May, 2016 Vol. 34, No. 5
Serving the multicultural people of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe www.archdiosf.org
AMORIS LAETITIA The Joy of Love
The Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation on Love in the Family By Pope Francis
Sculpture of the Holy Family, Holy Family Parish, Albuquerque, NM
Leslie M. Radigan
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H o l y F a t h e r ’s P r a y e r I n t e n t i o n s f o r M a y Universal: Respect for Women That in every country of the world, women may be honored and respected and that their essential contribution to society may be highly esteemed. Evangelization: Holy Rosary That families, communities, and groups may pray the Holy Rosary for evangelization and peace. Universal ‐ Las mujeres en la sociedad. Para que en todos los países del mundo las mujeres sean honradas y respetadas y sea valorizado su imprescindible aporte social. Por la Evangelización ‐ El Rosario. Para que se difunda en las familias, comunidades y grupos, la práctica de rezar el santo. Rosario por la evangelización y por la paz.
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Pilgrimage Churches Designated by the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Presbyteral Council by Deanery
Table of Contents
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Archbishop’s Statement on “PullTogether” Campaign
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Summary of Amoris Laetitia (English)
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Amoris Laetitia en Español
18 Vocations 23
Jude Fournier: Congressional Medal of Honor
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Distinguished Disciples
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Catholic Education
30 Calendars 33
Santa Fe Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi 131 Cathedral Pl, Santa Fe • 505.982.5619 NW Santuario de Chimayo #10, Route 76, Chimayo • 505.351.4360 NE St. Patrick-St. Joseph 105 Buena Vista St., Raton • 575.445.9763 SE St. Rose of Lima 439 South 3rd Street, Santa Rosa SW San Miguel 403 El Camino Real St NW, Socorro • 575.835.2891 ABQ A Shrine of the Little Flower/St. Therese of the Infant Jesus 3424 Fourth St NW, Albuquerque • 505.344.805 ABQ B Shrine of St. Bernadette 11401 Indian School Rd NE, Albuquerque • 505.298.7557 ABQ C Santuario de San Martin de Porres 8321 Camino San Martin SW, Albuquerque • 505.836.4676 Santa Maria de la Vid Abbey 5825 Coors SW, Albuquerque • 505.873.4399x201
Seminary Burse
The following parishes have sent in excess Mass stipends to the Archdiocesan Finance Office for seminarian education. These receipts are for March 2016. 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
Vatican International Exhibition of Eucharistic Miracles, St. Jude Thaddeus Parish
From the Office of the Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Case Name: ROMERO-ROMERO; Prot. Num.: 2015-0200M Notice of Annulment Proceeding. Grace Wilma Romero is hereby notified that Albert Christopher Romero has filed a petition for a declaration of ecclesiastical nullity of the marriage contracted by both of you. Please contact the Office of the Tribunal before June 20, 2016 at: Office of the Tribunal 4000 St Joseph’s Pl NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120, 505.831.8177 Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Grace Wilma Romero is to inform the Office of the Tribunal as soon as possible. By: Reverend Oscar Coelho, J.C.L., Judicial Vicar
Catholic Charismatic Center Estancia Valley Catholic Parish – Moriarty Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Albuquerque Our Lady of Sorrow - Bernalillo Our Lady of the Annunciation – Albuquerque St. Anne – Santa Fe St. John the Baptist – Santa Fe St. Joseph on the Rio Grande – Albuquerque St. Patrick - St. Joseph – Raton Total
Together We Can Reach Our Goal!
Official Magazine of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe
Publisher: Most Rev. John C. Wester Editor/Photography/Design: Celine Baca Radigan cradigan@archdiosf.org
Friend us on Facebook: Archdiocese of Santa Fe Official twitter.com/ASFOfficial
4000 St. Joseph Pl. NWAlbuquerque NM, 87120 • (505) 831-8162
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Editorial Assistant/Photojournalist: Leslie M. Radigan lradigan@archdiosf.org Production: Christine Carter
Published monthly with the exception of July. The Editor reserves the right to reject, omit, or edit any article or advertising copy submitted for publication. All items submitted for consideration must be received by the 10th of the previous month. Check out Media Kit online @ www.archdiosf.org Advertising listings do not imply Archdiocesan endorsement.
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New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops
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Most Rev. John C. Wester’s Statement on Gov. Susanna Martinez’s “PullTogether” Campaign to Address New Mexico’s Children Poverty Issues Pope Francis’ Prayer to the Holy Family: Jesus, Mary and Joseph, in you we contemplate the splendor of true love; to you we turn with trust. Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our families too may be places of communion and prayer, authentic schools of the Gospel and small domestic churches. Holy Family of Nazareth may families never again experience violence, rejection and division: may all who have been hurt or scandalized find ready comfort and healing. Holy Family of Nazareth, Make us once more mindful of the sacredness and inviolability of the family, and its beauty in God’s plan. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, graciously hear our prayer. Amen.
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e are happy the conversation about children’s well-being is happening. This is a very positive step. We are encouraged – and I am grateful -- that Governor Martinez is now talking about the social conditions of our children. The need is so great: à we rank #1 in children living in poverty in the United States. These numbers are astonishing! That’s not a “first place” we want in our state! We agree with the government’s call to pull together. This is truly an important step. It is important to remember, however, that when we pull together, we need to pull resources together. For example, programs for children need to be funded. The “PullTogether” campaign underestimates the lack of access to the internet for the people in poverty. An online directory is not a silver bullet. These problems need a large-scale effort to create systemic change. These decades’ old problems, which have recently boiled to a heating point of tragedy, can no longer be ignored. A resource directory is wonderful, if it is directing people to fully-funded programs, which has not been the case in New Mexico. I would note that in this Year of Mercy, Pope Francis has called us all to take an inventory of the needs of the poor and the evidence is clear that the state has not funded the unmet needs of our poor. When Pope Francis visited Ciudad Juárez, we all heard his message of building bridges. He was right but these bridges must be built on foundations of truth or they will crumble. Accepting the truth of the needs of our children in New Mexico is the first building block. Now, for us to extend the arches of that bridge, sacrifices need to be made. New Mexico, as a society, has an obligation to pay just taxes that fund essential programs. At the same time, we must look at other resources, private and public. For example, CHI St.
Joseph’s Children operates the State’s largest home visiting program, all with private funds. There is a moral and ethical responsibility for the state to use the resources of the Land Grant Permanent School Fund, in what could be called a just distribution formula. We should no longer exclude our youngest members of society from the benefit of the fund. As we are all called to pull together, we should allow all citizens to publically debate this issue and have the opportunity to vote on a constitutional amendment to fund early childhood development from the Land Grant Permanent School Fund. We should not fear debate, but rather, bring the debate into a dialogue of sincere efforts that are the cornerstones to bridge building. If we are all called to pull together, we are all called to exercise our responsibility to put children first. With each new report and statistic, we see clearly that our children are suffering from poor early childhood care. Now is the time to pull together and make our children our priority. The state has a constitutional mandate to address the social needs of its people. We should all be propelled into action. And at the top of the list of that action is substantial and sustainable funding of early childhood programs. For example, as reported by the Albuquerque Journal on April 22nd, there is a waiting list of 750 for child care assistance but they have been instructed to reapply by the deadline of May 31st. This is not a realistic deadline in our view, especially when you consider all the obstacles our poor face in going through the bureaucracy of government. It is fine that we reach out to find people in need, but not to refer them to programs that have waiting lists. We need to fund those programs to eliminate the waiting lists. Today, I pledge to join an effort of pulling together for the well-being of our children and because of my commitment, I am obliged to ring the bell of human dignity hoping that it sounds in the community as an alarm and a signal of distress for all the families in New Mexico needing all of our assistance to achieve the promise of health and happiness. I question our state’s intentions when its children are ranked with the worst outcome indicators and at the same time sits on the second largest permanent fund in the nation. The scale must tip in favor of the children. I pray that we are able to do more than sing a jingle but truly commit the funds that it will take to pull our children in New Mexico out of the disparity they find themselves in. Let’s not be fooled: these are not average problems. Rather, the health and well-being of hundreds of thousands of persons are being threatened. We have the means at our disposal to make a positive difference in the lives of our children. Let’s pull together and do just that!
New Mexico Ranks 49th in Children’s Well-Being in USA “Children are a sign. They are a sign of hope, a sign of life, but also a ‘diagnostic’ sign, a marker indicating the health of families, society and the entire world.” –Pope Francis, 2014 According to the Kids Count Report, produced by the Annie E. Casey foundation, New Mexico is 49th in Children’s well-being. The Kids Count Report is made up of four areas: Economic Well-being, Education, Health, and Family and Community. Economic Well-being: New Mexico is 48th in economic well-being; 31% of our children are at or below the poverty level; 35% of our children’s parents lack secure employment; and, 33 % of our children live in households with a high housing cost burden. New Mexico has the 2nd highest poverty rate in the nation. Two out of every 10 New Mexicans lives at or below the poverty rate. Poverty has an incredibly negative impact on child development. Education: New Mexico is 49th in education; 62% of 3 to 4 year olds are not attending preschool; 79% of 4th graders are not proficient in reading; 77% of our 8th graders are not proficient in math; and, 26% of our high school students are not graduating on time. Many studies have shown how these poor outcomes in grade school can be prevented by investing in high-quality early childhood development. Health: New Mexico is 48th in health; 8.9% of our babies are low-weight babies; 9% of our children are without health insurance; 7% of our teens abuse alcohol or drugs; and, in 2013 New Mexico had 151 deaths of children and teens. Despite school meal programs and SNAP, many children still don’t get enough to eat; 28% of New Mexico’s children are ‘food insecure’. That’s almost 3 out of every 10 New Mexico kids. In New Mexico most children experience trauma. The percentage of children who have experienced trauma in New Mexico Continued on page 21
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New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops Declaración del Excmo. Arzobispo John C. Wester sobre la Campaña "PullTogether" (Trabajemos Juntos) de la gobernadora Susana Martínez para enfrentar los problemas de la pobreza infantil en Nuevo México Oración del Papa Francisco a la Sagrada Familia: “Jesús, María y José, en ustedes contemplamos el esplendor del amor verdadero, a ustedes nos dirigimos con confianza. Sagrada Familia de Nazaret, haz que también nuestras familias sean lugares de comunión y cenáculos de oración, auténticas escuelas del Evangelio y pequeñas Iglesias domésticas. Sagrada Familia de Nazaret, que nunca más en las familias se vivan experiencias de violencia, cerrazón y división: que todo el que haya sido herido o escandalizado conozca pronto el consuelo y la sanación. Sagrada Familia de Nazaret, haz que una vez más seamos conscientes del carácter sagrado e inviolable de la familia, su belleza en el proyecto de Dios. Jesús, María y José, escuchen y atiendan nuestra súplica. Amén”.
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stamos felices de que la conversación sobre el bienestar de los niños se está llevando a cabo. Este es un paso muy positivo. Estamos animados y estoy agradecido de que la gobernadora Martínez esté ahora hablando de las condiciones sociales de nuestros niños. La necesidad es inmensa: ocupamos la posición # 1 en niños viviendo en la pobreza en los Estados Unidos. ¡Estos números son inconcebibles! ¡Este no es un "primer lugar" que queremos en nuestro estado! Estamos de acuerdo con el llamado del gobierno para unirnos y trabajar juntos. Este es realmente un paso importante. Sin embargo, es importante recordar que cuando trabajamos juntos, tenemos que juntar los recursos. Por ejemplo, los programas para los niños necesitan ser financiados. La campaña "PullTogether" subestima la falta de acceso a la Internet para la gente que vive en la pobreza. Un directorio en línea no es una bala de plata. Estos problemas necesitan un esfuerzo a gran escala para crear un cambio sistémico. Estos problemas de déca-
das, que recientemente han hervido a un punto de calentamiento de tragedia, ya no pueden ser ignorados. Un directorio de recursos es maravilloso, si éste guía a la gente a programas totalmente financiados, lo que no ha sido el caso en Nuevo México. Quiero señalar que en este Año de la Misericordia, el Papa Francisco nos ha llamado a hacer un inventario de las necesidades de los pobres y la evidencia es clara que el Estado no ha financiado las necesidades insatisfechas de nuestros pobres. Cuando el Papa Francisco visitó Ciudad Juárez, todos escuchamos su mensaje de construir puentes. El tenía razón, pero estos puentes deben construirse sobre cimientos de verdad o se derrumbarán. Aceptar la verdad de las necesidades de los niños en Nuevo México es el primer bloque de construcción. Ahora, para que nosotros podamos extender los arcos de ese puente, se necesitan hacer sacrificios. Nuevo México, como sociedad, tiene la obligación de pagar impuestos justos que otorguen fondos a los programas esenciales. Al mismo tiempo, hay que mirar a otros recursos, públicos y privados. Por ejemplo, el programa CHI St. Joseph's Children opera el más grande programa de visitas a la casa del Estado, todo ello llevado a cabo con fondos privados. Hay una responsabilidad moral y ética del estado de usar los recursos del Fondo Escolar Permanente del Land Grant, en lo que podría llamarse una fórmula justa de distribución. No debemos excluir a nuestros miembros más jóvenes de la sociedad del beneficio de este fondo. Ya que todos estamos llamados a unirnos, debemos permitir que todos los ciudadanos puedan debatir públicamente esta cuestión y tener la oportunidad de votar sobre una enmienda constitucional para financiar el desarrollo de la primera infancia con el Fondo Escolar Permanente del Land Grant. No debemos temer el debate, sino más bien, llevar el debate a un diálogo de esfuerzos sinceros que son las piedras angulares para la construcción de puentes. Si todos estamos llamados a unirnos, todos estamos llamados a ejercer nuestra responsabilidad de poner a los niños primero. Con cada nuevo informe y estadística, vemos claramente que nuestros niños están sufriendo
de mala atención en la primera infancia. Ahora es el momento de unirnos y hacer que nuestros niños sean nuestra prioridad. El estado tiene un mandato constitucional para hacer frente a las necesidades sociales de su gente. Todos debemos ser impulsados a la acción. Y que en la parte superior de la lista de esa acción esté una financiación sustancial y sostenible de los programas de primera infancia. Por ejemplo, según informó el Albuquerque Journal el 22 de abril, hay una lista de espera de 750 para recibir asistencia de cuidado infantil, pero se les han dado instrucciones de volver a aplicar antes de la fecha límite del 31 de mayo. Esto no es un plazo realista en nuestra opinión, sobre todo si tenemos en cuenta todos los obstáculos que nuestros pobres encaran al pasar por la burocracia gubernamental. Está bien que nos acercamos a encontrar personas que lo necesitan, pero no que sean referidos a programas que tienen listas de espera. Necesitamos financiar esos programas para eliminar las listas de espera. Hoy en día, me comprometo a unirme a un esfuerzo de unirnos para el bienestar de nuestros niños y por ese compromiso, me veo obligado a tocar la campana de la dignidad humana con la esperanza de que suene en la comunidad como una alarma y una señal de socorro para todas las familias de Nuevo México que necesitan toda nuestra ayuda para lograr la promesa de la salud y la felicidad. Pongo en duda las intenciones de nuestro estado cuando sus niños son clasificados con los peores indicadores de resultados y al mismo tiempo está sentado sobre el segundo mayor fondo permanente en la nación. La balanza debe inclinarse a favor de los niños. Oro para que seamos capaces de hacer más que cantar una melodía, que realmente se comprometan los fondos que sean necesarios para sacar a nuestros niños en Nuevo México de la disparidad en la que se encuentran. No hay que dejarse engañar: Estos no son problemas promedio. Más bien, la salud y el bienestar de cientos y miles de personas están siendo amenazadas. Tenemos los medios a nuestra disposición para hacer una diferencia positiva en la vida de nuestros niños. ¡Trabajemos juntos y hagamos precisamente eso! --FIN
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Share truth of family with mercy, help those struggling, pope says
when explaining church teaching and ministering to those who do not fully live that teaching. “No family drops down from heaven perfectly formed; families need constantly to grow and mature in the ability to love,” Pope Francis wrote. People grow in holiness, and the church must be there VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The same mercy and patience that to give them a helping hand rather than turn them away are essential for building a strong family must be shown to because they have not attained some degree of perfecthose whose families are in trouble or have broken up, Pope tion. The exhortation was Pope Francis’ reflection on the Francis said in his highly anticipated postsynodal apostolic discussion, debate and suggestions raised during the 2014 exhortation. The document, “’Amoris Laetitia’ (The Joy of and 2015 meetings of the Synod of Bishops on the family. Love), on Love in the Family,” released April 8, 2016 contains no new rules or norms. However, it encourages careful review Like synod members did, the pope insisted that God’s plan for the family is that it be built on the lifelong union of one of everything related to family ministry and, particularly, man and one woman open to having children. much greater attention to the language and attitude used
Most Rev. John C. Wester on the Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia
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e in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe give thanks to our Holy Father, Pope Francis, for his Post Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia. This welcome teaching on love in the family was fittingly signed by the pope on the feast day of St. Joseph who is the patron saint of the family of the Church, foster father of Jesus and husband of Mary. In this document, Pope Francis renews the Church’s ancient and continuous teaching on mercy as he exhorts pastors and the faithful to allow the compassion of Christ to touch the fabric of our lives, especially our families. This theme is especially appropriate as we celebrate this Year of Mercy.
