July 2, 2023, ET Catholic, A section

Bishop Stika resigns

Diocese’s 3rd shepherd taking emeritus status into early retirement

The East Tennessee Catholic

Bishop Richard F. Stika, the Diocese of Knoxville’s third and longest-serving shepherd, has resigned.

An announcement from the Vatican that Pope Francis granted Bishop Stika’s request to step down was made June 27 and then released by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The bishop cited ongoing health concerns as a reason for his retirement.

“Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of the Most Rev. Richard F. Stika from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Knoxville. At the same time, the Holy See has appointed the Most Rev. Shelton J. Fabre of Louisville as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Knoxville to serve until the appointment and installation of the new bishop,” according to the Holy See and the USCCB.

The resignation of Bishop Stika and the appointment of Archbishop Fabre were first publicized early June 27 in Washington, D.C., by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

Bishop Stika said he recently sent a letter to Pope Francis asking the Holy Father to grant his petition to retire as bishop of the Diocese of Knoxville. The bishop was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI on Jan. 12, 2009, and was installed on March 19, 2009.

“People will speculate on why I am doing this. I have been dealing with life-threatening health

issues most of my adult life. I have been living with Type-1 diabetes since 1980. I nearly died from a diabetic coma in 2009, and as a result I lost vision in one of my eyes. I was hospitalized for another grave diabetic scare in 2015. I have

survived a heart attack, heart bypass surgery, and I have four heart stents. I am also suffering from neuropathy. Last month, I was transported to a hospital in East Tennessee for another health issue,” Bishop Stika said.

“I recognize that questions about my leadership have played out publicly in recent months. I would be less than honest if I didn’t admit that some of this has weighed on me physically and emotionally. For these reasons, I asked the Holy Father for relief from my responsibilities as a diocesan bishop,” he added.

Bishop Stika, who turned 66 on July 4, now takes on the title of Bishop Emeritus, and he plans to return to his hometown of St. Louis to spend his retirement.

“God has blessed me abundantly. I have been a Catholic priest for most of that time, and I have tried my best to be a good shepherd. We have built and dedicated many new churches, including a much-needed cathedral, improved our schools, expanded care for the sick and vulnerable, and as always, I have tried to teach Jesus wherever I go,” Bishop Stika said.

“My desire is to remain in active ministry but at a slower pace. I would like to do so near my hometown, St. Louis, and continue to live with Cardinal Justin Rigali, whom I have known for almost 30 years and who has been in residence with me in Knoxville for 12 years,” he added. “I have tremendous love for East Tennes-

are we going?’

as apostolic administrator, celebrates Mass, offers direction

By Gabrielle Nolan

The Diocese of Knoxville is undergoing a time of transition following the resignation of Bishop Richard F. Stika, who served the diocese as bishop for 14 years and announced his retirement on June 27.

While the diocese awaits a new bishop to be named, the Holy See has appointed Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre of Louisville, Ky., to be the apostolic administrator of the diocese.

“An apostolic administrator is a bishop who is placed by the Holy See in a diocese without a bishop, and an apostolic administrator is different from an administrator of a diocese,” the archbishop explained. “An apostolic administrator has all of the authority of a diocesan bishop, so he has more authority than just an administrator. Usually, major decisions may be delayed, but he can make those decisions. But usually major decisions are delayed for the new bishop.”

Archbishop Fabre celebrated a Mass invoking the Holy Spirit for the Diocese of Knoxville on June

28 at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville.

in attendance for the Mass were more than 40 priests of the diocese and 30 deacons.

Sister Mary Simone Haakansson and Sister Joan Miriam

gifts for Archbishop Fabre. They were joined at the Mass by several Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation based in Nashville and Missionary Congregation of the Evangelizing Sisters of Mary. “My dear friends, good evening. My name is Shelton Fabre; it is my pleasure to have been the one sent here to serve you, to serve you, the wonderful people, laity, priests, deacons, consecrated men and women religious, seminarians, all of you who make up the Diocese of Knoxville,” the archbishop said. “It is an honor to share faith with you. Thank you very much for your presence here tonight as we look to Christ, relying on the Holy Spirit to give us guidance and direction as we continue our journey in and with Jesus Christ. It is my honor and my privilege to be here with you tonight, and I thank you very much for your presence, but even more importantly I thank you for your faith.”

are Religious

of Mercy of Alma, Mich., brought up the

Before the homily, Archbishop Fabre took the opportunity to share more about himself. Originally from Louisiana, the arch-

Deacon Jim Bello served as deacon of the altar, and Deacon Sean Smith served as deacon of the Word. Deacons Hicks Armor and Walt Otey were the emcees. Also

Nelson, who

Sisters

'Comfort my people' Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre celebrates Mass on June 28 at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Assisting him were Deacon Jim Bello, left, and Deacon Sean Smith.

Bishop Emeritus Richard F. Stika celebrates Easter Vigil Mass in April. The now-retired bishop announced his resignation on June 27.

Photo by Dr. Kelly Kearse

The Light of Christ

Catholic Extension considering St. Mary's Legacy Clinic director for award

The East Tennessee Catholic

Sister Mary Lisa Renfer, RSM, DO, has been nominated for Catholic Extension’s Lumen Christi Award for her work extending the healing ministry of Jesus to the poor as medical director of the St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic.

The Lumen Christi Award, presented by Catholic Extension, is given to people who radiate and reveal the light of Christ present in the communities where they serve.

The 40-foot-long mobile medical clinic provides a traveling doctor’s office, complete with on-board computers, a treatment room, health assessment station, and a lab. The clinic travels to several communities throughout East Tennessee every month, providing free medical care to those without insurance.

With more than 1,300 patient visits in 2022, Sister Mary Lisa

Sr. Regina

and the clinic treated patients in rural counties where 18 to 23 percent of the residents live in poverty. Many patients live in extreme poverty and suffer the afflictions of the poor diabetes, high blood pressure, liver disease, opioid addiction, and lung disease.

The vast majority of patients

are not Catholic. In fact, their first exposure to the Catholic Church is the habited Sister of Mercy and doctor, Sister Mary Lisa. She, her staff of two, and a team of more than 80 active volunteers work to bring healing, hope, and the hands of Christ to others.

Pope Francis said, “Even when

healing is not possible, care can always be given.” Bishop Richard F. Stika says Sister Mary Lisa exemplifies this by walking with each patient in each of their unique circumstances. She never separates the healing of the body from the ministry to the soul.

“Jesus comes to meet you in each person. Sometimes I can’t fix them, but I have to walk with them. And the more you walk with them, the more you know how to help,” Sister Mary Lisa said.

Catholic Extension is a national fundraising organization that supports and strengthens mission dioceses across the United States, including the Diocese of Knoxville. The organization provides funding and resources to dioceses and parishes through programs and services investing in people, infrastructure, and ministries. Support is given based on need, passion, and commitment to the growth of the Catholic faith. ■

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.

July Prayer Intention

“We pray that Catholics may place the celebration of the Eucharist at the heart of their lives, transforming human relationships in a very deep way and opening to the encounter with God and all their brothers and sisters.”

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

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.

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

WATCH UPDATES DioKnoxTV

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 ■

> CONTACT US AT 865.584.3307 OR bbrewer @ dioknox.org.

> FIND US AT dioknox.org.

NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE OF KNOXVILLE

PUBLISHER

Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Jim Wogan jwogan@dioknox.org

DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCER Emily Booker ebooker@dioknox.org

EDITOR Bill Brewer bbrewer@dioknox.org

ASSISTANT EDITOR Dan McWilliams dan@dioknox.org

MULTIMEDIA REPORTER Gabrielle Nolan gnolan@dioknox.org

CONTACT US 865.584.3307 VISIT US ONLINE dioknox.org | etcatholic.org

Pope Francis

© 2023 Handmaids of the Precious Blood

The face and hands of Christ Sister Mary Lisa Renfer, RSM, DO, treats patients aboard the St. Mary's Legacy Clinic.

THE EAST TENNESSEE CATHOLIC ARCHIVES

Priest and victim

By keeping a daily Holy Hour, we best learn our priestly identity and how to be a ‘ living sacrifice'

“Could you not keep watch with me for one hour?”

— Matthew 26:40

Keep watch.” As I reflect upon my time here in the diocese, it seems fitting to conclude with a reflection on the priesthood. For what a great blessing this year to have celebrated the sacrament of Holy Orders with the ordination of seven men—three to the priesthood and four as transitional deacons! Indeed, how blessed we are to have such men who answered God’s calling and desire to bring Christ to His flock and serve them.

And to do so ever more faithfully, and for the blessing of their priesthood, the one counsel I strongly recommend is that of never neglecting to make one continuous Holy Hour every day before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament (even on days off and during vacations).

If there was but one book that I wish every priest would prayerfully read, and review at least annually on the anniversary of their ordination, it would be Venerable Archbishop

Fulton Sheen’s The Priest Is Not His Own . For any priest who embraces his sage advice and makes a Holy Hour each day will be able to more faithfully exercise and live out his priesthood in Christ as both priest and victim. For it is what Christ is, and what we are ordained to be.

Lost meaning . In our day and age, one word has tragically lost its great spiritual significance among Catholics, and even more sadly among priests, too—that of “victim.”

For the priestly identity of the ordained is inseparable from that of also being a victim. Whereas in the Old Testament the priest and the sacrifice to be offered were distinct and separate, as Archbishop Sheen explained, “Christ united in Himself both priesthood and victimhood.”

As such, he warns priests that to understand their priesthood as something separate from that of also being a victim in Christ is to have “a mutilated concept of our priesthood.” This is why, particularly for priests, a daily Holy Hour is so important.

Why a Holy Hour? In the 60 years of his priesthood, Archbishop Sheen never once failed to keep a Holy Hour each day, claiming it was the key to growing and strengthening his priestly life in Christ. For it was in the prayerful silence of each of his Holy Hours before the Blessed Sacrament that He learned from Our Lord that he could not “ascend the altar as a priest and not as victim.”

He continually stressed the importance of

T he Holy Hour helps us to be more vigilant in guarding the vows that protect our priesthood. For to neglect even one vow is to step out from under the protection it provides—and let there be no doubt, Satan will be sure to swoop in when we do. So, guard your priestly vows, for by them we shall be judged

making a daily Holy Hour because it “is the only thing that works for the priesthood.” And laity, too, as they are able, are encouraged to make a daily visit to the Blessed Sacrament as well.

Love for the Mass. Because the Eucharist, as St. John Paul II stressed, “is the principal and central raison d’être of the sacrament of the priesthood, the Holy Hour necessarily fuel’s the priest’s fervor for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.”

As Pope Benedict XVI stressed, “The fervor of a priest’s life depends entirely upon the Mass.” And it is the Holy Hour that fuels that fervor for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass—for that which we celebrate is that which we must also live.

Priestly identity. It is in the presence of the Lord for a continuous hour that we best learn our true identity as priests and to be “a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1)—to offer and be offered “through Him, and with Him, and in Him” in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and in the Mass we must live.

We learn to enter into Christ’s “hour” by spending an hour with Him. And by doing so, we learn, as Archbishop Sheen stressed, “There is no such thing as a ‘six o’clock Mass—the Mass is continuous, a living sacrifice.’” We must live our Mass every day as priest and victim.

Making a Holy Hour. Properly understood, Archbishop Sheen explains that “the Holy Hour is not an official prayer; it is personal.” While “the basic purpose of this hour is to meditate,” one can also pray the Liturgy of the Hours (although he recommends no more than 20 minutes so as to keep the majority of the hour for meditative prayer). Certainly, one may pray the rosary, or meditate upon Scripture or upon an appropriate spiritual reading. But it is also important during this time to learn how to “listen to the Lord.”

And if you are tempted to give up making a daily Holy Hour, Archbishop Sheen instructs us to “ask yourself which of these three excuses, which the Lord said would be ours, is keeping us back from total service: earthly desires, earthly love, or earthly grief” (Luke 9:57-62).

Priestly adoration. We come before Our

Lord in the Holy Hour to adore and give Him thanks. But consider this—our priestly vows are themselves “an act of devotion” by which we dedicate ourselves to God and promise our faithfulness ( Catechism of the Catholic Church , 2102). Because of this, one laudable practice for priests is to begin the Holy Hour by briefly praying and reflecting upon “The Promise of the Elect” from the Rite of Ordination.

These are the six questions asked by the ordaining bishop at our priestly ordination and the seven from our diaconal ordination, each beginning with the words, “Do you resolve….” The only vow common to both rites of ordination begins with “Do you promise…” regarding respect and obedience to the bishop and his successors.

Perhaps the reason for this double emphasis is because, as a noted Italian exorcist explained, “The prince of disobedience is the devil, and you beat him by being obedient, not by your personality, or charisms.”

Strength for the ministry. The Holy Hour helps us to be more vigilant in guarding the vows that protect our priesthood. For to neglect even one vow is to step out from under the protection it provides—and let there be no doubt, Satan will be sure to swoop in when we do. So, guard your priestly vows, for by them we shall be judged. His greatest desire. Here I think of Venerable Brother Bernardo Vasconcelos (1902-1932), a Portuguese Benedictine monk. His greatest desire was to become a priest and to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, but after suffering an illness for six years, he died at age 29.

However, those long years of suffering served to form his understanding and love of the priesthood, the Eucharist, and the Mass in a way far greater than the seminary could have. Nearing death, he wrote a short but very beautiful book, The Mass and the Interior Life , where he wrote what he learned it meant to be truly eucharistic:

“Those who live the sacrament of the Eucharist should also live the sacrifice, which is its principle and source…. And if they do not live the sacrifice of the Eucharist, they easily forget the active part which they should take in the holy Mass, as co-offerers and co-victims. This is such an enormous loss to their spiritual life that it is hardly surprising if they lack that special veneration and affection which they ought to have for the holy Sacrifice.”

Dying with Christ. Venerable Bernardo longed to ascend the altar as both priest and

Bishop continued on page A14

Priest’ s exit from Courage marks era of growth amid societal tumult

Executive director speaks about tenure, returning to Philadelphia Archdiocese duties

By Joan Frawley Desmond National Catholic Register

Back in 2015, when Father Philip Bochanski joined the staff of Courage International, the Catholic apostolate that helps people with same-sex attraction live in accordance with Church teaching, the U.S. Supreme Court had just legalized same-sex unions, and he feared the ministry would stall as America embraced a new normal.

“Everything seemed settled in the public mind, and I thought, ‘We probably won’t be expanding,’” Father Bochanski recalled during a recent interview with National Catholic Register

Instead, the high court’s decision in Obergefell v. Hodges propelled an unexpected increase in the opening of new Courage chapters across the United States.

Bishops who had remained on the fence during the nation’s contentious debate over “marriage equality” now saw the urgent need for an apostolate that placed the Church’s vision of human sexuality at the heart of its pastoral outreach to Catholics seeking to reconcile their personal struggles with their faith.

The rapid expansion of Courage chapters in the United States was the first, but not the only, twist in Father Bochanski’s eight-

Fr. Griffith named chaplain for Courage, EnCourage in Diocese of Knoxville

Fr. Colin Blatchford serving as associate director of Courage International

By Bill Brewer

Bishop Richard F. Stika has appointed Father Zachary Griffith as chaplain for Courage and EnCourage in the Diocese of Knoxville.

Father Griffith, who serves as associate pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Chattanooga, began his additional role on July 1. He succeeds Father Valentin Iurochkin, who continues to serve as associate pastor of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga and as chaplain for the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Newman Center.

Courage is a Catholic Church program that ministers to men and Chaplain continued on page A17

year tenure, which came to a close on June 3, when he left the Trumbull, Conn.-based apostolate and returned to Philadelphia, where he has been appointed vicar general and moderator of the curia of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia by Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez.

While serving as the Courage ministry’s executive director for the past six years, Father Bochanski also faced new challenges, from a pandemic lockdown that suspended vital face-to-face chapter meetings to a fast-mov -

ing campaign to change Catholic teaching on homosexuality, led by Church leaders in Europe.

The lockdown paved the way for remote video-facilitated chapter meetings, now a permanent option for some members, and the push to upend Catholic teaching prompted Father Bochanski to pen a 2022 “open letter” urging the Church leaders to halt their efforts.

Primary focus

But Father Bochanski has maintained a laser-like focus on the

apostolate’s primary responsibility: serving the spiritual and pastoral needs of his same-sexattracted flock and bringing this vital ministry’s message of hope and healing to more dioceses, both in the United States and beyond.

“We have always made an effort, as an apostolate, to avoid political activism of any sort because it is a distraction from our primary pastoral work,” he said.

“We are here to walk with those we are striving to serve through one-on-one, face-to-face conversations and small groups.”

That approach has paid off.

In 2017, Courage sponsored 247 U.S. chapters, and by 2023, that number had surged to 340, with 236 priests serving as chaplains. EnCourage, a companion ministry for the family and friends of people experiencing same-sex attraction, also has made similar progress, along with a steady increase in Spanish-language groups and online resources.

Likewise, Father Bochanski devoted significant time and resources to securing a strong beachhead in Latin America, which now has 36 Spanish-language and nine Portuguese-language chapters and 35 chaplains.

The website for Courage is available in English, Spanish, and

Courage continued on page A17

Catholic Charities returns home after fire

Renovations to Knoxville headquarters complete following 2021 unsolved arson

By Dan McWilliams

After a tragic arson fire displaced many offices of the agency in November 2021, Catholic Charities of East Tennessee has been moving back to its renovated and renewed Dameron Avenue headquarters in North Knoxville as spring changed to summer this year.

Lisa Healy, CCETN executive director, stood inside the building at 119 Dameron Ave. and gave thanks for the move-in.

“I’m so joyful. It just seems like it’s been a long time coming,” she said, her voice breaking. “It’s almost emotional, but you’ve got to give glory to God because He makes all good things out of the ashes. Having an arson fire was tragic for us and emotional. To have something this beautiful come out of the ashes is just fantastic. We’re blessed.”

The office building was still largely empty in mid-June, but that did not last.

“We got occupancy today. We’ve got a little bit of a punch

list. We’re working on getting all of our swipe and security locks in,” Mrs. Healy said on June 15

“We’re waiting for some glass for our reception area, a little reception furniture, but all in all we’re ready to move our boxes in, and

Pope Francis thanks people everywhere for his recovery

Holy Father is ready for World Youth Day

we’ll be ready for clients in a few days. ” The Pregnancy Help Center is based at Dameron Avenue, which is a couple of blocks from Holy Ghost Church, and the facility will include a clinic

with an ultrasound machine purchased by the Knights of Columbus.

“That’s going to mean an opportunity to enhance pregnancy services to save lives,” Mrs. Healy said. “Pregnancy Help has served the community through Catholic Charities for 20 years. We added adoption in December, and ultrasound will be opening soon. We built the space here to house our ultrasound exam room.”

No one was arrested in the aftermath of the Nov. 28, 2021, arson fire, which occurred at the end of Thanksgiving weekend. Police discovered the blaze when responding to an alarm at the building at about 10:30 p.m. Firefighters discovered a gasoline can and a matchbook near the window the perpetrator broke to gain entry. Fire gutted much of the building’s interior, and there was extensive smoke and water damage. The interior was deemed a total loss.

“It’s been over 18 months,” Mrs. Healy said. “The insurance

By Cindy Wooden and Justin McLellan Catholic News Service

With a slightly quivering voice, before leading the recitation of the Angelus prayer, Pope Francis thanked everyone who prayed for him and cared for him while he was in the hospital.

Greeting an estimated 15,000 people gathered in St. Peter ’ s Square on June 18, two days after he was released from Rome s Gemelli hospital following surgery to repair a hernia, the pope thanked everyone who “ showed me affection, care, and friendship and assured me of their prayerful support. ”

“ This human and spiritual closeness has been of great help and comfort to me, the pope said. “ Thank you all, thank you,

thank you from the bottom of my heart!

As is customary, Pope Francis also commented on the day ’ s Gospel reading, Matthew 9:3610:8, focusing on the line that Jesus sent his Apostles out to preach that “t he kingdom of heaven is at hand. ”

“

It is the same proclamation with which Jesus began his preaching, ” the pope said, telling everyone that “ the kingdom of God, that is, His lordship of love, has come near, it comes in our midst. ”

The good news of God's closeness, the pope said, should fill people with trust because “ if the God of heaven is close, we are not alone on earth. ”

When sharing the Gospel with others, he said, the first thing to let them know is that God is not Pope continued on page A22

Grateful for prayers Pope Francis waves at visitors gathered in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican after praying the Angelus on June 18.

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE PHOTO/LOLA GOMEZ

DAN MCWILLIAMS

Just like new Lisa Healy, executive director of Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, left, and Jennifer Tekstar, human resources manager for Catholic Charities, are pictured in the newly renovated Dameron Avenue offices.

DAN

MCWILLIAMS

CCETN continued on page A16

(Re)Open for business Catholic Charities of East Tennessee has moved into its newly renovated offices at 119 Dameron Ave. in Knoxville. The Diocese of Knoxville agency is once again serving clients at this location.

Getting squared away Paul Ritter, chief operations officer for Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, returns to his updated office following a 2021 fire that gutted the facility.

BILL BREWER

Bishop Stika confirms 53 during adult confirmation

Sacrament is offered during Pentecost Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral

By Dan McWilliams

Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated the adult confirmation Mass on Pentecost Sunday, May 28, and this year a total of 53 men and women received the sacrament at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The annual liturgy is held for those who have been baptized and received first Holy Communion but have not been confirmed.

“It’s one of the things I started right after I arrived in Knoxville because we did it in St. Louis. There are always people who fall through the cracks for whatever reason,” Bishop Stika said. “It’s a beautiful thing. We always do it on Pentecost, and it’s another way the Church touches the lives of other people and people in their lives touch the Church.”

The cathedral’s Deacon Walt Otey, who was master of ceremonies, and Deacon Fredy Vargas assisted the bishop, as did Deacon Erasmo Hernandez of St. Mary Parish in Athens. Deacon Jim Bello, director of the diocesan Office of Christian Formation, and wife Christina brought forward the gifts.

“Welcome to the cathedral on this great feast of Pentecost, the day on which the Church became a church thousands of years ago with the feast and the gift of the Holy Spirit that came upon the Apostles—the same Holy Spirit will come upon those to be confirmed this day,” Bishop Stika said in his greeting to the assembly.

