February 2014 Bayou Catholic

Bayou

Catholic

The magazine for the people of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

Saint Valentine’s Day How Feb. 14 came to be celebrated as the feast for lovers is somewhat a mystery. What little is known of the feast’s namesake can be attributed to the lives of two martyrs: one a priest, the other a bishop. The priest Valentine reportedly was beheaded in 269 by Emperor Claudius II. The bishop, known for healing, was martyred earlier. It’s probable that a medieval custom of sending messages of love on this day somehow merged later with the feast.

We have Valentine’s Day resolutions inside.

HOUMA, LA ~ FEBRUARY 2014 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

…will Support Local Parish Needs

…will create An Endowment Fund for Seminarian Support

…will create An Endowment Fund for Catholic Charities

www.catholicfoundationsl.org (985) 850-3116

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Friday, March 21, 2014 ~ 6:30 pm ~ H-T Civic Center Proceeds from this event stay local at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC and go towards providing necessary care and comfort items for individuals undergoing cancer treatment.

The evening will include a cocktail buffet, live music, a motivational program and a large silent auction display. ~ Tickets are $50 each or $400 for a table of eight. ~ Tickets can be purchased in the TGMC Main Gift Shop or by calling 985-873-4002.

For additional information, please call 985-873-4616.

Presented by: Special thank you to our sponsors:

Cardiovascular Institute of the South Gulf Island Fabrication Oil States Skagit Smatco Peoples Health Stephanie Hebert Insurance Agency Synergy Bank The Bayou Catholic Watkins, Walker & Eroche, APLC Whitney Bank Bayou Sign Company Deveney Communications Chauvin Brothers Dr. Charon Gentile Houma OB-GYN Clinic Krewe of Aprhrodite Krewe of Hyacinthians Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Premier OBGYN Specialists Trinity Catering, Inc. www.bayoucatholic.com

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Contents

On Our Cover

Bayou Spirit Junior High Faith Experience

Nancy Diedrich, who provides marriage and family counseling serivces for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, has a column just in time for Valentine’s Day, offering some resolutions for lovers.

The feast day is celebrated Feb. 14.

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8 Bishop Fabre

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Our Schools

Our Churches

Holy Rosary School in Larose

Our Lady of the Isle, Grand Isle

In appreciation to those who give of themselves for us

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Tribute

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• Welcome

• Pope Speaks

Flip It!

Life of Father Gallen celebrated in Ireland, here

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• Reflections

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• Young Voices

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How to reach us:

BY PHONE: (985) 850-3132

BY MAIL: P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395

BY FAX: (985) 850-3232

BY E-MAIL: bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org

Bayou Catholic Vol. 34, No. 8

The Bayou Catholic is published monthly, for the people of the Roman Catholic Diocese of HoumaThibodaux by the H-T Publishing Co., P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395. Subscription rate is $35 per year.

The Bayou Catholic is a member of the Catholic Press Association, the National Newspaper Association and an associate member of the Louisiana Press Association.

National and world-wide news service and photos by National Catholic News Service.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • February 2014

The area’s most comprehensive carnival guide

• Heavenly Recipes

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• Overtime

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Louis G. Aguirre editor and general manager Lawrence Chatagnier managing editor Glenn J. Landry, C.P.A. business manager Peggy Adams advertising manager Anna C. Givens advertising accounts executive Janet Marcel staff writer Pat Keese secretary and circulation Lisa Schobel Hebert graphic designer Janet B. Eschete accounts payable assistant Meridy Liner accounts receivable assistant

First Place Winner General Excellence

Where to find us

Bayou Catholic magazine can be found at all Catholic churches in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and at the three Catholic high schools in Houma, Morgan City and Thibodaux. You may also visit the merchants listed in the Advertisers’ Index to pick up your copy. Those wishing to receive the magazine by mail can call Pat Keese at (985) 850-3132 or write to Bayou Catholic, P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395. Subscription price is $35 annually.

Advertisers Index

Advanced Eye Institute ......................15 Black & Indian Mission Collection .....17 Bueche’s Jewelry ...............................30 Camp Stanislaus ................................23 Catholic Foundation .............................2 Conference Office ..............................35 Diocesan Outreach Line ......................5 Haydel Spine & Pain ..........................21 Headache & Pain Center ...................45 Healing & Hope Retreat .....................47 Houma Digestive Health Specialists ...32 LeBlanc & Associates, Inc. ................39 Mary Bird Perkins-Terrebonne General Medical Center ...............................33 Mpress ...............................................34 Re-Bath ..............................................37 Rod’s Superstore ...............................43 Seminarian Education Burses ...........11 Spotlight .............................................22 St. Joseph Manor/Cardinal Place ......26 Synergy Bank .....................................31 Terrebonne General Medical Center ...3

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di G r a ar 2 01 4 Advertisers Index

Barker Honda .....................................16 Bella Cosa Fine Gifts ............................6 Cannata’s .............................................3 Cenac ...................................................4 Cenac ....................................................5 Channel 10 .........................................19 Charles A. Page & Sons ....................28 Daigle Himel Daigle .............................7 Diocesan Website ..............................29 Dr. Neil Maki Orthopaedics ...................9 Emile’s Furniture & Appliance ...........27 God’s Promises Books & Gifts ..........30 Gold’n Gifts Unlimited ........................12 Houma Area Convention & Visitors .....2 KEM Supply House, Inc. ....................22 Lafourche Ford Lincoln ......................25 Marie’s Wrecker Service ....................26 Southland Dodge Chrysler Jeep .......15 Terminix ..............................................12 Terrebonne General Medical Center ..31 The Wishing Well, Inc. .........................8 Thibodaux Physical Therapy .............22 U-Drop Packing & Shipping ...............23 Vision Communications .....................21

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Diocesan Outreach Line

In response to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is offering an Outreach Line (formerly known as the Child Protection Contact Line). The Outreach Line is an effort to continue the diocesan commitment to support healing for people who have been hurt or sexually abused recently or in the past by clergy, religious or other employees of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Outreach Line operates from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. A trained mental health professional responds to the line. Individuals are offered additional assistance if requested.

The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Outreach Line Telephone number is (985) 873-0026.

For detailed reporting procedures see: www.htdiocese.org.

Click on the Safe Environment tab, then on S.E. Forms and Links.

Línea de Comunicación Diocesana

Con el fin de cumplir con las Políticas de Protección de Niños y Jóvenes de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Los Estados Unidos, la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux ofrece una Línea de Comunicación (antes Línea de Contacto para la Protección de los Niños). La Línea de Comunicación es parte del esfuerzo diocesano de comprometerse con el mejoramiento de aquéllos que han sido lastimados o abusados sexualmente recientemente o en el pasado por miembros del clero, religiosos u otros empleados de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux.

El horario de la Línea de Comunicación de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux es de 8:30 a.m. a 4:30 p.m., de lunes a viernes. El encargado de esta línea es un profesional capacitado en salud mental. Se ofrece asistencia adicional al ser solicitada.

Línea de Comunicación de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux Número de teléfono (985) 873-0026.

Vea el detallado procedimiento de informes en: www.htdiocese.org.

Haga clic en Safe Environment y luego S.E. Forms and Links.

Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän Ñeå höôûng öùng Hieán chöông Baûo veä Treû em vaø Giôùi treû töø Hoäi ñoàng Giaùm muïc Hoa kyø, Giaùo phaän Houma-Thibodaux ñang chuaån bò ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp (luùc tröôùc laø ñöôøng daây lieân laïc baûo veä treû em). Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp laø moät söï coá gaéng cuûa giaùo phaän nhaèm cam keát haøn gaén naâng ñôõ nhöõng ai ñaõ bò toån thöông hoaëc bò laïm duïng tính duïc hoaëc gaàn ñaây hoaëc trong quaù khöù bôûi giaùo só, tu só hoaëc caùc coâng nhaân vieân cuûa Giaùo phaän Houma-Thibodaux. Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän hoaït ñoäng töø 8:30 saùng ñeán 4:30 chieàu, thöù hai ñeán thöù saùu. Moät nhaân vieân chuyeân nghieäp veà söùc khoûe taâm thaàn traû lôøi treân ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi. Nhöõng caù nhaân seõ ñöôïc trôï giuùp naâng ñôõ theâm neáu caàn. Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän Soá ñieän thoaïi: (985) 873-0026.

Caàn bieát theâm chi tieát veà caùch baùo caùo xin vaøo trang web cuûa ñòa phaän laø www.htdiocese.org.

Baám vaøo muïc Safe Environment, sau ñoù tôùi muïc S.E. Forms vaø Links.

www.bayoucatholic.com

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Welcome

Editor’s Corner Louis G. Aguirre Editor & General Manager

Hostility

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When it comes to hostilities toward religion, those of us living in South Louisiana are in a state of bliss. Religion thrives in our area and residents enjoy a healthy and respectful environment as they exercise their right to worship.

Also, while recent developments have made us aware of certain infringements on religious freedom in our country, all in all the United States – and in fact, the Americas – continues to be considered the least aggressive in its governmental restrictions.

However, this is not the case in the majority of nations across the globe. A Pew Research Center study issued in Jan. 14 shows an increase in hostility toward religion by most of the world’s 198 nations.

The share of countries with a high or very high level of social hostilities involving religion reached a six-year peak in 2012, the study said. The share of countries with a high or very high level of government restrictions on religion, though, stayed roughly the same in 2012.

The number of nations showing hostilities toward Christians rose from 106 to 110.

Christians have been the subject of hostility in more nations than any other group. In fact, hostilities towards Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists and folk religionists were also up from previous levels.

“Overall, across the six years of this study, religious groups were harassed in a total of 185 countries at one time or another,” the study said. “Members of the world’s two largest groups – Christians and Muslims, who together comprise more than half of the global population – were harassed in the largest number of countries, 151 and 135, respectively.”

Speaking on the subject of persecution, Pope Francis said Jan. 15 that “Difficulties and persecution, when they are lived with Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • February 2014

CNS PHOTO/JOHN GRESS, REUTERS

Mourners attend a candlelight vigil in 2012 at the Sikh Temple in Brookfield, Wis., in memory of the victims of a mass shooting at the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, Wis. A 2012 pew study shows a global increase in hostility toward religion.

trust, confidence and hope, purify the faith and strengthen it.” Please take a moment to read The Pope Speaks on page 12.

As Catholics here in the United States we must pray for those who are persecuted and who are victims of hostility because of their faith and religious convictions. Additionally, we must continue to be vigilant and to speak out whenever we see any intrusion towards religious freedom on our own shores.

Bayou Spirit

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Approximately 800 youth and adults from across the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux attended the annual Junior High Faith Experience held recently at Nicholls State University. Mike Patin was the keynote speaker for the day which was sponsored by the diocesan Office of Youth Ministry. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre greeted participants in the morning and offered the opening prayer for the day-long event.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

www.bayoucatholic.com

Comment Comfort For My People Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

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As we reflect upon our life in the past, hopefully we realize and have a great appreciation for all of those people who have helped us to become the gift that God has created each one of us to be. Our parents and other family members more than likely played important and key roles in our development into all that God wants us to be as human persons. However, there are others who also gave generously of themselves in assisting us to grow and mature.

I am happy that during my early life as a child and a parishioner at St. Augustine Church and School in New Roads I was blessed to be taught and nurtured by the Sisters of the Holy Spirit. They were wonderful religious women who served in our parish and school when I was a child. Many of these sisters left their homes and their families in Ireland and traveled here to the United States to serve the needs of the church here in our country. They were my early elementary school teachers, and I have wonderful memories of these great women of faith.

I vividly remember sitting in the classrooms at St. Augustine School and being taught by them. They were certainly STRICT disciplinarians in the classroom, in the cafeteria and on the school yard. However, on so many other occasions they also showed by their actions and their attention towards me and

VINTAGE PHOTOS COURTESY OF SISTERS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

all the children in their care that they were holy, generous and kind women who were a wonderful, devoted reminder of how God’s love is present in our lives. I never forgot the Sisters of the Holy Spirit, nor did I forget the many ways that they assisted me in my growth in knowledge and faith development.

I was surprised and honored when some of the Sisters of the Holy Spirit who were my former elementary school teachers showed up at my ordination as a priest in 1989, and then some of them also showed up at my ordination as a bishop in 2007. I certainly stood up straight in their presence, just as they had taught me so many years ago! (smile) We never forget well taught lessons in life! To my knowledge I do not believe any of my former teachers among the Sisters of the Holy Spirit were able to travel to Houma-Thibodaux for my installation as bishop here.

They are mostly retired now, but still serving the Lord as best they can. I am currently reflecting upon the role that the Sisters of the Holy Spirit played in my life because I am absolutely delighted that I will get the chance to visit with them at their mother house in San Antonio, TX, when I am

in this city in February. I look forward to seeing the Sisters and sharing their company. How good and generous they were to me, and I will be forever grateful to them.

However, as I remember them I know that it is not enough for us to simply be thankful for such people in our lives. One way we show our gratitude for such people in our lives is by being generous like them. Therefore, as we on different occasions remember all of those who have generously helped us to become the person God has called us to be, I hope that our gratitude to them will also inspire us to do likewise for others. I know that the generosity of the Sisters of the Holy Spirit toward me will be remembered by God. Having been taught well by the Sisters’ love and example, I hope that I have done likewise for others and that my generosity towards others will be remembered

by God as well. I cannot wait to visit the Sisters of the Holy Spirit.

