CHURCH
Volume XLIV, No. 12
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ON THE
INSIDE Pope Francis named Person of the Year Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pontiff who won hearts and headlines with his humility and common touch, was named Time magazine’s Person of the Year for 2013. Read the story on pg 2.
Pope Francis supports Caritas campaign to end world hunger Pope Francis offered his blessing and support for the “One Human Family, Food For All” campaign initiated by Caritas Internationalis recently. He said “there is enough food in the world to feed everyone.” See pg 3.
Pro-lifers gear up for marches in Louisiana and in Washington, DC As the 41st anniversary nears for the Jan. 22, 1973 Roe vs Wade decision, which legalized abortion, pro-lifers across the diocese are making plans to participate in the various life marches around the state, as well as the national march in Washington, DC. See pg. 6 for details.
TODAY
MARY AND THE CHRIST are depicted in the painting "Madonna of the Fir Tree" by Marianne Stokes. The feast of the Nativity of Christ, a holy day of obligation, is celebrated Dec. 25. (CNS/Bridgeman Art Library)
December 16, 2013
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CHURCH TODAY
DECEMBER 16, 2013
Pope Francis is named Time magazine’s Person of the Year Compiled News Reports Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pontiff who won hearts and headlines with his humility and common touch, was named Time magazine’s Person of the Year for 2013, the magazine revealed Dec. 11 on TODAY. The iconic title goes every year to the individual chosen by Time editors as someone who has had the most impact on the world and the news — for better or worse — over the past year. Pope Francis stood out “as someone who has changed the tone and perception and focus of one of the world’s largest institutions in an extraordinary way,” Time managing editor Nancy Gibbs said Wednesday. “Rarely has a new player on the world stage captured so much attention so quickly -- young and old, faithful and cynical -- as has Pope Francis,” Time said on its website. “With a focus on compassion, the leader of the Catholic Church has become a new voice of conscience.”
challenging Catholics and Protestants alike on the interpretation of Church dogma on issues ranging from homosexuality to capitalism. New York’s Cardinal Timothy Dolan, one of the nation’s leading Catholic clerics, said the pope has “captivated the world” since he first became a household name earlier this year. “In all that he does, through his humble ways and simple lifestyle, Pope Francis clearly radiates the joy that comes from loving God and caring for his people,” Dolan said in a statement. “There could be no finer choice for ‘Person of the Year.’” Blessed John Paul II was named Person of the Year in 1994 and Blessed John XXIII in 1962. Other past honorees include several U.S. Presidents, Mahatma Gandhi, Adolf Hitler, Josef Stalin and Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook. The magazine says the title goes to the person or idea that “for better or worse ... has done the most to influence events of the year.”
“So much of what he has done in his brief nine months in office has really changed the tone that is coming out of the Vatican. He is saying, ‘We are about the healing mission of the church, and not about the theological police work that had maybe been preoccupying us.’” The magazine staff makes the ultimate decision, Gibbs said, but they poll readers and take public opinion into account. This was the third time Time named a pope as its Person of the Year. Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi told TODAY in a statement that “the Holy Father is not looking to become famous or to receive honors. But if the choice of Person of Year helps spread the message of the gospel — a message of God’s love for everyone — he will certainly be happy about that.” The Argentinian was elected pope in March, just weeks after the surprise abdication of his predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict. He quickly reshaped the public image of the papacy,
Under Mandela, South Africa became beacon to world, says bishop (CNS) -- Witnessing thousands of South Africans of all races vote in the first free elections after the fall of apartheid was a “great, life-changing experience” for Bishop John H. Ricard. “It was a very exhilarating experience to see old enemies finally reconciling and to actually see the birth of a country,”
remembered Bishop Ricard, a former auxiliary bishop of Baltimore, from 1984 to 1997, who was an official electoral observer in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, during the April 26-29, 1994, election. “We saw people who had never voted in their life -- old people and young people,” Bishop Ricard said. “It was a period of
joy and jubilation.” Bishop Ricard credits Nelson Mandela, the man South Africans elected as their president, for being a driving force behind making the historic election possible and for overseeing a peaceful political transition. Mandela, who died Dec. 5, was released from prison in 1990 after 27 years. As the nation’s
first black president, serving from 1994 to 1999, he promoted peace and reconciliation. “He was able to forgive and be reconciled with the people who oppressed him for so long,” said Bishop Ricard, retired bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee, Fla., and current rector of St. Joseph’s Seminary in Washington. Mandela “literally saved
South Africa from itself in the process,” said Bishop Ricard, calling the former president an “effective leader who rose above the differences in race and culture and hate.” “He was able to lead South Africa to become a new country,” the bishop said. “It became a beacon to all of Africa and all the world.”
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Pope supports Caritas campaign to end world hunger Pope Francis calls for action against scandal of hunger in a world of plenty By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service (CNS) -- People must stand united against the scandal of hunger while avoiding food waste and irresponsible use of the world’s resources, Pope Francis said. People should “stop thinking that our daily actions do not have an impact on the lives of those who suffer from hunger firsthand,” he said in a video message Dec. 9, launching a global campaign of prayer and action against hunger. Organized by Caritas Internationalis, the Vatican-based federation of Catholic charities, a global “wave of prayer” began Dec. 10 on the South Pacific island of Samoa and headed west across the world’s time zones. Pope Francis offered his blessing and support for the “One Human Family, Food For All” campaign in a video message released on the eve of the global launch. With about 1 billion people still suffering from hunger today, “we cannot look the other way and pretend this does not exist,” he said in the message. There is enough food in the world to feed everyone, he said, but only “if there is the will” to
Girl eats meal provided by charity, local Caritas program in Mexico. A girl in Mexico eats a meal provided by the Helping Hands Association and Caritas, the Catholic relief and development organization. Caritas Internationalis launches its campaign against hunger Dec. 10 with a worldwide prayer. Nearly 1 billion people -- about one in every eight -- experienced chronic hunger or undernourishment during 2010-2012, according to Caritas. (CNS photo/courtesy of Caritas Internationalis) respect the “God-given rights of everyone to have access to adequate food.” By sharing in Christian charity with those “who face numerous obstacles,” the pope said, “we
promote an authentic cooperation with the poor so that, through the fruits of their and our work, they can live a dignified life.” Pope Francis invited all people to act “as one single hu-
man family, to give a voice to all of those who suffer silently from hunger, so that this voice becomes a roar which can shake the world.” The Caritas campaign is also
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a way to invite people to pay attention to their own food choices, “which often lead to waste and a poor use of the resources available to us,” the pope said. Caritas Internationalis invited its 164 member organizations and local churches to pray for an end to hunger and malnutrition, by acting on a local, national or global level against food waste and in favor of food access and security worldwide. The Caritas campaign is calling on the United Nations to hold a session on the right to food at its 2015 General Assembly and is asking governments to guarantee the right to food in national legislation. People can contact their local Caritas organization for more information or the campaign’s main site at food.caritas.org.
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CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 4 As the Advent Season quickly draws to a close, our addition is clearly centered on the great solemn feast of Christmas. Each year we have the chance to express our faith in the most marvelous event in human history, the birth of the Jesus the Son of God. No one had anticipated that the Messiah would truly be God made flesh. This solemn occasion enhanced our human dignity to new heights. Not only is each person made in the image of God but now God has chosen to share our humanness. Is there any doubt why the Church continues to be the staunch defender of human dignity and religious freedom!
ONE IN THE LORD Most Rev. Ronald P. Herzog Bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria For anyone who has drifted away from their active participation in his/her Catholic faith, Christmas offers an ideal time to reconnect. Staying connected as we prepare for 2014 would make a very positive and rewarding resolution. I mentioned last month that we were delighted that the na-
tional headquarters for the Tekakwitha Conference, which serves the needs of Native American Catholics, would be moving from Great Falls, Montana to Alexandria. Sister Kateri Mitchell, SSA, executive director, arrived here in time to join us at the Cathedral for the Feast of All Saints. Welcome,
DECEMBER 16, 2013
Sister! The headquarters will be located at 2225 North Bolton Avenue. We will announce the formal dedication and open house as soon as these have been determined. The other significant item I mentioned last month was the possibility of a diocesan pilgrimage to Rome for the canonization of both Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II. This will take place on the Sunday after Easter (April 27, 2014). Space is limited because of the shortage of hotels in Rome and so this will be on a first-comefirst-served basis. You can find the details on our web site (link is below). (http://www.diocesealex.org/
articles/2013/12/bishop-herzoghost-pilgrimage-jpii-canonization) The deadline is in mid-January. If you have questions, please call Catholic Tours (number is on the site). I hope you will be able to join me. This may be the only time in history when two popes, whom many of us remember, will be canonized. May the Lord whose birth we are preparing to celebrate bring you and your family the richest of blessings both now and in the new year!