Deacon Otey then said, “Bishop Stika, it is my honor to present to you the candidates for confirmation. Candidates and sponsors, please stand.”

The bishop stated: “I know

that your pastors have determined that you are ready to be confirmed. So, in the name of the Church, the Diocese of Knoxville, I welcome you as you now have completed the sacraments of initiation: at baptism, at Eucharist, and now of confirmation, so I congratulate you and thank you for this moment.”

USCCB president: vision of Church ‘ committed to the common good'

By Kate Scanlon OSV News

The Catholic Church in the United States remains “committed to the common good” in navigating several political issues impacting the poor and vulnerable, especially migrants, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, told the conference's Spring Plenary Assembly on June 15.

Archbishop Broglio, who oversees the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, told fellow bishops gathered in Orlando, Fla., that “we cannot fail to see the face of Christ in all of those who need our assistance, especially the poor and the vulnerable.”

“I did not do a survey, but I would imagine that many of us have ancestors who either recently or at least in the 19th cen-

tury came to these shores looking for a better life,” he said. “Even those on the Mayflower were looking for freedom of religion and a new life.”

The Catholic Church ’ s commitment to the common good requires its cooperation in the distribution of humanitarian aid in partnership with local, state, and federal officials, as well as faith communities and “likeminded organizations,” he said.

Archbishop Broglio lamented congressional inaction on comprehensive immigration reform and said, “I know that this can put us at odds with certain groups or those who fear immigration, but our commitment is to the truth about the human condition and the dignity of the human person from conception to natural death.”

“We strive to encourage those well-intentioned lawmakers who USCCB continued on page A21

A hearty round of applause followed. Bishop Stika began his homily by saying he had presided at 34 confirmation Masses over a six-week period during the spring.

“Normally, when I do confirmations, they’re fifth-graders and sixth-graders. But it just shows that the sacrament of confirmation is a sacrament that’s not defined by ages,” he said. “A few years ago, I confirmed a 98-year-old man. You see, the sacraments are life-giving. There are people who are babies when they are baptized and adults at whatever age when they are baptized. There are people of various ages who receive the Eucharist for the first time, some as 7-year-olds, others maybe a 98-year-old. And then the sacrament of confirmation. For the three of these sacraments

are so uniquely connected by the mission that has been given to the Church by Jesus. So many centuries ago, we hear the story of that first Pentecost, when the Apostles were gathered in that Upper Room. Tradition tells us it might have been where the Last Supper was celebrated, so again, the unique connection: Mass and confirmation.”

The bishop urged the confirmandi not to be afraid, as the Apostles were after the Ascension and before the Holy Spirit came, reminding the adults receiving the sacrament at the cathedral of St. John Paul II’s words uttered upon his election as pope: “Do not be afraid, for God is with us.”

Bishop Stika said the confirmandi should remember God’s words in the Book of Genesis.

“What does it tell us? That all of us are created in the image and in the likeness of God. All of us. So why would God want us to fail as Christians and as humans?” he said. “God continuously gives us those things to nourish us, to strengthen us, to protect us. It’s His gift, a gift that is given to you and to me. We celebrate today in a very extraordinary way—the sacrament of confirmation. It says in tradition that the Apostles were there and ‘the shutters blew open.’ They didn’t have windows. The shutters blew open, and a gust of wind came into that room. Tongues of fire appeared over their heads. By the way, if you see tongues of fire at this confirmation, please let me know.

“They left that room, and they traveled, and they talked, and they witnessed, and all but one Apostle died a martyr’s death. Terrific, horrible ways to die, except St. John, the Apostle, the

Confirmation continued on page A14

Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit Above: Bishop Richard F. Stika confirms one of the 53 men and women who received the sacrament on May 28 at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Below: Bishop Stika delivers a prayer for the newly confirmed during the adult confirmation Mass.

DAN MCWILLIAMS (2)

Bishops meet Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, who is president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, speaks June 15 during the USCCB's Spring Plenary Assembly in Orlando, Fla.

Uvalde a year later

Fr. Peter Iorio attends anniversary event of school shooting

By Gabrielle Nolan

The small town of Uvalde, Texas, is still grieving one year after a tragic school shooting shocked its community. The shooting that took place on May 24, 2022, at Robb Elementary School took the lives of 19 children and two teachers.

Father Peter Iorio, pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Alcoa, was present for the firstyear anniversary as part of an immersion trip with Catholic Extension.

Catholic Extension is a fundraising organization that helps ensure all American Catholics can practice their faith within vibrant faith communities. The group has supported U.S. mission dioceses for more than 100 years. With its donors, Catholic Extension connects “poor and remote Catholic communities with essential financial support, educational partnerships, and infrastructure,” according to its website.

“Catholic Extension Society is a papal institution that helps poor regions of the United States, and they operate in our diocese up in Erwin with the Glenmary parish,” Father Iorio said. “They’ve been in Uvalde for over 100 years, and so when that horrible tragedy happened, they had already established good relationships and so were able to go in and be there to help with the grief process and everything.”

Because of grants from Catholic Extension, 30 children from Robb Elementary now attend Sacred Heart School in Uvalde. Catholic Extension helped build that Catholic church and school.

“Catholic Extension is a part of the Uvalde family and the

comfort

Sacred Heart Catholic community, and so that was very much something that took away those other hesitations about going,”

Father Iorio shared.

Father Iorio felt inspired to go on the trip because he has “a

Uvalde Catholic community marks painful date with Mass

By Maria-Pia Negro Chin OSV News

Community members gathered in Uvalde, Texas, to pray and honor the 21 lives taken last year in a mass shooting at Robb Elementary School.

“We kneel once again today before God, united and looking for ways to support each other. We continue sharing the pain while we give thanks for the greatness of the short lives that were taken from us a year ago,” said San Antonio Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller during a bilingual Mass at Sacred Heart Church in Uvalde on May 24, the first anniversary of the tragedy.

The Remembrance Mass, which community members requested, drew more than 500 people to

Sacred Heart Church, according to the San Antonio Archdiocese.

People were standing in the back and sides of the church and others outside of the sanctuary to honor the memory of those who were killed, most of whom were 10 years old.

The pastor greeted people from different sectors of the city, including families and friends of the 19 children and two teachers who were killed. Also present were students and teachers from different schools, including Sacred Heart Catholic School, and members of the archdiocesan Catholic Charities, religious sisters, counselors, and Catholic Extension representatives.

During his homily, Archbishop García-Siller recognized the diffi culties felt within the hearts of Mass continued on page A23

lot of compassion for what happened there, and I just felt like it was an opportunity I would never have ever dreamed of being a part of because it’s such a small community.”

“I was shocked to hear that

many priests choose not to accept the invitation to go on their immersion trips,” he continued.

“I think it’s important that we do learn this work of a wonderful organization.”

The quick weekday trip packed in many experiences for Father Iorio and the other clergy and lay leaders attending the immersion journey.

The Catholic Extension group stayed in San Antonio and drove over an hour by bus to Uvalde for the one-year anniversary memorial Mass, celebrated by Archbishop Gustavo GarcíaSiller of the Archdiocese of San Antonio.

“He was wonderful because he has been there two and three times a week, they said, since that incident happened, being a great shepherd to the people,” Father Iorio explained.

Archbishop García-Siller had commissioned artwork for the occasion, which sat on the steps in front of the altar.

“This beautiful blown glass that was there in the church in front of the altar, that really struck me,” Father Iorio said.

“The artist chose three hearts, and it was all symbolic. The first was a damaged and sick heart, and then the middle one was a healing heart, and it was being watched over, attended to by a blown glass image of the Blessed Mother bringing healing. And then the final one was a glorified heart, a renewed heart; it was kind of golden in color. So that was described and presented during the Mass.”

Father Iorio said that the archbishop’s homily brought “hope to the people.”

“One of the things that I recall is he said some people have said

Uvalde continued on page A23

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RICH KALONICK/CATHOLIC EXTENSION

Offering

and hope Top: Father Peter Iorio, right, is joined by priests from around the country brought together by Catholic Extension to visit Uvalde and meet with faithful who were impacted by a 2022 mass shooting at the town's Robb Elementary School. Above: The priests toured the Uvalde site, visiting memorials to the children and adults slain in the mass shooting. Father Iorio is pictured front right.

Praying for the children Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller of the Archdiocese of San Antonio speaks to a young girl following a May 24 Mass at Sacred Heart Church in Uvalde, Texas, that was celebrated on the first anniversary to honor the lives of those lost as a result of the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde.

OSV NEWS PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF SAN ANTONIO

see. It has been my home for almost 15 years, and I plan to return often as Bishop Emeritus to visit friends, celebrate Masses when asked, and take in UT games.”

The former shepherd of the Catholic Church in East Tennessee believes God’s timing for the retirement announcement correlated to a verse in the Acts of the Apostles.

“While not intentional, I believe it’s not a coincidence that I made my decision (in May), during a time when our Scripture readings, found in Acts of the Apostles, focused on the turbulent growth of the Church. Reading Scripture is good. It reminds us that the Church isn’t perfect—it’s human, but it continues to grow in goodness, thanks be to God,” the bishop said. “I offer my genuine and heartfelt apology to anyone I have disappointed over the years. I have tremendous respect for everyone, even my detractors. I ask that you pray for Archbishop Fabre as he oversees this diocese in the short term and for your new bishop when he is selected. Finally, I humbly ask that you please pray for me.”

Bishop Stika has been the subject of recent news coverage involving two legal cases, one a civil case in Knox County involving a former seminarian, and the other a criminal case in Sevier County involving a priest accused of inappropriate conduct.

The cases have drawn the ire of individuals and groups protesting the Catholic Church’s response to those who have reported being abused by priests. The cases also have drawn the attention of secular and Catholic news media.

Archbishop Fabre, who was named by Pope Francis in March 2022 to lead the Archdiocese of Louisville, said he hopes to spend one to two days each week in the Diocese of Knoxville until Bishop

Stika’s successor is in place.

The Archdiocese of Louisville is the seat of the metropolitan see of the Province of Louisville, which includes the dioceses of Knoxville, Nashville, Memphis, Covington, Ky., Lexington, Ky., and Owensboro, Ky., as well as the Louisville Archdiocese.

According to a statement from the Archdiocese of Louisville, Bishop Emeritus is the title the Diocese of Knoxville’s third shepherd will now go by.

In a message to the people of the Diocese of Knoxville, Archbishop Fabre asked for prayers for Bishop Stika as he assumes his new role. He also asked people in the diocese to “pray for an openness to the guidance of the Holy Spirit during this time of transition for the Diocese of Knoxville.”

“I offer gratitude to Bishop Stika for his 14 years of episcopal ministry. I extend to him my best wishes and prayers as he assumes his new role as Bishop Emeritus, or retired bishop. Please join me in praying for Bishop Stika, as we ask for his continued prayers for us,” Archbishop Fabre said.

The archbishop also asked the people of the diocese to keep him in their prayers and to pray for the priests, deacons, consecrated men and women, seminarians, and lay faithful in the diocese during the transition.

And he asked for prayers for the next bishop of Knoxville, who will oversee 50 parishes and one Catholic mission that serve some 70,000 Catholics in 36 East Tennessee counties

During the transition, Archbishop Fabre expressed confidence that the Diocese of Knoxville will continue ministering to the people of God in East Tennessee every day as it has since it was established on Sept. 8, 1988.

“Together we will prayerfully address all the pastoral needs before

us,” he said.

In the meantime, the Catholic faithful in East Tennessee await word from the Vatican on who will succeed Bishop Stika and become the Diocese of Knoxville’s fourth shepherd.

Archbishop Fabre said he hopes the Holy Father can name a successor sooner rather than later. But until then, the archbishop is putting in place plans to manage Catholic Church functions in East Tennessee.

“To ensure the spiritual and administrative needs of the Diocese of Knoxville are met in an efficient and appropriate manner, Archbishop Fabre’s appointment as apostolic administrator will last until Pope Francis names a new bishop of Knoxville and the bishop is installed. During his service to Knoxville, Archbishop Fabre will remain Archbishop of Louisville,” the Archdiocese of Louisville said in a statement released on June 27.

In a meeting with Diocese of Knoxville Chancery staff on June 27, Archbishop Fabre said he is appointing a diocesan priest to assist him in the daily activities of the diocese. He also indicated the naming of a new bishop could take several months.

On June 28, Archbishop Fabre named Father Doug Owens, pastor of All Saints Church in Knoxville and diocesan moderator of the curia, to be the delegate of the apostolic administrator.

When Bishop Stika arrived in East Tennessee in 2009, he succeeded then-Bishop Joseph E. Kurtz, who had been named by Pope Benedict XVI as archbishop of the Archdiocese of Louisville in June 2007.

In October 1999, Pope John Paul II named then-Monsignor Kurtz as the second bishop of Knoxville, succeeding Bishop Anthony J. O’Connell, who was the founding bishop

Archbishop Fabre succeeded Archbishop Kurtz in Louisville in 2022 when Archbishop Kurtz

Bishop Stika has led a growing Catholic population in East Tennessee and has dedicated a series of new churches, including the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. Albert the Great, and Church of Divine Mercy in Knoxville, St. John Neumann in Farragut, St. Michael the Archangel in Erwin, St. Teresa of Kolkata in Maynardville, St. John Paul II in Rutledge, and St. Christopher in Jamestown.

He helped break ground on construction of the new St. Alphonsus Church in Crossville, which is expected to be dedicated this year, led efforts to designate Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga as a minor basilica as well as major renovations to the historic church building and rectory, and oversaw significant expansion and upgrades to the Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton as well as to Knoxville Catholic and Notre Dame high schools and St. Joseph School.

He also brought the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Mich., the Evangelizing Sisters of Mary, the Handmaids of the Precious Blood, the Benedictines of Divine Will, and the Benedictine Daughters of Divine Will to the Diocese of Knoxville, where they join several members of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation of Nashville.

As bishop, he oversaw establishment of the St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic ministry and creation of the Vietnamese Catholic communities in Knoxville and Chattanooga.

And one of his last projects was working with Catholic Charities of East Tennessee executive director Lisa Healy to complete major renovations to Catholic Charities’ Knoxville headquarters following a 2021 arson fire.

The Diocese of Knoxville is considered one of the dioceses in the country experiencing robust growth in Catholic population. ■

retired.

Resign continued from page A1

DEACON PATRICK MURPHY-RACEY 1

JIM WOGAN 3

DAN MCWILLIAMS 2

STEPHANIE RICHER 4

Episcopal retrospective 1. Bishop Richard F. Stika leads the dedication Mass for the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on March 3, 2018. 2. Bishop Stika celebrates the adult confirmation Mass on May 28 at the cathedral. 3. Bishop Stika blesses the faithful with holy water at a cathedral Mass. 4. Bishop Stika is joined by Cardinal Justin Rigali and fellow cardinals, bishops, and archbishops for the dedication of the cathedral in 2018. 5. Bishop Stika consecrates the altar at the just-renovated Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga. 6. Bishop Stika leads the Liturgy of the Eucharist at the dedication Mass.

DEACON PATRICK MURPHY-RACEY 6 CHRISTINA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY 5

Archbishop continued from page A1

bishop was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Baton Rouge in 1989, where he served for 17 years. In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI named him an auxiliary bishop of New Orleans.

“That was post-Katrina, two years after Katrina,” Archbishop Fabre said. “So, I was in New Orleans helping that wonderful, wonderful American city to rebuild after the tragedy and catastrophe that was Hurricane Katrina. I came to love New Orleans.”

Then in 2013, Pope Francis named him to be the bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in coastal Louisiana.

“I served the wonderful, wonderful diverse but mostly Cajun people of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux until 2022, when Pope Francis named me to be the archbishop of Louisville, where I currently serve the Lord and serve the wonderful people of the archdiocese. As I said, I have been now, for a time, called to serve you. To serve you, the wonderful Diocese of Knoxville as your apostolic administrator.”

Archbishop Fabre also extended his gratitude to Bishop Stika and his “service to this local Church.”

“I pray God’s blessings upon Bishop Stika as he moves into the next phase of his life,” he said.

Archbishop Fabre framed his homily around three questions: Where are we now? Where is God? Where are we going?

“Where are we now?” the archbishop asked. “Simply, somewhere new. The Diocese of Knoxville enters into a new season of transition, of waiting, and of letting go. My prayer for us is that we might all be where we are with regard to our feelings and emotions. Again, may I encourage you to be where you are. Give yourself permission to be how you are, however you feel. Whatever’s going on within you, that’s OK. Be there, and let’s start there. My emotions are many, to be honest. When asked by the Holy See to serve as apostolic administrator, I accepted the call to do so. While also recognizing my responsibility to the faithful in the Archdiocese of Louisville, I want to assist you here in the Diocese of Knoxville to the very best of my ability. Now I admit that some of the practical challenges that I face with regard to distance and other things are a concern to me. I, nonetheless, trust in the Lord and embrace this role to serve you for a time as your apostolic administrator.”

“Many of us may be feeling various emotions and have questions,” Archbishop Fabre continued. “You may find yourself unsure of the future, or you may find yourself with questions, perhaps in the circle of the unknown. You may wonder what is next, or who is the next bishop going to be, or how long will we have to wait for a new bishop. These emotions and questions, they preoccupy our minds. Whenever we are confronted with change, we are confronted with emotions. Wherever you find yourself, I would like to say, it’s OK to be where you are… Every journey begins with where we are, and likewise we must start with where we are so that we can get to where God wants us to be.”

For his second question, Archbishop Fabre recalled the first Mass reading from Genesis 15.

“Where is God? Change affects us all dif-

ferently, but in it all we are called to trust, we are called to trust. In today’s first reading we walk with Abraham, and Abraham walks with the Lord,” the archbishop said. “Abram, whose name was later changed to Abraham, was called to trust in the Lord. We have much to learn from Abraham and his faith story. For you and I are being called to trust. I cannot help but think that Abraham has much to teach us, and Abraham has much to teach us about this: about trusting a person and not an outcome.”

“God made a promise to Abraham, and that promise was connected to an outcome. The promise made to Abraham was that he would have descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky. The promise to Abraham was that his family would become a great nation, a chosen nation. Yet, we’re aware that Abraham did not see the fulfillment of the promise in his human life. The fulfillment of the promise was extended far beyond ordinary time. The call from the Lord to Abraham was for Abraham to trust in the God who called Abraham, not in the fulfillment of that promise in human expectations. My dear friends in Christ, likewise we are called to trust in a person, namely Jesus Christ. None of us knows exactly what will happen in the future; I don’t. We are called to trust a person, Jesus Christ, and not necessarily in any particular outcome.”

Archbishop Fabre said the story of Abraham is “also a story about process.”

“Not about one single answer of yes to the Lord, but about many answers of yes to the Lord, responding yes to the Lord many times. Abraham came to trust the Lord through the process of walking always with the Lord. While we might cast our eyes on the future, on when a new bishop will arrive, we nonetheless find ourselves in the present moment. And God is asking us to trust him in the present moment. Certainly, we have to trust that God has a bishop in store for Knoxville, but there are

many moments that will precede the eventual arrival of the new bishop. We need to trust God now in the present moment and all that God wants to do in this diocese until a new bishop is named. If we keep our eyes only focused on the future, we will miss out on the presence of God in the present moment. We have to trust that God only wants what is best for us.”

The archbishop shared that he was reminded of his episcopal motto, which comes from the first verse of Isaiah 40: “Comfort my people.”

“My dear friends, this motto reminds me all of the time that God desires nothing more than abiding comfort and consolation for His people. And God comforts us by assuring us that He is Emmanuel, He is with us. So, to return to the three points of this homily: Where are we now? Well, we’re all in different places with different emotions. That’s OK. That’s where we start. Where is God? God is with us now, here, today. ‘ I’m with you always,’ Jesus assures us in our Gospel.”

“Where are we going?” the archbishop asked his final question. “We are going into new waters of transition and waiting. While I do not know who your next bishop will be or when he will be named, what I do know is that we will wait, and we will journey together. I often hear people refer to the diocese as if it were something and not someone. Some people refer to the diocese as administrative leaders with rules and regulations who tell us what we can or cannot do. Some people refer to the diocese as a building on South Northshore Drive. Still more think of the diocese as something abstract. Yet, my brothers and sisters, the reality is that the diocese is a ‘we.’ The diocese is a ‘we.’ The Diocese of Knoxville is 70,000 Catholics together. The Diocese is a people, not a category. The diocese of Knoxville is a particular people with a rich history and a unique personality, and we are stronger when we are together, and when we together are anchored in the Lord.”

Archbishop Fabre called upon the holiness of all those in attendance at the Mass.

“My dear friends, your next bishop, whoever he may be, needs your holiness more than ever,” he said. “My dear friends, your pastors and pastoral leaders need your holiness more than ever. The Diocese of Knoxville, the people that are this diocese, need your holiness more than ever. We are stronger when we are together, and we will together persevere through this, and we will do it anchored in the Lord… Where are we going? We’re moving into a time of transition, but regardless of how long or where that transition takes us, we will do it together.”

In his homily’s conclusion, Archbishop Fabre asked for prayers.

“I ask your prayers for your next bishop, whoever he is. Start praying for him now, for I believe God knows who he is. I also, my dear friends, ask your prayers for me as the one who will serve you to the best of my ability as apostolic administrator. I will serve you, the priests, deacons, consecrated religious women and men, seminarians, and the lay faithful of the Diocese of Knoxville… I will be with you during this time of transition and in the Lord, I will join you in welcoming your new bishop

Archbishop continued on page A10

GABRIELLE NOLAN 1

GABRIELLE NOLAN

Sharing the faith 1. Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre of the Archdiocese of Louisville begins the liturgy of the Eucharist during Mass at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 28. 2. Archbishop Fabre is greeted by Diocese of Knoxville priests in the cathedral narthex following the Mass. 3. The Eucharist and the crucifix are focal points for Archbishop Fabre during Mass. 4. Religious Sisters of Mercy bring the gifts for Mass. 5. Archbishop Fabre addresses the faithful.

