November 9, 2007 by Catholic San Francisco

Pope discusses global issues with Saudi king

Catholic san Francisco Northern California’s Weekly Catholic Newspaper

(CNS PHOTO/CHRIS HELGREN, REUTERS)

By Cindy Wooden

Pope Benedict XVI met with Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah Aziz at the Vatican Nov. 6.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Interreligious dialogue, peace in the Middle East and the life of Christians living in Saudi Arabia were on the agenda when Pope Benedict XVI met King Abdullah Aziz of Saudi Arabia. After his audience with the pope Nov. 6, the king also had a separate meeting with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican secretary of state. In the context of expressing hope for “the prosperity of all the country’s inhabitants,” the Vatican said it also raised the issue of the “positive and hardworking presence of Christians” in Saudi Arabia, which prohibits the public expression of any faith other than Islam. As king, the Saudi Arabian ruler also is the guardian of Islam’s sacred mosque in Mecca, where the founder of Islam, Mohammed, was born, and of Medina, where Mohammed’s tomb is located. Pope Benedict greeted the king by extending both hands for a double handshake and then led the king into his library. The pope and the king spent about 30 minutes behind closed doors, speaking with the help of two translators. In keeping with normal protocol, Pope Benedict and King Abdullah exchanged gifts. The pope gave the king a large etching of the Vatican made in 1550 and a gold medal. The king gave the pope a small silver and gold sculpture of a camel rider under a palm tree and a long gold sword with a gem-encrusted handle. The Vatican said the meetings with the pope and with Cardinal Bertone “were held in a cordial climate and allowed for the discussion of heartfelt themes.” “In particular,” the Vatican said, “they reaffirmed SAUDI KING, page 14

Veterans Day: sacrifice, courage and comrades recalled St. Monica parishioner presented WWII veterans share stories Purple Heart; praises fallen friends of war and life in unique book By Tom Burke

By Michael Vick

U.S. Army Specialist Ramsey Steven Raher was presented with a Purple Heart at St. Monica Church in San Francisco Oct. 1. Raher received the award for injuries he sustained as a front line troop in Iraq. The Raher family, from left: Brendan, More than 200 friends, family and St. Tom, Ramsey, Christine and Cassidy. Monica parishioners were there for the rite. Army Captain tal in Baghdad,” said Christine Raher, Michael R. Gerold, an assistant professor, Ramsey’s mother. She and his father, Tom, Department of Military Science at the president of St. Monica Parish Council, University of San Francisco, officiated. celebrated 32 years of marriage Oct. 12. Father John Greene, pastor, led an open- Tom said learning of Ramsey’s brush with death made him feel “helpless, sad, angry, ing and closing prayer. “We received a phone call from the sorry, grateful, the whole gamut.” Christine called the time after the Army at 6 a.m. July 31 telling us our son PURPLE HEART, page 8 had been wounded and airlifted to a hospi-

Ken Burns’ recent documentary, “The War,” showcased the stories of average soldiers in new ways, revealing hidden stories behind the most explosive conflict of the 20th century. One reason Burns cited for those stories remainChildhood friends, from left, Ken Ross, Carl ing in the shadows for so long is the costly Swendsen and Normand Black write about psychological trauma “three ordinary guys, fresh out of high school, inflicted on young who sign up to do their part” in World War II in men in war. In 2005, a trio of their book, “We Didn’t Know We Were Heroes.” San Francisco natives and World War II veterans published interested in what we had to say,” said Ken their account of World War II, and raised Ross, co-author with childhood friends a different reason why so many stories Normand Black and Carl Swendsen of the book “We Didn’t Know We Were Heroes.” remained shrouded. HEROES, page 9 “We just didn’t think people would be

INSIDE THIS WEEK’S EDITION Cord blood sought . . . . . . . 3 Sex abuse report due . . . . . 6 Archbishop’s homily. . . . . 12 Scripture . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Men ordained transitional deacons

Local parishioner makes solo sojourn to Sudan

Cathedral choirs return from Italy performances

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November 9, 2007

SEVENTY-FIVE CENTS

Datebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Classified ads . . . . . . . 18-19

www.catholic-sf.org VOLUME 9

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No. 34

Catholic San Francisco

November 9, 2007

On The Where You Live by Tom Burke Let’s hear it for Michelle Hufford, proprietor of San Rafael’s “Come to the Point” needlepoint shop and whose work recently found its way into the Vatican. A woven wine carrier Michelle made caught the eye of fellow Marinite Heidi Kuhn who thought it perfect for a bottle of Robert Mondavi wine, specially autographed by the vintner, and set to be presented to Pope Benedict XVI in a private audience. “Thank you for the beautiful needlepoint wine holder created by your talented daughter, as it was proudly used to present the bottle of Robert Mondavi 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon— hand signed—to His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, on Oct. 3, 2007, at the Vatican,” Heidi said in a note to Michelle’s folks Sandy and Chuck Hufford. “I guess Michelle can now say she is needlepointer to the pope,” the proud-as-can-be Sandy told me. Heidi, by the way, is founder of “Roots of Peace,” an internationally known effort to “remove landmines and establish schools and soccer fields” in Afghanistan and other countries. Heidi’s daughter, Kyleigh, 20, who presented the wine to the Holy Father, is founder of “Pennies for Peace” and has raised more than $150,000 for the cause which so far has “cleared more than 11 million square meters of land, removed over 100,000 landmines” and helped more

Denise Cunha-Lopes with sons, Nathan, grade 2, and Diego, grade 6, at Mom/Son Dance at St. Hilary School.