Drawing on a variety of resources, the Holy Father grounds his exhortation on the two synods on the family held in Rome over the past few years and on the documents approved by the synod fathers by a two-thirds majority. His teaching also reflects a world-wide consultation on the family that took place to prepare for those synods. Consistent with his past teachings, Pope Francis stresses the importance of local Churches in the application of doctrine, never losing sight of the mercy of God who wishes to accompany all of His children on the journey of faith and in the complexities and challenges of modern family life. I look forward to meeting with pastors and other Catholic leaders throughout the archdiocese in the days and weeks ahead as we study this eagerly awaited document. With Amoris Laetitia aour
guide, I pray that all of the faithful will experience in ever deeper ways the mercy and love of our loving Father who sent His only Son that Most Rev. we might have John C. Wester life to the full. I humbly ask that the risen Lord will raise His arms of benediction over our local church of Santa Fe and illumine our path as we seek to deepen an experience of Christ’s healing and strength in all of our families during this Year of Mercy and beyond.
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Summary of Amoris Laetitia: The Joy of Love
bishop from another; what is considered a violation of a right in one society is an evident and inviolable rule in another; what for some is freedom of conscience is for others simply confusion.” The Pope clearly states that we need above all to avoid a sterile juxtaposition between demands for change and the general application of abstract norms. He writes: “The debates carried on in the media, in certain publications and even among the Church’s ministers, range from an immoderate desire for total change without sufficient reflection or grounding, to an attitude that would solve everything by applying general rules or deriving undue conclusions from particular theological considerations” (AL 2).
It is not by chance that Amoris Laetitia (AL), “The Joy of Love”, the post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation “on Love in the Family”, was signed on 19 March, the Solemnity of Saint Joseph. It brings together the results of the two Synods on the family convoked by Pope Francis in 2014 and 2015. It often cites their Final Reports; documents and teachings of his Predecessors; and his own numerous catecheses on the family. In addition, as in previous magisterial documents, the Pope also makes use of the contributions of various Episcopal Conferences around the world (Kenya, Australia, Argentina...) and cites significant figures such as Martin Luther King and Erich Fromm. The Pope even quotes the film Babette’s Feast Chapter One: “In the light of the to illustrate the concept of gratuity. Word” (8-30) ollowing this introduction, the Introduction (1-7) Pope begins his reflections with he Apostolic Exhortation is striking the Holy Scriptures in the first chapfor its breadth and detail. Its 325 para- ter, which unfolds as a meditation graphs are distributed over nine chap- on Psalm 128 (which appears in the ters. The seven introductory paragraphs Jewish wedding liturgy as well as that plainly set out the complexity of a topic of Christian marriages). The Bible in urgent need of thorough study. The “is full of families, births, love stories interventions of the Synod Fathers make and family crises” (AL 8). This impels up [form] a “multifaceted gem” (AL 4), a us to meditate on how the family is precious polyhedron, whose value must not an abstract ideal but rather like be preserved. But the Pope cautions that a practical “trade” (AL 16), which is “not all discussions of doctrinal, moral or carried out with tenderness (AL 28), pastoral issues need to be settled by in- but which has also been confronted terventions of the magisterium”. Indeed, with sin from the beginning, when the for some questions, “each country or re- relationship of love turned into domigion … can seek solutions better suited nation (cf. AL 19). Hence, the Word of to its culture and sensitive to its traditions God “is not a series of abstract ideas and local needs. For ‘cultures are in fact but rather a source of comfort and quite diverse and every general princi- companionship for every family that ple… needs to be inculturated, if it is to experiences difficulties or suffering. be respected and applied’” (AL 3).This For it shows them the goal of their principle of inculturation applies to how journey...” (AL 22). problems are formulated and addressed and, apart from the dogmatic issues that Chapter two: “The experiences have been well defined by the Church’s and challenges of families” (31-57) magisterium, none of this approach can uilding on the biblical base, in the be “globalized”.In his address at the end second chapter the Pope considof the 2015 Synod, the Pope said very ers the current situation of families. clearly: “What seems normal for a bishop While keeping “firmly grounded in on one continent, is considered strange [the] reality” of family experiencand almost scandalous – almost! – for a es (AL 6), he also draws heavily on
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the final Reports of the two Synods. Families face many challenges, from migration to the ideological denial of differences between the sexes (“ideology of gender” AL 56); from the culture of the provisional to the antibirth mentality and the impact of biotechnology in the field of procreation; from the lack of housing and work to pornography and abuse of minors; from inattention to persons with disabilities, to lack of respect for the elderly; from the legal dismantling of the family, to violence against women. The Pope insists on concreteness, which is a key concept in the Exhortation. And it is concreteness, realism and daily life that make up the substantial difference between acceptable “theories” of interpretation of reality and arbitrary “ideologies”. Citing Familiaris consortio, Francis states that “we do well to focus on concrete realities, since ‘the call and the demands of the Spirit resound in the events of history’, and through these ‘the Church can also be guided to a more profound understanding of the inexhaustible mystery of marriage and the family’” (AL 31). Conversely, if we fail to listen to reality, we cannot understand the needs of the present or the movements of the Spirit. The Pope notes that rampant individualism makes it difficult today for a person to give oneself generously to another (cf. AL 33). Here is an interesting picture of the situation: “The fear of loneliness and the desire for stability and fidelity exist side by side with a growing fear of entrapment in a relationship that could hamper the achievement of one’s personal goals” (AL 34). The humility of realism helps us to avoid presenting “a far too abstract and almost artificial theological ideal of marriage, far removed from the concrete situations and practical possibilities of real families” (AL 36). Idealism does not allow marriage to be understood for what it is, that is, a “dynamic path to personal development and fulfilment”. It is unrealistic to think that families can sustain themselves “simply by stressing doctrinal,
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AMORIS LAETITIA bioethical and moral issues, without encouraging openness to grace” (AL 37). Calling for a certain “self-criticism” of approaches that are inadequate for the experience of marriage and the family, the Pope stresses the need to make room for the formation of the conscience of the faithful: “We have been called to form consciences, not to replace them” (AL37). Jesus proposed a demanding ideal but “never failed to show compassion and closeness to the frailty of individuals like the Samaritan woman or the woman caught in adultery” (AL 38). Chapter three: “Looking to Jesus: The vocation of the family” (58-88) he third chapter is dedicated to some essential elements of the Church’s teaching on marriage and the family. This chapter is important because its 30 paragraphs concisely depict the vocation of the family according to the Gospel and as affirmed by the Church over time. Above all, it stresses the themes of indissolubility, the sacramental nature of marriage, the transmission of life and the education of children. Gaudium et Spes of Vatican II, Humanae Vitae of Paul VI, and Familiaris Consortio of John Paul II are widely quoted. The chapter provides a broad view and touches on “imperfect situations” as well. We can read, in fact: “‘Discernment of the presence of ‘seeds of the Word’ in other cultures (cf. Ad Gentes 11) can also apply to the reality of marriage and the family. In addition to true natural marriage, positive elements exist in the forms of marriage found in other religious traditions’, even if, at times, obscurely” (AL 77).The reflection also includes the “wounded families” about whom the Pope – quoting the Final Report of the 2015 Synod extensively –says that “it is always necessary to recall this general principle: ‘Pastors must know that, for the sake of truth, they are obliged to exercise careful discernment of situations’ (Familiaris Consortio, 84).The degree of responsibility is not equal in all cases and factors may exist which limit the ability to make a decision. Therefore,
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while clearly stating the Church’s teaching, pastors are to avoid judgements that do not take into account the complexity of various situations, and they are to be attentive, by necessity, to how people experience and endure distress because of their condition” (AL 79). Chapter four: “Love in marriage” (89-164) he fourth chapter treats love in marriage, which it illuminates with Saint Paul’s Hymn to Love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. This opening section is truly a painstaking, focused, inspired and poetic exegesis of the Pauline text. It is a collection of brief passages carefully and tenderly describing human love in absolutely concrete terms. The quality of psychological introspection that marks this exegesis is striking. The psychological insights enter into the emotional world of the spouses – positive and negative – and the erotic dimension of love. This is an extremely rich and valuable contribution to Christian married life, unprecedented in previous papal documents. This section digresses briefly from the more extensive, perceptive treatment of the day-to-day experience of married love which the Pope refuses to judge against ideal standards: “There is no need to lay upon two limited persons the tremendous burden of having to reproduce perfectly the union existing between Christ and his Church, for marriage as a sign entails ‘a dynamic process…, one which advances gradually with the progressive integration of the gifts of God’” (AL 122). On the other hand, the Pope forcefully stresses the fact that conjugal love by its very nature defines the partners in a richly encompassing and lasting union (AL 123), precisely within that “mixture of enjoyment and struggles, tensions and repose, pain and relief, satisfactions and longings, annoyances and pleasures” (Al 126) which indeed make up a marriage. The chapter concludes with a very important reflection on the “transformation of love” because “Longer life spans now mean that close and ex-
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clusive relationships must last for four, five or even six decades; consequently, the initial decision has to be frequently renewed” (AL 163). As physical appearance alters, the loving attraction does not lessen but changes as sexual desire can be transformed over time into the desire for togetherness and mutuality: “There is no guarantee that we will feel the same way all through life. Yet if a couple can come up with a shared and lasting life project, they can love one another and live as one until death do them part, enjoying an enriching intimacy” (AL 163). Chapter five: “Love made fruitful” (165-198) he fifth chapter is entirely focused on love’s fruitfulness and procreation. It speaks in a profoundly spiritual and psychological manner about welcoming new life, about the waiting period of pregnancy, about the love of a mother and a father. It also speaks of the expanded fruitfulness of adoption, of welcoming the contribution of families to promote a “culture of encounter”, and of family life in a broad sense which includes aunts and uncles, cousins, relatives of relatives, friends. Amoris Laetitia does not focus on the so-called “nuclear” family” because it is very aware of the family as a wider network of many relationships. The spirituality of the sacrament of marriage has a deeply social character (cf. AL 187). And within this social dimension the Pope particularly emphasizes the specific role of the relationship between youth and the elderly, as well as the relationship between brothers and sisters as a training ground for relating with others.
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Chapter six: “Some pastoral perspectives” (199-258) n the sixth chapter the Pope treats various pastoral perspectives that are aimed at forming solid and fruitful families according to God’s plan. The chapter use the Final Reports of the two Synods and the catecheses of Pope Francis and Pope John Paul II extensively. It reiterates that families should not only be evangelized,
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AMORIS LAETITIA they should also evangelize. The Pope regrets “that ordained ministers often lack the training needed to deal with the complex problems currently facing families” (AL 202). On the one hand, the psycho-affective formation of seminarians needs to be improved, and families need to be more involved in formation for ministry (cf. AL 203); and on the other hand, “the experience of the broad oriental tradition of a married clergy could also be drawn upon” (AL 202). The Pope then deals with the preparation of the engaged for marriage; with the accompaniment of couples in the first years of married life, including the issue of responsible parenthood; and also with certain complex situations and crises, knowing that “each crisis has a lesson to teach us; we need to learn how to listen for it with the ear of the heart” (AL 232). Some causes of crisis are analyzed, among them a delay in maturing affectively (cf. AL 239). Mention is furthermore made of accompanying abandoned, separated or divorced persons. The Exhortation stresses the importance of the recent reform of the procedures for marriage annulment. It highlights the suffering of children in situations of conflict and concludes: “Divorce is an evil and the increasing number of divorces is very troubling. Hence, our most important pastoral task with regard to families is to strengthen their love, helping to heal wounds and working to prevent the spread of this drama of our times” (AL 246). It then touches on the situations of a marriage between a Catholic and a Christian of another denomination (mixed marriages), and between a Catholic and someone of another religion (disparity of cult). Regarding families with members with homosexual tendencies, it reaffirms the necessity to respect them and to refrain from any unjust discrimination and every form of aggression or violence. The last, pastorally poignant part of the chapter, “When death makes us feel its sting”, is on the theme of the loss of dear ones and of widowhood.