Bishop Stika: Looking back at a 14-year episcopate A St. Louis monsignor elevated to lead the Church in East Tennessee

The East Tennessee Catholic

His episcopal timeline is measured in pages, not columns. As the longestserving bishop of the Diocese of Knoxville, Bishop Richard F. Stika repeatedly said that he hoped to bring the Catholic Church of East Tennessee into adolescence.

The diocese was barely 20 years old when he arrived as Knoxville’s third bishop. He leaves just shy of its 35th birthday

“Each year brought joy,” Bishop Emeritus Stika said after Pope Francis announced his resignation as bishop of Knoxville on June 27, a role he held for more than 14 years. “If you add up all the joyous celebrations, events, and moments since I arrived in Knoxville, I have very good memories, and I believe I have done good work. But God also has a unique way of reminding us that we are human, and that we all face human challenges.”

Despite the criticisms he’s faced in recent months, the former bishop said he prefers to focus on the positive.

“Thanks to the leadership of past priests and bishops, the diocese was in a good place when I arrived in 2009. I came to teach Jesus, and I believe I have done that. I vividly remember wearing a Tennessee Vols hat at my introductory press conference. It doesn’t seem like it’s been almost 15 years,” he said.

“A lot has happened since that day. Overwhelmingly, most of it has been good. We have built churches and expanded our ministries, especially in the areas of health care and support for those in crisis pregnancies. We have ordained new priests—24 of them since I arrived, and we have almost 50 new deacons. We graduated thousands of Catholic high school students who have gone on in life and remain rich in their faith.”

Right out of the box, just days after donning a UT cap, the bishop went to work. His first year included four churchrelated dedications, two priest ordinations, and the welcoming of a new religious order: the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Mich.

“We have added new religious communities, providing this region with a Catholic presence it has never been seen before,” he said. “Our religious sisters and

brothers contribute in so many different and vital ways—by educating our children, providing care to the sick and injured, and working with migrant families who legally come to East Tennessee to work in agriculture and other industries.”

In 2010, Bishop Stika brought another women’s religious community to East Tennessee: the Evangelizing Sisters of Mary, an African missionary congregation that has served in diocesan schools and at Catholic Charities of East Tennessee. He also traveled to Mexico to ordain another priest for the diocese.

In 2011, Bishop Stika announced that Pope Francis had decreed that Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Chattanooga would be elevated to a minor basilica. He celebrated the inauguration Mass on Oct. 22. From the big churches to small ones, Bishop Stika was determined to build the diocese. Twice in 2011, with active guidance of the Glenmary Home Missioners religious society, the bishop permitted the establishment of two new Cath -

olic Missions—in Grainger and Union counties. Both were later elevated to parishes.

“I have cherished my visits to places like Maynardville, Rutledge, and Erwin, where, through the work of the Glenmary priests, the Catholic Foundation of East Tennessee, and many faithful Catholics living in those areas, we were able to establish new parishes and dedicate new church buildings, ” Bishop Stika said.

In 2012, he made his first trek to Rome as a bishop, where he met with Pope Benedict XVI as part of his first ad limina visit. He made other trips to Rome in 2014 and 2015 to meet Pope Francis, and two more times in 2019 and 2022.

Dedications and welcomes weren’t confined to church buildings and religious orders. In 2013, a year after establishing the ministry, Bishop Stika dedicated the new St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic, a mobile medical facility that travels to remote locations across the region and serves the uninsured.

That same year, for its 25th

anniversary, the diocese hosted its first Eucharistic Congress, which brought more than 5,000 people and high-profile Catholic dignitaries together for a weekend of prayer, fellowship, and worship at the Sevierville Convention Center. The bishop also found time to travel to Colombia to ordain Father Andres Cano, who is coordinator of Hispanic Ministry for the Five Rivers Deanery, and Father Arthur Torres, who now serves as pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Chattanooga and is vocations director for the diocese. Momentum for growth picked up in 2014 when the diocese announced the creation of the Home Campaign to help fund parish projects, charity, education, priest retirement, and the building of a new cathedral. Once again, he traveled to Rome to attend the canonizations of St. John Paul II and St. John XXIII at the Vatican.

In 2015, ground was broken for the new Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Side-byside, the new cathedral’s steel structure began to rise and take shape next to the parish church that had served as the diocese’s cathedral since 1988

The same year, the bishop went to Rome to have Pope Francis bless a ceremonial granite stone that was later placed in the narthex of the new cathedral. In 2016, he officially petitioned Rome to open the Cause for Sainthood for Father Patrick Ryan, and he ordained 23 new deacons for the diocese.

In 2017, he blessed the official cornerstone for the new cathedral. Less than a year later, in March 2018, Bishop Stika celebrated the dedication Mass for the new cathedral. Five cardinals attended the Mass, as did the papal nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Christophe Pierre.

“It's challenging to choose my favorite memories as bishop,” he said. “Clearly, building the cathedral wasn’t only important, it was imperative. Our diocese was 30 years old when it was dedicated and up until then had been using a parish church built in 1956 as its cathedral. I recognize that not everyone was on board with this vision. But it was an earnest and genuine undertaking, and our cathedral will stand as a testament to the faith of this diocese for centuries to come.

Reflection continued on page A11

Archbishop continued from page A9

in the future. Until that time, let us look to Jesus Christ. Let us trust a person; let us hope in an outcome, but let us trust a person. Walking with one another, walking with the Lord, placing our faith in Jesus Christ, for we ask these and all things through the same Christ Our Lord, amen.”

At the end of the Mass, Archbishop Fabre made an announcement regarding the position of the delegate of the apostolic ad-

ministrator, who assists in ensuring that the spiritual, administrative, and practical needs of the diocese are met efficiently and appropriately.

“I’m delighted that Father Doug Owens

accepted my request that he be my delegate here in the Diocese of Knoxville. I didn’t think he had enough to do,” the archbishop quipped, causing the congregation to laugh. “I’m deeply, deeply grateful to him and for his willingness to be of service to you.”

Father Owens, who is pastor at All Saints Parish in Knoxville, was a vicar general and continues to be moderator of the curia for the diocese.

“He’s someone who knows the

diocese and knows the priests. He’s someone who knows administration, he’s someone who knows the people,” Archbishop Fabre said. “He agreed to do it… I think he did it because he wants to help the people, and he wants to help the diocese; he loves this diocese. And he certainly has the gifts to do it. No one person has all of the gifts, so he’s going to need the rest of the Chancery staff and the other priests and deacons, just like I will.” ■

Fr. Owens

First impression Top: Bishop Richard F. Stika dons a Tennessee cap for his first press conference in the Diocese of Knoxville. Below: Pope Francis blesses the cathedral dedication stone presented by Bishop Stika and Cardinal Justin Rigali

In Christ's presence Bishop Stika celebrates Mass inside the Sevierville Convention Center during the Eucharistic Congress, which was held in September 2013.

Downtown procession Bishop Stika leads a procession in downtown Chattanooga to return Father Patrick Ryan's remains to the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul as part of the priest's cause for sainthood.

“None of these cherished memories would have happened without the hard work and financial support of the faithful of the Diocese of Knoxville and our diocesan stewardship team. This year, the annual Bishop’s Appeal for Ministries surpassed $3 million for the first time, and it has raised more than $23 million to support our ministries since 2009.”

Bishop Stika’s building campaign wasn’t limited to grand projects. Over the years, he dedicated many churches—both at the mission level and as full parishes, and those dedications and blessings extended to chapels, gymnasiums, auditoriums, a few homes, and countless religious icons, medals, and rosaries.

He wanted the diocese to grow, not just in numbers but in ethnic diversity. In 2012, he established a Vietnamese Catholic Mission in Knoxville, which later grew into Divine Mercy Parish. Seven years later, in 2019, he established the St. Faustina Public Association for the Faithful, the first step in what he hopes will be a new Vietnamese parish in the Chattanooga area

The following year turned the world and the diocese upside down. Churches and other institutions and businesses shut down in early 2020 during the COVID pandemic. Bishop Stika agreed that the Diocese of Knoxville should join more than 160 other dioceses around the United States and suspend live attendance at Masses. The suspension lasted from March until May. It was a contentious time, but the bishop’s decision to only offer holy Communion under COVID restrictions was upheld by Pope Francis.

In 2021, Bishop Stika presided at the re-entombment Mass for Father Patrick Ryan, a necessary step if the Vatican is one day to name the Chattanooga priest a saint. He celebrated Mass for the diocese’s Hispanic community as it completed a five-year strategic plan, V Encuentro. In 2022, he ordained 24 new deacons for the diocese. In 2023, just before his resignation was announced, Bishop Stika had completed his spring confirmation schedule, which saw him travel to 37 parishes.

“Thanks to our Office of Christian Formation and the many, many volunteers across our diocese, our sacramental programs are strong. I confirm thousands of children in our faith every year, and this spring I did so at 37 parishes, traveling more than 4,200 miles across our diocese. There have been thousands of baptisms, marriages, first Communions, blessings, dedications, and yes, many funerals,” the bishop noted.

Timelines are a convenient way to highlight accomplishments—but missing between the lines are the hard numbers that show the growth of the diocese during the Stika era. There are now more than 70,000 registered Catholics living in the diocese. The faithful are served by more than 50 churches. Masses are celebrated in Spanish in 33 parishes.

“I want to thank all our ministry leaders and volunteers. The Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment, the Office of Hispanic Ministry, the Office of Youth, Young Adult, and Pastoral Juvenil Ministry, Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, the Office of Vocations, Justice and Peace, Clergy and Deacon Formation, Communications, our new Marriage Tribunal, the St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic and Foundation, and the Office of Worship and Liturgy, ” he said.

Bishop Stika admitted some recent setbacks including two civil lawsuits filed against the diocese in 2022, one of which names him as a defendant, and the associated media coverage, have taken a toll.

“It’s been frustrating that I can’t speak to these specific issues,” Bishop Stika said. “It has been a test for me personally, mostly because I can’t address complaints publicly other than to acknowledge that they exist. For that, I want to offer an apology and acknowledge the difficulty this has created for our parishioners and those who are doing good work here.

“Some people within the diocese have taken issue with my leadership style and the decisions I made. Jesus asks us to build His Church and to be Christ-like in all that we do. This diocese has grown tremendously since it was established in 1988. I just happen to be part of that history, and I have always taken the responsibility seriously.

“In my days as a priest and bishop, I have made service to God my life’s calling a vocation that is both tremendously rewarding, and at times, challenging. The good news is that the diocese is in good shape. Its foundation is stable. Its finances remain strong. Its future is bright, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have served here,” he concluded. ■

2009

Bishop Richard F. Stika Episcopal Timeline

•Ordained third Bishop of Knoxville

•Dedicates new St. John Neumann Church, Farragut

•Dedicates new St. Albert the Great parish center and worship space, Knoxville

•Dedicates new St. Christopher Mission Church, Jamestown

•Dedicates new addition of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, LaFollette

•Ordains Father Jorge Cano and Father Christopher Riehl, Knoxville

•Welcomes new religious order: Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Mich.

•Ordains Father Andres Cano, Pereira, Colombia

2010

•Elevates St. Christopher Catholic Mission, Jamestown, to full parish

•Ordains Father Moises Moreno, Guanajuato, Mexico

•Welcomes new religious order: Evangelizing Sisters of Mary

•Celebrates 25th anniversary of priestly ordination with Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral

2011

•Announces Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Chattanooga, will become a minor basilica

•Celebrates inauguration Mass of Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Chattanooga, to a minor basilica

•Ordains Father Douglas Owens, Knoxville

•Establishes Blessed Teresa of Kolkata Catholic Mission, Maynardville

•Establishes Blessed John Paul II Catholic Mission, Rutledge

2012

•Meets with Pope Benedict XVI, Vatican

•Ordains Father Dustin Collins, Knoxville

•Announces papal designation of monsignor for Father Patrick Garrity, Father Bob Hofstetter, and Father George Schmidt

•Establishes Divine Mercy Catholic Mission, Knoxville

•Establishes St. Mary’s Legacy Foundation to continue the ministry of the former St. Mary’s Hospital

2013

•Celebrates 25th Jubilee Anniversary of the Diocese of Knoxville with a Eucharistic Congress

•Dedicates new St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic, a mobile medical ministry

•Presides at first Eucharistic Congress in the Diocese of Knoxville, Sevierville

•Welcomes new women’s religious order: Handmaids of the Precious Blood

•Ordains Father Christopher Manning, Knoxville

•Ordains Father Arthur Torres Barona, Cali, Colombia

•Dedicates new Divine Mercy Church, Knoxville.

2014

•Meets with Pope Francis, Vatican.

•Announces beginning of Home (capital) Campaign to improve parishes, education, charity, and build a new cathedral

•Elevates St. Teresa of Kolkata Catholic Mission, Maynardville, to full parish

•Attends canonizations of St. John Paul II and St. John XXIII, Vatican

•Ordains Father Colin Blatchford, Father Julian Cardona, and Father Adam Kane, Knoxville

•Establishes Secular Order of the Discalced Carmelites of the Transfiguration in the Diocese of Knoxville

2015

•Visits Pope Francis, Vatican

•Ordains Father Jesus Guerrero-Rodriguez, Father Michael Hendershott, and Father Ray Powell, Knoxville

•Groundbreaking for new Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Knoxville

2016

•Signs decree establishing petition of Cause for Sainthood for Father Patrick Ryan

•Ordains Father Adam Royal, Knoxville

•Ordains 23 permanent deacons for the Diocese of Knoxville

2017

•Leads liturgical service and blesses cornerstone of new diocesan cathedral, Knoxville

•Celebrates final Chrism Mass at old Sacred Heart Cathedral

•Receives report approving diocesan-wide accreditation of all 10 Catholic schools

•Ordains Father Christopher Floersh, Knoxville

2018

•Celebrates final Mass at old Sacred Heart Cathedral

•Dedicates new Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Knoxville

•Elevates St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Mission, Erwin, to full parish

•Dedicates new St. Teresa of Kolkata Catholic Church, Maynardville

2019

•Visits Pope Francis, Vatican

•Ordains Father Mark Schuster, Knoxville

•Ordains Glenmary Home Missioners Father Charles Aketch and Father Richard Toboso, Cincinnati

•Establishes St. Faustina Public Association of the Faithful for Vietnamese community, Chattanooga

2020

•Presides at opening of Inquiry into the Cause for Sainthood for Father Patrick Ryan, Chattanooga

•Joins more than 160 U.S. bishops and archbishops suspending Masses due to COVID pandemic

•Announces Masses will resume in the Diocese of Knoxville on Pentecost weekend

•Decision to offer Holy Communion under COVID restrictions validated by Pope Francis

•Ordains Father Zach Griffith and Father Alex Hernandez, Knoxville

•Appoints Father David Carter, JCL, as judicial vicar of the Diocesan Tribunal of Knoxville

2021

•Presides at re-entombment Mass for Father Patrick Ryan, Servant of God, Chattanooga

•Celebrates Mass for Diocese of Knoxville V Encuentro Hispanic strategy pastoral plan

•Initiates new class of permanent deacons for the Diocese of Knoxville beginning in 2022

•Ordains Father Matthew Donahue, Knoxville

•Celebrates Mass at Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus marking 35th anniversary of his priestly ordination

2022

•Visits Pope Francis, Vatican

•Dedicates new church for St. John Paul II Catholic Mission, Rutledge

•Ordains 24 permanent deacons for the Diocese of Knoxville

2023

•Welcomes new religious orders: Benedictines of Divine Will and Benedictine Daughters of Divine

Will

•Ordains Father Joseph Austin, Father Neil Blatchford, Father Andrew Crabtree, Knoxville ■

Celebrating ‘Dobbs Day ’

A year after Roe, pro-lifers assess the impact, ongoing battle, and path forward

By Lauretta Brown National Catholic Register

Marking the one-year anniversary of the historic Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, pro-lifers are celebrating the reality that 14 states in the country have barred almost all abortions—and half of all states have enacted strong pro-life protections, something that would have seemed impossible to groups on both sides of the abortion debate only a few years ago.

Currently, abortion is not permitted, with some exceptions, in 14 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

It is limited to six weeks, when a heartbeat can be detected, in Georgia; 12 weeks in Nebraska; and 15 weeks in Arizona and Florida; and limited to 18 and 20 weeks in Utah and North Carolina, respectively.

Tennessee’s pro-life laws are among the strongest in the country.

Florida’s heartbeat law has been signed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and is currently under review by the state’s Supreme Court. North Carolina’s measure to limit abortion to 12 weeks will go into effect this month. Six other states— Indiana, Iowa, Montana, Ohio, South Carolina, and Wyoming— have enacted pro-life protections that are facing legal challenges.

Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life of America, told the Register that one year out from the Dobbs decision, “we’re in a great place,” with “half the states protecting life in law.”

“The Dobbs decision was a democratic victory for life that generations have fought for,” said Emily Osment, vice president of communications at Susan B. Anthony ProLife America. “It handed the tools of democracy back to the people, so it finally gave us a seat at the table, the right to fight for life.”

Jeanne Mancini, president of March for Life, said as the Dobbs anniversary is recognized “we are overjoyed to know that hundreds of thousands of babies and moms are now protected by dozens of state laws.”

Steven Aden, chief legal officer and general counsel at Americans United for Life, said that the pro-

life movement has made “amazing progress” since the Dobbs decision came down.

“A year ago, the pro-life half of the country was banned from expressing its commitment to protecting human life by an array of federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court,” he said. In contrast, 14 states “protect almost all life in law, and another half-dozen protect it from a specific gestational age. Those protections were unenforceable a year ago.”

Lifesaving impact

These laws have had a real impact on the number of abortions in the country, as indicated by an April report from the pro-abortion

nonprofit Society of Family Planning, which noted a more than 6 percent decrease in the number of abortions nationwide in the six months following the Dobbs decision.

The report found that there were roughly 32,260 fewer abortions over six months compared to preDobbs numbers. The group compiled data from 83 percent of legal abortion providers in the United States and provided estimates for the remaining 17 percent.

Tessa Longbons, senior research associate at the Charlotte Lozier Institute, the research and education arm of SBA Pro-Life America, said the pro-life group estimates that 60,000 lives have been saved in

the year since Dobbs, based on taking the data released by the Society of Family Planning and “extrapolating that out over the next six months.”

“There may be more data that becomes available that will give us a better view,” she said, “but for right now, just using the latest that we can see from the abortion industry to include states that normally don’t report abortions, like California, Maryland, New Hampshire … gives us a good glimpse of what’s happening in the U.S. as a whole.”

Another estimate of the impact after Dobbs is SBA’s “Lifesaving Laws in the States” tracker, which “is a measurement of the estimated impact of a state law on the abortions happening in that state.”

Currently, the group lists 181,178 abortions that have been or would be impacted annually, by being prohibited in the 25 states with significant pro-life protections in effect or pending.

“We know that many women will go out of state. We know that many women will order abortion pills online,” Ms. Longbons said. She explained that the tracker is not necessarily saying those abortions are not happening, given the abortion pill and abortion travel, but it is measuring the “legal protection to unborn babies” in the state and “the scope of the state laws.” She added that the tracker’s estimate projects what the impact would be “if all state pro-life laws were in effect, and, sadly, some are blocked.”

Abortion pills and travel

Melanie Israel, a policy analyst on life issues at the Heritage Foundation, told the Register that while it is encouraging that “Planned Parenthoods have stopped doing abortions in these pro-life states,” she noted that “we still have a long way to go to be able to fully protect women and unborn children from abortion pills that can still flow across state lines.”

Addressing this reality, Ms. Israel noted that the Heritage Foundation, alongside other organizations, sent a letter with pro-life protections they want members of the 118th Congress to pursue, including limiting “the interstate flow of dangerous abortion drugs.”

The letter states that “abor-

Pro-life East Tennesseans mark key anniversary Tennessee Right to Life holds Prayer and Praise event to recognize Roe reversal

The East Tennessee Catholic

Catholics from the Diocese of Knoxville joined Tennessee Right to Life and the pro-life community on June 24 to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the overturning of Roe v. Wade

When the U.S. Supreme Court ruled June 24, 2022, that the Constitution held no right to abortion, the issue of its legality was returned to the states. Tennessee was one of a handful of states that had a “trigger law” in place that was immediately enacted. On Aug. 25, 2022, all abortions became illegal in Tennessee except to save the life of the mother.

Pro-life supporters marked the anniversary by holding a “Prayer and Praise Breakfast” at Calvary Baptist Church in Knoxville, where a congregation assembled to sing, pray, and listen to elected officials give updates on the intense abortion debate continuing to take place in Nashville and Washington, D.C., since Roe was overturned. Several county chapters of Tennessee Right to Life held similar celebrations across the state, including Chattanooga and Sevierville.

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti appeared via

video and instructed those gathered on the legal implications of the “ Dobbs decision,” as it is commonly called. He said, “the Constitution’s text provides no rights to an abortion, and Roe’s attempt to divine such a right cannot be defended with any textual or historical argument.” He went on to add that “ Dobbs returns (the issue) to the tumult and disarray of representative democracy.”

Stacy Dunn, president of Tennessee Right to Life and a member of Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville, added that “tumult and disarray

… that is what we saw this past session when some of our representatives and senators tried to weaken and undo the law that we worked hard to pass.”

“We are celebrating that with the Dobbs decision, our Tennessee law now reflects our Tennessee values and protects the right to life of our most vulnerable citizens. The Supreme Court decision will allow pro-life Tennesseans to recommit ourselves to working for a day when abortion is unthinkable,” Mrs. Dunn said in comments leading up to the

Prayer and Praise event.

Congressman Tim Burchett addressed the congregation, saying, “You realize that we have kicked a hornet’s nest.”

The representative from Knoxville recalled the day the Dobbs decision was announced and how he crossed the Capitol grounds to the U.S. Supreme Court building, against the advice of associates, and found both sides of the abortion debate intensely debating the issue.

Rep. Burchett said a high-profile, pro-abortion member of Congress also was standing amid angry pro-abortion protesters with much yelling and voicing of obscenities. Pro-life protesters, he recalled, included families and children.

Rep. Burchett reminded all in attendance at the Prayer and Praise Breakfast that the abortion issue is not settled, even with Tennessee’s law in effect.