The Year of Faith ends . . . and what a remarkable year it was! The Catholic Register Guest Commentary The Year of Faith has ended and what a remarkable year it was. It saw faith sown in many forms and in many places, but in particular it provided two remarkable examples of living faith. First came the stunning resignation of Pope Benedict XVI followed by the inspired election of the first Pope Francis. In their own ways, these two very different men were the faces of the Year of Faith. Pope Benedict launched the Year of Faith in response to what he called the threats of secular-
ism, individualism and relativism. Catholics were hardly immune from “these dangers,” he said, and in today’s consumer society faith too often is lived passively if lived at all. To relieve the tension between traditional faith and modern life, Pope Benedict urged Catholics to reinvigorate their faith lives and then spread Christian joy and hope to help mend a wounded culture. A central component of faith, Pope Benedict taught, is courage. Christians need courage to remain faithful amid the temptations of these anti-religious times, courage to make their voices heard in the
public square and, ultimately, courage to trust in God’s will. And so four months into the Year of Faith Pope Benedict, after much prayerful reflection, made the stunning but courageous decision to resign the papacy so that a younger man could carry on the important work of leading the church. Pope Benedict’s papacy epitomized wisdom, compassion and, above all, a deep, abiding faith. He said he reached his difficult decision after repeatedly examining “my conscience before God.” It was a decision that said the papacy isn’t about the person who wears the ring of St. Peter but about the
Why we March for Life In 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade made it legal to kill unborn human beings at any stage of development, at any time before birth, in all 50 states. Exactly one year later, -- Jan. 22, 1974, the first March for Life was organized by Nellie Gray and held in Washington DC. It has continued every year since. The crowds have grown over the years and is now reaching more than 350,000 -- largely made up of energetic and enthusiastic young people. They are inspiring. These young people boldly reject the idea that the value of any human life is dminished because it is unplanned or unwanted. These young people boldly
argue that abortion is a moral issue, not a religious one. And, these young people proclaim a new kind of feminism that
demands that women deserve a better choice than abortion. Pray this Jan. 22 for all those who will be Marching for Life.
greater mission of the church. And that mission, embracing and spreading God’s word, is what inspired Pope Benedict to initiate a Year of Faith. Pope Francis embraced that message. The first eight months of his papacy have been about inspiring Catholics to dedicate their lives to the church’s core teachings. Almost daily, by his words and actions, Pope Francis has embodied the spirit of the Year of Faith. More than simply preaching how to live, he has shown by example how Christians must inject humility, charity and faith into their workaday world. His
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message is that, more than just knowing the catechism, being a Christian means living like Christ, “thinking like him, acting like him, loving like him.” And that entails spreading Christian faith beyond the walls of churches, schools and other institutions. “It is vital for the church not to shut itself off, not to feel satisfied with what it has already achieved,” he said. “If this happens, the church becomes ill ... and is weakened.” The foundation of a strong church is faith, as demonstrated by these two popes in one remarkable year.
TODAY
Volume XLIV, No. 12 • December 16, 2013 P. O. Box 7417 • Alexandria, LA 71303 churchtoday@diocesealex.org 318-445-6424 Publisher: Editor: Advertising: Circulation:
Most Rev. Ronald P. Herzog, Bishop of Alexandria Jeannie Petrus, ext. 255; jpetrus@diocesealex.org Joan Ferguson, ext. 264; joanferguson@diocesealex.org Sandi Tarver, ext. 209; starver@diocesealex.org
THE CHURCH TODAY (USPS 393-240) is published by the Catholic Diocese of Alexandria, once a month, free of charge to members of the parishes in the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana. Out of diocese subscriptions are $20 a year. The office is located at 4400 Coliseum Blvd., Alexandria, LA 71303. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, LA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The CHURCH TODAY, P. O. Box 7417, Alexandria, LA 71306 The CHURCH TODAY is a member of the Catholic Press Association. Website: www.diocesealex.org To receive a free subscription, call 318-445-6424, ext 255 or e-mail jpetrus@diocesealex.org
DECEMBER 16, 2013
CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 5 Advent Penance Services Wednesday, Dec. 18 6:30 p.m. -- Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Alexandria 6:00 p.m. -- St. Anthony of Padua, Bunkie 6:00 p.m. -- St. Mary’s Church, Winnsboro
Christmas Mass Schedules Christmas Eve Vigil Mass, Tuesday, Dec. 24 3:30 p.m. -- Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pineville (Children’s Christmas Pageant) 4:00 p.m. -- St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria 4:00 p.m. -- Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church, Alexandria (Children’s Mass) 4:00 p.m. -- St. Rita Church, Alexandria 4:00 p.m. -- Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pineville (Children’s Mass) 4:00 p.m. -- Minor Basilica of the immaculate Conception, Natchitoches 5:00 p.m. -- Christ the King Church, Simmesport 5:00 p.m. -- St. John Mission, Columbia 5:30 p.m. -- St. Rita Church, Alexandria (Children’s Mass with “special visitor”) 5:30 p.m. -- Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pineville 6:00 p.m. -- Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church, Alexandria 6:00 p.m. -- St. Frances Cabrini Church, Alexandria
A Visit from the Christ Child by Père Robért (for Maria, Ida, Isabel, Maxine, Crozet & Audrey) Twas the morning of Christmas, when all through the house All the family was frantic, including my spouse; For each one of them had one thing only in mind, To examine the presents St. Nick left behind. The boxes and wrapping and ribbons and toys Were strewn on the floor, and the volume of noise Increased as our children began a big fight Over who got the video games, who got the bike. I looked at my watch and I said, slightly nervous, “Let’s get ready for church, so we won’t miss the service.” The children protested, “We don’t want to pray: We’ve just got our presents, and we want to play!” It dawned on me then that we had gone astray, In confusing the purpose of this special day; Our presents were many and very high-priced But something was missing -- that something was Christ! I said, “Put the gifts down and let’s gather together, And I’ll tell you a tale of the greatest gift ever. “A savior was promised when Adam first sinned, And the hopes of the world upon Jesus were pinned. Abraham begat Isaac, who Jacob begat, And through David the line went to Joseph, whereat This carpenter married a maiden with child, Who yet was a virgin, in no way defiled. “Saying ‘Hail, full of Grace,’ an archangel appeared To Mary the Blessed, among women revered: The Lord willed she would bear -- through the Spirit -- a son. Said Mary to Gabriel, ‘God’s will be done.’
“Now Caesar commanded a tax would be paid, And all would go home while the census was made; Thus Joseph and Mary did leave Galilee For the city of David to pay this new fee. “Mary’s time had arrived, but the inn had no room, So she laid in a manger the fruit of her womb; And both Joseph and Mary admired as He napped The Light of the World in his swaddling clothes wrapped. “Three wise men from the East had come looking for news Of the birth of the Savior, the King of the Jews; They carried great gifts as they followed a star -Gold, frankincense, myrrh, which they’d brought from afar. “As the shepherds watched over their flocks on that night, The glory of God shone upon them quite bright, And an angel explained the intent of the birth, Saying, ‘Glory to God and His peace to the earth.’ “For this was the Messiah whom prophets foretold, A good shepherd to bring his sheep back to the fold; He was God become man, He would die on the cross, He would rise from the dead to restore Adam’s loss. “Santa Claus, Christmas presents, a brightly lit pine, Candy canes and spiked eggnog are all very fine; Let’s have fun celebrating, but leave not a doubt That Christ is what Christmas is really about!” The children right then put an end to the noise, They dressed quickly for church, put away all their toys; For they knew Jesus loved them and said they were glad That He’d died for their sins, and to save their dear Dad. Copyright ©1986, F.R. Duplantier
Christmas Midnight Masses, Tuesday, Dec. 24 11:00 p.m. -- Lessons & Carols, St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria 11:20 p.m. -- Choir Prelude at St. Rita Church, Alexandria 11:30 p.m. -- Carols at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Natchitoches 11:30 p.m. -- Carols with combined choirs at Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pineville Midnight -- St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria with Bishop Herzog presiding Midnight -- Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church, Alexandria Midnight -- St. Frances Cabrini Church, Alexandria Midnight -- St. Rita Church, Alexandria Midnight -- Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pineville Midnight -- Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Natchitoches Midnight -- St. Mary’s Church, Winnsboro Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25 7:00 a.m. -- Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church, Alexandria 7:00 a.m. -- St. Frances Cabrini Church, Alexandria (Latin Mass) 8:00 a.m. -- St. Rita Church, Alexandria 9:00 a.m. -- St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria 9:00 a.m. -- Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church, Alexandria 9:00 a.m. -- St. Frances Cabrini Church, Alexandria 9:00 a.m. -- Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Natchitoches 9:00 a.m. -- Christ the King Church, Simmesport 9:00 a.m. -- St. Mary’s Church, Winnsboro 9:30 a.m. -- Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pineville 11:00 a.m. -- St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria 11:00 a.m. -- St. Rita Church, Alexandria 11:00 a.m. -- Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Natchitoches 5:30 p.m. -- St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria 5:30 p.m. -- St. Frances Cabrini Church, Alexandria For updated list, go to www.diocesealex.org.
