Sports Complex – Built to NCAA standards; includes a multi-purpose field with 8-lane track, tennis courts, beach volleyball and outdoor basketball court.
Fitness Center – State-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest technology and programs, aquatics, gymnasium and more; Certified and a top-ranked facility in the nation by the Medical Fitness Association; More than 1M visits since opening.
Playground & Education Initiative – Addressing childhood obesity through nutrition education and new playground equipment for numerous area elementary schools.
Sports – Keeping athletes safe by providing athletic trainers in high schools as well as Nicholls State University; Helping athletes grow and excel in sports through formation of competitive youth volleyball and swim teams.
Wellness Education – Numerous and expanding programs for individuals and families on subjects like nutrition, weight management, diabetes, CPR and more.
WellFit – Integrating wellness into clinical care to address specific health conditions like cancer, orthopaedic conditions, chronic pain and diabetes.
DIOCESAN
Very
DIRECTOR
Maegan
WRITER
Joseph O’Sullivan
DESIGNER
Alaina Maiorana
BUSINESS MANAGER
Bill Barbera
ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST
Rebecca Thibodeaux
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jocelyn Ohm
Fr. Alex Gaudet
Cheryl Johnson
Fr. Joseph Chacko
John De Lara
Jordan Haddad, Ph.D
Brennan Garriques
PHOTOGRAPHER
Maegan Martin
EMAIL US: communications@htdiocese.org
VISIT US ONLINE bayoucatholic.org
A JOY-FILLED SEASON CHRISTMAS:
A MESSAGE FROM FR. SIMON PETER ENGURAIT, DIOCESAN ADMINISTRATOR
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Merry Christmas! In the midst of time with family and friends, sharing meals together, and exchanging gifts, we recognize that the real gift we receive is that of our Savior, the Word made flesh who now dwells among us. We rejoice in the fact that our God did not simply remain separated from us, locked up in heaven, but broke into our reality and took on our human nature so that He could be united with us in all things but sin. Even in circles that aren’t particularly religious, the spirit of rejoicing and gratitude at the many gifts we have received in our life fills the hearts of many.
As I reflect on this joy-filled season, what comes to my heart is also the reality that this time is also a time of great struggle for many people. I think of those who still grieve the loss of a loved one, or those going through a difficult medical situation that can make a joyful spirit hard to maintain, or those whose family struggles cause this season to be marked by tension rather than peace. While we rejoice at the birth of our Savior, the reality is that we still live in a broken world marked by many hardships, and sometimes those hardships can make it very difficult to live in the Christmas spirit.
If you find yourself defeated by the many trials of life and robbed of the joy that you may feel like you are “supposed to” experience in this season, take courage in the fact that it is precisely for you that the Savior was born this day. Jesus came into this world not because it was a perfect utopia without any problems, but precisely because this world and those who live in it were deeply broken, standing desperately in need of redemption and salvation. Jesus took on our human nature not because it was perfect but because it was fallen, and no matter how hard man tried to save and redeem himself, he failed every time. He needed someone to save him from his sin, his struggles, and his sufferings. And that is precisely what the Lord Jesus Christ wants to do for you and for me.
If we approach and welcome Jesus into our lives with courage and with honesty, the “struggles of the season” can become great opportunities of encounter with the one who came to be with us in those struggles. We can know that He sees the difficulties we often face and desires for us to know of his presence with us. Even in times of darkness, we have a reason to rejoice, because God has entered into the darkness to bring his light of peace.
Wherever you find yourself this Christmas season, I invite you to see the birth of Christ as his coming to be with you. Because of what He has done for us, there is always a reason for great joy and great hope. To use the words from perhaps the best-known Advent songs: “Rejoice! Rejoice, O Israel! To you has come Emmanuel!” May that joy fill each of our hearts this Christmas.
Navidad: Un Tiempo Lleno de Alegría
Mensaje del P. Simon Peter Engurait, Administrador Diocesano
Mis queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo, ¡Feliz Navidad! En este tiempo con la familia y los amigos, compartiendo comidas e intercambiando regalos, reconocemos que el verdadero regalo que recibimos es el de nuestro Salvador, el Verbo hecho carne que habita entre nosotros. Nos regocijamos por el hecho de que nuestro Dios no permaneció alejado de nosotros, encerrado en el cielo, sino que irrumpió en nuestra realidad y asumió nuestra naturaleza humana para estar unido a nosotros en todo, menos en el pecado. Incluso en círculos no exclusivamente religiosos, el espíritu de regocijo y gratitud por los muchos dones que hemos recibido en nuestra vida llena los corazones de muchos.
Al reflexionar en esta época llena de alegría, lo que llega a mi corazón es la realidad de que este tiempo es también un tiempo de gran lucha para muchas personas. Pienso en los que todavía lloran la pérdida de un ser querido, o en los que atraviesan una situación médica difícil que puede hacer que sea difícil mantener un espíritu alegre, o en aquellas luchas familiares que hacen que esta época esté marcada por la tensión, en lugar de la paz. Aunque nos regocijamos por el nacimiento de nuestro Salvador, la realidad es que seguimos viviendo en un mundo roto marcado por muchas dificultades, a veces esas dificultades pueden hacer que sea muy difícil vivir con espíritu navideño.
Si se encuentra derrotado por las pruebas de la vida y privado de la alegría que «se supone» debe experimentar en esta época, tenga ánimo por el hecho de que precisamente por usted nació el Salvador en este día. Jesús vino a este mundo no porque fuera una utopía perfecta, sin ningún problema, sino porque este mundo y los que viven en él estaban profundamente rotos y necesitaban desesperadamente redención y salvación. Jesús asumió nuestra naturaleza humana no porque fuera perfecta, sino porque estaba caída, y por mucho que el hombre intentara salvarse y redimirse, fracasaba siempre. Necesitaba a alguien que lo salvara de su pecado, de sus luchas y de sus sufrimientos. Y eso es precisamente lo que el Señor Jesucristo quiere hacer por usted y por mí.
Si nos acercamos y acogemos a Jesús en nuestra vida con valentía y con honestidad, las «luchas de esta época» pueden convertirse en grandes oportunidades de encuentro con Aquel que vino a estar con nosotros en esas luchas. Sepamos que Él conoce las dificultades que a menudo afrontamos y desea que sepamos de su presencia con nosotros. Incluso en tiempos de oscuridad, tenemos un motivo para alegrarnos, porque Dios ha entrado en la oscuridad para traer su luz de paz.
Dondequiera que se encuentre en esta época de Navidad, lo invito a que vea el nacimiento de Cristo como su venida para estar usted. Por lo que Él ha hecho por nosotros, siempre hay motivos para una gran alegría y esperanza. Utilizando las palabras de una de las canciones de Adviento más conocidas: «¡Alégrate! ¡Alégrate, Israel! Ha venido a ti el Emmanuel». Que esa alegría llene cada uno de nuestros corazones en esta Navidad.