State Rep. Jason Zachary of Knoxville told the group that “this is a battle we fight until Jesus calls us home. Washington is a disaster; we need to be on our knees praying every day. But we can rejoice to be in Tennessee, is one of the best-run states in the country. The enemy is looking to kill, steal, and destroy. He is prowling, coming

OSV NEWS PHOTO/EVELYN HOCKSTEIN, REUTERS

Speaker v. speaker A pro-life activist, right, and a supporter of legal abortion face off with megaphones in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington D.C., on June 24, the first anniversary of the court's 2022 ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, overturning Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion nationwide in 1973.

Dobbs continued on page A25

Putting on the rally cap Sheila and David Porter of Newport News, Va., attend the National Celebrate Life Day rally held June 24 by national prolife groups at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Happy anniversary Tennessee Right to Life president Stacy Dunn leads the Prayer and Praise event at Calvary Baptist Church in Knoxville.

BILL BREWER

Family

John and Marion Croker

Pete Cunningham

Patricia Danko

Larry Darken

Michael Dean

Sean and Rebecca Diehl

Dieterich Family

David Dill

Duane and Debbie Donahoo Family

Paul Duncan Family

Bill and Stacy Dunn

Daniel, Mary Amber, Samuel and Peter Dunn

Marieta Dunn

Paul T. and Mary Dunn

Sarah Dunn

Anastasia Ellis

Ellsworth family

Barbara Evans

David and Suzi Everitt Family

Nasiff & Ewanski Families

Richard & Marianne Fischer

James and Theresa Flood

Joanne Fluet

Meghan Forbes

Clinton and Christina Frazier

Helen Freeh

Nadine Freeh

Maureen Fricke

Brittany and Pedro Garcia

Vicente Sanchez Garcia

Mr. and Mrs. J. Gemender

Rich and Michelle Giannelli

Rosario Gonzalez

Marianne and Kenneth Goodwin

Deacon and Mrs. Mike Gouge

Nick and Holly Gray

Jane and Ken Greenwell

Izabela Gudyn

Kathy Hackworth

Kevin and Stephanie Hannon

Bobby Hanrahan

Bill and Deedee Hansen

Zac and Elizabeth Hargett, Anna, John William, Josie and Benjamin

Joanne Iuppa Hayden

Coily Hernandez

Glynis Hopkin-Peters

The Hopwood Family

John and Annette Hough

John and Nancy Howard

Robert Humphries

Iverson Family

Mary Iverson

Allana James

Curt Jawda

J. H. Health Solutions

Johnstone Family

Phil and Liz Kaleida

Mike and Martha Kass

All Saints Knights of Columbus Council #15706

Mary and Jim Kois

Mary Kolling

Ronald and Delores Kopp

David and Barbara Koss & Family

Kristin and Mike Kropilak

Karen Kukura

Louis LaMarche Family

Jaime Landaverde

Mr. and Mrs. Paul LaPointe

Deacon Greg & Linda Larson & Family

Alice Lay

Chris Leach

The Ray Lefebvre Family

Letha R. Lehman

Lenaghan Family & Jocelyn Wieliczko

Matiah Leyd

Lynne Liddington

Armando Lopez

Deacon Gordy and Fran Lowery

John Lulay

Paula Lynch

John and Maggie MacDonald

Nancy MacDonald

Rev. Deacon Scott & Christine Maentz

Tony and Habibi Mamone

The Mangers Family

Jean and Ron Martinez

Jimmy Matlock

Jesse McBrayer

The McCleary Family

Jim McDaniels

McFalls Family

Barb McFalls

Patrick and Vicki McKernan

Lietuenant Governor Randy McNally

Metz Family

Micio Family

Firas and Leslie Mishu and Family

Peggy Mitchell

Mohan Family

Kevin and Diane Monaghan

Lisa and Robb Morris

Sue Morris and Family

Susan Morris

Maryann Mulvenon

Munoz Family

Pat and Martha Nakagawa

Anthony and Mai Nguyen

Pat Niemann

Paul and Deborah Noe

Judy and Hal Osucha

Our Lady of Hope Presidium - St. Henry's Catholic

Church Nashville

Ryan Overton

Darieta and Ray Owen

Pat Pennebaker

Pichiarella Family

Pimienta Family

Steven and Robin Poppick

Powers Family by Wilson Powers

Rita Powers

In Memory of Jane Preston by Joe and Rebecca Preston

Joe and Rebecca Preston Family

Carole A. Price

Diane Przybyszewski

Bill and Judy Rabensteine

Stanley and Josette Rabun

Yolanda Velazquez Ramirez

Claudia Raudorf

Mike Riahn

John Ridley

Patricia Rodriguez

Isabel Rojas

Maureen Romanoski

Andrew, Betsy, Anna and Benjamin Rueff

Rushing Family

Kelly, Katie and Rick Sample

Stuart Schaad Family

Schmidt Family

Neil and Beth Schmitt

Gladys Rivera - Rutilio Serrono

William Shelton Family

Jackie Shields

The Showmans

The Sinclairs

Salvador Soriano

Dan and Beth Stainforth

Stapleton Family

Alice Stephens

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Stevens

Stine Family

Ellen Stuckley

Nancy Stutts

The Swanson Family

Monica Sweeney

Gary and Sharon Swigart

The Tabler Family

Teresa Tidwell

Toman Family

Larry and Sue Townsed

Jeff and Kathy Trombly

Gerry and Woody Troy

Philip Vance

The Venafro Family

Kristen von Clef

John and Gail-Marie Walter Family

Eileen L. Wells

Eileen Widmer

George, Andrea & David Wignall

Michael & Cathie Wilson

William and Mary Wilson

Angela Wilson

Dylan Wolfenbarger Family

Linda Wooden

Willard Wright Family

Robert Wright

Cassie Yates

Lynn and Joe Zahnen

Ada Zareba

In Honor of Bly Family by Marie Bly

In Honor of Christopher by Marie Bly

In Honor of Deceased Members of the Brimer Family

In Honor of God, Creator by Yoshiko Carver

In Honor of All The Mothers Who Choose Life by Richard & Marianne Fischer

In honor of Mary Dunn by Helen Freeh

In Honor of Eli, Olivia, Will, Henry and Owen by Bill & Deedee Hansen

In Honor of the Hansen Family by Monica Hansen and Carl

In Honor of all mothers by the All Saints Knights of Columbus Council #15706

In Honor of Samuel, Tracy, Alexis, Kenn, Bert & Amelia by Deacon Gordy & Fran Lowery

In Honor of the John Mahoney Family

In Honor of Betty Horne by Vicki McKernan

In Honor of Herbert McMillan by Susan McMillan

In Honor of Ramos and Mohan Grandkids

In Honor of the Morris Family by Sue Morris and Family

In Honor of Juanita Hernandez by Munoz Family

In honor of the precious life of Ellen C. Pickering by the Pickering Family

In Honor of Paul and Mary Dunn by Carole Price

In Honor of Catherine Repshinska by Anne Pierce

In Honor of de la Virgen of Fatima by Isabel Rojas

In Honor of our Mothers by Gretchen Showman

In Honor of Dr. Bruchalski by the Sinclairs

In Honor of all babies by Salvador Soriano

In Honor of Ellen Kunzweiler by Ellen Stuckley

In Honor of our Grandchildren by the Tabler Family

In Honor of Carrie Thompson by David and Susan Thompson

In Honor of Julie Iacobucci by M. Thuesen

In Honor of My Grand & Great Grandchildren by Meeka

In Honor of Mari Williamson by the Williamson Family

In Memory of Akerman and Cortese Families by Carol Akerman

In Memory of Michael Ballew Sr. by Ballew Family

In Memory of Gertrude and Hope by Bob and Mary Blackorby

In Memory of Arlene and John Bobrowski by Sophie

In Memory of Pechak and Bokan Families

In Memory of Stuart James Meadows by Erin and Mark Bozeman

In Memory of George and Ruth Grant by Peggy Burnette

In Memory of John E. Campbell

In Memory of Mary Mahler by John & Jenny Campbell & Family

In Memory of Jaen Cantrell by Brad Cantrell

In Memory of Martha Ciaccia by Ciaccia Family

In Memory of Ellen Anna Joy Clancy by Walter A. Clancy II

In Memory of Robert Coyne by Leanette Coyne

In Memory of Michael and Annie Danko Family by Patricia Danko

In Memory of Laura Baker Blalack by Debbie Donahoo

In Memory of Lucille Curran Donahoo by Duane Donahoo

In Memory of Rachel Donahoo-Wiggins by Mom and Dad

In Memory of Paul T Dunn III by the Dunn Family

In Memory of William Howard Meyer, Jr. by Theresa Eilerman

In Memory of Eric Thomas Clement by his mom

In Memory of Paul Dunn III by Nadine Freeh

In Memory of Kim Greenwell by Jane and Ken Greenwell

In Memory of Herman L. Hannel by Jean Hannel

In Honor of Mary Hanrahan by Bobby Hanrahan

In Memory of Henry Hanrahan by Bobby Hanrahan

In Memory of Paul Dunn III by the Iverson Family

In Memory of James V. Johnston, Sr. by Patricia Johnston

In Memory of Dr. and Mrs. Guy Francis by Phil & Liz Kaleida

In Memory of John H. Thompson by Emilie and Jim Kayser

In Memory of Daniel Koelsch by the Koelsch Family

In Memory of Margaro Cornejo by Jaime Landaverde

In Memory of Shiloh by Deacon Greg & Linda Larson & Family

In Memory of George J. Mares, Jr. by Alan & Deborah Lee

In Memory of Marie Lehman by Letha R. Lehman

In Memory of Corinne Schaus by Regis Loffman

In Memory of Antonio Lopez Garcia by Armando Lopez

In Memory of Patrick McCleary by the McCleary Family

In Memory of Andy McFalls by Barb

In Memory of Lori McKernan by Patrick McKernan

In Memory of Louis Mishu by Firas and Leslie Mishu

In Memory of Thelma Wantschek by Firas and Leslie Mishu and Family

In Memory of Ramos and Mohan

Deceased Family Members

In Memory of Daddy, Jackie and Mary by Angelica Morris & Family

In Memory of My Mother by Munoz Family

In Memory of Lori Mitrulevich by Pat and Martha Nakagawa

In Memory of Barb Ohmes by the Ohmes Family

In Memory of the precious life of Mary Jo Clancy Williams

In Memory of the precious life of Miguel Josef Wilson

In Memory of the precious life of Nathan Thress

In Memory of the precious life of Paul T. Dunn III

In Memory of the precious life of Stanley H. Pickering Sr. by Pickering family

In Memory of the precious lives of John A. & Ellen Joy Clancy

In Memory of the precious lives of John Clancy Pickering & Frank G. Pickering

In Memory of Joan Price by William Price

In Memory of Angel Primm

In Memory of Florence Brandt by Diane Przybyszewski

In Memory of babies killed by abortion by Patricia Rodriguez

En Memoria de los ninos y bebes inocentes

In Memory of Antonia Rotas by Elsa Semeco

In Memory of Paul T. Dunn III by Andrew, Betsy, Anna and Benjamin Rueff

In Memory of Judy Schmidt by Jennifer Schmidt

In Memory of Eric Thomas Clement

In Memory of Brian Stainforth by Dan and Beth Stainforth

In Memory of Pat Lonneman by Stine Family

In Memory of Richard L. Wells by Mom

In Memory of The Henderlong Family by the Pacyga Family & the Wells Family

In Memory of My Baby by the West Family

In Memory of Jim Wilson by Carol Wilson

In Memory of Joe and Amy by Joe and Lynn Zahnen

In thanksgiving for Samuel, Peter, Anna, John William, Josephine, Benjamin, Edie, Sarah Katherine & Henry

In thanksgiving for the precious lives of Penelope Claire & George Clancy Brewer

In thanksgiving for the precious life of Henry Wolfenbarger

In thanksgiving for the precious life of Frank Pickering III

In thanksgiving for the precious lives of Gianna Ellen & Sadie Clementi

In thanksgiving for the precious lives of Olivia Marie & George Joseph Natour

KDCCW leaders attend international assembly

World Union of Catholic Women ’s Organisations attendees meet with pope

By Emily Booker

Two women from the Diocese of Knoxville attended the international World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations (WUCWO) General Assembly in Assisi, Italy, in May.

Patty Johnson and Sally Jackson joined more than 800 women representing nearly 70 organizations at the international assembly.

Both women have been involved

in the national and international work of Catholic women’s groups for years. Mrs. Johnson, a parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi in Fairfield Glade, previously served as president of the National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW). Mrs. Jackson, a parishioner of St. Joseph in Norris, previously served as president of Friends of NCCW for WUCWO WUCWO holds its general assembly every four years. The pa -

rishioners work to address global issues affecting women, families, and the Church.

Resolutions passed this year addressed topics such as:

n Developing and extending the World Women’s Observatory in order to listen to and give visibility to women’s voices;

n Addressing global hunger, food security and nutrition, and encouraging responsible consumption;

n Supporting the development of young people in discerning their vocations and accompanying couples in marriage preparation and married life;

n Promoting religious freedom, denouncing religious discrimination, and encouraging interfaith dialogue;

Confirmation continued from page A6

youngest, who had a unique privilege because he did not abandon Jesus at the cross. He was there with Mary and what was said by Jesus: ‘Woman, behold your son.’ And John was given that mission to love and to protect the Blessed Mother. And then tradition tells us that he died in his 90s, which was extraordinary.”

The Twelve Apostles, with Matthias added to their ranks, and the other early Christians who risked capture and death for believing in Jesus started a faith tradition that continues to this day, Bishop Stika said.

“And now for us. We look back at that, just think: these 12 people ... We’re here today in Knoxville, Tenn., centuries later, worshiping that same God through the gift of the death and resurrection of Jesus, inspired by the Holy Spirit. That’s us,” he said.

The bishop said the cathedral’s dome has a triangle representing the Trinity.

“God is the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. It’s one of the symbols of the Holy Trinity: these three components, one God, indivisible,” he said. “The same Holy Spirit that came upon the Apostles at Pentecost, the same Holy Spirit that came upon Jesus at the Transfiguration, the same Holy Spirit that will come at Mass later when I invoke the Holy Spirit on those gifts of bread and wine, the same Holy Spirit that will be here next Saturday as I ordain three men to be deacons and next year to be priests, and the following week three men who are deacons who will be priests. Earlier in the year I ordained another transitional deacon, so next year we’ll have four new priests. The same Holy Spirit will come upon you today. And also, you have that unique relationship with God because He created you; He wants you to prosper; He wants you to grow; He wants you to witness to the faith, the teachings of Jesus, but also you have another assistant— did you know it? We have guardian angels— Jesus tells us that. Somebody told me once that a bishop has three guardian angels. With all my ill health over the years, I must have worn those three out, and maybe they gave me three more, who knows?”

Each of those receiving the sacrament that day chose a saint for his or her confirmation name, the bishop said.

“They might be one of those 18 saints that are in that lower level of the main dome. You begin a unique and special relationship with that saint because you have chosen them, you honor them, and so that’s a relationship, that’s a friendship, and they’ll never let you down. Why? Because you have honored that saint,” he said. “What a gift that is. There’s one saint—my confirmation name is John, after my grandfather, but at the time I took Joseph privately, but the one I speak to the most is St. Anthony. You know why? ‘St. Anthony, where are my keys? St. Anthony, where is my car in the shopping-mall parking lot?’ He’s the patron saint when you lose something, and he has never let me down. You have that unique relationship.”

Bishop Stika spoke of the questions he was going to ask the confirmandi before the laying on of hands and anointing with chrism on their foreheads.

“With kids, I’m supposed to, and they’re always easy questions, like, ‘Name all the popes, from Peter to Francis’—no. The first question is, ‘Do you reject Satan and all his works and all his empty promises?’ There are some people: ‘Aw, there’s no devil, there’s no Satan, there’s no Lucifer, a guy that’s red and has a tail and horns and whatever they call

Bishop continued from page A3

Then by “having died with Christ on the altar,” as Archbishop Sheen states, we can then continue our “sacrifice of the heart and mind in thanksgiving; in the sacrifice of good deeds; in

that thing.’ Some people say, ‘Oh, no, there’s not,’ and yet Jesus was tempted by the devil. Jesus talked about the devil as the prince of lies, because the devil does not want you to believe in Him. He wants you to rationalize mistakes and sins. ‘Oh, it’s OK. You’re just human.’ He doesn’t want that. He doesn’t want to be blamed. He doesn’t want us to believe, and that’s why Jesus calls him the prince of liars. Liars. So, I’m going to ask you to reject Satan.

“Still, if you don’t believe in evil, explain to me what’s going on in Ukraine right now: bombs falling on hospitals. Or what’s happening in Sudan or what’s happening with the drug cartels on the southern border. Time and time again, all of these horrible things that are going on in the world. Why? Because see again, the devil. Because one of the greatest gifts we have received is the gift of faith, to trust in God, but also the second-greatest would be to choose: right from wrong, left from right. ‘God, I’m going to ignore you, don’t bother me. Yes, Lord, I’m going to do what you ask, even though it might be difficult, for the sake of the Church or humanity.’ So, I’m going to ask you to reject evil, plain and simple.”

The bishop also asked the confirmandi if they believed in “what is normally the Creed, but I’m going to ask you it by section, and hopefully you’ll say, ‘Yes’ or ‘I do’; otherwise, we’ll all go home. And then following that there is an ancient prayer, the prayer of the laying on of hands, in which I will chant, invoking the Holy Spirit. You might not feel all giddy on the inside or have tongues of fire over your head, but I know this for sure: God does not just deal with us in a moment, but God deals with us through the course of an entire life. Even when you are not paying attention, He is there. He is there. Even if you do not want Him to be there, He is there. He is there. That’s His promise to us. Then following that is the actual chrismation with the chrism that I consecrated last Holy Week. ‘Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit,’ I’ll say and anoint your forehead with that chrism. ‘Peace be with you.’”

And after confirmation?

“Following that you’re going to live the rest of your lives, right? Like you have now, until this moment,” the bishop said. “But always know this: anytime you open your heart to God or when you don’t open your heart to God. He is there. He is there, present in you and in your sisters and brothers, for all of us are created in the image and in the likeness of God.”

Bishop Stika invited those to be confirmed to stand before he stated:

“So now, before you receive the Holy Spirit, I ask you to renew the profession of faith you made in baptism, or your parents and godparents who may have made it in union with the Church. So, my sisters and brothers, I ask you, do you reject Satan and all his works and all his empty promises? Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, the creator of heaven and earth? Do you believe in Jesus Christ, His only son, Our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, died, and was buried, who rose from the dead and is seated at the right hand of the Father? Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who came upon the Apostles at Pentecost and who today is given you sacramentally in confirmation? Do you believe in the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting? My friends, this is our faith, and this is the faith of the Church. We are proud to profess it through Christ, Our Lord, amen.”

The bishop chanted a prayer over the confirmandi, who then came forward with their sponsors’ hand on their right shoulder. Bishop Stika anointed them as he addressed them, ‘Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. Peace be with you.’”

At the end of Mass, Bishop Stika said, “It was a great honor and blessing for me to celebrate confirmation, as always. It’s a time when I as a bishop am very moved by the faith of the Church in the Diocese of Knoxville, so I offer to you my prayers and support. Please be active members of your parishes, to witness to Jesus, to witness the teachings of Jesus, especially the Beatitudes: to love one another as I, Jesus, have loved you. Know my great love and affection for you all. ”

Ryan Ginder of St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut was one of the confirmandi.

“I view it as a reaffirmation of faith,” he said. “In some sense, having come back to religion later in life, it means a lot more to me to do it now because of the fact that I truly have a better understanding of what it is I’m doing and the commitments I’m making and do so freely, and I am very happy and excited to be able to celebrate this day.”

Also confirmed was Claire McNamara of Holy Family Parish in Seymour.

“We moved when I was at the age where you would get confirmed, so I never really was in the right age group when we switched parishes to get confirmed. Now that I’m able to be confirmed with the rest of my family, that means a lot,” she said.

Ms. McNamara chose St. Brigid of Ireland as her confirmation saint.

“My dad’s from Ireland, so it seemed like a pretty easy person to pick,” she said.

DeeAnn Ladwig of the cathedral parish also was confirmed that day.

“It was very special, actually. My mother is a very devout Catholic, and for some reason life got in the way when I was a little girl,” she said. “We’ve been coming here and talking about it for a few years and said, ‘We’re going to make it happen this year.’”

Ms. Ladwig selected St. Elizabeth Ann Seton as her confirmation saint.

“I did some research and felt that she best suited what I related to. She was a little bit more modern, a 19th-century saint,” she said.

Bishop Stika remarked on the variety of saints chosen at the annual adult confirmation Mass.

“I always tell the folks that the saints are those people now that you have honored that they will honor you, and I think that’s a beautiful thing,” he said. ■

the sacrifice of broken hearts and contrite spirits; and in the sacrifice of the whole man and the dedication of [our]self to God”

(Romans 12:1 and 15:16; Hebrews 13:15, 16; Psalm 51:17; 1 Peter 2:15; Philippians 2:7).

To do so is “to live the blessed Eucharist,” by living “the sacrifice and the sacrament in its entirety,” according to Brother Bernardo.

Did that Hour count? Given Archbishop Sheen’s humor, it seems fitting to conclude with this story regarding the Holy Hour. He recounted how he had been traveling all day by train in Europe and had yet to make his Holy Hour.

Pulling into the train station, he calculated he had just enough time to go to the church nearby to make his Holy Hour before his

next train departed. When he got to the church, he sat down in the pew (he always knelt during his Holy Hour) and closed his eyes to pray, only to awaken exactly one hour later.

n Encouraging actions to welcome, protect, accompany, and integrate refugees, asylum seekers, WUCWO continued on page A24 victim. But for us who have been ordained, we need what Christ gives us in the Holy Hour each day so as to ascend the altar as both.

Having to run back to the train station, he asked his guardian angel, “Did that hour count?” And his angel replied, “Yes—that’s how the disciples kept their first hour.” ■

Receiving the sacrament Bishop Richard F. Stika confirms a parishioner during the adult confirmation Mass on May 28 at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

DAN MCWILLIAMS

Our Lady of Fatima Parish is debt free in 2023

Fr. Iorio, church members mark occasion by ceremonial burning of the mortgage

By Bill Brewer

Our Lady of Fatima celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi with Mass and a eucharistic procession on the campus of the Alcoa parish. But the celebration didn’t end there.

