People of God, December 2015 by Archdiocese of Santa Fe

December 2015 • Volume 33, Number 11 • www.archdiosf.org

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Archbishop’s Letter: Wishing You a Blessed Christmas Jubilee of Mercy Sr. Blandina Closer to Sainthood Year of Consecrated Life: Canossian Daughters of Charity Year of Consecrated Life: Felician Sisters World News Even Santa Stops to Pray

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Nativity scene located outside the Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, West Bank

Wishing You a Blessed Advent & Christmas Season

The Advent season is from November 29-December 24. The Christmas season is from December 25 – January 6, 2016.

Join Pope Francis and Plan a Prayer Service for the 49th Annual World Peace Day on January 1, 2016! Join Pope Francis’ effort to promote world peace by planning a prayer service for World Peace Day. The theme of Pope Francis’ message for the 2016 World Day of Peace,

celebrated on Jan. 1, is “Overcome Indifference and Win Peace.” In it, the Holy Father urges us to replace isolation with community, and indifference with solidarity. He chal-

lenges families, schools, and other institutions to foster awareness and avenues for response to problems such as intolerance, religious persecution, slavery, war, and the plight

of refugees. Celebrate the World Day of Peace with Pope Francis. Go to www.usccb.org for resources, including the annual messages from all the popes back to 1968!

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Serving The Multicultural People of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe

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Archdiocese of Santa Fe, Most Reverend John C. Wester, M.Div., M.A.S., M.A. Diocese of Las Cruces, Most Reverend Oscar Cantú, S.T.D. Diocese of Gallup, Most Reverend James S. Wall P.O. Box 3243 • Los Lunas, NM 87031 • 505.319.3334 November 20, 2015 The Catholic Bishops of New Mexico call all residents of New Mexico to pray for refugees fleeing their war torn homes and communities. Our Lord, in a special way, holds the most vulnerable close to his heart and, in this time of tragic loss of innocent life, we too should hold the people of Syria and Iraq close to our hearts. In the wake of the tragic events in Paris, Beirut and Mali, the Bishops of New Mexico join the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in calling the faithful to pray for refugees. Write a letter to President Obama urging him to expand U.S. resettlement efforts of Syrian refugees who are fleeing unspeakable atrocities and violence. Urge your members of congress to provide urgently needed development aid for refugee host countries. We remind New Mexicans that refugees and immigrants are all human persons, made in the image of God, bearing inherent dignity and deserving our respect, care and protection by law from persecution. Locally, Catholic Charities in New Mexico has been resettling families, children, and adults from many different countries in cooperation with the United States Government. Catholic Charities serves as a partner with the Federal Government who makes every effort to clear and verify the identities and backgrounds of refugees before resettlement in New Mexico. Some leaders have tried to use the tragic events in Paris to influence the outcome of state legislation regarding driver’s licenses for immigrants. In the 2015 legislative session the New Mexican Catholic bishops supported a fair two-tier compromise that passed the New Mexico Senate with bipartisan support. We pray that this compromise will become law so all eligible residents can drive to complete the daily tasks of making a living, getting children to school, and participating in our communities. We must remember that the vast majority of refugees are innocent, law-abiding people who are fleeing persecution and death. We must all, Federal Government, State Government, communities, and neighbors, work together to keep our homeland safe and at the same time, as the Gospel calls us, keep the most vulnerable safe.

Holy Father’s Prayer Intentions for December 2015 UNIVERSAL: Experiencing God’s mercy - That all may experience the mercy of God, who never tires of forgiving. EVANGELIZATION: Families - That families, especially those who suffer, may find in the birth of Jesus a sign of certain hope.

Emitieron el 23 de noviembre, 2015 la siguiente declaración referente a la situación de refugiados: Los obispos católicos de Nuevo México lla-man a todos los residentes de Nuevo México a rezar por los refugiados que huyen de hogares y comunidades devastadas por gue-rras. Nuestro Señor, de una manera espe-cial, mantiene a los más vulnerables en su corazón y en este tiempo de pérdidas trági-cas de vidas inocentes, también nosotros debemos mantener el pueblo de Siria e Irak en nuestros corazones. A raíz de los trágicos acontecimientos de París, Beirut y Malí, los obispos Católicos de Nuevo México se unen a la Conferencia Cató-lica de los Obispos de Estados Unidos para pedir a los fieles que recen por los refugia-dos. Escriba una carta al Presidente Obama instándole a ampliar los esfuerzos estadouni-denses de reasentamiento de refugiados sirios que huyen de atrocidades incontables y violencia. Pida a sus miembros del Congre-so que proporcionen ayuda para una res-puesta urgente en los países que acogen a refugiados. Recordamos a los habitantes de Nuevo Méxi-co que todos los refugiados y los inmigrantes son seres humanos, creados a imagen de Dios, que poseen una dignidad propia y me-recen nuestro respeto, cuidado y protección de la ley ante la persecución. A nivel local, Caridades Católicas en Nuevo México, en cooperación con el Gobierno de los Estados Unidos ha reubicado a familias, niños y adul-tos provenientes de muchos diferentes paí-ses. Caridades Católicas colabora con el Gobierno Federal, el cual hace todo esfuerzo posible para verificar las identidades y orígenes de los refugiados antes de que ellos sean reubi-cados en Nuevo México. Algunos líderes han tratado de utilizar los trágicos acontecimientos de París tratar de intervenir en el resultado de la legislación del Estado en relación a las licencias de condu-cir para inmigrantes. En la sesión legislativa de 2015 los obispos católicos de Nuevo México apoyaron un acuerdo justo de dos niveles que pasó por el Senado el Nuevo México con apoyo bipartidista. Oramos para que este pacto se convierta en ley para que todos los residentes elegibles puedan condu-cir con licencia para llevar a cabo las tareas diarias de ganarse la vida, llevar a los niños a la escuela y participar plenamente en nuestras comunidades. Debemos recordar que la gran mayoría de los refugiados son inocentes, son personas que respetan la ley y que están huyendo de la persecución y la muerte. Debemos todos, el Gobierno Federal, el Gobierno Estatal, las comunidades y vecinos, trabajar juntos para mantener nuestra patria segura y, al mismo tiempo, como nos llama el Evangelio, a man-tener a salvo a los más vulnerables.

Pope Francis prays during his general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. Pope Francis says he wants the Year of Mercy to usher in a “revolution of tenderness.” (CNS photo/ Ettore Ferrari, EPA)

December 2015

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Wishing You a Blessed Christmas and a graceful

Most Reverend John C. Wester, Archbishop of Santa Fe

New Year

t is unfortunate the first He gave his life for us that we exist. That’s pretty poor! Fur- the poor; in giving alms we are thermore, as if we weren’t poor giving to ourselves! There is a hint we get of Christ- might live forever. The point of Christmas, then, enough, we sinned, making subtle yet important distinction mas each year is from the department stores or is not to go shopping for pres- ourselves even more desper- here. It is a human trait to want ate. So, God came to to be with our own, to care for the online advertisements. I “His state was divine yet He did not cling to our rescue by sending our own, to live with our own. us His Son who, tak- This is what we are doing when say it is unfortuHis equality with God but emptied Himself nate because this to assume the condition of a slave…” (Phil. ing on our lowly na- we make the poor a priority: we places Christmas 2: 6-7). This act of surrender was repeated ture, raised us to His are giving to our own since we status, making us sons are all poor in the eyes of God, completely out of again and again in the life of Christ all the and daughters of God. poor yet loved beyond measure context and is the way to the cross on which He gave his life We, then, the poor, are and therefore rich in grace. opposite of what for us that we might live forever. This Christmas is an opporthe ones whom Christ Christmas is all came to save. It stands tunity to take the letters “ts” out about. Indeed, Christmas celebrates the Incar- ents but to draw closer to Christ to reason, then, that Christmas of “presents” and replace them nation of Jesus Christ. Christ- as we contemplate his love is directed to the poor. How fit- with “ce” to form “presence.” mas, and its preparation time of expressed in the Incarnation. Advent, calls us to reflect and Our response to this great gift This Christmas is an opportunity to take the letters “ts” live anew the moment of grace of Christ’s love is gratitude. out of “presents” and replace them with “ce” to form when God, in the person of His And the best way to express “presence.” The “c” is for Christ as we become more only begotten Son, became one our gratitude is to strive to be Christ-like and the “e” is for “equal” in that we are all of us. This inexplicable mo- more Christ-like as we empty poor, we are all equal in the eyes of God. This Christmas ment of grace is completely ourselves as he did. And for is an opportunity to bring our presence to each other, unearned and unexpected. As whom do we empty ourselves? especially the poor, and if we want to include a little the word “grace” implies, we Well, there are many but inwrapped gift in the process, well, why not? did nothing to deserve this out- cluded on our list must be the pouring of God’s love. Rath- poor! Christ took on our nature, the ting that in our effort to be more The “c” is for Christ as we beer, it is completely gratuitous. As we read in Philippians “His nature of poverty. He came Christ-like we follow Christ’s come more Christ-like and the state was divine yet He did not to us who are poor. You and example in the Incarnation by “e” is for “equal” in that we are cling to His equality with God I are poor as we stand before making the poor a priority at all poor, we are all equal in the but emptied Himself to assume the throne of God. No matter Christmas (and hopefully, all eyes of God. This Christmas is an opportunity to bring our the condition of a slave…” how rich we may think we are, throughout the year!). It is critical, I believe, to re- presence to each other, espe(Phil. 2: 6-7). This act of sur- the fact is that we are comrender was repeated again and pletely dependent upon God, member that we give to the cially the poor, and if we want again in the life of Christ all the author of every good gift. poor not because we are mag- to include a little wrapped gift the way to the cross on which Without God, we would not nanimous but because we are in the process, well, why not?

It is with a sense of deep gratitude that I wish all of you, my brothers and sisters in Christ, a blessed Christmas and a grace-filled New Year. You have given me a most treasured Christmas gift by welcoming me so warmly to this marvelous archdiocese. I am very conscious of my own poverty as I stand humbly in your midst, enriched by your love, support and prayers. I pledge the same to you during these holy days of Christmas and I pray that the new-born Christ child will raise His arms of benediction over us all. Sincerely yours in the Lord,

Most Rev. John C, Wester, Archbishop of Santa Fe

Deseándole una Feliz Navidad y un Año Nuevo lleno de bendiciones

s lamentable que el primer indicio que tenemos cada año de la Navidad es de los grandes comercios o los anuncios en línea. Yo digo que es lamentable porque esto coloca a la Navidad completamente fuera de contexto y es lo contrario de lo que se trata la Navidad. De hecho, la Navidad celebra la Encarnación de Jesucristo. La Navidad y su tiempo de preparación durante el Adviento, nos llaman a reflexionar y vivir de nuevo el momento de gracia cuando Dios, en la persona de su unigénito Hijo, se convirtió en uno de nosotros. Este in-

explicable momento de gracia es totalmente inmerecido e inesperado. Como la palabra “gracia” lo implica, no hicimos nada para merecer esta efusión del amor de Dios. De hecho, es totalmente gratuito. Leemos en Filipenses: “Aunque era de naturaleza divina, no insistió ser igual a Dios, sino que hizo a un lado lo que le era propio para tomar la naturaleza de siervo...” (Fil. 2: 6-7). Este acto de entrega se repitió una y otra vez en la vida de Cristo hasta llegar a la cruz, en la que él dio su vida por nosotros para que nosotros vivamos para siempre. Entonces, el punto principal

de la Navidad no es ir a comprar regalos, sino acercarnos más a Cristo al contemplar su amor expresando en la Encarnación. Nuestra respuesta a este gran regalo del amor de Cristo es la gratitud. Y la mejor manera de expresar nuestra gratitud es tratar de ser cada vez más como Cristo, despojándonos de nosotros mismos como él lo hizo. Y, ¿por quién nos despojamos de nosotros mismos? Bueno, por muchos, pero incluidos en nuestra lista deben estar los pobres! Cristo tomó nuestra naturaleza, la naturaleza de la pobreza. Él vino a nosotros que somos pobres. Tú y yo somos

pobres al pararnos ante el trono de Dios. No importa cuán ricos pensemos que somos, lo cierto es que somos completamente dependientes de Dios, el autor de todo bien. Sin Dios, no existiríamos. ¡Eso es ser pobre! Además, como si no fuésemos suficientemente pobres, hemos pecado, haciéndonos aún más desesperados. Por eso, Dios vino a nuestro rescate enviándonos a su Hijo, quien, asumiendo nuestra naturaleza humilde, nos elevó a su condición, haciéndonos hijos e hijas de Dios. Nosotros, los pobres, somos a quienes Cristo vino a salvar. Es lógico entonces, que la Navidad

sea dirigida a los pobres. Qué apropiado sería que en nuestro esfuerzo por ser más como Cristo siguiésemos el ejemplo de Cristo en la Encarnación, haciendo a los pobres una prioridad en la Navidad (¡y ojalá que durante todo el año!). Es fundamental, en mi opinión, recordar que damos a los pobres no porque somos magnánimos sino porque somos los pobres; ¡al dar a otros nos estamos dando a nosotros mismos! Hay una distinción sutil pero importante aquí. Es un rasgo humano querer estar con los nuestros, cuidar a los nuestros, vivir con los nuestros. NAVIDAD Continued on 22

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Archbishop’s Schedule

December

11 Fri 9:00 a.m. Mass, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Albuquerque 10:30 p.m. Reenactment of Guadalupe and Mass, Shrine of Guadalupe, Santa Fe 13 Sun 10:00 a.m. Opening Mass for Year of Mercy, Cathedral Basilica, Santa Fe 16 Wed 10:00 a.m. Executive Presbyteral, Catholic Center 11:30 p.m. Deans Meeting, Archbishop’s Residence, Albuquerque 17 Thu 12:00 noon Archbishop’s Radio Hour 18 Fri 10:00 a.m. Tape TV Masses for Feast of the Holy Family, Catholic Center 19 Sat 8:00 a.m. Mass, Maximum Security Pod, Los Lunas Prison Correctional Facility 9:00 a.m. Mass, Medium Security Pod, Los Lunas Prison Correctional Facility 10:00 a.m. Mass, Minimum Security Pod, Los Lunas Prison Correctional Facility 12:00 Noon Annual Native American Luncheon, Catholic Center 22 Tue 8:00 a.m. Archdiocesan Finance Co uncil, Catholic Center 10:00 a.m. Tape TV Masses for Epiphany, Catholic Center 23 Wed 11:30 p.m. Annual Mass & Lunch for Catholic Center Employees, Catholic Center 24 Thu 5:00 pm. Vespers and Procession, Pueblo of Taos 12:00 Midnight Christmas Midnight Mass, Cathedral Basilica, Santa Fe January

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Region XIII Bishop’s Retreat, Picture Rocks Retreat Center, AZ

Together We Can Reach Our Goal!

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Seminary Burse

The following parishes have sent in excess Mass stipends to the Archdiocesan

Finance Office for seminarian education. These receipts are for November 2015. Excess Mass stipends are from multiple Mass intentions celebrated at parishes. The archdiocesan policy is for excess Mass stipends to be used for seminarian education. Parish Name/City

Amount Received

Catholic Daughters of Archdiocese of Santa Fe – In honor of Rev. Juan Mendez..................................................................1,000.00 Estancia Valley Catholic Parish – Moriarty...............................................1,000.00 Our Lady of Sorrow – Bernalillo ...................................................................93.80 Immaculate Conception – Las Vegas.......................................................1,500.00 Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Albuquerque......................................460.00 Our Lady of Sorrows – Las Vegas............................................................3,500.00 Our Lady of the Annunciation – Albuquerque........................................... 2,711.50 St. Anne – Santa Fe ................................................................................1,500.00 St. Joseph on the Rio Grande – Albuquerque.............................................470.00 Total $12,235.30

Special Collection: Retired Religious December 13, 2015 The Retirement Fund for Retired Religious distributes basic, supplemental and special assistance retirement grants from the fund to religious institutes based on a formula and criteria approved by the conferences of major superiors and bishops. As designated in 2012, the December retirement collection will be allocated 50/50 between the Retirement Fund for Religious (RFR) and the Archdiocesan Priest Retirement Fund (APRF).