I will be thanking God for them, and hopefully continuing to be as kind and generous to others as these Sisters have been to me. Oh, and I assure you that I will also be standing up straight in their presence!

In appreciation to those who give generously of themselves for us

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • February 2014

Comentario

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Agradecimiento a aquéllos que se dedican por nosotros

Al reflexionar sobre nuestras vidas en el pasado, espero que se den cuenta con gran aprecio de todas aquellas personas que nos han ayudado a convertirnos en el don que Dios ha querido que seamos.

Nuestros padres y otros familiares probablemente han desenvuelto un papel importante en nuestra meta de llegar a ser lo que Dios desea que seamos.

No obstante, también hay otras personas que se han dedicado con generosidad a ayudarnos a crecer y madurar.

Me alegro que durante mi niñez cuando era feligrés de la Iglesia San Agustín y estudiante de su colegio en New Roads, sintiera la bendición de haber sido educado y cuidado por las Hermanas del Espíritu Santo.

Gran número de estas hermanas dejaron sus hogares y familias en Irlanda para emigrar aquí as los Estados Unidos y servir a los necesitados en las iglesias de nuestra nación. Ellas fueron mis primeras maestras de primaria y conservo recuerdos hermosos de estas grandes mujeres de fe.

Recuerdo perfectamente cómo ellas me enseñaban mientras me sentaba en mi pupitre en cada aula del colegio San Agustín.

Eran sin duda disciplinarias ESTRICTAS en el aula, en el cafetín y en el campus del colegio.

Sin embargo, hubo muchas ocasiones que demostraron con sus actos y atenciones hacia mí y todos los otros niños que eran religiosas santas, generosas y bondadosas que me hacían recordar de manera devota y maravillosa que el amor de Dios está presente en nuestras vidas. Nunca he olvidado a las Hermanas del Espíritu Santo, ni tampoco he olvidado cómo de tantas maneras me ayudaron a expandir mis conocimientos y desarrollar mi fe.

Fue una sorpresa y honor para mí ver que algunas de las Hermanas del Espíritu Santo de mi colegio llegaran a mi ordenación sacerdotal en 1989 y que luego algunas de ellas también llegaran a mi ordenación de obispo el 2007. Al verlas, me alcé de mi asiento como solía hacerlo cuando era niño, ¡así como ellas me lo enseñaron hace tantos años! ¡Las lecciones bien enseñadas jamás se olvidan! No creí que ninguna de mis maestras Hermanas del Espíritu Santo haya podido viajar a Houma-Thibodaux para mi ordenación de obispo.

A pesar que ya todas se han jubilado, las hermanas todavía sirven al Señor con ahínco. Aún reflexiono sobre el impacto que las Hermanas del Espíritu Santo tuvieron en mi vida porque me alegra enormemente saber que tendré la oportunidad de visitarlas en su residencia durante mi visita a San Antonio, Texas el mes de febrero. Espero con ansias ver a las hermanas y convivir con ellas. Qué buenas y dadivosas fueron conmigo y, por ello, estaré agradecido por siempre. Sin embargo, al recordarlas sé que no es suficiente estar agradecido con el prójimo que nos hace el bien. Otra manera de demostrar

gratitud con estas personas que nos ayudan en nuestras vidas es ejercitando la misma generosidad.

Por tanto, cuando en varias ocasiones recordemos a todos aquéllos que nos han ayudado con benevolencia a llegar a ser la persona que Dios nos ha llamado a ser, espero que nuestra gratitud hacia ellos también nos inspire a hacer el bien por el prójimo. Sé que Dios recordará las buenas cosas que hicieron por mí las Hermanas del Espíritu Santo.

Espero que con la buena enseñanza que las hermanas me dieron por medio de amor y buen ejemplo, haya demostrado al menos la misma cantidad de bondad por los demás para que Dios me recuerde. Estoy ansioso de visitar a las Hermanas del Espíritu Santo. Le daré gracias a Dios por haberme dado la oportunidad de estar con ellas y ruego que pueda ser como ellas en benevolencia y generosidad hacia los demás así como ellas lo fueron conmigo. ¡Ah!, y, ¡les aseguro que me alzaré de mi asiento cuando me presente con ellas!

Traducido por Julio Contreras, feligrés de la Iglesia Annunziata de Houma. www.bayoucatholic.com

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Binh luan bang loi

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Haõy bieát ôn nhöõng ngöôøi ñaõ roäng löôïng vôùi chuùng ta

Nhìn laïi nhöõng chuoãi ngaøy trong quaù khöù, hy voïng raèng chuùng ta nhaän ra vaø bieát ôn nhöõng ai ñaõ giuùp ñôõ chuùng ta trôû thaønh nhöõng thaønh quaû maø Chuùa ñaõ döïng neân moãi ngöôøi trong chuùng ta. Cha meï vaø anh em trong gia ñình ñaõ ñoùng moät vai troø chuû yeáu hình thaønh con ngöôøi maø Thieân Chuùa muoán chuùng ta trôû thaønh. Tuy nhieân, nhöõng ngöôøi khaùc nöõa cuõng ñaõ quaûng ñaïi giuùp chuùng ta lôùn leân vaø tröôûng thaønh.

Toâi vui möøng vì trong thôøi gian khai taâm laø moät ñöùa beù vaø cuõng laø giaùo daân giaùo xöù thaùnh Augustin vaø tröôøng hoïc ôû New Roads toâi ñaõ ñöôïc söï daïy doã vaø giaùo huaán cuûa caùc sô Doøng Chuùa Thaùnh Linh. Hoï laø nhöõng nöõ tu tuyeät vôøi, ñaõ giuùp giaùo xöù vaø daïy hoïc ôû ñoù luùc toâi coøn beù. Raát nhieàu nhöõng nöõ tu naøy ñaõ rôøi gia ñình vaø queâ höông cuûa hoï laø AÙi Nhó Lan tôùi nöôùc Hoa Kyø naøy ñeå ñaùp öùng vôùi nhu caàu muïc vuï. Hoï laø nhöõng coâ giaùo tröôøng tieåu hoïc vaø toâi ñaõ caûm nhaän ñöôïc nhieàu kyû nieäm ñaùng nhôù ñeán töø nhöõng nöõ tu ñaày nieàm tin naøy.

Kyù öùc coøn cho toâi thaáy roõ nhöõng ngaøy ngoài trong lôùp hoïc ôû tröôøng Thaùnh Augustin vaø do caùc nöõ tu daïy doã. Dó nhieân caùc nöõ tu raát nghieâm khaéc trong caùc lôùp hoïc, trong nhaø aên vaø saân chôi. Tuy nhieân, vaøo raát nhieàu dòp khaùc qua loái soáng vaø cöû chæ caùc nöõ tu cuõng ñaõ cho rieâng toâi vaø caùc hoïc sinh khaùc caûm nhaän ñöôïc söï baän taâm vaø che chôû cuûa mình qua söï thaùnh thieän, quaûng ñaïi vaø töû teá, vì chính hoï laø nhöõng nöõ tu tuyeät vôøi, cuøng luùc ñoù nhaéc nhôû cho thaáy raèng tình thöông cuûa Chuùa hieän dieän trong chuùng ta. Toâi khoâng bao giôø queân caùc nöõ tu Doøng Chuùa Thaùnh Thaàn naøy, vaø cuõng khoâng queân bao nhieâu coâng lao qua söï daïy doã maø noù ñaõ giuùp toâi tröôûng thaønh trong kieán thöùc vaø ñöùc tin.

Toâi raát ngaïc nhieân vaø haân haïnh vì söï hieän dieän cuûa hoï ngaøy maø

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • February 2014

toâi ñaõ laõnh nhaän thieân chöùc linh muïc vaøo naêm 1989, vaø moät vaøi nöõ tu cuõng ñaõ hieän dieän trong ngaøy toâi laõnh nhaän muõ giaùm muïc vaøo naêm 2007. Toâi raát haõnh dieän ñöùng thaúng trong söï chöùng giaùm cuûa hoï, vì chính hoï ñaõ giaùo duïc toâi nhö theá trong nhieàu naêm. (nôû nuï cöôøi) Chuùng ta khoâng bao giôø queân nhöõng baøi hoïc quyù giaù trong ñôøi! Theo toâi bieát khoâng moät nöõ tu naøo ñaõ giaùo duïc toâi coù theå tôùi tham döï ngaøy toâi nhaäm chöùc giaùm muïc chính toaø Houma-Thibodaux.

Baây giôø caùc nöõ tu naøy ñaõ veà höu, nhöng hoï ñang phuïc vuï Chuùa caùch naøy hay caùch khaùc vôùi khaû naêng cuûa hoï. Trong luùc naøy toâi ñang suy tö veà vai troø maø caùc Nöõ Tu Doøng Chuùa Thaùnh Thaàn ñaõ ñoùng goùp trong ñôøi toâi vì toâi caûm thaáy raát vui möøng khi coù dòp thaêm caùc nöõ tu ôû nhaø meï taïi thaønh phoá San Antonio, tieåu bang Texas maø toâi seõ gheù thaønh phoà naøy vaøo thaùng hai. Toâi mong seõ gaëp caùc nöõ tu vaø haøm huyeân taâm söï vôùi hoï. Hoï ñaõ quaûng ñaïi vôùi toâi tôùi döôøng naøo vaø toâi khoâng bao giôø queân ôn cuûa hoï.

Tuy nhieân, khi nhôù ñeán caùc nöõ tu toâi bieát raèng mình khoâng theå ñeàn ñaùp ñöôïc nhöõng coâng lao baèng lôøi

caùm ôn cho nhöõng ngöôøi ñaõ coù ôn vôùi chuùng ta. Moät caùch bieát ôn toát laø mình cuõng quaûng ñaïi nhö nhöõng ngöôøi ñaõ laøm ôn cho mình. Vì theá, dòp naøy hay dòp khaùc chuùng ta khoâng queân nhöõng ngöôøi ñaõ giuùp chuùng ta trôû neân con ngöôøi maø Chuùa muoán hình thaønh chuùng ta. Toâi hy voïng raèng söï bieát ôn cuûa chuùng ta ñoái vôùi hoï cuõng seõ giuùp chuùng ta soáng nhö hoï. Toâi bieát raèng söï quaûng ñaïi cuûa caùc Nöõ Tu Doøng Chuùa Thaùnh Thaàn ñoái vôùi toâi seõ ñöôïc Chuùa ñeàn buø xöùng ñaùng.

Vì ñaõ ñöôïc giaùo huaán taän taâm do bôûi tình thöông vaø vaø göông saùng cuûa caùc Nöõ Tu toâi mong raèng toâi cuõng seõ soáng nhö theá ñoái vôùi nguôøi khaùc vaø söï quaûng ñaïi cuûa toâi cuõng ñöôïc Chuùa nhôù ñeán. Toâi raát mong ñeán thaêm caùc Nöõ Tu Doøng Chuùa Thaùnh Thaàn. Toâi taï ôn Chuùa thay cho hoï, vaø hy voïng raèng mình cuõng seõ tieáp tuïc töû teá vaø quaûng ñaïi vôùi ngöôøi khaùc nhö nhöõng Nöõ Tu naøy.

OÂi, toâi cam ñoan vôùi anh chò em raèng toâi seõ raát haõnh dieän trong söï hieän dieän cuûa caùc Nöõ Tu khi gaëp laïi hoï.

Dòch thuaät: Linh Muïc Pheâroâ Leâ Taøi, Chaùnh sôû nhaø thôø Our Lady of the Isle.

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Seminarian Education Burses

What is a seminarian burse fund?

A seminarian burse fund is an invested sum of money where the interest is used in perpetuity to help fund the education of men to the priesthood in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

How does someone establish a seminarian burse fund?

Very simply, a burse may be established and named for anyone you choose, be it family, friend, bishop, priest, religious, etc.

When is a seminarian burse complete?

A seminarian burse fund is complete once it reaches $15,000.

If you choose to continue to contribute, a new burse will be created for you.

Who do I contact to contribute to or establish a burse fund?

To contribute or establish a burse, send funds to Pastoral Center, Attn: Seminarian Burse, P. O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395 or call Jeremy Becker, Director of Stewardship and Development, at 985-850-3155 for more information.