Father Peter Iorio, pastor of Our Lady of Fatima, also announced the parish is now debt free by holding a mortgageburning ceremony to conclude the liturgy on Sunday, June 11.

Our Lady of Fatima parishioners Monica Gawet, who chairs the finance committee, and Shannon Hepp, chief financial officer for the Diocese of Knoxville, informed members that Our Lady of Fatima has paid off its most recent mortgage of more than $2 million five years early. The mortgage helped pay for the Blount County campus and its church and parish hall buildings at 858 Louisville Road

The news was met with applause and thanksgiving for the dedication and cooperation of parishioners who were determined to pay down the debt.

“On behalf of the entire finance committee, we gratefully thank you parishioners who have donated to ensure that our budget costs were met, donated to the Home Campaign, which was a big part of us being able to pay off the debt, and also all of you who kept paying with those (Home Campaign) envelopes, that made a tremendous contribution to all of us being here today. Thank you,” Ms. Gawet said to the congregation.

“I just wanted to thank everybody and point out that the original payoff date for this debt was December 2028, so five years early this debt has been paid off. That is amazing,” Ms. Hepp added.

The congregation followed Father Iorio from the church nave outside to the front sidewalk, where a small fire was burning.

Father Iorio then led the parishioners in prayer, saying, “We cannot fully offer to God what is not ours. We have now completed payment on the debt for

this house of God’s Church. It is unencumbered and completely ours. There to God we now offer it with gratitude and joy. Amen.”

The mortgage document was then dropped into the fire for the ceremonial extinguishing of the debt. The blaze and ashes were met with cheers and more applause.

“Let us now give thanks to God for this accomplishment, for this assembly and all of God’s holy people, for generous hearts and hard-working hands,

for successful sacrifices and patient saving, for faith and hope and love, for those who dared to dream and to build, for founders and for ancestors, for all who have gone before us. Lord, we give you thanks,” said Father Iorio, Ms. Gawet, and Ms. Hepp.

“Receive, God, the heartfelt prayers and thanks of your people, who are mindful of the ultimate gift of Your Son on the cross. May our worship in this place unite us always with the one true sacrifice of Christ now and forever. May God, the lov -

ing Father, bless us who gather here in worship. May Jesus, the Son, unite us always in heart and soul. May the Spirit animate us and send us forth in loving service. And may we be blessed now and all days. Amen,” Father Iorio concluded in prayer.

Our Lady of Fatima traces its beginning to 1950, when Mass was first occasionally celebrated in a private home in the area where Blount and Sevier counties join. But residents of Blount and Sevier counties most often drove to Knoxville for Sunday Mass. That year, Diocese of Nashville Bishop William L. Adrian requested a survey to determine the number of Catholics living in the two counties.

The survey resulted in the establishment of the MaryvilleAlcoa Mission Parish, which celebrated its first Mass on Sept. 3, 1950, at a Maryville funeral home. The young parish soon after leased a two-story house in Maryville, remodeled it into a church, an office, and a rectory.

The first Mass celebrated in the converted home was on Sunday, Nov. 5, 1950. Subsequently, fundraisers were held to raise money for a dedicated church, and Our Lady of Fatima purchased 4.5 acres in Alcoa from the Aluminum Company of America.

Bishop Adrian dedicated the new church on Dec. 6, 1952

As the parish grew, the swelling congregation outgrew the church building. Fundraising once again led to the purchase of the current campus on 11.2 acres, which included two houses, a storage building, and a 24,810-square-foot office building that had been used by AT&T.

Ground was broken on May 3, 1998, for a $2.8 million, 17,000-square-foot church building to serve the parish’s 675 families. The current Our Lady of Fatima church was dedicated on March 11, 2000. Since then, a $1.7 million addition and renovation to the Fatima Parish Life Center has been completed. And the parish now has 1,350 registered families.

Ranking most powerful Americans in Vatican of all time

Cardinal Justin Rigali is No. 1 among who's who of U.S. leaders in

By John L. Allen Crux

Although Pope Francis once again appears to be coming through a surgery with flying colors, it’s still inevitable that his second hospitalization in three months, this time for an operation to repair an abdominal hernia, nevertheless has stirred renewed interest in what will happen whenever the end does finally come.

One key figure at that time will be the Camerlengo. Historically, the Camerlengo governed the Catholic Church during the sede vacante after one pope dies or resigns, and before another is elected. Today his powers are more limited, but he remains the acting sovereign of the Vatican during the interregnum.

The current Camerlengo, for the record, is an American: Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who thus is in line to become the first American ever to be the Vatican’s sovereign, however nominal and temporary the gig may be.

The assignment is one of five important roles Cardinal Farrell holds in this papacy. The others are:

n Prefect of the Dicastery for Family, Laity, and Life, the first of the Vatican’s new “mega-departments” to be created by Pope Francis.

n President of the Vatican City State’s Corte di Cassazione, in effect its civil Supreme Court, a nomination he received June 2. n President of the “Commission for Reserved Matters,” a body created by Pope Francis to oversee sensitive financial contracts that fall outside the Vatican’s public transparency systems.

n Chair of the Investments Committee, another new body that oversees the Vatican’s

the Church

investment portfolio.

Although Cardinal Farrell was born in Dublin, Ireland, he was incardinated into the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., in 1984, has spent most of his career in the United States, and identifies as an American.

It’s thus ironic that under a pope many observers regard as ambivalent about Americans, this particular American has amassed such a remarkable range of authority.

Cardinal Farrell’s ascent invites the admittedly somewhat playful question of where he now ranks among the most powerful Americans of all time in the Vatican.

In making that assessment, we have to face the fact that Vaticanology isn’t like sports, where there are statistics and championships to evaluate, or politics, where one can look at election results and legislative accomplishments.

Alas, the Vatican is trickier.

Titles, for instance, don’t tell you much. Cardinals Joseph Ratzinger and Luis Ladaria both have been Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, but nobody would contend that Cardinal Ladaria today is as important to the Francis papacy as Cardinal Ratzinger was to John Paul II.

Similarly, hierarchical levels also can be misleading. The cardinal who runs the Congregation for Religious technically outranks the archbishop who is the sostituto , or “substitute,” in the Secretariat of State, but few Vatican-watchers would suggest that makes the cardinal the more powerful figure. In -

Commentary

deed, you don’t even have to be a cleric … under Pope John Paul II, for example, few figures were more central than Spanish layman Joaquin Navarro-Valls.

Likewise, job descriptions only take you so far. You can Google what the assessore , or “assessor,” is supposed to do in the Secretariat of State, but it will only scratch the surface of the actual roles played by Archbishop Peter Wells when he held the post under Popes Benedict XVI and Francis.

There is also sometimes a gap between perception and reality. There are figures seen as having tremendous entrée sometimes, to be honest, they do everything in their power to cultivate those impressions but who aren’t actually all that influential. Meanwhile, there are others who deliberately maintain a low profile but who nevertheless move the levers of power.

As a result, assessing relative importance is terribly inexact, and no two Vaticanisti likely would come up with the same list. That subjectivity, however, is also part of the fun.

It probably goes without saying, but just to be clear: This is not a moral analysis, as in, which American had the best or most positive influence on the Vatican? Instead, it’s a political science question: Which American has wielded the most actual power in the Vatican at his or her peak, regardless of whether you agree with how they used it?

In that sense, here’s my own personal list of the 10 most influential Americans in the Vatican of all time. Let the debates begin!

10. Myron Taylor, Pope Pius XII.

Vatican Top 10 continued on page A19

BILL BREWER

Extinguishing the debt Father Peter Iorio, left, pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Alcoa, is joined by parishioners Shannon Hepp, center, Monica Gawet, right, Deacon Bill Jacobs, back left, Father Adam Royal, parochial vicar, back center, Deacon Leon Dodd, back right, and Our Lady of Fatima members in burning the mortgage on the parish buildings

Debt free continued on page A24

A procession for the Eucharist Father Peter Iorio, kneeling, uses incense before the Holy Eucharist as members of Our Lady of Fatima Parish take part in a eucharistic procession outside of the church on the feast of Corpus Christi.

Mr. Allen

Basilica Street Festival praises unity, growth

Food and fun highlight a day of fellowship on 8th Street

By Claire Collins

Parishioners of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul gathered together on June 3 for a Street Festival celebrating their unity and growth as a parish, particularly over the last five years.

It was five years ago that the parish council, led by Father David Carter, set out to discern a new parish mission by which they could bring renewal and growth under a new strategic plan. Projects included facilities preservation, outreach to grow numbers and participation, and actively marketing the community and their mission to the world and the local Catholic community.

The Street Festival had been brewing in the minds of Debbie Cliche and Father Carter for some time. However, the parish’s many building updates and renovations, as well as unforeseen circumstances like the coronavirus pandemic, continued to push back the idea.

Finishing the basilica’s most recent renovation and capital campaign titled “Under One Roof,” which fixed and updated the roof and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, ended up being the perfect time for such an occasion.

“And that was another part of this celebration,” said Father Carter, who is the basilica’s rector. “We set out to do our strategic plan, and we have accomplished it.”

In addition to accomplishing the five-year strategic plan, Ms. Cliche, the festival’s creator and organizer, wanted to hold

took care of most everything, but there are other things that we had to enhance and do with donation money, so between the donors and the insurance we’ve been able to take care of this project. I can’t tell you how supportive the community has been.

All of our faithful donors, new donors, our community vendors and partners—we’ve had some Catholic foundations like Raskob [Foundation for Catholic Activities] that have provided support. Of course, our board of directors has been fantastic as far as our support here. We’ve got two of our best vendors in the architect, which is George Ewart, and Rouse Construction. It’s been great, but this is a whole new area. We didn’t have this before.”

Catholic-owned George Armour Ewart Architect designed the refurbished CCETN offices. Darrell Roach of Knoxville’s Rouse Construction is the general contractor. Michelle Barillaro, director of estimating and an architect for Rouse, is the project manager for the CCETN work. Interior designer Christina Fehr Brooks of the Ewart firm also worked on the CCETN project.

Mrs. Healy said she was grateful to all of those people but mentioned one other.

“We’ve just got to give thanks for our bishop of Knoxville, Richard Stika. Without his support, Catholic Charities of East Tennessee would not be doing what they’re doing today,” she said. “We wouldn’t be growing. He’s always been supportive not only of our traditional services, our legacy services, but also our new services in saving lives with adoption and ultrasound. I think it’s important to say that. There are good things to talk about and the work that he’s supporting here at Catholic Charities. We’re just so thankful.”

The newly renovated offices are high-tech, Mrs. Healy said.

“We have a state-of-the-art

an event that would bring the parish together.

“The inspiration came from a parish council meeting we had and how we wanted to bring our communities together,” recounted Ms. Cliche.

The basilica, a diverse parish, holds two English Masses, two Masses in Spanish, and one Latin Mass every weekend, as well as hosts many different ministries and groups

“You would never see the other communities except on holy days,” Ms. Cliche said. “It just seemed we were so separated. And it was just a goal of mine; I wanted to bring our communities together.”

“Finally, when wrapping up our big capital projects, the time was right,” Father Carter said. “Even though we were

outside, in front of the roof, we really were a parish that you could see was under one roof of faith. This was not just the English-speaking part of the parish. It was not just the Spanish-speaking part of the parish. It was not just the Novus Ordo part of the parish. It wasn’t just the Latin Mass part of the parish. It was everybody together. ”

Though the original date was rained out, over 500 of the 700plus sign-ups were in attendance on the rain make-up day. People of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds filled downtown Chattanooga’s 8th Street, the street onto which the basilica opens its doors.

Blue skies and strung lights welcomed large crowds that gathered at tables lining the

street. Children enjoyed games and played with balloon swords in the grass in front of the rectory.

Food trucks handed hungry customers delicious authentic Mexican cuisine from Taqueria El Jaguar and barbecue from parishioner Brad Grafton.

Knights of Columbus from the University of TennesseeChattanooga made and served funnel cakes. People danced in the parking lots and waited hopefully to hear their ticket numbers called to receive raffle prizes.

All the while, volunteers offered tours of the basilica to those interested.

In addition to the food and fun atmosphere, the evening also was composed of music and dancing.

Groupo Folclorico Herencia Maya Miguelence performed a native Guatemalan dance showcasing many unique aspects of Guatemalan culture.

And local dance studio Dance Tonight provided dancing lessons for the festivalgoers led by Casey Haywood.

Even though the evening was considered a great success, preparation for the Street Festival wasn’t without its challenges.

“There were so many God moments leading up to the day,” Ms. Cliche said. “We had a lot of hiccups. We find out the emcee has COVID, and the DJ decided to back out.”

However, God did not leave them abandoned.

“I found that through the entire experience people stepped

rything from operations and human resources to development. Chief operating officer Paul Ritter is among those with offices at Dameron.

“We have all the spaces pretty much taken, but we were fortunate in the Office of Immigrant Services area. We do a lot of work with the Duncan Law School at Lincoln Memorial University, so we’ve got a space for all of our budding attorneys who help us. We do AmeriCorp VISTA [program to alleviate poverty], so we have a space for them. We have a space for volunteers and all our employees,” Mrs. Healy said. A staff-entrance area will have an important display to greet employees as they come to work each day, she added.

conference room. Our television isn’t up, but they’re coming to put some technology in that room tomorrow,” she said. “We have a smaller conference room. We have enhanced information technology systems for communication. We’ve got robust security that we’ve been able to add to the building, both interior and exterior. One of the really neat things that we have here is a silent panic alarm, so if something does happen at our doors, the panic alarm can be hit, and then the lights in the building

will actually flicker to warn that something is going on, and a text message will come to your phones, so we have an enhanced security system that we’re really excited about. Clearview [Security] is doing our security.”

And there is a place for everyone who calls Dameron Avenue home. That includes not only the Pregnancy Help Center but also the Office of Immigrant Services, CHAP (Columbus Home Assisting Parents), and all of Catholic Charities’ administration, eve -

“Our mission statement starts with ‘by the grace of Jesus Christ.’ We’re going to put ‘by the grace of Jesus Christ’ on this wall, and then we’re going to have blackand-white photos that represent the people we serve: children, seniors, people with handicaps, people who are non-American citizens from all over the world,” Mrs. Healy said.

“We serve people of different religions. We may have somebody with a burqa on or a sari. We want when our employees walk in to remind them that our mission is given by the grace of Jesus, and we want them to see the faces of the people they serve. Every time they enter or exit the building, this will be just a beautiful reminder of why we’re here. We’ve got some really cool, modern benches, so when visitors come, they can wait for us here and admire our mural wall, so we’re really excited about that,” the Catholic Charities executive director noted.

CCETN used the Regas Building on North Gay Street as its home after the fire.

“We’ll be out of the Regas Building. They’re coming to break down our furniture, so we’re on a tight time frame to get in here,” Mrs. Healy said ■

CCETN continued from page A4

BILL BREWER (2)

Moving in Ada Hernandez-Bell, program manager at Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, unpacks boxes in her new office at CCETN's Knoxville headquarters at 119 Dameron Ave.

Ready to share Sandi Davidson, who leads Catholic Charities of East Tennessee Pregnancy Help Centers, shows off the new ultrasound area in Catholic Charities' recently renovated offices in Knoxville.

Joining in the fun and fellowship Supporters of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul and the basilica's first Street Festival offer their wares along 8th Street in downtown Chattanooga.

Festival continued on page A22

PHOTO COURTESY OF CLAIRE COLLINS

Italian, and a revised handbook for the ministry also is posted online, providing a “deeper understanding of the spirituality, practices, and beliefs that lay at the heart of this apostolate.”

“A lot of the success Courage has experienced is due to Father Bochanski’s leadership,” Bishop Frank Caggiano of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Conn., the chairman of Courage’s seven-member episcopal board, said while noting the urgent need to identify a suitable successor.

“He is extraordinarily intelligent, very well-spoken, and when he gives a presentation, he is able to address complex issues and thoughts in a way that invites someone to walk with him and reflect afterward,” Bishop Caggiano said.

“He is a faithful priest,” Bishop Caggiano added. “Just look at the number of seminarians and priests who have him as their spiritual director. People gravitate toward priests who, as they say in Brooklyn, are ‘the real deal.’”

Courage chaplains echoed this assessment, while highlighting additional areas of strength.

“Father Bochanski is leaving the ministry with a strong network and a firm foundation,” Father Kyle Schnippel, a Dayton, Ohiobased Courage chaplain, said. “He has built up financial support and an international presence.”

Father Schnippel, the chairman of the board of directors of Courage, will serve as acting executive director until a successor to Father Bochanski is appointed.

Philadelphia native

A Philadelphia native, Father Bochanski first began working with Courage in 2009 as a chaplain, a decade after his ordination as a priest in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and about three decades after New York Cardinal Terence Cooke established the first chapter of Courage in 1980.

Prior to joining Courage, Father Bochanski served the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as a parish priest, high school religion teacher, chaplain to consecrated religious communities, and as a spiritual director for seminarians.

Courage offers weekly or monthly confidential chapter meetings that include the sacrament of confession, recitation of the rosary, and the reading aloud of memberships’ five goals: chastity, prayer and dedication, fellowship, support, and being good examples/role models.

An annual conference, with in-person and virtual participation, draws about 330 people. A separate Spanish-language conference is simultaneously available via Zoom with members from the United States, Latin America, and Spain participating.

Father Bochanski views his early involvement in Courage as the

Chaplain continued from page A3

“best decision” of his priesthood, aside from entering the seminary. More than anything else, he said he has been deeply moved by the members’ hunger for a true spiritual father.

“My father passed away in March, and before he died, I thanked him for being a good role model,” said Father Bochanski.

He said his father replied, “The older you get, the more you see how much you learned from your own children about being a father.”

And his son, in turn, has also learned from the Catholic men and women who share their stories and pose deep questions about their identity and earthly mission as a child of God.

“It is a real privilege to speak to those questions, affirm a person, and help them see, through my eyes, what they may not appreciate in themselves,” said the priest.

“St. John Bosco said, ‘It is not enough for us to love the children; they must know they are loved.’”

As a result, the most important lesson he has learned from this ministry “is the ability to tell someone I loved them because it is true and not worry about whether I feel uncomfortable.”

Papal recognition

In 2019, in recognition of his important work at Courage, Pope Francis awarded Father Bochanski the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal recognizing exceptional service to the Church.

Father Bochanski also serves as a consultant to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage. He is the author of six books on a variety of religious topics, including, most recently, Wisdom of the Desert Fathers and Mothers: Ancient Advice for the Modern World Members of Courage acknowledged the spiritual fruits of Father Bochanski’s ministry in interviews with the Register

“He never disregards the severity of the problem or the immorality of acting out, but he starts

women who experience same-sex attraction and have made a commitment to strive for chastity. They are inspired by the Gospel call to holiness and the Catholic Church’s teachings about the goodness and inherent purpose of human sexuality.

EnCourage is a complementary Catholic ministry for members who are parents, spouses, siblings, and friends of people who identify as LGBTQ. They are looking for help to keep the faith and keep their family bonds intact.

In his new role, Father Griffith will be ministering to people with same-sex attractions in the Diocese of Knoxville.

Father Griffith was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Stika in August 2020. Our Lady of Perpetual Help is his first assignment.

Father Colin Blatchford, a Diocese of Knoxville priest, continues to serve as associate director of Courage International, a Trumbull, Conn.-based apostolate that was founded in 1980. It is a nonprofit organization.

Father Blatchford received his appointment to Courage International in September 2020. Prior to being named a director, he was a chaplain for Courage and EnCourage in the Diocese of Knoxville for two and a half years.

Father Blatchford relocated to Courage International’ s Connecticut headquarters in the Diocese

with a spirit of encouragement,” John, a Courage member in the Midwest who did not want to use his name for reasons of privacy, said. “I never feel like I am being ‘fixed’ by him. I feel I am being loved back to life.”

Joe L., another member of Courage on the East Coast, described Father Bochanski as a priest with a “commanding presence” and a “calming tone of voice.”

“He is a tall, stocky man, but he is not threatening in his demeanor,” Joe said. “He is always a priest, not some guy doing his job.”

Joe noted that Courage members “are at all different levels of their journey: Some, like myself, were fully integrated in the gay community; others only had it in their mind, and no one knew about it; and still others were married and sometimes acted out.” But whatever the member’s personal experience, Father Bochanski is very adept at meeting them where they are, said Joe, who added, “He is approachable and sincere.”

Both John and Joe said they valued Father Bochanski and the ministry’s commitment to Christian sexual ethics, even as some pastors have become uncomfortable with the Church’s teaching on chastity.

During confession with a local pastor, Joe shared his spiritual struggles and was encouraged to establish a monogamous relationship with a male partner. “That’s what Christ wants for you,” Joe said the priest told him, insisting that this was the case, even after Joe told him the Church did not endorse this guidance.

Now, as a stepped-up effort to change Church teaching on homosexuality draws headlines across the globe, Courage members worry that the controversy could derail the progress Catholics like them have made as they deepen their relationship with the Lord, exercise the virtue of chastity, and form healthy friendships.

Father Bochanski expressed similar concerns in his April 2022

open letter to German Cardinal Reinhard Marx of Munich and Freising, Germany, and Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich of Luxembourg, the relator general of the worldwide Synod on Synodality. The letter opposed their call for a change to Church teaching on homosexuality and warned that it could raise “false hopes.”

Countercultural witness

The letter spotlighted the countercultural witness of Courage’s community of chaplains and laypeople who are often ignored or misrepresented in a world that views sexual rights as a source of liberation and Church teaching as a vector of stigmatization.

Apart from all the chatter in “the political arena, social media, or contemporary culture, the Church cares deeply for those who have same-sex attraction and wants them to be welcomed,” Bishop Caggiano said. “But the Church also asks them to live a chaste life in fidelity to what Christ has asked of us. That is why Courage’s ministry of accompaniment and formation is timely and important.”

He said he was not surprised that the apostolate had opened almost 100 new chapters amid the culture’s seismic shift on issues like same-sex unions and transgender rights, noting that “it has always been true that the Church is at its best when it is under attack.”

That said, Bishop Caggiano expressed frustration that the apostolate was not better known across the Church.