Mùa Tràn đầy-Niềm vui
Thông điệp Giáng sinh từ Cha
Simon
Peter Engurait, Giám quản Giáo phận
Anh chị em thân mến trong Chúa Kitô, Chúc mừng Giáng sinh!! Giữa thời gian bên gia đình và bạn bè, cùng nhau chia sẻ bữa ăn và trao đổi quà tặng, chúng ta nhận ra rằng món quà thực sự mà chúng ta nhận được chính là Đấng Cứu Độ của chúng ta, Ngôi Lời đã trở nên xác thịt, hiện đang ngự giữa chúng ta. Chúng ta vui mừng vì chắc chắn rằng Chúa của chúng ta không chỉ đơn giản là xa cách chúng ta, ở trên thiên đàng, mà còn ngự trị vào tâm khảm của chúng ta và mang lấy bản tính con người của chúng ta để Ngài có thể hiệp nhất với chúng ta trong mọi sự, ngoại trừ tội lỗi. Ngay cả trong những nhóm không thuần túy tôn giáo, tinh thần vui mừng và cảm tạ trước nhiều món quà mà chúng ta đã nhận được trong cuộc sống vẫn tràn ngập trái tim của nhiều người. Khi tôi suy ngẫm về mùa lễ tràn đầy niềm vui này, điều hiện lên trong lòng tôi thời điểm này cũng là thời điểm phấn đấu lớn đối với nhiều người. Tôi nghĩ đến những người vẫn còn đau buồn vì mất đi người thân yêu, hoặc những người đang trải qua tình huống y tế khó khăn có thể khiến tinh thần vui vẻ trở nên khó duy trì, hoặc những người có cuộc phấn đấu gia đình khiến mùa lễ này trở nên căng thẳng hơn là bình an. Trong khi chúng ta vui mừng vì sự ra đời của Đấng Cứu Độ, thực tế là chúng ta vẫn đang sống trong một thế giới tan vỡ với nhiều khó khăn, và đôi khi những khó khăn đó có thể khiến việc sống trong tinh thần Giáng sinh trở nên rất khó khăn.
Nếu quý vị thấy mình bị đánh bại bởi nhiều thử thách của cuộc sống và bị cướp mất niềm vui mà quý vị có thể cảm thấy như mình “dường như phải” trải nghiệm trong mùa này, hãy can đảm vì thực tế vì quý vị mà Đấng Cứu
Độ đã sinh ra. Chúa Giêsu đã đến trần gian này không phải vì nó là một thế giới lý tưởng hoàn hảo không có bất kỳ vấn đề gì, mà thực tế là vì thế gian này và những người sống trong đó đã bị tan vỡ sâu sắc, đang tuyệt vọng cần được cứu chuộc và cứu rỗi. Chúa Giêsu đã mang lấy bản tính con người của chúng ta không phải vì nó hoàn hảo mà vì nó đã sa ngã, và cho dù con người cố gắng cứu rỗi và cứu rỗi bản thân đến đâu, thì lần nào họ cũng thất bại. Họ cần một ai đó cứu họ khỏi tội lỗi, những phấn đấu và đau khổ của họ. Và đó quả thực là điều mà Chúa Giêsu Kitô muốn làm cho quý vị và cho tôi.
Nếu chúng ta tiếp cận và chào đón Chúa Giêsu vào cuộc sống của mình với lòng can đảm và sự trung thực, thì “những cuộc phấn đấu của mùa giáng sinh” có thể trở thành cơ hội tuyệt vời để gặp gỡ người đã đến với chúng ta trong những cuộc phấn đấu đó. Chúng ta có thể biết rằng Ngài nhìn thấy những khó khăn mà chúng ta thường phải đối diện và mong muốn chúng ta biết về sự hiện diện của Ngài với chúng ta. Ngay cả trong những lúc đen tối, chúng ta vẫn có lý do để vui mừng, vì Chúa đã bước vào bóng tối để đem lại ánh sáng bình an của Ngài.
Dù quý vị đang ở đâu trong mùa Giáng sinh này, tôi mời quý vị hãy nhìn sự ra đời của Đức Kitô như việc Ngài đến ở cùng quý vị. Vì những gì Người đã làm cho chúng ta, luôn có lý do để có niềm vui khôn tả và hy vọng tràn trề. Để dùng những lời trong bài hát Mùa Vọng có lẽ nổi tiếng nhất: “Hãy vui mừng! Hãy vui mừng, hỡi Ít-ra-en! Đấng Emmanuel đã đến!” Mong rằng niềm vui đó sẽ lấp đầy trái tim mỗi người chúng ta trong mùa Giáng sinh này.
THE GIFTS OF THE MAGI BIBLE STUDY
Note: For a deeper understanding of the Magi and who they were, please read “The Gifts of the Magi” written by Dr. Jordan Haddad on page 32 of the magazine.
Prayerfully
Read Matthew 2: 1-12
The Magi or Wise Men were in search of the newborn King of the Jews. Why? What were they seeking?
Answer: Allow for discussion and reflection. They saw his star and came to do him homage. It was a common ancient belief that a new star appeared at the time of a ruler’s birth.1
The Magi were seekers of truth, and therefore always seeking the greatest truths possible. This lead them to Jesus, the Messiah. Read the feature article by Dr. Jordan Haddad for more information on the Magi.
What is King Herod’s reaction to the news of a newborn King of the Jews? Why might he have reacted in such a way?
Answer: As a Jewish man and ruler, Herod would have been familiar with the promise of a Messiah. However, we read that this news greatly troubled him and all of Jerusalem. Perhaps Herod and the Jewish people were frightened because of their difficult relationship with the Roman Empire. A new king rising to power could disrupt the status quo and make life painful for the Jewish people who had subjected themselves to Roman oppression.
But if we read more on King Herod in the scriptures, it seems as though his reaction may have more to do with a future threat to his reign and power that this newborn king poses.
Have you ever received a gift or directive from the Lord that would change the path of your life? How did you react in that moment? Was it difficult to trust the Lord in that season?
Answer: Allow for discussion and reflection.
What does Herod do next?
Answer: Read verses 7-8
Why does he send the Magi to find the child?
Answer: He says his intention is to go and pay him homage, but as we discover in verses 13-18, we learn that King Herod intended to destroy the child Jesus in order to protect his position of power.
Have you ever been fearful in the face of what the Lord was doing in your life?
Answer: Allow for reflection and discussion.
Take a moment to relate the fear to the Lord. Seek to understand what He might have been doing in those moments. Where was he present amidst the fear?
If God knew that Herod’s intentions were less than honorable, why do you think He allowed the star to lead the Magi to the Jesus?
Answer: Allow reflection and discussion. Of course, we cannot know what the Lord’s intentions were in this moment. However, it might have been the same reason he leads each of us to an encounter with Jesus. So that our hearts might experience transformation and that we might be in relationship with Him. Even knowing that in our free will we might still choose to reject Him, He makes the invitation for us to draw near.
Read verses 10-11
Why were the Magi overjoyed?
Answer: They have seen the Lord! They have made it to their destination! They have found the one for whom they have searched!
Have you ever encountered this kind of joy when encountering the Lord?
Answer: Take a moment to reflect on those moments of joy.
What did the Magi see as they entered the house? What did they do? Why is this significant?
Answer: Read verse 11. They prostrated themselves and did Him homage. These men of great status fell to their knees and bowed before this newborn child giving to Him the honor of a king.
What are the gifts the Magi bring? What do these gifts tell us about who Jesus is?
Answer: Gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts given by the Magi tell us of the identity of this newborn king and who He will become. The gold, a symbol of royalty, represents his kingship; frankincense, used in worship, points to his divinity; and myrrh represents his humanity, particularly in his passion and death.
Are there gifts you have been given by the Lord that speak to who you are? Think about the people around you with particular gifts, what do their gifts tell you about who they are?
Answer: Allow reflection and discussion. A few of the many gifts we receive from the Lord are the sacraments! Particularly the gift of Baptism. Our Baptism wipes away the stain of sin, and marks us forever as a child of God. It gives us a new identity in Christ Jesus. Other gifts can include the talents God gives us, helping us fulfill our true purpose and God’s plan for our lives.
Read verse 12
Why do the Magi not return to Herod after encountering the Messiah? Why would they not do that?
Answer: Allow reflection and discussion. The Magi are transformed by their encounter with the Child Jesus. Their desire is not to turn him over to Herod’s devious plan of destruction, so they return home by a new way. Some say that Venerable Fulton Sheen went so far as to say, “of course they go back a different route, you never come to Christ and go back the same way you came.”
In your own life, is there a moment you can think of when an experience in prayer or a moment of clarity has changed your life? Have you had a moment of conversion or turning back to relationship with the Lord? What was that like?
Answer: : Take a moment to remember those moments of transformation. Give thanks to the Lord for them. If you have not yet had this experience with the Lord, invite Him into your heart this Christmas. Give Him permission to come and transform you.