January is Poverty in America Awareness Month— Plan Activities Now! Did you know in 2014, 47 million people were living in poverty in the Unites States? Families continue to struggle to keep their heads above water as jobs are lost, incomes are lowered, and it becomes a harder challenge every day. As Catholics, we are called to respond to this immense human suffering. Learn how you can help at www.povertyusa.org and at www.usccb.org. Help your youth

group, confirmation class or young adult groups learn more about poverty and the U.S. and the Catholic Campaign for Human Development—contact Ian Wood 505.831.8235.

January 19, 2016 marks the beginning of our 30-day New Mexico Legislative Session

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Allen Sánchez, Executive Director of the New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops, presents the concerns of the three Catholic Bishops of New Mexico at our New Mexico legislature in Santa Fe. The purpose of the Conference is to promote the greater good of humankind by addressing issues of moral concern and social justice as seen through the eyes of the Catholic faith. The Conference informs and educates its members and the public about those issues and encourages all to advocate for those issues and the betterment of humanity. This year is the 30-day session, beginning January 19 and ending February 18 and is limited to dealing with budgetary matters, bills on the “Governor’s call,’ and bills vetoed in previous sessions by the Governor. The 2016 Legislative agenda of the New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops is

as follows: Life, being the greatest gift from God, is top priority, as is concern for the poor. The Bishops are asking the Governor to put on the “call” a bill to ban late term abortion. Because conditions have worsened for our children and so many are living in poverty, the Bishops support the “Invest in Kids Now” campaign to have a constitutional amendment to use a portion of the interest on the permanent fund for early childhood education without increasing taxes. The Bishops also wish preserve Drivers’ Licenses for undocumented people, and oppose proposals for merely a “permit” for undocumented drivers. Sign up to receive the latest information from the NM Conference of Catholic Bishops and the 2016 legislative session by calling the Office of Social Justice and Respect Life, 505-831-8167

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Advent’s Focus is Waiting for Christmas but also Includes Lots of Feasts

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Although the four weeks of Advent focus on waiting for Christmas, the church does not just sit around and wait for the main event. It celebrates plenty of major feasts with lots of customs, traditions and even special foods during the month of December. Early in

the Advent season, Dec. 6, the church celebrates the feast of St. Nicholas, a fourth-century bishop from the region of modern-day Turkey, well known for his generosity. The day has customs similar to Christmas but with variations: Instead of gifts placed in stockings or under the tree, they are

Celebrations for Our Lady of Guadalupe ALBUQUERQUE: Holy Family (505) 842-5426 562 Atrisco Dr. SW, Albuquerque NM 87105 Friday, December 11 Rosary– 6:30pm Alabazas, Matachines y Mañanitas – 7:00pm a 12:00am Saturday, December 12 Mass– 10:00am Holy Ghost (505) 265-5957 927 Arizona St SE, Albuquerque NM 87108 Saturday, December 12 Mass– 7:00pm San José (505) 242-3658 2401 Broadway Blvd, Albuquerque NM 87102 Saturday, December 12 Mañanitas and Rosary– 7:00am Mass– 8:00am Mass– 6:00pm Our Lady of Guadalupe (505) 345-4596 1860 Griegos Rd NW, Albuquerque NM 87110 Friday, December 11: Novena – 6:00pm Matachines – 7:00pm Serenades– 9:00pm Mañanitas – 12:00am Saturday, December 12 Novena – 11:00am Bilingual Mass– 12:00pm St. Joseph on the Río Grande (505) 839-7952 5901 St. Joseph Dr NW, Albuquerque NM 87120 Saturday, December 12 Mañanitas – 6:00am Mass– 7:00am Holy Rosary (505) 836-5011 5415 Fortuna Rd. NW, Albuquerque NM 87105 Friday, December 11 Mass – 7:00pm Mariachi serenade in parish hall San Martín de Porres (505) 836-4676 8321 Camino San Martin SW, Albuquerque NM 87121 Friday, December 11 Mass – 11:00pm Saturday, December 12 Mass– 6:00am St. Anne (505) 877-3121 1400 Arenal Rd SW, Albuquerque NM 87105 Saturday, December 12 Mañanitas – 6:00am Mass – 4:30pm BERNALILLO: Our Lady of Sorrows (505) 867-5252 301 S. Camino del Pueblo, Bernalillo NM 87004 Saturday, December 12 Matachines – 6:00pm Procession – 6:45pm Mass– 7:30pm Rosary (parish hall) – 8:30pm Play of the Apparitions of the Virgin– 9:15pm Reception – 9:30pm CLOVIS: Our Lady of Guadalupe (575) 763-4445 108 North Davis St., Clovis NM 88101 Saturday, December 12 Mañanitas – 6:00am Mass– 7:00am Reception after Mass LOS LUNAS: Misión San Juan Diego (Meadowlake) (505) 866- 0443 621 Meadowlake Rd, Los Lunas NM 87031 Friday, December 11 Procession from Community Center to the Mission – 8:30pm Mass– 10:30pm followed by Mañanitas Saturday, December 12 Mass– 12:00pm Play of the Apparitions of the Virgin – 6:30pm

placed in children’s shoes left outside their bedroom door the previous night. The day is celebrated differently around the world and particularly emphasized in Eastern Europe, but in the United States, it is primarily focused on the shoe custom with an added emphasis on doing good things

PORTALES: St. Helen (575) 356-4241 1600 South Ave O, Portales NM 88130 Saturday, December 12 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament– 8:00am Mass – 9:00am SANTA FE: Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe (505) 983-8868 417 Agua Fria St, Santa Fe NM 87501 Friday, December 11 Procession from the Cathedral to the Church– 6:00pm Rosary – 8:00pm Serenade – 9:00pm Mass– 11:00pm Mañanitas – 12:00am Saturday, December 12 Mass– 6:00am Mass– 12:00pm Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, algunas de las celebraciones locales

Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, algunas de las celebraciones locales ALBUQUERQUE: Holy Family (505) 842-5426 562 Atrisco Dr. SW, Albuquerque NM 87105 Viernes 11 de Diciembre: Rosario – 6:30pm Alabazas, Matachines y Mañanitas – 7:00pm a 12:00am Sábado 12 de Diciembre: Misa – 10:00am Holy Ghost (505) 265-5957 927 Arizona St SE, Albuquerque NM 87108 Sábado 12 de Diciembre: Misa – 7:00pm San José (505) 242-3658 2401 Broadway Blvd, Albuquerque NM 87102 Sábado 12 de Diciembre: Mañanitas y Rosario – 7:00am Misa – 8:00am Misa – 6:00pm Our Lady of Guadalupe (505) 345-4596 1860 Griegos Rd NW, Albuquerque NM 87110 Horario de la Novena: Viernes 4 de Diciembre – 6:00pm Sábado 5 y Domingo 6 de Diciembre – 4:00pm Lunes 7, Martes 8 y Miércoles 9 de Diciembre – 6:00pm Jueves 10 y Viernes 11 de Diciembre – 6:00pm Sábado 12 de Diciembre – 11:00am Viernes 11 de Diciembre: Novena – 6:00pm Matachines – 7:00pm Serenatas – 9:00pm Mañanitas – 12:00am Sábado 12 de Diciembre: Novena – 11:00am Misa Guadalupana Bilingüe – 12:00pm St. Joseph on the Río Grande (505) 839-7952 5901 St. Joseph Dr NW, Albuquerque NM 87120 Sábado 12 de Diciembre: Mañanitas – 6:00am Misa – 7:00am Holy Rosary (505) 836-5011 5415 Fortuna Rd. NW, Albuquerque NM 87105 Viernes 11 de Diciembre: Misa – 7:00pm seguida de Serenata con Mariachi y Convivio en el salón parroquial San Martín de Porres (505) 836-4676 8321 Camino San Martin SW, Albuquerque NM 87121 Viernes 11 de Diciembre: Misa – 11:00pm Sábado 12 de Diciembre: Misa – 6:00am

for others. The St. Nicholas Center in Holland, Michigan, sponsors a traveling St. Nicholas exhibit and also has lots of information on its website, www.stnicholascenter.org, on history of the feast day, ways to celebrate and the distinction between Santa Claus and St. Nicholas.

St. Anne (505) 877-3121 1400 Arenal Rd SW, Albu-querque NM 87105 Sábado 12 de Diciembre: Mañanitas – 6:00am Misa – 4:30pm BERNALILLO: Our Lady of Sorrows (505) 867-5252 301 S. Camino del Pueblo, Bernalillo NM 87004 Sábado 12 de Diciembre: Matachines – 6:00pm Procesión – 6:45pm Misa – 7:30pm Rosario (salón parroquial) – 8:30pm Obra de las Apariciones de la Virgen – 9:15pm Convivio – 9:30pm CLOVIS: Our Lady of Guadalupe (575) 763-4445 108 North Davis St., Clovis NM 88101 Sábado 12 de Diciembre: Mañanitas – 6:00am Misa – 7:00am Convivio después de la Misa LOS LUNAS: Misión San Juan Diego (Meadowlake) (505) 866- 0443 621 Meadowlake Rd, Los Lunas NM 87031 Viernes 11 de Diciembre: Peregrinación del Centro Comunitario a la Misión con Matachines – 8:30pm Misa – 10:30pm seguida de Mañanitas y Convivio Sábado 12 de Diciembre: Misa – 12:00pm Obra de las Apariciones de la Virgen – 6:30pm PORTALES: St. Helen (575) 356-4241 1600 South Ave O, Portales NM 88130 Sábado 12 de Diciembre: Exposición del Santísimo – 8:00am Misa – 9:00am SANTA FE: Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe (505) 983-8868 417 Agua Fria St, Santa Fe NM 87501 Viernes 11 de Diciembre: Procesión de la Catedral a la Iglesia – 6:00pm Rosario – 8:00pm Serenata – 9:00pm Misa – 11:00pm Mañanitas – 12:00am Sábado 12 de Diciembre: Misa – 6:00am Misa – 12:00 del mediodía

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Timothy Davis

2nd Year Theology - Josephinum Aquinas Newman Center

I grew up Evangelical Protestant. My senior year of high school led me to study the history of the church, and that slowly led to a realization that the Catholic church alone is the Church of Jesus Christ, and that my duty was to become a Catholic. Literally the next day, I was walking across the living room and the thought occurred to me (from within myself but not from me) that I was to become a Catholic priest. And here I was, 17 years old and not even baptized! That urge stayed with me and so six years later I entered the seminary.

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December Reflection By Fr. Michael DePalma, Director of Vocations

Now all us, if we are truly honest with ourselves, know that even if we don’t get a single thing for Christmas, we still have the greatest gift of all time in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ that comes to us most especially through our Catholic faith. However, it’s still nice to receive gifts isn’t it? And God is so generous with us that He grants us gifts all of the time. In 2015, we have all seen such great generosity from our Lord in the fact that this past May, Archbishop Emeritus Michael Sheehan ordained seven men to the priesthood and five men to the transitional diaconate who will become

Archbishop John Wester’s first ordination class in May of 2016. As Archbishop Sheehan mentioned so very often before his retirement, this was the largest ordination class in 50 years. And despite ordaining those seven, we still have 35 seminarians studying for the diocesan priesthood and a good handful of others who are in formation for our various religious orders. But another gift from God, a gift that will provide much spiritual fruit in the upcoming years, are the prayers and sacrifices of so many of the Catholic faithful from

I felt a call to the priesthood by learning to truly love our Lord in the Eucharist as the source and summit of our lives. Through learning more and more about the teachings of the Church and loving it wholly and completely, I sought to understand the mystery of the Liturgy more fully through its traditions and beauty. Because of this I felt myself drawn more and more to the person and work of the priest.

Ralph Pesce III

1st Year Pre-Theology-Josephinum Aquinas Newman Center

Deacon JohnPaul Afuecheta

2nd Year College-Holy Trinity Seminary Prince of Peace

I desire to be a priest because I want to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, to help Gods people and myself get to heaven and to raise the chalice of our salvation. The greatest influence to my vocation has been a priest, I wish not to mention his name. He has been and continues to inspire me in matters of sincerity/integrity in ministry, love for Christ and His people, humility and total submission to the will of God.

4th Year Theology-Holy Apostles Sacred Heart-Española

I received the call to the priesthood during my freshman year of high school. By going through my Life Teen confirmation class I grew closer to God and was able to properly discern Gods will for my life. Firstly, I discerned a vocation to be a father. However, after further prayer and spiritual growth I discerned that God was actually calling me to be a spiritual father; to be a priest.

Kevin Sandoval

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Augustin Henderson

3rd Year College-Holy Trinity Seminary San Martin de Porres

As I strive for holiness, I am realizing more and more clearly that it is a priest that God wants me to love and give of myself. I desire to be a bridge to God through the power of the sacraments. The more I trust that He will lead me where I will be truly happy, the more He fills my heart with confidence and joy! That is why I want to be a priest. Please pray for me that I will become consumed with the fire of God’s love and focus my whole being more wholeheartedly to doing of His Will, so that it is “no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”

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REFLECTION Continued from page 6

our archdiocese have been answered in the fact that the men who are being called by God to be His priests still continue to come from all sorts of various backgrounds and ages. We have many college age men but we still have those who are coming to us with plenty of life experience. We have those who are right out of high school with the exuberance that you would expect, and we have those who know what it’s like to be out in the workforce. So the balance of our seminarians continues to be quite remarkable. But I can tell you as the vocation director, in my humble opinion, the greatest gift of not only this year, but in the past several years is in the holiness of the men who are being called to serve as priests. When you look at those faces on the poster know these future leaders of our church are God-loving, God-fearing men, and these are the men that God is going to use to bring us His grace, His mercy and His life. These men have made and continue to make great sacrifices, but at the same time, they are filled with the joy of knowing that they will one day be joined to those others who have given their lives in being Christ for others. All of this has only been possible through prayer and gratitude. As we fully celebrate the Advent season and look forward to the new life that Christmas always brings, please offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God for His great work in bringing us shepherds after His own heart.

This is a weekend for single men to explore and learn about a life serving God and his Church as a priest. It will be conducted by the Vocation Office of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.

Men Wanted for Hazardous Journey!

Low Wages. No wife or children. Ridicule in the eyes of the world certain. Hatred and suspicion as well. Painful sacrifices will be required. Salvation of thousands of souls and entry into eternal communion with Christ the High Priest in the event of success.

The retreat will cover: • Personal testimonies describing vocations • The challenge of the Gospel (values worth living and sacrificing for) • Life as a seminarian • Possible assignments after ordination • Concerns about the image of the priest

This weekend retreat will start on Friday, February 5th at 6 PM withregistration and will end on Sunday, February 7th at 1 PM.

Men Wanted!

Who are willing to take up their cross and in these increasingly troubled times, not only stand by Christ, but mount those crosses and hang with him.

Spend a thoughtful weekend focusing on your future in beautiful surroundings at the Historic buildings of IHM Retreat Center 50 Mount Carmel Rd Santa Fe, New Mexico

Requirement for Attendance:

Single Catholic Men From High School Seniors to Age 50

Have you ever considered becoming a Catholic Priest?

Without obligation or commitment, you are invited to attend a Discernment Retreat to learn more about a priestly vocation.

Questions?