Completed Burses of $15,000 each

Note: those wtih a number stipulates the number of completed burses* - Anonymous - Mr. & Mrs. C. Thomas Bienvenu - Harry Booker - Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux (3)* - Rev. Adrian J. Caillouet - Rev. James Louis Caillouet - Bishop L. Abel Caillouet - Judge/Mrs L. P. Caillouet - Msgr. Lucien J. Caillouet - Abdon J. & Ada B. Callais - Harold & Gloria Callais Family - Paul A. Callais - Peter W. Callais - Vincent & Fannie Cannata - Minor Sr. & Lou Ella Cheramie - Maude & Edith Daspit - Mr. & Mrs. Caliste Duplantis family (3)* - Clay Sr. & Evelida Duplantis

- C. Remie Duplantis - Marie Elise Duplantis - Warren J. Harang, Jr. - Msgr. Raphael C. Labit - Msgr. Francis J. Legendre - Rev. Charles Menard - Dr. & Mrs. M.V. Marmande & Fly - Donald Peltier, Sr. (3)* - Harvey Peltier (30)* - Richard Peltier - The Peltier Foundation (2) - Orleans & Louella Pitre - Msgr. Joseph Wester - Robert R. Wright, Jr. - Rev. Kermit Trahan - St. Bernadette Men’s Club - Diocesan K of C - Endowment Fund - $119,136.90

December 2013 Burse Contributions Mrs. Shirley Conrad ....................................... $3,000.00 Warren J. Harang, Jr. #2 ..................................... $500.00 Mr. Eledier Broussard ........................................ $300.00 Mr. & Mrs. George C. Fakier ............................. $100.00 Rev. Anthony Rousso ........................................ $100.00 Msgr. William Koninkx ..................................... $100.00 11

Open Burses with Balance as of 12/31/13 Mr. Eledier Broussard ................. $13,500.00 Msgr. Raphael C. Labit #2 .................. $10,840.00 Sidney J. & Lydie C. Duplantis ........... $10,800.00 Harvey Peltier #31 .............................. $10,486.91 Clay Sr. & Evelida Duplantis #2 .......... $10,000.00 C. Remie Duplantis #2 ........................ $10,000.00 Marie Elise Duplantis #2 ..................... $10,000.00 Maude & Edith Daspit #2 .................... $10,000.00 Msgr. George A. Landry ...................... $10,000.00 Donald Peltier, Sr. #4 .............................. $9,000.00 Elie & Dot Klingman .............................. $8,320.00 Mr. & Mrs. George C. Fakier ................. $7,600.00 Rev. Victor Toth ..................................... $7,000.00 Brides of the Most Blessed Trinity ......... $5,935.00 Rev. Peter Nies ..................................... $5,810.00 Mr. & Mrs. Love W. Pellegrin ................. $5,000.00 Anonymous #2 ...................................... $5,000.00 Mr. & Mrs. Caliste Duplantis Fmly.#4..... $5,000.00 Rev. William M. Fleming ........................ $5,000.00 Rev. Kasimir Chmielewski ..................... $4,839.00 Rev. Gerard Hayes ................................ $4,736.00 Msgr. William Koninkx ........................... $4,600.00 Rev. Henry Naquin ................................. $4,221.00 Harry Booker #2 .................................... $4,138.00

Mrs. Shirley Conrad ............................... $4,000.00 Joseph “Jay” Fertitta .............................. $3,700.00 Catholic Daughters ................................ $3,680.00 Kelly Curole Frazier ............................... $3,610.96 J. R. Occhipinti ...................................... $3,400.00 Mr. & Mrs. Galip Jacobs ........................ $3,060.00 St. Jude ................................................. $3,000.00 Diocesan K of C #2 ............................... $2,894.62 Rev. Peter H. Brewerton ........................ $2,600.00 Anawin Community ............................... $2,300.00 Rev. Guy Zeringue ................................ $2,200.00 Mrs. Ayres A. Champagne ..................... $2,100.00 Msgr. James Songy ............................... $2,075.00 Willie & Emelda St. Pierre ...................... $2,000.00 Rev. H. C. Paul Daigle ........................... $1,900.00 Warren J. Harang, Jr. #2 ......................... $1,700.00 James J. Buquet, Jr. ............................... $1,650.00 Msgr. Francis J. Legendre #2 ................ $1,645.00 Rev. Robert J. Sevigny .......................... $1,600.00 Msgr. Emile J. Fossier ........................... $1,545.00 Dr. William Barlette, Sr........................... $1,525.00 Msgr. Stanislaus Manikowski ................ $1,525.00 Deacon Robert Dusse’ ........................... $1,450.00 Msgr. John L. Newfield .......................... $1,200.00

Rev. Clemens Schneider ....................... $1,000.00 St. Joseph Italian Society ...................... $1,000.00 Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux #4 ........... $1,000.00 Msgr. John G. Keller .............................. $1,000.00 Rev. Anthony Rousso ............................... $950.00 Deacon Willie Orgeron ............................. $800.00 Deacon Roland Dufrene ........................... $750.00 Mr. & Mrs. John Marmande ...................... $700.00 Juliette & Eugene Wallace ......................... $700.00 Jacob Marcello .......................................... $700.00 Deacon Edward J. Blanchard ................... $660.00 Deacon Raymond LeBouef ...................... $550.00 Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Cannata .................... $500.00 Ronnie Haydel .......................................... $485.00 Deacon Harold Kurtz ................................ $300.00 Richard Peltier #2 ..................................... $300.00 Claude Bergeron ...................................... $250.00 Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Naquin .......................... $150.00 Rev. Hubert C. Broussard ........................ $ 50.00 Deacon Eldon Frazier .............................. $ 50.00 Deacon Nick Messina .............................. $ 50.00 Rev. Warren Chassaniol ........................... $ 50.00

Overall Seminarian Burse Totals: $1,434,358.39 www.bayoucatholic.com

Comment The Pope Speaks

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VATICAN CITY (CNS) -Christians facing difficulties and discrimination, especially in the Middle East, can learn a valuable lesson from Japanese Christians who survived by clandestinely baptizing, praying and hiding during 250 years of harsh persecution, Pope Francis said.

“Difficulties and persecution, when they are lived with trust, confidence and hope, purify the faith and strengthen it,” he said in his general audience talk in St. Peter’s Square Jan. 15.

“Be true witnesses of Christ and his Gospel, authentic children of the church, always ready to give reasons for your hope with love and respect,” he told pilgrims from the Middle East.

The pope continued a series of talks on the sacrament of baptism, underlining that it is through baptism that “we become members of the body of Christ and the people of God.” Just as parents pass the gift of life from generation to generation, the gift of grace is passed on with each person’s rebirth through baptism, he said.

To underline how important baptism is for the people of God and for keeping the faith alive, Pope Francis pointed to the experience of Christians in Japan in the early 17th century.

Every single priest was expelled from the country, he said, while thousands of Christians there

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

Pope Francis greets the crowd as he leaves his general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Jan. 15.

were killed and those who were left went underground, praying and practicing the faith clandestinely.

When missionaries were allowed to return after nearly 250 years, they found thousands of Christians ready to help the church blossom again, said the pope, who as a young Jesuit wanted to serve as a missionary in Japan, but was turned down because of concerns about his health.

Japanese Christians “survived with the grace of baptism,” which, because there were no priests, was conferred to every newborn by his baptized mother or father, he said.

“They maintained, even in secrecy, a strong spirit of community because baptism made them become one single body in Christ: they were isolated and hidden, but they were always members of the people of God, of the church,” he said. “We can learn a lot from this history.”

Later, in a greeting to pilgrims from Jordan and the Holy Land, Pope Francis urged them to learn

from the Japanese example how to keep “the flame of faith always lit, transmitting it from one generation to the other.”

Every Christian has the duty to transmit the faith, he said in his general audience talk. “Each of us is a link in this chain.”

“With this grace, the Christian people journey over time like a river that irrigates the earth and spreads God’s blessing across the world.”

Christians are disciples “because we receive the faith and missionaries because we transmit the faith,” he said. “All of us in the church are disciples forever, for our whole life,” even bishops and the pope.

“But I know what some of you will say, ‘But father, bishops aren’t disciples, bishops know everything, the pope knows everything,’” he said. “Hmm, even bishops and the pope must be disciples because if they aren’t disciples, they cannot do good, they cannot be missionaries, they cannot transmit the faith.”

Pope says persecuted Christians must hunker down, hold tight to God, hope Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • February 2014

Question Corner Father Kenneth Doyle

Completing Christ’s sufferings

Paul was writing to the people of Colossae while he was in prison, one of his several forced confinements for the sake of the Gospel. Except for the night between Holy Thursday and Good Friday, Jesus never suffered that same indignity.

So in a real sense, Paul was adding his particular sacrifice to that of Christ. By accepting our sufferings and setbacks willingly, the mystery of Christ’s passion continues in us and our own lives become redemptive.

Q

Q. When I was reading evening prayer recently, I came across a quote about our filling up what is lacking in the suffering of Christ.

For a few years in the early 1950s I was a Trappist monk at Gethsemani, and I have read a fair number of spiritual books since then. But now I am 80 years old and can’t seem to remember what that sentence means. What could possibly be lacking in the suffering of Christ? (Audubon, N.J.)

A

A. The passage to which you refer is taken from Paul’s Letter to the Colossians 1:24 and is translated in the Bible as follows: “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the church.”

This does not mean that the sacrifice of Jesus was incomplete.

In fact, the Letter to the Hebrews says in 10:14: “For by one offering he has made perfect forever those who are being consecrated.”

What it means is that, for whatever reason, God has chosen to involve us, as followers of Jesus, in the work of redemption. Pope Pius XII said in his 1943 encyclical “Mystici Corporis Christi” (in No. 44): “This is a deep mystery ... that the salvation of many depends on the prayers and voluntary penances which the members of the mystical body of Jesus Christ offer for this intention.”

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Reluctance on handshake

Q A

Q. Sometimes I feel uncomfortable exchanging a handshake when it is time for the sign of peace, or I might have a cold and I don’t want to chance spreading germs. How do I -politely -- not shake someone’s hand? (City of origin withheld) A. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal, which is the church’s official guide to the celebration of Mass, has this to say about the sign of peace in No. 82: “There follows the rite of peace by which ... the faithful

express to each other their ecclesial communion and mutual charity before communicating in the sacrament.”

It goes on to explain that the particular manner of the exchange is left to the discretion of national conferences of bishops “in accordance with the culture and customs of the people.”

That guideline is worth quoting, not only in that it denotes the purpose of the gesture, but because it shows that the sign of peace is an ordinary and expected part of the Mass. In the U.S., the gesture most commonly used is a handshake (which is far less expressive than in the early days of the church, when the custom in the western Mediterranean world was to “greet one another with a holy kiss.”)

If you are under the weather and concerned about spreading germs, it would certainly be acceptable for you to greet others simply with a word of peace, perhaps with a whispered explanation, “Sorry, I have a cold.”

It sounds to me, though, that in your case, you may feel uncomfortable shaking hands with a stranger even when you’re not 13 sick. You should not feel compelled to do so. I would suggest, so that you’re not misunderstood, that you take care to greet those surrounding you with a warm smile and a wave.

2014 Catholic News Service

Questions may be sent to Father Kenneth Doyle at askfatherdoyle@ gmail.com and 40 Hopewell St., Albany, N.Y. 12208

www.bayoucatholic.com

Reflections Readings Between The Lines Father Glenn LeCompte

Searching for the historical Jesus

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Would you like to meet the “real” Jesus of Nazareth?

Unfortunately, that is impossible if one is referring to “everything he...ever thought, felt, experienced, did, and said,” according to Monsignor John P. Meier (A Marginal Jew: Rethinking the Historical Jesus, p. 21). However, Meier believes that one can reconstruct a “reasonably complete picture” of him that he refers to as the “historical Jesus.” In the early 1990s Meier resurrected the “quest of the historical Jesus” initiated in the late 18th century and pursued into the 20th century until the 1960s, when lack of convincing results discouraged scholars from continuing intensive investigation into the issue.

Perhaps you are puzzled by the idea of searching for the “historical Jesus.” I would not be surprised if you were, because although many Christians may superficially agree with the assertion that the Gospels are not biographies of Jesus, they may be unaware of the further implications of that statement.

What exactly is the issue that leads us to believe that the Jesus of history can be discovered beneath the Gospels’ theological interpretations of his person and ministry? Even in the early centuries of the church’s existence careful biblical analysts noted the discrepancies in the Gospels and tried to explain them away by harmonizing the

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • February 2014

divergent Gospel accounts. By contrast, scholars in the last two centuries theorized that perhaps the Gospel differences indicate that the Jesus of history lies beneath the interpretive depictions of him which appear in the Gospels. For example, did Jesus “cleanse” the Temple at the end of his public ministry (Matthew 21:10-13; Mark 11:15-17; Luke 19:45-46) or at its commencement (John 2:13-17)?

To explain this discrepancy by the conjecture that Jesus performed this action twice during his ministry is not likely; the authorities would have been looking out for him the second time! This is only one of many disagreements concerning not only the timing of Jesus’ actions, but the exactness of his sayings and deeds as well. At the same time the Gospels also agree on a number of details.

In addition, when we compare Gospel data to other contemporary sources we find that the Gospels are sometimes inaccurate or vague about chronological or geographical details. A classic case would be Luke’s assertion (2:1-2) regarding a census which causes Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem, where Jesus is born shortly after their arrival. Luke maintains that this census occurs during Quirinius’ governorship over Syria.

Quirinius’ census (of Judea, but not Galilee) occurred in 6-7 A.D. In any event, this timing for Jesus’ birth clashes with Matthew’s (chapter 2) contention that Jesus was born not long before the death of Herod the Great (4 B.C.). Which is correct?

Regarding the census, Luke was not concerned about chronological exactitude, and may not have possessed the data to be more precise. Rather Luke relates the census to Jesus’ birth to say that the latter event is universally

ons

significant and that Jesus is a great historical figure, whose magnitude surpasses that of the renowned Emperor Augustus. John (20:31) explains that he wrote his Gospel so that “you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.” This statement of purpose, which could be applied to the other evangelists as well, indicates that the Gospel authors sought to lead people to faith, not to report brute facts about Jesus’ life. But it also means that they have shaped their stories of Jesus by a post-resurrection faith vision of his identity.

As Vatican II’s Constitution on Divine Revelation No. 19 says, the evangelists selected and modified teaching about Jesus, synthesized some of it and explained it in view of their unique communities’ situations. For example, teaching material that Matthew depicts Jesus as delivering in a “Sermon on the Mount” (chapters 5-7) is found in other contexts in Mark and Luke.