“YOU NEVER COME TO CHRIST AND GO BACK THE SAME WAY YOU CAME.”
HEART OF THE CHURCH A HOMILY BY POPE BENEDICT XVI
THE SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD | DECEMBER 25, 2006
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We have just heard in the Gospel the message given by the angels to the shepherds during that Holy Night, a message which the Church now proclaims to us: “To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger” (Lk 2:11-12). Nothing miraculous, nothing extraordinary, nothing magnificent is given to the shepherds as a sign. All they will see is a child wrapped in swaddling clothes, one who, like all children, needs a mother’s care; a child born in a stable, who therefore lies not in a cradle but in a manger. God ’s sign is the baby in need of help and in poverty. Only in their hearts will the shepherds be able to see that this baby fulfills the promise of the prophet Isaiah, which we heard in the first reading: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder” (Is 9:5). Exactly the same sign has been given to us. We too are invited by the angel of God, through the message of the Gospel, to set out in our hearts to see the child lying in the manger.
God’s sign is simplicity. God’s sign is the baby. God’s sign is that he makes himself small for us. This is how he reigns. He does not come with power and outward splendor. He comes as a baby – defenseless and in need of our help. He does not want to overwhelm us with his strength. He takes away our fear of his greatness. He asks for our love: so he makes himself a child. He wants nothing other from us than our love, through which we spontaneously learn to enter into his feelings, his thoughts and his will – we learn to live with him and to practice with him that humility of renunciation that belongs to the very essence of love. God made himself small so that we could understand him, welcome him, and love him.
The Fathers of the Church, in their Greek translation of the Old Testament, found a passage from the prophet Isaiah that Paul also quotes in order to show how God’s new ways had already been foretold in the Old Testament. There we read: “God made his Word short, he abbreviated it” (cf. Is 10:23; Rom 9:28). The Fathers interpreted this in two ways. The Son himself is the Word, the Logos; the eternal Word became small – small enough to fit into a manger. He became a child, so that the Word could be grasped by us. In this way God teaches us to love the little ones. In this way he teaches us to love the weak. In this way he teaches us respect for children. In all of these it is the Child of Bethlehem who is crying out to us; it is the God who has become small who appeals to us.
The sign that was given to the shepherds and is given also to us: the child born for us, the child in whom God became small for us. Let us ask the Lord to grant us the grace of looking upon the crib this night with the simplicity of the shepherds, so as to receive the joy with which they returned home (cf. Lk 2:20). Let us ask him to give us the humility and the faith with which Saint Joseph looked upon the child that Mary had conceived by the Holy Spirit. Let us ask the Lord to let us look upon him with that same love with which Mary saw him. And let us pray that in this way the light that the shepherds saw will shine upon us too, and that what the angels sang that night will be accomplished throughout the world:
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased. (Luke 2:14)” Amen!
GOD MADE HIMSELF SMALL SO THAT WE COULD UNDERSTAND HIM, WELCOME HIM, AND LOVE HIM.
” “
GROWING IN VIRTUE virtue
TRUTH + CHARITY
Have you ever found yourself in a disagreement where you believed with every fiber of your being that your viewpoint was objectively true while the other person’s position was weaker than yours? Oftentimes, disagreements like these result in frustration on both ends, resulting in both parties feeling polarized. It can even cause a break in the relationship, or at the very least, create a negative outlook of the opposing person. So, if that’s the case, what’s the point? Should Christians be engaged in arguments or disagreements at all?
It can feel impossible to communicate without becoming combative or wreaking havoc on our relationships, especially when it comes to politics, religion, and confrontation in general. So, how do we best handle sensitive discussions as Christians, knowing that tensions are high?
As Christians, we are called to be defenders of the truth, especially when it has to do with Christ and His teachings. Jesus tells us in the Gospels that we will be hated for his sake, but we should consider how we want to defend the truth to others even if they hate us for it. Does our faith give us any wisdom on how to do this? Thankfully, it does.
Anytime we find ourselves at odds with someone, we should remember that every human being is one of the little ones who Jesus came to save. Next, we ought to take a moment to relate the experience to the Lord and ask a few important questions.
1. What is upsetting me about this person, situation, or viewpoint?
2. Is what I want to say to this person true?
3. Is what I want to say to this person necessary for their own holiness or personal growth?
4. Is what I want to say charitable and does it account for the dignity of the person on the other end of the conversation?
5. And finally, if the answer to all these questions justifies the conversation, how can I communicate this truth in charity so that the person in question is able to receive it?
I’ve often heard the argument that love is telling the truth even if it is hard to receive. And while that might be the case, if we are really seeking the goodwill of the other in proclaiming the truth, shouldn’t we also make sure the truth is palatable to those on the receiving end? St. Paul says to the people of Corinth, “Brothers, I could not talk to you as spiritual people, but as fleshy people, as infants in Christ. I fed you milk, not solid food, because you were unable to take it” (1 Corinthians 3:1-2).
I am not suggesting that we water down the truth or make concessions for sin; rather, that truth spoken boldly with charity will give room for conversion and reconciliation. In 1 Corinthians 13, St. Paul writes, “If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal… love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails (1 Cor 13: 1,4-8).”
If we believe these words to be true, then we are also invited to make truth and charity a priority in our relationships and conversations with others. Let us use these words from St. Paul to ensure that our hearts and our intentions are always rightly ordered.
MAEGAN MARTIN is the Director of Communications for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and a parishioner at St. Thomas Aquinas in Thibodaux.
TRUTH SPOKEN BOLDLY WITH CHARITY WILL GIVE ROOM FOR CONVERSION AND RECONCILIATION. TRUTH SPOKEN BOLDLY WITH CHARITY WILL GIVE ROOM FOR CONVERSION AND RECONCILIATION.
THE HOUSE OF CHRISTMAS
G. K. CHESTERTON
There fared a mother driven forth Out of an inn to roam;
In the place where she was homeless
All men are at home.
The crazy stable close at hand, With shaking timber and shifting sand, Grew a stronger thing to abide and stand Than the square stones of Rome.
For men are homesick in their homes, And strangers under the sun, And they lay on their heads in a foreign land
Whenever the day is done.
Here we have battle and blazing eyes, And chance and honor and high surprise, But our homes are under miraculous skies
Where the yule tale was begun.
A Child in a foul stable, Where the beasts feed and foam;
Only where He was homeless
Are you and I at home;
We have hands that fashion and heads that know, But our hearts we lost - how long ago!
In a place no chart nor ship can show
Under the sky’s dome.
This world is wild as an old wives’ tale, And strange the plain things are, The earth is enough and the air is enough
For our wonder and our war;
But our rest is as far as the fire-drake swings
And our peace is put in impossible things
Where clashed and thundered unthinkable wings
Round an incredible star.
To an open house in the evening Home shall men come,
To an older place than Eden
And a taller town than Rome.
To the end of the way of the wandering star,
To the things that cannot be and that are,
To the place where God was homeless
And all men are at home.
THE ANGELUS PRACTICAL PRAYER
JOCELYN OHM
is a digital missionary for the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, previously having served at Nicholls State University. She currently lives in Massachusetts with her husband and 3 littles where she is striving to conquer the world for Love through good food and good conversation.
I wouldn’t say I’m a glass-half-empty kind of person, but it’s pretty easy for me to define my day by how the morning goes. Toddler meltdown before 9 a.m.? Bad day. Plan out the day, go to Mass, and drink my coffee without reheating it? Good day.
Then a friend mentioned how she doesn’t let herself have a whole bad day. Instead, she “starts over” mid-day and again before dinner. She divides her day into parts, so she only has a bad morning or a bad afternoon—never an entirely bad day. What a brilliant concept!
But this isn’t a novel idea for the Church. We know that “His mercies are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23). The Lord reminds us to “remember not the former things…behold, I am doing a new thing” (Isaiah 43:18-19). Venerable Bruno Lanteri even encourages, “If I should fall even a thousand times a day…I will say immediately, nunc coepi (now I begin), my God, my God!”