Call Fr. Michael DePalma or Sr. Cory Woodcox at the Vocations Office (505) 831-8143 If interested in attending, cut and mail registration form before January 21st to: Vocations Office 4000 Saint Joseph’s Place NW Albuquerque, NM 87120

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December 2015

Jubilee of Mercy December 8, 2015 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE JUBILEE OF MERCY What is a jubilee year?

The practice of a jubilee year has ancient roots in the Jewish tradition and evidence for it can be found in the Old Testament (for example, see Leviticus 25). The jubilee year was called every fifty years and was a time for forgiveness. It stood as a reminder of God’s providence and mercy. The dedication of a year for this emphasis provided the community with a time to come back into right relationship with one another and with God. As the practice of the jubilee year was adopted into the Catholic Church, these themes of mercy, forgiveness, and solidarity continued.

How is this Jubilee different from other Jubilee years?

The Jubilee of Mercy that Pope Francis has called, from December 8, 2015 – November 20, 2016, is an Extraordinary Jubilee. This designation as an “Extraordinary Jubilee” sets it apart from the ordinary cycle of jubilees, or holy years, which are called every 25 years in the Catholic Church. By calling for a holy year outside of the normal cycle, a particular event or theme is emphasized. For example, Pope Francis called this particular Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy to direct our attention and actions “on mercy so that we may become a more effective sign of the Father’s actions in our lives . . . a time when the witness of believers might grow stronger and more effective” (MV, 3. . . ).

Why a Jubilee of Mercy now? The logo and the motto together provide a fitting summary of what the Jubilee Year is all about. The motto Merciful Like the Father(taken from the Gospel of Luke, 6:36) serves as an invitation to follow the merciful example of the Father who asks us not to judge or condemn but to forgive and to give love and forgiveness without measure (cfr. Lk 6:37-38). The logo – the work of Jesuit Father Marko I. Rupnik – presents a small summa theologiae of the theme of mercy. In fact, it represents an image quite important to the early Church: that of the Son having taken upon his shoulders the lost soul demonstrating that it is the love of Christ that brings to completion the mystery of his incarnation culminating in redemption. The logo has been designed in such a way so as to express the profound way in which the Good Shepherd touches the flesh of humanity and does so with a love with the power to change one’s life. One particular feature worthy of note is that while the Good Shepherd, in his great mercy, takes humanity upon himself, his eyes are merged with those of man. Christ sees with the eyes of Adam, and Adam with the eyes of Christ. Every person discovers in Christ, the new Adam, one’s own humanity and the future that lies ahead, contemplating, in his gaze, the love of the Father. The scene is captured within the so called mandorla (the shape of an almond), a figure quite important in early and medieval iconography, for it calls to mind the two natures of Christ, divine and human. The three concentric ovals, with colors progressively lighter as we move outward, suggest the movement of Christ who carries humanity out of the night of sin and death. Conversely, the depth of the darker color suggests the impenetrability of the love of the Father who forgives all.

Pope Francis himself addressed this question in his homily . . . for First Vespers for Divine Mercy Sunday. “Here, then, is the reason for the Jubilee: because this is the time for mercy. It is the favourable time to heal wounds, a time not to be weary of meeting all those who are waiting to see and to touch with their hands the signs of the closeness of God, a time to offer everyone, everyone, the way of forgiveness and reconciliation. May the Mother of God open our eyes, so that we may comprehend the task to which we have been called; and may she obtain for us the grace to experience this Jubilee of Mercy as faithful and fruitful witnesses of Christ.”

What is the Jubilee of Mercy?

In the Bull of Indiction, Misericordiae vultus. . . , Pope Francis declared that the Jubilee of Mercy will begin on December 8, 2015 (the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary) and conclude on November 20, 2016 (the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe). December 8, 2015 also marks the fiftieth anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Council, a Council that sought to bring the love of God to the modern world. Similarly, the Holy Father strongly desires this Jubilee celebration of mercy to be lived out in the daily lives of the faithful, and all who turn to God for compassionate love and mercy.

How do we live out the Jubilee of Mercy in our daily lives?

In Misericordiae vultu . . . s, Pope Francis emphasizes the need for the Church and all her members to live out the loving mercy that God has for us. Our response to God’s loving mercy towards us is to act in that same way to all those we meet. The Holy Father

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reminds us that “Mercy is the very foundation of the Church’s life. All of her pastoral activity should be caught up in the tenderness she makes present to believers; nothing in her preaching and in her witness to the world can be lacking in mercy. The Church’s very credibility is seen in how she shows merciful and compassionate love” (MV, 10. . . ). As members of the Body and Christ, our lives should reflect this witness of mercy to those we meet on a daily basis. There are many resources available on the USCCB’s website for the Jubilee of Mercy, as well as the Vatican’s website. . . , and diocesan websites. The USCCB has monthly reflections available to nourish our spiritual life and suggestions for how we can put mercy in motion in our own lives. We are called to be “merciful like the Father” and reflect God’s superabundant mercy in our daily actions towards one another.

What are the major planned events of the Jubilee year?

There are many events planned throughout the Jubilee of Mercy. The calendar of events. . . organized by the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization lists the scheduled events that will take place at the Vatican. The Jubilee year beings with the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, with the Holy Door of the Basilica of St. John Lateran opening the following Sunday. On this day, the Doors of Mercy will also be opened around the world at local cathedrals and significant shrines. Throughout the year, there will also be Jubilee celebrations for various groups who engage in the work of mercy and who have been shown God’s mercy. Additionally, Pope Francis will participate in particular “Jubilee” signs, which witness to the works of mercy. Although there are many events planned for official celebrations at the Vatican, the Holy Father encourages dioceses throughout the world to participate in these celebrations recognizing God’s mercy in their own local communities.

What are the Holy Doors?

One of the central components of the Jubilee of Mercy is that the Holy Doors throughout the world will be opened during this Jubilee year. When they are opened at the beginning of the year, “the Holy Door will become a Door of Mercy through which anyone who enters will experience the love of God who consoles, pardons, and instils hope” (MV, 3. . . ). Since each diocese will have the opportunity to open a Door of Mercy in their diocese, all members of the faithful will have opportunity to make a pilgrimage to their local Holy Door during the Jubilee. This pilgrimage is to be a journey of walking closer with God and discovering “moment[s] of grace and spiritual renewal” (MV, 3. . . ). These doors are symbols of God’s mercy, open to welcome everyone into the compassion of God’s love that Christ proclaimed.

What are some key resources for the Jubilee of Mercy?

Those wishing to take up Pope Francis’ call to mercy throughout this Jubilee of Mercy are encouraged to explore the resources not only on the official Vatican website. . .and the USCCB’s website, but also their local diocesan website. Numerous catechetical resources, events, and other activities have been prepared for the Jubilee of Mercy. Since the Holy Father would like this Jubilee of Mercy to be celebrated throughout the whole world at the local and universal levels, dioceses and parishes are encouraged to offer a variety of resources for their local parishioners in addition to the events and resources that have been prepared by the Vatican. Many of these resources can be viewed and downloaded for free and are ideal for use in small faith sharing groups or for individual reflection.

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December 2015

Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation Presider, Most Rev. John C. Wester, Archbishop of Santa Fe Monday, November 30, 2015 - Church of the Incarnation, Rio Rancho Tuesday, December 1, 2015 - Cathedral Basilica, Santa Fe

May God continue to bless the 197 adult confimandi. Confirmation, together with Baptism and Eucharist, form the Sacraments of Initiation that are all intimately connected. In the Sacrament of Confirmation, the baptized person is “sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit” and is strengthened for service to the Body of Christ. First Name

Middle Name

Last Name

Confirm Name

Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe Jonathan James Archuleta St. Jude Adrienn Jonel Armijo St. Sharon Jennifer Orona Benitez St. Jude Claire Elizabeth Jacquez St. Teresa of Avila Alejandra Trinidad Juarez St. Pedro Constance Anastasia Lopez St. Elizabeth Corrine Sharon Lovato St. Angelina Adric Edward Lucero St. Mary Carlos Benjamin Maldonado St. Antonio de Padua Brandie Rose Marquez St. Anastasia Anthony Martinez St. Anthony Sydney Erin Ponthieux St. Faustina Kowalska Deborah Orlinda Prada St. Rita Denise Jeanette Romero St. Anne Estancia Valley, Moriarty Brien Stone Kidd Virginia Elizabeth Konetzni Chantle Monique Montoya Immaculate Heart of Mary, Los Alamos Juan Manuel Fernandez Marcel Christophe Remillieux Lauren Nicole Vigil Our Lady of Sorrows, Las Vegas Samantha Michelle Armijo Adriana Brittany Benita Buhrkuhl Eileen Yolanda Chavez Alexandria Latasha Darley Amanda Jean Gonzales Consuelo Elizabeth Luna Jessica Michelle Marquez Valerie Monique Ortiz Jose Abel Romero Samuel James Salazar Santa Maria de la Paz, Santa Fe Ashley Marie Archuleta Marie Anna Batter Anelia P. Cde Baca Raymond Charles Dominguez Dominique Justine Garcia Gabriella J. Garcia Elizabeth Briana Holmes Adrian N. Olivas Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Santa Fe Jennifer Joy Bowker Loretta Lynn Martinez St. Anne, Albuquerque John Louis Chavez Faye Nichole Maldonado Soledad Rose Martinez St. Charles Borromeo, Albuquerque Bridgett Melissa Garcia Christina C. Garcia Tyanna Renee Herrera Bernadette Angel May Kayla Quintana Brian A. Salazar Tymree Margie Monique Sanchez

St. Maximillian Kolbe St. Bernadette St. Therese St. Casimir of Poland St. Augustine of Hippo St. Alexandra St. Rose St. Gianna St. Isabel St. Elizabeth St. Terese St. Elizabeth St. Adele St. Mary St. Jude San Martin Caballero St. Camille St. Anna St. Monessa St. Nicholas St. Anne Faith St. Rose Venerini St. Anthony St. Mary Santa Maria St. Jude St. Philomena St. Josephine Bakhita St. Rita of Cascia St. Clare St. Monica St. Bernadette St. Anthony St. Apollonia

Incarnation Church of the Ascension, Albuquerque Manuel Johnny Louie Bojorquez St. Florin Makayla Rae Marquez St. Anne Megan Sofia Marquez St. Gemma Sara Renee Marquez St. Gianna Loretta Louise Padilla St. Faustina Christopher Tony Vigil St. Christopher Denise Rafelita Vigil St. Mary Mother of God Church of the Incarnation, Rio Rancho Angelica Adrianna Barela St. Anne Dominique Elizabeth Barela St. Martha Danielle Renée Barela-Martinez St. Monica Kathleen Keeley Ennis St. Anne Ivette Gavilan Our Lady of Fatima Anthony Lee Gonzales St. Jude Michael Isriell Herrera St. Michael Antonio Christopher Jacquez St. Christopher Christine Jojola St. Elizabeth Catherine Kasper St. Anthony

First Name

Middle Name

Last Name

Confirm Name

Holy Family, Albuquerque Ambrose Ulysses Bustillos St. Ambrose Mariana Anyssa Bustillos St. Francis Mario Antonio Alex Bustillos St. Anthony Donna Rosie Garcia St. Veronica Aaron Anthony Herrera St. Anthony Erika Lozano-Bustillos St. Isabel Osvaldo Lozano-Bustillos St. Edward Rona June Martinez St. Bernadette Vanessa J. Montoya St. Veronica Rosalyn Pohl Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Dana Lin Sanchez St. Pelogia Jennifer Elaine Sanchez St. Anne Holy Ghost, Albuquerque Arianna Rubi Chavarria Our Lady of Guadalupe Sebastian Dominguez San Judas Tadeo Juan Angel Rios San Ramon Heidi Lynn Sims St. Mary Holy Rosary, Albuquerque Mark Anthony Baca St. Augustine Tanya Maria Baca St. Monica Sharon Michelle Baca-Herrera St. Rose Krystal Beltrán St. Cecelia Beatriz Bernal St. Rita Sergio Manuel Burgos St. Vincent de Paul Brandon Jacob Drake St. Martin de Porres Cielo Ebonee Flores St. Bernadette JoAnn Garcia St. Mary Magdalene Soyla T. Hernandez St. Monica Victor Samuel Lesperance St. Michael Rosa Isela Lira St. Mary di Rosa Benita Rae Lovato St. Emiliana Steven Jacob Sanchez St. Niño de Atocha Benjamin Francisco Trujillo St. Luke Greg Mathew Trujillo St. Gregory I (Pope) Our Lady of Belen, Belen Kevin Louis Mireles St. Florian Our Lady of Fatima, Albuquerque Amy Marie Maurino-McBurnett St. Bernadette Kent Walter McDonald St. Thomas Aquinas Jose Torres, Jr. St. Honoratus Our Lady of Sorrows, Bernalillo Malisa Grace Garcia St. Bernadette Cory Brian Marquez St. Michael Michael Anthony McComas St. Michael Andres Adrian Riojas St. Jude Our Lady of the Annunciation, Albuquerque Fredrick Shawn Arellano St. Christopher Lucia Anna Baldoni St. Jane Frances de Chantal Sarina Anne Baldoni St. Luke the Evangelist Veronica Michelle Casas St. Veronica John Philip Espinoza St. Ignatius of Loyola Cesar Antonio Gaytan St. Juan Diego Ngan Kim Nguyen St. Anne Victor Hugo Silva St. Francis of Assisi Our Lady of the Assumption, Albuquerque Kennedy Ellen Conkle St. Patricia of Naples Jamie Diane Duran St. Philomena Benjamin William Le Beau St. Francis of Assisi Cizzy Delfina Le Beau St. Joan of Arc Risen Savior, Albuquerque Linda Ann Jensen St. Anne Brandon Scott Kirkpatrick St. Augustine Meagan June Kirkpatrick St. Mary Magdalene Jules Webb Longoria St. Matthew Elisa Maria Lucero St. Blaise Kristin Marie Maddox St. Marie Armandine Jacob Perea St. William the Confessor Kerri Lynn Polanco St. Vincent San Diego Mission, Jemez Pueblo Isiaiah Casiquito St. Francis Kendrick Casiquito St. James Kimberly Casiquito St. Theresa Lynnora Sabaquie St. Anastasia Danielle Sandia St. Ann Arthur Sandia, Jr. St. Santiago

First Name

Middle Name

Last Name

Confirm Name

Cameron Shije St. Casimir Jose Reyes Toledo St. Jose Mark T.J. Toledo St. Anthony Mary Toledo St. Mary Delberta Nora Tosa St. Emmelia Leora Tosa St. Yvette Tracy Toya St. Gianna Alysha Yepa St. Kateri Tekakwitha Shawn Yepa St. Francis San Felipe de Neri, Albuquerque Felipe Baidon San Judas Davontee LaRon Johnson St. Ambrose Frank Christopher Lopez Jr. St. Michael Monica Regina Moya St. Faustina Mariquel Rodriguez Santa Maria San Juan Bautista, San Juan Pueblo-Ohkay Owingeh Johnathen Manuel War Adam San Martin de Porres, Albuquerque Brianda Michelle De Arco Cardiel San Padre Pio Jose Eduardo De Arco Cardiel Santa Juana de Arco Josue Erives San Benito de Nursia Debbie Lillian Espinosa San Pablo (Paulo de Tarso) Victor Manuel Estrada San Martin Caballero Juan Carlos Gutierrez San Martín de Porres Gerardo Antonio Rodriguez San Martin de Porres Heaven Sandoval St. Rose of Lima San Miguel, Socorro Erica Elizabeth Alvarado St. Monica Shrine of St. Bernadette, Albuquerque Matthew Anthony Lee St. John the Baptist Daniel James Martinez, Jr. St. Michael St. Augustin, Isleta Pueblo Steven Michael Abeita St. Joseph Tara Michelle Abeita St. Monica Bernard Valentino Chavez St. Augustine Shane Orion Dopierala St. Michael Charlene Danette Gabaldon St. Francis of Assisi Reyna Laura Hernandez Holy Child of Atocha Gail Valerie Ann Lente St. Bernadette Cheyenne Lucero Faith Daryl Anthony Lucero St. Bartholomew Felipe Christopher Lucero St. Joseph Kimberly Nadine Lujan St. Anne Ashley Nicole Morales St. Kateri Devin Eric Trujillo St. Desiderio Andrea Catalina Wilson St. Emily St. Joseph on the Rio Grande, Albuquerque Erica Diane Pena St. Monica Joann Denise Trujillo St. Veronica St. Jude, Albuquerque Guadalupe Aguirre St. Virginia Monica Aguirre St. Socorro Barbara Ann Aragón St. Anne Wally Richard Diaz St. Joseph Nurit Belén Gonzalez St. Fabiola Crystal Hernandez St. Christina Britney Le Ann Jeantette St. Anastasia Marjorie Ann Jones St. Faustina Miranda Faith Kaitlyn Lawler St. Raphael Jonas Ian Martinez St. Michael Robert Brian McLellan St. Robert Stephanie Nicole Mirabal St. Ava Marcella Josephina Ortiz St. Elizabeth Marinda Franchesca Ortiz St. Sophia Joely Monique Padilla St. Maria Angelica M. Reyes St. Teresa of Avila Elizabeth Marie Rodriguez St. Mariana Sabrina Marie Rojas St. Monica Victor Tomas Salazar St. Victor Marina Yvonne Segovia St. Emma Krista Nicole Stodgell Santo Niño de Atocha Mary Irene Stuart St. Anne Danielle Nicole Vigil St. Nicolette