So if the evangelists were not concerned with chronological and historical accuracy, and if discrepancies in the Gospels are only harmonized forcibly, why did modern commentators become concerned with discovering the “historical Jesus” behind the written Gospels? It is because our sense of history, the identification of provable facts, differs from that of the ancients. In other words, the evangelists have given us a theologically interpreted version of Jesus’ words and deeds. So if we apply the tools of current-day historical research, will we truly find the historical Jesus behind the theological portraits of him provided by the Gospels? I will entertain this question in upcoming articles.

aith ess to f l witn a i esus of t J n “ e ta ing th a subs w h o t fl i n e k w R e of e us vantag provid the ad ospels e G b oes e t h t h How d n If t mig 7-30. s, wha :2 n the u i 8 s r e k e J r in to Pet th Ma i e s w n ? o 0 ” resp 3-2 history Jesus’ w 16:1 ’s Matthe nces in e e r r e a e Lord ff p i g of th n Com n r the d i t o d f n r e t o r n e cou diff the w one ac do the ces in sages? n s w e a o r p e h H c e ff ? i iv -4 ed e ea respect ain th d shap ke 11:2 e expl nd Lu e foun n r a o a s 3 s e 1 n o o d rsi 6:9 n How ive ve tthew in Ma respect e er? y h t a r h p c Prayer of the n whi i n o ts i x t e cont resenta list ’s p evange

Questi n o i t c e

Saints

Colette of Corbie 1381-1447 February 7

Ty Mam Duw

Born Nicolette Boellet in France, this reforming saint preferred Colette, her nickname. She entered and left several religious orders, then lived as an anchorite, or hermit, for three years. Eventually, she discerned that God wanted her to return Franciscan religious to their original rule of strict poverty. She was empowered in her reforms by the schismatic Benedict XIII, recognized in France as pope. Considered the founder of the Colettine Poor Clares, Colette also helped inaugurate reforms among Franciscan friars. She spent every Friday fasting and meditating on Christ’s Passion. After reportedly saving the life of a woman dying in childbirth, Colette was considered a patron of expectant mothers.

Saints

Martyrs of China died 1648-1930 February 17

Monica Liu

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Of the 120 Martyrs of China, 87 were Chinese nationals and 33 were foreign missionaries. They were executed during sporadic persecutions by warlords, local mandarins and provincial governors. The religiously motivated deaths occurred from the 17th to the 20th centuries. The martyrs were Catholic bishops, priests, nuns, brothers, seminarians, and lay women and men. They also represented several religious orders: Dominicans, Franciscans, Augustinians, Jesuits and Lazarists. When the martyrs were canonized in 2000, China’s Foreign Ministry condemned the action, saying some of the new saints had been accomplices of imperialists invading China and their canonization offended the Chinese people and government.

Saints

Blessed Daniel Brottier 1876-1936 February 28 Daniel was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Blois, France, in 1899, then taught school for three years. But the foreign missions beckoned. He joined the Congregation of the Holy Spirit and served eight years in West Africa. For health reasons he returned to France, where he raised money for a new cathedral in Dakar, Senegal.

During World War I he volunteered as a chaplain and spent 52 months at the front without being wounded. From 1923 until the end of his life, he helped restore and run an orphanage in a Paris suburb. He was beatified in 1984, and is the patron of orphans and abandoned children. Daniel ministered always under the protection of St. Therese of Lisieux.

Saints

CNS www.bayoucatholic.com

Scripture Readings Monday

Tuesday

3 February 4

Wednesday

5

and a listing of Feast days and saints.

Thursday

6

Friday

7

Saturday

Sunday

8

9

Weekday 1 Kings 3:4-13 Mark 6:30-34

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Isaiah 58:7-10 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Matthew 5:13-16

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Memorial of Scholastica, virgin 1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13 Mark 6:53-56

Weekday 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30 Mark 7:1-13

Weekday 1 Kings 10:1-10 Mark 7:14-23

Weekday 1 Kings 11:4-13 Mark 7:24-30

Memorial of Cyril, monk; and Methodius, bishop 1 Kings 11:29-32; 12:19 Mark 7:31-37

Weekday 1 Kings 12:26-32; 13:33-34 Mark 8:1-10

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Sirach 15:15-20 1 Corinthians 2:610 Matthew 5:17-37

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

Weekday James 1:1-11 Mark 8:11-13

Weekday James 1:12-18 Mark 8:14-21

Weekday James 1:19-27 Mark 8:22-26

Weekday James 2:1-9 Mark 8:27-33

Weekday Feast of the Chair of James 2:14-24, 26 Peter, apostle Mark 8:34—9:1 1 Peter 5:1-4 Matthew 16:13-19

24

25

26

27

28

1 March 2

Weekday James 3:13-18 Mark 9:14-29

Weekday James 4:1-10 Mark 9:30-37

Weekday James 4:13-17 Mark 9:38-40

Weekday James 5:1-6 Mark 9:41-50

Weekday James 5:9-12 Mark 10:1-12

Weekday James 5:13-20 Mark 10:13-16

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time Isaiah 49:14-15 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Matthew 6:24-34

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Weekday 1 Peter 1:3-9 Mark 10:17-27

Weekday 1 Peter 1:10-16 Mark 20:28-31

Ash Wednesday Joel 2:12-18 2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Thursday after Ash Wednesday Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Luke 9:22-25

Friday after Ash Wednesday Isaiah 58:1-9a Matthew 9:14-15

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18 1 Corinthians 3:1623 Matthew 5:38-48

Give y l s u o r e n e G

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Black and Indian Mission Collection Since 1884, the Black and Indian Mission Collection has supported evangelization in the African American and Native American Communities across the United States.

Please help our Bishops, Clergy, Religious and Lay Leadership by responding generously to these communities!

Please Give Generously The special collection will be taken at all Masses March 8 and 9, 2014 Visit us at www.blackandindianmission.org www.bayoucatholic.com

Happy Valentine’say!

D

Guest Columnist Nancy Diedrich, LPC, LMFT

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Everyone is accustomed to making New Year’s resolutions, where people make promises to do acts of self-improvement throughout the year, beginning on New Year’s Day. When people set goals to improve their physical well-being, they feel a sense of great satisfaction when they succeed in exercising more, losing weight, quitting smoking, drinking less or eating healthier.

When they resolve to improve their finances, they feel awesome when they succeed at being debt-free. Resolutions can take many forms, like volunteering to help others more, spending more time with family members, changing careers, making new friends, and getting closer to God. Regardless of what the resolution is, satisfaction results from KEEPING the promise! At the end of the year, when a person can say, “I did it!”…“I really lost weight,” or “I really quit smoking,” or “I really am closer to God,” then that person feels “improved” and fulfilled.

Self-fulfillment is a degree of contentment for which everyone should strive. A person, who is content and pleased with himself, is generally a very happy person. That being said, if keeping personal resolutions can create such a great sense of fulfillment in an individual, why not set goals and resolutions for relationships every year? Think about it for a while … people could actually have a Set Day each year to RESOLVE to improve their relationships. Valentine’s Day could be the “perfect day” for such promises to be made!

As a marriage and family therapist, I spend a lot of time helping my clients to set goals to improve their relationships.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • February 2014

Valentine Resolutions Many of them want to wait for the “right time” or the “right reason,” or to be in the “right mood” to make changes. I think that is normal for most people, but many times people never find the perfect conditions.

Well, here it is! Valentine’s Day is the right time and the right reason, and usually on this romantic day, people are in the right mood, too!

So here are a few suggestions from a hopeless romantic who knows that most relationships could be more satisfying and fulfilling with a little “nudge” from Cupid!

Some possible resolutions could be: “I resolve to never stop courting my wife (or my husband).”

“I resolve to never take my wife/ husband for granted.”

“I resolve never to get lazy in my love.”

“I resolve to always LISTEN.” “I resolve to always be really PRESENT in my relationship.”

“I resolve to protect my partner’s heart from harm.”

“I resolve to never stop growing

together.”

“I resolve to be the first to forgive.”

“I resolve to always put my husband/wife FIRST.” “I resolve to accept more and to expect less.”

“I resolve to accept responsibility for what I do or say.”

“I resolve to let go of the past.”

“I resolve to CHOOSE LOVE.” “I resolve to be the person I promised I would be.”

Wouldn’t you like your loved one to make those resolutions? They may sound like a bit too much (or too mush), but I promise you, everyone wants to know that they are loved … most people would also enjoy knowing how much they are loved. So open your heart to your loved one this year. Make your “Valentine Resolutions,” and live them throughout the year. At the end of the year, not only will you feel satisfied and improved, your relationship will be tighter, stronger and more rewarding than ever!

Young Voices

What Scripture passage or story in Scriptures has been one you have used as an inspiration during your faith journey and why?

The Scripture verse that has really followed me through my faith journey is, “Stop judging, that you might be judged” (Matthew 7:1). It has really helped me in my faith journey because it lets me know that judging other people is not going to help me in this life. We are all going to be judged sooner or later by our God, and judging other people will only affect our own judgment when the day comes.

Joel Anderson, 15 years old St. Joseph Church parish, Chauvin South Terrebonne High School

19 I think the Scripture that helped me the most throughout my faith journey is from 1 John 4:19: “We love because he first loved us.” This particular Scripture has helped me understand that we must love and accept everybody for who they are because God made us all different and unique.

Jordan Peltier, 15 years old St. Joseph Church parish, Chauvin South Terrebonne High School

I would have to say that the Scripture passage that has helped me through my faith journey is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things in him who strengthens me.” This Scripture always reminds me that God gives me the strength I need every day to face the struggles of my life. No matter how difficult life gets, I know that God is always there to help me overcome anything.

Shayla LeBoeuf, 15 years old St. Joseph Church parish, Chauvin South Terrebonne High School

I look to Jeremiah 29:11 for inspiration. It was written by Jeremiah to the exiles in Babylon.

God is letting his people know that, even though they had been banished because of repeated disobedience, he still loved them and had good plans for them. It’s like God is saying, “Trust me, I have everything under control. I know your situation stinks, but I know what I’m doing. I have your best interest in mind.”

Lauren Sylvest, 17 years old St. Charles Borromeo Church parish, St. Charles E.D. White Catholic High School

www.bayoucatholic.com

Our Schools

Holy Rosary School, Larose Fifty years of quality Catholic education

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Scott Bouzigard, principal; and Father Ronilo Villamor, pastor

Holy Rosary Catholic Elementary School (HRCS) in Larose was established in 1963 by the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. The school’s mission is to provide “spiritual, academic and social development for its students in a safe, Catholic environment so that they will become witnesses of Christ’s presence in the world.”

This school year, which marks the 50th anniversary of its establishment, there are approximately 330 students enrolled in PK-3 through eighth grade. Scott Bouzigard, principal since the 2010-2011 school year, says, “We have made some strides toward creating a safer, more competitive and stronger school for our students, parents and community. This is a beautiful little school that services five church parishes as far out as 40 miles away, which is unique for an elementary school in our diocese.”

Bouzigard says there is no real theme for the school’s anniversary, but they have been tying in the first 50 years with their faith in what Holy Rosary will become Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • February 2014

Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier in the future, celebrating throughout the year and inviting alumni to share “then and now moments” at various school events.

Extracurricular activities at the school are limited because of space and facilities, says the principal.

There is a girls’ volleyball team, boys’ and girls’ cross country, and boys’ and girls’ basketball teams and a cheerleading squad. The school also has a performing choir, beta club, art club, a very strong 4H club, and a social studies fair.

Academically they have been able to incorporate more physical education such as health and CPR instruction, as well as geography, and a unit on career opportunities in which students receive high school credit.

Bouzigard says anything he needs at any time parents come forth to help. The PTC and homeroom mom representatives meet monthly or bi-weekly to plan activities such as the Veterans Day program, pet blessings and fall fun fest day, to name a few.

a

“The parents are very involved in school activities.

We’ve been so fortunate in that area. All of our Catholic schools are dependent on our parents as well as the community for their continued support to be successful, and here at Holy Rosary we have tremendous community support financially and otherwise,” says the principal.

With the help of parents and the community, the school was able to renovate the cafeteria with new ceiling tiles, lighting, tables and chairs; refurbish the library, upgrade the lighting in 11 classrooms, create a new state of the art playground and a Jesus prayer garden, put up some new fencing, and much more.

The students look forward to recess time, says Bouzigard.

“I like attending HRCS because of the way my principal Mr. B. and my teachers care for me and teach me about God. I like when Mr. B. plays football with us for recess and how Mrs. Chiasson taught me not to be scared to read in church because I was doing God’s work,” says fifth grader Braxton Pitre.

Another unique aspect of HRCS is the Friends of the Rosary group that has provided over $1 million in scholarships for students in need over the last 20 years, which is a testament to the strong, spiritual, God oriented community.

As with many of the Catholic schools in the diocese, Bouzigard says the main challenge is finding the funds needed to do the things you have to do to make the school the best it can be.

One area the school has been working on in the

a

Laura Champagne, physical education and grades 6, 7 and 8 social studies teacher

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Our Schools

Eighth grader Emily Gros

22

Fifth grader Braxton Pitre

Holy Rosary

area of technology is getting iPads for all of its students.

According to Bouzigard, several donors have come forth with donations for the lab and the equipment, but the school still lacks funding for the connectivity costs.