I loved the idea of having routine resets throughout the day to help me out of my funk. As I reflected on this approach, I remembered a painting hanging in my mother-in-law’s living room. It depicts two farmers pausing their work to pray. The painting is titled The Angelus. The Angelus is a prayer that recalls the Incarnation of Christ and the Glory we are called to through his Passion and Cross. The Church invites us to pray this particular prayer at 6:00 a.m., noon, and 6:00 p.m. by reciting three verses of meditation before three Hail Mary prayers. When I reflected on this simple prayer, I thought, ‘this could be my reset.’ A way to remind myself of who God is and that my life is not defined by the first few hours of the day.
As a mom of three children under three, I wasn’t quite ready to commit to all three hours, but I could manage the noon hour, right before lunch. I could do that. So, I set an alarm on my phone and saved a beautiful picture with the Angelus prayers to my favorites album for easy access. The next day, I started praying the Angelus at noon when the bells chimed on my phone.
I began to notice the beauty of the Incarnation, the love shown by Jesus in loving us to His last breath, and the faithfulness of Mary, who accepted the message of the angel with unwavering trust in God’s goodness. These simple but profound truths became the strength I needed to forgive what had happened before the Angelus and to trust that the Lord would bless the rest of the day.
Many mornings, I feel powerless in my vocation as a mother and overwhelmed by my work. But by 12:05 p.m., I feel recharged with love and hope because of this simple prayer. Whether you need a reset in your day or a reminder of the greatness you were made for, this season, I invite you to “begin again”—multiple times a day— through the Angelus or any prayer that reminds you that the Lord wants to make all things new (Revelation 21:5).
PRAYING THE ANGELUS
V/. THE ANGEL OF THE LORD DECLARED UNTO MARY, R/. AND SHE CONCEIVED OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
V/. BEHOLD THE HANDMAID OF THE LORD, R/. BE IT DONE UNTO ME ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
V/. AND THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH, R/. AND DWELT AMONG US.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
V/. PRAY FOR US, O HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, R/. THAT WE MAY BE MADE WORTHY OF THE PROMISES OF CHRIST.
Let us pray. Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts: that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ your Son was made known by the message of an Angel, may by his Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of his Resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAY FOR US, O HOLY MOTHER OF GOD.
Did you know the twelve days of Christmas ends on January 5th and not December 25th? Christmas is both a single day on the calendar and a celebratory season that officially ends the Sunday following January 5th.
The season has two tracks in its liturgical celebration. First, we reflect on Jesus’ life from his birth until his baptism (Matt 1:18-2:23 and Luke 2). Second, the Church observes memorials and feast days for a diverse suite of saints throughout the Christmas season, and they’re each celebrated for different reasons. You can get more out of your Christmas by making three changes: use time intentionally, use the calendar, and celebrate!
Firstly, use your Christmas season intentionally. The Christmas season probably looks different from your regular life. With school holidays, office closures, national holidays, or vacations, we might get some time back that is usually dedicated to other things. Use it wisely. Make time for family prayer. It need not be perfect or elaborate, but as a household, express your gratitude to God and ask for the Lord’s protection. Make time to visit people you missed before Christmas especially if they live alone. Make time for reading and reflection. The Lives of the Saints and the introductions to Matthew and Luke’s Gospels are great places to start. Read a little each day and pray about what they mean. Daily Mass attendance is the most profound change you can make for your spiritual growth. While most parishioners cannot balance daily Mass, full-time employment, and family life, adding daily Mass during the holidays is a great time to go if you’re usually pressed for time.
Secondly, the Christmas season is liturgically dense. In the life of the Lord, Christmas Day is the mystery of the birth of the Savior. On the Feast Day of the Holy Innocents on December 28th, we encounter the first glimpse of violence the world levels against Jesus and the danger faced by those who stand for Him. On the
Sunday after Christmas, we are given the model of the Holy Family. Mary and Joseph pour out their love and care for Jesus, and Jesus’ submits to their parenting. On January 1st, we celebrate Mary the Mother of God. This most ancient title for Our Lady highlights the mysterious nature of Christ’s full divinity and full humanity. On Christmas Day, the shepherds see the Messiah of the Jewish people, and on Epiphany, the Magi see the Messiah of the Nations. Finally, Jesus’ Baptism marks the official beginning of his public life and ministry.
In the Saints, we see a cross-section of themes that all inspire personal holiness in a unique way. Each saint provides an opportunity for prayerful self-reflection, asking the Holy Spirit to guide us in modeling our lives after the Saints. For example, on December 26th, we celebrate the feast day of St. Stephen, a deacon and martyr, who reminds us that those who follow Christ, like the saints did, will also suffer like Christ. We can both imitate and celebrate St. Stephen by praying for our deacons and those suffering for the Faith throughout the world. On December 27th, we celebrate the feast day of St. John the Apostle; this feast invites us to consider who we might be called to evangelize.
Christmas is also a great time to pray for bishops (especially our next bishop) and political leaders. On December 29th, we celebrate St. Thomas Becket. He was a great example of a bishop who exemplified public service for others, having also served a political office before he became a bishop. Are there ways you can witness to the Faith in the public square? There are many other examples we can look to for inspiration regarding this virtue. On December 31st, we celebrate St. Sylvester, the pope who helped transition ancient Rome from a pagan culture to a Christian one.
Are there things you can do to further your education in the faith? We can look to Sts. Basil the Great and
LIVING LITURGICALLY
Gregory Nazianzen, who we celebrate on January 2nd, for their many brilliant theological contributions to the Church. Considering the importance of sound theology, let us also pray for scholars and educators, while looking to other examples for inspiration in our own lives. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was an educator and a nun, who we celebrate on January 4th. In truth, each day during the Christmas season gives us a chance to reflect anew on different themes when it comes to holiness. It’s okay to choose just one and wrap your day around it.
Lastly, Christmas is a celebratory season: so celebrate! Enjoying good things is not opposed to Christianity. In fact, celebration is critical to living an authentic Christian life. You can enjoy good things as brief, divine gifts. However, wanting that pleasure constantly without moderation leads to addiction and disappointment. Leisure allows us to enjoy things as a means to a higher purpose, rather than as an end in themselves. Relax, pick a day to do nothing, or pick a day to do something out of the ordinary. You can even do something you want to do but have been putting off. Build a fire and enjoy it. I will, and you should too.
You will need to adapt these suggestions to your situation. Celebrating Christmas looks different for a single person, a dating person, a family of four, a family of ten, and a convent of sisters. Remember Christmas is a celebratory season, use it intentionally, use the calendar, and enjoy it.
ENJOYING GOOD THINGS IS NOT OPPOSED TO CHRISTIANITY. ” “
FR. ALEX GAUDET
is the Pastor of Christ the Redeemer Church in Thibodaux, a Staff Member of the Office of Worship for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CHRISTMAS TRADITION?
CHERYL JOHNSON, ST. LUKE THE EVANGELIST, THIBODAUX
“ONE OF MY FAVORITE TRADITIONS IS JUST BEING THANKFUL FOR ALL MY BLESSINGS. ”
Some of my favorite Christmas traditions revolve around the joy of preparation. Christmas is the time we celebrate the birth of Jesus, and for me, helping at my local parish with the Christmas Liturgy is one of my favorite ways to celebrate. At home, I love to get ready by decorating my home. I also like preparing a special Christmas meal for my family using cherished recipes from my Grandmother. The Mass, the decorations, and the special meals using recipes from my Grandmother are all traditions that make the Christmas season wonderful for my family and me. But mostly, one of my favorite traditions is just being thankful for all my blessings.
FR. JOSEPH CHACKO, ST. ANDREW CATHOLIC CHURCH, AMELIA
One of my favorite Christmas traditions comes from Kerala, India, where I grew up. Kerala has a vibrant Christian population, about 22% of the state, or roughly 6.5 million people. The Feast of Christmas in India truly begins with Advent, during which its common for people to fast and pray, culminating with Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.