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Servant of God, Rosa Maria Segale (Sr. Blandina Segale, SC) Moves Closer to Sainthood AKA The Fastest Nun in the West Who Stood Up to Billy the Kid On November 13, 2015, the Diocesan Inquiry of the Beatification and Canonization of the Servant of God, Sr. Blandina Segale, SC was concluded. Months of the collection of evidence, documents, depositions, and testimonies were compiled into what is now called the Acts of the Cause. The Episcopal Delegate for the cause, Most Rev. Michael J. Sheehan, Archbishop Emeritus of Santa Fe, ordered the archdiocesan phase of the inquiry is now closed and the Acts be delivered to the Congregation for the Cause of Saints at the Holy See. In a ceremonial closing of the inquiry, the compiled documents were wrapped and closed and then a seal of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe was placed on the package with care of protecting the secrets of the Cause. The archetype

was sent to the secret archives of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and two identical authenticated copies, one called the transcript and the other called the public copy, were sealed and the Episcopal Delegate, Most Rev. Michael J. Sheehan appointed the Postulator of the Cause, Most Rev. Ricardo Ramirez, Bishop Emeritus of Las Cruces, to hand deliver the transcript and the public copy to the Vatican and to be accompanied by the Petitioner, CHI St. Joseph’s Children, represented by its President, Allen Sánchez; three of the Board of Directors, Sr. Patricia Ann Sabourin, SC, Sr. Juanita Marie Gonzales, SC, and Sr. Peggy Deneweth, SC. Sr. Joan Cook, SC, President of the Sisters of Charity in Cincinnati will accompany them. As part of the Inquiry Board of the Cause Most Rev. Michael

J. Sheehan and Very Rev. Oscar Coelho, judicial vicar for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, will also be present when the Acts are presented at 9:00 a.m. on December 10 to the Congregation for the Cause of Saints at the Holy See. At this time the official Roman phase of the nquiry of the heroic virtues of the Servant of God, Sr. Blandina Segale, SC will now be opened. Most of the official documentation will be kept in secrecy although there is much public documentation of the Servant of God from periodicals, newspapers, and published books that can be found. One such public document was a letter from Governor Richard Dillon, Governor of the State of New Mexico, written in 1930 urging the publication of the Servant of God’s private journal which is now known

as At the End of the Santa Fe Trail. There is public corroborating literature about Sr. Blandina Segale, SC standing up to and befriending Billy the Kid “William Leroy”. The Servant of God’s heroic virtues are demonstrated in many ways, from facing down lynch mobs to creating peace between fractioning groups. She cared for all, from the most guilty outlaws to the most innocent children. She helped start the public schools in New Mexico and for seven years lobbied the territorial legislature to fund public schools. She served in Colorado and New Mexico from 1872 to 1984 and in 1900-1901 returned to Albuquerque to direct the building of St. Joseph Hospital. The faithful are invited to visit the website dedicated to the Inquiry of the Servant of God’s Beatification and Canonization at

Sister Blandina Segale photo courtesy of Palace of the Governors - Photo Archives (NMHM/DCA) Negative #67735

http://www.sisterblandinasegale.com where the Prayer for her Canonization and her Novena can be found. Contact: Allen Sánchez, President/CEO, CHI St. Joseph’s Children - allensanchez@stjosephnm.org

Archdiocesan Museum and the Lamy Harmonium

By Bernadette Lucero, Director (Curator/Archivist)

The Archdiocesan Museum is located in the heart of downtown Santa Fe at 223 Cathedral Place, the building was previously utilized for chancery administrative offices of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Portions of the building date to circa 1832 and the north east side of the building which is made of adobe was attached the archbishop’s residence. In 1967, Most Rev. James Peter Davis, Archbishop of Santa Fe relocated the chancery administrative offices to Albuquerque and the building at 223 Cathedral Place became vacant. After the relocation of the chancery offices the building at 223 Cathedral Place was used for various purposes which included La Tiendita (little store) operated by the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Once again the building became abandoned when the St. Vincent de Paul Society relocated to Early Street in Santa Fe (near Guadalupe Cemetery). The original structure at 223 Cathedral Place is made of traditional adobe and the building is considered a significant historic architectural structure in the

Santa Fe Historic District. In 1990, the archdiocese made a decision to utilize the old chancery building and planned for a small archdiocesan museum and archival center which preserves and maintains the historical documents as well as historic-artis-

tic patrimony of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. On October 10, 1993, Most Rev. Michael J. Sheehan, Archbishop Emeritus of Santa Fe blessed and dedicated the Office of Historic-Artistic Patrimony and Archives and Archdiocesan Museum. On May 21, 1994 the Archdiocesan Museum opened with the first exhibit entitled Monuments of Adobe. The Lamy Harmonium on display at the Archdiocesan Museum was utilized at the Loretto Chapel up until circa 1946 when it was replaced with an electric organ. On February 2, 1971 the Loretto chapel was deconsecrated and the altar stone was removed per Most Rev. James Peter Davis Archbishop of Santa Fe, when the Sisters of Loretto sold the chapel. In February 2015, the Lamy Harmonium was returned from a long term loan agreement with the Loretto Chapel to the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and placed in the Archdiocesan Museum with the assistance of the management team of Loretto Chapel and A & A Piano Movers of Albuquerque. The name Harmonium was first patented August 9, 1840 by Alexandre François Debain of Paris, France who built the harmonium in 1867 which was constructed of oak to withstand the travels from Paris to Santa Fe via boat and to endure the dry climate

of New Mexico. Currently the Archdiocesan Museum is displaying an exhibit pertaining to relics of various saints including a relic of the True Cross. The museum also displays patrimonial pieces such as the original papal document dated February 12, 1875 erecting the See of Santa Fe as an archdiocese, Boar Hair Trunk belonging to Most Rev. John Baptist Lamy first Archbishop of Santa Fe which traveled from New Orleans to Santa Fe on the S.S. Plametto, Penitente Cross –straw applique by Tim Valdez who won the first Archbishop’s Award for Spanish Market, the original stone cross from the Cathedral Basilica of St Francis of Assisi, and several other historical patrimonial items from the collections of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. The Archdiocesan Museum is open to the general public and the faithful of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Monday through Friday from 9am -12pm and 1pm-4pm; closures occur for major holidays or inclement weather. Admission to the museum is free and donations are welcomed. Research pertaining to the Archives of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe is by appointment only, to schedule an appointment to conduct research contact the Office of Historic-Artistic Patrimony & Archives at 505.983.3811.

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Norbertine Abbot Joel Garner Honored for Leadership By Meg Ashcroft, O.Praem. Obl., Director, Norbertine Hermitage Retreat and Library, Santa Maria de la Vid Abbey

Before Fr. Joel Garner, O.Praem., came to New Mexico in 1985 to help initiate the process of founding a Norbertine abbey in the Southwest, he had already had a major impact in the St. Norbert College Community in De Pere, WI. Earlier this year, Abbot Joel Garner was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from St. Norbert College. In awarding the degree, the college recognized Abbot Joel’s creative ministerial leadership, his steadfast commitment to the church, and his selfless service to the Norbertine Order and to St. Norbert College. When he enrolled as an undergraduate at the college in 1958, Abbot Joel was already somewhat familiar with the campus. As a four-year-old, visiting a relative at St. Norbert College with his parents, Joel tried unsuccessfully to open the door to Main Hall. His father wryly commented that this would probably be as close as Joel would get to college! Little did anyone know at the time that this was only the beginning of a long and rich relationship between the college and Abbot Joel. Abbot Joel joined the St.

Norbert College faculty in 1967 and was the founding pastor of St. Norbert College Parish and director of campus ministry. It was under his leadership and guidance that the campus church was recognized as an official parish of the Diocese of Green Bay. From 1970-1985, under Abbot Joel’s innovative leadership, St. Norbert College’s Summer Theological Institute came to be nationally known as an educational context for ongoing theological education. Later, Abbot Joel helped found and direct the Abbey’s Ministry and Life Retreat Center, an ecumenical center for spiritual renewal that is today the Norbertine Center for Spirituality. During these years, he also earned a doctorate in religion and education from Columbia University and Union Theological Seminary in New York. In 1983, Abbot Joel had an experience that would once again kindle and challenge his imagination to re-envision his view of the church and his ministry. During a sabbatical year in which he traveled extensively abroad, Abbot Joel experienced firsthand the universality of the church and the power of the Gospel to find new and vibrant ways of expression in diverse cultural and economic contexts. Less than a year after this life-altering experience,

then-Father Joel left Wisconsin with four other Norbertines to begin a new community in New Mexico. Santa Maria de la Vid (Our Lady of the Vine) Priory, named after a 12th-century Norbertine abbey in Spain, was established in Albuquerque. In 2012, Santa Maria de la Vid Priory was elevated to the status of an abbey by an international meeting of Norbertine abbots and leaders, and Abbot Joel was blessed as the first abbot. His dream of establishing a permanent Norbertine abbey in New Mexico continues, in the southwest, the almost 900-year-old tradition of Norbertine religious life.

During his time in New Mexico, Abbot Joel has served as pastor of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Community, and brought graduate theological education to New Mexico. In 1998, St. Norbert College established a satellite site for its Master of Theological Studies program in Albuquerque. While living in New Mexico, Abbot Joel’s connection to the college remains strong. He has been a member of the college’s board of trustees for more than 27 years and serves as chair of the Mission and Heritage Committee. He returns from his three yearly college trustee meetings

excited about the continued growth and development of his alma mater, which is now one of the premier liberal arts colleges in the midwest. In this year dedicated to Consecrated Life in the Church, Abbot Joel is also quietly celebrating his 50th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood. In reflecting on this anniversary year, Abbot Joel said, “I am very grateful for the people who have been part of my journey here in New Mexico, and I look forward to continuing to serve the local church along with my Norbertine brothers and sisters in the years ahead.”

Reflections on The Parliament of World’s Religions By Jennifer Murphy-Dye, Ecumenical Institute for Ministry, Community Outreach Director New Mexico Conference of Churches From October 15-19, New Mexicans of various faith traditions traveled to Salt Lake City, UT, for the Parliament of the World’s Religions. Presentations by author Karen Armstrong and primatologist Jane Goodall were engaging, as were the plenaries, sessions, and speakers. Justin Remer-Thamert, Program Director of the New Mexico Faith Coalition for Immigrant Justice, explained

what it looked like at the Parliament: “Many people with obvious religious markers and others with none at all walking together, eating together crosslegged on the floor, and just being human together brought me close to tears on multiple occasions…I truly felt part of a global community of faith.” Sr. Joan Brown, executive director of New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light, noted that there was a focus on justice concerns. She appreciated the message that “religious traditions have a very important role to play in transforming poverty and protecting

the earth because their work is rooted in prayer, meditation, song, and creativity as it makes real the moral and ethical responses.” Carolyn Good, a member of Church Women United and the Board of the New Mexico Conference of Churches (NMCC), found the Parliament to be “a place of sharing and dialogue. “Whether we were being fed by the Sikhs or experiencing the many ways that faith communities were trying to connect with each other, there was a feeling of wanting to know each other.” Louise Nielsen, Director of

Adult Faith Programs at Holy Rosary Parish, was “so very impressed with the hospitality of the Mormon and Ute Natives and the quality of the presentations and events. There was music and prayer happening all over the Salt Palace Convention Center! I felt like I experienced the very best of humanity.” For the Rev. Dr. Donna McNiel, executive director of the NMCC, a workshop on texts of violence in the scriptures of Christians, Jews, and Muslims was her favorite. The presenters emphasized that the violence expressed in our

sacred writings is set in very specific contexts and does not constitute widespread permission or direction to use violence against those outside our traditions. Rabbi Amy Eilberg, a presenter at the Parliament, observed that the 10,000 participants at the event represented a microcosm of the world, and issued a challenge: “What if the world were like this? A place where we recognized our collective humanity, a place of peace?” With continued work in our community, this “what-if” can become reality.

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We would like to thank our religious men and women who have answered Our Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s call to serve. They have made several sacrifices in taking up the cross in helping us find our way into Heaven. For this, we are forever grateful. May God keep you and bless you!