Also because of the financial challenges, Catholic school teachers are probably not getting paid what they deserve, says Bouzigard, but they will still tell you there is no better place to teach than a Catholic school.

PK-3 teacher Alyce Barrios, says, “Three years ago as a 21 year old right out of college, I found myself in the same place as many of my peers, in a frantic job hunt. As my job search began, God’s plan led me back to an all-familiar place, a place he knew I needed to be: HRCS. Holy Rosary has been my foundation of faith.

As a child attending HRCS, I grew up in a community of great faith and devotion to our Lord. The same Lord who has blessed me by placing me in a position where I am able to teach children the same love that was taught to me—a love for myself, for others and for my religion.”

First grade teacher Patti Comeaux, who has been teaching at HRCS for five years, likens her experience to the Scripture passage Jeremiah 29:11, “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • February 2014

Third grader Melania Angelette

Diocesan Programs This Month “Spotlight on the Diocese” Host: Louis Aguirre With Guests: Deacon Jim Swiler

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Alyce Barrios, Pre-K 3 teacher

Patti Comeaux, first grade teacher

“I definitely know it was God’s plan for me to teach at HRCS,” says Comeaux. “I was going through a difficult time in my life and the Lord led me to HRCS to substitute. The next year I became part of the HRCS family. It is not just a workplace, but a home and a healing place for me. I thank God daily for guiding me to this faith-filled community.”

Bouzigard says the school’s strong Catholic identity is what distinguishes it from the public schools and other Catholic and private schools.

Laura Champagne, who teaches P.E. to all grades, and social studies to sixth, seventh and eighth graders, says patience and God played a big part in getting her to HRCS. She has been teaching at the school for nine years.

“The first 34 years of my teaching career – or vocation, as I sometimes refer to it – were spent in the public school system. I spent all of those years in one school, and I considered myself the luckiest person in the world because I considered it the best job in the world.

Toward the end of one of those years, I traveled with the church in Larose to do mission work, and I enjoyed the time spent doing God’s work. After completing my retirement requirements, I made the move to HRCS, where God’s presence is so strong.”

Eighth grade student Emily Gros says what she will always remember is the spiritual foundation she formed throughout her Catholic education. “It has taught me the morals and values needed to succeed in life. Regardless of where life takes me, I will always cherish the lessons my principals, teachers and the

23 staff have instilled within me,” she says.

Third grade student Melania Angelette says, “Holy Rosary is a place where not only do I learn about my schoolwork but about Jesus and my religion. It is also a place where my teachers listen and care. I play and share with my friends there. Mr B. is my principal and friend. I love HRCS.” Holy Rosary school is providing its students with the foundation to know what is right and what is wrong, and what they need to make them successful, says Bouzigard. “We know we are doing the right thing in the eyes of God. The strength of this school is on the cross of Jesus.”

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Tribute

A memorial Mass for Father John Gallen was celebrated recently at Christ the Redeemer Church parish in Thibodaux. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was the main celebrant of the Mass which was concelebrated by Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs and priests of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

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Grateful remembrance Late Father John Gallen honored in Ireland, here Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Father Mark Toups, administrator of Christ the Redeemer, addressed the congregation during the memorial Mass.

Rev. John A. Gallen, a retired priest of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, died Monday, Dec. 16 in his native Ireland, following a yearlong battle with bone cancer. He was 72 years old. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated for Father Gallen at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Aghyaran, Ireland, where he celebrated his first Mass over 44 years ago.

Father Gallen was ordained a priest June 8, 1969, and served the people of South Louisiana until his retirement in May 2013, at which time he returned to Ireland to be with his family.

He was born in Castlederg, Northern Ireland, the oldest of six children: Charlie, Mary Stead, James, Tommy and Josephine Byrne. He attended Castlederg and Laght Elementary Schools, Strabane Technical College and Mount Melleray School, where he studied philosophy. He attended St. Patrick’s Carlow College to study theology for three years, until he was diagnosed with epilepsy. After taking some time off, he was told he couldn’t return to St. Patrick’s.

However, with the help of his parish priest and a visiting bishop from New Orleans he was able to complete his studies at St. Kieran’s College.

After being ordained he traveled to the Archdiocese of New Orleans for his first assignment. He served

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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • February 2014

as associate pastor at St. Gabriel and St. Francis Church parishes in New Orleans. When the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux was established in 1977 he was serving as associate pastor at St. Mary’s Nativity Church parish in Raceland. He went on to serve as pastor of Sacred Heart Church parish in Morgan City for 18 years, and then as pastor of Christ the Redeemer Church parish in Thibodaux for 15 years until his retirement. He also served as defender of the bond and as a judge for the diocesan Office of Tribunal.

According to his siblings, they are from a very remote area of Northern Ireland and they came from a poor family. “Because we lived in such a remote area, there was no bus service, so we were boarders at school. We met each other at holidays and then everybody went their own way again,” says Josephine.

“We didn’t really get to know each other well as children.”

Charlie, who was only three years younger than Father Gallen, says the two of them were very close because they went to the same school. James had to attend a school for the deaf three hours away from their home and there were not many ways to communicate back then. “John always wrote letters to me and kept me up-to-date with what was happening in the world. I really appreciated John for that and we developed a close bond because of it,” says James.

His brothers and sisters remember him as being quiet and obedient. They said he was very close to his mother who was instrumental in his becoming a priest. “She never gave up on him and always encouraged him, as she did all of her children, to never give up on his dream,” says Josephine.

Charlie says John decided he wanted to become a priest around the time he started technical college when he was 14 or 15 years old and that he was not put off at all by his illness. Tommy says John never had second thoughts about becoming a priest.

After he died, his siblings found out from a “cousin” that John had shared a room with at their aunt’s house while attending technical college that he would get up every morning and go to Mass at 6 a.m. and every evening at 6 p.m. he went up the street to a little grotto and prayed the rosary.

Josephine says the family had mixed emotions when he came home last year. “We were very happy to have him home, but not for the reasons that he came home. We were absolutely delighted that there was that little window of time for him to come home, but it was terribly difficult for him emotionally because he was leaving a vocation that he loved and he knew his health was failing.”

The family says it meant a lot to them that Father Gallen always made time to come back home every year to visit and that even though he was away from home for 44 years, he still loved Ireland and the folklore of Ireland.

Very Rev. Vicente DeLa Cruz, J.V., who worked with Father Gallen on the diocesan tribunal for 14 years, traveled to Ireland for his funeral Mass and was asked to deliver the homily.

“The celebration of a funeral Mass in Ireland is

Father John Gallen’s siblings who traveled from Ireland to attend the memorial Mass are from left, Tommy Gallen, Josephine Byrne, Charlie Gallen, Mary Stead and James Gallen.

very somber, very solemn, very tempered and rich in the old rituals, unlike our more celebratory way of burying the dead in southeast Louisiana. So my challenge was to respond to the question ‘how would John Gallen want me to preach at his funeral Mass?’

“The church was packed with family members and friends of the family as the Gallens were very well known and respected in the area. There were some empty pews in the front, reserved for those who were perhaps coming from ‘out of town.’ At the same time we were celebrating John’s funeral Mass there, Father Mark Toups and the community of Christ the Redeemer were also gathered together celebrating a Mass at 6 a.m. (Thibodaux time).

“I informed the crowd about the simultaneous Mass and they were pleased. I told them the pews in front were not empty, for the spirits of John’s people in Thibodaux were there united with us. The family and the whole community were very grateful and appreciative that ‘someone’ from the diocese came.”

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre celebrated a Memorial Mass recently at Christ the Redeemer church which was concelebrated by priests of the diocese. Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs was homilist. Before Mass, some of Father Gallen’s friends and those who had worked with him over the years paid tribute to him.

Mary Baudoin, parishioner of St. Mary’s Nativity and former teacher at St. Mary’s Nativity school, said Father Gallen was phenomenal with the faculty,

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www.bayoucatholic.com

25

Tribute

Father Gallen remembered Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs delivered the homily during the memorial Mass.

staff, students, parents and parishioners at St. Mary’s. “He had such a good rapport with the school children and they looked forward to his frequent visits to the playground. He loved playing soccer with them at recess and they loved him, too.”

Julie Delaune, parishioner and secretary at Sacred 26 Heart in Morgan City, described him and his ministry as follows. “He was always available to the people; he was a good listener; he was courageous; he was a reconciler; he was generous, patient, understanding, supportive and empathetic. He was a man true to himself … a priest for all God’s people.”

Willie Landry, parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Church parish in Thibodaux, echoed Delaune’s sentiments, saying that Father Gallen was a good listener, patient, cool, calm and always faithful to God. Carman Gachassin, representative of the Hispanic community in Thibodaux, said Father Gallen welcomed the Spanish speaking people into his parish and he loved them. She remembered that he always answered his phone and he never told you ‘no.’ “He was a great host. He truly loved God. He had the right calling and he lived it to the end.”

Deacon Charlie Giroir, pastoral associate at Christ the Redeemer, said Father Gallen was a man who gave his life to the church. “No matter where he was he was constantly evangelizing. He was very involved with and supportive of the youth. He was a strong, kind man who enjoyed helping others and was always concerned about others.”

In his homily, Bishop Jacobs said, “We come here today not to eulogize but to see death in the context of faith and to remember the journey that each of us is on … that Father Gallen is on. What does he want us to remember (about him)? His faith … this is the inheritance that John left us – the Word of God, the witness of his life as a priest and pastor, as one who embraced the cross of suffering. John’s life and death Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • February 2014

reminds us to never forget that we are on a journey to full life with God. What we should fear is not dying but arriving and not being complete.”

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FEBRUARY

MARCH

n Women of God Conference, Friday and Saturday, March 14-15, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall. Online registration: www.htconferences. org or by phone, (985)850-3171.

Pre-registration is $60 per person.

Doors open at 5 p.m. on Friday; events begin at 7 p.m. Women over 18 years of age are invited.

APRIL

n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, April 1, Quality Hotel, Houma, 10:45-12:45 p.m.

Speaker to be announced. n The Commandments 4-10, Thursday, April 3, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8 p.m. Father Mike

the second floor of the Terrebonne Parish Main Library, beginning Feb. 4 and ending on April 15. The site will be closed on Mardi Gras day. n Christology, Wednesdays, Feb. 19 and 26, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Very Rev. Josh Rodrigue, S.T.L., speaker. n Matrimony and Holy Orders, Thursday, Feb. 13, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Very Rev. Robert Rogers, speaker. n Father Wilmer Todd, will be celebrating his 50th anniversary of priesthood at a Mass Sunday, Feb. 16, St. Bernadette Church,

2 p.m. Reception following in the parish hall. n Adore, Wednesday, Feb. 19, Houma Municipal Auditorium, 7 p.m. n The Blessed Virgin Mary and the Church, Thursday, Feb. 20, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m.

Father Jules Brunet, speaker. n TEC 72, February 21-23, Souby Retreat Building, beginning at 5 p.m. n Freedom, Law and the Beatitudes, Thursday, Feb. 27, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m.

Father Wilmer Todd, speaker.

n Christology, Wednesdays, March 19 and 26, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15p.m. Very Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L., speaker. n The Commandments 1-3, Thursday, March 20, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Father Michael Bergeron, speaker.

n Man of God Conference, Saturday, March 28-29, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall. Online registration: www. htconferences.org or by phone, (985)850-3171. Pre-registration is $60 per person. Doors open at 5 p.m. on Friday; events begin at 7 p.m.

Bergeron, speaker. n Woman of God Gathering, Tuesday, April 8, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall.

Meal is served at 6 p.m.; events begin at 6:30 p.m. Free event; all women over 18 years of age are invited.

n Adore, Wednesday, April 30, 7 p.m., Houma Municipal Auditorium. n Canon Law, Wednesday, April 30, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Very Rev. Vic DeLa Cruz, J.V., speaker.

www.bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org

DIOCESAN

n C.E.N.T.S. will be offering the Small Business Course beginning in February through Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. This free course is designed to help people who are interested in starting a small business. It will be held one evening a week for nine weeks.

A different business topic will be discussed each week. Anyone who is interested in participating may call Brooks Lirette at 8760490 to schedule an orientation appointment. n Free income tax preparation and E-filing will be available every Tuesday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on

27

EVENTS

www.bayoucatholic.com

Heavenly Recipes

Dolores’

d e f f u t Peppers SBell Story and Photos

by Lawrence Chatagnier

This month’s heavenly recipe comes from Dolores Johnson who cooks at the Lumen Christi Retreat Center in Schriever. Her stuffed bell pepper recipe is her favorite.

She began cooking at age 14. “My mother and aunts taught me how to cook. I watched them at first but I wanted to try it myself, so they showed me. My mom is an excellent cook; she taught me well. You could say that cooking is a passion for me. I love to cook,” she says.

Dolores has three children all of 28 which are grown now. “I have two girls and one boy. All my children love to cook. They are also very good cooks.”

Dolores has been at the retreat center for the past eight years.

However, she has been employed as a cook for the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux for 24 years. “I started working for the diocese at St. Thomas Aquinas Church parish in Thibodaux. Father Charlie Perkins hired me when he was there. I also cooked at St. Bridget for a few years,” says the cook.

You could say that cooking is in her family. Her sister Zenobia is the cook at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral parish in Thibodaux.