A lack of information and “misinformation” were partly to blame for the problem. But Bishop Caggiano also agreed that the growing number of activist groups promoting new models of pastoral accompaniment for “LGBT” Catholics made it tough for the faithful to hear and appreciate Courage’s distinctive message.

Father Martin’s perspectives

Perhaps the most striking example of this problem is the fact that Jesuit Father James Martin’s influential 2017 book, Building a Bridge: How the Catholic Church and the LGBT Community Can Enter into a Relationship of Respect, Compassion, and Sensitivity , did not even mention Courage or the experience of its members. Yet Father Martin was invited to address the 2018 World Meeting of Families in Ireland, where he discussed “best practices from parishes that have successfully reached out to the LGBT Catholic community.”

During an e-mail exchange with the Register , Father Martin said he regretted the decision to exclude Courage and the experiences of its members from his book.

“If I were to write the book today, I would speak more about LGBTQ Catholics who follow

having served as local Courage chaplain in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for five years.

The Philadelphia priest returned to his archdiocese, where he has been appointed vicar general and moderator of the curia.

Father Blatchford was ordained to the priesthood in May 2014 by Bishop Stika and has served as an associate pastor at All Saints Parish in Knoxville and as parochial vicar of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul as well as chaplain at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga's Newman Center.

of Bridgeport to serve in the position.

Even though Father Blatchford has taken up residence in the Diocese of Bridgeport, he remains incardinated in the Knoxville Diocese.

Father Philip Bochanski, who has served as Courage International’s executive director since 2017 until his June 3 departure, called Father Blatchford’s appointment a blessing and privilege.

“It is a blessing and a privilege to welcome Father Blatchford to the Courage office,” Father Bochanski said. “We are exceedingly grateful to Bishop Stika for his support for our apostolate, and his generosity in sharing with us such a fine priest.”

Father Bochanski himself joined the Courage apostolate as associate director in 2015,

“Father Blatchford has a wonderful devotion to sharing our Catholic faith, and he does so with a very compassionate heart,” Bishop Stika said at the time of Father Blatchford ’ s appointment.

“He possesses an ability to connect with people of all ages but especially young people, with understanding and empathy. Clearly, Father has a place in his heart for the mission and ministry of Courage International. In a way, we view Father Blatchford as a gift that the Diocese of Knoxville received when I ordained him, and he is a gift that we are pleased to share with Courage International,” Bishop Stika added.

More information about Courage and EnCourage can be found at https://couragerc.org/ ■

Fr. Griffith Fr. Colin Blatchford

Courage and EnCourage Father Philip Bochanski, shown speaking at a Courage conference, is the outgoing executive director of the international apostolate that serves same-sex-attracted Catholics and their families.

PHOTO COURTESY OF COURAGE INTERNATIONAL

Courage continued on page A22

Renowned author Cormac McCarthy dies

Pulitzer Prize-winner grew up in Knoxville, graduated from KCHS

The East Tennessee Catholic

Cormac McCarthy, a Pulitzer Prizewinning novelist who grew up in Knoxville and graduated from Knoxville Catholic High School in 1951, died June 13. He was 89.

Mr. McCarthy passed away of natural causes at his residence in Santa Fe, N.M., where he has called home for decades, according to his publisher, Alfred A. Knopf.

Although Mr. McCarthy was born in Rhode Island on July 20, 1933, he was raised in Knoxville as one of six children in an Irish Catholic family that relocated to East Tennessee when Mr. McCarthy’s father began working for TVA as a lawyer.

Mr. McCarthy was widely acclaimed in national literary circles as one of the greatest contemporary American writers because of the breadth of his work, which includes 12 novels, two plays, five screenplays, and three short stories.

He received the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 2007 for The Road , a dark, postapocalyptic story of survival. The Road also earned the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for fiction. He received the National Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award for his 1992 bestselling book All the Pretty Horses , which was made into a major motion picture in 2000 that starred Matt Damon and Penélope Cruz and was directed by Billy Bob Thornton.

All the Pretty Horses was the first of Mr. McCarthy’s Border Trilogy novels, which incorporated striking imagery to depict life in the Southwest, where he relocated in 1976.

The other works in the trilogy are The Crossing in 1994 and Cities of the Plain in 1998. His 2005 novel No Country for Old Men also was made into a major motion picture in 2007 starring Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, and Woody Harrelson. The film was a commercial success and earned four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

His other books include The Passenger , Stella Maris , and Blood Meridian , which many in the literary community consider his best work, with some calling it the great American novel.

Mr. McCarthy attended St. Mary School in downtown Knoxville and Knoxville Catholic High School on Magnolia Avenue. He also was an altar boy at Immaculate Conception Church. He began attending the University of Tennessee in 1951, where he studied physics and engineering, but he began pursuing an interest in writing at the same time.

He dropped out of UT in 1953 to join the Air Force but returned in 1957, where he published two stories: “Wake for Susan” and “A Drowning Incident”—in the Phoenix UT student literary magazine. He earned creative-writing awards for his work, and in 1959 he dropped out of college for the final time.

He left East Tennessee at this juncture and spent the next few years traveling the

United States and Europe.

Publisher Random House printed Mr. McCarthy’s first novel, The Orchard Keeper , in 1965, and it won a 1966 William Faulkner Foundation Award for notable first novel. He wrote his second novel, Outer Dark , in 1968.

Mr. McCarthy returned to the Knoxville area in 1969, and he wrote his next book, Child of God , in 1973. Like Outer Dark , Child of God was set in southern Appalachia and explored dark themes. He then relocated to El Paso, Texas, in 1976.

In 1979, Mr. McCarthy published the semiautobiographical Suttree , which he had written 20 years before. The book was based on his experiences along the Tennessee River in Knoxville.

Much of Mr. McCarthy’s work was defined as “bleak and violent,” highlighting the brokenness and ruthlessness pervasive in the life of his characters. His writing style defied traditional literary norms, such as his sparing use of punctuation, which he rejected as extraneous. But his use of language was highly praised, and he was often compared to renowned American author William Faulkner.

Mr. McCarthy was considered reclusive throughout his adult life, and he was known earlier in his career as having an extremely spartan lifestyle as he honed his craft.

His writing earned the praise of literary peers as well as from literary critics and the public.

Renowned and popular U.S. author Stephen King paid tribute to Mr. McCarthy upon learning of his death.

“Cormac McCarthy, maybe the greatest American novelist of my time, has passed away at 89. He was full of years and created a fine body of work, but I still mourn his passing,” Mr. King stated on Twitter.

Another vaunted U.S. novelist, Shelby Foote, who also was a renowned historian and journalist and wrote The Civil War: A Narrative , which is a three-volume history of the American Civil War, praised Mr. McCarthy’s work.

Mr. Foote is said to have recommended Mr. McCarthy for a prestigious MacArthur Fellowship grant, colloquially called the “Genius Grant,” which Mr. McCarthy received in 1981.

“McCarthy is the one writer younger than myself who has excited me. I told the MacArthur people that he would be honoring them as much as they were honoring him,” Mr. Foote is said to have written, continuing on to say the real hero of Mr. McCarthy’s novels was “the English language,” or more specifically, “the American language .”

Mr. Foote, who died in 2005 at age 88, reportedly described Mr. McCarthy’s Blood Meridian as “unrelenting violence from start to finish … and has some of the best writing I’ve read for decades.”

Prominent literary critic Harold Bloom called Mr. McCarthy one of the four greatest novelists of his time. He said of Blood Meridian , “It is the ultimate Western, not to be surpassed. … No one will compose a rival to Blood Meridian , not even McCarthy.”

Walter Clancy, a longtime Knoxville businessman who grew up with Mr. McCarthy and attended St. Mary School and Knox -

ville Catholic High School with the writer, remembers his childhood friend as a bright, precocious boy.

“At a young age, Cormac and I, instead of attending Mass, we would be out in the vestibule (of Immaculate Conception Church) discussing what was going on down on Market Square,” Mr. Clancy recalled. “Both of us were downtown early in the morning, and we saw a lot of things that other people didn’t see. We were interested in what was going on down there.”

Mr. Clancy explained that Knoxville’s Market Square at the time in the 1930s and 1940s was a hub for area farmers to sell their produce, and there were cafes and other businesses that supported downtown activity.

“The farmers had all these yarns they would tell each other. Cormac and I were listening to what was going on, and we had our own ideas about what was happening,” Mr. Clancy said. “Occasionally we would get in trouble, such as when the nuns realized we weren’t where we were supposed to be, or the priest would come and want to know what we were doing. That’s how we got to be friends.”

Mr. Clancy also recalled that his boyhood friend “was an early observer of what was going on around him.”

“He was a very intelligent person and much better read than I was at that age,” Mr. Clancy recalled. “That’s one of the reasons, if you’ve read any of his books, you can see that his language is completely different than the average person.”

Mr. Clancy also recalls a conversation he had with the late Judge Charles Susano, who was another classmate at St. Mary and KCHS, about Mr. McCarthy’s book “Suttree.”

“I saw Charlie one day and asked him if he had read Cormac’s new book ‘Suttree.’ He said, ‘No, I haven’t, but I was at my mother’s the other day and she had bought the book. She had read three pages, and then she said, ‘I think I need to go to confession.’”

Mr. Clancy never considered that Mr. McCarthy would write books about some of those experiences when they were young.

“But I realized he was taking it all in because he was all the time asking questions and just observing people’s conversations,” Mr. Clancy said, remembering that Mr. McCarthy would frequently be an altar server at Mass.

Mr. Clancy was in the class of 1954 at Knoxville Catholic High School, and because of the difference in class years, he only attended high school with Mr. McCarthy for one year. But they kept up with each other through the subsequent decades.

Mr. Clancy recalls that when their mutual friend, Jim Long, died in 2012 at the age of 81, Mr. McCarthy was working in England on a film project and flew to Knoxville to attend the funeral. Mr. Long, a close friend of Mr. McCarthy, was the source for the character J-Bone in Suttree

Now as he looks back, Mr. Clancy is not surprised that his friend became an acclaimed writer given his natural curiosity, his attention to people’s interactions and

Cormac continued on page A19

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALFRED A. KNOPF

Cormac McCarthy

conversations, and his intelligence. But it wasn’t until later that he realized how wellknown his friend was becoming.

“I knew he would probably be a writer. In all honesty, I didn’t realize he would be where he was because for a long, long time he was such a recluse. Most people didn’t know he was what he was, only a very few people knew of his growing notoriety,” Mr. Clancy said.

Knoxville Catholic High School released this statement shortly after news of Mr. McCarthy’s death was reported:

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of one of our own, Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Cormac McCarthy ’51. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”

Mr. McCarthy was known as Charlie McCarthy when he was in school, and the KCHS annual included this entry while he attended there:

“Remembered As: Carefree lad; his clever remarks.”

“Pet Shudders: Three-minute periods; lunch; early dismissal.”

“Will Miss: Study periods with Clunk; J. Long on graduation night; $13.10.”

“Favorite Song: ‘If.’

“Hopes: To be as good a shortstop as Harvey; to become rich.”

He is said to have changed his name from Charlie to Cormac for his writing career to avoid any confusion with ventriloquist Edgar Bergen’s prop Charlie McCarthy. Cormac was a McCarthy family nickname given to his father.

In 2014, KCHS recognized Mr. McCarthy

A onetime textiles tycoon and executive with U.S. Steel, Mr. Taylor was named the personal envoy to Pope Pius XII by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1939, a position he would hold until 1950, serving under President Harry Truman as well.

Among other things, Mr. Taylor is credited with helping persuade Spain’s leader, Francisco Franco, not to join the Axis powers. During the war years, Mr. Taylor helped influence the Vatican’s attitude towards the Allies, and in the immediate post-war years he helped coordinate relief efforts with both the Vatican and the American government.

9. Cardinal John Wright, Pope Paul VI.

A Massachusetts native, Cardinal Wright became the private secretary to Cardinals William O’Connell and Richard Cushing of Boston and later served as bishop of Pittsburgh. He became Prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for Clergy in 1969 and held the position until his death a decade later, helping shape efforts to implement the Second Vatican Council (1962-65) with regard to the priesthood.

8. Archbishop Peter Wells, Popes Benedict XVI and Francis.

Archbishop Wells became head of the Secretariat of State’s English-language desk in 2006 before being made assessore , or “assessor,” meaning the third most powerful figure for internal Church affairs, in 2009.

During his tenure, Archbishop Wells was the primary point of contact for virtually every English-speaking individual, organization, or cause that had dealings with the Vatican. He now represents the pope to Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos, and is considered a credible candidate one day to become the Vatican’s first American secretary of state.

7. Cardinal James Harvey, Pope John Paul II.

In the John Paul years, Cardinal Harvey as prefect of the Papal Household was part of a troika of figures who flanked the pope, including Archbishop (later Cardinal) Stanislaw Dziwisz as John Paul’s private secretary and Archbishop Piero Marini as the Master of Liturgical Ceremonies. Though Cardinal Harvey’s role was never really policy-making, he nonetheless acted as a critically important gatekeeper and emissary. He now is the Archpriest of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.

with a charcoal drawing of the author as he appeared in his senior picture. The school also unveiled a plaque honoring the writer for his literary accomplishments. The plaque reads:

In honor of KCHS alumnus

Charles “Cormac” McCarthy

Class of 1951

Novelist, screenwriter, playwright. One of the greatest authors in the history of American literature. May his genius and his legacy inspire us to pursue excellence whilst living humbly and deliberately.

To know what will come is the same as to make it so.

— Suttree, 1979

Cormac McCarthy Club 2010-2011

Artwork by Eric Theodore ’11 KCHS students formed a Cormac McCarthy Club that has focused on literary interests and the works of Mr. McCarthy.

At the time, among those on hand for the portrait unveiling was Carolyn Sue (Wright) Huber, who also was in the class of 1951 and fondly remembered Mr. McCarthy.

Mrs. Huber, who was an All Saints Church member when she passed away in 2018, said at the time that she was in school with Mr. McCarthy for most of the 12 years they attended St. Mary School at Immaculate Conception Church and KCHS in the 1940s and early ’50s. She described him as a “delightful person. ”

“Everybody liked Charlie. He was a nice, polite gentleman who liked to daydream, but he was always listening so he would have something to write about. He was very bright,” she said.

She had last seen him years ago at a KCHS reunion of classmates at her Knoxville home

“We missed him, and we were sorry he couldn’t be here, but we understand with all his commitments,” she said about the 2014 KCHS event.

Mr. McCarthy is survived by two sons, Cullen McCarthy, born in 1962 to his first wife, Lee Holleman (married 1961-62), and John Francis McCarthy, born in 1999 to his third wife, Jennifer Winkley (married 19972006). He also was married to Annie DeLisle from 1967-81.

Mr. McCarthy’s siblings are sisters Jacqueline, who graduated from Knoxville Catholic High School in 1948, and Barbara, KCHS class of 1949; brother Bill, KCHS class of 1957; sister Mary Ellen, KCHS class of 1959; and Dennis, KCHS class of 1960. ■

Sources for this story include The East Tennessee Catholic archives, CormacMcCarthy.com, Alfred A. Knopf @AAKnopf, Wikipedia, and Knoxville Catholic High School

president of the Government of the Vatican City State, in both cases becoming the first American to hold the job. During his tenure, Pope John Paul made Cardinal Szoka a member of virtually every Vatican department that mattered, including the Secretariat of State and the Congregations for Bishops, Clergy, and Evangelization.

And now, drum roll please …

6. Archbishop Paul Marcinkus, Popes Paul VI and John Paul II.

A native of Cicero, Ill., the onetime beachhead of Al Capone, Archbishop Marcinkus was a close friend of Italian Monsignor Giovanni Battista Montini, who later became Pope Paul VI. Archbishop Marcinkus served as an interpreter and adviser to Paul VI and helped organize his overseas trips. John Paul II later made him president of the Institute for the Works of Religion, better known as the “Vatican bank,” where Archbishop Marcinkus presided over the celebrated Vatican bank scandals of the 1980s.

5. Mary Ann Glendon, Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis.

Ms. Glendon, a law professor at Harvard often tipped as potential Supreme Court nominee, became the first laywoman to head a Vatican delegation at an international conference during the highly contentious 1995 U.N. Conference on Women in Beijing. She was named president of the Pontifical Academy for Social Sciences in 2000, and in 2007 she was appointed U.S. ambassador to the Holy See. In 2013, Pope Francis tapped Ms. Glendon for a commission to study an overhaul of the Vatican bank, and in 2014 she became the lone member of that body to be named to the new board of directors for the bank.

4. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Pope Francis.

We’ve already noted the various positions to which Cardinal Farrell has been named. It’s worth noting the other figures Pope Francis recently picked for the same Vatican court: Cardinals Matteo Zuppi of Bologna, Paolo Lojudice of Siena-Colle, and Mauro Gambetti, the pope’s vicar

general for the Vatican City State, archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica and president of the Fabric of St. Peter. That’s an all-star lineup of this pope’s most trusted inner core of allies and advisers…and even in that set, Cardinal Farrell came out on top.

3. Cardinal William Levada, Pope Benedict XVI.

A Long Beach, Calif., native, Cardinal Levada worked from 1976 to 1982 in the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, where he caught the eye of the new prefect who took over in 1981, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany. He went on to serve as the archbishop of both Portland, Ore., and San Francisco before being named prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith by his old boss, Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI. In that role, among other tasks, Cardinal Levada had the lead responsibility for implementing the Vatican’s new, more rigorous approach to the clerical sexual abuse crisis. Cardinal Levada also was named to the Congregations for Bishops, Saints, Evangelization, Oriental Churches, and Catholic Education, as well as Pontifical Councils for Legislative Texts, Christian Unity, and New Evangelization.

2. Cardinal Edmund Szoka, Pope John Paul II.

The son of Polish immigrants to Michigan, Cardinal Szoka rose through the clerical ranks and became archbishop of Detroit in 1981, among other things welcoming Pope John Paul II to the Motor City in 1987. In 1990, Pope John Paul turned to his fellow Pole to save the Vatican from drowning in red ink as president of the Prefecture of the Economic Affairs of the Holy See and also

The descendant of Italian immigrants from Tuscany and a native of Los Angeles, Cardinal Rigali studied in Rome during the Second Vatican Council and then began working in the Secretariat of State in 1964, serving in the Vatican for a robust 30 years. He became head of the English section in 1970, often serving as a papal translator and ghostwriter. For almost a decade, from 1985 to 1994, then-Bishop Justin Rigali held an astonishing range of positions that mattered under Pope John Paul II. In June 1985, he became president of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, responsible for training Vatican diplomats at the height of the Cold War, when the Vatican’s geopolitical relevance under the Polish pope was at an all-time high. He would later become secretary, meaning the No. 2 official, in the Congregation for Bishops and would also serve as secretary to the College of Cardinals.

At various points, he held influential positions with the Council for Public Affairs of the Church and the Pontifical Council for Laity, and was a member of the Interdicasterial Commission of the Holy See, the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, and the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

These posts were in addition to Cardinal Rigali’s terms as archbishop of St. Louis and Philadelphia.

For a period of time Cardinal Rigali held sway in the Vatican as no American before or since ever has.

Finally, a rundown of honorable mentions who didn’t make my cut, in no particular order:

n Cardinal Francis Spellman of New York, a personal friend of Pope Pius XII who helped guide the Church through World War II and the Cold War.

n Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston, a member of Pope Francis’s Council of Cardinals and also president of the Pontifical Commission

1. Cardinal Justin Rigali, Pope John Paul II

America's top prelate Cardinal Justin Rigali is seen here during a Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral.

THE EAST TENNESSEE CATHOLIC ARCHIVES

Vatican Top 10 continued from page A15 Vatican Top 10 continued on

In harmony A 70-plus-year-old clip from Knoxville Catholic High School's student newspaper.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOXVILLE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Brother John Raymond, CFA

Brother John Raymond Howard, CFA, age 92, of Milwaukee, passed into eternal life on May 27. He was born March 13, 1931, in Glendale, Calif., to the late Grace Margarete and Raymond Jacob Howard.

Brother John spent his childhood in Phoenix and his teenage years in San Diego and Chula Vista, Calif. He fi rst identifi ed his vocation while attending St. Augustine High School in San Diego. After graduating in 1949, he saw an Alexian Brothers advertisement in a national Catholic newspaper.

My interest was going into social work. I wanted to be of service to people, ” he said.

He joined the Alexian Brothers as a postulant at their facility in Signal Mountain, Tenn., and in July 1951 began two years of novitiate training in Gresham, Wis., at age 20. After his novitiate training, he received his diploma in nursing from Alexian Brothers Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago in 1956 and became a registered nurse.

He served in various Alexian Brothers hospitals in a variety of capacities from bedside nurse to patient advocate. Early on, his natural gift of administration led to his appointment as assistant novice director at the novitiate in Gresham. He left that post in 1963 to become vocation director for the Immaculate Conception Province of the Congregation of Alexian Brothers.

Eventually, his love of nursing and adventure allowed him opportunities to do community-health nursing in rural South Carolina from 1971 to 1973. In 1973, he took a leave of absence to help care for his mother in San Diego after his father passed away. While there, he set up an offi ce of social services for the Diocese of San Diego. The offi ce provided food, clothing, and a variety of activities for migrant workers and other needy individuals living in the desert near Indio, Calif.

A year later, Brother John became the Alexian Brothers' first patient representative, stationed at Alexian Brothers Hospital in San Jose, Calif. He held the position for more than four years, notifying and consoling families whose loved

ones had died or had been injured, helping patients with billing questions, and generally troubleshooting on patients’ behalf.

In 1978, Brother John received permission from the Alexian Brothers to work at a clinic for the poor operated by the Franciscans in Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico. He worked there for six years, relishing the opportunity to use his nursing, people, and bilingual skills to help others. “ We had the freedom to go to poor neighborhoods and care for somebody in the middle of the night, the freedom to start IVs by flashlight, the freedom to be the kind of Brother I envisioned our members were hundreds of years ago in Europe when they went where they were needed most,”" Brother John said Brother John served on the Provincial Council from 1986 to 1990 and was novice director for the Immaculate Conception Province from 1988 to 2005.