WAKE UP THE WORLD ! 2015 Year of Consecrated Life

315-634-7000 sisters@sosf.org www.sosf.org Community Superior Rev. John Paul Ouellette, CFR BASILIANS CARMELITES 427 E. 155th St, Bronx, NY 10455 CONGREGATION OF SAINT BASIL DISCALCED CARMELITE NUNS SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS OF PENANCE AND CHRISTIAN CHARITY General Curia (Toronto, Canada) 718-402-8255 www.franciscanfriars.com Discalced Carmelite Monastery (Santa Fe, NM) Holy Name Province (Stella Niagra, NY) Secretary General, Very Rev. Jack Hanna CSB Prioress Mother Mary Louise Villareal OCD Provincial Minister Sr. Edith Wyss, OSF 95 St. Joseph Street, M5S 3C2, Toronto Canada 49 Mount Carmel Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505 San Juan Diego Friar 4421 Lower River Rd, Stella Niagara, NY 14144 416-921-6674 505-983-7262 404 San Mateo Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 716-754-4312 wyssosf@franciscans-stella-niagara.org 505-990-3001 www.franciscans-stella-niagara.org BENEDICTINES CHARITY SUBIACO BENEDICTINE CONGREGATION SISTERS OF CHARITY OF CINCINNATI HOSPITALLER BROTHERS OF SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI OF PERPETUAL ADORATION Monastery of Christ in the Desert (Abiquiu, NM) Mount St. Joseph (Cincinnati, OH) ST. JOHN OF GOD Province of St. Joseph (Colorado Springs, CO) Abbot Rt. Rev. Philip Lawrence, OSB President Sr. Joan Elizabeth Cook, SC HOSPITALLER BROTHERS OF ST. JOHN OF GOD Provincial Sr. Nadine Heimann, OSF PO Box 270, Abiquiu, NM 87510 5900 Delhi Rd, Mount St. Joseph, OH 45051 Villa Mathias (Albuquerque, NM) 7665 Assisi Heights, Colorado Springs, CO 80919 719-598-5486 575-613-4233 513-347-5300 www.srcharitycinti.org Prior General Rev. Jesus Etayo OH abbotphilip@gmail.com www.christdesert.org Via della Nicoetta 263, 00164 Rome, Italy brosullivan@aol.com CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY SISTERS OF THE THIRD ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS OF THE CONGREGATION OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES OLIVETAN BENEDICTINES SISTERS FOR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY Assisi Heights (Rochester, MN) Our Lady of Guadalupe of Our Lady Abbey (Pecos, NM) Villa Mathias Sisters for Christian Community (Cincinnati, OH) Independent President Sr. Marilyn Geiger, OSF Conventual Prior Very Rev. Aidan M. Gore OSB oliv. 901 Br. Mathias Pl NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 Contact Person Sr. Nancy Fuller, SFCC 1001 14th St NW Suite 100, Rochester, MN 55901 PO Box 1080, Pecos, NM 87552 505-243-4238 3612 Arboleda Senda NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111 507-282-7441 www.rochesterfranciscan.org 505-757-6415 x102 505-293-5980 Guestmaster@pecosmonastery.org www.pecosmonastery.org JESUITS JESUIT FATHERS AND BROTHERS DAUGHTERS OF MARY IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY New Orleans Province (New Orleans, LA) MOTHER OF MERCY BROTHERS OF CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS CONGREGATION OF THE SISTERS, SERVANTS OF THE Provincial Rev. Mark A. Lewis, SJ DAUGHTERS OF MARY MOTHER OF MERCY IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY BROTHERS OF CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS 710 Baronne Street, Suite B, New Orleans, LA 70113 Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy (Abia State, Nigeria) Immaculate Heart of Mary Center (Scranton, PA) San Francisco New Orleans District (Napa, CA) 504-571-1055 noprovsj@norprov.org www.norprov.org Superior General Mother of Mary Casimir Nwadukwa DMMM President Sr. Ellen Maroney, IHM Provincial Br. Donald Johanson FSC PO Box 1383, Umuaha, Abia State, Nigeria 07-06-639-9450 2300 Adams Ave, Scranton, PA 18509-1598 PO Box 3720, Napa, CA 94558 570-346-5425 maroneye@sistersofihm.org 707-252-0407 brdonald@dlsi.org MARYKNOLL MARYKNOLL DISCIPLES OF THE LORD SISTERS OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY MOTHER OF BROTHERS OF CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS Maryknoll Society Center (Maryknoll, NY) JESUS CHRIST CHRIST Midwest Province (Burr Ridge, IL) Superior General & President Rev. Edward Dougherty, MM DISCIPLES OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST Onitsha South Anambra State Provincial Visitor Br. Larry Schatz FSC Maryknoll Society & Administrative Offices, Disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ (Prayertown, TX) Superior General, Mother Claude Ogu IHM 7650 S. County Line Rd, Burr Ridge, IL 60527-7959 Maryknoll, NY 10545-030 Superior General Mother Juana Teresa Chung DLJC PO Box 1551, Odoakpu, Onitsha, NIGERIA 630-323-3725 info@cbmidwest.org 914-941-7590 PO Box 64, Prayer Town, TX 79010-0064 www.maryknoll.org 806-534-2312 sisters@dljc.org www.dljc.org CONGREGATION OF SONS OF JOSEPHITES Catholic Charismatic Center MARY MOTHER OF MERCY CONGREGATION OF ST. JOSEPH NORBERTINES 1412 5th Street NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 President Sr. Nancy Conwy CSJ CONGREGATION OF SONS OF MARY MOTHER OF CANONS REGULAR OF PREMONTRE 3430 Rock River Drive, Cleveland, OH 44111 MERCY St. Norbert Priory (Kerala, India) 216-252-0440 InfoCleveland@csjoseph.org www.csjoseph.org Generalate (Umuahia, Abria State, Nigeria) Provincial DOMINICANS Superior General, Very Rev. George M. Okorie SMMM Post Box No. 10, Mananthavady 670-645, N. Wayanad, Kerala CONGREGATION OF ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA PO Box 1660, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria INDIA SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH Congregation of St. Catherine of Siena (Racine, WI) 07-031-871-392 91-493-540-214 Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph (Boston, MA) President Sr. Sharon Simon, OP President Sr. Rosemary Brennan, CSJ 5635 Erie Street, Racine, WI 53402 637 Cambridge, St. Brighton, MA 02135 Santa Maria de La Vid Abbey (Albuquerque, NM) 262-639-4100 ssimon@racinedominicans.org www.racinedominicans.org CONGREGATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 617-783-9090 rosemary.brennan@csjboston.org www.csjboston.org Abbot Joel Garner, O. Praem CONGREGATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 5825 Coors SW, Albuquerque, NM 87121 CONGREGATION OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY Province of Nigeria - Southeast Congregation of the Most Holy Rosary (Adrian, MI) Provincial Superior Very Rev. Peter Chukwuemeka Agbonome 505-873-4399 joelpgarner@gmail.com LORETTO Prioress Sr. Attracta Kelly, OP PO Box 1603, Onitsha, Anambra State Nigeria SISTERS OF LORETTO AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS 1257 E. Siena Heights Dr, Adrian, MI 49221 CSSPSpiritansonitsha@yahoo.co.uk Sisters of Loretto at the Foot of the Cross (Littleton, CO) SERVANTS OF THE PARACLETE 517-266-3400 info@adriandominicans.org www.adriandominicans.org President Sr. Pearl McGivney, SL SERVANTS OF THE PARACLETE 4000 S. Wadsworth Blvd, Littleton, CO 80123 U.S. Motherhouse (Jemez Springs, NM) CONGREGATION OF THE PASSION 303-783-0450 www.lorettocommunity.org CONGREGATION OF OUR LADY OF THE SACRED HEART Our Lady of the Assumption CONGREGATION OF THE PASSION Congregation of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (Grand Rapids, MI) Servant General Very Rev. David T. Fitzgerald, sP Province of St. Paul of the Cross (Rye Brook, NY) Prioress Sr. Maureen Geary, OP PO Box 489, Jemez Springs, NM 87025 Provincial Very Rev. Robert Joerger, CP MARIANITES 2025 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 575-829-3586 575-829-3004 www.theservants.org 111 South Ridge St, Suite 302, Rye Brook, NY 10573 CONGREGATION OF THE MARIANITES OF HOLY CROSS 616-459-2910 mgeary@grdominicans.org www.grdominicans.org 914-908-6736 Congregation of the Marianites of Holy Cross (New Orleans, LA) Congregational Leader Sr. Ann Lacour MSC SOLTS 1011 Gallier St, New Orleans, LA 70117 DOMINICANS SOCIETY OF OUR LADY OF THE MOST HOLY TRINITY DOMINICAN SISTERS OF PEACE Dominican Sisters of Peace, Inc. (Columbus, OH) 504-945-1620 lacour.ann@marianites.org www.marianites.org ORDER OF PREACHERS (DOMINICANS) General Priest Servant Rev. Peter Marsalek, SOLT Prioress Sr. Margaret Ormond, OP Province of St. Albert the Great (Chicago, IL) 1200 Lantana Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78407 2320 Airport Dr, Columbus, OH 43219 Provincial Very Rev. Charles E. Bouchard, OP 361-289-9095 www.societyofourlady.net MERCY 614-416-1900 www.oppeace.org 1910 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60608 SISTERS OF MERCY OF THE AMERICAS 312-243-0011 office@domcentral.org SOLT Formation Center West Midwest Community (Omaha, NE) SINSINAWA DOMINICAN CONGREGATION OF THE MOST HOLY PO Box 430 Bosque, NM 87006 President Sr. Laura Reicks RSM ROSARY 7262 Mercy Rd, Omaha, NE 68124 FRANCISCANS Sinsinawa Dominicans of the Holy Rosary (Sinsinawa, WI) 402-393-8225 info@mercywmw.org www.mercywestmidwest.org FRANCISCAN FRIARS SONS OF THE HOLY FAMILY Prioress Sr. Mary Ellen Gevelinger, OP Our Lady of Guadalupe Province (Albuquerque, NM) SONS OF THE HOLY FAMILY 585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI 53824-9701 Minister Provincial Very Rev. Gino Correa, OFM U.S. Foundation (Silver Springs, MD) MISSIONARIES 608-748-4411 gevelingerop@aol.com www.sinsinawa.org 1204 Stinson Rd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87121 Delegate Rev. Luis Picazo, SF MISSIONARY CATECHISTS OF THE SACRED HEARTS OF JESUS 505-831-9199 ofmprovsec@aol.com www.olgofm.org PO Box 4138, Silver Spring, MD 20914 AND MARY (VICTORIA, TX) 301-622-1184 lluis.piczo@manyanet.com www.manyanet.us Missionary Catechists of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (Victoria, TX) FILIPPINIS San Juan Diego Friary Provincial superior Sr. Miriam Perez, MCSH RELIGIOUS TEACHERS FILIPPINI 1350 Lakeview Rd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105 203 East Sabine St, Victoria, TX 77901 St. Lucy Filippini Province (Morristown, NJ) BENEDICTINES 505-877-5425 361-570-3332 Provincial Superior Sr. Ascenza Tizzano, MPF OLIVETAN BENEDICTINES Olivetan Benedictine Sisters of Our Lady of Guadalupe Abbey Villa Walsh, Morristown, NJ 07960 973-538-2886 x125 atizzano@hotmail.com Casa Guadalupe Friary (Pecos, NM) MISSIONARY SISTERS OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT 3735 San Ygnacio Rd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87121 Procurator Sr. Helen Vasquez, OSB Bomadi Vicarate 505-831-9199 PO Box 1080, Pecos, NM 87552 General Superior Sr. Florence Offordile MSBS FRANCISCANS 505-757-6600 sisterhelenpeers@gmail.com PO Box 720, Ughelli Delta State, Nigeria FELICIAN FRANCISCAN SISTERS Assumption Friary Congregation of Sisters of St. Felix of Cantalice North American Province 4201 Meadowlark Ln SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 OUR LADY OF VICTORY OF MISSIONARY SISTERS (Rio Rancho, NM) BLESSED SACRAMENT 505-892-0745 Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters (Huntington, IN) Provincial Minister Sr. Mary Christopher Moore, CSSF SISTERS OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT FOR INDIANS President Sr. Beatrice Haines, OLVM 871 Mercer Rd, Beaver Falls, PA 15010 AND COLORED PEOPLE PO Box 109, Huntington, IN 46750 Holy Family Friary Sister of the Blessed Sacrament for Indians and Colored People 724-384-5300 feliciansna@feliciansisters.org www.feliciansisters.org 260-356-0628 victorynoll@olvm.org www.olvm.org PO Box 12127, Albuquerque, NM 87195 (Bensalem, PA) 505-243-6039 President Sr. Patricia Suchalski, SBS FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF PERPETUAL ADORATION Bensalem, PA 19020 Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (La Crosse, WI) SOLTS 215-244-9900 psuchalski@aol.com www.katharinedrexel.org President Sr. Karen Lueck, FSPA San Diego Friary SISTERS OF THE SOCIETY OF OUR LADY OF THE MOST HOLY 912 Market St, LaCrosse, WI 54601 PO Box 79, Jemez Pueblo, NM 87024 TRINITY 608-782-5610 fspa@fspa.com www.fspa.org 575-834-7300 St. Katharine Drexel Convent Generalate Office (Corpus Christi, TX) 2928 Calle de Pinos Altos, Santa Fe, NM 87507 General Sister Servant Sr. Megan Mary Thibodeau, SOLT 505-471-7322 SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI 1200 Lantana Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78407 FRANCISCAN FRIARS Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi (St. Francis, WI) 361-289-9095 x317 www.soltsisters.org Province of St. John the Baptist (Cincinnati, OH) Director Sr. Florence Deacon, OSF Provincial Minister Rev. Jeffrey Scheeler, OFM CANOSSIANS 3221 South Lake Dr, St. Francis, WI 53235-3702 1615 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 URSALINES 414-744-1160 administration@lakeosfs.org www.lakeosfs.org 513-721-4700 sjbsec@franciscan.org www.franciscan.org CANOSSIAN DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY URSULINE SISTERS OF MOUNT SAINT JOSEPH U.S. Provincial House (Albuquerque, NM) Congregation of Pontifical Rite (Maple Mount, KY) SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS OF THE NEUMANN COMMUNITIES Cristo Rey Community Congregational Leader Sr. Sharon Sullivan OSU San Paschal Friary Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi of the Neumann Communities (Syracuse, NY) Provincial Leader Sr. Ellen K. Taylor FdCC 8001 Cummings Rd, Maple Mount, KY 42356 293 Lomita St, Santa Fe, NM 87505 General Minister Sr. Roberta Smith, OSF 5625 Isleta Blvd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105 270-229-4103 info.msj@maplemount.org www.ursulinesmsj.org 2500 Grant Boulevard, Syracuse, NY 13208-1707 505-873-2854 fdccalb@yahoo.com www.canossiansisters.org FRANCISCAN FRIARS OF RENEWAL St. Crispin Friary (Bronx, NY)

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CONGREGATION OF THE SISTERS OF SAINT FELIX OF CANTALICE (Felician Sisters) Vision Statement: Turn to the Lord your God Be Eucharist Be Sister Be Servant To All

Mission Statement As Felician Franciscans, called by God, cooperate with Christ in the spiritual renewal of the world.

Timeline

“I wish I could multiply myself a thousand times and travel to all parts of the world bringing God’s love and mercy to all people.” -- Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska, Foundress

May 16, 1825

Sophia Truszkowska, foundress of the Felician Sisters, born in Kalisz, Poland

May 27, 1855

Sophia becomes a Franciscan Tertiary and takes the name Angela. She begins ministering in Warsaw to orphaned girls and elderly women she gathered off the streets.

November 21, 1855

Mother Angela and companions consecrate themselves and their ministry to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, naming the new community the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Felix of Cantalice

Groundbreaking, 1976 (Left to Right) Provincial Mother Mary Liliose Pytz, CSSF, Archbishop Robert Sanchez, U.S. Senator Joseph Montoya, a member of the Blue Army at the groundbreaking

December, 1864

The Felician Sisters are disbanded by the Russian government in Warsaw

September 4, 1865

The Felicians Sisters are allowed to regroup by the Austrian government in Krakow

November 21, 1976

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Convent dedicated by Archbishop Robert F. Sanchez

November 21, 1874

Five Felician Sisters arrive to minister among the Polish immigrants in the United States and Canada

1980

October 10, 1899

Mother Mary Angela Truszkowska dies after many years of quiet suffering from profound deafness and cancer

Women from local parishes gather at the convent to form the Felician Sisters Ladies’ Auxiliary, a service group to help the sisters and participate in their mission to renew the world

1987

The Peace Circle in front of the convent dedicated as a national peace site

July 14, 1953

Establishment of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Province in Ponca City, Oklahoma

October 20, 1975

Felician Sisters relocate from Oklahoma to Rio Rancho, New Mexico, living in condominiums at the Rio Rancho Golf Course until a new convent could be built

February 4, 1976

Groundbreaking for the new Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Convent

The Peace Circle

HANDCARVED WOODEN PANELS Four 6’ x 18” outdoor hand carved white pine door panels, tinted with oil paints and wood stain, were created in 1976 by the artist, Sister Rosemarie Goins, CSSF, (Left) for the provincial home in Rio Rancho.

December 23, 1992 St. Felix Pantry is incorporated and moved to its current location on Barbara Loop

The main entrance doors feature the figures of St. Francis of Assisi, whose Rule the Felician Sisters follow, and Our Lady of the Assumption, the patroness of the former Province.