Chapter seven: “Towards a better education of children” (259-290) he seventh chapter is dedicated to the education of children: their ethical formation, the learning of discipline which can include punishment, patient realism, sex education, passing on the faith and, more generally, family life as an educational context. The practical wisdom present in each paragraph is remarkable, above all the attention given to those gradual, small steps “that can be understood, accepted and appreciated” (AL 271). There is a particularly interesting and pedagogically fundamental paragraph in which Francis clearly states that “obsession, however, is not education. We cannot control every situation that a child may experience… If parents are obsessed with always knowing where their children are and controlling all their movements, they will seek only to dominate space. But this is no way to educate, strengthen and prepare their children to face challenges. What is most important is the ability lovingly to help them grow in freedom, maturity, overall discipline and real autonomy” (AL 260). The notable section on education in sexuality is very expressively entitled: “Yes to sex education”. The need is there, and we have to ask “if our educational institutions have taken up this challenge … in an age when sexuality tends to be trivialized and impoverished”. Sound education needs to be carried out “within the broader framework of an education for love, for mutual self-giving” (AL 280). The text warns that the expression ‘safe sex’ conveys “a negative attitude towards the natural procreative finality of sexuality, as if an eventual child were an enemy to be protected against. This way of thinking promotes narcissism and aggressivity in place of acceptance” (AL 283). Chapter eight: “Guiding, discerning and integrating weakness” (291312) he eighth chapter is an invitation to mercy and pastoral discernment in situations that do not fully match what the Lord proposes. The Pope uses
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three very important verbs: guiding, discerning and integrating, which are fundamental in addressing fragile, complex or irregular situations. The chapter has sections on the need for gradualness in pastoral care; the importance of discernment; norms and mitigating circumstances in pastoral discernment; and finally what the Pope calls the “logic of pastoral mercy”. Chapter eight is very sensitive. In reading it one must remember that “the Church’s task is often like that of a field hospital” (AL 291). Here the Holy Father grapples with the findings of the Synods on controversial issues. He reaffirms what Christian marriage is and adds that “some forms of union radically contradict this ideal, while others realize it in at least a partial and analogous way”. The Church therefore “does not disregard the constructive elements in those situations which do not yet or no longer correspond to her teaching on marriage” (AL 292). As far as discernment with regard to “irregular” situations is concerned, the Pope states: “There is a need ‘to avoid judgements which do not take into account the complexity of various situations’ and ‘to be attentive, by necessity, to how people experience distress because of their condition’” (AL 296). And he continues: “It is a matter of reaching out to everyone, of needing to help each person find his or her proper way of participating in the ecclesial community, and thus to experience being touched by an ‘unmerited, unconditional and gratuitous’ mercy” (AL 297). And further: “The divorced who have entered a new union, for example, can find themselves in a variety of situations, which should not be pigeonholed or fit into overly rigid classifications leaving no room for a suitable personal and pastoral discernment” (AL 298). In this line, gathering the observations of many Synod Fathers, the Pope states that “the baptized who are divorced and civilly remarried need to be more fully integrated into Christian communities in the variety of ways possible, while avoiding any occasion
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AMORIS LAETITIA of scandal”. “Their participation can be expressed in different ecclesial services… Such persons need to feel not as excommunicated members of the Church, but instead as living members, able to live and grow in the Church… This integration is also needed in the care and Christian upbringing of their children” (AL 299). In a more general vein, the Pope makes an extremely important statement for understanding the orientation and meaning of the Exhortation: “If we consider the immense variety of concrete situations, … it is understandable that neither the Synod nor this Exhortation could be expected to provide a new set of general rules, canonical in nature and applicable to all cases. What is needed is simply a renewed encouragement to undertake a responsible personal and pastoral discernment of particular cases, one which would recognize that, since ‘the degree of responsibility is not equal in all cases’, the consequences or effects of a rule need not necessarily always be the same” (AL 300). The Pope develops in depth the needs and characteristics of the journey of accompaniment and discernment necessary for profound dialogue between the faithful and their pastors. For this purpose the Holy Father recalls the Church’s reflection on “mitigating factors and situations” regarding the attribution of responsibility and accountability for actions; and relying on St. Thomas Aquinas, he focuses on the relationship between rules and discernment by stating: “It is true that general rules set forth a good which can never be disregarded or neglected, but in their formulation they cannot provide absolutely for all particular situations. At the same time, it must be said that, precisely for that reason, what is part of a practical discernment in particular circumstances cannot be elevated to the level of a rule” (AL 304). The last section of the chapter treats “The logic of pastoral mercy”. To avoid misunderstandings, Pope Francis strongly reiterates: “To show understanding in the face of exceptional situations never implies dimming the
light of the fuller ideal, or proposing less than what Jesus offers to the human being. Today, more important than the pastoral care of failures is the pastoral effort to strengthen marriages and thus to prevent their breakdown” (AL 307). The overall sense of the chapter and of the spirit that Pope Francis wishes to impart to the pastoral work of the Church is well summed up in the closing words: “I encourage the faithful who find themselves in complicated situations to speak confidently with their pastors or with other lay people whose lives are committed to the Lord. They may not always encounter in them a confirmation of their own ideas or desires, but they will surely receive some light to help them better understand their situation and discover a path to personal growth. I also encourage the Church’s pastors to listen to them with sensitivity and serenity, with a sincere desire to understand their plight and their point of view, in order to help them live better lives and to recognize their proper place in the Church.” (AL 312). On the “logic of pastoral mercy”, Pope Francis emphasizes: “At times we find it hard to make room for God’s unconditional love in our pastoral activity. We put so many conditions on mercy that we empty it of its concrete meaning and real significance. That is the worst way of watering down the Gospel” (AL 311). Chapter nine: “The spirituality of marriage and the family” (313-325) he ninth chapter is devoted to marital and family spirituality, which “is made up of thousands of small but real gestures” (AL 315).The Pope clearly states that “those who have deep spiritual aspirations should not feel that the family detracts from their growth in the life of the Spirit, but rather see it as a path which the Lord is using to lead them to the heights of mystical union” (AL 316).Everything, “moments of joy, relaxation, celebration, and even sexuality can be experienced as a sharing in the full life of the resurrection” (AL 317). He then
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speaks of prayer in the light of Easter, of the spirituality of exclusive and free love in the challenge and the yearning to grow old together, reflecting God’s fidelity (cf. AL 319). And finally the spirituality of care, consolation and incentive: the Pope teaches that “all family life is a ‘shepherding’ in mercy. Each of us, by our love and care, leaves a mark on the life of others” (AL 322). It is a profound “spiritual experience to contemplate our loved ones with the eyes of God and to see Christ in them” (AL 323). In the final paragraph the Pope affirms: “No family drops down from heaven perfectly formed; families need constantly to grow and mature in the ability to love …All of us are called to keep striving towards something greater than ourselves and our families, and every family must feel this constant impulse. Let us make this journey as families, let us keep walking together. (…) May we never lose heart because of our limitations, or ever stop seeking that fullness of love and communion which God holds out before us” (AL 325). The Apostolic Exhortation concludes with a Prayer to the Holy Family. As can readily be understood from a quick review of its contents, the Apostolic Exhortation Amoris laetitia seeks emphatically to affirm not the “ideal family” but the very rich and complex reality of family life. Its pages provide an openhearted look, profoundly positive, which is nourished not with abstractions or ideal projections, but with pastoral attention to reality. The text is a close reading of family life, with spiritual insights and practical wisdom useful for every human couple or persons who want to build a family. Above all, it is patently the result of attention to what people have lived over many years. The Exhortation Amoris laetitia: On Love in the Family indeed speaks the language of experience and of hope. From the Vatican http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2016/04/08/presentation_of_pope_francis_new_document_on_family_life/1221355
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AMORIS LAETITIA FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions 1. What is an apostolic exhortation? An apostolic exhortation is a particular kind of papal teaching that communicates the mind of the pope on a certain topic. It is often used to share the conclusions reached by the Holy Father after consideration of the recommendations of a Synod of Bishops. It can also be used as a way for the pope to exhort (encourage) the faithful to a deeper life of Christian discipleship, as, for example, Pope Francis did in his apostolic exhortationEvangelii Gaudium. . . on the proclamation of the Gospel in today’s world (Nov. 24, 2013). 2. Where did Amoris Laetitia come from? Amoris Laetitia is the result of Pope Francis’ prayerful reflection on the discussions and outcomes of two synods of bishops held in Rome: an Extraordinary Synod in 2014, and an Ordinary Synod in 2015, both on the topic of marriage and the family. The exhortation is meant to share with the Church the Holy Father’s teaching and encouragement regarding pastoral ministry to families, and what marriages and families are called to at this time in history. 3. What is the Synod of Bishops? The Synod of Bishops is a permanent institution of the Catholic Church. It was established by Pope Paul VI in 1965, shortly after the close of the Second Vatican Council, to continue the spirit of collegiality and communion that was present at the Council. The Synod is an assembly of bishops from around the world who assist the Holy Father by providing counsel on important questions facing the Church in a manner that preserves the Church’s teaching and strengthens her internal discipline. (See the Vatican website and the Code of Canon Law, canon 342.) 4. What topics does the apostolic exhortation cover? Amoris Laetitia covers a wide range
of topics related to marriage and family life, with a particular emphasis on the family’s vocation and mission of love. It speaks about the family’s strengths and gifts, and also the contemporary challenges faced by families throughout the world. The exhortation encourages married couples, families, and pastoral ministers to accompany and care for families and others in need of the Lord’s mercy and healing. It includes an extended reflection on love and what it means in the day-to-day reality of marriage and family life. 5. What does the title mean? Amoris Laetitia is Latin for “The Joy of Love.” The opening sentence reads, “The Joy of Love experienced by families is also the joy of the Church” (no. 1). The exhortation is meant to echo the conviction of the Synod Fathers that the Christian family is “good news indeed” (no. 1) and to help the Church to draw close to families in all situations. 6. Who should read this apostolic exhortation? This document is for all who care about the future of the family. It is addressed to Bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated persons, Christian married couples and all the lay faithful. In particular, married couples can be reminded of their call and mission through this exhortation, and families can find it an ongoing source of inspiration. 7. How can the apostolic exhortation be utilized by Catholic leaders? Amoris Laetitia will be a valuable guide for all those engaged in ministry to those discerning and preparing for marriage and to married couples and families at all stages. Catholic leaders would do well to study Amoris Laetitia in its entirety, being attentive to how the Holy Father’s insights may enrich and enliven a particular ministry. Pope Francis himself has urged a patient and careful reading of the document, with the hope that, “in reading this text, all will feel called to love and cherish family life…” (no. 7). 8. How has Pope Francis shown a concern for the family in his pontificate?
Pope Francis has shown his love for marriages and families in many ways. In the first year of his papacy, he called for two consecutive synodal assemblies on the family. He devoted over a year's worth of weekly audiences to topics related to marriage and the family, and he gave stirring testimony to the beauty of God's plan for the family during the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. He also canonized Pope St. John Paul II, whom he called the "pope of the family." 9. What are other key documents from the Church on marriage and the family? As Pope Francis shows in chapter three, Amoris Laetitia follows upon a rich treasury of Church teaching on marriage and the family. This apostolic exhortation is a parallel and complement to the 1981 document Familiaris Consortio ("Regarding the Role of the Christian Family in the Modern World"), issued by Pope St. John Paul II after the synod on the family in 1980, which has been a touchstone for marriage and family life ministry since its publication. John Paul II gave the Church another document for families in 1994, entitled "Letter to Families," and his catechesis on human love, commonly called the "theology of the body," has also deeply enriched the Church's contemplation on marriage and family life today. All of these works are cited at various points in Amoris Laetitia. Other key documents, also cited, include the Second Vatican Council's Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et Spes(On the Church in the Modern World), Bl. Pope Paul VI's Encyclical LetterHumanae Vitae (On Human Life), and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's encyclicalDeus Caritas Est (On Christian Love). 10. How can I get a copy of the apostolic exhortation? Amoris Laetitia is available for purchase through USCCB store. It can also be read in its entirety on the Vatican website www.vatican.va Courtesy USCCB
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Amoris Laetitia, Sobre el Amor en la Familia
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osotros, en la Arquidiócesis de Santa Fe damos gracias a nuestro Santo Padre, el Papa Francisco, por su exhortación apostólica postsinodal titulada Amoris Laetitia, sobre el amor en la familia. Esta bienvenida enseñanza sobre el amor en la familia fue oportunamente firmada por el Papa el 19 de marzo de este año 2016 en la Solemnidad de San José, quien es el santo patrón de la familia de la Iglesia, el padre adoptivo de Jesús y esposo de María. En este documento, el Papa Francisco renueva la enseñanza antigua y continua de la Iglesia sobre la misericordia al exhortar a los pastores y a los fieles a permitir que la compasión de Cristo toque la esencia de nuestras vidas, especialmente nuestras familias. Este tema es especialmente ap-
Amoris Laetitia, Sobre el Amor en la Familia (Síntesis)
“Amoris laetitia” (AL – “La alegría del amor”), la Exhortación apostólica post-sinodal “sobre el amor en la familia”, con fecha no casual del 19 de marzo, Solemnidad de San José, recoge los resultados de dos Sínodos sobre la familia convocados por Papa Francisco en el 2014 y en el 2015, cuyas Relaciones conclusivas son largamente citadas, junto a los documentos y enseñanzas de sus Predecesores y a las numerosas catequesis sobre la familia del mismo Papa Francisco. Todavía, como ya ha sucedido en otros documentos magisteriales, el Papa hace uso tambiénde las contribuciones de diversas Conferencias episcopales del mundo (Kenia, Australia, Argentina…) y de citaciones de personalidades significativas como Martin
ropiado al celebrar este Año de la Misericordia. Basado en una gran variedad de recursos, el Santo Padre afianza su exhortación en los dos sínodos de la familia celebrados en Roma en los últimos años y en los documentos aprobados por los padres sinodales por una mayoría de dos tercios. Su enseñanza también refleja una consulta mundial sobre la familia que se llevó a cabo en preparación para los sínodos. En consonancia con sus enseñanzas anteriores, el Papa Francisco insiste en la importancia de las Iglesias locales en la aplicación de la doctrina, sin perder de vista la misericordia de Dios, quien quiere acompañar a todos sus hijos en el camino de la fe y en las complejidades y desafíos de la vida de la familia moderna. Espero reunirme con los párrocos y otros líderes católicos en toda la arquidiócesis en los próximos días y semanas mientras estudiamos Luther King o Eric Fromm. Es particular una citación de la película “La fiesta de Babette”, que el Papa recuerda para explicar el concepto de gratuidad. Premisa a Exhortación apostólica impresiona por su amplitud y articulación. Esta se subdivide en nueva capítulos y más de 300 párrafos. Se abre con siete párrafos introductivos que ponen en plena luz la conciencia de la complejidad del tema y la profundización que requiere. Se afirma que las intervenciones de los Padres en el Sínodo han compuesto un “precioso poliedro” (AL 4) que debe ser preservado. En este sentido, el Papa escribe que “no todas las discusiones doctrinales, morales o pastorales deben ser resueltas con intervenciones del magisterio”. Por lo tanto para algunas cuestiones “en cada país o región se deben buscar soluciones más inculturadas, atentas a la tradiciones y a los desafíos
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este esperado documento. Con Amoris Laetitia como nuestra guía, rezo para que todos los fieles experimenten en formas cada vez más profundas la misericordia y el amor de nuestro Reverendísimo John C. Wester Padre amoroso, quien envió a su único Hijo para que tengamos vida en abundancia. Humildemente pido que el Señor resucitado eleve sus brazos de bendición sobre nuestra iglesia local de Santa Fe e ilumine nuestro camino mientras tratamos de profundizar en una experiencia de sanación y fortaleza de Cristo en todas nuestras familias durante este Año de la Misericordia y más allá!
locales. De hecho,“las culturas son muy diversas entre sí y todo principio general (…) tiene necesidad de ser inculturado, si quiere ser observado y aplicado”” (AL 3). Este principio de inculturación resulta verdaderamente importante incluso en el modo de plantear y comprender los problemas que, más allá de las cuestiones dogmáticas bien definidas del Magisterio de la Iglesia, no puede ser “globalizado”. Pero sobre todo el Papa afirma inmediatamente y con claridad que es necesario salir de la estéril contraposición entre la ansiedad de cambio y la aplicación pura y simple de normas abstractas. Escribe: “los debates que se dan en los medios de comunicación, en las publicaciones y aún entre ministros de la Iglesia, van desde un deseo desenfrenado de cambiar todo sin suficiente reflexión o fundamentación, hasta la actitud de pretender resolver todo aplicando normativas generales o extrayendo conclusiones excesivas
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AMORIS LAETITIA de algunas reflexiones teológicas” (AL 2). Capítulo primero: “A la luz de la Palabra” uestas estas premisas, el Papa articula su reflexión a partir de la Sagrada Escritura en el primer capítulo, que se desarrolla como una meditación sobre el Salmo 128, característico de la liturgia nupcial tanto judía como cristiana. La Biblia “está poblada de familias, de generaciones, de historias de amor y de crisis familiares” (AL 8) y a partir de este dato se puede meditar cómo la familia no es un ideal abstracto sino un “trabajo ‘artesanal’” (AL 16) que se expresa con ternura (AL 28) pero que se ha confrontado también con el pecado desde el inicio, cuando la relación de amor se transforma en dominio (cfr. AL 19). Entonces la Palabra de Dios “no se muestra como un secuencia de tesis abstractas, sino como una compañera de viaje también para las familias que están en crisis o en medio de algún dolor, y les muestra la meta del camino” (AL 22).
