark Robinson (St. Mary of the Seven Sorrows Parish); Francis Horn (St. Henry Parish); Father O’Neill; Father John Sims Baker; Billy Alexander (St. Henry Parish); Jimmy and Sarah McLeod (Cathedral of the Incarnation). Father O’Neill marked the occasion by celebrating Mass.

“Father O'Neill is someone who has a great understanding of the principles of liberty and freedom on which the United States was founded, and also a great understanding of the responsibilities of being an American citizen. It's a great day for Father O'Neill, and it's an even better day for the United States to have gained him as a citizen.”

— Matt Curley Nashville lawyer and member of the Cathedral of the Incarnation

afterward.

country.”

Father O’Neill’s naturalization ceremony was the first held inperson in Nashville since COVID, and the first ever for the new courthouse. Because of that, applicants were unable to have their family and friends present for the official ceremony. But that didn’t stop Father O’Neill’s friends from putting together a celebratory reception

The reception was hosted by Matt and Shawn Curley, who met Father O’Neill at Overbrook where their children attended, at their home in Nashville. Before lunch, Father O’Neill celebrated Mass for attendees, who included some of his fellow priests; Sister Marie Blanchette Cummings, OP, principal of Overbrook; some of his parishioners, and more.

“One is that he was there every day in school and set that example for all of us,” Mr. Horn explained. “Secondly, four years ago, I had some surgery, and he came and prayed with me.

“Thirdly, the thing I think I’ll remember him most for is once several years ago he had to go to the airport, so I drove him. But, before we left, we had Mass, just the two of us, in St. Cecilia Chapel,” he said. “It was so quiet with no distractions, and during that whole celebration I felt like I was transported back to the very first Mass Jesus had. There’s no other way to describe it.”

“Father O’Neill is quite a man,” he concluded.

Matt Curley said he was happy that he and his wife could put together the event for Father O’Neill.

“Father O’Neill is someone who has a great understanding of the principles of liberty and freedom on which the United States was founded, and also a great understanding of the responsibilities of being an American citizen,” Mr. Curley said. “It’s a great day for Father O’Neill, and it’s an even better day for the United States to have gained him as a citizen.” ■

Father O'Neill continued from page A13

BILL BREWER

Catching up Father John O’Neill, right, visits with Francis Horn of St. Henry Parish in Nashville following the longtime priest's naturalization ceremony in Nashville. Father O'Neill is attending a reception in his honor at a Nashville home.

Newly naturalized Melinda and Jack Cothran of St. Cecilia Parish in Waynesboro chat with Father John O’Neill at a reception in the priest's honor The Cothrans are members of one of three parishes where Father O'Neill serves as pastor.

KATIE PETERSON/TENNESSEE REGISTER (2)

Why Water? Understanding the Importance of Providing Safe Water to Haiti’s Poorest Families

Few of us think much about water. We want some, and we turn a tap. We drink it, and we expect to feel refreshed. Water isn’t something we worry about, and with good reason. We are blessed to have safe, clean water at our fingertips.

Unfortunately, millions of families in the developing countries of the world — Haiti among them — are far less fortunate. For them, water must be found, it is rarely clean, and it can pose serious dangers if they don’t take precautions before drinking it. This is because poor families often rely on collected rain or murky streams — water sources that are almost inevitably contaminated with parasites that cause disease.

“That is why Father Glenn Meaux has made providing safe water to the people of Kobonal, Haiti, a priority,” explained Jim Cavnar, president of Cross Catholic Outreach, one of the largest Catholic charities serving in Haiti. For years, Cavnar’s ministry has partnered with Kobonal missionary Fr. Meaux to address the plight of the poor in Haiti by funding feeding programs, housing projects, educational outreaches, water projects and more.

“It may surprise some American Catholics, but providing safe water can literally be a lifesaving measure in a remote community. In fact, one of the first projects we did with Fr. Meaux involved capping a spring to bring clean water to a town that had lost a tragic number of children to illnesses caused by contaminated water,” Cavnar said. “Fr. Meaux had seen them carrying a child’s coffin down the hillside and was shocked to learn local families were losing babies and toddlers to unsafe water every month. He contacted us to see whether something could be done, and we rallied support from American Catholics to fund the water project he needed. This gift to the community has probably saved dozens of lives since then.”