A hallmark of Christmas in Kerala is the use of Christmas stars. While some families have Christmas trees, almost everyone hangs a star as a primary part of their decorations. I brought this tradition with me to Louisiana, where we incorporate stars into our parish’s Christmas displays. This year, I’m excited about creating a larger star to place on the belltower to celebrate this special custom.
Nativity scenes are also a very popular tradition, and almost every Christian household in Kerala sets them up in their homes. Nativity scenes remind us of the humility and beauty of Christ’s birth, and I’ve brought this tradition to my parish here as well. Families in Kerala also bake special cakes to share with their neighbors as a peace-giving, which helps strengthen community throughout the season. These are some of my favorite traditions, and they help me stay connected to my roots, while also reminding me and my parishioners of the deeper meaning of Christmas.
WHILE SOME FAMILIES HAVE CHRISTMAS TREES, ALMOST EVERYONE HANGS A STAR AS A PRIMARY PART OF THEIR DECORATIONS.
THESE TRADITIONS BRING OUR FAMILY TOGETHER, SHOW HONOR TO OUR OLDER RELATIVES, AND STRENGTHEN OUR FAITH IN CHRIST.
” “
Christmas time reminds me of three beloved Filipino Christmas traditions that are celebrated hand-in-hand: Simbang Gabi, Noche Buena, and the “Mano.” For Filipinos, they create a rich tapestry of faith and family during the holiday season.
Simbang Gabi is a series of dawn masses leading up to Christmas, cultivating community among family and friends, while strengthening faith. Each early morning prayer feels like a step toward the joy of Christ’s birth, reminding me of the patience and commitment faith often requires as we await the fulfillment of God’s promises.
On Christmas Eve, “Noche Buena” brings family together for a special festive meal. Beyond the meal itself, it’s a time to reconnect, tell stories, laugh, and express gratitude for the year’s blessings and hopes for the future.
Finally, “the Mano” is a tradition between the younger family members and their elders. The younger family members greet their elders by bringing their hand to their forehead, while the elders in turn provide a blessing to the younger family members, creating a heartfelt gesture of respect and affection between them.
These traditions bring our family together, show honor to our older relatives, and strengthen our faith in Christ. They’ve shaped who I am today, blending my past with my present and future, while keeping our community grounded in our Filipino heritage.
JOHN DE LARA, ST. BERNADETTE SOUBIROUS, HOUMA
JANUARY DAILY PRAYER FOR PRIESTS,
DEACONS, RELIGIOUS, AND SEMINIARIANS
Jan 1: Very Rev. Simon Peter Engurait
Jan 2: Rev. Robert Rogers
Jan 3: Kristin Niedbala, Consecrated Virgin
Jan 4: Rev. Mitchel Semar
Jan 5: Rev. Caesar Silva, retired
Jan 6: Deacon Brent Bourgeois
Jan 7: Rev. Sebastian Stephen
Jan 8: Rev. Carlos Talavera
Jan 9: Rev. Wilmer Todd, retired
Jan 10: Seminarian Chad Cheramie
Jan 11: Rev. Mark Toups
Jan 12: Rev. Mike Tran V.F.
Jan 13: Rev. Joseph Tregre
Jan 14: Deacon Gerald Belanger, retired
Jan 15: Rev. Alphonse TriVu, CRM
Jan 16: Rev. Augustine Ky Truong, CRM
Jan 17: Rev. Romeo (Billy) Velasco
Jan 18: Sister Aracely Lobaton, M.C.S.H.
Jan 19: Rev. Ronilio (Ron) Villamor
Jan 20: Rev. Roger (Jerry) Villarrubia Jr., retired
Jan 21: Deacon Joseph Bourgeois Sr.
Jan 22: Rev. Davis Ahimbisibwe
Jan 23: Very Rev. Jay L. Baker, MCL, JCL
Jan 24: Rev. Michael Bergeron, retired
Jan 25: Rev. Paul Birdsall
Jan 26: Deacon Lee Crochet
Jan 27: Rev. Shenan Boquet
Jan 28: Rev. Thomas R. Bouterie, retired
Jan 29: Rev. Rusty Paul Bruce
Jan 30: Deacon Martin Dickerson, retired
Jan 31: Bishop Emeritus Sam Jacobs
JANUARY DAILY SCRIPTURE
Jan 1: Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God Nm 6:22-27/Gal 4:4-7/Lk 2:16-21
Jan 2: Memorial of Sts. Basil + Gregory Naianzen 1 Jn 2:22-28/Jn 1:19-28
Jan 3: 1 Jn 2:29—3:6/Jn 1:29-34
Jan 4: Memorial of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton 1 Jn 3:7-10/Jn 1:35-42
Jan 5: Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord Is 60:1-6/Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6/Mt 2:1-12
Jan 6: 1 Jn 3:22—4:6/Mt 4:12-17, 23-25
Jan 7: 1 Jn 4:7-10/Mk 6:34-44
Jan 8: 1 Jn 4:11-18/Mk 6:45-52
Jan 9: 1 Jn 4:19—5:4/Lk 4:14-22a
Jan 10: 1 Jn 5:5-13/Lk 5:12-16
Jan 11: 1 Jn 5:14-21/Jn 3:22-30
Jan 12: Feast of The Baptism of the Lord Is 40:1-5, 9-11/Ti 2:11-14; 3:4-7/Lk 3:15-16, 21-22
Jan 13: Heb 1:1-6/Mk 1:14-20
Jan 14: Heb 2:5-12/Mk 1:21-28
Jan 15: Heb 2:14-18/Mk 1:29-39
Jan 16: Heb 3:7-14/Mk 1:40-45
Jan 17: Memorial of St. Anthony, Abbot
Heb 4:1-5, 11/Mk 2:1-12
Jan 18: Heb 4:12-16/Mk 2:13-17
Jan 19: Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Is 62:1-5/1 Cor 12:4-11/Jn 2:1-11
Jan 20: Heb 5:1-10/Mk 2:18-22
Jan 21: Memorial of St. Agnes, Virgin and Martyr
Heb 6:10-20/Mk 2:23-28
Jan 22: Heb 7:1-3, 15-17/Mk 3:1-6
Jan 23: Heb 7:25—8:6/Mk 3:7-12
Jan 24: Memorial of St. Francis de Sales
Heb 8:6-13/Mk 3:13-19
Jan 25: Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, Apostle Acts 22:3-16 or Acts 9:1-22/Mk 16:15-18
Feb 5: Sister Mary Immaculata Man Nguyen, F.M.S.R.
Feb 6: Rev. Cody Chatagnier
Feb 7: Rev. Dean Danos, retired
Feb 8: Rev. Carl Collins
Feb 9: Rev. Van Constant
Feb 10: Deacon William Dunckelman
Feb 11: Rev. Domingo (Ding) Cruz, retired
Feb 12: Rev. Robert-Joel Cruz
Feb 13: Very Rev. Vicente N. DeLa Cruz, MCL, JCL, V.F.
Feb 14: Seminarian Ethan Henry
Feb 15: Rev. Wilfredo Decal, retired
Feb 16: Rev. Scott Dugas
Feb 17: Sister Diane Poynot, C.S.J.
Feb 18: Rev. Daniel Duplantis
Feb 19: Rev. Msgr. Cletus Egbi
Feb 20: Very Rev. Simon Peter Engurait
Feb 21: Deacon Lloyd Duplantis
Feb 22: Rev. Gregory Fratt, retired
Feb 23: Rev. Antonio Farrugia
Feb 24: Rev. Nathaniel Maria Gadalia
Feb 25: Sister Juana Eleazer Ramirez, M.C.S.H.
