A People of Hope

BY ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO

ARCHBISHOP GREGORY AYMOND ORDAINS THE REVEREND MR. ANDREW SANCHEZ A TRANSITIONAL DEACON IN NEW ORLEANS ON 16 MAY 2020. PHOTO COURTESY OF FRANK METHE | CLARION HERALD.

My articles in Salute usually follow my extensive travels, which, until last March, were the steady diet of the chief Shepherd of this global archdiocese. Despite the pandemic, there have been some travels basically to the ordinations of our fine co-sponsored seminarians.

These included the diaconate ordination of Andrew Sanchez (Army), see the Harvest Continues page 6, in the beautiful and somewhat empty Cathedral of Saint Louis in New Orleans. He was ordained with eleven others from several dioceses. Father Joseph Baltz’s (Army) ordination to the priesthood took me to another historic Cathedral in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It was also a privilege to say a prayer at the tomb of the first Archbishop, Jean-Baptiste Lamy, who came to the United States as a missionary with the first Bishop of Cleveland. He is the main character in Willa Cather’s wellknown Death Comes for the Archbishop.

The Diocese of Fall River welcomed me for Father Steven Booth’s (Navy) ordination in their neo-Gothic Cathedral. A retired West-Point graduate was ordained a transitional deacon at the same celebration. His call was a good reminder that the military is still an abundant source of vocations in our Country.

The next priesthood ordination was that of Father Timothy Mergen (Air Force) in a parish church in his home diocese of Madison, Wisconsin. Even though the airlines almost frustrated my arrival, another prior Air Force seminarian, Tom Pressley, came to the rescue. In fact, there were many familiar faces at his celebrations.

Some very brief pastoral visitations filled the final week of July. Normally that is the one month that there are no visits, but this year is not normal. Offutt and McConnell Air Force Bases welcomed me, as did Fort Riley. Basically, I went to confirm those who had been prepared, but it was good to see the priests, greet some of the faithful, and experience the tranquility of the Midwest. While everyone is trying to respect the most current guidelines, that part of the Nation is a bit more open than others.

That trip ended in Orlando, but not to see Mickey Mouse. Father Adam Marchese (Army) was ordained a priest on the Feast of St. James

(25 July) in the Cathedral dedicated to him. The transfer of the ordination from May to July allowed me to participate, and it was a joy to be there.

I began this article as I headed west for the ordination of Father Tyler Harris (Air Force) and his companion in the smoky Monterey Diocese. It was truly moving to see him ordained—we first met in Kuwait in 2011 where he was deployed as a religious affairs Airman.

These fine men bring many gifts and talents to their ministry. It will be a joy to see them in the chaplaincy, and I give thanks to Almighty God who has called them, to their parents and seminary faculties that have nurtured and formed their vocation, and to them for their “yes” to His will.

That ordination gave me the opportunity to pay my first

ARCHBISHOP JOHN C. WESTER ORDAINS THE visit to Vandenberg Air Force

REVEREND MR. JOSEPH BALTZ A TRANSITIONAL DEACON ON 6 JUNE 2019, IN RIO RANCHO, NM. Base, home to many launches and other space activities. It was good to celebrate Mass with that community (indoors, because of the smoke!), to confirm three, and learn about their interesting and unique mission. The setting for the installation is dramatically beautiful.

You and I look for signs of hope in these challenging times. Most of us have never experienced a situation similar to the one caused by the pandemic. We are not accustomed to masks, restricted movements, making reservations to go to Mass, spending so much time at home, and the constant concern about health and loved ones. I have appreciated the extra

time for prayer and fewer flights! However, the constant contact with the committed faithful who form this archdiocese is greatly missed.

We look for signs of hope and, opening our eyes, we see many. I just remarked at the commitment of the co-sponsored. Think also about the commitment of so many people in the healthcare professions: doctors, nurses, aides, janitors, technicians, and housekeepers. BISHOP EDGAR M. DA CUNHA, S.D.V., ORDAINS FATHER STEVEN A. BOOTH Consider the fidelity of postal workers, 13 JUNE 2020. PHOTO COURTESY garbage collectors, clerks in stores, those OF FALL RIVER DIOCESE. who stock shelves, first-responders, and persons charged with repairs. Think of hospital chaplains who are striving to bring the sacraments to those afflicted by COVID-19 and others. At the same time, they encourage their co-workers.

On the way to a funeral on Long Island, I spoke to a policeman in the Jamaica Station. He was there with his colleagues to ensure our safety. He was concerned that no one would want to talk to them. I was eager to reassure him and to remind him that, in a crisis or in personal need, most of us would first turn to the police.

Consider the story of a retired Air Force colonel and West Point graduate who some years ago donated a kidney to a classmate. During the pandemic he has been an active volunteer offering help, reaching out, and escaping the self-centering which can be a by-product of a crisis.

There are countless other people who have continued to meet the needs of others—often at their own risk. They are signs of hope and encourage each one of us in our commitments. continued on page 8

Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington has offered thoughtful and up-lifting reflections on a local radio station. His positive commentary, gentle invitations to look to the Lord, and words of encouragement urge all to hope.

The staff of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, has also continued to minister during these months. Initially, with the exception of a small number of people, most people worked remotely. Now the city of Washington, D.C. has permitted a larger work force on-site and it is good to see them in the building.