The impact of unsafe water goes further, affecting older children and adults too, according to Cavnar.

Legacy

“When an older child becomes ill, he or she often misses school, and sick adults can find it difficult to work steadily and secure a stable income. These may not seem like serious problems, but as sick days mount, the impact can be devastating. Children fall behind in their classwork or drop out of school entirely, losing the opportunities for advancement that an education can bring. Their parents struggle to make ends meet, sometimes even finding it impossible to provide food each day. Once that downward spiral begins, it can lead to families falling into despair — and a real sense of hopelessness.”

Fortunately, modern technology can provide a solution if funding is available. Well-digging rigs can be secured to reach safe water sources underground, and hand or solar pumps can be used to make water stations effective even when electricity isn’t available.

“We have had a lot of

infants and very young children are at the greatest risk.

experience solving water scarcity problems and developing water delivery systems in remote areas,” Cavnar said. “The technology and skills are available if we can get the funding for the project work involved. That is why we are seeking support from American Catholics to help Fr. Meaux with his latest project — installing two new freshwater wells and repairing several other wells in his area.” (See story on opposite page.)

As Cavnar has said, managing major water projects is one of Cross Catholic Outreach’s areas of expertise, and he remains confident Fr. Meaux’s wells will be built, benefiting the communities he serves.

“I believe we’ll succeed because Catholics in America often rally to accomplish missions of mercy like this,” he said. “They are eager to help others, particularly those with an urgent need. What matters to them is that their donations are used wisely and will produce an important, tangible benefit

for the poor. They support water projects such as this one because they understand the value of safe water. They would want that for their own families, and their hearts go out to poor parents who must give their sons and daughters contaminated water to drink. I believe they will want to end that suffering and support a committed Catholic leader like Fr. Meaux.” Readers interested in supporting Cross Catholic Outreach water programs and other outreaches to the poor can contribute through the ministry brochure inserted in this issue or send tax-deductible gifts to Cross Catholic Outreach, Dept. AC02352, PO Box 97168, Washington, DC 20090-7168. The ministry has a special need for partners willing to make gifts on a monthly basis. Use the inserted brochure to become a Mission Partner or write “Monthly Mission Partner” on mailed checks to be contacted about setting up those arrangements.

Giving Provides Catholics With Unique Opportunity to Bless Others

If you are like many Catholics born in the 1950s or before, you have probably begun to think about the spiritual legacy your life and actions represent. What did we care about? What did we value? These are some of the things we hope will be remembered.

“For a growing number of Catholics, this introspection has led to the exploration of ‘legacy giving’ — the use of one’s will, trust, life insurance or retirement policies to leave behind an echo of one’s beliefs, deeds and values — a blessing of others that will reverberate beyond our own

lifetime, hopefully influencing our family and others we cherish,” explained Jim Cavnar, president of Cross Catholic Outreach, an official Catholic relief and development charity with a staff dedicated to such estate planning.

According to Cavnar, Cross Catholic Outreach has helped many Catholics establish these “legacy gifts” and expects them to play a significant role in future ministry missions.

“A will or trust can also reflect a person’s special heart for a country or for an area of need. It can be used to build houses

for poor families or to build classrooms to educate children, for example,” Cavnar said. “Others simply want to help the poorest of the poor and make their legacy gift for that purpose. It’s their way of saying, ‘As a Catholic, I value life and support works of mercy. I want my family to understand that calling and believe in it too.’ And because legacy gifts can be quite large, they often achieve incredible things. A single one might build an entire school or fund the construction of hundreds of homes. It’s producing an amazing

impact and serves as an incredible testament to the faith of the giver.”

In addition to this service, Cross Catholic Outreach’s staff can support donors seeking to establish a charitable gift annuity, charitable remainder trust or special endowment. Financial planners can also obtain information to help those who seek professional counsel or have donor-advised funds.