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Capítulo segundo: “La realidad y los desafíos de la familia” partir del terreno bíblico en el segundo capítulo el Papa considera la situación actual de las familias, poniendo “los pies sobre la tierra” (AL 6), recurriendo ampliamente a las Relaciones conclusivas de los dos Sínodos y afrontando numerosos desafíos, desde el fenómeno migratorio a las negociaciones ideológicas de la diferencia de sexos (“ideología del gender”); desde la cultura de lo provisorio a la mentalidad antinatalista y al impacto de la biotecnología en el campo de la procreación; de la falta de casa y de trabajo a la pornografía y el abuso de menores; de la atención a las personas con discapacidad, al respeto de los ancianos; de la desconstrucción jurídica de la familia,
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a la violencia contra las mujeres. El Papa insiste sobre lo concreto, que es una propiedad fundamental de la Exhortación. Y son las cosas concretas y el realismo que ponen una substancial diferencia entre teoría de interpretación de la realidad e “ideologías”. Citando la Familiares consortio Francisco afirma que “es sano prestar atención a la realidad concreta, porque “las exigencias y llamadas del Espíritu resuenan también en los acontecimientos mismos de la historia”, a través de los cuales “la Iglesia puede ser guiada a una comprensión más profunda del inagotable misterio del matrimonio y de la familia”. (AL 31) Por lo tanto, sin escuchar la realidad no es posible comprender las exigencias del presente ni los llamados del Espíritu. El Papa nota que el individualismo exagerado hace difícil hoy la entrega a otra persona de manera generosa (Cfr. AL 33). Esta es una interesante fotografía de la situación: “se teme la soledad, se desea un espacio de protección y de fidelidad, pero al mismo tiempo crece el temor de ser atrapado por una relación que pueda postergar el logro de las aspiraciones personales” (AL 34). La humildad del realismo ayuda a no presentar “un ideal teológico del matrimonio demasiado abstracto, casi artificialmente construido, lejano de la situación concreta y de las posibilidades efectivas de las familias reales” (AL 36). El idealismo aleja de considerar al matrimonio tal cual es, esto es “un camino dinámico de crecimiento y realización”. Por esto no es necesario tampoco creer que las familias se sostienen “solamente insistiendo sobre cuestiones doctrinales, bioéticas y morales, sin motivar la apertura a la gracia” (AL 37). Invitando a una cierta “autocrítica” de una presentación no adecuada de la realidad matrimonial y familiar, el Papa insiste que es necesario dar espacio a la formación de la
conciencia de los fieles: “Estamos llamado a formar las conciencias no a pretender sustituirlas” (AL 37). Jesús proponía un ideal exigente pero “no perdía jamás la cercana compasión con las personas más frágiles como la samaritana o la mujer adúltera” (AL 38). Capítulo tercero: “La mirada puesta en Jesús: la vocación de la familia” l tercer capítulo está dedicado a algunos elementos esenciales de la enseñanza de la Iglesia a cerca del matrimonio y la familia. La presencia de este capítulo es importante porque ilustra de manera sintética en 30 párrafos la vocación de la familia según el Evangelio, así como fue entendida por la Iglesia en el tiempo, sobre todo sobre el tema de la indisolubilidad, de la sacramentalidad del matrimonio, de la transmisión de la vida y de la educación de los hijos. Son ampliamente citadas la Gaudium et spes del Vaticano II, la Humanae vitae de Pablo VI, la Familiares consortio de Juan Pablo II. La mirada es amplia e incluye también las “situaciones imperfectas”. Leemos de hecho: “’El discernimiento de la presencia de las ‘semina Verbi’’ en otras culturas (cfr Ad gentes, 11) puede ser aplicado también a la realidad matrimonial y familiar. Fuera del verdadero matrimonio natural también hay elementos positivos presentes en las formas matrimoniales de otras tradiciones religiosas’, aunque tampoco falten las sombras” (AL 77). La reflexión incluye también a las “familias heridas” frente a las cuales el Papa afirma –citando la Relatio finalis del Sínodo 2015- “siempre es necesario recordar un principio general: “Sepan los pastores que, por amor a la verdad, están obligados a discernir bien las situaciones” (Familiares consortio, 84). El grado de responsabilidad no es igual
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AMORIS LAETITIA en todos los casos, y puede haber factores que limitan la capacidad de decisión. Por lo tanto, al mismo tiempo que la doctrina debe expresarse con claridad, hay que evitar los juicios que no toman en cuenta la complejidad de las diversas situaciones, y hay que estar atentos al modo en que las personas viven y sufren a causa de su condición” (AL 79). Capítulo cuatro: “El amor en el matrimonio” l cuarto capítulo trata del amor en el matrimonio, y lo ilustra a partir del “himno al amor” de san Pablo en 1 Cor 13,4-7. El capítulo es una verdadera y propia exégesis atenta, puntual, inspirada y poética del texto paulino. Podríamos decir que se trata de una colección de fragmentos de un discurso amoroso que está atento a describir el amor humano en términos absolutamente concretos. Uno se queda impresionado por la capacidad de introspección psicológica que sella esta exégesis. La profundización psicológica entra en el mundo de las emociones de los conyugues –positivas y negativas- y en la dimensión erótica del amor. Se trata de una contribución extremamente rica y preciosa para la vida cristiana de los conyugues, que no tiene hasta ahora parangón en precedentes documentos papales. A su modo este capítulo constituye un tratado dentro del desarrollo más amplio, plenamente consciente de la cotidianidad del amor que es enemiga de todo idealismo: “no hay que arrojar sobre dos personas limitadas –escribe el Pontífice- el tremendo peso de tener que reproducir de manera perfecta la unión que existe entre Cristo y su Iglesia, porque el matrimonio como signo implica “un proceso dinámico, que avanza gradualmente con la progresiva integración de los dones de Dios”” (AL 122). Pero por otra parte el Papa insiste de manera fuerte y
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decidida sobre el hecho de que “en la naturaleza misma del amor conyugal está la apertura a lo definitivo” (AL 123), propiamente al interior de esa “combinación de alegrías y de fatigas, de tensiones y de reposo, de sufrimientos y de liberación, de satisfacciones y de búsquedas, de fastidios y de placeres” (AL 126) es, precisamente, el matrimonio. El capítulo se concluye con una reflexión muy importante sobre la “transformación del amor” porque “la prolongación de la vida hace que se produzca algo que no era común en otros tiempos: la relación íntima y la pertenencia mutua deben conservarse por cuatro, cinco o seis décadas, y esto se convierte en una necesidad de volver a elegirse una y otra vez” (AL 163). El aspecto físico cambia y la atracción amorosa no disminuye pero cambia: el deseo sexual con el tiempo se puede transformar en deseo de intimidad y “complicidad”. “No podemos prometernos tener los mismos sentimientos durante toda la vida. En cambio, sí podemos tener un proyecto común estable, comprometernos a amarnos y a vivir unidos hasta que la muerte nos separe, y vivir siempre una rica intimidad” (AL 163). Capitulo quinto: “El amor que se vuelve fecundo” l capítulo quinto esta todo concentrado sobre la fecundidad y la generatividad del amor. Se habla de manera espiritual y psicológicamente profunda del recibir una vida nueva, de la espera propia del embarazo, del amor de madre y de padre. Pero también de la fecundidad ampliada, de la adopción, de la aceptación de la contribución de las familias para promover la “cultura del encuentro”, de la vida de la familia en sentido amplio, con la presencia de los tíos, primos, parientes de parientes, amigos. Amoris laetitia no toma en consideración la familia “mononuclear”, porque es
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bien consciente de la familia como amplia red de relaciones. La misma mística del sacramento del matrimonio tiene un profundo carácter social (cfr. AL 186). Y al interno de esta dimensión el Papa subraya en particular tanto el rol específico de la relación entre jóvenes y ancianos, como la relación entre hermanos y hermanas como práctica de crecimiento en relación con los otros. Capítulo sexto: “Algunas perspectivas pastorales” n el sexto capítulo el Papa afronta algunas vías pastorales que orientan para construir familias sólidas y fecundas según el plan de Dios. En esta parte la Exhortación hace un largo recurso a las Relaciones conclusivas de los dos Sínodos y a las catequesis del Papa Francisco y de Juan Pablo II. Se confirma que las familias son sujeto y no solamente objeto de evangelización. El Papa señala que “a los ministros ordenados les suele faltar formación adecuada para tratar los complejos problemas actuales de las familias” (AL 202). Si por una parte es necesario mejorar la formación psico-afectiva de los seminaristas e involucrar más a las familias en la formación al ministerio (cfr. AL 203), por otra “puede ser útil (…) también la experiencia de la larga tradición oriental de los sacerdotes casados” (cfr. AL 239). Después el Papa afronta el tema de guiar a los novios en el camino de la preparación al matrimonio, de acompañar a los esposos en los primeros años de vida matrimonial (incluido el tema de la paternidad responsable), pero también en algunas situaciones complejas y en particular en las crisis, sabiendo que “cada crisis esconde una buena noticia que hay que saber escuchar afinando el oído del corazón” (AL 232). Se analizan algunas causas de crisis, entre las cuales una maduración afectiva retrasada (cfr. AL 239). Entre otras cosas se habla tam-
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AMORIS LAETITIA bién del acompañamiento de las personas abandonadas, separadas y divorciadas y se subraya la importancia de la reciente reforma de los procedimientos para el reconocimiento de los casos de nulidad matrimonial. Se pone de relieve el sufrimiento de los hijos en las situaciones de conflicto y se concluye: “El divorcio es un mal, y es muy preocupante el crecimiento del número de divorcios. Por eso, sin duda, nuestra tarea pastoral más importante con respecto a las familias, es fortalecer el amor y ayudar a sanar las heridas, de manera que podamos prevenir el avance de este drama de nuestra época” (AL 246). Se tocan después las situaciones de matrimonios mixtos y de aquellos con disparidad de culto, y las situaciones de las familias que tienen en su interior personas con tendencia homosexual, confirmando el respeto en relación a ellos y el rechazo de toda injusta discriminación y de toda forma de agresión o violencia. Pastoralmente preciosa es la parte final del capítulo; “Cuando la muerte planta su aguijón”, sobre el tema de la perdida de las personas queridas y la viudez. Capítulo séptimo: “Reforzar la educación de los hijos” l séptimo capítulo esta todo dedicado a la educación de los hijos: su formación ética, el valor de la sanción como estímulo, el paciente realismo, la educación sexual, la transmisión de la fe, y más en general, la vida familiar como contexto educativo. Es interesante la sabiduría práctica que transparenta en cada párrafo y sobre todo la atención a la gradualidad y a los pequeños pasos “que puedan ser comprendidos, aceptados y valorados” (AL 271). Hay un párrafo particularmente significativo y pedagógicamente fundamental en el cual Francisco afirma claramente que “la obsesión no es educativa, y no se puede tener
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un control de todas las situaciones por las que podría llegar a pasar un hijo (…) Si un padre está obsesionado por saber dónde está su hijo y por controlar todos sus movimientos, sólo buscará dominar su espacio. De ese modo no lo educará, no lo fortalecerá, no lo preparará para enfrentar los desafíos. Lo que interesa sobre todo es generar en el hijo, con mucho amor, procesos de maduración de su libertad, de capacitación, de crecimiento integral, de cultivo de la auténtica autonomía” (AL 261). Notable es la sección dedicada a la educación sexual titulada muy expresivamente: “Si a la educación sexual”. Se sostiene su necesidad y se nos pregunta “si nuestras instituciones educativas han asumido este desafío (…) en una época en que se tiende a banalizar y a empobrecer la sexualidad”. Ella debe realizarse “en el cuadro de una educación al amor, a la recíproca donación” (AL 280). Se pone en guardia de la expresión “sexo seguro”, porque transmite “una actitud negativa hacia la finalidad procreativa natural de la sexualidad, como si un posible hijo fuera un enemigo del cual hay que protegerse. Así se promueve la agresividad narcisista en lugar de la acogida” (AL 283). Capítulo octavo: “Acompañar, discernir e integrar la fragilidad” l capítulo octavo constituye una invitación a la misericordia y al discernimiento pastoral frente a situaciones que no responden plenamente a aquello que el Señor propone. El Papa que escribe usa tres verbos muy importantes: “acompañar, discernir e integrar” que son fundamentales para afrontar situaciones de fragilidad, complejas o irregulares. Entonces el Papa presenta la necesaria gradualidad en la pastoral, la importancia del discernimiento, las normas y circunstancias atenuantes en el discernimiento pastoral y en fin,
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aquella que él define la “lógica de la misericordia pastoral”. El capítulo octavo es muy delicado. Para leerlo se debe recordar que “a menudo, la tarea de la Iglesia asemeja a la de un hospital de campaña” (AL 291). Aquí el Pontífice asume lo que ha sido fruto de las reflexiones del Sínodo sobre temáticas controvertidas. Se confirma qué es el matrimonio cristiano y se agrega que “otras formas de unión contradicen radicalmente este ideal, pero algunas lo realizan al menos de modo parcial y análogo”. La Iglesia por lo tanto “no deja de valorar los elementos constructivos en aquellas situaciones que no corresponden todavía o ya no corresponden más a su enseñanza sobre el matrimonio” (AL 292). En relación al “discernimiento” acerca de las situaciones “irregulares” el Papa observa que “hay que evitar los juicios que no toman en cuenta la complejidad de las diversas situaciones, y es necesario estar atentos al modo en que las personas viven y sufren a causa de su condición” (AL 296). Y continua: “Se trata de integrar a todos, se debe ayudar a cada uno a encontrar su propia manera de participar en la comunidad eclesial, para que se sienta objeto de una misericordia “inmerecida, incondicional y gratuita”” (AL 297). Todavía: “Los divorciados en nueva unión, por ejemplo, pueden encontrarse en situaciones muy diferentes, que no han de ser catalogadas o encerradas en afirmaciones demasiado rígidas sin dejar lugar a un adecuado discernimiento personal y pastoral” (AL 298). En esta línea, acogiendo las observaciones de muchos Padres sinodales, el Papa afirma que “los bautizados que se han divorciado y se han vuelto a casar civilmente deben ser más integrados en la comunidad cristiana en las diversas formas posibles, evitando cualquier ocasión de escándalo”. “Su partic-
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AMORIS LAETITIA ipación puede expresarse en diferentes servicios eclesiales (…) Ellos no sólo no tienen que sentirse excomulgados, sino que pueden vivir y madurar como miembros vivos de la Iglesia (…) Esta integración es también necesaria para el cuidado y la educación cristiana de sus hijos, que deben ser considerados los más importantes” (AL 299). Más en general el Papa hace una afirmación extremamente importante para comprender la orientación y el sentido de la Exhortación: “Si se tiene en cuenta la innumerable diversidad de situaciones concretas (…) puede comprenderse que no debería esperarse del Sínodo o de esta Exhortación una nueva normativa general de tipo canónica, aplicable a todos los casos. Sólo cabe un nuevo aliento a un responsable discernimiento personal y pastoral de los casos particulares, que debería reconocer que, puesto que “el grado de responsabilidad no es igual en todos los casos”, las consecuencias o efectos de una norma no necesariamente deben ser siempre las mismas” (AL 300). El Papa desarrolla de modo profundo exigencias y características del camino de acompañamiento y discernimiento en diálogo profundo entre fieles y pastores. A este fin llama a la reflexión de la Iglesia “sobre los condicionamientos y circunstancias atenuantes” en lo que reguarda a la imputabilidad y la responsabilidad de las acciones y, apoyándose en Santo Tomas de Aquino, se detiene sobre la relación entre “las normas y el discernimiento” afirmando: “Es verdad que las normas generales presentan un bien que nunca se debe desatender ni descuidar, pero en su formulación no pueden abarcar absolutamente todas las situaciones particulares. Al mismo tiempo, hay que decir que, precisamente por esa razón, aquello que forma parte de un discernimiento práctico ante una situación partic-