She says that she enjoys cooking at the retreat center. “I love to cook for the people who come to Lumen Christi. It’s good to cook here and meet the people who come here to find God, and peace and quiet. I also enjoy working with the other staff members. You could say we look out for each other. It is much like family here at Lumen Christi,” says Dolores. “We are a good working team here. I prefer to cook rather than bake. Sherry does most of the baking here. Barbara, the Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • February 2014

kitchen manager, loves to clean. We work very well together.”

Things can get pretty hectic when you cook for a large number of people, says Dolores. “My day sometimes begins at 4:30 a.m. to prepare breakfast.

When it’s a full house we won’t leave until 7 p.m. That’s a long day. I always cook a little extra when we have a gathering here. You never know when extra people will show up. We never ran short but sometimes we were down to the last spoonful of a serving.”

Dolores plans to stay at Lumen Christi. “I don’t plan on going anywhere else. I love it here. I am in good health and I plan on working for many more years,” says the cook.

It seems that while on a retreat at Lumen Christi people will be enjoying Dolores’ cooking for some time. She loves to cook spaghetti and smothered pork chops in addition to stuffed bell peppers. She likes the prospect of stuffing bell peppers for many more years.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

4 medium bell peppers 2 lbs. ground beef 1 1/2 tablespoon margarine 1/2 cup cooked rice Bread crumbs Salt, pepper, cayenne pepper and Tony’s seasoning to taste 1 large onion, chopped 2 sticks celery, chopped 1 bell pepper, chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 can chicken broth Take four bell peppers and cut in half long ways. Remove the seeds. Place peppers in a double boiler and steam 10 minutes. Set aside. Brown ground beef and drain the grease. Set aside. Take two teaspoons of margarine, add onions, bell pepper, garlic and celery. Saute until golden brown. Mix ground beef into seasoning; add can of chicken broth and cook for 20 minutes. Add bread crumbs and cooked rice. Mix together until a thick consistency. Season with Tony’s to taste; also add cayenne pepper to taste. Stuff peppers with mixture. Place on a baking sheet; sprinkle parmesan cheese and spread with melted butter. Bake in oven at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Entertainment

Seeing Clairely Claire Joller

A

A couple we know were separately given ominous medical diagnoses the same day last year.

Rather than bemoaning their misfortune, the husband said, “No matter what happens, we’ve had a good life.”

After attending his wife’s funeral, I suspect that one component of her good life was her tendency to enjoy the present moment. From eulogies by her family and friends, I learned that whether working, singing, traveling, sewing, entertaining, fishing, or gardening, she gave her entire attention to—and took considerable delight in—the activity at hand.

While gardening, instead of preoccupation, she experienced deep awareness of the natural processes at work in the very tree bark that breaks down into nutrients for the roses she so loved. In a meditation she wrote which was read at the celebration of her life, she likened that process to her desire that she, too, would become spiritual fodder for her family through her example.

This presence to the here and now as imperative to leading a contented life was summarized

by French priest, professor, spiritual director and writer Jean-Pierre de Caussade who died in 1751. Abandonment to Divine Providence is a collection of the letters he wrote over the years to the Visitation nuns under his direction at Nancy, France. It was published in 1861, an entire century after his death, thanks to the nuns who saved all his correspondence.

De Caussade wrote, “We must stop all imaginings about the future, keep our attention on what is happening now and not

The present moment

bother about anything that has gone before or what may follow.”

In another letter he advised, “To sum up: we must be active in all that the present moment demands of us, but in everything else remain passive and abandoned and do nothing but peacefully await the promptings of God.” It is this concept of giving active attention to the here and now that prods my consciousness. My belief is that it serves as well in the secular as it does in the spiritual life.

The world has phrased a similar concept in different ways. “Stop and smell the roses” is the most frequent such quotation in worldspeak. But this does not suffice when considering what different thinkers have called the grace of the present moment and the sacrament of the present moment, terms with which Catholics can surely identify.

This grace, this sacrament, means not only awareness but also full immersion of oneself in the goodness inherent in moments

as diverse as a conversation with friends and washing dishes. It means recognizing the depth of filial love involved in that conversation, not just the subject matter or the laughter. It means gratefulness for and even consciously experiencing the play of water on one’s hands in the sink and the smoothness of the china being washed.

While this may seem unrealistic to those of us who are rooted in activity, plans and deadlines, it bears remembering that practicality of course demands limited focus on both the past and the future because of different aspects of our life circumstances.

For me it will take practice to change a lifetime of anticipating what’s next instead of being entirely attentive to and appreciative of the present moment, and experiencing the accompanying grace.

But I think it will be worth the effort.

(For comments or inquiries about this column, Claire Joller can be contacted by e-mail at clairely1@ comcast.net). www.bayoucatholic.com

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Guest Columnist Shawn Lapeyrouse

T 30

2014 Womanof God

Conference is March 14-15

Taking the time for one’s self is not a trait that most women willingly exercise.

Many times, it is the needs of others in her life that take priority over her own. From scheduling a child’s hair appointment and putting off her own, to making sure everyone else is feeling healthy and well before she makes it to the doctor herself, it is because of her feminine heart, that she cares for her loved ones first. It is because of the inner beauty given to her by God that she is a Woman of God. Each woman is a daughter of God the Father. And it is because of her loving heart that she tends to lose herself in the day to day duties of life. Each woman is called to spend time with God, to come to know the loving Father and Christ the Son. She was put on earth to build this relationship with the Holy Spirit and, in order to do so, must take time for herself for this spiritual journey.

The diocesan Woman of God conference offers women a unique opportunity to do just this. It is about a woman taking time for herself to build that relationship with God, to come into a deeper closeness with him. In line with wanting to offer women this sacred time, who better to lead them than our Holy Father? During the weekend, the speakers, Father Dave Pivonka and Laura LaHaye, will venture into this year’s theme, “The Heart and Mind of Pope Francis.”

Father Pivonka is a renowned author and national speaker having given hundreds of presentations to numerous audiences. Laura LaHaye hails from Lafayette where she is known as an energetic and passionate evangelist. They will both delve into the recent teachings of Pope Francis in a way that will make it “real” for the women in attendance.

Because women each journey in their faith differently, the conference will offer not only teachings but other ways of bringing the attendees into a deeper spiritual experience. There will be time dedicated to personal reflection and small group sharing as well as community and fellowship time.

More Than Sunday featuring Lonnie Lapeyrouse, Matt Bourgeois, Doug Hamilton and Mark Duplantis, with Kayla LeBlanc, will lead the women in praise

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • February 2014

and worship.

The conference schedule will offer time before the Blessed Sacrament in eucharistic adoration. Priests from around the diocese are scheduled to offer the sacrament of reconciliation and Bishop Shelton J. Fabre will celebrate Mass. Laura Fakier will be the host for the weekend and Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs will also be present throughout the weekend to offer his services in various ways.

The hope is that by offering such a variety throughout the conference, each woman that attends the conference will leave with a feeling of spiritual renewal.

The diocesan Conference Office and women’s core team invite all women, ages 18 and up, to attend the 2014 Woman of God Conference, March 14-15.

Registration is available online at www.HTConferences. org, or by calling (985) 850-3171. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Friday and check-in will begin at that time for those who pre-register before Thursday, March 13 at 1 p.m.

Pre-registration price is $60 and includes coffee and snacks on Friday, a continental breakfast, lunch and light snacks throughout the day Saturday. On-site registration is available for the price of $80 and includes the same amenities. Mass will be celebrated Saturday during the conference but is not open to guests or the public due to limited seating.

For more information contact the Conference Office at (985) 850-3171.

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Front row from left are Harold Rentrop, Jr., Monique V. Albarado and Grand Knight Kerry Chenier (kneeling). Back row Trevor Benoit, Ferdinand Cortez, Fred Buquet, Sterling Fryou Sr., Jeff Pennison, Eugene Theriot and Joseph Venable.

31

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Special

‘Risen and Redeemed’ 33rd Annual Youth Rally is April 12 Story by Janet Marcel Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier “Risen and Redeemed,” (1 Corinthians 1:30) is the theme for this year’s 33rd annual youth rally, which is sponsored by the Office of Youth Ministry in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, for eighth through 12th graders. The rally will take place Saturday, April 12, on the Nicholls State University campus in Thibodaux, from 1 to 10 p.m.

According to Michael DiSalvo, diocesan director of the Office of Youth Ministry, this year’s theme was chosen “as a way to remind the young Catholic Church of the power of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Through his death we too rise out of the depths of sin and despair and are redeemed by his selfless 32 and unconditional love and self-sacrifice. As a young Catholic Church we should boast in the Lord and share that message of love with our lives.”

This year’s youth rally promises some exciting changes to the youth village which is a place for the teens to engage in a variety of activities that empower them with the tools to live out their faith and strengthen the community of faith, explains DiSalvo.

There will be a “Catholic Corner,” which is a place to learn about what it means to live out the Catholic faith. Some of the organizations featured in this area will be CASA, MADD, Right to Life and Catholic Charities.

A new “Prayer Path” in Shaver Gym sponsored by the church parishes in the Terrebonne Deanery will focus on allowing teens to experience many ways to pray and worship Jesus. Adoration and reconciliation will also be held in this sacred space. The rock wall is back but added to the mix will be interactive games like king of the hill, Jacobs’ ladder and the pony run.

These games will have faith challenges linked to them in some way.

A pre-rally concert will begin at 12:20 p.m. and gathering music at 6:45 p.m., both featuring Abundant Praise.

The keynote speaker will be ValLimar Jansen, a highly regarded singer and recording artist. She is also a college professor, a leader of worship and prayer and a workshop presenter at conferences across the United States and abroad. Known especially for her work with gospel, contemporary Christian and gospeljazz styles, she sings a wide range of music, including spirituals and traditional, organ-based choral music.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • February 2014

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Jansen has sung sacred music since she was five years old. She trained as a fine arts major at Howard University in Washington, DC; completed her bachelor of arts degree at California State University, San Bernardino; and earned a master’s degree at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She is near completion of her Ph.D. in dramatic arts from the same institution.

Jansen has sung and toured professionally throughout the United States, Switzerland, France, Germany, Belgium and Japan. She played the role of Beneatha, with the Broadway touring cast, in the European Premier of Raisin. Jansen went on to coauthor a one-woman musical about the life of Ethel Waters that received a special commendation from the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. She has been the cantor for several Jazz Liturgies at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress. She has toured regionally, and has served as a cantor, principal vocalist, lector, workshop presenter/presider at several festivals, conferences and many other major events. Jansen and her husband Frank also have a CD, recorded with Robert’s Revival, entitled, Catholic Classics: African American Sacred Songs (Biography courtesy of GIA Publications, Inc.).

In addition to the keynote, there will be faith presentations on the topics of vocations, healing and renewal, spreading and defending our Catholic faith, and the power of prayer which will be facilitated by presenters new to youth rally. There will also be a special workshop for adults featuring guest speaker Ansel Augustine, director of African American Ministries for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, entitled “Finding Jesus in the Midst of the Paperwork” from 3 until 4:30 p.m.

The closing Mass, which will be celebrated by Bishop Shelton J. Fabre and concelebrated by Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs and priests of the diocese, will begin at 7:45 p.m. in Stopher Gym. Cost to attend the youth rally is $40 per person which includes all rally materials, event T-shirt, meal choice, and transportation to and from the event.

Youth can register online with their parish groups by linking to the sign-up page at www.htdiocese.org/ym.

Early registration is strongly encouraged.

After March 20, all registrations will take place at the door of Stopher Gym beginning at 11 a.m. the day of the rally. Cost will be $50 per person; participants will not receive a T-shirt and only hamburgers will be available for dinner.

An Adult Night of Praise will take place Friday, April 11, at the diocesan Pastoral Center in Schriever from 7 to 9 p.m., for those adults who work with youth, including parish youth ministry coordinators, campus ministers, high school religion teachers, DREs, confirmation coordinators, etc. This keynote message is geared specifically toward adults and will be different than Saturday’s keynote. Registration cost is $15 per person. The evening begins with opening prayer followed by a buffet style dinner at 7:15 p.m., a keynote presentation by ValLimar Jansen at 8 p.m., and closing prayer at 9 p.m.

For more information about either of these events, call (985) 850-3151.

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In the News

Historical Research Center The Roger/Rogers Caissey Family Organization recently made a monetary donation and a Rogers family surname book to the Historical Research Center for the Diocese of Houma Thibodaux. Accepting a check from Carrol Rogers is Kevin Allemand, administrator and archivist for the facility.

The donation will be used to purchase genealogical books and materials for the research room of the center. From left are Peggy Rogers, Clyde Hartman, Marie Rogers, Carrol Rogers, Kevin Allemand, Craig Rogers, Doyle Rogers and Rodney Hartman.

34

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Rev. Kuruvilla

Rev. Varghese

Priests incardinated

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre has announced that Rev. Phillip Kuruvilla, pastor of St. Lawrence the Martyr Church parish in Kraemer, and Rev. Josekutty Varghese, pastor of St. Lawrence Church parish in Chacahoula, both from India, have been incardinated to the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • February 2014

Call Rick at 504-570-0948 or E-mail: rgallioto@mpressnow.com

Amanda Talbot

Holy Cross names new principal Amanda M. Talbot has been named as the new principal for Holy Cross Catholic Elementary School in Morgan City for the

2014-2015 school year, Marian B. Fertitta, diocesan superintendent of Catholic schools, announced recently.

Talbot is a graduate of Morgan City High School in Morgan City, LA. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s of education degree plus 30 hours in administration and supervision from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux.