My thoughts have often turned to the contemplative communities who support us with their prayers. They have continued to be faithful to both mission and charism despite the changes in our world. My thoughts turn especially to the Carmelites in Flemington, BISHOP DONALD J. HYING ORDAINS New Jersey, who have adopted

FATHER TIMOTHY G. MERGEN, 2LT, USAFR, IN MADISON, WI, ON 26 JUNE 2020. the AMS—forging a special link with all of those who serve in the military or are cared for in the VA. Their accompaniment is a special gift always and particularly in these days.

In mid-August I was able to host the confirmation for those from Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and Joint Base Andrews. They would have participated in the joint confirmation that is usually held in the lovely crypt of the National Shrine of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. The catechists and coordinators of both communities did a fine job of preparing the candidates and helping them celebrate. The completion of Christian initiation for members of the faithful is another sign of hope. The Lord still sends His Spirit and still showers us with His love. 8

We rejoice in the Lord’s presence. Even in the midst of suffering, distress, and inconvenience, the Lord is still with us. He has not abandoned the boat. Facing the unknown, we do not lose heart, because we are certain that He has a plan for us. Of course, we have to learn the lessons He teaches us.

Perhaps this time of isolation has also taught us to imitate the Lord Jesus a bit more. He tells us to love others as we love ourselves and to do for others what we would like to have others do to us.

L-R: FATHER ADAM D. MARCHESE, ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO, AND BISHOP JOHN NOONAN AT THE PRIESTLY ORDINATION OF FATHER MARCHESE IN ORLANDO, FL, ON 25 JULY 2020. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORLANDO.

One of those is consideration for others. The pandemic has opened our eyes to our interdependence. More primitive societies were more aware and attentive to nature and the contributions of others. It has also reminded us that we are not completely in charge. So often in our advanced, contemporary society, there was a subtle notion that we are omnipotent. The pandemic has shot down that idea and obliged us to pray a bit more.

Think about those researchers who are striving to discover a vaccine to render us immune or at least better positioned to face the pandemic. We are counting on them and wait to hear about the results of their efforts and take advantage of the help they will offer. They also represent a source of hope.

The AMS looks forward to welcoming some of the co-sponsored seminarians for the annual Labor Day gathering and Father Capodanno Memorial Mass. It is always good to see them, to be electrified by their enthusiasm, and to be filled with hope by their commitment and pledge of

future service. Many will not be able to join us, because of the restrictions and prudence of their seminaries. However, many of the events will be live streamed for their participation.

Postponements and cancellations have been frequent in these months. The long-planned and longawaited young adult summit will take place in the summer of 2021. The same is true of the marriage enrichment retreats. We learn to accept disappointment even as we prepare for the future.

However, the outreach to young adults through the “Reach More” initiative continues on several military installations. It represents L-R: BISHOP DANIEL GARCIA, FATHER TYLER HARRIS, AND ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY BROGLIO grass-roots evangelization designed AT FATHER HARRIS’S ORDINATION IN SEASIDE, to bring the Gospel to the periphery.

CA, ON 22 AUGUST 2020

As a new pastoral year begins, family and distance-learning catechesis will become the way forward on many installations. It is not the best solution, but necessity dictates that faith formation continue. I am grateful for the creativity and the persistence both of the staff here in Washington and the catechetical leaders throughout the world. Again, signs of hope are not lacking.

Needless to write, the shortage of priests in the military continues to be a problem. However, there are places where priests are available, but the military is denying the funds to meet the needs of the contracts. It is a tremendous pastoral problem, which could easily be solved, if the Navy Southwest Region were willing to meet those expenditures.

A non-Catholic Navy Command Chaplain suggested to a Catholic priest who has one of the cancelled contracts that he (the priest) could volunteer. Of course, who would pay the priest’s health insurance, his room and board, his vehicle expenses, and so forth? Is the same Navy Captain willing to L –R TAYLOR KRAMER – PASTORAL COORDINATOR AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COORDINATOR; FATHER ARTHUR NAJERA – GSvolunteer and give up his salary? 11 PRIEST, VANDENBERG AFB; ARCHBISHOP

TIMOTHY BROGLIO; FATHER MARIO T. CATUNGAL,

Despite the challenges and CH, MAJ. USAF; DEACON (2LT. ADAM WOODWARD (CHAPLAIN CANDIDATE) the setbacks, the Gospel is still being preached. Generous men and women have not turned back from the plow. The Lord still walks with the Church, or, to use the image of Pope Francis, Jesus remains in the boat with us. We can go forward. V

CONFIRMATION MASS HELD 15 AUGUST 2020 AT THE EDWIN CARDINAL O’BRIEN PASTORAL CENTER FOR JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING (JBAB), WASHINGTON, DC. AND JOINT BASE ANDREWS (JBA), MD. L-R: DEACON TIMOTHY WOLFKILL, MICHAEL CELESTINE (JBA), LOUIS LAMBERT (JBAB — LOUIS ALSO RECEIVED HIS FIRST COMMUNION), ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO, LAURA ALTWIES (JBAB), LUCY ALTWIES (JBAB), AND FATHER LARRY SMITH, S.J.