Feb 26: Rev. Alex Gaudet
Feb 27: Rev. Rholando (Rholly) Grecia
Feb 28: Bishop Emeritus Sam Jacobs
FEBRUARY DAILY SCRIPTURE
Feb 1: Heb 11:1-2, 8-19/Mk 4:35-41
Feb 2: Feast of The Presentation of the Lord Mal 3:1-4/Heb 2:14-18/Lk 2:22-40 or 2:22-32
Feb 3: Heb 11:32-40/Mk 5:1-20
Feb 4: Heb 12:1-4/Mk 5:21-43
Feb 5: Memorial of St. Agatha, Virgin and Martyr Heb 12:4-7, 11-15/Mk 6:1-6
Feb 6: Memorial of St. Paul Miki + Companions
Heb 12:18-19, 21-24/Mk 6:7-13
Feb 7: Heb 13:1-8/Mk 6:14-29
Feb 8: Heb 13:15-17, 20-21/Mk 6:30-34
Feb 9: Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Is 6:1-2a, 3-8/1 Cor 15:1-11 or 15:3-8, 11/Lk 5:1-11
Feb 10: Memorial of St. Scholastica, Virgin Gn 1:1-19/Mk 6:53-56
Feb 11: Gn 1:20—2:4a/Mk 7:1-13
Feb 12: Gn 2:4b-9, 15-17/Mk 7:14-23
Feb 13: Gn 2:18-25/Mk 7:24-30
Feb 14: Memorial of Sts. Cyril and Methodius
Gn 3:1-8/Mk 7:31-37
Feb 15: Gn 3:9-24/Mk 8:1-10
Feb 16: Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Jer 17:5-8/1 Cor 15:12, 16-20/Lk 6:17, 20-26
Feb 17: Gn 4:1-15, 25/Mk 8:11-13
Feb 18: Gn 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10/Mk 8:14-21
Feb 19: Gn 8:6-13, 20-22/Mk 8:22-26
Feb 20: Gn 9:1-13/Mk 8:27-33
Feb 21: Gn 11:1-9/Mk 8:34—9:1
Feb 22: Feast of the Chair of St. Peter the Apostle 1 Pt 5:1-4/Mt 16:13-19
Feb 23: Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
1 Sm 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23/1 Cor 15:45-49/Lk 6:27-38
Feb 24: Sir 1:1-10/Mk 9:14-29
Feb 25: Sir 2:1-11/Mk 9:30-37
Feb 26: Sir 4:11-19/Mk 9:38-40
Feb 27: Sir 5:1-8/Mk 9:41-50
Feb 28: Sir 6:5-17/Mk 10:1-12
SAIINT PHILIP NERI SAINT STORIES
THE PATRON SAINT OF JOY
It’s easy to think that holiness means being serious all the time, but the example of St. Philip Neri shows us that true holiness can be full of joy.
Born in Florence in 1515, St. Philip was affectionately known as Pippo Buono growing up, or “Good Little Phil” in Italian. He had an engaging and cheerful personality even as a child, earning him admiration from those who met him.
At 18, St. Philip moved to Rome, where he developed a life centered on prayer and study of theology and philosophy. His commitment to prayer was very intentional and he would often spend hours at holy sites around Rome. During one of these visits, St. Philip had a profound spiritual experience that he referred to as his “conversion.” In a vision, he saw a ball of fire enter his chest, which caused his heart to expand so much that his ribs were reportedly expanded to make room for it. This powerful grace filled him with a joyful fervor for serving others, a passion he would carry with him for the rest of his life.
What made St. Philip’s holiness unique was not just his prayer life, but the way he lived it out. His joy was very contagious, and his sense of humor allowed him to connect with people from all walks of life, regardless of their status or station in life. He liked to go out into the public piazzas of Rome,
offering counsel and sharing the faith with anyone who would listen. He had a knack for putting others at ease, and people found him approachable and wise. His popularity grew quickly in Rome – so much so that Pope Clement VII knew of him.
After his ordination to the priesthood, he continued using his gifts of prayer, counsel, and joy, except now he did so when he celebrated the sacraments – especially in the confessional. He would hear confessions all day long, using it as an opportunity to combine the forgiveness of sins with kind and gentle spiritual advice, sometimes giving people a laugh too.
As St. Philip’s influence grew, so did the number of people who sought him out. His home became known as the “Christian Home of Mirth.” People were so drawn to St. Philip’s holiness that his home and parish became places where they gathered not only for spiritual advice, but also for fellowship and community. Over time, these gatherings naturally developed into regular meetings of prayer and spiritual discussion, eventually forming a community known as “the Oratory.” This group of disciples followed St. Philip’s example of holiness, learning from him how to live the Christian life.
Whether they discussed the sacraments, prayer, or famous works of literature and art, St. Philip helped them see how all these things could help them grow in holiness. It was a testament to St. Philip’s unique approach –holiness was not about withdrawing from the world, but about sanctifying ordinary life through fellowship and discussions about the spiritual life.
St. Philip’s example reminds us that the pursuit of holiness and virtue can be filled with joy. This Christmas season, let us pray for holiness like St. Philip Neri—embracing joy in our faith, lifting the spirits of those around us, and drawing closer to Christ through both prayer and laughter. St. Philip Neri, pray for us!
HOLINESS WAS NOT ABOUT WITHDRAWING FROM THE WORLD, BUT ABOUT SANCTIFYING ORDINARY LIFE THROUGH FELLOWSHIP AND DISCUSSIONS ABOUT THE SPIRITUAL LIFE. ” “
WE THREE KINGS
CHRISTMAS, MAGI, AND THE SEARCH FOR HAPINESS
JORDAN HADDAD, PH.D.
is
a Professor of Dogmatic
Theology at Notre Dame Seminary and the President of the St. Louis IX Art Society.
Three Kings came riding from far away, Melchior and Gaspar and Baltasar; Three Wise Men out of the East were they, And they travelled by night and they slept by day, For their guide was a beautiful, wonderful star.
The star was so beautiful, large and clear, That all the other stars of the sky Became a white mist in the atmosphere, And by this they knew that the coming was near Of the Prince foretold in the prophecy.
– The Three Kings by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The story of the Three Kings (or Magi or Wise Men), recounted in Matthew 2, at once both simple and thrilling, has something of a fantastical quality about it.
Jesus Christ, the newborn king of the Jews, is said to be born in Bethlehem of Judea, the birthplace of the iconic King David but an otherwise unnoticed outpost of the vastly powerful Roman Empire, under the reign of the pretender king and imperial puppet, Herod. Then, lo and behold, three magi, who hailed from the mysterious eastern lands beyond the Empire in Persia, arrive after their long journey to pay homage not to Herod or to Caesar Augustus but to the infant in the manger.
And how were the wise men led to Christ? Because they “have seen his star in the East and have come to worship him” (Matt 2:2). The wise men, then, are led to worship the true King and Messiah because they have seen a star, but not just any star; they saw his star.
The question of the star, seen from the East but residing in the West above Bethlehem, is a fascinating one, for stars are manifestly common but nonetheless wonderfully sublime. Stars fill the night sky of every land, people, and nation, but regardless of whether we lived in the time of Christ or today, they elicit wonder and awe. Today, we know that stars are distant suns, whose light has traveled many lightyears to reach our feeble eyes, and we seek to travel among them – as we do among forests and valleys – as the final frontier. And yet, even for us modern folk, the stars often stop us in our tracks when we pause long enough to behold them, not as objects of study but as natural wonders.
As the poet Walt Whitman writes:
When I heard the learn’d astronomer, When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me, When I was shown the charts and diagrams, to add, divide, and measure them, When I sitting heard the astronomer where he lectured with much applause in the lecture-room, How soon unaccountable I became tired and sick, Till rising and gliding out I wander’d off by myself, In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time, Look’d up in perfect silence at the stars.
The magi, however, did not look to this Western star because they were beholden by its beauty but because it was – to them – a sign, a clue, that God was acting for the good of the human race in a new and profound way. God was in search of man, so, now, they would go in search of God.