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CHURCH TODAY
DECEMBER 16, 2013
Cenla pro-lifers gear up for Life Marches in January KC council charters bus to Baton Rouge; LSU-A students head to Washington DC As the 41st anniversary nears of the Jan. 22, 1973 Roe vs Wade decision, which legalized abortion inn the U.S., pro-lifers across the diocese are making plans to participate in the various Life Marches around the state, as well as the national march in Washington, D.C.
National March for Life
Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014 Washington, D.C.
The 41st National March for Life will be held Wednesday, Jan. 22 in Washington DC. Hundreds of thousands of pro-lifers are expected to attend the peaceful rally. LSU-A Catholic students will be attending this year under the direction of Lynn Ray, campus minister. The day will be filled with events throughout the day leading to the rally and march.
Louisiana Life March -- South Saturday, Jan, 18, 2014 Noon - 2 p.m. in Baton Rouge, La.
In its 4th year, the Louisiana Life March is growing by leaps and bounds. The march unites the prolife people of Louisiana, across all denominational lines, to take a stand for life in our State’s Capital, and mobilize them with resources to go make a difference in their community. Organizers believe the Louisiana Life March can lead towards an abortion-free Louisiana. It is sponsored by the Louisiana Right to Life, Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops, Louisiana Family Forum, the Knights of Columbus, Baton Rouge Right to Life, Louisiana Baptist Convention, the Hippocratic Resource, and Louisiana’s Concerned Women for America, the march unites the pro-life people of Louisiana. The Knights of Columbus Council 8029 will be chartering a
Louisiana Life March - North
Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014 10 a.m. - Noon Shreveport-Bossier
LOUISIANA LIFE MARCH. A group of Knights of Columbus members hold signs and march through the streets of downtown Baton Rouge last January when the 3rd annual Louisiana Life March was held. Thousands of pro-lifers marched from the Old State Capitol to the steps of the current State Capitol, where several speakers addressed the effects of legalized abortion in this country during the last 40 years. bus for the Louisiana Life March to be held Jan. 18 in Baton Rouge. The bus will leave from OLPS at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18 and should return between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. that evening. The cost for the bus transportation is $20 per person. Tickets are still available and the KC Council will consider adding a second or third bus if
the demand is there. Tickets may be purchased at the OLPS office (318-445-3693) during regular business hours.
Schedule: 11:00 AM: Begin gathering at Galvaz Plaza behind Old State Capitol
11:30 AM: Pre-Program Noon: March commences 12:45 PM: Program on steps of Capitol 1:45 PM: Program concludes; Life Ministry Mobilization tent opens 2:30 PM: Life Ministry Mobilization Closes
The Louisiana Life -- North is a chance for the life-respecting members of Shreveport, Bossier, Ruston, Monroe, Natchitoches, and all of North Louisiana to stand together for an abortionfree Louisiana. The event will consist of a symbolic march from Bossier’s “The Boardwalk” across the bridge to a gathering in Shreveport’s Festival Plaza. At Festival Plaza, nationally-known speakers and local music groups will lead prayer and presentation. For more information, call 318-300-3533.
DECEMBER 16, 2013
CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 7
Results are in from the 13th 40 Days for Life campaign:
42nd abortion facility shuts down after 40 Days for Life campaign By Chris Crawford National Catholic Register WASHINGTON — On a rainy sidewalk in Washington, D.C., 40 Days for Life’s founder, David Bereit, and Bishop Marc Aillet of Bayonne, France, joined 15 pro-life activists in prayer outside of a Planned Parenthood facility. Bishop Aillet led the group in a bilingual Rosary on the busy sidewalk on 16th Street in the nation’s capital. Similar vigils were scheduled throughout the country since Sept. 25, as part of the most recent “40 Days for Life” campaign, which ended Nov. 3. 40 Days for Life’s mission is “to bring together the body of Christ in a spirit of unity during a focused 40-day campaign of prayer, fasting and peaceful activism,” according to the group’s website. The mission is carried out by conducting continuous prayer vigils outside of abortion
businesses and by counseling abortion-minded women to reassess their plans. Since its founding in 2007, 40 Days for Life has conducted 2,786 campaigns in more than
501 cities in the United States and throughout the world. The group reports that more than 600,000 people have taken part in the campaigns. In addition to initiatives in all 50 states, the
movement has grown to 18 other countries. 40 Days for Life’s Bereit told the Register that he was “amazed” with this year’s campaign. “We have seen more enthusi-
asm and more participation than in past years. People are recognizing that, with Obamacare, the HHS mandate and other challenges, prayer is a powerful way to make a difference,” he said. “People are recognizing that the local level, through prayer, is where we can make the most change.” By the end of the campaign, participants had reported a total of 476 babies saved throughout the country during this year’s campaign. In Louisiana, 40 Days for Life campaigns were conducted in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Shreveport-Bossier. Campaign participants carry pamphlets that have educational information as well as resources for pregnant women. They hand them to women entering the business in the hope that they will choose alternatives to abortion. The campaign is responsible for more than 8,209 saved lives since 2007.
Prayer works -- Look at the statistics! 8,209 babies saved since 2007 What is 40 Days for Life? 40 Days for Life is a community-based campaign that takes a determined, peaceful approach to showing local communities the consequences of abortion in their own neighborhoods, for their own friends and families. It puts into action a desire to cooperate with God in the carrying out of His plan for the end of abortion. From the beginning The first 40 Days for Life campaign was conducted in Bryan/College Station, Texas in the fall of 2004. A local pro-life group prayed for an answer about how to reduce abortion in their area, and the answer God gave them was 40 Days for Life. The campaign was put together in a matter of weeks, yet it activated 1,000 people and led directly to a 28 percent decline in abortions in that community. An idea catches on News of the victory that God led in Texas spread to other communities, and in 2005 and 2006 a half dozen other cities conducted
their own 40 Days for Life campaigns. Each program was geared to the specific region, but each reported positive results. For some, it was learning that clinics closed altogether or cut their operating hours. Other cities found an outpouring of women seeking postabortion healing. 40 Days goes coast to coast The first national 40 Days for Life campaign was conducted in the fall of 2007, with more than 80 cities in more than 30 states participating in a simultaneous outreach. People who had never been involved in pro-life activities came forward to answer the call. Lives were saved, hearts were changed and people are seeing that prayer indeed can make a difference in the quest to end abortion. Looking to the future Thirteen coordinated campaigns have now been conducted since 2007. With prayerful hearts, we will be going forward with our next coordinated 40 Days for Life campaign from March 5 – April 13, 2014.
Since 2007 . . .
• 2,786 individual campaigns have taken place in 501 cities • More than 600,000 have joined together in an historic display of unity to pray and fast for an end to abor-
tion
• More than 16,500 church congregations have participated in the 40 Days for Life campaigns • Reports document 8,209 lives that have been spared from abortion — and those are just the ones we
know about
• 88 abortion workers have quit their jobs and walked away from the abortion industry • 42 abortion facilities completely shut down following local 40 Days for Life campaigns • Hundreds of women and men have been spared from the tragic effects of abortion, including a lifetime of
regrets
•
More than 3,000 news stories have been featured in newspapers, magazines, radio shows and TV programs from coast to coast ... and overseas
•
Many people with past abortion experiences have stepped forward to begin post-abortion healing and recovery
PAGE 8
CHURCH TODAY
DECEMBER 16, 2013
Supreme Court to hear two cases on HHS mandate U. S. bishops encouraged by recent federal court rulings on constitutionality of mandate Catholic News Service WASHINGTON—Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, welcomed the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision Nov. 26 to hear arguments in the cases of Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. and Conestoga Wood Specialties. The U.S. government and the Hahn family, Mennonite owners of Conestoga Wood, a cabinetmaking company, respectively, petitioned the Supreme Court to review these cases. The Court will consider the legality of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) “preventive services” mandate, which requires virtually all employers to include female sterilization and all drugs and devices approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as contraceptives in their employee health care plans. “The Supreme Court’s review of these cases highlights the importance of this conflict between the federal government and people seeking to practice their faith in daily life,” said Archbishop Lori. “We pray that the Supreme Court will find that the Constitution and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act protect everyone’s right to religious freedom.”