ular no puede ser elevado a la categoría de una norma” (AL 304). En la última sección del capítulo: “la lógica de la misericordia pastoral”, Papa Francisco, para evitar equívocos, reafirma con fuerza: “Comprender las situaciones excepcionales nunca implica ocultar la luz del ideal más pleno ni proponer menos que lo que Jesús ofrece al ser humano. Hoy, más importante que una pastoral de los fracasos es el esfuerzo pastoral para consolidar los matrimonios y así prevenir las rupturas” (AL 307). Pero el sentido general del capítulo y del espíritu que el Papa quiere imprimir a la pastoral de la Iglesia está bien resumido en las palabras finales: “Invito a los fieles que están viviendo situaciones complejas, a que se acerquen con confianza a conversar con sus pastores o con laicos que viven entregados al Señor. No siempre encontrarán en ellos una confirmación de sus propias ideas o deseos, pero seguramente recibirán una luz que les permita comprender mejor lo que les sucede y podrán descubrir un camino de maduración personal. E invito a los pastores a escuchar con afecto y serenidad, con el deseo sincero de entrar en el corazón del drama de las personas y de comprender su punto de vista, para ayudarles a vivir mejor y a reconocer su propio lugar en la Iglesia” (AL 312). Sobre la “lógica de la misericordia pastoral” Papa Francisco afirma con fuerza:“A veces nos cuesta mucho dar lugar en la pastoral al amor incondicional de Dios. Ponemos tantas condiciones a la misericordia que la vaciamos de sentido concreto y de significación real, y esa es la peor manera de licuar el Evangelio” (AL 311). Capítulo noveno: “Espiritualidad conyugal y familiar” l noveno capítulo está dedicado a la espiritualidad conyugal y familiar, “hecha de miles de ges-
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tos reales y concretos” (AL 315). Con claridad se dice que “quienes tienen hondos deseos espirituales no deben sentir que la familia los aleja del crecimiento en la vida del Espíritu, sino que es un camino que el Señor utiliza para llevarles a las cumbres de la unión mística” (AL 316). Todo, “los momentos de gozo, el descanso o la fiesta, y aun la sexualidad, se experimentan como una participación en la vida plena de su Resurrección” (AL 317). Se habla entonces de la oración a la luz de la Pascua, de la espiritualidad del amor exclusivo y libre en el desafío y el anhelo de envejecer y gastarse juntos, reflejando la fidelidad de Dios (cfr. AL 319). Y, en fin, de la espiritualidad “del cuidado, de la consolación y el estímulo”. “Toda la vida de la familia es un “pastoreo” misericordioso. Cada uno, con cuidado, pinta y escribe en la vida del otro” (AL 322), escribe el Papa. Es una honda “experiencia espiritual contemplar a cada ser querido con los ojos de Dios y reconocer a Cristo en él” (AL 323). En el párrafo conclusivo el Papa afirma: “ninguna familia es una realidad perfecta y confeccionada de una vez para siempre, sino que requiere una progresiva maduración de su capacidad de amar (...). Todos estamos llamados a mantener viva la tensión hacia un más allá de nosotros mismos y de nuestros límites, y cada familia debe vivir en ese estímulo constante. ¡Caminemos familias, sigamos caminando! (…) No desesperemos por nuestros límites, pero tampoco renunciemos a buscar la plenitud de amor y de comunión que se nos ha prometido” (AL 325). La Exhortación apostólica se concluye con una Oración a la Sagrada Familia (AL 325). PorelVaticanohttp://es.radiovaticana. va/news/2016/04/08/s%C3%ADntesis_de_la_exhortaci%C3%B3n_
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Preguntas y respuestas ¿Qué es una exhortación apostólica? Una exhortación apostólica es un tipo particular de enseñanza papal que comunica el pensamiento del papa sobre un tema determinado. A menudo se utiliza para compartir las conclusiones a las que llega el Santo Padre después de considerar las recomendaciones de un Sínodo de los Obispos. También se puede utilizar como una manera de que el papa exhorte (aliente) a los fieles a una vida más profunda de discipulado cristiano, tal como, por ejemplo, hizo el papa Francisco en su exhortación apostólica Evangelii gaudium sobre el anuncio del Evangelio en el mundo actual (24 de noviembre de 2013). ¿De dónde provino Amoris laetitia? Amoris laetitia es el resultado de la reflexión orante del papa Francisco sobre los debates y resultados de dos sínodos de obispos celebrados en Roma: un Sínodo Extraordinario en 2014, y un Sínodo Ordinario en 2015, ambos sobre el tema del matrimonio y la familia. La exhortación busca compartir con la Iglesia la enseñanza y el aliento del Santo Padre respecto a la pastoral de las familias, y aquello a lo que los matrimonios y las familias están llamados en este momento de la historia. ¿Qué es el Sínodo de los Obispos? El Sínodo de los Obispos es una institución permanente de la Iglesia Católica. Fue establecido por el papa Pablo VI en 1965, poco después de la clausura del Concilio Vaticano II, para continuar con el espíritu de colegialidad y comunión que estuvo presente en el Concilio. El Sínodo es una asamblea de obispos de todo
el mundo que asisten al Santo Padre proporcionando consejo sobre cuestiones importantes que enfrenta la Iglesia de una manera que preserve la enseñanza de la Iglesia y refuerce su disciplina interna. (Véase el sitio web del Vaticano y el Código de Derecho Canónico, canon 342.) ¿Qué temas cubre la exhortación apostólica? Amoris laetitia cubre una amplia gama de temas relacionados con el matrimonio y la vida familiar, con énfasis particular en la vocación y misión de amor de la familia. Habla de las fortalezas y dones de la familia, y también de los desafíos contemporáneos que enfrentan las familias en todo el mundo. La exhortación alienta a las parejas casadas, familias y agentes de pastoral a acompañar y cuidar a las familias y otras personas necesitadas de la misericordia y la curación del Señor. Incluye una extensa reflexión sobre el amor y lo que significa en la realidad cotidiana del matrimonio y la vida familiar. ¿Qué significa el título? Amoris laetitia en latín significa "la alegría del amor". El párrafo inicial dice: "La alegría del amor que se vive en las familias es también el júbilo de la Iglesia" (no. 1). La exhortación busca hacerse eco de la convicción de los padres sinodales de que la familia cristiana es "una buena noticia" (no. 1) y ayudar a la Iglesia a acercarse a las familias en todas las situaciones. ¿Quiénes deberían leer esta exhortación apostólica? Este documento es para todos los que se preocupan por el futuro de la familia. Va dirigido a los obispos, sacerdotes, diáconos, personas consagradas, parejas casadas cristianas y todos los fieles laicos. En particular, esta exhortación puede recordar a las parejas casadas su llamado y misión, y las familias pueden encon-
trar en ella una fuente continua de inspiración. ¿Cómo pueden los líderes católicos utilizar la exhortación apostólica? Amoris laetitia será una valiosa guía para todos los que trabajan en la pastoral de los que disciernen y se preparan para el matrimonio y de las parejas casadas y familias en todas las etapas. Los líderes católicos harían bien en estudiar Amoris laetitia en su totalidad, prestando atención a la forma en que las percepciones del Santo Padre pueden enriquecer y animar una pastoral en particular. El propio papa Francisco ha instado a una paciente y cuidadosa lectura del documento, con la esperanza de que "cada uno, a través de la lectura, se sienta llamado a cuidar con amor la vida de las familias..." (no. 7). ¿Cómo ha mostrado el papa Francisco su preocupación por la familia en su pontificado? El papa Francisco ha demostrado su amor por los matrimonios y las familias de muchas maneras. En el primer año de su papado, llamó a dos asambleas sinodales consecutivas sobre la familia. Dedicó más de un año de audiencias semanales a temas relacionados con el matrimonio y la familia, y dio un emotivo testimonio de la belleza del plan de Dios para la familia durante el Encuentro Mundial de las Familias en Filadelfia. También canonizó al papa san Juan Pablo II, a quien llamó el "papa de la familia". ¿Qué otros documentos clave de la Iglesia existen sobre el matrimonio y la familia? Como muestra el papa Francisco en el capítulo tres, Amoris laetitia es la continuación de un rico tesoro de la enseñanza de la Iglesia sobre el matrimonio y la familia. Esta exhortContinued on page 31
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Archdiocese of Santa Fe
Diaconate Ordinations
Wednesday, May 18, 2016 10:00 AM Church of the Incarnation 2309 Monterrey Rd. NE Rio Rancho, NM 87144 All are welcome!
Robert Bustamante
Francisco Carbajal
Christopher Hallada
Deacon JohnPaul Oluchi
Robert Bustamante is 53 years old. He is the second child of three siblings. He felt the call to the priesthood as a teenager but dismissed it. He withdrew from his Catholic faith until 2006 where he started to take his faith more seriously. At his home parish of St. Joseph on the Rio Grande he participated in ushering, Eucharistic ministry, taking Holy Communion to shut-ins and daily mass. He went to Holy Apostles Seminary to complete his priestly studies and has served in several parishes around the diocese including: San Clemente in Los Lunas, Immaculate Heart of Mary in Los Alamos, Aquinas Newman Center, and San Miguel in Socorro.
Francisco Carbajal Barajas is 33 years old and is from Guadalajara Jalisco, Mexico. He is the oldest of five children. He is from a strong and very close Catholic Family. His uncle who is a deacon in the Church inspired him to become a priest and felt this was his calling. He has a very strong devotion to the Blessed Sacrament where he loves to say the Rosary. He has served at his parish as an altar server, singing in the choir, and helping out in festivities. He started his seminary studies at the Mexican American Catholic College in San Antonio, and now attends the Josephinum. He has served in various parishes around the Archdiocese including: St. Martin of Porres, Our Lady of Guadalupe in Clovis, and the Shrine of St. Bernadette.
Christopher Hallada is 36 years old. He is the oldest of five children. Both his parents are devout Catholics and are actively involved at their parish, Our Lady of Annunciation Parish. Because his father was in the Air Force he moved constantly from Ohio to England to Colorado and to California before returning to Albuquerque. He worked as the Director of Youth Ministry at Annunciation parish for three and half years. He has felt the call to the priesthood since middle school but when he graduated from High school and attended College he dreamed of becoming a writer. After attending a Archdiocesan Vocations Retreat in 2011 he found a very clear sign that he was called to the priesthood. So in the fall of 2011 he entered the Josephinum. He has served in several parishes around the Diocese including: St. Thomas Aquinas in Rio Rancho, Our Lady of Guadalupe in Clovis, and the Shrine of St. Bernadette.
Deacon JohnPaul Oluchi Afuecheta is 32 years old and is from Obeagu Village located in Nigeria, South Africa. He has one sister and one brother. He has always felt called to the priesthood. He started seminary studies at St. Dominic Savio seminary in 1996 and then went to St. John Bosco Seminary in 1999. From 2003 to 2005 he served various parishes seeking to be admitted into his Diocese – he was rejected (there are so many vocations here that they simply cannot take everyone). Soon after he met the Pallottine until through the advice of his good friend – Fr. Vitus Ezeiruaku he applied for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe where he got a good response from Archbishop Michael Sheehan. So he started studies at Holy Apostles Seminary in August of 2013. He has served in various parishes including: Sacred Heart Parish in Espanola and Holy Ghost Parish in Albuquerque.
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Archdiocese of Santa Fe
Priestly Ordinations
Saturday, May 21, 2016 10:00 AM Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi 131 Cathedral Place Santa Fe, NM 87504 All are welcome!
Deacon Ted Butler
Deacon Angelo Marquez
Deacon Michael Niemczak
Deacon Leon Vigil
Deacon Ted Butler is 56 years old. He is the youngest of seven children – three brothers and three sisters. Both of his parents are now pass away. He was raised in Arch, NM and Portales, NM on a farm. When Ted was eighteen he got his GED and joined the Navy. He was an Advanced Electronics Field as a Submarine Sonar Technician for six years. He got married and lived with his wife in San Diego, CA but after five years got divorced – they had no children. She passed away in 2003. Later in his life he moved to Portales, NM. While here in Portales, he joined St. Helen Catholic Church. Soon after he was baptized and confirmed a brand new Catholic. Soon after he started attending Mass daily and becoming more and more involved in this Parish. His prayer life grew more and more strong. With the Archbishop’s blessing he studied at Holy Apostles Seminary. He has served in various parishes around the dioceses including: Annunciation Parish and San Miguel in Socorro.
Deacon Angelo Marquez is 25 years old. He comes from a very supportive family. He has one sister. He was born in Gallup, NM but moved to Las Vegas, Nevada when he was five but only stayed there a little while. His family then moved to Rio Rancho, NM where they have lived since. While living in Rio Rancho he has called the Church of the Incarnation his home parish. Here he was part of Life Teen. While attending college at the University of New Mexico he started having thoughts of the priesthood. He then started to attend the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio where he got a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. He is currently finishing his studies in Theology at the Josephinum. He is very well liked and gets along with everyone. Angelo has served in various parishes around the Archdiocese including: Our Lady of Guadalupe in Taos and Aquinas Newman Center.
Deacon Michael Niemczak is 25 years old. He was born in Alamosa, Colorado to newly immigrated parents from Poland a year prior. He has lived in New York and then in Poland before finally moving to Rio Rancho, NM. Michael comes from a very strong Catholic family and fell in love with the Mass. While in high school, Michael was very much involved in his parish of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rio Rancho. He has two older brothers and one younger sister. After graduating from Cibola High School, Michael went to the Josephinum for Philosophy and then went to Pontifical North American College in Rome to study Theology. Michael has always felt called to the priesthood. He has served in various parishes around the Archdiocese including: Aquinas Newman Center and St. John Vianney.
Deacon Leon Vigil is 30 years old. Leon was born in Santa Fe but raised in Pecos, NM. He is the youngest of four children – two older brothers and one older sister. He has felt the call to the priesthood since he can remember. While in high school he put it off that it was not for him but then while attending the University of New Mexico it came back often. So he contacted his old pastor – Fr. Voorhies who was now at Annunciation Parish who encouraged him to apply for seminary. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in political science and Spanish from the UNM he went on to Mt. Angel Seminary to study for the priesthood. He has served in various parishes around the Archdiocese including: St. Patrick’s in Chama and St. Thomas Aquinas in Rio Rancho.
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Religious Women of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Appreciation Celebration Hosted by St. Therese Parish and Catholic School
By Rev. Vincent Chavez, Pastor St. Therese Parish
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n April, Women Religious of the archdiocese gathered at the glorious Shrine of the Little Flower in Albuquerque together with the parish and school community of St. Therese of the Infant Jesus for an Appreciation Celebration. After the vibrant 10:00 am Sunday liturgy, the sisters mixed and mingled with representatives of the school and parish at the nearby Prestige Event Center for a sit down dinner. It was an occasion for the sisters to see each other in a purely social context from various religious congregations and more importantly to know they are honored and appreciated by the St. Therese School and Parish
Community. In my 23 years of formal Catholic School Education, I have been privileged to have been taught by Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Sisters of Charity, Sisters of Loreto, Hermanas Guadalupanas de la Salle, Sisters of Saint Dominic, Sisters of Saint Joseph and Franciscan Sisters. As a seminarian, deacon and priest, I have been blessed with friendship and have been a co-worker with so many deeply dedicated and so loving and wonderful Women Religious such as the Missionary Catechists (or Victory Noll Sisters) who have long served in the rural parishes of the archdiocese. Once while presiding at a funeral at Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe in Villanueva, the mayordomos lamented:
“Fr. Vince, we are now so small a parish and no longer warrant a resident priest.” I replied, “Perhaps, but you have Sr. Elena Carney, and she loves you all and loves your communities!” As priests, we are constantly being honored. There is Priesthood Sunday and the powerful Chrism Mass and there is even Clergy Appreciation Month (can you imagine!). The wonderful Serra Club and Knights of Columbus and holy people of God are constantly affirming and honoring us. Whoever thinks to honor the Women Religious? Well, we do at St. Therese. Thank you, dear sisters—our beautiful and dedicated. By your holy way of life, you are true witnesses of God’s love to all the world. Thank you for your great blessing to all of us here in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.