As was mentioned above, these three wise men are also sometimes called ‘magi,’ for the Greek term used in the Gospel of Matthew to denote them is μά . In ancient times, μά , or magi, were members of a Persian priestly class; thus, they were most likely pagan priests. But even more importantly, they were seekers of the truth, seekers of God, even though they were outside of Israel and Israel’s covenant with the one true God. Unsatisfied with the knowledge and worship of God available to them, they sought to encounter him as he really is in the flesh. As Pope Benedict XVI writes in Jesus of Nazareth: Infancy Narratives, “[T]hey were people of inner unrest, people of hope, people on the lookout for the true star of salvation… They represent the journeying of humanity toward Christ. They initiate a procession that continues throughout history.”
In our own day, our lives are as replete with competing claims to human happiness and fulfillment as there are stars in the sky. At times, it can be rather overwhelming and, ironically, contribute to a pervasive unhappiness. We look to the many lights around us and, having picked out the one that seems closest or best, we follow that star hoping that we will find rest by following its light. But as so often happens, having arrived at our destination, we realize that nothing was actually there, leaving us to begin again, only now we begin to lose hope that any of the many lights available to us could lead anywhere of ultimate value and worth.
In the midst of all of this, though, the story of the Magi is one that inspires hope, both for ourselves and our loved ones. We all find ourselves, at one point or another, wandering in a remote and unfamiliar place because we have followed the wrong star. Like the pagan Magi, we can sometimes find ourselves wrapped up in the confusion of false oracles and counterfeit wisdom, uncertain of where to turn next.
And yet, as the story of the Three Magi demonstrates, even there the light of Christ shines forth, signaling the correct path for us to find He who is the source of all life and happiness. All we need to do is pause long enough to look upwards, see the goodness and beauty of Christ, and have the courage and faith to set out once again. We, too, can find God because He has first found us, and He continues to find us even in the night of human life.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).
“
WE, TOO,CAN FIND GOD BECAUSE HE HAS FIRST FOUND US, AND HE CONTINUES TO FIND US EVEN IN THE NIGHT OF HUMAN LIFE. ”
MORE THAN ENTERTAINED
TIM ALLEN AS “SCOTT CALVIN” IN THE SANTA CLAUSE (1994)
BRENNAN GARRIQUES
serves as Campus Minister for Men’s Ministries at Christ the King on the campus of LSU. He resides in Baton Rouge with his wife, Teresa.
“Master, I want to see” (Mark 10:51). These are some of my favorite words in the Bible, and they have been a prevalent petition in my prayer life over the years. Here at More Than Entertained, we take as our foundational verse another line which has to do with sight.
After Jesus was made known to the disciples on the road to Emmaus through the breaking of the bread and the Scriptures, “their eyes were opened and they recognized him” (Luke 24:31). Over the past several years, the Lord has opened my eyes to recognize Him in many places where I encountered Him before I ever knew it was He. Thus, as I began my reflection on Christmas classics and was drawn specifically to Tim Allen’s Santa Claus, the floodgates burst forth. It is more evident to me than ever before why my family and I have always been so enchanted by Scott Calvin as Santa Claus. Indeed, scattered throughout these Christmas classics are many Semina Verbi, seeds of the Word.
While The Santa Clause 2 has long reigned as the Garriques family favorite in the trilogy, I will home in on the original for the purposes of this reflection. Here’s a beautiful quote from Saint John Henry Newman to kick us off: “God knows me and calls me by my name… God has created me to do Him some definite service; He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission.”
When we are introduced to Scott Calvin in 1994’s The Santa Clause, it is clear he is not the man he is created to be. He is disrespectful, crude, and selfish. He is at odds with his ex-wife, bitter toward her new husband, and distant from his only son, Charlie. But then it happens: Santa falls off the roof.
With great reluctance, Scott puts on Santa’s suit and his life is changed forever. While he does not know it yet, the audience sees in a flash the outward sign of the inward transformation which has been set in motion. Indeed, his journey is evocative of the transformation all Christians are asked to undergo.
“Be renewed in the spirit of your minds,” says Saint Paul, “and put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:23-24).
Whether he likes it or not, Scott Calvin has found the definite service God has created him to do, and he must be made new to do it. He spends the better part of the rest of the first movie resisting this call, even as many signs and symbols are offered to help him believe. There is the snow globe given to Charlie by Bernard, the head elf. There are the red silk pajamas
with the initials S.C. for Santa Claus. There is the more natural, yet prophetic sign that those same initials, S.C., also happen to be his. His facial hair grows at an alarming rate, and his stomach rapidly takes on the features of a “bowl full of jelly.”
But there is one instance that helps his eyes to be opened fully. Charlie is earnestly trying to convince his Mom, Neil, and his Dad that his Dad is in fact Santa Claus. With tears in his eyes and desperation in his voice, he yells “Remember!” as he tosses Scott the aforementioned snow globe. Scott peers into the globe, looking more closely than he ever has, and it seems this time with eyes that truly want to believe. As he does, it becomes filled with life he’s never seen before. Santa is in his sleigh drawn by reindeer who help him to soar. This globe is another visible sign of his interior transformation. His heart softens and the light penetrates the darkness. Scott Calvin has finally accepted his new name and new mission. He has a clear path, and he knows the definite service to which he is called.
Fantasy can often be iconic of the true light which has come into the world, and there is much goodness in the adventures of Santa Claus. As I mentioned earlier, there was a whole flood of Christian themes presenting themselves to me as I watched The Santa Clause and The Santa Clause 2 in preparation for this reflection. We find, however, in the case of Santa Claus, as in all cases of fantasy, at least one key difference between their story and that of Jesus Christ. Namely, the story of Jesus Christ is true. ‘“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means ‘God is with us’” (Matthew 2:23). God is with us! We do not need a snow globe to summon His presence. We simply need the Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church and a heart aware of its maker. We do not need magic to obtain miracles. We simply need the faith to ask for them from the God of miracles.
The mission of Tim Allen’s Santa Claus—the reason he, the elves, and the North Pole exist—is to bring joy to the world. As he says to Carol at the resolution of the sequel, “this place is all about magic, and love, and wonder.” Santa Claus is, to be sure, an instrument of joy, but he is not its source. It is Jesus we seek when we dream of happiness, and it is His mission that gives us the true reason for the season. Let us enjoy our favorite Christmas classics this year and all the while keep the story of Christ at the center of our hearts.
“The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord’” (Luke 2:10-11).
WE DO NOT NEED MAGIC TO OBTAIN MIRACLES. WE SIMPLY NEED THE FAITH TO ASK FOR THEM FROM THE GOD OF MIRACLES.
HEAVENLY RECIPES
SPECIAL GINALING BABOY
(STEWED GROUND MEAT)
LUZVIMINDA (MINDA) DUNCAN
a native to Trinidad, Bohol, Philippines, Luzviminda (Minda) Duncan is a parishioner of St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux where she has been involved in various ministries for over 30 years. Minda married her late husband Jeffery in the Philippines in 1991 and moved to Thibodaux shortly after to start her new life. She is the mother to Angeljoy (Duncan) Porche and Serdave Duncan. Jeffery passed away in 2021, but today, she honors his memory and shares one of her husband’s favorite Filipino-style recipes.
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup of diced carrots
• 1 cup of diced potatoes
• 1 cup of diced red bell peppers
• 1 tomato
• 1/4 cup green peas
• 1lb of ground pork
• 1/2 finely chopped whole yellow onion
• 1/2 clove of garlic
• 1/2 cup of tomato sauce
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup of water
• 2 tbsp of black soy sauce or toyomansi sauce
• 3 tbsp of cooking oil
• 2 tbsp of tomato paste
• 1 packet of magic sarap seasoning (optional)
• 6 boiled eggs (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
Prep all your ingredients by dicing your tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, and red bell peppers. With your stove on high, heat a medium sized pan. As your pan heats, add in 3 tablespoons of cooking oil, and begin to toss in your chopped onions, garlic, and red bell peppers. Sauté and stir until fragrant. Add your ground pork and stir to mix in with your aromatics to brown your ground meat. Cover for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, drop in your carrots and potatoes, then cover again until your potatoes are cooked and tender. Add in your green peas, soy sauce, salt and pepper to taste, and optional Magic Sarap Seasoning, then add 1 cup of water and let it come to a boil. After about 2 minutes of boiling, add in your tomato sauce and tomato paste. Turn off your stove and put the pan aside to rest for 5 minutes. Top the dish with your boiled eggs if desired. Serve this dish over rice and enjoy!