Significant victory
A week earlier (Nov. 21) in a significant victory for conscience
Religious leaders urge government to expand conscience protections in contraceptive mandate. Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, talks with Russell D. Moore, president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, during a news conference at the National Press Club in Washington July 2. The two are part of a diverse group of religious leaders urging the U.S. government to “expand conscience protections” in its Health and Human Services mandate that requires almost all employers to provide c overage of contraceptives, sterilization and some abortion-inducing drugs free of charge. (CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn)
organizations, are “likely to succeed on the merits” of their claim under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and issued a preliminary injunction preventing the government from enforcing the HHS mandate against the plaintiffs. (The decision can be found at http://www.scribd.com/ doc/186204897/Zubik-v-Sebelius]. In reaction to the decision, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, president of the USCCB, said “Just recently the U.S. bishops issued a unanimous message reaffirming our resolve to resist the HHS mandate and protect our religious freedom. The court’s decision vindicates that approach and we fully expect more decisions like this to follow.” In particular, Archbishop Kurtz noted, “I’m strongly encouraged by the Court’s rejection of the government’s attempt to reduce freedom of religion to freedom of worship, as well as the Court’s recognition that service to those in need is at the heart of our faith.”
mandate’s “religious employer ‘accommodation’ places a substantial burden on plaintiffs’ right to freely exercise their religion.” The Court determined that the plaintiffs, the Dioceses of Pittsburgh and Erie and related
The preliminary injunction stops the government from imposing heavy fines against the plaintiffs, including Catholic Charities of Pittsburgh, St. Martin Center, and Prince of Peace Center, for refusing to violate their deeply held beliefs. Catholic dioceses, schools, and social service ministries around the country continue their efforts in the courts and support efforts in Congress to prevent the government from imposing significant fines against them when the final HHS mandate takes effect on January 1. The HHS mandate requires churches/dioceses and related organizations, as well as familyowned businesses like Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood to cover abortifacient and contraceptive drugs and devices in their employee health care plans, even if providing those particular items violates the religious beliefs of the individuals who own and operate the company.
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Consecrated life will be focus of 2015, says Pope Francis By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) -During a three-hour meeting with 120 superiors general of men’s religious orders, Pope Francis said the church would make consecrated life its focus in 2015. Consecrated men and women “can wake up the world,” the pope told members of the Union of Superiors General Nov. 29, at a closed-door meeting during which he listened to the superiors and responded to their questions. The Vatican did not release a transcript of the pope’s remarks but issued a communique outlining the topics discussed. The questions and answers, focused on the identity and mission of consecrated people in the
church, vocations, formation, community life, relations between religious orders and dioceses and the mission of religious in the world today. “God calls us to leave the nest holding us and go out to the far ends of the world, avoiding the temptation to domesticate” the faith, the pope said. Religious orders of priests and brothers aren’t simply manpower for dioceses, he said, but their orders and identity as consecrated men should enrich the dioceses. For many orders, he said, schools and universities are the primary field of mission. In Catholic schools, he said, the teachers and professors must “transmit knowledge, ways of acting and values. Faith is transmitted
Pope visits hermitage and cell of St. Francis in Assisi. Pope Francis greets religious as he leaves after visiting the hermitage and cell of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy, recently. He told a group of 120 superiors general of men’s religious orders, that the church would make consecrated life its focus in 2015. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
through them.” Catholic teachers and professors, he said, “must ask themselves how to proclaim Jesus Christ to a generation that is changing.” In the discussion about the difficulty some orders are having in attracting new vocations, Pope Francis spoke about how the “younger churches” in Africa and Asia are providing many vocations today, which requires orders to look at their charism or identity to determine how that can be lived in different cultures. At the end of the meeting, the pope thanked members of religious orders “for what you do and for your spirit of faith and your desire to serve. Thank you for your witness and also for the humiliations you have endured.”
Pope prescribes daily rosary for what ails you Pope Francis hands out 20,000 boxes of spiritual “medicine” for your soul By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) -Pope Francis admitted he wasn’t a pharmacist, but he didn’t hesitate being the spokesman for the heart-healthy benefits of 59 little pills strung together: the Rosary. “I want to recommend some medicine for all of you,” the pope said Nov. 17 at the end of his Sunday Angelus address. “It’s a spiritual medicine.” Holding up a white medicine box with an anatomical drawing of the human heart on it, Pope Francis told some 80,000 people
gathered for the midday prayer that the boxes contained a rosary. “Don’t forget to take it,” he said. “It’s good for your heart, for your soul, for your whole life.” Praying the rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet will help people reap the fruits of the Year of Faith, he said, because they are “a spiritual aid for our soul and for spreading love, forgiveness and brotherhood to everyone.” Volunteers, led by Archbishop Konrad Krajewski, director of papal charities, gave away about 20,000 boxes containing a rosary, a Divine Mercy holy card and a medical-style instruction sheet.
Box containing rosary, Divine Mercy holy card and medicinal-style instruction sheet pictured at Vatican. One of 20,000 boxes containing a rosary, a Divine Mercy holy card and a medicinalstyle instruction sheet is pictured at the Vatican Nov. 18. Pope Francis held up an identical box of “spiritual medicine” after praying the Angelus Nov. 17 with people in S t. Peter’s Square. The pope said the rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet are “a spiritual aid for our soul and for spreading love, forgiveness and brotherhood to everyone.” (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
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In addition to describing how to pray the rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, a devotion begun by St. Faustina Kowalska, the information sheet states categorically that no negative side effects have been reported. The sheet recommends daily use of the beads for both adults and children, but adds that it can be repeated as often as necessary. It also notes that receiving the sacraments increases the efficacy of the prescription and that further information and assistance can be received from any priest. The Swiss Guards, their family members and the Albertine Sisters who work in their barracks spent weeks in October, the month of the rosary, preparing the boxes and inserting instructions in Italian, French, English or Polish. Archbishop Krajewski got the idea from Archbishop Slawoj Glodz of Gdansk, Poland; a seminarian in Gdansk had made similar boxes for youths attending a retreat.
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After Our Lady of Guadalupe, 9 million converted to Catholicism Even after 500 years, scientists still can’t explain source of image on tilma In the early 1500’s, the Aztec people, living in the darkness of idolotry, offered millions of human sacrifices to the gods they worshipped. It is believed that approximately 250,000 humans were sacrificed every year. Once, when the great temple at Tenochtitlan (which would later become Mexico City) was consecrated, the Aztec priests sacrificed 80,000 human victims over the course of four days. The Aztecs’ human sacrifices and cannibalism are almost unequaled throughout the course of history. In 1519, the Spanish had defeated the Indians in Mexico and ended their ritual human sacrifices, a small group of 12 Franciscan missionaries began to evangelize the new world. There were complex tensions between the missionaries and Spanish that complicated the missionaries’ evangelization effort. Not only did the missionaries not know the native language, but the Indians were reluctant to accept Baptism, primarily because it would require them to abandon polygamy. The Blessed Virgin, moved with pity for the Aztec people, deigned to take into her own hands the evangelization of these Indians of Central America who were also her children.
Juan Diego Juan Diego was a humble farmer who worked hard in the fields. He and his wife Maria Lucia, were one of the first to convert to Christianity. After his wife died,
Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast: December 12
Juan retreated to the country to live with his uncle, who had become a Christians as well.
The Apparition On Dec. 9, 1531, as was his custom every Saturday, he left very early in the morning to attend the Mass celebrated in honor of the Blessed Virgin, at the Franciscan fathers’ church, close to Mexico City. He walked past Tepeyac Hill. Suddenly, he heard a gentle and resounding song that seemed to come from a great multitude of birds. Raising his eyes to the top of the hill, he saw a white and radiant cloud. He looked around him and wondered if he was dreaming. All of a sudden,
the song stopped and a woman’s voice, gentle and graceful, called him: “Juanito, Juan Dieguito!” He quickly climbed the hill and found himself in the presence of a very beautiful young woman whose garments shone like the sun. Speaking to him in Nahuatl, his native language, she said to him, “Juanito, my son, where are you going?” She identified herself as the ever virgin Holy Mary, Mother of the True God for whom we live, of the Creator of all things, Lord of heaven and the earth. She made a request for a church to be built on the site, and submitted her wish to the local Bishop. When the Bishop hesitated, and requested her for a sign, the Mother of God obeyed without delay or question
to the Church’s local Bishop, and sent her native messenger to the top of the hill in mid-December to gather an assortment of roses for the Bishop. After complying to the Bishop’s request for a sign, She also left for us an image of herself imprinted miraculously on the native’s tilma, a poor quality cactuscloth, which should have deteriorated in 20 years but shows no sign of decay 480 years later and still defies all scientific explanations of its origin. There is reason to believe that at Tepeyac, Mary came in her glorified body, and her actual physical hands rearranged the roses in Juan Diego’s tilma, which makes this apparition very special. Soon after the apparition of the Virgin of Guadalupe, “conversions began occurring at an astounding rate.” The missionaries were in awe of what was happening: “the Indians were coming from everywhere, from far away lands asking for the sacraments.” By 1539, only eight years after the apparition, almost nine million Indians had converted with the help of a small group of Franciscans. An incredible list of miracles, cures and interventions are attributed to Her. Read more: http://www.ewtn.com/ saintsholy/saints/O/ourladyofguadalupe.
Devotions and veneration
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A Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe is available on many websites. The novena is recited daily in the National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Makati City.
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The shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe is the most visited Catholic pilgrimage destination in the world. Yearly, between 18 - 20 million pilgrims visit the Basilica, making it Christianity’s most visited sanctuary.