Native American Ministry Conference on God’s Mercy
By Alan Cherino Native American Advisory Board Member
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he Catholic Center in Albuquerque was the venue in April for the Native American Ministry’s mini-conference on Embracing the Love of God in the Year of Mercy. The conference was sponsored and planned by the Archdiocesan Native American Ministry Office and the Native American Ministry Advisory Board. Three speakers presented on the topic of
God’s mercy during the conference: Embracing the Year of Mercy, Healing & Forgiveness, and Prayer. Msgr. Bennett J. Voorhies, pastor of Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish, talked about various meanings and ways in which we perceive and embrace God’s divine mercy. Divine mercy can be thought of as this: to forgive especially when you think it’s impossible to do so. Msgr. Voorhies shared stories from around the world where God’s love and mercy have come upon people. He explained Jesus’ first mission when He came to earth was to bring God’s mer-
cy – to forgive and to show us how to forgive. It’s His ultimate and greatest gift to the world! I found Msgr. Voorhies to be such a dynamic speaker. Michelle Montez, Executive Director for the Archdiocese’s Pastoral Ministries Division, gave an inspiring presentation on healing & forgiveness. She explained that in the Year of Mercy we are invited to look at how we interact with each other, to not only reach out in forgiveness of each other but to also forgive ourselves, and Continued on page 21
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CONFERENCE continued from page 21
to accept God’s mercy and trust in God in our daily lives. What I found most inspiring was how she used the story of the prodigal son from the Gospel of Luke and cleverly related it to how we all feel at different times in our lives as the characters do in this story. Once again, divine mercy expresses itself in the Father’s forgiveness. (If it has been awhile since you last read this story, now is a good time to read it again: Luke 15:11-32.) Br. James Owens, from the Norbertine Community of Santa Maria de la Vid Abbey, spoke about prayer and led us through thought and reflection to tell us that “God’s mercy is available to all of us.” He explained by reading and reflecting on the Psalms in the Bible it becomes “our submissions of peace to God” and builds “our confidence in God.” His talk was meditative and very thought-provoking. He emphasized at times, we must do “spring cleaning of our souls” much like we do the spring cleaning in our homes. Sometimes our lives can become cluttered and we can fail to see God in our lives. For this, Br. James referred us to the story of “On the Road to Emmaus” (Luke 24:13-35) when Jesus walked with two of His apostles on their journey to Emmaus and they did not recognize Him until upon their arrival in Emmaus, and as they sat for a meal, when Jesus broke the bread and gave thanks, only then did the apostles recognize Him. God’s mercy is indeed available to us! Sometimes we may need to clear our minds and our hearts from our busy and hectic daily lives and pray and open ourselves to God. We don’t want to miss Him when He walks with us do we? Bernadette Jaramillo, Director of the Archdiocese’s Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry, wrapped up the conference presentations with reflection and discussion. Participants were given the opportunity to share what we learned and what it meant to us. The conference was inspiring and a heartfelt learning experience. It taught me we must be open to God’s mercy. We must forgive others as Jesus taught us. The conference concluded with Archbishop John C. Wester celebrating Mass. The Laguna Pueblo native choir provided beautiful music and all the conference attendees participated in the Mass celebration. It was a wonderful experience for all!
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is significantly higher compared to the national average as reported in Health Affairs in The Atlantic, December 11th 2013. In a recent study by Dr. Hsi and Dr. Davis, of 220 New Mexico juveniles in the study, 100% of the boys and 93% of girls were affected by physical neglect; 75% of boys were and 86% of girls were exposed to five or more adverse childhood events. This study was reported in the Albuquerque Journal on May 1st, 2016. Family and Community: New Mexico is 49th in the area of family and community; 43% of our children live in a single-parent household; 24% of our children live in
high-poverty areas; 18% of our children live in families where the household head lacks a high school diploma; and, we had 2,959 teen births in 2013. Many of the families in our community need support so that they can fulfill their dream, that their child has a better life than they did, and it is possible. Positive and comprehensive support systems leads to fewer incidents of child abuse, lower rates of food insecurity, better 4th grade reading scores, higher graduations rates, improved career achievement and productivity and reduced costs in remedial education and criminal justice expenditures and better health outcomes.
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Confirmation at Our Lady of the Annunciation: A First for Archbishop John C. Wester
By Sr. Lisa Marie Doty, FdCC, Director of Youth & Young Adults, Our Lady of the Annunciation, Albuquerque
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t was an honor to have Archbishop John C. Wester with us for the Confirmation celebration in April. It was his very first Youth Confirmation Mass here in the Archdiocese of
Santa Fe since being installed as archbishop last year. You kids are blessed! Archbishop Wester stated, “The Cross is a sign of unity; it’s a sign of life. It is our redemption. It is the Cross that enables us to be who we are in the image of God...the Cross unites us. Sin (on the other hand) separates and fragments us.” When asked what they con-
firmandi wanted to do with their gifts and talents after Confirmation, some replies were: • I want to serve the poor and homeless. • I want to become a lector at Mass. • I want to join a prayer and/or scripture group. • I want to visit the elderly, help them with their yard or
read to them. • I want to sing in the choir. • I want to help with Middle School Youth Group. • I want to sign up for a Holy Hour before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. • I want to help organize fun nights for high school youth group. YOU ARE SEALED with the GIFT of the HOLY SPIRIT!
Holy Ghost Catholic Church Confirmation
Bishop Emeritus Arthur Tafoya administered the sacrament of confirmation to 40 confirmandi at Holy Ghost Parish in April. Parishioners and confirmandi alike were totally captivated by Bishop Tafoya’s charming personality and warm sense of humor. Concelebrating with Bishop Tafoya were pastor of Holy Ghost Parish, Rev. Mark A. Schultz, and Minister to Priests for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, Rev Tom Mayefske, retired pastor.
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A Message to Our First Holy Communicants By Rev. Glennon Jones, Pastor, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Los Alamos
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onderful weekends are in store for many of our youngest as they celebrate their First Holy Communion—their first reception of the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist…His true and continued presence with us until His coming again in glory. Many congratulations to the children and their parents on this happy and blessed occasion. When you consider it, certainly it is the most important day of their lives—to receive Christ and the grace that He brings to each of us. I have framed in the rectory and in the sacristy a meditation from St. Augustine to aid in never taking for granted the privilege for which every priest is so unworthy: “Be ever mindful of the underserved honor given you, O Priest, in whose hands, as in the womb of the Blessed Virgin, the Son of God becomes incarnate.” And yet…you, too—as did the Blessed Mother—receive the Son of God within yourselves. And the Eucharist is not as regular food to be transformed for your own body, but is that wonderful spiritual food that transforms us into HIS Body—the Body of Christ. As Jesus tells us in that wonderful
Eucharistic chapter six of the Gospel of John…very much worth quoting at length: "I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst…Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh…Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats me will live because of me. This is the bread which came down from heaven, not such as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live forever." So, welcome young First Communicants, to the gift of eternal life!…and hold this precious gift in greatest reverence and awe all the days of this life, so that you may enjoy eternal life with Jesus in Heaven in the next.
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One of Our Own: Nominated for Citizen Congressional Medal of Honor
By Clara Maestas, Business Manager, St. John XXIII Catholic Community, Albuquerque
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would like to take this time to recognize a very special person among us, Jude Fournier. Jude has served the archdiocese for over 20 years in many capacities throughout his life. Currently, he is the Director of Religious Formation at St. John XXIII Catholic Community. He organized and started many of the Social Justice programs still active today here at St. John XXIII Catholic Community. He is altruistic in his work and personal life. A couple of months ago, Jude was nominated for the Citizen Congressional Medal of Honor. If you are not aware, this is one of the highest recognitions a non-military individual can have bestowed upon them. Jude is one of the top ten 2016 Citizen Honors Finalists, for “Selfless Service”. The following letter was submitted and used for his nomination, by his friend, who was one of his high school teachers. If you have had the privilege to meet Jude, you will agree with what she shares in her letter, I know I do.
“Jude Fournier received both his Bachelor and Master Degrees from Loyola University in Chicago. Jude entered the Franciscan order in 1978 and remained a brother until 1987. He then spent time teaching, working in parishes and returning home to help care for his mother when she was placed in Hospice. After his mother’s death, he moved to Albuquerque where he worked as a teacher, parish minister, Hospice chaplain, director of education, retreat director, artist, and social justice organizer. As Hospice chaplain, he was on call 24/7 and was the only one for the entire area. He still helps with Memorial Services and lends comfort to families. In 1988, he spent the summer in Nicaragua with ‘Witness for Peace’ during their civil war, even though he was suffering from cancer at the time. In 1998, he went back to Nicaragua to help with relief efforts and re-building. In January 2005, after the Indian Ocean tsunami, he spent a month in Sri Lanka assisting with relief efforts. Most recently, Jude has traveled twice to Haiti and various countries in Africa where he worked to proMEDAL Continued on page 32
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Cuban Refugee Update from Catholic Charities
By Kathy Freeze, Faith and Outreach Coordinator, Catholic Charities s a witness from my position and responsibilities at Catholic Charities, I wanted to share with you the challenge in pastorally handling the influx of Cuban Nationals coming across from Mexico into our state. We are charged to assist them by USCCB but- only about 50% are being determined eligible for formal assistance via the Cuban Haitian Entrance Program (CHEP), but they still are here and in need. Without notice, individuals and families arrive in our lobby looking for assistance, guidance and direction. We know there are 8,000 or more Cubans forecasted to cross the border in coming months and we will see at least a 200% increase in such folks and families looking for aid and possibly as
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high as 500% over those arriving last year. Which means we could easily serve over 400 folks from Cuba via the Mexican border alone—depends on the track they take. If our January figures hold for the year, we will resettle over 700 Cuban nationals with about 50% determine ineligible for CHEP program in 2016. One example - an arrival was deemed ineligible for assistance because previously arrived family could not house him, his family was prevented from allowing him to move in because of HUD regulations governing their subsidized housing situation. They were willing but another government agency said, “NO” and so he gets no assistance as a result. We are being asked by the church (USCCB) to serve more refugees from elsewhere as well this year. Our resources are stretched and case managers are strug-
National Association for Lay Ministry (NALM) to meet in Albuquerque
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he National Association for Lay Ministry (NALM) will hold their annual conference in Albuquerque on June 1-4 at the Hyatt Regency (downtown). Keynote speakers for the event include Diana Macalintal, Director of Worship for the Diocese of San José in California and Msgr. Ray East, nationally known inspirational speaker from the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. This year celebrates the 40th anniversary of the founding of NALM and the conference theme is: Soaring to New Heights: NALM at 40. The event includes two preconference institutes. Fr. Alan Deck and Cecile Motus will be addressing parish business managers and pastoral associates on the topic – Ministering in an Age of Diversity. Fr. Frank Donio, SAC and Barbara Humphrey McCrabb will address the Lay Ministry Formation Directors on the theme of Human Formation through Collaboration. There are various registration packages including student rates, conference only, institute only and full registration. You can find out more by visiting the NALM web site at NALM.org. A one-day rate of $75 for Friday, June 3, is available for local participants. Registration includes access to three workshop sessions. For registration information, contact Rosalie Romero at 505.831.8179 or rromero@archdiosf.org. You can register for the one-day event at https://form.jotform.com/kdavis5430/2016-nalm-conference-1-day PILGRIMAGE continued from page 21
30 years or older, and interested in meeting other Catholic singles. However, anyone can visit the pilgrimage churches at any time on their own. The Single, Single Again tours will take place every second Friday of the month at the pilgrimage churches beginning with mass at 7 p.m. followed by a light reception in the parish hall and tour of the church. “Single, Single Again Year of Mercy Pilgrimage Tour” dates are as follows: May 13 at Holy Family Parish in Chimayo, NM
with a tour of the Shrine of Santuario de Chimayo at 6 p.m. June 10 at Shrine of St. Bernadette in Albuquerque, NM. July 8 at Church of San Miguel in Socorro, NM. August 12 at Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe. NM. There is no charge for the tours. Those wishing to participate are required to RSVP with the Family Life Office either by calling 505.831.8117 or emailing yduran@archdiosf.org.
gling to keep up with these challenges issued to our church and to the archdiocese in particular. If you think your parish would like to support our refugee efforts, either financially or with needed in-kind donations, please contact me and I will be happy to share more information on an individual basis. I also have an adult education program, “Welcoming the Stranger”, that we can schedule at your local parish. Our need is now!
Ministry Resource Center’s Open House May 20-21
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o you love to read? Are you looking for resources such as videos and books to assist in your ministry or raising your children/ grandchildren? Are you just looking for answers to questions about your faith? The Ministry Resource Center of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe has what you are looking for! This wonderful library is free to all and has over 12,000 resources including DVDs, Books, Audio Books, Periodicals and Journals. These are located at our main branch at the Catholic Center in Albuquerque and at our branch at St. Patrick/St. Joseph parish in Raton. We also have eBooks, streaming video and streaming audio books! The biggest news, though, is that, due to our growth, the main branch has recently moved into larger facilities at Lourdes Hall on the St. Pius X campus. An open house and book sale will be held on Friday, May 20 and on Saturday, May 21 from 9am to 3pm (both days). There will be tours of our new facilities, door prizes and refreshments. You can also purchase surplus books and other resources at bargain prices. For more information, call Rosalie at 505.831.8179 or Deacon Keith Davis at 505.831.8187.
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Year of Mercy Pilgrimage Tours’ Offered for Catholic Singles, May 13–Aug. 12
By Beth Lukes, Family Life Office
CASA DE CORAZON The Dream…Becoming Reality
Work on Catholic Charities Casa de Corazon community service center is progressing as the community gears up for the new campus located on Bridge Boulevard in the heart of the South Valley. With forms being set, utility piping peeking up through the foundation and preparations for concrete to be poured, our clients who use the current buildings’ services such as the Children’s Learning Center, Adult-focused English as a Second Language (ESL), High School Diploma Equivalency and Civics classes, and those who seek help from the Center for Immigration and Citizenship Legal Assistance know that more great things are to come as they see the building come to fruition. Once complete, the new 3-story building will combine functions at the Bridge location, with those currently located at our Candelaria NE office: the Center for Refugee Settlement, the Center for Community Involvement which includes our Senior Transportation program and our administrative offices. We recently received the much anticipated $500,000 Challenge Grant from the J. E. and L. E. Mabee Foundation, Inc. and supporters of the Casa de Corazon project continue to respond with donations and in-kind gifts. The Capital Campaign Committee is working on the final fundraising phase for the project to get us to the finish line. During this phase, we will look to install state of the art technology for adult learning, acquire and install furniture and other essential equipment and complete the children’s playground area. We continue to remain grateful to all who support us through their generosity and vision for the good work that will come from Casa de Corazon. You can support the building of Casa de Corazon through the donation page on our website. We encourage you to visit our website (ccasfnm. org) to read about the impact Catholic Charities is making in the lives of those we serve and to learn about how you can help. For questions, contact Dolores Nunez in our development department at nunezd@ccasfnm.org or call 505.724.4693.