She taught kindergarten and has been a curriculum facilitator for all core subject areas in grades Pre-K through eighth in the St. Mary Parish public school system.

She has been married to Shane Talbot for eight years and they have two children, Bryce, 6; and Kinsley, 3. They are parishioners of Holy Cross Church parish in Morgan City.

“I am pleased to welcome Mrs. Amanda Talbot as principal of Holy Cross School. We look forward to her becoming part of our Catholic school faith community and offer her our support,” says Fertitta.

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Special

New cardinals 19 to be inducted Feb. 22

By Francis X. Rocca VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Stressing that their role would be one of service rather than honor, Pope Francis named 19 new cardinals, including six men from his home region of Latin America.

The pope announced the nominations Jan. 12 after praying the Angelus and said he would formally induct the men into the College of Cardinals Feb. 22.

Although cardinals are traditionally known as “princes of the church,” Pope Francis, who has pointedly refused many of the trappings of his office, characteristically dismissed any element of pomp in the distinction he had decided to bestow.

In a letter to the new cardinals, 36 released by the Vatican Jan. 13, the pope wrote that a red hat “does not signify a promotion, an honor or a decoration; it is simply a form of service that requires expanding your vision and enlarging your heart.”

Pope Francis instructed the cardinals-designate to “receive this new designation with a simple and humble heart. And while you should do so with joy and happiness, do it in a way that this feeling may be far from any expression of worldliness, or any form of celebration alien to the evangelical spirit of austerity, sobriety and poverty.”

The consistory will bring the total number of cardinals to 218 and the number of cardinals under age 80 to 122. Until they reach their 80th birthdays, cardinals are eligible to vote in a conclave to elect a new pope.

Two current cardinal electors will turn 80 in March, bringing the number of electors back to the limit of 120 set by Pope Paul VI. (Other popes have occasionally exceeded that limit for short periods of time.)

Some observers had predicted that Pope Francis, the first pope Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • February 2014

CNS PHOTO/STEFANO RELLANDINI, REUTERS

Pope Francis waves as he arrives to lead the Angelus from a window in the Apostolic palace at the Vatican Jan. 12. Following the Angelus prayer, the pope announced the names of 19 prelates who are to become cardinals Feb. 22.

from Latin America, would use his first selections to make major changes in the composition of the cardinal electors, perhaps by boosting the presence of residential bishops from the global South and reducing that of Vatican officials or prelates from rich Western countries.

Half of the new cardinal electors hail from statistically underrepresented regions in the southern hemisphere, including three of the

world’s poorest countries: Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Haiti.

Yet Pope Francis did not substantially reduce the representation of groups with a traditionally strong presence.

Five of the new electors are from Latin America, an increase by onethird of the current number from the region. Latin America, home to about 40 percent of the world’s Catholics, will account for about 16 percent of the group eligible

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to choose the next pope.

The archbishops of Westminster and Quebec are also on the list of those to receive red hats; the latter is only cardinal-designate from North America.

Four of the new cardinal electors are from Italy, leaving that nation’s share practically unchanged at nearly a quarter. However, the pope passed over the archbishop of Venice and the archbishop of Turin, both dioceses that traditionally come with a red hat.

Four new cardinal electors are Vatican officials, three of them in offices that traditionally entail membership in the college. Such officials will continue to make up slightly more than a third of the cardinal electors.

Three of the new cardinals are already over the age of 80 and, therefore, ineligible to vote in a conclave.

The pope uses such nominations to honor churchmen for their scholarship or other service to the church.

Among the new so-called honorary cardinals is Cardinal-designate Loris Capovilla, who served as personal secretary to Blessed John XXIII. Here is the list of the new cardinals: -- Italian Archbishop Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, who will turn 59 Jan. 17.

-- Italian Archbishop Lorenzo Baldisseri, general secretary of the Synod of Bishops, 73.

-- German Archbishop Gerhard Muller, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, 66.

-- Italian Archbishop Beniamino Stella, prefect of the Congregation for Clergy, 72.

-- English Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Westminster, 68.

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-- Nicaraguan Archbishop Leopoldo Brenes Solorzano of Managua, 64.

-- Canadian Archbishop Gerald Lacroix of Quebec, 56.

-- Ivorian Archbishop Jean-Pierre Kutwa of Abidjan, Ivory Coast, 68.

-- Brazilian Archbishop Orani Tempesta of Rio de Janeiro, 63.

-- Italian Archbishop Gualtiero Bassetti of Perguia-Citta della Pieve, 71.

-- Argentine Archbishop Mario Poli of Buenos Aires, 66.

-- Korean Archbishop Andrew Yeom Soo-jung of Seoul, 70.

-- Chilean Archbishop Ricardo

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-- Burkina Faso Archbishop 37 Philippe Ouedraogo of Ouagadougou, 68.

-- Philippine Archbishop Orlando Quevedo of Cotabato, 74.

-- Haitian Bishop Chibly Langlois of Les Cayes, 55.

-- Italian Archbishop Capovilla, 98.

-- Spanish Archbishop Fernando Sebastian Aguilar, retired, of Pamplona, 84.

-- Saint Lucian Archbishop Kelvin Felix, retired, of Castries, who will be 81 Feb. 11.

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Special

‘A joyful day’ Bishop Joseph Latino of Jackson offers Bishop-designate Joseph Kopacz a ‘warm Mississippi welcome’; ceremonies set Feb. 6

By Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Pope Francis has named Father Joseph R. Kopacz, 63, a Scranton diocesan priest who is pastor of Holy Trinity Parish in Mount Pocono, Pa., to succeed Jackson Bishop Joseph N. Latino, who is 76.

Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Bishop Latino.

Canon law requires bishops to turn in their resignation to the pope when they turn 75.

The changes were announced in Washington by Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

Bishop-designate Kopacz will be ordained and installed at a Feb. 6 38 Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson.

Bishop Latino, who will serve as diocesan administrator in Jackson until his successor’s installation, asked Catholics of the diocese to keep the newly named bishop in their prayers and to offer him “a warm Mississippi welcome” when he begins “his many responsibilities as shepherd of the Diocese of Jackson.”

He added: “This is indeed a joyful day.”

A native of New Orleans, the retired bishop had headed the Jackson Diocese since March 2003. Ordained a priest for the New Orleans Archdiocese in 1963, he held educational, parish and administrative posts in the archdiocese and in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, after it was formed in 1977. He was vicar general for Houma-Thibodaux when Blessed John Paul II named him the 10th bishop of Jackson.

Scranton Bishop Joseph C. Bambera said in a statement the appointment of Bishop-designate Kopacz was “cause for great joy” in his home diocese. Pope Francis has recognized the priest’s “many gifts Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • February 2014

CNS PHOTO/MAUREEN SMITH, MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC

Bishop-designate Joseph R. Kopacz, left, addresses a news conference at the chancery in Jackson, Miss., Dec. 12. Pope Francis appointed the priest of the Diocese of Scranton, Pa., to succeed Bishop Joseph N. Latino, seated at right.

and deep faith,” he said.

While Holy Trinity parishioners and many others in the Scranton Diocese “will undoubtedly feel a certain sadness in losing the presence of a such a dedicated pastor and friend,” Bishop Bambera said, “we give thanks to God that he has chosen Father Kopacz to serve the broader church and particularly our brothers and sisters” in Jackson.

A native of Dunmore, Pa., Bishopdesignate Kopacz has a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Scranton, a master’s in Latin from Fordham University in New York, and a master’s in theology from Christ the King Seminary in the Diocese of Buffalo, N.Y. He also earned a master’s in counseling and psychology and a doctorate in human development from Marywood University in Scranton.

He was ordained for the Scranton Diocese in 1977 and had several assignments as assistant pastor, parish administrator and pastor.

From 1998 to 2002 he was

diocesan vicar for priests and formation director at St. Pius X Seminary in Dalton, Pa., then was appointed pastor of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Scranton. In 2005 he was named vicar general for the diocese, while still vicar for priests and Sacred Hearts pastor.

In July 2006 he became pastor of St. Mary of the Mount in Mount Pocono; he was vicar general until August 2009. St. Mary was consolidated with two other parishes to form Holy Trinity, his current parish.

Other diocesan positions he has held include as president of the Catholic Schools’ Board of Education, a member of the diocesan finance council, director of continuing education for priests and a coordinator of Hispanic ministry for Monroe County.

The Jackson Diocese is comprised of 65 counties, covering about 38,000 square miles. It is home to close to 48,000 Catholics, out of a total population of 2.1 million people. It has 75 parishes and 24 missions.

Black Catholic Lenten Day at Xavier March 8 The Office of Black Catholic Ministries of the Archdiocese of New Orleans with the Dioceses of Baton Rouge, Houma-Thibodaux, Lafayette, and Xavier University are sponsoring a Lenten Day of Reflection, entitled “Sankofa,” Saturday, March 8 at Xavier University’s Convocation Center, 7910 Stroelitz Street in New Orleans from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Black Catholic participants will reflect on “where we have been, where we are and where we are headed.”

Featured speakers are Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans, Bishop Shelton Fabre of HoumaThibodaux, Kaffy Babineaux-Belvin of Lafayette, Father Daniel Green of New Orleans, and Dr. Greer Gordon of Baton Rouge. Music by Voices of Greatness from St. Raymond-St. Leo the Great Catholic Church.

Cost is $15 per person. To register or for more information contact Christine Streams at St. Luke Church parish in Thibodaux at (985) 446-0487 or by email at cstreams@htdiocese.org. Registration is due to

by Feb. 19.

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March for Life

Ronald Chauca of Chicago is bundled up as he makes his way across the National Mall before the March for Life in Washington Jan. 22. Although skies were sunny all day, temperatures barely reached 20 degrees during the annual event, which this year marked the 41st anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe V. Wade decision that legalized abortion across the nation. Bishop Shelton Fabre and a large group from the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux were in attendance. Bayou Catholic will have comprehensive coverage of this event in next month’s issue.

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Our Churches

Our Lady of the Isle,

Grand Isle

Unique island parish

Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Our Lady of the Isle Church parish in Grand Isle, which is situated on a narrow strip of land in the southernmost part of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, extends into both the southern tips of Lafourche and Jefferson civil parishes. Because of its geographic location, hurricanes pose an ever-present threat to the island and residents are on high alert during hurricane season.

Before the parish was established in 1933, priests would come from Thibodaux, Larose, Gretna, Marrero and New Orleans to minister to the people of the Grand Isle area. In 1918, one such priest, Msgr.

Peter Wynhoven, became determined to build a substantial structure that could withstand hurricane forces. According to Roger Baudier’s book, The Catholic Church in Louisiana, Msgr. Wynhoven was able to acquire the “safest spot on the island” for the new structure. Mercedes Adams donated a piece of land in the well-protected oak ridge on the center of the island.

The current church, which is situated on seven-foot pilings to protect it during hurricanes, was built in 1961 when the old church was deemed too small to serve the needs of the large groups of summer tourists and the island’s residents. The building that was built in 1933 became the church hall. In 2005, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the island and the church underwent several renovations that included refurbished pews, new stained glass windows, new floors, new interior walls and a new sound system.

There are approximately 120 registered parishioners; however congregations during range from 2,400 on the Fourth of July to about 250 during the winter months. Father Peter Tai Le, pastor since June 2011, says the average age of parishioners is 50. “The cost to live on the island is high, and based on the number of students at the school the younger generations seem to be moving away from the island.”

The parish has an active ladies altar society, pastoral council and finance council. The youth ministry group consists of about 10 members who meet regularly for fellowship to play video games, watch movies and have pizza parties. The pastor celebrates a youth Mass once a month.

Generally the parish pays for its youth to participate in diocesan events such as the youth rally and the Steubenville on the Bayou youth conference. The CCD program currently has about 40 students enrolled.

“We have no set social ministry,” says the pastor. “Whenever someone comes to the parish for help, we refer them to the diocese for screening. Then we usually split the cost of any help, like rent, utility

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Our Churches

42

Grand Isle

Unique Parish

bills or medical expenses, half and half, except in emergency situations.”

The parish’s geographic location coupled with the fact that it is a vacation/resort parish which welcomes people from around the world makes it quite unique.

Father Le says Grand Isle is one of the best fishing spots in the world. “There are local fishing charters, both inland as well as offshore. Grand Isle is also home to many famous fishing rodeos. Many of the visitors to the island attend Mass and we make them feel very welcome. I ask visitors where they are from and recognize them at Mass. Because I have traveled a lot myself, I feel like I can relate to them. It’s really amazing to be able to meet so many people from all over the world.”

In addition to dozens of hotels, cabins and camps for Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • February 2014

rents, many people own vacation camps on the island.

Father Le says the parish relies on islanders, camp owners and vacationers for donations. “Even though camp owners don’t typically come to the island during the winter months many still support the parish during that time.”

The local community really embraces visitors to the island; the people there are very social. The pastor says he has witnessed the local people attending rodeos and supporting the different events on the island. Father Le adds that there is also good interaction between the church parish and secular events. Many times he has been asked to give the invocation and bless food at different events.

“The people who live on the island are very friendly and very Christian,” says Father Le.

Staff Our Lady of the Isle parish staff are from left Tina Rabalais, secretary/ CRE; Father Peter Tai Le, pastor; and Kalie Gadaire, youth minister.

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44

CNS PHOTO/TONY GENTILE, REUTERS

Fabian Baez (at far left), a priest from a church in downtown Buenos Aires, sits in the popemobile as Pope Francis arrives to lead his general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Jan. 8. The pope spotted the priest in the crowd and invited him to board the popemobile.