To learn more about these services, the charity recommends readers visit its special online portal at CrossCatholicLegacy.org

In Haiti’s rural communities, water is often collected from murky ponds or other contaminated sources. It can be tainted with animal waste or teeming with bacteria and harmful parasites. For the poor, who must rely on this water, one drink can lead to serious illnesses, and

American Catholics Rally to Provide Poor Families With Safe Water Through Fr. Meaux’s

Kobonal Haiti Mission

When Father Glenn Meaux and his missionary team arrived in Kobonal, Haiti, in 1989, he was deeply disturbed by the magnitude of poverty he saw there. Hardly anyone in the village owned the land their fragile huts occupied. No one grew gardens or raised animals. Very few employment opportunities existed for the unskilled, uneducated population, so very few families were able to earn money to buy food.

During the rainy season, the women and children would gather water from the plentiful streams and rivers — but the water was obviously tainted. During the dry season, people resorted to digging holes in the sand in order to find water.

In addition to suffering hunger and thirst, the people were also starving for spiritual guidance. Entrenched in superstition and occult practices, few had ever heard the name of Christ.

“There was no agriculture, there was no irrigation system— there was literally no hope at the time,” Fr. Meaux recalled.

This is the challenging ground on which the Kobonal Haiti Mission took root, and in the three ensuing decades, the mission has worked marvels, helping hundreds of families improve their lives. Still, Fr. Meaux’s heart breaks every

time he sees a mother or child living in a dilapidated shack or gathering water from a murky stream.

“Fr. Meaux has already given the best years of his life to the people of Haiti (see story on opposite page), but he always has his eyes forward, looking for the next thing he can do to help relieve the people’s suffering and increase their opportunities in life,” explained Jim Cavnar, president of Cross Catholic Outreach, a leading Catholic relief and development ministry that has partnered with Fr. Meaux for more than a decade and a half. “Many people are aware of the wonderful things he’s done to address the people’s urgent needs, but his ultimate goal is to break the cycle of poverty in this part of Haiti and

forever change the fate of the families he serves.”

Fr. Meaux stated his objectives even more simply.

“As Catholics, we must extend our hands to help our brothers and sisters in need,” he said.

Currently, one of the mission’s primary project goals is to bring clean water to the people of Kobonal, ending the need for families to collect unsafe water from remote sources.

“Women and children are often tasked with finding and collecting water, and the murky streams they draw from aren’t fit for animals, much less people,” Cavnar said. “At Cross Catholic Outreach, we work on many projects like this, obtaining donations from U.S. Catholics to pay for the equipment and organize the construction efforts involved. Our current goal is to

ABOVE: In Haiti’s rural communities, poor families are often forced to collect drinking water from unsafe sources, and they can suffer serious illnesses from waterborne parasites and diseases as a result. LEFT: Fr. Meaux has a plan to provide safe water, and American Catholics can support his efforts through contributions to Cross Catholic Outreach.

help Fr. Meaux put in three cleanwater wells, build a community distribution point and repair five existing wells. If we can accomplish this, it will postiviley impact 211 adults and 567 children who currently face the greatest challenges to their health and well-being. The people in these villages will use the water not only for drinking and cooking but also to sustain important gardens they depend on for food and income.”

According to Cavnar, the wells will make use of freestanding hand pumps, and the families in each community will choose a leader to oversee and perform maintenance on the equipment. Each well will have a cement wall around it for security and be available daily during specific

How to Help

hours of operation. The water will be free, but the benefiting families will be encouraged to contribute a token amount to a community fund that can be tapped if repairs are ever needed on the wells. Contributing in this way will give villagers a sense of ownership and pride in their community.

“Anticipation is mounting for this project, and volunteers have already stepped forward to offer their help with the construction of the wells. Now, all that’s needed are the funds for drilling, purchasing pumps, constructing a pump house to store supplies and training community members to handle maintenance of the new facilities,” Cavnar said. “Our goal now is to make American Catholics aware of the project and gain their support.”

To fund Cross Catholic Outreach’s effort to help the poor worldwide, use the postagepaid brochure inserted in this newspaper or mail your gift to Cross Catholic Outreach, Dept. AC02352 , PO Box 97168, Washington, DC 20090-7168. The brochure also includes instructions for becoming a Mission Partner and making a regular monthly donation to this cause.

If you identify an aid project, 100% of the donation will be restricted to be used for that specific project. However, if more is raised for the project than needed, funds will be redirected to other urgent needs in the ministry.