When Pope Francis designated this year as the Jubilee of Mercy, he set it apart from any other year to emphasize the need for forgiveness and to reflect upon the mercy that has been shown to us by God. In response to the pope’s call to action, Archbishop John C. Wester and the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Presbyteral Council have designated nine Catholic churches in New Mexico as pilgrimage sites this year. Anyone who visits one or more pilgrimage sites during this Jubilee year will receive plenary indulgences as long as they also go to confession and receive Holy Communion within a week of the pilgrimage; pray for the intentions of the pope; try willfully to detach from sin; and have a desire to join spiritually in the Jubilee of Mercy.
Between May 16 and August 12, the Archdiocesan Family Life Office is giving Catholic singles a chance to take a special “Single, Single Again Year of Mercy Pilgrimage Tour” at four of the designated pilgrimage churches. The tours are open to singles including widowed or divorced who are 30 years or older, and interested in meeting other Catholic singles. However, anyone can visit the pilgrimage churches at any time on their own. The Single, Single Again tours will take place every second Friday of the month at the pilgrimage churches beginning with mass at 7 p.m. followed by a light reception in the parish hall and tour of the church. “Single, Single Again Year of Mercy Pilgrimage Tour” dates are as follows: • May 13 at Holy Family Parish in Chimayo, NM with a tour of the Shrine of Santuario de Chimayo at 6 p.m. • June 10 at Shrine of St. Bernadette in Albuquerque, NM. • July 8 at Church of San Miguel in Socorro, NM. • August 12 at Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe. NM. There is no charge for the tours. Those wishing to participate are required to RSVP with the Family Life Office either by calling 505.831.8117 or emailing yduran@ archdiosf.org.
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Distinguished Disciples By Elizabeth Dominick Advancement Director of Catholic Schools
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nnually, the Archdiocese of Santa Fe hosts the Distinguished Disciple Dinner at the Hotel Albu-
querque. This year’s awards took place on May 6, 2016. Students, teachers and volunteers alike were nominated by their school communities as examples of Christ-like character. The archdiocese recognized 31 individuals
May, 2016
from 16 schools who emanate genuine distinguished disciple-hood. Awardees regularly reach out to those who are less fortunate, volunteer for projects to help the school and larger community, are compassionate and caring to
Aiden Aragon San Felipe
Nathan Arritt Holy Child
Amber Baker St. Thomas
Darren Beckett St. Pius
Kade Benavidez St. Mary's, Belen
Edie Bickell St. Charles
Dolores Castillo San Felipe
Kimberly Deprest Our Lady of Fatima
Cameron Eiting Annunciation
Viola Garcia Queen of Heaven
Marcos Gasca Holy Cross
Andrew Gaudette St. Charles
Dave Janacek St. Michaels
Aileen Littlejohn St. Mary's, Belen
Debbie Marino Our Lady of the Assumption
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all, and live out Catholic faith on a daily basis.
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possessions - as blessings to be shared with others Build the kingdom of God though their example of joyful generosity and sacrifice
According to this definition, Distinguished Disciples: Make a conscious choice to be followThank you, Distinguished Disciples, ers of Christ Live that choice through actions re- for bringing the kingdom of God to our communities. Congratulations on your gardless of the cost to themselves Treat all they have - both talents and awards!
Pat O'Meara St. Therese
Kirk Schriner Our Lady of the Assumption
Monica Rose Penn Our Lady of Fatima
Dylan Provencio Queen of Heaven
Barbara Salas Santo Ni単o
Felicia Sandoval St. Michael
Gloria Serrano Santo Ni単o
Marie Silva St. Mary's ABQ
Roseann Sloan St. Thomas
Antionette Squier Annunciation
Andres Torres St. Pius
Jaiden Torres St. Michael
Ricardo Vela Holy Ghost
Rayannon Velarde Holy Cross
Samuel Venezuela Holy Ghost
Fabriola Vernier St. Therese
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Robotics at St. Charles Borromeo School, Abq. By Barbara Menicucci, St. Charles Borromeo
AFRL Robotic Expo on May 11, 2016. In the student competitions, students will demonstrate the efficientudents in cy of their robot design grades 5 – 8 and programming to at St. Charles drive through a maze Parish School particmaking turns with deipated in the internacisions based on the tional “Hour of Code”, color of the line they are a global movement about to cross or on the to introduce stuproximity of a wall they dents to computer are approaching. programming. UnIn addition to logical der the guidance of thinking and problem solving, it teaches perMrs. McElroy, the sistence, and students 5th grade students must concentrate and continued their comBy puter programming Sara Gonzales and focus on detail. as part of a two- Logan Pierce (in back- working in teams, stuweek computer en- ground) concentrate on dents develop collabogineering unit. This the job of building their ration and communicarobots at St. Charles Partion skills. Teams will spring, Dr. Kathleen ish School. also be required to keep Neuber, the school’s notes on their project science director, has received generous support and submit a final written engineerfrom the Air Force Research Lab ing report. (AFRL) to work with 24 students The future of our students will in grades 5-8 during science class contain many varied careers involvand after school to assemble and ing the use of computers. Our hope program robot kits. Teams of stu- is to spark the interest of students dents earn points for completing to continue on into fields like comspecific tasks, and top teams will puter science, engineering, and be selected to participate in the mathematics.
May, 2016
Santo Niño Regional Catholic School’s Solar Stewardship
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St. Pius X at 60: Learning Through Service By Melissa Sais St. Pius X High School
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St. Pius X High School senior Mandalay Osborn presents her research at the school’s Service Learning Fair.
s St. Pius X High School begins its 60-year celebration, the school’s continued commitment to forming students of character and intelligence shines through in its yearly Service Learning Fair. Each year, senior AP English Language and Composition students combine social justice and service with research and writing. The St.
By Josh Cantrell, Director of Family Engagement
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he Earth is changing. Global warming is man-made, it is real, and it is affecting all areas of the globe. Our Catholic Faith calls us to stewardship. God asks us to be shepherds of our planet and to protect future generations. At Santo Niño Regional Catholic School, we believe our next generations need to learn to protect our environment. In an effort to deliver this type of change we have installed a 300 panel solar system! Our new solar system is now up and running. The system provides our school with 60% of our energy needs. That covers 60% of our electrical needs which would include our lights, our computers, or anytime we plug something in. Just to give you an idea of the savings, our school in past paid an average of $5000 per month. In February, the first month of our school’s solar system operating, we paid approximately $1500. This is not only a savings of money, but a savings of resources. Where does the energy to provide electricity come from? If it does not come from solar or wind it comes from coal, natural gas, and/or nuclear energy. Often times these forms of energy are bundled together and the company you get your electricity from utilize all of these forms of energy to provide electricity. The problem with these forms of energy Continued on page 31
Pius X Service Learning Fair, presented this year on March 9, features the research of about 50 students who have spent hours providing corporal and spiritual works of mercy by volunteering with local organizations while researching the needs of those they serve and developing solutions for helping them. Immigration, prison reform, hunger, mental illness, edu-
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Sartan Socials Beginning Summer 2016 Homecoming, Bonfire, Alumni Football Tailgate Fall 2016 Jamie Tinnin Golf Classic Fall 2016 Decade Celebrations Sept. 2016 - Feb. 2017
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Knights of Columbus State Catholic Girl of the Year: Kulani Gonzales Stocks By Terry Davenport, Financial Assistant to the State Council
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n recognition of the many outstanding Catholic girls throughout the state, the Knights of Columbus State Council conducts an annual scholarship competition for college-bound high school seniors. Nominations are solicited from the 105 New Mexico councils located throughout the state. This year’s winner is a graduating senior from St. Pius High School, Kulani Gonzales
Stocks. She received this prestigious award based upon her outstanding academic achievements, her leadership in school athletics and campus ministries. She is also an accomplished musician for which she has received statewide recognition. In addition, she has continued to serve her parish, the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Alameda Council 9928 which submitted her nomination. She is a truly worthy recipient of this award. Congratulations!
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May 2016 13 Fri 11:50 a.m. 14 Sat 7:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. 15 Sun 11:30 a.m. 17 Tue 10:00 a.m. 18 Wed 10:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 19 Sat 9:00 a.m. 21 Sat 10:00 a.m. 23 Mon 10:00 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 24 Tue 10:00 a.m. 25 Wed 8:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. 26 Thu 11:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m. 28 Sat 5:00 p.m. 29 Sun 12:00 Noon 3:00 p.m. June 2016 2 Thu 4:00 p.m. 3-5 === ===== 6-10 === =====
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Native American Annual Luncheon, Catholic Center Elections, Carmel Monastery, Santa Fe Install Pastor, Fr. Dennis Garcia, Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Santa Fe Listening Session & Confirmation, Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi Santa Fe….joined by Cristo Rey for Confirmation 29th Annual Archdiocesan Catechetical, Youth & Young Adult Affirmation Luncheon, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Albuquerque Transitional Diaconate Ordination, Church of the Incarnation, Rio Rancho Visit with Prior General of Hospitaler Brothers of St. John of the Cross, Vespers, Dinner & Tour of Good Shepherd Center Pastoral Ministry Division Meeting, Catholic Center Priesthood Ordination, Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe St. Michael’s High School Graduation, Cathedral Basilica, Santa Fe St. Pius X High School Baccalaureate, Location TBD St. Pius X High School Graduation, Sandia Resort, Albuquerque Archdiocesan Finance Council, Catholic Center Catholic Daughters of America Board Members, Catholic Center USCCB Communications Committee Virtual Meeting Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, Catholic Center Install Pastor, Fr. Tien-Tri Nguyen, St. Jude Thaddeus, Albuquerque Corpus Christi Mass, Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe Corpus Christi Procession, Santa Fe Opening Mass, National Association for Lay Ministry Conference, Immaculate Conception, Albuquerque Keynote Speaker, Eucharistic Congress, Atlanta, GA Priest Retreat, IHM Retreat Center, Santa Fe
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: Vicar General’s Office/TV Mass 4000 St. Joseph’s Pl. NW, Alb., NM 87120 Check out Sunday and daily readings at www.usccb.org
May 8, 2016
May 29, 2016
May 16, 2016
June 5, 2016
May 22, 2016
June 12, 2016
Ascension of the Lord Rev. Ronald Bowers Pentecost Sunday Rev. Ronald Bowers The Most Holy Trinity Rev. Adam Ortega y Ortiz
Blood & Body of Christ Rev. Adam Ortega y Ortiz 10th Sunday of Ordinary Time Rev. Ronald Bowers 11th Sunday of Ordinary Time Rev. Ronald Bowers
AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE Date Time
Event
Place
Contact
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Sun, May 15 San Isidro/San José Feast Day Est. 1975 San Isidro-San José, SF 505.471.0710 Sun, May 15 San Ysidro Feast Day, Est. 1966 San Ysidro, Corrales 505.898.1779 Sun, May 15 Pentecost Sunday Sun, May 22 Most Holy Trinity Sunday Tues, May 24 Holy Ghost Feast Day Est. 1953 Holy Ghost, Abq 505.265.5957 Thurs, May 26 Corpus Christi Thurs, May 26 San Felipe de Neri Feast Day, Est. 1706 San Felipe de Neri, Abq 505.243.4628 Fri May 27–Sun May 29 The Vatican International Exhibition of the Eucharistic Miracles of the World St. Jude Thaddeus, Abq. 505.507.8307 Mon, May 30 Memorial Day Tues, June 7 Sangre de Cristo, Parish Feast Day, Est. 1972 Sangre de Cristo, Abq 505.293.2327
“May the Dear Lord bless you...” May 2016 17 22 29 28
Very Rev. John B. Trambley Rev. Leo Ortiz Very Rev. James Flanagan, SOLT Rev. Thomas Pulickal O.Praem
June 2016 1 4 5 8 8 11 11 11
Rev. Dominic Pierson Rev. Anthony G. Maes Rev. Edward Domme Rev. C. John Brasher Rev. Edward Gries, O.Praem Rev. Msgr. Francis Eggert Rev. Julio Gonzales, SF Rev Juan Mendez
Roman Catholic Saints Calendar May 2016
15 St. Isidore the Farmer 16 St. Margaret of Cortona 17 St. Paschal Baylon 18 St. John I 19 St. Theophilus of Corte 20 St. Bernardine of Siena 21 St. Cristóbal Magallanes & Companions 22 St. Rita of Cascia 23 St. Gregory VII 24 St. Mary Magdalene de' Pazzi 25 St. Bede the Venerable 26 St. Philip Neri 27 St. Augustine of Canterbury 28 Venerable Pierre Toussaint 29 St. Madeleine Sophie Barat 30 St. Joan of Arc 31 Visitation
June 2016 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
St. Justin Sts. Marcellinus and Peter Sts. Charles Lwanga and Companions Blessed Angeline of Marsciano St. Boniface St. Norbert Blessed Franz Jaegerstaetter St. William of York St. Ephrem Blessed Joachima St. Barnabas Blessed Jolenta (Yolanda) of Poland St. Anthony of Padua St. Albert Chmielowski
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SANTO NINO continued from page 28
is that they create a great deal of waste in the air and in our landfills. The burning of coal creates different forms of ash, slag, and other heavy metal filled materials. Natural gas, while being the cleanest burned fuel creates methane gas emissions and carbon emissions that lead to global warming. Nuclear energy can be dangerous, as is evident in nuclear accidents such as at the Fukushima plant where radioactive materials leaked into the environment. These types of wastes can remain in the environment for tens of thousands of years and can lead to all manner of illnesses and even genetic deformities. Our community’s goal as Catholics is to steward our land and provide a safe world for our children. With the addition of our system we are doing all we can to protect the land we have been given.
2016 Abuse Awareness Training for Adults: Creating a Safe Environment for Our Children (formerly known as the Sexual Abuse Misconduct Prevention Workshop)
Rev. 05.03.16 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 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 IN THE EVENT OF BAD WEATHER – CALL 505-831-8144 FOR A RECORDING ADVISING IF THE TRAINING IS CANCELLED
June 16, 2016 6:00 – 9:00 pm Thursday June 18, 2016 9:00a.m. – Noon Saturday CALL THE PARISH ENGLISH TO REGISTER June 18, 2016 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Saturday CALL THE PARISH *SPANISH* TO REGISTER July 16, 2016 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Saturday July 23, 2016 9:00 a.m. – Noon Saturday August 18, 2016 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Thursday August 25, 2016 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Thursday September 10, 2016 9:00 a.m. – Noon Saturday October 13, 2016 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Thursday November 5, 2016 9:00 a.m. – Noon Saturday December 1, 2016 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Thursday
Catholic Center 4000 St. Joseph Pl. NW, Alb. 87120 Our Lady of Guadalupe 108 N. Davis St Clovis, 88101 Our Lady of Guadalupe 108 N. Davis St. Clovis, 88101 St. Patrick/St. Joseph 105 Buena Vista, Raton, 87740 Catholic Center 4000 St. Joseph Pl. NW, Alb., 87120 Catholic Center 4000 St. Joseph Pl. NW, Alb. 87120 Our Lady of Belen 101 –A North 10th St., Belen, 87002 Catholic Center 4000 St. Joseph Pl. NW, Alb. 87120 Catholic Center 4000 St. Joseph Pl. NW, Alb. 87120 Catholic Center 4000 St. Joseph Pl. NW, Alb. 87120 Catholic Center 4000 St. Joseph Pl. NW, Alb. 87120
PREGUNTAS Y RESPUESTAS continued from page 17
ación apostólica es un paralelo y complemento del documento de 1981 Familiaris consortio ("Sobre la misión de la familia cristiana en el mundo actual"), promulgado por el papa san Juan Pablo II después del sínodo sobre la familia en 1980, que ha sido una piedra de toque para la pastoral del matrimonio y la vida familiar desde su publicación. Juan Pablo II dio a la Iglesia otro documento para las familias en 1994, titulado "Carta a las familias", y su catequesis sobre el amor humano, comúnmente llamada la "teología del cuerpo", también ha enriquecido profundamente la contemplación de la Iglesia sobre el matrimonio y la vida familiar de hoy. Todas estas obras son citadas en varios
puntos en Amoris laetitia. Otros documentos clave, también citados, son la constitución pastoral Gaudium et spes (Sobre la Iglesia en el mundo actual) del Concilio Vaticano II, la carta encíclica Humanae vitae (Sobre la vida humana) del beato papa Pablo VI, y la encíclica Deus caritas est (Sobre el amor cristiano) del papa emérito Benedicto XVI. ¿Cómo puedo obtener un ejemplar de la exhortación apostólica? Amoris laetitia puede comprarse a través de USCCB Store:http:// store.usccb.org/Post-Synodal-Apostolic-Exhortation-on-the-Family-p/7-540. htm. También se puede leer en su totalidad en el sitio web del Vaticano: www.vatican.va.