Ride of a lifetime Priest says hitching ride on popemobile was invite to hit road for God

By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- When Father Fabian Baez booked his trip to Rome, he didn’t have an appointment to meet with the pope, so he gave himself ample time in the Eternal City to be able to arrange some way to see him.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • February 2014

A week and a half in Rome seemed like plenty of time to meet up with the pope “because I thought I needed to find a ticket, to get a ticket to a general audience. Instead he found me,” the priest told Catholic News Service Jan 9.

Father Baez, a parish priest in

the pope’s former Archdiocese of Buenos Aires, arrived in Rome late Jan. 7 but did not manage to get a ticket to the next day’s general audience in St. Peter’s Square.

He said he did not worry about it because he still had another week to try. He still went to hear the

a

catechesis anyway, sending out a message on Twitter saying he was on his way to the square.

Little did he know a short time later he would end up having the best seat in the house: first with the pope on the popemobile, then VIP seating during the audience talk.

Father Baez said: “I had no ticket so I couldn’t really come into the square. I was outside the audience area. But he saw me from a distance.”

The pope yelled to him, “What are you doing here?” the priest said. And he yelled back, “I came to see you!”

The pope had the driver stop the vehicle. He gestured to the priest to come, “And I ran as best I could,” squeezing past the people pressed in front of him, past the large wooden barricades snaking through the

him have.

“I really didn’t think about that” and the instant fame he was going to have “because I was just so happy to see him. I’ve known him for 20 years; he was my bishop for 15.”

“I hadn’t seen him since he became pope and I really wanted to see him and give him a big hug. I was so happy because I saw him and we spoke.”

Father Baez spoke very fondly of his former bishop: “He’s a very good priest, whether he was a bishop, a pope, he is first and foremost a priest.

“He showed all of us priests how to be a priest, how to care for people, to be a pastor with the smell of sheep,” he said.

Father Baez’s parish runs a school and two residential homes: one for girls to live in while doing studies and one for homeless wom-

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Pope Francis embraces Father Fabian Baez of Buenos Aires, Argentina, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.

square and past a large security detail that is now used to protocol being thrown to the wind.

The pope said, “Come, get on!” and gave the priest an empty seat next to his papal assistant.

The priest said that later, when he thought about it, he felt that phrase “Come, get on” was also meant for the whole world.

“When he invited me, he invited all priests to be near the people,” he said, and the pope was also inviting all people “to stand up, rise up and go,” and lift their hearts and lives up to the Lord.

When the priest from the church of Our Lady of the Pillar climbed onto the popemobile, the pope told him, “The picture will go around the world,” as many unique and touching images capturing the pope interacting with those around

en with children.

“We’re not a poor parish, but we work for the poor,” he told Catholic News Service.

The priest said Pope Francis “is the same man he was as a priest and as a bishop,” and his recent apostolic exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium” (“The Joy of the Gospel”), contains “everything he thinks, everything he believes, does and says” in his ministry -- “to proclaim Christ’s love.”

As a bishop, the pope always needed to demonstrate that love and show it by example, the priest said, so “I think it is difficult for him” being pope because his actions and mobility are more limited.

“He likes people, he likes being with the poor, hearing confession ...” he said.

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Francis tells moms: It’s okay to breast feed in public, even at Sistine Chapel

By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis assured mothers that breast-feeding their babies in public, even during a papal Mass in the Sistine Chapel, is OK. No chorus is as wonderful as the squeaks, squeals and banter of children, the pope said during a Mass in which he baptized 32 babies on the feast of the Baptism of 46 the Lord, Jan. 12.

“Some will cry because they are uncomfortable or because they are hungry,” he said during his brief and unscripted homily.

“If they are hungry, mothers, let them eat, no worries, because here they are the main focus,” he said.

One of the mothers, Emer McCarthy, an Irish journalist at Vatican Radio, told Catholic News Service that while most of the other mothers had brought baby bottles for feedings, she did not hesitate to breast-feed her daughter, Polly Rose, discreetly during appropriate moments during the ceremony.

She said she hoped the pope’s encouragement would help overcome social taboos against breast-feeding in public.

“Who would have thought the pope would be this great proponent,” she said.

The pope made a similar appeal in an interview with La Stampa newspaper Dec. 15. In a world where so many children go hungry, people must help them eat, he said.

He used the example of a young woman he saw at a Wednesday general audience whose child was crying desperately.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • February 2014

“I told her, ‘Ma’am I think your baby is hungry.’ And she replied, ‘Yes, it would be time.’ I replied, ‘Well, please, feed him.’ She was modest and didn’t want to breastfeed him in public while the pope drove by,” the pope said in the interview.

The pope’s remarks “underline how natural it is, how motherhood and maternity are natural and have a place, even in church, even in the Sistine Chapel,” McCarthy said.

Typically, the babies that are baptized by the pope at the annual liturgy are children of Vatican employees.

This year, Pope Francis also included one couple who do not work at the Vatican, but had requested the pope baptize their second child.

The couple, Ivan Scardia and Nicoletta Franco, both work for the Italian military police in the central Italian town of Grosseto.

However, while they are Catholic, they were married civilly and not in the church, which caused a slight “glitch” when they had to send the requested paperwork to the Vatican, Scardia said.

“But they called me back right away and this problem, too, was taken care of,” he told the Italian daily Corriere della Sera.

Scardia said they consider themselves to be believers and wanted their 7-month-old daughter to receive the sacrament of baptism.

He said they had not gotten married in the church because “we were in a hurry and there wasn’t time to organize a church ceremony. Maybe we will get married in the church sometime later.”

One of the intentions read during the prayers of the faithful was for families and asked that “the Lord rekindle the sacramental grace of marriage and give (parents) the ability to teach their children in the faith.”

In his homily, Pope Francis told the parents and godparents the faith was “the most beautiful inheritance they will leave” their children and that they had “the duty to hand down the faith.”

Later, at the Angelus prayer with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the pope again underlined his hopes that a child’s baptism would serve as an impetus for his or her parents to live a Christian life more fully.

“I pray that the children’s baptisms help these parents rediscover the beauty of faith and to return, in a new way, to the sacraments and the community” of the church, he said.

Vatican confirms Obama visit in March

By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis will meet with U.S. President Barack Obama at the Vatican March 27, the White House announced and the Vatican confirmed.

The spring meeting would be Obama’s second visit to the Vatican as president, but his first with Pope Francis, who was elected March 13, 2013.

The White House said the Vatican visit would be part of a presidential trip to the Netherlands, Belgium and Italy.

“The president looks forward to discussing with Pope Francis their shared commitment to fighting poverty and growing inequality,” said the Jan. 21 White House statement.

During the same trip, Obama will participate in a summit in the Netherlands on nuclear security, visit the presidents of the European Council and the European Commission in Brussels, and hold talks in Rome with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano and Prime Minister Enrico Letta.

After U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry met his Vatican counterpart, Cardinal-designate Pietro Parolin, at the Vatican Jan. 14, he told reporters, “I know that the Holy Father is anticipating the visit of President

Ecumenism, not secularism

By Francis X. Rocca VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis said the evangelization of secular society requires focusing on the essentials of Christianity in collaboration with other Christian churches.

The pope made his remarks Jan. 17 at a meeting with representatives of the Lutheran Church in Finland, who were making their annual ecumenical pilgrimage to Rome on the feast of Finland’s patron, St. Henry. The meeting occurred one day before the start of the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Pope Francis told the group that ecumenical relations lately have been undergoing “significant changes, owing above all to the fact that we find ourselves professing our faith in the context of societies and cultures every day more lacking in reference to God and all that recalls the transcendent dimension of life.”

“For this very reason, our witness must concentrate on the center of our faith, on the announcement of the love of God made manifest in Christ his son,” the pope said. “Here we find space to grow in communion and in unity, promoting spiritual ecumenism.”

Pope Francis quoted the Second Vatican Council’s decree on ecumenism, which described “spiritual ecumenism” as consisting of “conversion of heart and holiness of life, together with private and public prayer for Christian unity,” which form the “soul of the whole ecumenical movement.”

Obama here, and the president is looking forward to coming here to meet with him.”

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, told reporters that Cardinal-designate Parolin and Kerry had discussed, among other subjects, “themes that have been the object of concern and discussion by the U.S. bishops,” particularly “the health care reform and its relationship to guarantees of religious freedom” -- an apparent reference to the contraception mandate that has proven a major point of tension between the Obama administration and the church.

In general, employers who provide health insurance to workers were required as of Jan. 1 to comply with a government mandate that those policies include various types of contraceptives, including sterilization and abortifacients. The penalty for noncompliance is potentially thousands of dollars daily in fines. Although the Obama administration has made some allowances for exemptions for religious institutions, when final rules were issued in June, some Catholic employers said the exception still did not address their moral objections.

Obama met Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican in July 2009. The pope gave the president a signed, leather-bound copy of his encyclical, “Caritas in Veritate” (“Charity in Truth”), and a copy of the 2008 instruction “Dignitas Personae” (“The Dignity of a Person”) on bioethics issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

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a weekend of

Healing and

with

Hope

` IMMACULEE ILIBAGIZA

MARCH 7-8, 2014

March 7th doors open at 5:00 p.m.

The retreat begins at 6:00 p.m.

March 8th doors open at 8:00 a.m.

The first session begins at 9:00 a.m.

The retreat concludes with the 4:00 p.m. Mass.

St. Genevieve Catholic Church 807 Barbier Avenue Thibodaux, LA 70301 Contact Renee Helmer renee4immaculee@aol.com Immaculee will speak and share about overcoming struggles, the power of forgiveness, the miracles of the rosary and so much more!

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THIS POWERFUL RETREAT!

For more information or to register, please visit:

The St. Genevieve Knights of Columbus will be selling plate lunches on Saturday, March 8 for $8.00.

Lunch includes chicken and sausage jambalaya, white beans, cake and soft drink.

Please place your order (include your name and payment) by mail to address above by March 3, 2014.

www.bayoucatholic.com

Mount Carmel Academy desk donated R. Gibbens Robichaux recently donated a desk that was originally used at Mt. Carmel Academy in Thibodaux to St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School in Thibodaux. The Academy first opened its doors in 1855. Gerard Rodrigue Jr., principal of St. Joseph is pictured with the desk at the entry of the school. The desk is estimated to be 168 years old.

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Bayou

Catholic

The magazine for the people of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

Pope Francis

Insid

e

Ba ou

wellness 2013

A Man of the People HOUMA, LA ~ APRIL 2013 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • February 2014

Strong readership 14,000 circulation Advertising that reaches the people of Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Mary and the surrounding parishes.

985-850-3132 www.bayoucatholic.com

Sports

Overtime

O

Ed Daniels

One of Sean Payton’s best qualities as a head coach/talent evaluator is that he is not optimistically delusional.

Unlike some previous Saints regimes that spent the offseason convincing themselves (and the owner) that they were better than they were, Sean Payton understands where the Saints stand, right now.

Payton set the tone for the offseason moments after his team’s 23-15 divisional playoff loss at Seattle.

Payton said he was “real proud” of his team, and went out of his way to commend the work of defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, in “his first year.”

Payton struck exactly the right tone. His underlying message is, we have a good team that won 11 regular season games. But, if we plan to win in the playoffs, we will have to improve enough to beat San Francisco, Seattle and Carolina.

In 2013, the Saints were two wins, three losses against that trio.

And, one of those wins was 2320 at home against the 49ers.

Why can these teams compete successfully against the Saints?

For one, all three teams have outstanding young quarterbacks.

Colin Kaepernick, Russell Wilson and Cam Newton figure to be very good or great NFL signal callers for years.

In most games, with Drew Brees at quarterback, the Saints enjoy a huge edge at the most important position on the field.

The 49ers, Seahawks and Panthers had a big edge over the Saints in defensive touchdowns scored.

In 2013, San Francisco scored five defensive touchdowns, Seattle four, and Carolina four.

The Saints, while finishing

Saints i n g ? d n e asc

fourth in yards allowed, did not score a defensive touchdown all season.

As solid as the Saints were defensively, the fact is they are unlikely to win unless their quarterback plays at a very high level.

In 11 regular season wins, Drew Brees threw 32 touchdown passes.

In five regular season losses, Brees threw seven touchdown passes.

Four of the Saints five defeats were outdoors.

The Saints, and especially their head coach, abhor the label of “dome team.”

But, those numbers are simply hard to deny.

What the Saints need is another offseason like the last.

Since Payton’s return from his one year exile, he changed defensive coordinators and significantly improve his roster.

Cornerback Keenan Lewis was a

MICHAEL C. HEBERT/NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

terrific free agent signing. Lewis is an outstanding cover corner, who was thrilled to be able to return to his hometown.

The draft yielded two starters, safety Kenny Vaccaro and left tackle Terron Armstead.

Wide receiver Kenny Stills is a legit deep threat, and defensive tackle John Jenkins appears to have upside.

Rookie street free agents also contributed.

Defensive tackle Glenn Foster had three quarterbacks sacks.

Running back Khiry Robinson averaged 4.1 yards a carry.

During his un-scheduled vacation, Sean Payton watched the tape and realized his team had slipped.

The Saints have started to again, ascend. The goal is to keep ascending, while the team’s franchise quarterback is still top shelf. www.bayoucatholic.com

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