April 18, 1993

Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska beatified by St. John Paul II

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Felician Lay Associates and Felician Prayer Associates founded

November 21, 2009

Eight provinces in North America reconfigure into one, named Our Lady of Hope Province

October 1, 2013

A Covenant of Care with the Franciscan Friars of Our Lady of Guadalupe Province begins to provided skilled nursing care at the convent for some of their friars

November 21, 2015 160th anniversary of the founding of the Felician Congregation Where Felicians have ministered in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe

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Previously, Sister Juanella ministered in the province’s mission in San Juan de Sabinas, Coahuila, Mexico

Catechetical Programs:

San Ysidro, Corrales Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Alameda Our Lady of Sorrows, Bernalillo St. Thomas Aquinas, Rio Rancho San Antonio, Placitas St. Therese Little Flower, Albuquerque Resurrection, Albuquerque Sacred Heart, Albuquerque Our Lady of the Sandias (Kirtland AFB), Albuquerque St. Anne, Santa Fe

Sr. Rena Marie Romero, CSSF, from Our Lady of Sorrows, Bernalillo. An accomplished marimba player from an early age, Sister Rena Marie currently teaches Theology at Saint Pius X High School.

Sr. Veronica Marie Lucero, from Our Lady of Guadalupe, Taos, was recently appointed as pastoral minister at Saint Ignatius Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Philadalphia, PA.

Archdiocesan Schools:

St. Thomas Aquinas School, Rio Rancho St. Pius X High School, Queen of Heaven School St. Therese Little Flower School, Albuquerque

Other:

Good Shepherd Home, Alameda Saint Joseph Hospital West Mesa, Albuquerque Marie Milne Shelter for Unwed Mothers Rocky Mountain Franciscan Gatherings St. Vincent de Paul Society Marriage Encounter AIDS ministry Pilgrimage for Vocations Catholic Charities

Saint Felix Pantry, Inc.

The Felician sponsored ministry in Saint Felix Pantry Director of Operations New Mexico is Saint Felix Pantry. Chris Malneritch shows the new truck This was begun by SM Genevieve to the sisters and friars at Assumption Ryskiewicz in the back of the Convent. Seated front row, second convent station wagon. When she from right: St. Felix Pantry founder, SM saw a store worker about to throw Genevieve Ryskiewicz, CSSF out day-old bread, Sr. Genevieve asked, “May I have that? I know some hungry people.” The Saint Felix Pantry has grown to its current location on Barbara Loop in Rio Rancho. It is the largest food pantry in Sandoval County.

SM Edna Pearl Esquibel, a native of Santa Clara Parish, Wagon Mound, ministered in faith formation in various parishes as well as being the President of Saint Felix Pantry, Felician Sisters appearing on the Inc. Sister Edna Pearl recently Archbishop’s Hour (Seated, L to R) S Veronica became the Director of Religious Marie Lucero, CSSF and SM Edna Pearl Education for the Archdiocese of Esquibel, CSSF, (Standing) program host Santa Fe. S Desiré Ann-Findaly, Mary Woods CSSF, from St. Jude Thaddeus Parish, Paradise Hills, teaches Religion, Spanish and Dance at Pomona Catholic High School in Pomona, California.

“Come and See” live-in vocation experience

Seeds of Vocations in New Mexico

The next live-in experience for young women interested in the consecrated life will be held March 11-13, 2016, at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Convent, 4210 Meadowlark Lane Sister Desiré demonstrates how to make cord SE, Rio Rancho. For more information, please call Sister rosaries. Mary Dorothy Young at 505508-8319.

Sr. Juanella María Pereyra, from St. Genevieve Parish, Las Cruces, is part of the administration team for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Convent, Rio Rancho.

Further information on the Felician Sisters can be found at www. feliciansistersna.org (North American website) and www.feliciansisters.org (Congregational website).

Shortly after the Felician Sisters moved to New Mexico, the seeds of vocations yielded a rich harvest with five native sisters.

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CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Colonial “Black Tea” Served at Holy Ghost Catholic School By L-A Gabrielle Salas, Liturgical/Pastoral Ministries Coordinator

An important part of our American heritage is our country’s Colonial history. The late 16th century brought the start of colonization of America until their incorporation into the United States. Life was not easy for the first settlers made up of adventurers, soldiers, Holy Ghost Catholic eighth graders delight the crowd with their farmers and tradesmen. Small demonstration of the Virginia Reel, a folk dance most popular in colonies often disappeared; ev- America from 1830–1890. erywhere the death rate of the colony. were treated to delicious recfirst arrivals was high. NoneGuests comprised of family, ipes made by the students theless, successful colonies friends, fellow students, and representing their respective were established. administrators, were visibly colonies. Among the favorites How were these courageous impressed with the students’ this year: pulled pork from settlers able to thrive amongst report on the colonial history New York, peach cobbler from the hardships they encoun- of our nation. A display board, Georgia, Black tea from Penntered? How did they live day- created by the students, fea- sylvania, and corn bread from to-day? These, and other rele- tured a handbill used to per- Maryland. vant questions were expertly suade other Europeans to join In addition to enjoying the fielded by the Holy Ghost them in the New World; a spe- dance and food, guests came Catholic School’s eighth grade cial purpose map of the colony away with a much deeper unclass as part of their annual that depicts industry; and dis- derstanding of how early colo“Colonial Days Fair,” celebrat- tinct features such as a political nists lived and thrived, laying ed in late October. map; a timeline of significant the foundation for our first To everyone’s delight, the events from 1550-1775; and a states. Colonial Fair began with stu- diorama depicting a scene from “As part of our curriculum, dents (in full colonial style cos- daily life in the colony. every year eighth graders and tumes) demonstrating a lively Students also creatively used all middle school students of dance to the Virginia Reel; a variety of materials to illus- Holy Ghost Catholic School followed by each student giv- trate colonists fishing, hunt- are expected to complete a riging a short speech detailing the ing, and farming various crops orous academic curriculum,” development of a researched from rice to tobacco. Guests said Principal Noreen Duffy

Teachers ear of the

Barbara Menicucci

St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School Mrs. Menicucci is the Middle School Language Arts teacher, IT coordinator and part-time Assistant Principal for St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School. She has a Master of Arts degree in Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography with minors in math and earth science. She is a recipient of the VOYA grant that is designed to integrate music education and technology skills into the science curriculum, and she was also the recipient of a grant to support mathematics education through the use of manipulative materials. She has been teaching for 30 years, and we have been blessed that she has taught in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe for all of these years. Mrs. Menicucci is a kind, caring individual who always puts the welfare of her students before her own. The school community has nothing but respect and admiration for her due to her loyalty, kindness and selfless dedication that she continues to give. (Editor’s note: We humbly apologize to Mrs. Menicucci and everyone at St. Charles Borromeo for inadvertently omitting her photo and biography in last month’s Teacher of the Year section in People of God.) Copeland, Ph.D. “Their studies include the usual disciplines of religion, mathematics, science, language arts, music, art, physical education, Spanish, and social studies.” Holy Ghost Catholic School students also participate in Constitution Day celebrated in

September. All are invited to next year’s Holy Ghost Catholic School’s Colonial Days Fair. For more information on next year’s fair and other school events, please visit the school’s website at holyghostcatholicschool.com.

Holy Ghost Catholic School Honors Veterans

L-A Gabrielle Salas, Liturgical/ Pastoral Ministries Coordinator

Holy Ghost Catholic School’s eighth grade students hosted a special “Veterans Day” tribute celebration for veterans on Veterans Day, November 11. Parish veterans, family, faculty and students all came together to honor the valor and sacrifices made by brave men and women in their mission to secure the blessings of Liberty. The program began with a school Mass celebrated by pastor, Rev. Mark A. Schultz, followed by a ceremonial flag folding ceremony, reception, and patriotic tributes

in song that began with a special rendition of the National Anthem complete with musical horns and drum, and a medley of service songs under the capable direction of music teacher, Hannah Albers. “Thank you for this warm welcome,” opened guest speaker, Col. George R. Farfour, vice commander of the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, Kirtland Air Force Base, NM. In his spirited remarks, Col. Farfour, a Roman Catholic, talked about the meaning of the words “deterrent” and “gratitude.” He explained that the military is not there simply to fight in combat, but to also try and deter the enemy;

to prevent corruption from happening. He encouraged students to “always do what is right, even if it is not easy or convenient, thereby building on your personal story.” Col. Farfour went on to stress the importance of gratitude; “to be grateful to God at all times and under all circumstances,” adding, “Ingratitude is the worst sin of democracy; ingratitude to God, country, parents and school.” In closing, Col. Farfour thanked the students and urged them to say to those who serve so that we can Posing for a Veterans Day photo (L-R) are: Guest live freely, “Thank you sir, or mad- speaker Col. George R. Farfour; President of the Seram, for saving the entire world.” vice in the Spirit Club, Ricky Vela; pastor, Rev. Mark A. Schultz, and Principal Noreen Duffy Copeland, Ph.D.

December 2015

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CATHOLIC EDUCATION

St. Therese Drives Out Hunger

By Susan Peterson and Tom Gilbert; teachers and Student Council facilitators at St. Therese Catholic School.

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks. We count our blessings and maybe even calories. But for the hungry and less fortunate in our community, Thanksgiving can be difficult. Thanks to the generosity of the students and families of St. Therese Catholic School, there will be more food to share with those facing hardship. A food drive led by the student council the week be-

fore Thanksgiving raised over 2,000 pounds of non-perishable food. Literally a ton of food to help feed the hungry was donated to the RoadRunner Food Bank (www.rrfb.org) and will be distributed to needy families. Generosity is one of the signs of a dynamic Catholic (The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic, Mathew Kelly) and dynamic certainly describes the generous actions of the St. Therese School community. Students learned again the important lesson of self-sacrifice and giving. The request of Jesus to feed

Through Thick and Thin: Pope Urges Youths to Read the Bible The cover of the German-language “Youth Bible for the Catholic Church.” The Bible study guide includes a preface by Pope Francis, who write about his treasured old, “beat up” Bible and explains to young people how he prays with it. The guide was released by the Germany-based Katholisches Bibelwerk and the YouCat Foundation. Other language versions are expected in 2016. (CNS)

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis said his Bible is old, beat up and worth more to him than anything money can buy. “If you saw my Bible, you would not be impressed,” he wrote to young people. “You’d say, ‘What? This is the pope’s Bible? A book so old, so beat up?’ You might even want to give me a gift of a new one, something that costs 1,000 euro. But I don’t want it.” Pope Francis wrote about his Bible and his Bible-reading habits in the preface to the German-language study guide, “Youth Bible for the Catholic Church.” It was released in late October by the Germany-based Katholisches Bibelwerk and the YouCat Foundation. Other language versions are expected in 2016. The Jesuit journal, La Civilta Cattolica, published an Italian translation of the preface in early December. The well-worn Bible has been with Pope Francis for half his life, wrote the pope, who will turn 79 Dec. 17. “It has seen my joy and has been bathed by my tears: it is my priceless treasure,” the pope wrote, and “nothing in the world would make me give it up.”

the hungry (Matthew 25:35) is realized through projects such as this food drive. Each class, from pre-K through 8th grade, participated and there was healthy competition to see which class could collect the most, a feat accomplished by the 6th grade middle school class. They collected over 600 of the more than 2,500 total items.

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WORLD San Bernardino Bishop Urges Prayers for Unity, Healing After Shootings OXNARD, Calif. (CNS) -- Arriving in the late morning Dec. 2 at the San Bernardino diocesan pastoral center for his job in the diocese’s Office of Worship, Chris Estrella knew something was very wrong. “I could see a police blockade of Waterman Avenue, which is where the Inland Regional Center is located,” said Estrella, music and liturgy assistant. “That’s less than two miles from the pastoral center. Then I saw a lot of law enforcement in the area -- and I needed to use my key to get in the building, which is unusual.” Once at his desk, Estrella turned on his computer and saw the reason for the blockade and increased security: The Inland Regional Center had become a murder scene, with 14 people killed and

“They were the first, because they were among the last, the outcast” -Pope Francis, Christmas Eve Mass, December 24, 2013 As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us recall how Jesus was born, and of those who were among the first to hear of Jesus’ birth, the poor shepherds. Shepherds were the poor, low income, second class citizens of their day, shunned by their countrymen because their work kept them from attending religious observances. In essence, they were the working poor. God chose to announce the birth of the savior of humanity not to the rich and powerful, but to the poor and powerless. Those who were the least and the last in society were the first to hear. Jesus came into the world to bring Good News to the poor, is it any wonder that one of his many titles is “Good Shepherd?” Today, where the divide between the rich and the poor grows more pronounced every year, it is essential to remember the Jesus who was born into poverty. Our Catholic social teaching calls us to solidarity with the poor, the shepherds of our time. One of the ways

in which we can do that this year is to celebrate a simpler Christmas, knowing that those in poverty have nothing with which to celebrate Christmas. Instead of giving material gifts let us celebrate the joy of Christ’s birth, and let us make that joy our gift. We can also celebrate by acting with both charity and justice in mind. As we do this, we help break the cycle of poverty and help people reclaim their dignity. Celebrating in solidarity with the shepherds this year brings Christ more fully into the world, and into our hearts, allowing us to reflect on the gift of salvation that came into the world with the birth of Jesus January is poverty awareness month, so begin now by planning activities to increase the awareness of poverty and poverty related issues and how our Catholic faith calls us to respond. As the CCHD Intern for the Office of Social Justice and Respect Life, I am available to give presentations on Catholic social teaching, poverty, charity and justice to junior high and high school students, and to youth, confirmation, and adult groups. Contact me at the Office of Social Justice and Respect Life, to coordinate CCHD presentations, 505.831.8235 or justice2@archdiosf. org .

December 2015

NEWS

17 more wounded. “At that time, realistically, I felt safe,” Estrella, 27, told Catholic News Service Dec. 3. “But I worried about my family -- my parents, my siblings including my little brother who attends Our Lady of the Assumption School not that far away. Fortunately they were all safe.” But the pastoral center -- and Catholic schools in the city -- remained on lockdown for several hours until about 2 p.m. “when they began shuffling us out and told us, ‘Go home, be with your families,’” said Estrella. The office remained closed Dec. 3, and was already slated to be closed Dec. 4 for first Friday observances. The Office of Worship canceled a Dec. 3 formation class for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program at the pastoral center. In a statement, the office expressed its sorrow at the killings and its solidarity in prayer with families and victims of the tragedy, saying, “Let us pray for peace and mutual tolerance, moving forward.”

Solidarity with the Shepherds! By Ian Wood, CCHD Intern

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Pope: Stopping Climate Change, Poverty Go Hand-in-Hand VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Heads of states at the U.N. climate change conference in Paris must do everything possible to mitigate the effects of both climate change and poverty “for the good of our common home,” Pope Francis said. “The two choices go together: to stop climate change and curb poverty so that human dignity may flourish,” he said Dec. 6 after reciting the Angelus with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square. The pope said he was closely following the climate conference and thinking about how conference participants are called to respond to the question, “What kind of world do we want to leave to those who come after us, to children who are now growing up?” The conference participants, he said, NEWS continued on page 21

CRS Rice Bowls for Lent—still time to place or revise your order!

If you haven’t already, there’s still a chance to place or change your order for Lenten CRS Rice Bowl Materials! Orders will arrive in early January. Call our office right away, since Lent starts February 10! 505.831.8205.