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The Virgin of Guadalupe is considered the Patroness of Mexico and the Continental Americas; she is also venerated by Native Americans, on the account of the devotion calling for the conversion of the Americas. Replicas of the tilma can be found in thousands of churches throughout the world, and numerous parishes bear her name.
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Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Tepeyac, Mexico City
Due to a claim that her black girdle indicates pregnancy on the image, the Blessed Virgin Mary, under this title is popularly invoked as Patroness of the Unborn and a common image for the Pro-Life movement.
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Uncovering the mysteries of the tilma Even in our time, the mystery of this miraculous Image remains. The tilma, a large apron woven by hand from cactus fibers, bears the holy Image, which is 1.43 meters tall. The Virgin’s face is perfectly oval and is a gray color verging on pink. Her eyes have a profound expression of purity and gentleness. The mouth seems to smile. The very beautiful face, similar to that of a mestizo Indian, is framed by a black head of hair that, up close, is comprised of silky
locks. She is clad in a full tunic, of a pinkish red hue that no one has ever been able to reproduce, and that goes to her feet. Her bluishgreen mantle is edged with gold braid and studded with stars. A sun of various shades forms a magnificent background, with golden rays shining out. The fact that the tilma has remained perfectly preserved from 1531 to this day is inexplicable. After more than four centuries, this fabric
of mediocre quality retains the same freshness and the same lively color as when it was new. By comparison, a copy of the Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe painted in the 18th century with great care, and preserved under the same climatic conditions as Juan Diego’s, had completely deteriorated in a few years. At the beginning of the 20th century, a painful period of revolutions in Mexico, a load of dynamite was put by unbelievers at the foot
of the Image, in a vase of flowers. The explosion destroyed the marble steps on the main altar, the candelabras, all the flower-holders. The marble altarpiece was broken into pieces, the brass Christ on the tabernacle was split in two. The windows in most of the houses near the basilica were broken, but the pane of glass that was protecting the Image was not even cracked. The Image remained intact.
the eyes
stars on the veil
Ophthalmological tests have found that Mary’s eye is a human eye that appears to be living, and includes the retina, in which is reflected the image of a man with outstretched hands—Juan Diego. The image in the eye conforms to the known laws of optics, particularly to that which states that a well-lighted object can be reflected three times in an eye (PurkinjeSamson’s law). A later study allowed researchers to discover in the eye, in addition to the seer, Bishop Zumárraga and several other people present when the image of Our Lady appeared on the tilma. And the normal microscopic network of veins in the eyelids and the cornea of the Virgin’s eyes is completely recognizable. No human painter would have been able to reproduce such details.
Astronomers have observed that all the constellations present in the heavens at the moment Juan Diego opened his tilma before Bishop Zumárraga on December 12, 1531, are in their proper place on Mary’s mantle veil. It has also been found that by imposing a topographical map of central Mexico on the Virgin’s dress, the mountains, rivers and principal lakes coincide with the decoration on this dress.
other things to note unknown coloring agent In 1936, an examination conducted on two fibers from the tilma, one red and the other yellow, led to an astounding finding—the fibers contained no known coloring agent. Ophthalmology and optics confirm the inexplicable nature of the Image—it seems to be a slide projected onto the fabric. Closer analysis shows that there is no trace of drawing or sketching under the color, even though perfectly recognizable retouches were done on the original, retouches which moreover have deteriorated with time. In addition, the background never received any primer, which seems inexplicable if it is truly a painting, for even on the finest fabric, a coat is always applied, if only to prevent the fabric from absorbing the painting and the threads from breaking the surface. No brush strokes can be detected.
After an infrared analysis conducted on May 7, 1979, a professor from NASA wrote, “There is no way to explain the quality of the pigments used for the pink dress, the blue veil, the face and the hands, or the permanence of
the colors, or the vividness of the colors after several centuries, during which they ordinarily should have deteriorated... Studying this Image has been the most moving experience of my life.”
Gynecological measurements have determined that the Virgin in the Image has the physical dimensions of a woman who is three months pregnant. Under the belt that holds the dress in place, at the very location of the embryo, a flower with four petals stands out—the Solar Flower, the most familiar of Aztec hieroglyphs, and which symbolized for them divinity, the center of the earth, heaven, time, and space. On the Virgin’s neck hangs a brooch, the center of which is decorated with a little cross, recalling the death of Christ on the Cross for the salvation of all mankind. Many other details of the Image of MARY form an extraordinary document for our age, which is able to observe them thanks to modern technology. Thus science, which has often been a pretext for unbelief, helps us today to give prominence to signs that had remained unknown for centuries and that science is unable to explain.
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DECEMBER 16, 2013
Tis the season for thanks and giving Students express thankfulness through their faith and action
SACRED HEART 8th GRADERS packed items into large shipping boxes.
, and
SACRED HEART STUDENTS HELPING TYPOON VICTIMS IN THE PHILLIPPINES. In lieu of exchanging Christmas gifts this year, Sacred Heart School decided to donate essential items to the typhoon victims in the Phillippines, as a way to teach the students about the corporal works of mercy. For two weeks students, parents, faculty and staff bagged items in ziploc bags and boxed them ready for customs. The sisters and postulates of Our Lady of Sorrows loaded numerous boxes in several vehicles, and a trailer. They then drove all of the items collected to Birmingham, Ala. to meet with representatives of the LBC Foundation (a Filipino organization). SHS wishes to thank all of the parents, students, faculty, staff, and supporters for all of their charitable donations.
Pre-K students and Sister Kalen Sarmiento helped package bags of personal items.
,
SACRED HEART SCHOOL (Moreauville) THANKSGIVING MASS. Father Marc Noel, pastor, celebrated a special Mass of Thanksgiving Nov. 22 for the students of Sacred Heart School. The eighth graders, under the direction of Sister Delnise Silva, religion teacher, walked in procession bearing gifts and placed them on the altar steps to show their gratitude and thanks to their parents and school community. ST MARTIN (Lecompte) STUDENTS ASSEMBLE THANKSGIVING ALTAR. St. Martin youth , and help assemble the Thanksgiving Altar at St. Martin Catholic Church in Lecompte.
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Top left: Top right: Bottom left: Below:
Cardboard Box City raises $1,546 for Manna House Mater Dolorosa teens spend the night in boxes to raise awareness of the homeless; raise money for the hungry When it’s 30 degrees at night and you’re inside your home with heat on and blankets on your bed, sleep comes pretty easy. But when it’s 30 degrees and you’re outside with just the clothes on your back and a blanket, it’s a whole different story. “I was cold,” said Maddie Fruge, one of the 13 teens from Mater Dolorosa Church in Plaucheville, who spent the night Nov. 30 on the grounds of the church. “The worst part was when you wake up from a dead sleep because your whole body is cold and your toes are numb.” “We did it to experience what the homeless go though, to raise awareness of the homeless and to raise money for the hungry,” said Youth Minister Stacie Marsh. More than $1,546 was raised when students were told to “beg”
for money after all the weekend Masses. “At first it was embarrassing to beg for money, but then I thought about the people I could help, it made me feel good,” said Shelie Canoe, 14. According Marsh, the students were told to find a box to sleep in for the night and to decorate it if they wanted to. Basic personal items were allowed (toothbrush/comb) but no TVs, phones or electronic devices. Despite the ‘harsh’ guidelines, not everything was stripped from the teens for the night. Parishioners brought pizza, baked goods, donuts and hot chocolate for them to enjoy throughout the night. Adult chaperones stayed with the teens all night as well. “The best part of the experience was sitting around the fire
listening to different stories told by Father Keith and others,” said Alex McCaleb, 14. “Sacrificing our electronics was very hard but after it was said and done it was worth it to raise the money,” said Cameron Plauche, 15. “I didn’t even realize I didn’t have my phone because I was always doing something else,” said Alexandra Huesmann, 14. “I enjoyed not having the distraction of technology,” said Reilly Marsh, 14. “It made us actually have conversations with each other and nobody was hidden in their own little cell phone bubble.” “I learned that I should be grateful for my warm bed, the clothes on my body and for loving parents,” said Brennan Bordelon, 15.
CARDBOARD BOX CITY. The design of each cardboard box ‘house” was interesting. Most of the girls had brightly colored, elaborately-designed houses. The boys, on the other hand, cut a few holes and taped on a roof to complete their house. However some of the designs were intricate as this stylish home and church illustrate.
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DECEMBER 16, 2013
St. Mary’s Beta Club attended the District 3 Convention in Alexandria on Nov. 12. Students competed in a variety of academic exams, talent events, and campaigns. Those who attended are (front row)
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CHRIST THE KING (Simmesport) SAINTS. Students who participated in the special All Saints Day Mass at Christ the King Church in Simmesport are (front row) , and , altar server. Back row: , Father Dwight DeJesus, pastor; , altar server; , altar sever; and lector.
ST. MARY’S SCHOOL (Natchitoches) BETA CLUB DISTRICT WINNERS. Students from St. Mary’s School in Natchitoches who placed at the District Beta Convention held in November are , 1st place in English; , District Lieutenant Governor; and , 1st place in Social Studies.