KELLYE PATTERSON
works as Coordinator of Youth Formation at Holy Cross Church in Morgan City. She and her husband David share 5 children, Kimberly (husband Alex), Bradley (wife Josie), Whitney, Wrenn and Elizabeth. The oldest 4 have all graduated college and started careers. Elizabeth is a freshman at Central Catholic High in Morgan City.
CORNISH HENS AND ROASTED CAULIFLOWER
Every year, my mom, my siblings, their children, and their grandchildren gather at my house for Christmas dinner. This year, the number of attendees has grown to 36. With that many palates to please, it’s not easy to pick a favorite dish. I made this dish several years ago when our family wasn’t quite so big. I must admit, this wasn’t a recipe I could just go into my cabinet and pull out. I’ve gotten to a point where I eyeball how much of this-or that each of my dishes needs, but after I re-tested this recipe on my husband and youngest daughter, they fully approve. I hope you enjoy!
CORNISH HENS INGREDIENTS
• 2 cornish hens
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) butter
• 4 stems of rosemary (about 6-8 inches each)
• 1 lemon
• 2 mini (7.5 oz) can Dr. Pepper
• 1- to 2-inch-deep baking dish
• Foil
DIRECTIONS
The hens should be set out to get to room temperature before cooking. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Make sure the cavity of the hens are completely empty. Use a paper towel and dry the entire hen the best you can. Mix all the dry ingredients together (not the rosemary). Cut the butter and the lemon into slices. Gently pull a small area of the skin away from the breast and stuff the slices of the butter between the skin and the meat. Rub the dry ingredients on the entire hen. Place the Dr. Pepper in the sink (trust me) and put 2 stems of rosemary in each can. Once the fizz goes away, put the can in the baking dish. While holding the can with one hand, put the hen legs side over the can (you might have to bend the rosemary). The hen should stand upright over the can. Place the lemon slices over the open (wing side) of the hen. Lightly tent with foil. Bake for 1 hour. Remove the tent and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes (depending on how crispy you like the skin). Allow the hens to rest before cutting – this keeps it juicy.
ROASTED CAULIFLOWER INGREDIENTS
• 1 head cauliflower
• Olive oil (just enough for coating)
• 3 teaspoons salt
• 3 teaspoons pepper
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (increase or reduce to your liking)
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Baking sheet
DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cut the cauliflower into bite size pieces. Place the cauliflower on a baking sheet. Coat the cauliflower with olive oil. Put all the ingredients on the cauliflower except for the parmesan. Stir to coat. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes (until the texture you like is achieved). Take it out of the oven and stir. Sprinkle with parmesan and put it back in the oven for about 5 minutes (until the parmesan melts).
ROMAN’S QUIET VIRTUE AWARD
CELEBRATING THE FIRST RECIPIENT
Evan Adams, a 17-year-old senior at Vandebilt Catholic High in Houma, was the recent recipient of Roman’s Quiet Virtue Award – an award established through the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana to honor the life and legacy of Roman Robichaux. The Robichaux family established this award to honor students who exemplify great virtue and humility within our diocese in memory of their late son. Roman’s short life was a testament of great faith and virtue that has continued to inspire many even after his passing.
In partnering with the Catholic Foundation, the Robichaux family now has the opportunity to support other young people in our diocese who live like Roman did in their pursuit of holiness and excellence. Evan was one of the first recipients of the award in May of this year.
Evan, was nominated by the faculty and staff at Vandebilt Catholic High where he is an honors student, a member of the band, and involved in campus ministry. “Just being recognized was such an honor,” Evan reflected. “I didn’t realize that I had
been seen in the way that I had. I always thought I was just in the background.”
But Evan’s teachers did, in fact, take notice of the way in which he lived his faith each and every day. They even went so far as to describe Evan as “a genuine, service-oriented individual.” Many of them mention Evan’s commitment to the band and campus ministry, as well as his love for altar serving. “I first started altar serving through school,” Evan shared, “and being able to serve…being able to be up there and see what the priest sees, it deepens the experience of the Mass. Everything means something.”
While Evan did not know Roman personally, the two were in the same class of students at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School. “Roman was an allaround good person,” Evan recalled, “I know he always wore a scapular and prayed his rosary every day. Since receiving the award, I’ve had a lot of contact with the Robichaux family and have really appreciated getting to know them.”
Receiving the award meant so much to Evan, not only because of the financial support it provided toward his Catholic education, but especially because this was the first time the award would be distributed since Roman’s passing. “I really didn’t expect to be chosen,” said Evan. “It goes to show that even things done unseen are eventually seen. Even little actions eventually come to light. It’s reassuring.”
Roman’s Quiet Virtue Award is one of countless ways that our community is empowered to give by partnering with the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana. Since its beginning, the foundation has existed to support the people in our diocese and to equip those who have a desire to give with the tools necessary to make a great impact. “Giving to the Catholic Foundation supports everyone, all the Catholics in the area,” Evan shared. “Not just the higher class and not just the poorest of the poor, they exist to support everyone and the entire staff is so kind and caring.”
This particular award has made an incredible impact in Evan’s life and the life of his family. “I would not be where I am in my faith had I not received a Catholic education, and the award took a lot of the weight from my parents’ shoulders and that means a lot to me,” Evan shared. “So, thank you to the Robichaux’s for making me a part of your family and being there for me when we really needed the help and inviting me to do things that I never expected. And thank you to Amy and the Catholic Foundation for being an avenue for people to give to those who need it most. I’m so grateful.”
As Jesus taught in the Gospel of Matthew, “Your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:4). Roman’s Quiet Virtue Award is a great reminder that small acts of faith never go unnoticed. Through the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana, in partnership with the Robichaux family, our community can expand the impact of these small actions, creating opportunities that transform the lives of others. If you’re interested in discovering how you can bless the next recipient of this award or partner with the Catholic Foundation, be sure to visit https://www.catholicfoundationsl.org/.
“
IT GOES TO SHOW THAT EVEN THINGS DONE UNSEEN ARE EVENTUALLY SEEN. EVEN LITTLE ACTIONS EVENTUALLY COME TO LIGHT. ”
AROUND THE DIOCESE
Diocesan Observance of the Former Bishop’s Passing
Sunday, January 19, 2025
In loving memory of Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, please join us in observance of the first anniversary of his passing. Bishop Dorsonville was a loving shepherd, a passionate leader, and a man of unwavering faith. His infectious smile and genuine care for everyone resonated deeply throughout the Diocese. He had a passion for all people, and in a particular way for those in underserved communities. His profound desire for the spiritual well-being of the community reflected unshakable hope, and his legacy lives on in the hearts of those he touched during his time as their shepherd. Please join us in his memory and in prayer for the repose of his soul.
Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Christmas)
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Holy Day of Obligation
Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Holy Day of Obligation
FOCUS SEEK
January 1 - 5, 2025
The Fellowship of Catholic University Students is hosting its annual conference in two locations this year: Salt Lake City and Washington D.C. While the conference is geared towards college students, the public is warmly invited to participate. Please pray for the success of this major national conference which typically hosts around 20,000+ people per city.
Diocesan Patronal Feast of St. Francis de Sales
Friday, January 24, 2025
Please join us in celebrating the Principal Patron of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, St. Francis De Sales. Solemnity at the Cathedral-Church | Feast at All Other Parish Churches
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