National Migration Week is January 3-9, 2016

Resources are now available for National Migration Week, which is January 3-9, with the theme, “A Stranger and You Welcomed Me.” The observance began over a quarter century ago by the bishops to provide Catholics an opportunity to take stock of the wide diversity of the Church. In the Gospel of Matthew (25:35) tells his disciples, “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” The call to welcome the stranger plays an important role in the lives of faithful Christians and has a particularly central place

for those of us who work in the migration field. The migrant, who moves from one country to another is truly a stranger in the midst. Often unfamiliar with the local tongue of the new country, not to mention its customs, the migrant needs the support of local communities so that she can better adjust to her new surroundings. National Migration Week 2016 picks up on the theme of welcome and, in doing so, calls on each of us to welcome the stranger among us. A prayer card can be found at http://www.usccb.org/about/migration-and-refugee-services/national-migration-week/

Save the Dates for January 2016 Events! Sun Jan 17: Noon—African American Catholic Community Martin Luther King, Jr. Mass & Celebration, Archbishop John C. Wester, presider, St. Joseph on the Rio Grande, Albuquerque. Info: Brenda at 505.836.6327. Wed Jan 20: Annual Sanctity of Life Unity and Awareness Day Mass, with the three bishops of New Mexico, Noon, St. Francis Cathedral Basilica, Santa Fe followed by a prayer march to the Roundhouse and rally.

December 2015

NEWS continued from page 20 must spare no effort in combating climate change for “the good of our common home, of all of us and future generations. Let us pray the Holy Spirit enlighten all those who are called to make such important decisions and give them the courage to always have the greater good of the entire human family as the criterion to guide their decisions,” he said. Before his appeal, the pope reflected on the day’s Gospel reading from St. Luke (3:1-6), which recalled John the Baptist’s call for “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”

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Judge’s Ruling Frozen Embryos Must Be Destroyed Called ‘Tragic Case’

More than a saint, Our Lady of Guadalupe represents Mexican identity MEXICO CITY (CNS) -- Jonathan Gonzalez lugged a large statue of St. Juan Diego into the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe on a recent Sunday, showing no signs of strain as he moved through the masses at the world’s most-visited Marian shrine. A farmhand from the outlying state of Hidalgo, he makes the 100mile trip annually to the basilica on Tepeyac Hill in northern Mexico City, where a dark-skinned Mary appeared to indigenous farmer Juan Diego in 1531. Gonzalez makes the trip mostly out of faith, saying, “She’s the mother of all Mexicans.” But he also goes to the basilica to give thanks for “miracles that have happened,” although this year Gonzalez arrived with a special sense of gratitude and wanting to seek intercession for his wife, who he says is suffering from cancer. “Thanks to God, (my wife) is still here,” said Gonzalez, 37. “(Guadalupe) has really helped a lot.” Gonzalez’s story is similar to many in Mexico, where the population views their national patroness as more than a saint and often as a mother, intercessor and icon whose importance transcends religion. Millions of Mexicans descend annually on the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, especially for the feast day Dec. 12, with many making pilgrimages on bike or arriving on foot from the surrounding states. Some arrive from abroad.

A laboratory director inspects the microinjection of sperm into an egg cell using a microscope in 2011 at a vitro fertilization clinic in Leipzig, Germany. A California state judge’s ruling that a now-divorced couple’s five frozen embryos must be destroyed is an example of doing something that technology allows without considering all aspects, say medical ethicists. (CNS photo/Waltraud Grubitzsch, EPA)

LEVITTOWN, Pa. (CNS) -- A California state judge’s ruling that a now-divorced couple’s five frozen embryos must be destroyed is an example of doing something that technology allows without considering all its aspects, according to medical ethicists. Christopher White, director of research and education for the California-based Center for Bioethics and Culture, called the dispute a “tragic case” illustrating “the plight of these frozen embryos.” Estimates of the number of embryos in frozen storage range from “hundreds of thousands” to several million worldwide. White told Catholic News Service he

would be comfortable putting the number at 1 million. The center is opposed to the destruction of the embryos created by in vitro fertilization for anesthesiologist Mimi Lee and Stephen Findley, when they married. They are now divorced. The couple had signed a release at the time directing that the embryos should be destroyed if they were to divorce. But Lee said she did not understand the agreement to be binding and thought she could change her mind. California Superior Court Judge Anne-Christine Massullo in San Francisco ruled Nov. 18 the embryos must be thawed and discarded.

Archdiocese of Santa Fe 2015/2016 Abuse Awareness Training for Adults: Creating a Safe Environment for Our Children Attendance at the workshop is MANDATORY for all clergy, employees, and volunteers in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Pre-registration is necessary. These workshops are sponsored by the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Contact: Annette Klimka, the Victims Assistance Coordinator or Rose Garcia, at 505.831.8144. Note: Do not bring children. No one under age 18 is allowed in the workshop. If you are late you will not be allowed to enter the training. Please contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator to report any abuse that has occurred by Clergy, Employee or Volunteer in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe December 10, 2015 6:00 – 9:00 pm Catholic Center Thursday 4000 St. Joseph Pl. NW, Albuquerque, 87120 January 9, 2016 9:00 am – Noon Catholic Center Saturday 4000 St. Joseph Pl. NW, Albuquerque, 87120 February 11, 2016 6:00 – 9:00 pm Catholic Center Thursday 4000 St. Joseph Pl. NW, Albuquerque, 87120 March 5, 2016 9:00 am – Noon Catholic Center Saturday 4000 St. Joseph Pl. NW, Albuquerque, 87120 April 7, 2016 6:00 – 9:00 pm Catholic Center Thursday 4000 St. Joseph Pl. NW, Albuquerque, 87120 May 14, 2016 9:00 a.m. – Noon Catholic Center Saturday 4000 St. Joseph Pl. NW, Albuquerque, 87120

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December 2015

Aragon, Vigil

Miss Barbara Aragon and Mr. Ralph Vigil were united in holy matrimony on November 27, 1965 at Sacred Heart Church in Española. They were blessed with two children: Shelly and her husband Ronald, and Ralph Jr. and his wife Diane. They have one granddaughter, Jessica. Throughout their marriage, Barbara and Ralph have been involved in parish ministry. They were at Sacred Heart for 26 years until then Deacon Ralph was invited to St. Anne in Santa Fe to assist the ailing Fr. Bob Coughlan. They remained there for 12 years. After this, they relocated to Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Albuquerque where they have been for the past seven years. Deacon Ralph and Barbara both retired from the Los Alamos National Laboratory. They enjoy traveling and would like to visit the 50 states within our country. Their favorite pastime is “family dinner” with their children and invited friends.

Madrid, Garcia The 2015 American Family Survey asks Americans about their attitudes and practices on marriage and the family study. The study was sponsored by the Deseret News in Salt Lake City and Brigham Young University’s Center for the Study of Elections and Democracy in Provo, Utah. (CNS graphic/Karen Riccio)

NAVIDAD continued from page 3 Esto es lo que estamos haciendo cuando damos prioridad a los pobres: estamos dándonos a nosotros mismos ya que todos somos pobres en los ojos de Dios, pobres pero amados sin medida y por tanto, ricos en gracia. Esta Navidad es una oportunidad para quitar las letras “tes” de los “presentes” (regalos) y sustituirlas por “cia” para formar la palabra “presencia”. La “c” de Cristo al acercarnos más a ser como Él,

y la “i” de “iguales” ya que todos somos pobres, todos somos iguales ante los ojos de Dios. Esta Navidad es una oportunidad para llevar nuestra presencia a los demás, especialmente a los pobres, y si queremos incluir un pequeño regalo envuelto en el proceso, pues, ¿por qué no? Es con un sentimiento de profunda gratitud que les deseo a todos ustedes, mis hermanos y hermanas en Cristo, una Navidad bendecida y un Año Nuevo lleno de gracia. Ustedes me han dado un regalo de Navidad que en verdad atesoro, me han dado una cálida bienvenida a esta maravillosa arquidiócesis. Estoy muy consciente de mi propia pobreza al pararme humildemente entre ustedes, y estoy siendo enriquecido por su amor, apoyo y oraciones. Prometo hacer lo mismo por ustedes durante estos días santos de la Navidad y rezo para que el recién nacido niño Jesús levante sus brazos de bendición sobre todos nosotros.

Miss Margaret (Peggy) Madrid and Mr. Luis (Louie) Garcia were joined in Holy Matrimony on the beautiful sunny day of November 13, 1965 at San Jose Parish in Albuquerque. They have been members of Holy Family in Albuquerque for over 30 years and are involved in the Eucharistic ministry and K of C. They are blessed with two children, Marsha and Luis, four grandchildren, Sara, Roman,

Mario and Alexandra and two great grandchildren, Lucas and Ella. Luis is married to Ana and Sara to James. Louie and Peggy thank God each day for all the many blessings He has given them.

Valdez

Deacon Gilbert R. Valdez and Frances L. Valdez of Santa Fe, NM celebrated 50 years of marriage on November 25, 2015. They were married at St. Gertrude’s Catholic Church in Mora, NM. The couple met in Mora and has lived in Santa Fe for the past 41 years. They have six children, 14 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Gilbert and Frances are both retired. Gilbert is a deacon at The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Santa Fe. Both are members of the Legion of Mary and El Coro de la Sagrada Familia. They dedicate countless hours of love as parents and grandparents to their family. They enjoy staying active with bowling and traveling. The couple celebrated their 50th anniversary by renewing their wedding at our Lady of Guadalupe in Santa Fe where they were honored with a special 50th anniversary certificate presented by Rev. Tien-Tri Nguyen on behalf of his Holiness, Pope Francis. The couple will also renew their wedding vows in Cana, Israel next year during the Year of Mercy. Both Gilbert and Frances give praise and thanksgiving to Jesus through the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe for blessing their marriage, for sanctifying, preserving and keeping them all the days of their lives.

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December 2015

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Books for Christmas The Catholic Difference

By George Weigel

It’s been a good reading year and I highly recommend the following to the readers on your Christmas (not “holiday”) shopping list: God or Nothing, by Cardinal Robert Sarah (Ignatius Press): It was the book being discussed at Synod-2015 and with good reason, for this interview-style autobiography of a life of faith is moving, insightful, and a wonderful testament to the fruits of the European mission to Africa in the early twentieth century. As African Catholicism now challenges its Euro-parent to rediscover the gift of faith that Europe once gave others, God or Nothing is also an invitation to meet a man whose service to the universal Church may not end with his current post in the Roman Curia. Church of Spies: The Pope’s Secret War Against Hitler, by Mark Riebling (Basic Books): It’s scandalous that this deeply-researched study of Pius XII’s involvement in plots to depose Adolf Hitler has been largely ignored by the mainstream press, but the reason why isn’t hard to guess – Church of Spies confounds the “Hitler’s Pope” rubbish that Catholic-bashers find useful. It’s a great read, so give it on those grounds; but it’s morally permissible if you give it to annoy the New York Times. Vatican Council Notebooks, by Henri de Lubac (Ignatius Press): There are many Vatican II memoirs available, but Father de Lubac’s is more even-tempered than Yves Congar’s My Journal of the Council (Liturgical Press); the de Lubac volume is also a model of editing and annotation. Louis Bouyer’s Memoirs (Ignatius Press), recently published, include some interesting nuggets about Vatican II and its liturgical aftermath. How God Became King: The Forgotten Story of the Gospels, by N.T. Wright (HarperOne): Sound, accessible biblical commentary that’s informed, but not distorted, by historical–critical scholarship is always welcome, and the former Anglican bishop of Durham is its leading practitioner in the Anglosphere. Give it to a bishop, priest, and/or deacon on your list, gently reminding him or them that expository preaching is essential, and that Dr. Wright is a master-guide to breaking open the gospel text so that we see the world more clearly through it. How God Became King also makes wonderful spiritual reading for Advent

or Lent. Truth Overruled: The Future of Marriage and Religious Freedom, by Ryan T. Anderson (Regnery): Your best guide to the debate that the Supreme Court has tried to end, but hasn’t. Destiny and Power: The American Odyssey of George Herbert Walker Bush, by Jon Meacham (Random House): A splendidly crafted, richly detailed reminder that decency and chivalry were no obstacles to American high office in our lifetime. Imperium and Conspirata, by Robert Harris (Gallery Books): Harris’s trilogy of novels about Cicero will be completed in January with a third volume, Dictator; there, our hero runs afoul of the nasty Caesars, Julius and Octavian, but that’s to get ahead of the story. The first two volumes will whet the appetites of those who relish first-rate historical fiction, in preparation for the denouement. Devotion, by Adam Makos (Ballantine): The story of the U.S. Navy’s first African-American carrier pilot, Jesse Brown, and his white squadron-mate and friend, Tom Hudner, is touching in its own right and a timely antidote to the politically-correct madness of recent months on campuses and elsewhere. If you can avoid choking-up while reading what President Harry Truman said to Hudner when presenting him the Congressional Medal of Honor in the presence of Jesse Brown’s widow, Daisy, you have more emotional iron in you than I do. The Inimitable Jeeves; Very Good, Jeeves; Right Ho, Jeeves; Thank You, Jeeves; The Code of the Woosters; and Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves, by P.G. Wodehouse (Norton or Touchstone): It’s going to be a tough year, 2016; it’s impossible to stay grumpy reading Wodehouse. So start now, and invite lugubrious or distraught family and friends to the party. And, if I may note

my own two recent offerings: The revised and expanded Letters to a Young Catholic (Basic Books) is intended for the young from sixteen to (at least) eighty-plus, while City of Saints: A

Pilgrimage to John Paul II’s Kraków (Image) will, I hope, be welcomed by all attending World Youth Day-2016, in person or in spirit, in print or in the all-color-photography e-book.

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December 2015

Rest in Peace

Deacon Gerald Chavez

Deacon Gerald Chavez, 78, of Cochiti Pueblo, passed away October 29, 2015 following a battle with cancer. He was born to Miquela Quintana and Francisco Chavez April 16, 1937 in Cochiti Pueblo. He is preceded in death by his father Francisco Chavez, mother Miquela Quintana, six brothers, one sister, and grandsons Keith Tenorio and Dwayne Cleveland. He is survived by his wife of 52 years Opal Chavez; daughters Karen Nieto and Debra (Fred) Allrunner; son Marty Chavez; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister Lucy Chuculate; and many nieces and nephews. He proudly served in the United States

Sr. Celestia Koebel, SC

Sister of Charity of Cincinnati Celestia Koebel died Nov. 27, 2015, at the age of 87 at Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, OH. Sr. Celestia was born Emma Jean Koebel on January 12, 1928, to George and Gertrude (Billian) Koebel in Chillicothe, OH. She was a Sister of Charity of Cincinnati for 69 years. Sr. Celestia attended St. Mary Elementary and Catholic Central High School in Chillicothe, where she was taught by the Sisters of Charity. After graduating S. Celestia spent one year at the College of Mount St. Joseph. It was her sister Ann’s vocation (she had entered three years prior) that attracted S. Celestia to the SC Congregation, a decision she never regretted. Sr. Celestia earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the College of Mount St. Joseph in 1958 and a Master’s in Health Care Administration from St. Louis University in St. Louis, MI, in 1964. She completed her residency at Providence Hospital, Seattle, WA. The health care ministry to which she was called proved to be an area for which Sr. Celestia was well-suited. Sr. Celestia began nursing at Good Samaritan, Cincinnati in 1948, followed by St. Mary-Corwin, Pueblo, Colorado (1951-’52); Good Samaritan, Cincinnati, (1952-’55); St. Mary-Corwin, (1955’61) and Good Samaritan, Dayton, Ohio, (1961-’64). After serving as an assistant director of nursing services in Dayton she took time to earn her Master’s; upon completion of the degree she was sent to St. Joseph Hospital in Albuquerqueas administrator; she remained there for 21 years. In the years from 1964 – 1985, Sr. Celestia oversaw the construction of