A natural leader, he usually was appointed director of any Alexian Brothers Community he resided in, including Elk Grove Village, Ill.; Signal Mountain, where he cared kindly and generously for elder Brothers; and Alexian Village of Milwaukee (now known as Ascension Living Alexian Village), twice. He remained a dedicated leader up until age 91. Those he was chosen to lead often would say that his pleasant and gentle disposition consistently inspired hope in them.

Other gifts Brother John generously shared were his unique sense of organization and "fi x-it" skills that were beyond measure. Even while in hospice, he still was doing odd repair jobs for his fellow Alexian Brothers and projects for senior residents of Ascension Living Alexian Village.

He is predeceased by his older brother, Father Evan Howard, OFM. Survivors include his brother, Dennis Howard of San Diego; his nephew, Arthur (Emilia) Howard; his grand-niece, Sophia; and his beloved Alexian Brothers.

A funeral Mass for Brother John was celebrated on June 2 in Holy Spirit Chapel at Ascension Living Alexian Village in Milwaukee, with Father Joe Jagodensky, SDS, presiding. A memorial Mass was celebrated on June 9 in St. Augustine Chapel in Signal Mountain, with Father Albert Sescon presiding. Interment of cremains followed at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Chattanooga.

Any memorials can be made to Casa Franciscana Outreach. ■

Sister Mary Magdalen McMinn, HPB

On Pentecost Sunday, May 28, Sister Mary Magdalen of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus McMinn, HPB, passed away with two Sisters praying by her side, “Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, I love you !”

Sister Mary Magdalen joined the Handmaids of the Precious Blood in 1978 and was a professed member of the community since 198 1.

The Sisters wish to thank all of her kind and gentle caregivers, nurses, doctors, and all the staff and especially the priests who made extra efforts to see that Sister Mary Magdalen received the sacraments, the anointing of the sick and holy viaticum as well as blessing her after her death

Sister Mary Magdalen is preceded in death by her parents, William and Mary McMinn, and a brother, Bill McMinn.

Sister Mary Magdalen is survived by her sister, Caroline McMinn-Murphy; the Handmaids of the Precious Blood community that loved her very much; and several nieces and nephews

A funeral Mass for Sister Mary Magdalen was celebrated on June 2 at the Handmaids of the Precious Blood’s Cor Jesu Monastery in New Market, with Bishop Richard F. Stika serving as the celebrant. Interment followed the funeral Mass at Blessed Sacrament Cemetery.

Donations in Sister Mary Magdalen’s memory are being encouraged to aid in the construction of a new chapel and infi rmary within the Cor Jesu cloistered monastery where the Handmaids of the Precious Blood reside in Jefferson County

Donations may be sent to:

The Handmaids of the Precious Blood, 596 Callaway Ridge Road, New Market, TN 37820

Online donations in Sister Mary Magdalen's memory and to the Handmaids of the Precious Blood also can be made by visiting www.nunsforpriests.org ■

The Assurance of Peace, Quiet Reflection, & Prayer

Brother John Sr. Mary Magdalen

A ‘ weapon of mass instruction’

Actor Jim Caviezel brings true story of child-trafficking scourge to the screen

By Gina Christian OSV News

Anew film starring Jim Caviezel aims to move millions to end the scourge of child trafficking.

“Sound of Freedom,” directed by Alejandro Monteverde, opened in theaters July 4 with Mr. Caviezel starring as Tim Ballard, who began his career at the CIA and then spent more than a decade as a special agent for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security battling child exploitation. Assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Mr. Ballard was deployed as an undercover operative for the U.S. Child Sex Tourism Jump Team, infiltrating criminal organizations that sexually abused and trafficked children.

In 2013, Mr. Ballard and a team of former agents left DHS to form Operation Underground Railroad, a private foundation that assists international governments and U.S. law enforcement in dismantling criminal trafficking organizations that target children.

Mr. Ballard has testified before Congress on child trafficking and has advocated vigorously to raise awareness of the issue, which is estimated to affect at least 1.7 million children globally, according to the International Labor Organization.

For Mr. Caviezel, portraying Tim Ballard and replicating his dramatic real-life rescues of enslaved children is a role second only to that of playing Jesus in “The Passion of the Christ,” with a similarly compelling mission.

Ahead of the film’s opening, the “Sound of Freedom” team was looking to sell “2 million tickets for 2 million children” trapped in traffick-

are seeking to enact effective and humane border management as part of a framework of comprehensive immigration reforms,” he said.

Archbishop Broglio also identified “turmoil and unrest” in Haiti as well as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine as areas of concern for the conference and U.S. Catholics.

“We continue our prayers for an end to the aggression and the invasion,” he said. “There are no easy solutions.”

Addressing the Dodgers

Archbishop Broglio also said “our thoughts and prayers also go to Archbishop Gomez and the faithful of Los Angeles,” in reference to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ recently announced plans to honor a group called the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence at a Pride Night event. Some have described the group’s parody of Catholic imagery as irreverent or antiCatholic, a claim the LA chapter of the group disputed.

“The disrespect for the truths and traditions of our faith, for the legendary commitment of religious women to building up society, and the tarnishing of what has so often been called the ‘national sport’ harken back to the ‘know nothings’ of the 19th century,” Archbishop Broglio said.

He noted the conference invited the faithful to pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart on June 16, the solemnity of the Sacred Heart, and make an act of reparation, or an action offered to the Lord with the intention of repairing the spiritual damage inflicted by sin, for “the blasphemies against our Lord we see in our culture today.”

The Dodger’s invitation to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence was briefly withdrawn after protests from those who called the group anti-Catholic but was later reinstated with a public apology to the group from the Dodgers.

The Dodger’s Pride Night event prompted Catholics from around the Los Angeles area to gather outside Dodger Stadium to protest the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence appearance.

There were so many Catholic protesters that entry into the baseball stadium was hampered, the main entrance to Dodger Stadium was briefly shut down, and few people saw the event inside the stadium before the June 16 game against the San Francisco Giants.

ing, Mr. Caviezel said. “That’s been the goal all along.”

The film’s distributor, Angel Studios, is using technology it developed for its hit series “The Chosen” to enable viewers to buy tickets so that others can watch for free, or to claim donated tickets if they are unable to afford the purchase price.

Both Mr. Caviezel and producer Eduardo Verástegui said the film has been a labor of both faith and love for the past eight years.

Mr. Verástegui said he decided to counter the international problem of child trafficking with “a weapon of mass instruction and inspiration film.”

Mr. Caviezel and Mr. Verástegui drew on their deeply held Catholic faith to overcome what the latter called “so many obstacles” that gave way to “so many miracles” in making the film.

“Every time I do a film, I pray the rosary, and my prayer is that God would use us to really be whatever He needs us to be,” Mr. Caviezel said. “In this particular case, it’s a weapon against the greatest evil right now we've ever seen. And when the public really wakes up and sees this, it’s going to blow their minds how wicked those people (are) that do what they do with these children.”

“I pray the rosary every day,” Mr. Verástegui said. “That’s my biggest weapon. I go to Mass every day. ... Without that, there’s no way I can do what I'm doing right now.”

Mr. Caviezel also prepared for filming by attending Mass and receiving the sacrament of reconciliation “to get as pure as I can in my soul,” he said, admitting that researching the horrors of child sex trafficking by working with law enforcement provoked both nightmares and tears.

The Holy Spirit provided inspiration for “taking and elevating” the script by Mr. Monteverde and Rod Barr into a story of good conquering evil, said Mr. Caviezel without directly portraying lurid details of the film’s subject matter. Mr. Verástegui said as producer he stressed the importance of “how we treat people on set,” particularly the child actors. Mr. Ballard was impressed by the film’s veracity, Mr. Verástegui said.

They are passionate about galvanizing the film’s viewers to end child sex trafficking and slavery.

“The power of this is that your heart gets on fire," Mr. Caviezel said. “Why does it get on fire? Because they feel the love of Jesus. ... You’re not afraid anymore.”

For more information on “Sound of Freedom” and to purchase tickets, visit the movie’s website at http://www.angel.com/freedom ■

plemented in our dioceses and parishes.”

The plan directly responds to the pastoral priorities and recommendations generated through the four-year Fifth National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry (V Encuentro). The priorities listed in the plan include ongoing formation, accompaniment of families, immigration and advocacy, care for those on the peripheries, the promotion of vocations, and the need to engage with youth and young adults.

The address to fellow U.S. bishops was Archbishop Broglio’s first as USCCB president, a three-year role to which he was elected in November at the bishops’ fall biannual meeting.

Synodality: true north

The papal nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, made his case to the U.S. bishops June 15 that synodality, oriented to Jesus Christ as their “true north,” unleashes missionary activity.

“The purpose of walking this synodal path is to make our evangelization more effective in the context of the precise challenges that we face today,” Archbishop Pierre said in his address at the spring plenary assembly.

He said synodality “is a way of being Church that allows us to discern the path on which the Spirit of God is calling us.” Acknowledging skepticism, he said synodality “is not a new ‘program’ nor is it a disguise for a plan to change Church doctrine.”

He said the bishops can recognize examples of synodality already at work: the work of Catholic charitable service organizations, the Fifth National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry (V Encuentro), and “the numerous small, grassroots apostolates that have sprung up in your dioceses and parishes, offering things like family formation, spiritual accompaniment, and social connections for people who are marginalized and misunderstood.”

He also pointed to the late Auxiliary Bishop David G. O’Connell

of Los Angeles, who was found shot and killed in his home in February, as “a model of synodal service, combined with eucharistic charity.”

“Here was a shepherd who immersed himself in the reality of his sheep, who walked with them, and was with them in finding a way no matter the difficulty of their circumstances,” the archbishop said, because “he followed the compass that always pointed him to Christ.”

Plan for Hispanic ministry

The U.S. bishops approved a new National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry to multiply pastoral responses addressing the realities of close to 30 million Catholics.

On June 16, with 167 supporting votes out of 171, the bishops resoundingly approved a comprehensive 10-year plan aimed at responding to the needs of Hispanic/Latino Catholics in the United States that also strengthens Hispanic/Latino ministries across the country at the national, local, and parish level.

The last time the U.S. bishops put forth such a plan was in 1987.

With an April Pew Research Center analysis showing a steady decline of Latino adults who selfidentify as Catholic, the urgency to provide pastoral care for Hispanic/Latino Catholics is a high priority. Ahead of the vote, Bishop Oscar Cantú of San Jose, Calif., chairman of the bishops' Subcommittee on Hispanic Affairs, told OSV News that there was a great need to “get moving so that (the new pastoral plan) can be im -

A day before the vote took place, Detroit Auxiliary Bishop J. Arturo Cepeda, who chairs the USCCB’s Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church, called the plan a sign of the times that recognizes Hispanic/Latino Catholics who account for more than 40 percent of U.S. Catholics as “missionaries among us” who can reinvigorate the life of the Church.

The pastoral plan recognizes the unique ways Hispanic Catholics engage in their faith, while calling on “pastoral leaders ‘to exercise their prophetic role without fear’” and to develop or promote pastoral responses to local needs, “while also inviting the faithful to promote the common good on the national and global levels.”

Shreveport martyrs

The nearly 300 U.S. Catholic bishops in a voice vote signaled their approval for a cause to canonize five missionary priests from Brittany, France, who volunteered to serve those suffering a deadly epidemic in Shreveport, La., knowing their ministry would likely be fatal.

“They demonstrated heroic charity during the third worst pandemic in U.S. history,” said Bishop Francis I. Malone of the Diocese of Shreveport in remarks during the bishops’ assembly on June 15.

Known in northwest Louisiana as the “Shreveport martyrs,” Fathers Jean Pierre, Jean Marie Biler, François Le Vézouët, Isidore Quémerais, and Louis Marie Gergaud were young men who sacrificed their own welfare to journey with the dying and bring the Eucharist to the faithful.

Bishop Earl K. Fernandes of the Diocese of Columbus, Ohio, noted the Shreveport Martyrs could be a source of inspiration for priests during the National Eucharistic Revival, since they worked to provide the sacraments to a population others might not touch. ■

USCCB continued from page A6

Leading bishops Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, center, who is president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, speaks June 15 during the USCCB Spring Plenary Assembly in Orlando, Fla. Also pictured are Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, USCCB vice president, left, and Father Michael J.K. Fuller, USCCB general secretary.

OSV NEWS PHOTO/ANGEL STUDIOS

Faith in film Actor Jim Caviezel is shown in the film "Sound of Freedom," which opened on July 4.

Festival continued from page A16

up and wanted to give their talent and do things that they wouldn’t receive money for,” Ms. Cliche joyfully related.

Ms. Cliche was able to see clearly God’s hand blessing the event, from Father Carter stepping in to emcee, fathering his parish family at their communal celebration, to a DJ, Fredy Esteban Jesus Domingo, offering his talents for free.

When asked what made him want to help Ms. Cliche and the parish, Mr. Domingo said, “Hey, I'm part of the community. You guys are my team. So, I said to myself, ‘I won't let my team nor community down!’”

Pope continued from page A4

far away, but He is a father, He knows you and He loves you; He wants to take you by the hand, even when you travel on steep and rugged paths, even when you fall and struggle to get up again and get back on track. ”

In fact, the pope said, “O ften in the moments when you are at your weakest, you can feel His presence all the more strongly. He knows the path, He is with you, He is your Father! ”

The best way to proclaim God s nearness, he said, is with “ gestures of love and hope in the name of the Lord; not saying many words, but making gestures, as Jesus instructed the apostles: “ ‘Heal the sick, ’ he says, ‘raise the dead, heal the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. ’ ”

After reciting the Angelus, Pope Francis noted that June 20 is the U.N.-proclaimed World Refugee day and spoke of his “ great sadness and deep sorrow after a fishing boat, packed with migrants—estimates ranged from

Courage continued from page A17

Church teachings on celibacy,”

Father Martin said. “At the time, though, the vast majority of LGBTQ people I knew were not living celibately. And that is still the case today.”

Father Martin also expressed deep respect for Father Bochanski, noting that the priest served as a panelist at the 2022 “Outreach LGBTQ” Catholic ministry conference he had helped to organize at Fordham University.

As a panelist, Father Bochanski “set forth the Church’s teaching on homosexuality and entered into dialogue with some topnotch Catholic theologians,” Father Martin said, and “everyone came away with gratitude for his presence.”

Father Bochanski’s presence at the conference signaled his eagerness to meet people where they are, in order to help them understand that the Church does not seek to destroy their chances for happiness but to invite them into a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ, through the crucible of the cross.

At the same time, he has been very cautious about addressing the deeply politicized genderidentity revolution and the rela -

Mr. Domingo’s company, Chattanooga Services LLC, provides assistance to Chattanooga’s Hispanic community in a variety of ways. His DJ business, however, is just something he does for fun in his spare time.

“The DJ ’ ing is my hobby. I do this on the side,” Mr. Domingo said. “But when I go and put on a show, I do it with a passion and always think about the other…. When I go out to events, I don't do it for the money, I do it because I love music and love the people that enjoy my rhythm and style!”

Ms. Cliche remembered seeing girls from various backgrounds teaching one another how to

500 to 700 men, women, and children onboard—sank June 14 off the Greek coast as it attempted to travel from Tobruk, Libya, to southern Italy.

Just over 100 people, all men, were rescued, and, as of June 18, 78 bodies had been recovered.

“ It seems the sea was calm, ” the pope said.

There are conflicting reports from the Greek coast guard, the European border agency, and humanitarian organizations about whether the boat was in distress and about what caused it to capsize.

Nevertheless, Pope Francis said, “ I renew my prayer for those who lost their lives, and I implore that always everything possible be done to prevent such tragedies. ”

The pope also prayed for “ the young students, victims of the brutal attack that took place against a school in western Uganda ” on June 16. Officials said members of the Allied Democratic Forces rebel group attacked a secondary school near the Uganda border with Congo, killing 41

dance and inviting each other to learn their dance moves. This was a particularly special highlight for her.

Ms. Cliche also made sure to emphasize that without the aid of many generous volunteers, the day wouldn’t have been possible. She cited Fred Newman’s efforts to put her dreams for the festival into action and her team of leaders on the planning committee as well as the staff at the basilica, including Maria Rist and Marina Delaney.

Ms. Cliche said many hands played a role in making the day a success.

Father Carter was pleased to observe that the Street Fes -

people and kidnapping six others.

“ This struggle, this war, is everywhere, the pope said. Let us pray for peace! ”

With a green light from his doctor, Pope Francis has assured young people that he will be with them in Portugal for World Youth Day despite his recent surgery.

“ Some think that because of the illness I won't go, but the doctor told me that I can go, so I will be with you, ” the pope said in a video message released June 22 for pilgrims traveling to Lisbon, Portugal, for World Youth Day Aug. 1-6.

In the video, filmed by Auxiliary Bishop Américo Manuel Alves Aguiar of Lisbon, the pope held up a backpack with the World Youth Day logo, saying “ I am ready to go. I have everything in hand because I am looking forward to going.

The pope noted that there are only 40 days until World Youth Day begins, “ like a Lent before the meeting in Lisbon.

He then gave some advice to young people, telling them not

tival truly served its intended purpose.

“I think my favorite part of it was just seeing all ages, all backgrounds, all segments and portions of the parish mingling, having fun, sharing time together, eating, drinking, playing, dancing doing things that a community does. And we did it together,” the basilica parish rector said.

As for Ms. Cliche, though the event was challenging to bring together, she sees the basilica Street Festival as the beginning of a new tradition.

“I’m hoping that we continue doing this every year,” Ms. Cliche said. ■

to listen “ to those who reduce life to ideas. ”

Poor people, the pope said, “ they ’ ve lost the joy of life and the joy of encounter. Pray for them. ”

Pope Francis encouraged young people, on the other hand, to always move forward while speaking the “ three languages of life ” —the languages of the head, heart, and hands, which allow people to think, feel, and act harmoniously.

In a separate video, the pope spoke to the workers who are preparing the infrastructure that makes World Youth Day possible. While he acknowledged that workers don t seem like the main characters of World Youth Day, ” he said they are the ones who hold the entire celebration in place.

Pope Francis thanked them for their work and for being a “ seed. ”

“ Because you are like a seed, you will bloom from below, he said. “ It ’ s not seen, ” but “ the fruit will show. ” ■

some EnCourage chapters have opened meetings to parents who need support as their children deal with gender-identity issues.

OF

lot." "But I retreated 'inside' because of the snow," Father Bochanski said.

tively new phenomenon of young Catholics struggling with gender dysphoria and feeling trapped in the wrong body.

‘Building connections’

This issue is very different from

“the experience of same-sex attraction, so we have wanted to proceed very carefully,” he said.

“Thus far, Courage has focused on building connections with those who are more expert on the transgender question,” while

Looking ahead, Father Bochanski prays that the lessons he has learned at Courage, and the insights he has gleaned during his travels around the United States, will bear fruit as he begins his new role as vicar general and moderator of the curia in Philadelphia.

He also believes that his trips to university campuses have provided vital feedback that will help guide the local Church’s outreach to young Catholics, many of whom are leaving the Church in droves and often single out Catholic teaching on homosexuality as a major sticking point.

“I have encountered a number of young people who are not angry at the Church, but they are angry at what they think the Church has to say about same-sex attraction or gender identity,” he said.

The key, he concluded, is to begin by carving out a “middle ground.” After that has been accomplished, “you can show how it is possible for them to keep the faith and also appreciate and honor the people they love.” ■

All-weather reconciliation Warmed by a fire, Father Philip Bochanski offers confession just inside the garage at the rectory of St. Catherine of Siena Church in Trumbull, Conn., in December 2020. Father Bochanski and the parish's other priests hear "drive-through" confessions every Sunday afternoon, "usually in the parking

CATHOLIC

SERVICE PHOTO COURTESY

FATHER PHILIP BOCHANSKI

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAROL V. GUERRA PHOTO COURTESY OF CLAIRE COLLINS Seeking autographs A volunteer occupies a booth seeking signatures for a painting during the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul Street Festival, which was held June 3 along 8th Street in downtown Chattanooga.

Street celebration Father David Carter, rector of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, is shown outside the Chattanooga church with participants in the June 3 parish Street Festival, which was held on 8th Street.

they want to go back before that shooting happened, but as people of faith you can never go back, you just go forward in hope. It was a good message of our faith and that we are all in this together, that unity is so important, accompanying one another,” Father Iorio shared.

Following the homily, lit candles were brought forward to the steps before the altar, and the names of each victim were read aloud.

After the Mass ended, the congregation went to the Catholic school grounds adjacent to the church for a butterfly release ceremony

“I think there were the number of victims, that same number of butterflies were released from a box. And there was a counselor who had been working with the community for a while, and that’s another thing that impressed me was that they must have been working with the symbol of butterfly. Of course, a transformation takes place in the cocoon and new life and beauty can come forth from a tragedy, and so the students and teachers all had little pins, butterfly pins, the students had on their Catholic school uniforms, and the teachers had them on as well on what they were wearing. So, the butterfly release was very sweet, very powerful as well,” Father Iorio said

The next stop for the Catholic Extension immersion trip was a visit to Robb Elementary School, which is permanently closed and boarded up

“There’s still a lot of tension and controversy because they haven’t told the true story or full

suffering families, acknowledging different grieving processes, and adding that their presence at the Mass was a testament of love, present even in sorrow.

“The fact is that we are here. That means that love won,” he said at the Mass, which was livestreamed. “In the midst of all that has been happening, and all that we have gone through—and we will continue dealing with—love wins. … Let us just thank the Lord for allowing us to experience that love conquers everything. True love conquers everything.”

He talked about one of the readings during Mass from the Acts of the Apostles where people weep when saying goodbye to Paul because “they would never see his face again.” This sorrow is something that community members in Uvalde can identify with, he said. “I’m sure there have been many times in this past year that you have experienced, we have experienced, loneliness,” he said. “But we never walk alone.”

“United with Jesus, making His will our own, we are guaranteed to share one day in the fullness of the Lord’s own joy, together with those we have been called to love in this life,” he said.

The Holy Spirit, “the consoler,” is sent by the Father at Pentecost to make Jesus present and “can heal all wounds,” he said in Spanish.

With the Holy Spirit, healing is possible “so that the tears which we unite to Christ’s are not shed in vain,” he added. “He can enable us to build bridges which unite the community.”