VETERANS VISIT ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL (Bunkie). In honor of Veterans Day, four veterans recently visited Wendy Steele’s 1st grade class at St. Anthony School . Veterans John Bordelon, Don Clifford, Michael Ducote, and Raynor Juneau presented flags to all of the students.
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OL PROMPT SUCCOR TEACHERS SELECTED FOR GOLDEN APPLE AWARD. Heather Blakesley, a 6th grade teacher at OLPS and Kim Ward, a 3rd grade teacher at OLPS, were both recently recognized by KALB TV and Hixson Autoplex (sponsors of the Golden Apple Award) as having the “true spirit of teaching” and for “making a difference in the lives of their students.” Both teachers were nominated by their students and were selected for the weekly Golden Apple Award, which focuses on the contributions of one teacher in their weekly education broadcast.
TWINS AT ST. MARY’S ASSUMPTION SCHOOL (Cottonport). This year, St. Mary’s Assumption School in Cottonport is experiencing a “twin explosion.” There are currently five sets of twins enrolled from Pre-K to 6th grade. Pictured are (from bottom row) , Pre-K 3; Pre-K 3; , 2nd grade; 4th grade; and , 6th grade.
CDPs VISIT HOLY SAVIOR MENARD. Three Sisters of Divine Providence spoke to the students at Holy Savior Menard Nov. 21 about discerning vocations. Pictured are (front row) and Sister Gloria Ann Fiedler. (Back row) Principal Joel Desselle, Sister Joyce Detzel, and Sister Margaret Ann Verzwyvelt.
HOLY SAVIOR MENARD WENDY’S HEISMAN AWARD FINALISTS. Two Menard students have been named finalists in the state Wendy’s Heisman Award program. and are among the top 20 finalists from a pool of 891 Louisiana applicants to the Wendy’s Heisman Award program. Finalists embody the Heisman spirit of hard work and dedication through their outstanding achievements in athletics, academics and community/ school leadership. State winners will go on to compete for the national title. This is the third consecutive year that Menard students have been chosen as finalists at the state level. In 2013, was selected as the state winner in the competition.
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CHURCH TODAY
Relics of 150 saints on display at Sts. Francis and Anne A large crowd filled the church at Sts. Francis and Anne Church in Kolin Dec. 2 to hear Father Carlos Martins talk about the relics of 150 saints. Exposition of Sacred Relics: Treasures of the Church featured the sacred first class relics of saints like St. Maria Goretti, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Faustina Kowalska, St. Bernadette, St. Monica, and St. Augustine -- to name a few. Of the 150 relics, all were first class relics except seven -and those were second class relics. First class relics are pieces of the body of a saint (bones, skin,
VIRTUS • Jan. 16 (Thursday) -- St. Joseph Catholic Center, 6 p.m. To pre-register, go to virtus.org, and click on Registration (on left side of screen) to begin the registration process. For more information, call 318-445-6424 x 213.
hair, etc) and second class relics are objects that a saint owned or touched (clothes, books, objects, etc) Among the second class relics were a piece of the True Cross, a piece of the spear used to pierce the side of Jesus, a piece of the Crown of Thorns, and a piece of a veil that is believed to belong to Our Blessed Mother.
DECEMBER 16, 2013
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Mater Dolorosa teens attend National Catholic Youth Conference Four teens and two chaperones from Mater Dolorosa Church in Plaucheville boarded a bus Nov. 21 with participants from the Diocese of Lake Charles to attend the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) 2013 in Indianapolis, Ind. Nov. 21-23. Attending the conference were Jack Dixon, Alexandra Huesmann, Reilly Marsh, and Cameron Plauche. Grant Rabalais and Stacie Marsh were the adult chaperones from Mater Dolorosa. The NCYC is a three-day conference for Catholic youth held every two years in a U.S. city. and met up with Josh Blakesley from Alexandria, who also attended the conference.
Avoyelles Youth Ministry: The Door is Open The Door is Open Avoyelles Youth Event was held Nov. 16 at St. Joseph Church Hall in Marksville. Hosted by St. Joseph Church, St. Genevieve Church, and Holy Ghost Church, the Door is Open was the second quarterly event of the AYM (Avoyelles Youth Ministry) which attracted more than 100 students in grades 9-12 and many young adults. The program began with the opening prayer by Fr. Rusty Rabalais, followed by an ice breaker game to meet and greet. The students listened to valuable messages from guest speakers Angela McCann and Peter Turner. The students participated in a “question parking lot” game where the youth wrote down faith questions they had and “parked” them in a designated area. Later in the evening, Fr. Shoury Ramji and Fr. Jose Pallipurath read and answered each question orally. The highlight of the evening was the procession of the Blessed Sacrament, Adoration, and Benediction led by Fr. Shoury Ramji. Music was provided by Kelly Pease Lombardi, Angela McCann, and the Take Refuge Band. Everyone enjoyed delicious food during the intermission. The program ended with a closing prayer by Fr. Abraham Verghese.
IGNITE Confirmation Rally to be held Jan. 11 The Office of Religious Formation and Training will host Ignite Confirmation Rally on Saturday, Jan. 11 from 8:45 a.m. - 5:15 p.m. at the Alexander Fulton Hotel. All Confirmation candidates in the diocese are invited to attend. Presenters include Father Bryce Sibley, Bishop Ronald Herzog, and Christ Padget. The cost is $20 if you register by Dec. 30; $25 if you register after Dec. 30. To register call 318-4456424, ext 221 or go to diocesealex.org/youth ministry.
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DECEMBER 16, 2013
Seminary offers unconventional path to priesthood for immigrants
By David Agren Catholic News Service
MEXICO CITY (CNS) -Oscar Urrutia’s path to religious life has been anything but easy. The seminary student previously dreamed of studying graphic design, but at 18 he jumped the border to enter the United States to make money for his family in Veracruz state. He ended up working construction jobs in the Carolinas and eventually joined a church community in the Diocese of Raleigh, N.C. “I really needed my family, and inside the church I felt like I was in family,” Urrutia said. He felt the call to the priesthood, but the path appeared impossible: U.S. seminaries are unable to accept students without the proper documentation. Then, the diocese discovered a solution -- one that would bring him back to Mexico, but eventually legalize his living situation in the U.S. Urrutia now studies at the Hispanic Seminary of Our Lady of Guadalupe in southern Mexico City. After his studies he can return to the Diocese of Raleigh, where he could work as a priest with Mexican migrants. “North Carolina is a state with a growing Hispanic culture, so there’s a lack of priests,” he said. The demand for potential priests like Urrutia in U.S. dioceses is enormous as parishes fill with Spanish-speaking populations who arrive in search of spiritual support. Such seminarians also represent renewal for Catholic communities across the country. The seminary strives to produce priests who will serve those Latino communities, especially Mexicans, whose Catholic customs often differ from nativeborn Americans. U.S. dioceses sponsor the seminarians; most are men who migrated north as children with their parents. “Catholicism in the United States is growing enormously with the Hispanic face,” said Father Rodrigo Benitez, seminary rector. “They know the culture of the people that they’re going to be serving in the United States,” he said of the seminarians. The seminary is an unlikely undertaking, but one personally
sponsibility for the seminarians’ training, which lasts four years and includes courses in philosophy and English, Father Benitez explained. But the seminarians are expected to return to the U.S. under work visas. “The commitment of the diocese (there) and the commitment of the archdiocese here is that they return to the United States,” Father Benitez said. The seminary has welcomed 178 students from 52 U.S. dio-
ceses since opening. Thirty-one alumni now work as priests in the U.S. thanks to an arrangement negotiated by the seminary and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, which provides the visas and recognizes the young men’s education upon completion. The education, Father Benitez said, is similar to any other seminary, but the students gain more exposure to Mexican customs and the local way of expressing the faith.
Seminarian Burses Donations in November
Seminarians chat during lunch at Mexico City seminary. Sajid Lozano, 28, center, chats with Juan Sandoval, 36, and Juan Carlos de Jusus, 28, during lunch at the Hispanic Seminary of Our Lady of Guadalupe Nov. 22 in Mexico City. The seminary has a large percentage of students who had lived undocumented in the United States but voluntarily came to Mexico for seminary studies. (CNS photo/David Maung) promoted by Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera of Mexico City, who has taken an interest in migrant issues, Father Benitez said. He added that it might be because the cardinal’s father once worked in the United States. The Archdiocese of Mexico
City and Mexican donors provided a majority of the funds for the seminary, which was founded in 1999 and started the following year with five students from the archdioceses of Los Angeles and Milwaukee. Cardinal Rivera takes re-
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DECEMBER 16, 2013
CHURCH TODAY
St. Cecilia Concert to benefit Radio Maria Join the St. Cecilia Chorale from Avoyelles parish Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. at St. Rita Church in Alex-
andria for an enjoyable evening of listening to a mix of classical music, Broadway hits and tradi-
tional Christmas music from different periods. The St. Cecilia Chorale, organized since the 1970s, is under the direction of Merkle Dupuis and accompanied by Nettie Chenevert and Dr. Paula Childress. Admission is free but all donations will benefit Radio Maria. Sweepstake winners announced
RADIO MARIA SWEEPSTAKES DRAWING. Father Robert Young, program director of Radio Maria, and watch as from Alexandria, draws the name of Carol M. from Green Bay, Wisc., as the Grand Winner (free trip for two to the Holy Land or to Medjugorie) of the 2013 Radio Maria Sweepstakes. The drawing was held Dec. 9 during a live broadcast of Radio Maria.