Navy as a Radiomate 2nd class (RM2). After an honorable discharge from the Navy, Gerald retired after 26 years from Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute as a Systems Analyst. Following retirement Gerald was ordained deacon with the Archdiocese of Santa Fe providing selfless services such as Marriage Enrichment, Cursillo, Pre cana, Emmaus Journey and Eucharistic ministry. The family wishes to thank Father T. Brennan, Dr. K. Chan, Dr. B. Smoker, David, Marvin Lovato, Nephew Carl (Jean) Chavez for all their love and assistance. two new hospitals including the high-rise, downtown campus of St. Joseph’s. She led St. Joseph to engage in outreach and expanded services, some in collaboration with other community institutions. St. Joseph West Mesa, the first hospital to serve the west side of the city, was opened in 1982. She became very involved with professional organizations, serving as the first woman Chair of the USCC Diocesan Coordinators of Health Affairs, president of the Association of Western Hospitals (The Healthcare Forum), trustee of the Catholic Health Association (CHA), and governor of the American College of Healthcare Executives. In 1982 she testified before the subcommittee of Health and Commerce in Washington, D.C., on the role of the federal government in health planning, and with Sister Maryanna Coyle at the U.S. Bishops 1990 national meeting. With the untimely death of Sr. Grace Marie Hiltz in 1985 Sr. Celestia was appointed President of the Sisters of Charity Health Care Systems (SCHCS), a position she held for 11 years. During that time Sr. Celestia served on many Sister of Charity boards as well as those of other health care systems which gave her a wealth of experience. Under her leadership she fostered visionary sponsors, committed SCHCS lay trustees, and mission-driven CEO’s, all dedicated to creating a value-driven health care ministry. SCHCS expanded its services, its growth and its influence leading to an expansion of the ministry from the SC Congregation to that of a broader church ministry. Sr. Celestia helped to guide the consolidation of three Cath-

olic Health Care systems and their sponsors to become Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) in April, 1996. Today it is one of the leading health care organizations in the country. Reflecting on her years of ministry, Sr. Celestia considered the role she was able to play in bringing about the consolidation and formation of the new entity, CHI, as the highlight of her life. “I was privileged to be a participant in the process. I was proud of the role our system took to create this innovative model of religious/lay sponsorship; it allows the laity to be equal partners in sponsorship. I was happy to serve as God’s instrument; the Spirit has directed my path,” she said on the occasion of her diamond jubilee. Sr. Celestia received the Honorary Doctor of humanities from both the University of Albuquerque and the College of Mount St. Joseph. In 1987 the Board of Trustees of St. Joseph Healthcare Corporation in Albuquer-

que named the new St. Joseph Cancer Center the Sr. Celestia Pavilion where a bronze bas relief of her was installed. A former colleague and current senior vice-president and treasurer of Mercy Health, Jerry Judd, offered the following: “Sr. Celestia showed incredible leadership, courage and vision in the mid-1990’s to merge and form CHI. A key part of the merger was for the respective CEO’s to withdraw from consideration as the new CEO of CHI. Sr. Celestia did this with amazing grace, while showing compassion toward those impacted at the time. Her legacy and commitment to the Catholic healthcare ministry will continue forever.” For her retirement years Sister Celestia continued to serve on boards, including St. Joseph Home, and volunteered at the information desk of the Motherhouse. She enjoyed listening to classical music, reading and playing cards with her friends.

Rev. Nils Francis Thompson, OFM Rev. Nils Francis Thompson, OFM, passed into eternal life on November 10, 2015, at St. Dominic Village in Houston, Texas. Fr. Nils was born the son of Nils Thompson and Agnes (nee Myers) Thompson, on January 1, 1935, in Galveston, TX, where he grew up. He entered the novitiate of St. John the Baptist Province, Order of Friars Minor, at St. Anthony Friary, Cincinnati, OH on August 15, 1954 and was given the name Declan in religion. His first profession of vows took place on August 16, 1955. He made solemn profession at Duns Scotus College, Southfield, MI on August 16, 1958 and was ordained to the priesthood at St. Leonard College in Dayton, OH on June 13, 1963. Fr. Nils’ ministerial life was rich and varied. He was involved in pastoral ministry in Albuquerque, Clovis, Gal-

lup, Parkview and Roswell, NM; in Kansas City, MO and Louisville, KY. He was involved in Ministry of the Word in Mesilla Park and Cerrillos, NM and Cincinnati, OH (Friarhurst Retreat) and Tres Rios, CA. Nils ministered in the Byzantine Rite in Lorraine and Parma, OH and in Las Vegas, NV. Nils was tremendously dedicated to the Secular Franciscan movement and was appointed General Spiritual Assistant of the Franciscan Order in Rome in December, 1997. He also served as Chaplain of the Queen of Angels Indian Chapel in Albuquerque for a number of years and was a chaplain of the Assisi Pilgrimage Program for a time.

Sr. Mary of the Incarnation, Anna Kiernan Sr. Mary of the Incarnation, Anna Kiernan, age 100, passed peacefully into eternal life in the Sisters Convent, on Tuesday, November 24, 2015, in Bosque, NM. Sr. Mary of the Incarnation was born on July 19, 1915, in {Lowell, MA} to William and Anne Kiernan. She attended Lowell Teachers College and went on to earn a Master’s degree in education from Boston University. After graduation she took a job as a training teacher for the girls of Lowell Teachers College.

She was also the Reading Supervisor for the City of Lowell. In 1953 she met Fr. James Flanagan who had been assigned, as a newly ordained priest, to her parish. Sister had felt a call to religious life for some time, and after discernment, and a series of developments which took place in the Continued on page 25

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Rest in Peace SR.MARY from page 24 beginnings of the founding of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, she joined the community and went to New Mexico, with a group of women who felt called to help begin the Society. Sister was among the first group of religious sisters of Our Lady’s Society present in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on July 15, 1958, the day of the Society’s blessing by Archbishop Edwin Byrne. She was present at the first Mass of Our Lady’s Society on the following day, July 16, 1958, in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Holman. Sister was also the first Superior of Our Lady’s Sisters and held that position until 1964. During these foundation years, Sister taught first grade in the school at Holman. After this time Sister served in a number of different missions and

apostolates: Kansas City, Chiapas, Mexico, again in Holman, and 11 years spent serving and teaching in the community college in the Hopi land, Arizona mission. After Hopi land she served again in Kansas City, Robstown and finally came to reside in Bosque, NM with the Our Lady’s community there. The Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity is deeply grateful for the life and vocation of Sr. Mary of the Incarnation, especially for the key role she played in helping to found the community as one of its original members. We honor her courage, her obedience to grace and her great perseverance in following God’s plan as it unfolded. And we ask the Most Holy Trinity and Our Lady’s special blessing upon her in the fullness of the graces of the mystery of the Incarnation she was privilege to live.

Rev. Fr. Chrysostom Partee, OFM Rev. Fr. Chrysostom Partee, OFM, passed into eternal life on December 1, 2015, at the Felician Care Center, Rio Rancho, NM. Born Arnold George Partee on May 5, 1924, in Hamilton, OH, he was the son of Harvey Partee and Theresa (Dilling) Partee. He entered the novitiate of the St. John the Baptist Province, Order of Friars Minor, on August 15, 1941, and professed his first vows on August 16, 1942. He made his solemn profession on August 16,

1945, at Duns Scotus College, Southfield, MI, being ordained to the priesthood on June 8, 1950, at Holy Family Parish, Oldenburg, IN. Fr. Chrys ministered in the Southwestern United States most of his priestly life, beginning at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Gallup, NM. He also served in Blanco, Clovis, Jemez Pueblo, Peña Blanca, Roswell and Santa Fe, NM. He served as pastor at Our Lady of Good Harbor Parish in

Buras, LA, and was also stationed in Mt. Healthy (Cincinnati, OH). Fr. Chrys was very involved in the Cursillo movement, and credits his own Cursillo experience as having formed in great measure his own spiritual journey as a Franciscan in his middle and later years.

We Pray For Our Loved Ones Who Have Passed Away This Year O God, the bestower of forgiveness and the lover of human salvation, we beseech Thee, of Thy tender love, to grant that the brethren of our congregation, with their relatives and benefactors, who have passed out of this life, may, by the intercession of Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, and all thy saints, come to the fellowship of eternal bliss. Through Christ our Lord. Amen Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them . May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

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Mark Your Calendars

TV Mass Schedule December 13, 2015 3rd Sunday of Advent Abbot Joel Garner, O. Praem December 20, 2015 4th Sunday of Advent Abbot Joel Garner, O. Praem December 27, 2015 Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph Archbishop John C. Wester

The Catholic Center St. Joseph/St. Francis Chapel Sunday at 6:30 a.m. on KRQE TV-13, KBIM TV-10, KREZ TV-6 and FOX 2 American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreted TV Mass Donations may be sent online to www.archdiosf.org or mailed to: Chancellor’s Office/ TV Mass, 4000 St. Joseph’s Pl. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120

“May the Dear Lord Bless You”

“May the Dear Lord bless you...” December 2015 15 Rev. Dino Candelaria 17 Rev. Jose Maria Blanch SF 18 Rev. Ramon Aragon 20 Rev. Earl Rohleder 23 Rev. Carlos Alberto Gonzales 23 Rev. Msgr. Richard Olona 26 Rev. Augustine J. Moore 28 Rev. John Anasiudu

28 29 29 31 31

Rev. Joseph Mary Deane CFR Rev. Robert Lancaster Rev. Felipe Valadez Rev. Msgr. J. Gaston Hebert Rev. Arthur J. Jakobiak

January 2016 2 Rev. Hoi Tran 3 Rev. Donatus Onyeke CSSp 4 Rev. Paul Walsman OFM 7 Rev. Gregory Vu OSB 8 Rev. Sean M. Garrity CSB 8 Rev. Graham Golden O.Praem 10 Rev. Ulric Pax OFM 12 Rev. Scott McKee 13 Rev. Ronald J. Bowers

Zep 3:14-18a Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6 Phil 4:4-7 Is 61:1 (cited in Lk 4:18) Lk 3:10-18 Mi 5:1-4a Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19 Heb 10:5-10 Lk 1:38 Lk 1:39-45 Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 Col 3:12-21

January 3, 2016 Epiphany of the Lord Archbishop John C. Wester January 10, 2016 Baptism of the Lord Rev. Ronald Bowers

Col 3:15a, 16a Lk 2:41-52 Is 60:1-6 Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6 Mt 2:2 Mt 2:1-12 Is 42:1-4, 6-7 Ps 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 Acts 10:34-38 CF. Mk 9:7 Lk 3:15-16, 21-22

Roman Catholic Saints Calendar December 2015 15 Blessed Mary Frances Schervier 16 Blessed Honoratus Kozminski 17 Lazarus 18 Blessed Anthony Grassi 19 Blessed Pope Urban V 20 St. Dominic of Silos 21 St. Peter Canisius 22 Blessed Jacopone da Todi 23 St. John Kanty 24 Christmas at Greccio 25 Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord 26 St. Stephen 27 St. John the Apostle 28 Holy Innocents 29 St. Thomas Becket 30 St. Egwin

31 St. Sylvester I January 2016 1 Blessed Waldo 2 St. Gregory Nazianzen 3 Most Holy Name of Jesus 4 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton 5 St. John Neumann 6 St. André Bessette 7 St. Angela of Foligno 8 St. Angela of Foligno 9 St. Adrian of Canterbury 10 Servant of God Vico Necchi 11 Blessed William Carter 12 St. Marguerite Bourgeoys 13 St. Hilary 14 St. Gregory Nazianzen

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Beanies for Blake

Archbishop Wester presided over Mass at St. Pius X High School for Grandparents’ Day on December 8, 2015. At the end of Mass, he was gifted a beanie that is being sold to help a third generation future Sartan family’s medical bills for their six-month old. Being the amazing and humble man he is, he promptly replaced his miter with the beanie! The beanie is only available on campus at SPX Activities Office (8am-4pm) for $7.00. SPX is selling PIUS beanies in an effort to help an alumni family, Christy Ferguson (Beel), Class of 2002 and her husband Ryan. The family has had a hard past couple months with hospital bills, missing work and traveling to Phoenix for surgeries. ALL PROCEEDS will

go to the Ferguson family to help with the mounting bills. Here is a snippet from the family about what has been happening: “This has been a difficult year the Ferguson family. On June 3, 2015 they welcomed their third little girl, Blake Kathryn Ferguson. Christy and Ryan had no idea their little blessing would struggle to survive everyday of her life. Blake has endured two heart sur-

geries to close her PDA and correct her pulmonary artery sling. Blake is on oxygen at all times. She also cannot safely eat food orally because she is at risk of aspirating. Blake had her third surgery and now has a G-tube so she can receive proper nutrition. A few weeks ago her parents received more devastating news from the results of her MRI. Blake has a rare form of non-obstructive

hydrocephalus called Choroid Plexus Hyperplasia. Blake has to have surgery on her brain to remove the extra fluid and relieve the pressure. The Ferguson family will now have to travel to Phoenix for Blake’s fourth surgery by a Pediatric Neurosurgeon at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.” We pray for all families who are in need and struggling.

Archbishop John C. Wester presided at the SPX Grandparents’ Day Mass with Deacon Barkocy & Deacon Greivel.

Archbishop Wester donning his “Beanie for Students participate in a special blessing This was also a special Mass where students Blake” as he greets grandparents alongside for all the grandparents. brought in gifts for the needy children. Both Deacon Barkocy. sides of the stage were filled to capacity!

Cardinal Says in Homily Pope Francis Will Visit Mexico in February By David Agren, Catholic News Service

MEXICO CITY (CNS) -Pope Francis will visit Mexico in February, marking the pontiff’s first trip to the heavily Catholic country, said Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera of Mexico City. Cardinal Rivera revealed the date Pope Francis would arrive in Mexico Feb. 12 during a homily Nov. 1, but he offered no other information on itineraries or the length of the stay. “From that day onward, we will receive him with a lot of affection,” he said.

The Vatican has not confirmed the dates. Father Hugo Valdemar Romero, Mexico City Archdiocese spokesman, said Vatican officials responsible for organizing papal trips planned to arrive in Mexico Nov. 3. Details of where the pope might visit “are still to be determined,” he said. Vatican and Mexican church officials confirmed in October that Pope Francis would visit Mexico in 2016, triggering media speculation on where he would visit and pronouncements from politicians that the pontiff would pay visits to their

states. “It’s due to the decadence of the political class” and it wanting to “take advantage ... of the pope’s enormous popularity,” Father Valdemar said of the enthusiasm for the pope among politicians, a group that clung to anti-clerical ideals in past decades as church and state were officially estranged in Mexico. Both houses of the Mexican Congress have invited Pope Francis to speak -- as he did in the United States -- but Father Valdemar called that possibility “unlikely.” The pope’s mission is “evangelizing and reinvigorating the

believers’ faith,” said Bishop Felipe Arizmendi Esquivel of San Cristobal de las Casas in southern Chiapas state, the newspaper La Jornada reported. Pope Francis is expected to stop at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, the world’s most visited Marian shrine. States mentioned for visits include Michoacan to the west of Mexico City, where outward migration has been strong for generations. Self-defense groups formed there in recent years with the blessing of parish priests to fight back against

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drug cartels. Chiapas, home to a large indigenous population, also has been mentioned. Pope Francis said in September that he had wanted to visit Mexico, but instead went to Cuba in advance of his U.S. trip. In Mexico, Pope Francis told reporters his wish was to symbolically cross from the border city of Ciudad Juarez into the U.S. as an expression of solidarity with migrants. Priests, religious and lay Catholics are at the front lines of those offering humanitarian and legal assistance to the thousands of Central Americans transiting the country on northbound trips, although such migrants are increasingly being detained and deported. “The subject he wants to address is migration and Ciudad Juarez is being signaled,” Archbishop Carlos Aguiar Retes of Tlalnepantla told the newspaper Excelsior. Pope Francis will be the third pontiff to visit Mexico. Pope Benedict XVI made the last papal visit in 2012, traveling to Guanajuato state.

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Even Santa Stops to Stop and Pray After traveling all over the world at a fast pace on Christmas Eve, Santa Claus stopped in Bernalillo at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church to rest and pray for a few minutes. Though he was hoping not to be seen, a parishioner took this photo of him in deep prayer.

December 2015