Archbishop García-Siller said that “our desire for unity in this community, for healing, consolation, and blessing is only possible if we, brothers and sisters, commit our own lives to hard work to make that reality possible.”

“Let’s love one another and teach our youth to choose the path of peace instead of violence. May we overcome evil with good,” he said.

After the homily, Elvira Sanchez Kisser, the director of archives of the archdiocese, talked about a glass sculpture commissioned for

story of what actually happened and why there was 70 minutes of delay before they went in, so part of the controversy is what will be put on that site after the school is destroyed,” Father Iorio explained. “Some people don’t want to go there at all, so they were talking about some sort of memorial, some sort of center, but that’s still in the discussion process.”

“There’s kind of a shrine where there are crosses for each of the victims, and people come and pray there for them; we did that,” he continued.

The recognition for the victims continued into the town center, where the group saw crosses all around a fountain with mariachi bands singing.

“Another thing that impressed me was they had murals of each of the victims in the downtown area, big, beautiful murals of the person and the things that they liked,” Father Iorio said.

Art therapists have regularly

been working with families and survivors on a mosaic, and the Catholic Extension group was invited to participate in that activity.

“So, we did some art therapy,” Father Iorio shared. “They had these tiles that we could imprint messages on and also paint.”

One of the last activities the group was able to witness was a speaking event of the parents of Noah, a boy who survived being shot at Robb Elementary.

“His dad did all the speaking, but he was shot through the shoulder and lay on the floor for all that time and didn’t move because he knew he would be killed if he did, but he survived that and had surgeries,” Father Iorio explained. “He’s one of the students from Robb who is now a student at Sacred Heart School. And one of our Catholic Extension guides who has been part of the visits to the community and works with the community says he’s come a long way in the course of this year

because he was very fragile, and so she saw a positive change in him. So, it just takes a long time for healing to take place. And his parents were very grateful to Catholic Extension knowing that they helped raise funds for scholarships so that their son could go to the school.”

Father Iorio said the experience in Uvalde made him “feel deeply sad that violence has such a wide swath of damage,” but that he also felt compassion and hope.

“It was truly, as somebody said, it’s walking the Stations of the Cross but in real life. It includes the violence and the suffering and the pain, and also little parts of loving humanity, accompanying people on the way of the cross,” Father Iorio pointed out

“So, all of that was present, but to me it made the praying of the Stations of the Cross that we do, especially during Lent, alive and present to me in a real way, and with the faith that the future will bring about a resurrection, that there will be new life however God decides to bring that about for these people and really for all of us,” he noted.

Father Iorio said that Catholics can support Catholic Extension “definitely by prayer” and learning more about what they do through its website and Facebook page. Donations are also an option online.

Since Catholic Extension is active in the Diocese of Knoxville, Father Iorio encouraged local Catholics to “learn firsthand from our own benefit from Catholic Extension.”

For more information on Catholic Extension and its various programs, visit the organization’s website at catholicextension.org ■

ships for some of the surviving children to attend Sacred Heart Catholic School and has provided additional support for the community.

During the interview and the homily, Archbishop García-Siller mentioned the need to end gun violence, and the efforts of mothers and fathers in the community to change gun laws. “We need to stop the culture of violence,” he said, speaking broadly about the United States. “It’s unbearable because violence has multiplied in the country in so many ways, particularly about shootings. We need to change minds and hearts.”

the community at the archbishop’s request titled “Love in the Time of Great Suffering.” Meant as a visual guide for “transforming our grief into something more,” it is three glass hearts: an injured heart, a heart in the process of being mended and comforted by the Virgin Mary, and a heart transformed through the Holy Spirit.

“It was an invitation to transformation” in the healing process, Archbishop García-Siller told OSV News in a phone interview after the Mass. “But it’s a very slow process because we have to respect where everyone is at in the process.”

Following the presentation of the artwork, Marti West, superintendent of the Archdiocese of San Antonio Catholic Schools Office, read the names of the honored victims. Family and friends brought forth candles in remembrance as each person’s name was read and placed them in front of the altar and the artwork of the hearts and the Virgin Mary.

“It was a beautiful moment of peace,” said the archbishop.

There were 22 candles present, with the extra candle representing the husband of Irma Garcia, a member of the Sacred Heart community and one of the two teachers killed by the shooter. An archdiocesan spokesperson said

he died due to a heart attack he suffered while visiting a memorial to his wife less than 24 hours after the shooting.

Community members later told the archbishop that the Mass was helpful for everyone present. Some talked about the homily and the glass artwork, and others spoke about a “sense of the Spirit working” in the community that, at times, has been divided.

Since the shooting, it has been reported that the city of 15,000 residents has experienced division over gun control and calls for accountability and transparency in investigations into law enforcement officers’ response to the shooting.

“With the help of each other, we need to grow together, to stay together, to build bridges together,” Archbishop García-Siller told OSV News . He also stressed the need for mutual respect in his homily.

Uvalde and surrounding towns are part of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, which has been assisting family members affected by the violent act. In the days after the tragedy, Archbishop GarcíaSiller celebrated Mass at Sacred Heart daily and has continuously visited the community. Chicagobased Catholic Extension, which supports the Church in America’s poorest regions, provided scholar-

The archbishop said the Remembrance Mass helped people feel “nourished.” Before Mass, some people were understandably tense, sad, and angry, but they had more peace after the Mass, he said. “They were freer. And they were crying. But their cry was not dark and alone. They knew that all of us wanted to be there. And that we are looking for a new Uvalde,” he said.

Following the Mass, the archbishop spent time with the families of the victims and survivors who had stayed. He later went to each of the parish school’s classrooms and talked to the students. As they have been during the year, counselors were available to assist those processing grief and trauma.

Counselors from the Bereavement Center of San Antonio released butterflies at a ceremony following the Mass, and children were given clothespins for a project to craft artwork butterflies as a tribute to the victims of Robb Elementary. They also sang hymns and prayed.

Earlier at the Mass, a Sacred Heart student expressed gratitude to everyone who had supported the community. “Jesus said, ‘When two or more are gathered in my name, I am there in his place.’ We will remain united and in prayer as we face our daily challenges,” she said.

“We trust that Our Lady of Guadalupe will continue to accompany the families of Uvalde,” the archbishop said. ■

Comforting the community Following a May 24 Mass of Remembrance at Sacred Heart Church in Uvalde, Texas, in honor of those killed after the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller of San Antonio embraces a woman on the first anniversary of the shooting

Mass continued from page A7

A moving tribute A memorial to the victims of the Uvalde mass shooting stands just outside the now-shuttered Robb Elementary School.

OSV NEWS

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF SAN ANTONIO

PHOTO COURTESY OF RICH KALONICK/CATHOLIC EXTENSION

for the Protection of Minors.

n Sister Sharon Holland, who served in the Congregation for Religious for more than 20 years before retiring in 2019, much of that time as one of the few women to hold the rank of capo ufficio , or “office head.” A skilled canon lawyer, she helped guide religious orders around the world in reforms in the wake of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65).

n Cardinal Raymond Burke, president of the Apostolic Signatura and a member of the Congregation for Bishops under Pope Benedict XVI.

n Cardinal John Krol of Philadel -

Debt free continued from page A15

Father Iorio attributed the debt retirement to “the generosity of the people of Our Lady of Fatima and good leaders who helped us make wise choices.”

“And also, I would have to say, a year ago as part of the efforts of the Holy Father’s synodality of consulting everybody, we surveyed everyone in the parish. Our original plans for the Home Campaign were thwarted somewhat because of rising costs and other factors. We just presented it to everybody, and the overwhelming response was No. 1 priority pay off the debt. So,

phia, a son of Polish immigrants and a key informal adviser to Pope John Paul II.

n Cardinal John Foley, who headed the Vatican’s Pontifical Commission for Social Communications from 1984 to 2007.

n Cardinal Bernard Law of Boston, an important American point of reference during the John Paul years until the eruption of the abuse scandals.

n Ex-Cardinal (and ex-priest) Theodore McCarrick, who, as the Archbishop of Newark and later Washington, D.C., cultivated Vatican relationships.

n Archbishop Charles Brown, who worked in the Congregation

we’ve done that within the last year,” Father Iorio said.

Ms. Hepp noted that the mortgage that was paid off was a 15year loan that was paid in full in 10 years.

Ms. Gawet said credit also goes to Our Lady of Fatima members through the years who served on the parish finance committee and steered the parish through membership growth and facilities expansion.

She singled out Blount County real estate agent and parishioner Donna Bailey for working so diligently on the purchase of the current campus once used by

for the Doctrine of the Faith from 1994 to 2012, then served as the papal ambassador to Ireland, Albania, and the Philippines.

n James Nicholson, former head of the Republican National Committee who served as President George W. Bush’s first ambassador to the Holy See.

n Carl Anderson, former Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus.

n Jeffrey Lena, a Californiabased attorney who’s represented the Holy See on sex abuse cases in American courts and also served as a key adviser to Pope Francis on various legal reform issues.

AT&T as well as former pastor Father Joe Brando, who led the parish through much of the most recent expansion. Father Brando died in 2021.

“And as Father Iorio said, we were incredibly fortunate that we had the Home Campaign contributions that were made and dedicated. Then, when it came time for the decision on how we should use those funds, the parish decided the best use of those funds would be to pay off the debt. Everyone absolutely agreed with that, and the finance committee supported it. We couldn’t be happier,” Ms. Gawet said.

n Lewis Cass Jr., personal emissary of the United States to the Papal States from 1848 to 1854. Among other things, Mr. Cass had to navigate the rise of the short-lived Roman Republic in 1848 and the flight of Pope Pius IX to Gaeta, where Pius (technically) became the first pontiff to set foot on American territory by boarding the USS Constitution to deliver a blessing and hand out rosaries to Catholic sailors.

O K, Vatican affairs junkies everywhere: What did I get wrong? ■

John L. Allen Jr. is a U.S. journalist and editor of Crux, a Catholic online newspaper.

Now that Our Lady of Fatima is debt-free, the parish isn’t necessarily going to sit back and take it easy.

Father Iorio said there are early discussions about addressing some needs of the parish.

“We are talking about that. We’re taking a year to discern really what our major capital campaign projects would be. Some things have already surfaced. But we also have maintenance issues with the church being 23 years old—the roof, parking lot, siding of the church, and HVAC all need repairs,” Father Iorio said following Mass and the procession ■

Women's exhibit The Women's Cry art exhibition at the Vatican is promoted in honor of the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations (WUCWO) General Assembly in Italy

WUCWO continued from page A14

and vulnerable migrants; and n Promoting the formation of women so they may assume a stronger voice through leadership and responsibilities.

The WUCWO General Assembly included a meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican on May 13 to deliver reports on women’s issues throughout the world and receive a missionary mandate from the Holy Father on the synodal journey of the Church. It was the

first time Pope Francis met with representatives of all the women of WUCWO.

The pope thanked the women for their missionary spirit and work addressing injustices. He encouraged the women to coordinate their hearts, minds, and hands in all their initiatives and continue to be enthusiastic supporters of evangelism and synodality.

While the women were in Rome, the Vatican showcased a photo exhibition titled “Women’s Cry,”

Strong in faith A head scarf of a Kenyan who is a member of the Kenya National Council of Catholic Women illustrates the global reach of the World Union of Catholic Women's Organisations.

which depicted the suffering of women throughout the world paired with quotes from Pope Francis’ encyclical Fratelli Tutti The exhibition was promoted by the Holy See’s Dicastery for Communication together with WUCWO to “give a voice to the suffering and injustices endured by women around the world.”

Retirement Fund for Religious Please Consider Giving

Why We Ask

In 1988, Catholic bishops of the United States launched the Retirement Fund for Religious to address the significant lack of retirement funding for Catholic sisters, brothers, and priests in religious orders. For most of their lives, elder religious worked for little to no pay. There were no 401(k) plans or pensions.

Religious communities are financially responsible for the support and care of all members. Income, earnings, and expenses are managed separately from the parish and diocesan structures of the Catholic Church.

Only 7 percent of the religious communities providing data to the National Religious Retirement Office are adequately funded for retirement; 43 percent have 25 or fewer members. Many small communities struggle to care for elder members due to a lack of financial resources and personnel.

Today, religious past age 70 outnumber religious under age 70 by nearly three to one.

There are 24,924 religious past age 70 living in the United States. In 2021, the average annual cost for their care was roughly $50,000 per person; skilled care averaged $78,000 per person.

Since 2009, the annual cost to support senior women and men religious has exceeded $1 billion.

In 2021, 70 percent of the religious communities providing data to the National Religious Retirement Office had a median age of 70 or higher.

The average annual Social Security benefit for a religious is $7,326, whereas the average US beneficiary receives $19,896.

Just a couple weeks before his meeting with the WUCWO women, Pope Francis announced that at least three dozen women will be voting members of the assembly of the upcoming Synod of Bishops this fall. About 20 percent of the assembly will not be bishops, and at least half of that group will be consecrated and lay women. ■

How Donations Help

Each year, hundreds of US religious communities receive financial assistance made possible by the Retirement Fund for Religious. Communities can use this funding for immediate retirement expenses or invest it for future needs. Since the first collection, US Catholics have donated nearly $948 million.

Since the collection began, almost $817 million has been distributed to support the day-to-day care of elderly sisters, brothers, and religious order priests. An additional $102 million has been allocated for programs to assist religious institutes with comprehensive retirement planning.

In addition to direct financial assistance, proceeds from the annual collection underwrite educational programming, services, and resources that enable religious communities to evaluate and prepare for long-term retirement needs.

Support from the Retirement Fund for Religious helps religious communities care for senior members while continuing important ministries to the People of God.

COURTESY OF SALLY JACKSON (3)

Captivated audience Patty Johnson of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade and Sally Jackson of St. Joseph Parish in Norris attend the papal audience with Pope Francis on May 13.

tion sanctuary states and rogue abortion-pill pushers are working to undermine states that protect women and unborn babies from these pills. Last year, the Biden administration weakened FDA protocols to allow women to receive abortion pills by mail and without a doctor’s exam.”

The Biden administration has ensured widespread access to the abortion pill mifepristone, despite significant health and safety concerns raised by pro-life doctors, particularly over the pill being provided without a doctor’s visit to check for conditions like a lifethreatening ectopic pregnancy.

The Supreme Court recently permitted the pill to remain on the market as a court case brought by the pro-life Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine challenging the FDA’s approval of the drug continues.

Ms. Israel also regretted that “states like California, for example, are trying to make it easier for someone to come from out of state and get an abortion there in their state.”

Twenty states have enacted additional measures in the past year to ensure and expand abortion access.

In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a series of measures in September aimed at thwarting other states’ investigations into abortions obtained in the state. The state also launched a website to assist those traveling from other states to obtain abortions.

In addition to ongoing legal challenges in pro-abortion states, another significant challenge the pro-life movement has faced is violence and vandalism following the Dobbs decision.

Ms. Hawkins said that in the year following the decision, her group’s legal costs have tripled due to an increase in incidents involving freespeech violations.

“That’s something that we saw immediately after the fall of Roe,” she said. “We had over 100 instances of free-speech violations.”

There also have been increased safety concerns with threats, instances of vandalism, and even assault. A violent mob shut down one of Ms. Hawkins’ speaking events in March at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Ms. Osment also noted violence and targeting that the pro-life community has faced since the Dobbs decision. “Over the last year, nationwide, there have been nearly 90 attacks on pregnancy centers and pro-life groups,” she said. “Since Dobbs, we’ve seen firebombing and vandalizing of pregnancy centers across the country.”

Catholic churches also have faced more than 100 instances of vandalism and attacks in the year since the decision.

after our children. This is a time for lions, and I am standing in a room of lions. This is not a time that we let up.”

Rep. Burchett applauded Tennessee representatives, including former state lawmakers Roger Kane and Bill Dunn, who were in the audience. “He was in the state legislature for 26 years fighting for these babies,” Rep. Burchett said of Mr. Dunn. The congressman also recognized the work of elected officials sitting in a front pew who helped put in place a trigger law so that when Roe v. Wade was overturned, Tennessee would be ready to protect the unborn Will Brewer, Tennessee Right to Life’s legislative liaison and general counsel, gave a final legislative update of the year.

Mr. Brewer, also a Holy Ghost Parish member, cited recent news coverage about Planned Parenthood and hardships the organization is facing now that abortion is illegal in Tennessee.

“This is all about poor Planned Parenthood … when will they be able to build back their palace of horror?” Mr. Brewer said, noting that a Planned Parenthood director was quoted saying, “we have

Ballot setbacks and strategies

Regarding the political landscape in the past year, the pro-life movement contended with setbacks, including the failure of pro-life ballot initiatives in Kentucky and Montana in the 2022 midterm elections and the success of pro-abortion ballot initiatives in California, Vermont, and Michigan.

Mr. Aden believes the results of the ballot initiatives in the 2022 midterm elections “can’t be relied on to predict future public sentiment, since voter sentiment around abortion has cooled, and the proabortion resolutions in California, Vermont, and Michigan relied on ambiguous verbiage that simply doubled down on a ‘right to reproductive freedom.’”

He said the “upcoming ballot initiatives in traditionally pro-life states like Ohio, South Dakota, and Missouri will tell us more, but when citizens in pro-life states speak through their elected representatives, they’ve strengthened protections for life.”

Ms. Osment emphasized the need for pro-life advocates to speak clearly on the abortion issue. She said abortion advocates have been “as ambiguous as possible with these ballot initiatives,” citing ambiguous wording in the proposed constitutional amendment in Ohio that leads with mentions of birth control and miscarriage care instead of focusing initially on abortion.

Ohio’s proposed amendment states that “every individual has a right to make and carry out one’s own reproductive decisions, including but not limited to decisions on contraception, fertility treatment, continuing one’s own pregnancy, miscarriage care, and abortion.”

Pro-lifers also have raised concerns that the Ohio amendment would undermine parental-consent laws due to its broad wording. Republican state lawmakers are pushing a measure that will appear on an Aug. 8 ballot that would make it more difficult to amend the state’s

been shocked at how low the numbers are” referring to lower requests for access to abortions.

“They have set up a huge infrastructure to be able to funnel women out of state for abortions, but they are horrified and saddened at the few requests they are getting,” Mr. Brewer added.

An abortion science group reported Tennessee has seen some of the most drastic declines in abortion in the country, going from 10,000 a year to zero between July 2022 and March 2023.

“We don’t need a front-page article to know that our glory goes to the Lord. He has blessed us in this cause,” Mr. Brewer said.

State Rep. Monty Fritts of Rockwood used the words of a hymn to talk about how God can turn “graves into gardens.”

He said that as a war veteran he can say, “the combat we see today is no less than the combat we saw in Baghdad. The Bible tells us that we battle not in flesh and blood. We need to pray for this nation.

Psalm 127 says ‘unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.’ We are trying to build a house of life. Just as the Lord can turn graves into gardens, He can turn bones into armies.” ■

constitution, thereby making the pro-abortion amendment more difficult to pass.

Ms. Hawkins believes that the state legislatures are a key part of continuing to fight for pro-life protections. In the 2022 midterm elections, Students for Life “identified states where we knew we were going to have the best chance to pass pro-life measures and identified the members in our previous work who had said that they were pro-life, who were holding up progress from taking place; and so, when we looked after November, we correctly knew that we had a more pro-life base going in the state legislatures in January 2023 than we did in January 2022.”

She noted North Carolina’s recent pro-life protection limiting abortion after 12 weeks and how state prolife lawmakers needed every Republican vote to override Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto of that legislation.

Looking ahead to 2024

Ms. Hawkins said clarity and taking a strong stance on the abortion issue is key for 2024 pro-life presidential candidates. This cycle, she said, “whether or not a candidate wants to talk about abortion, a candidate is going to have to talk about abortion.”

She blamed Washington, D.C., pollsters and consultants for GOP candidates’ hesitancy and lack of clarity in addressing the issue.

“We are a social-justice movement, and we are leading on this issue and educating people about the direction to go; we’re not following polls,” she said. “We want them to declare that if Congress got to the point where it could pass a life-at-conception law, a heartbeatprotection act, that they would sign those pieces into law.”

Ms. Osment said that when a prolife candidate states the “pro-life protections that they’re for and really clearly states that, they do well.”

In the midterms, she said, “when you look at the really tough gov-

ernor races—Brian Kemp, Ron DeSantis—these are clear examples of people who were upfront, they were transparent, and they won by double digits against their opponents.”

SBA is calling on all the 2024 prolife presidential candidates to back at least a 15-week limit. Ms. Osment also acknowledged the need to educate the public on the issue, saying most Americans don’t realize that the United States is “one of seven countries in the world, alongside human-rights abusers like China and North Korea,” that permit abortions past 15 weeks.

She said that pro-life presidential candidates need to share information like that with the public.

While some pro-life GOP candidates, like recently announced former vice president Mike Pence, have indicated support for a national 15-week abortion limit, others like Nikki Haley have stated support for consensus pro-life protections, while noting that any national abortion limit would be extremely unlikely, given the makeup of Congress. Others have indicated they would leave the issue up to the states.

Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life, said that given the current makeup of the U.S. Senate, a national gestational limit is unlikely to pass in the near future.

But she is calling on 2024 pro-life presidential candidates to “institute a whole-of-government approach (through the use of life-affirming executive orders and statements of administration policy, as well as personnel appointments, among other tools) to ensure that all executive-branch departments promote the intrinsic value and dignity of innocent human life.”

Ms. Hawkins warned against complacency following the Dobbs decision.

“There have been concerns about the lack of funding in the pro-life movement,” she said, adding that every organization she has spoken with faced “supporters falling away from investing in the pro-life movement, with many people feeling the job has been done when, in fact, the job actually got 50 times harder at the end of Roe v. Wade.”

She noted the congressional Democrats’ and Biden administration’s push for the Woman’s Health Protection Act—a measure that goes far beyond Roe, widely permitting abortions up to and, in some cases, after viability, while barring nearly all state pro-life protections. President Biden also has made restoring and expanding abortion access a central aspect of his 2024 reelection campaign.

“We’ve had this great success, but we could lose it all in 2024,” Ms. Hawkins said. “We’ve got to make our case to the American people right now.” ■

Young adults for life Members of Fellowship of Catholic University Students, or FOCUS, at the University of Tennessee take part in the January March for Life in Knoxville

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