Winners of the 2013 Radio Maria Sweepstakes were drawn Dec. 9 during an Open House at the Alexandria station. Winners are Carol M. from Green Bay, Wisc, trip to choice of Holy Land or Medjugorie; Sue C. from Lake Charles, La., $1,000; and Walter W. from Armstrong Creek, Wisc, $500. The Radio Maria sweepstakes was open for entries from August - October, 2013. During a live broadcast on Radio Maria, the three names were drawn by Will and Nia Passman, and Bailey Domzalski. All proceeds from the sweepstakes went to Radio Maria.
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Common core standards to be topic of Jan. 17 Catholic Schools Conference Dr. Mary McDonald, a former superintendent of the Diocese of Mempis, will be the keynote speaker at the Diocese of Alexandria’s Catholic Schools Conference to be held Jan. 17 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Holy Savior Menard Central High School. All Catholic schools in the diocese will be closed that day so that all Catholic school personnel from within the diocese can attend. “Fact or Fiction” will be the theme of Dr. McDonald’s presentations, that will all center around the new commom core standards. “There is so much confusion and misunderstanding about the common core standards,” said Tommy Roque, superintendent of Catholic Schools. “Dr. McDonald is an expert in this area and will share with our teachers what
the true facts are.” Other topics to be presented at the conference include bullying and hazing, starting up a development program, updates on federal regulations, strategies in school safety and “make-it-take-it” Lent and Easter religion projects. The conference is part of Catholic Schools Week that will be celebrated throughout the U.S. Jan. 26- Feb. 1. Schools typically celebrate Catholic Schools Week with Masses, open houses and activities for students, families, and the community.
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CHURCH TODAY
DECEMBER 16, 2013
From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians to air on PBS Dec. 24, 31
By Henry Herx Catholic News Service
NEW YORK (CNS) -Looking back 2,000 years to the historical world of Jesus as well as that of his persecuted followers over the next three centuries is the two-part documentary “From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians,” to be rerun as a “Frontline” documentary Tuesdays, Dec. 24 and 31, 9 p.m.-11 p.m. each night on PBS (check local listings). Ever since the 1947 discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, biblical scholarship has been busy with archaeological digs, comparison of manuscripts and speculation over texts. These activities have been accompanied by a rush to bring the latest finding, no matter how tentative, to the public by translating the complexities of specialized research into journalistic and, at times, even tabloid prose. Drawing on the input of 12 New Testament scholars, this four-hour series tries to avoid the oversimplifications and slippery generalizations that have generated controversy in the public arena. This kind of research is prone to misunderstanding because its results are often provisional rather than definitive, apt to be discarded or refined as new discoveries come to light. In exploring the histori-
PBS Dec. 24 (Tuesday) 9 p.m. 11 p.m. Dec. 31 (Tuesday) 9 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Still from the the two-part documentary “From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians. This is a still image from the the twopart documentary “From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians,” to be rerun as a “Frontline” documentary Tuesdays, Dec. 24 and 31, 9 p.m.-11 p.m. each night on PBS. (CNS photo/PBS) cal context of the Gospels, these scholars confine themselves to the archaeological evidence and textual analysis rather than personal religious convictions or lack thereof. Though some Christian
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viewers will find this approach unedifying, if not confusing, others may gain new insights which deepen their faith rather than undermine it. Certainly the first two hours provide a rich introduction to the Jewish world into which Jesus was born, all of which is helpful in reading the Gospel accounts of his life and mission. What is central in the historical context is the subjection of Judea to Roman rule and the rise of political rebels and messianic
sects looking for a new kingdom to replace the old. The Dec. 24 program examines how the Gospel accounts came to be written, the struggle between differing Christian sects, and the emergence of Rome as the center of the early church. Produced by Marilyn Mellowes and directed by William Cran, the series presents a secular account of the rise of Christianity without directly taking up the question of Christ’s divinity, which is a matter of faith and beyond the scope of series. The series will, however, antagonize those who take a strictly literal view of the Gospel accounts and surely irritate most historians by using the clunky B.C.E. (Before the Common Era) to replace the common usage and historically correct B.C. (Before Christ). As a presentation of the “Frontline” series of investigative reports on current affairs, this scholarly probe into the historicity of Jesus and the development of the early church offers some tentative reflections on the birth of Christianity as it enters its third millennium.
For a Limited Time only!
off each book
Anniversary Books $54 for set $28 for 11.5 X 11.5 book $8 for 8 X 8 books $8 for ornament
Available at the St. Joseph Catholic Center, 4400 Coliseum Blvd., Alexandria, LA Hours: Mon-Thur. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Fri. 8 a.m. - noon or call 318-445-6424, ext 255
DECEMBER 16, 2013
CHURCH TODAY
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12 Years a Slave has its roots in Central Louisiana By Joseph McAleer Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) -- If you thought Alex Haley’s “Roots” was the definitive take on antebellum slavery in the United States, prepare for a harsh wake-up call with “12 Years a Slave” (Fox Searchlight). Unlike Haley’s 1976 book, which became a landmark TV miniseries, this film focuses on man’s inhumanity to man, portraying it with brutal honesty and a degree of violence that is almost intolerable. That alone would normally restrict the picture’s appropriate audience to a small group of adults. Yet at least some mature teenagers might benefit from this important history lesson with its searing depiction of the endurance of the human spirit against crushing odds. Directed by Steve McQueen (“Shame”) from a screenplay by John Ridley (“Red Tails”), “12 Years a Slave” is based on the true story of Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man who published the eponymous memoir in 1853 and became a prominent abolitionist. The beginning of the screen account finds Northup living happily with his wife and children in upstate New York where he earns his living as a carpenter and
MOVIE
REVIEW
12 YEARS A SLAVE Chiwetel Ejiofor, center, stars in a scene from the movie “12 Years a Slave.” The Catholic News Service classification is L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of Ame rica rating is R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. (CNS photo/Fox Searchlight) violin player. Befriended by two strangers, Northup is persuaded to travel to Washington to earn extra money as a musician. There Northup’s nightmare begins. He awakens from a drunken evening in chains, sold by his new “friends” into slavery. Stripped of his identity and now called Platt, he is shipped to New Orleans, where he’s auctioned off to the highest bidder.
The viewer shares Platt’s sense of disbelief and horror as he endures every possible indignity, not to mention repeated beatings and whippings. As bleak as the outlook is, Platt stays focused on regaining his freedom and returning to his family -- somehow. “I don’t just want to survive,” he tells his fellow slaves. “I want to live!” To do so, he must walk a
fine line, not revealing his true identity or the fact that he is an educated man who can read and write, a threat to any slave owner. Over a dozen years, Platt has two masters, one benevolent, one not. Kindhearted plantation owner William Ford (Benedict Cumberbatch) senses something unique about Platt and enlists his help as a musician and engineer. Platt’s talents, however, are
resented by Ford’s overseer John (Paul Dano), who abuses him. When Platt snaps and beats John to a pulp, Ford has no choice but to sell Platt to keep the peace. His new owner is Edwin Epps (Michael Fassbender), a sadist who quotes scripture as justification for beating his slaves and raping the women among them. As the years pass, the future seems bleak for Platt, until he learns to trust in the unexpected kindness of a stranger (Brad Pitt). The violence in “12 Years a Slave” is relentless and an assault on all the senses, its tone and feeling reminiscent of “The Passion of the Christ.” Both films employ brutality to make an important point. Here it serves as a reminder of the sufferings of African-Americans and the long, dark shadow cast by their bondage down to the present day. The film contains gruesome bloody violence -- including hangings, beatings, whippings, torture and rape -- full nudity, nongraphic consensual but nonmarital sexual activity and some profane and crude language. Rated R.
Epps House reconstructed on LSU-Alexandria campus “12 Years a Slave,” based on the book by the same name, recounts Solomon Northup’s life after being kidnapped as a free man of color, sold into slavery in New Orleans, and eventually working in Central Louisiana. The Epps House, a house that Northup helped build, has been located in both Avoyelles parish for more than a century, but was recently relocated to the campus of LSU-Alexandria. It was the Epps House that played an important role in Northrup eventually being able to regain his freedom and return to his home in New York. “The Epps House is an important reminder of a tragic epi-
sode that cost Solomon Northup twelve years of his freedom, but gave him the opportunity to tell an important story about slavery from a very rare perspective,” says LSUA history professor Dr. Jerry Sanson. The reconstructed house has been turned into a permanent exhibit for visitors to learn more about Northup as well as life during this era. The Epps House: Solomon Northrup’s Gateway to Freedom was first opened to the public Nov. 14. The exhibit is open weekly from Thursday through Sunday from noon until 4 p.m. It is also be open by appointment, and it is free of charge to visitors.