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cation and poverty are examples of topics addressed by this year’s senior class. Students provide at least 20 hours of service in their area of interest as part of their Catholic social justice instruction in Theology class and as part of their 40 hours of required service during the senior year. Across the curriculum in AP English Language and Composition, they research their service topic, write a 10page research paper on their findings and develop a presentation they share with visitors to the fair. “The AP course requires a non-fiction research component and a presentation, and
St. Pius requires service, so we fulfill both of those with the Service Learning Fair,” says AP English Language and Composition teacher Susie Sanchez. “Through their volunteer work and their research, students are able to learn a much deeper lesson.” Celebrate 60 years of St. Pius X with events planned throughout 2016-2017 to bring together Sartans and to celebrate the school and its impact on our community and our world. Sartan Socials throughout the summer, Homecoming gatherings, celebrations of the six decades of St. Pius X graduates, and a Christmas Alumni Mass are some of the events planned. For more information call 505.831.8437.
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St. Vincent de Paul’s Banquet
Archbishop John C. Wester, jubilarian honoree Ernesto Chavez, R.J. Griego and Fr. Felipe Valadez.
By Eva Pereira, President, AVdP Archdiocesan Council of Santa Fe
T
he Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the archdiocese celebrated its Annual Archbishop’s Banquet on Saturday April 2nd at Our Lady of Belen Parish Hall. The celebration began with a Mass with 150 Vincentians in attendance. Archbishop John C. Wester was
the celebrant and Fr. Felipe Valadez was the co-celebrant for the Mass. Music for the Mass was provided by the Our Lady of Sorrows choir group lead by guitarist RJ Griego and Dennis Chavez as the vocalist. Lunch was provided by the Southwest St. Vincent de Paul Council with the Our Lady BANQUET continued on page 33
MEDAL OF HONOR continued from page 23
vide clean water to remote villages. He sponsors children in Kenya. He has visited Malawi, Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa, and has worked extensively with AIDS orphanages. He returned to Kenya in February 2016 to reunite with his sponsored children and continue his work in the AIDS orphanages. This summer, he plans to travel
to Nepal to help with rebuilding after the earthquake of 2015. In spite of serious personal health issues which include cancer twice, open heart surgery, a stroke, and an ongoing blood disorder, Jude has devoted his entire life to the service of others who are in need. He has done this with no thought of personal recognition or re-
imbursement. He has used vacation time to assist people around world. His kindness and gentleness toward everyone he meets are qualities which endear him to people and make him truly unforgettable. I had the privilege of teaching Jude as a high school student 40 years ago. I have closely followed his career and life and marveled at
the impact he has had on people around the world as well as in communities where he lives. I am truly blessed to have Jude Fournier as my life-long friend.” The picture shown on page 25 is of Jude [February 2016] and one of the four little girls he sponsors through “Unbound”. She is seen holding her little sister, they live in Kenya.
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The Power of Men Under Construction
By Dave Meurer, Men Under Construction Committee member
T
he 10th Annual Men Under Construction conference is August 13, 2016 at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. One way to show the impact of men spending a day at Men Under Construction is best told through stories, like mine. I am a cradle Catholic: I go to church every weekend, I am a product of Catholic Schools - all the way through college. And yet in so many ways, my faith was more or less on the surface. I believe in all the teachings of our church, but I did not have any real understanding of why and how my faith should impact my life and my family. My neighbor invited me to the first Men Under Construction in 2006, and just being there, listening to the speaker, being with other guys, started a change that has continued to the present. I did not
know what to expect, and guess what? Many of the other men did not know what to expect either. So many of us guys want to be good men, solid fathers, and good Catholics, but the “church and faith” stuff seemed better suited to our wives than for us. Boy was I wrong. Just being there, listening, praying, and opening my mind and heart to the power of the Holy Spirit, has taken me so much further down this road of living my faith. I am a Catholic – from the heart out, not just the teeth out. I still have so many miles to go, but now I know why, and so I am committed to attending Men Under Construction every year. This one day can change your heart, and your life. Join us, even if you don’t know what to fully expect. I am sure you will be a better man for having been there with us. www. MUCNM.com
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of Belen Parish Hall as a venue. The host conferences were, Our Lady of Belen, Our Lady of Sorrows conference from La Joya, St. Clemente Conference of Los Lunas, and Immaculate Conception conference in Tome. Our Lady of Guadalupe in Peralta and St. Alice in Mountainair. Attending the Annual Banquet where 200 Vincentians from Cañones, Española, Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, Albuquerque, and Mountainair. The lunch program included the music of Lenora Romero , Gloria Zamora and Macloavio Zamora. They treated the gathering of Vincentians to a Vincentian song unique to the Manzano Mountains. Gozos a San Vicente has been sung in the missions of the Marzanos for generations. The chant recounts the life of San Vicente, his acts of charity and his virtues. It is traditionally sung on the September 27th, feast day of Saint Vincent de Paul at the Mission of Saint Vincent de Paul in Punta de Agua. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe presented the financial report to the membership and to the archbishop. This year’s report showed the society is present in 50 parishes representing 53% of the archdiocese. Our conferences made 44,607 in-person visits - an increase of 44.4%. Over 160,000 people were helped with either direct financial assistance or in-kind assistance for a total of $3,518,430 million dollars in assistance, an increase of 16.6%. Four Jubilarian Awards are presented every year to Vincentians who have served their parish communities. Archbishop Wester presented this year’s awards. The certificates were awarded to:
• Ernesto Chavez, Our Lady of Sorrows, La Joya • Erasmo Garza, Queen of Heaven, Alb. • Luis Martinez, Price of Peace, Alb. • Joe Salas, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Santa Fe Archbishop Wester congratulated and thanked the honorees and is grateful to Vincentians for their works. He stressed the significance of the service St. Vincent de Paul brings to parish life in the archdiocese. In the archdiocese, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul consists of 1000 members in 50 conferences and seven stores that serve their communities with assistance to those in need. If you would like to know more about the St. Vincent de Paul Society please call the Pastoral Outreach office at 505.831.8174. 4333 Pan American Fwy. NE ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87107 PHONE: (505) FAX: John A. Menicucci, CPM President / Real Estate
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St. Jude Thaddeus Parish in Albuquerque Proudly Presents The Vatican International Exhibition of the Eucharistic Miracles of the World Displayed Fri., May 27 8:30am-8pm, Sat., May 28 10am-8pm, Sun., May 29 8:30am-7pm - The Feast of Corpus Christi
M
ost Eucharistic miracles involve incidences in which the Host has “turned into human flesh and blood”. Of course we as Catholics believe that the consecrated Host is the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord, under the appearances of bread and wine. Therefore, Jesus, through these miracles, merely manifests His Presence in a more tangible way. Throughout Christian history, our Lord has shown us that he is really present as the Blessed Sacrament. Interestingly, many Eucharistic miracles have occurred during times of weakened Faith. For instance, many Eucharist miracles have taken place as a result of someone doubting the Real Presence. Included on the back of this page are images of just a few of these miracles, and the exhibitions. All of these Eucharistic Miracles have received full approval by the Church. In the entire history of the Catholic Church there has been numerous Eucharistic miracles approved by the Catholic Church as truly worthy of belief. The Vatican Eucharistic Miracles Photographic Exhibition faithfully recounts for us many well documented miraculous occurrences. Knowledge of these miracles strengthens our faith in Christ and His Church. Antonio Salzano Acutis from the
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Pontifical Academy Cultorum Martyrum compiled and produced the exhibition. Msgr. Raffaello Martinelli, Head of the Catechism of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith, is the promoter of the exhibition. They have entrusted to Cardinal Raymond L. Burke The Vatican Exhibition of the Eucharistic Miracles of the World to be displayed throughout the United States. Lanciano, Italy -- 8th century A.D. - A priest has doubts about the Real Presence; however, when he consecrates the Host it transforms into flesh and blood. This miracle has undergone extensive scientific examination and can only be explained as a miracle. The flesh is actually cardiac tissue which contains arterioles, veins, and nerve fibers. The blood type as in all other approved Eucharistic miracles is type AB! Blanot, France -- March 31, 1331 - The Eucharist falls out of a woman’s mouth onto an altar rail cloth. The priest tries to recover the Host but all that remains is a large spot of blood the same size and dimensions as the wafer. The Lord performs these miracles to give us a sign, easy and visible to all, that in the Eucharist there is the true body and true blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Under the appearances of flesh and blood Jesus is truly and substantially contained as He was before the miracle. For this reason, we can adore our Lord Jesus Christ truly present under the species of flesh and blood. Please join for this extraordinary event in the Old Church Building and for Adoration in the Chapel!
WANTED: Religious Education Director Guymon, OK St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church is in the process of hiring a new Religious Education Director. Located in the center of the Oklahoma Panhandle, the city of Guymon offers one of the most diverse cultural experiences in the country. There are people located here from many corners of the world because of job opportunities. As a result, our church is blessed with the challenges that the convergence of cultures and language offer. Predominantly we deal on a daily basis with Spanish, English and Guatemalan people. Our task at St. Peters is to offer an experience of unity in Catholic faith in a variety of ways. We are offering a full-time position with benefits including insurance in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. If you are up for the challenge please call us at 580.338.7212 and speak to Fr. Mike Wheelahan, the pastor.
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New Mexico Conference of Catholic Churches
Judicatory Heads and their Deputies meet to discuss the next best steps in faith for New Mexico Conference of Churches. Front Row: Ruth Hoffman, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry; Carolyn Good, Church Women United; Kay Huggins, acting ED for NMCC; Charlotte Hoppe, Lead Minister Mission West Disciples of Christ; Bishop Michael Vono, Diocese of the Rio Grande; Allan Bash, Deputy for the Southwest Conference UCC. Back Row: Rob Craig, Deputy for the Presbytery of Santa Fe; Archbishop John C. Wester, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Santa Fe; Bishop Jim Gonia, Rocky Mountain Synod ELCA: Provost Randall Partin, New Mexico Conference UMC; John Williams, President, Rio Grande Mission Center, Community of Christ; Msgr. Bennett J. Voorhies, Deputy for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Santa Fe.
By Wanda Tuck Administrative Assistant, NMCC
O
n April 14-15, 12 representatives from the 13 member judicatories of the New Mexico Conference of Churches met at Santa Maria de la Vid Norbertine Community. The day was designed to provide direction to
the Board of NMCC following the conclusion of the ministry of the Reverend Donna McNiel as Executive Director. Acting ED, Kay Huggins, facilitated the day by rehearsing the various shapes, names and programmatic emphases held by this 50 year old statewide relationship of church leaders and denominations. Together the participants probed realities, celebrated oppor-
tunities and stretched imagination on the form, practices, commitments, and risks involved in expressing the unity of Christ’s body in this place and time. Please hold the Board of the NMCC in your prayers as they receive the encouragement of the Judicatory Heads and their Deputies and open a new chapter in this New Mexico ecumenical story.
Greetings in this Year of Mercy! By Most Rev. John C. Wester
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e have been blessed by Pope Francis announcing a Jubilee Year of Mercy Dec. 8, 2015 to Nov. 20, 2016. Many of our saints, of course, have lived this virtue,
offering loving kindness and compassion to all. I hope that you can join me on a special pilgrimage with the Catholic Press Association to Italy Sept. 1-12, 2016. We will visit Rome, Assisi, Cascia, Loreto, San Giovanni and several other sites associated with saints whose lives are ex-
amples of mercy. During the pilgrimage we will have the opportunity to reflect on God’s mercy in our lives and for our world. We will be able to pray with both ancient and new religious communities that daily practice the corporal works of mercy, such as the community of Sant’ Egidio. We will partake in the Church’s ancient tradition of walking through designated Holy Doors in Rome and celebrate the feast day of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, perhaps even being able to witness her canonization! Due to previous commitments, I will be joining you after the Rome segment of the pilgrimage. One of my favorite places on the tour is Assisi, the home of St. Francis, patron saint of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Of course, we will also reflect on God’s great gift of creation, as we enjoy the beauty of the Italian countryside and the warm Italian hospitality. Through all of this, I believe each of us will grow in our appreciation of God’s love and mercy, and realize more deeply our personal call to kindness and faithfulness. I hope you can join me on this pilgrimage of gratitude for God’s mercy!
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Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Confirmation
Tuesday, May 3, 2016, youth and RCIA ministers and members of the ministry team had the privilege of presenting to Vicar General Very Rev. John Daniel, Archbishop Wester’s delegate, 93 youth and young adults who prepared to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. It was a beautiful Mass where the candidates said “yes” to the same baptismal promises made on their behalf by their parents and godparents when they were baptized as infants or very young children. One by one, each candidate stood before the
presider who called them by name, anointed them with Chrism, and through the laying on of hands sealed each with the gifts of the Holy Spirit—gifts given to strengthen them as disciples and witnesses to the Good News of Jesus Christ. Thank you to Fr. John Daniel; Fr. Robert Campbell, O.Praem., pastor of Holy Rosary, Fr. Graham Golden, O.Praem., parochial vicar of Holy Rosary; Fr. Eric Ramirez, parochial vicar of Immaculate Conception; Deacon Joe Silva and all the parish community. Congratulations Confirmandi!
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
AMAZING TALENTS 2016 Catholic Schools’ Art Show
The Archdiocese of Santa Fe Catholic Schools held its 3rd Annual All Schools Art Festival in April 22 at the Catholic Center and St. Pius X High School facilities. Over 500 pieces of art were submitted by elementary, middle and high school students and were on display. Awards in various categories were presented, including Best of Show in each age group. Performing Arts featured an all schools choir performance (comprised of approximately 108 Ceramic Coil Pot. Amanda Rudolph. 10th students from various Catholic Schools in the archdiocese). St. Grade. St. Michael’s High School, Santa Fe. Michael’s Choir and St. Pius X students performed Broadway Ole. Please plan to join us next year on April 28-29, 2017. For a list of all winners please visit www.asfcatholicschools.org/news/2016archdiocesan-art-fair-festival-winners Plastic Bag Flowers. Middle School. Holy Ghost. Albuquerque.
Painting. Izaiah Sedillo 10th Grade. St. Pius X High School, Albuquerque.
Cochiti Parish. Daniel Kupcho. 4th Grade. Santa Niño Regional Catholic School, Santa Fe.
Nativity. Pre-school Collaboration. Our Lady of the Annunciation, Albuquerque.