THE EPPS HOUSE, now a reconstructed exhibit on the campus of LSU-Alexandria, was built in 1852 for the Edwin Epps family and is the key factor in the movie, 12 Years a Slave. The exhibit was officially opened Nov. 14, and is open to visitors Thursday through Sunday from noon until 4 p.m., free of charge.
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CHURCH TODAY
Drawing to win Ford Focus is Dec. 20
DIOCESAN
Holy Savior Menard is raffling off a brand new Ford Focus S.E. Proceeds of the raffle will help the school undergo its first major electrical renovation since the completion of the building in 1967. Tickets are $100. The drawing will be held Dec. 20 at the school’s annual Christmas program. To purchase a ticket, contact Menard’s development office at 318-445-8233 or tmcnulty@diocesealex.org
BRIEFS
Mother Teresa exhibit Dec. 6-Feb. 22 The Alexandria Museum of Art is hosting a photographic exhibit Dec. 6 - Feb. 22, titled Marie Constantin: Photographs of Mother Teresa. Baton Rouge photographer Marie Constantin captured rare, private moments of the late Mother Teresa when she was invited to travel with her down the East Coast in 1985-86. Cost is $4 for adults; $3 for seniors/students/military; $2 for youth, ages 4-13. Free admission every 2nd Saturday!
Red River Chorale Christmas Concert The Red River Chorale will present Expressions of Hope and Joy for their Christmas Concert this year. Join us on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m., St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria. Admission: $15 adults, $5 students.
Sacred Heart School play Dec. 19 Enjoy the talents of the students from Sacred Heart School in Moreauville as they present a special Christmas production of Christmas at WNOEL. The prduction will be held on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m., at the Mari Center in Marksville. Admission is donation offering.
Rome pilgrimage with Bishop Herzog Join Bishop Ronald Herzog April 25- May 2 for an 8-day pilgrimage to Rome, which will also include the canonization of John Paul II and John XXIII and a general audience with Pope Francis. The cost of the trip is $3,870 per person and includes roundtrip air transportation from Alexandria, four star hotel, some meals (6 breakfasts & 4 dinners), and daily Mass. For more information, call 1-888-465-9868 or email: info@thecatholictour.com
Feb. 1 Catechetical Conference The Office of Religious Formation and Training will host a Diocesan Catechetical Conference on Saturday, Feb. 1 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the OLPS Divine Providence Center in Alexandria. Deacon Ralph Poyo will lead the day of spiritual enrichment. All catechists, as well as all priests, deacons and their wives, and anyone else interested, are invited. Cost is $15, which includes lunch. To register, email cnorris@diocesealex.org or call 318-445-6424, ext. 221.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
CDA COURT PADRE PIO 2121 COOKS FOR LSU-A STUDENTS. CDA Court Padre Pio 2121, St. Mary’s Assumption Church in Cottonport, prepared and served a Mexican meal for the students at the LSU-A Catholic Youth Organization. Pictured are Kinta Moreau, Kathy McDonald, Carolyn Gauthier, Judy Galland, Charlene Riche, Carol Tassin, Sue White, and Kathy Lemoine.
Trip to Rome for JPII Canonization Join Father Kenneth Michiels and the Catholic Pilgrim Office for a 10-day pilgrimage to Rome. The highlight of the trip will be at the Vatican on Divine Mercy Sunday (April 27) to witness the canonization of Blessed John Paul II. The cost is $3,798 per person and includes roundtrip air transportation from Houston, first class hotels, all taxes and tour tips, land transportation, meals (except lunch), entrance fees to all sites and a professional guide. For more information, call the Catholic Pilgrim Office at 404-467-8041.
Holy Land Pilgrimage The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem is offering a pilgrimage to the Holy Land March 1626, 2014 at a cost of $3,499 per person, double occupancy. For more information, contact Pierre or Roz Allemond, lieutenancy pilgrimage coordinators at 318-452-6443 or e-mail us at eohsjalexandria@gmail.com.
Happy holidays from your ABM team!
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This annual observance of a week of prayer (Jan. 1825) allows Christians to become aware of the great diversity found in Christian worship and yet realize the unity that is established in Christ and the Gospel. Parishes and local communities are encouraged to coordinate ecumenical events that may include service projects, prayer services, luncheons, meetings between various Christian clergy, choir concerts, musical recitals, or any variation of presentations appropriate to ecumenism. The theme is “Has Christ Divided Us?” taken from 1Corinthians 1:13 Each year the Diocese of Alexandria and the Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana host an event for the Week of Prayer. This year the Catholic Dioese of Alexandria will coordinate and sponsor an event on Monday, Jan. 20 (Details TBA) Resources are also available at www.usccb.org.
S.A.L.T. Retreats Registration is now open for the 2014 S.A.L.T. (Servants Actively Leading Teens) Retreats. All retreats will be held at Maryhill Renewal Center, in Pineville for students in grades 9-12. The cost is $87 per student. Please include payment (check to Sacred Heart Church) with your application. The three overnight retreats are: • Jan. 11-12 • Feb. 8-9 • March 8-9 Forms are available online at http://www.diocesealex. org/sites/default/files/docs/salt_registration_form_0.pdf, or call Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Pineville at 318445-2497.
CHURCH TODAY
DECEMBER 16, 2013
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December - January Monday
Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Lessons & Carols 7:30 p.m. Trinity Episcopal Church, Natchitoches
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Red River Chorale Christmas Concert 7:30 p.m. St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria PRAY FOR FR. E. GAMBORIKO
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Thursday
Friday
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Sacred Heart School: WNOEL 6:00 p.m. Mari Center, Marksville
Drawing for Ford Focus at Menard
Saturday
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St. Cecilia Concert for Radio Maria 7:00 p.m. St. Rita Church, Alexandria
Sunday
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Christmas Candlelight Dinner 6:00-8:00 p.m. Pineville
Holiday Light Safari -- Alexandria Zoo FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
PRAY FOR FR. R. GARRIONE
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PRAY FOR FR. J. GOOTEE
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PRAY FOR FR. R. GREMILLION
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PRAY FOR FR. J. HASIEBER
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PRAY FOR BISHOP HERZOG
PRAY FOR MSGR. R. HOPPE
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St. Joseph Catholic Center CLOSED
CHRISTMAS EVE PRAY FOR FR. R. HUMPHRIES
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PRAY FOR FR. B. IBE
FEAST of the NATIVITY of the LORD (CHRISTMAS DAY) Holy Day of Obligation PRAY FOR FR. H. IMAMSHAH
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JANUARY
FEAST of the HOLY FAMILY of JESUS, MARY, JOSEPH PRAY FOR FR. K. ISHMAEL
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PRAY FOR FR. G. KROSFIELD
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PRAY FOR FR. P. KULIGOWSKI
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PRAY FOR FR. F. KUMAI
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St. Joseph Catholic Center CLOSED SOLEMNITY of MARY, the HOLY MOTHER of GOD (Holy Day of Obligation) PRAY FOR FR. J. KUMBLUMKAL
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NEW YEAR’S EVE
NEW YEAR’S DAY
PRAY FOR FR. P. KUNNUMPURAM
PRAY FOR BISHOP HERZOG
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PRAY FOR FR. S. KWEBUZA
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FIRST FRIDAY
FIRST SATURDAY
FEAST of the EPIPHANY of the LORD
PRAY FOR FR. M. LAIRD
PRAY FOR FR. R. LEMOINE
PRAY FOR FR. R. MATHEWS
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IGNITE Confirmation Rally 8:45 a.m.-5:15 p.m. Alexandria
S.A.L.T. Retreat -- Maryhill FEAST of the BAPTISM of the LORD PRAY FOR FR. C. MAURICIO
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PRAY FOR FR. C. MORGAN
PRAY FOR FR. L. MELCHER
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PRAY FOR FR. C. NAYAK
PRAY FOR FR. A. MESSINA
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PRAY FOR FR. J. NELLIKUNNEL
PRAY FOR FR. J. MICHALCHUK
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VIRTUS Training 6:00 p.m. St. Joseph Catholic Center, Alexandria
PRAY FOR FR. M. NOEL
PRAY FOR FR. K. MICHIELS
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Catholic Schools Conference 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Holy Savior Menard Central High School
PRAY FOR FR. K. OBIEKWE
PRAY FOR FR. B. MILLER
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LA Life March-South 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. Baton Rouge
PRAY FOR FR. J. O’BRIEN
PRAY FOR FR. J. MONTALBANO
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PRAY FOR FR. D. O’CONNOR