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than 7,000 farmers return to their land and increase their prayer and blessings for safety and abundance went wonderincomes by more than 30 percent and in some cases 100 per- fully, Frank said. We have early Italian immigrants to thank cent…. More than 180 moms and sons tripped the light fan- for the rite, which came here by way of Porticello, Sicily tastic at the annual Mother/Son Dance at St. Hilary some 72 years ago, Frank said….Did you catch last week’s Elementary in October. story on new youth min“The rains miraculously istry, religious education stopped and the fun and confirmation leaders began,” said Debra Link in several parishes? Well, whom we thank for the the names of two addigood news. Debra and tional laborers in parish her husband, Bernie, are ministry reached us after the proud parents of St. press deadline. A big Hilary 7th grader Logan welcome and thanks to who took pictures of the two new parish directors event with her classmate, of religious education — Katrina Gale. The Sister Maureen O’Brien, evening was thanks to BVM, at St. Teresa’s, the planning of parent San Francisco, and Sister volunteers Mimi Towle Lourdes Pilapil, RVM, at and Julie Munro. Also Heidi Kuhn and Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican in October. St. Patrick’s, San pitching in was school Francisco. This is an principal Jan Lovette. Dads don’t be sad, Debra said. A empty space without ya’! The e-mail address for Street is Father/Daughter Dance is scheduled for February…. Thanks burket@sfarchdiocese.org. Mailed items should be sent to to Frank Lavin of St. Isabella Parish in San Rafael for his “Street,” One Peter Yorke Way, SF 94109. Pix should be round-up on the Blessing of the Fishing Fleet at Fishermen’s hard copy or electronic jpeg at 300 dpi. Don’t forget to Wharf in September. With Salesian Father John Itzaina, include a follow-up phone number. Call me at (415) 614pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, presiding, the event of 5634 and I’ll walk you through it. (PHOTO CREDIT: FOTOGRAFIA FELICI, WWW.FOTOGRAFIAFELICI.COM)

(PHOTO CREDIT: LOGAN LINK AND KATRINA GALE)

Freshmen young women continue tradition at Mercy High School, Burlingame where their moms also attended school. Lindley Stovall, bottom left, Ann Grey Stovall ’68; Shannon Molloy, Kelly Hendon Molloy ’89; Catherine Gogarty Winnett ’81, Jennifer Winnett; Colleen Ryan Crespo ’86, Alicia Musselman; Josette DeNatale Reid ’82, Rebecca Reid.

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November 9, 2007

Two men ordained transitional deacons for Archdiocese Oakland Bishop Allen Vigneron ordained five men to the transitional diaconate Nov. 3 at St. Pius Church in Redwood City, including two men studying for the priesthood for the Archdiocese of San Francisco — Juan M. Lopez (left photo, kneeling) and Ghislain C. Bazikila (right, kneeling). The other three were Tinh T. Dang, San Jose Diocese; Luis G. Navarro, Stockton Diocese, and Kenneth R. Nobrega, Oakland Diocese. All five are students at St. Patrick’s Seminary and University in Menlo Park. Sulpician Father Gerald Brown, seminary president and rector, and Father Thomas Daly, director of vocations for the Archdiocese of San Francisco, were among the concelebrants. The Mass included song and readings in several languages including English, Vietnamese, Spanish and American Sign Language.

Campaign for northern California umbilical cord blood bank set By Rick DelVecchio The Joanne Pang Foundation is leading a $2.5 million fund-raising campaign to create the Northern California Umbilical Cord Blood Bank. The campaign will start formally with an announcement Thursday, Nov. 15, at 1 p.m. on the steps of City Hall in San Francisco. The public, non-profit bank would store umbilical cord stem cells, a rich source of

bone marrow stem cells. Umbilical cells are a non-invasive alternative to bone marrow transplants in treating bone marrow disorders, including genetic diseases and leukemia, and in helping patients recover from radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The therapy is approved by the Catholic Church, which opposes the use of human embryonic stem cells because it involves the destruction of a human embryo. “There are 70 conditions or diseases that can be effectively treated by stem cells,”

said Scott Hildula, president of the Pang Foundation. The Pang Foundation was begun in memory of Joanne Pang, a St. Cecilia School fourth-grader who died of leukemia in 2003 at the age of nine. Cord blood might have been used in her therapy if it had been available locally at the time. Last month Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed SB 962, a bill requiring the state Department of Public Health provide umbilical cord blood samples to the Birth Defect

Monitoring Program, for storage and research. The bill also requires the state to inform pregnant women about options for donating umbilical cord blood. “There’s been a lot of legislation to create cord blood banks where cord blood can be captured, banked and typed the way they type blood,” said Vicki Evans, Respect Life coordinator for the Archdiocese of San Francisco. “I can’t say enough good about cord blood.” UMBILICAL, page 6

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Catholic San Francisco

November 9, 2007

in brief

NEWS

Father Robinson dies at 78 LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Members of the Los Angeles Catholic community said they will remember the late Divine Word Father Fisher Robinson Jr., an African-American priest who was a beloved local and national figure, as a mentor with quiet wisdom, a supporter of black Catholic leadership and a faith-filled priest. A funeral Mass was celebrated Oct. 23 at St. John the Evangelist Church in South Father Fisher Robinson, Los Angeles. He died Oct. Jr., SVD 18 at age 78. Father Robinson was a founder of the National Black Catholic Congress. A native of Abbeville, La., he entered the Society of the Divine Word in 1943 in Bay St. Louis, Miss., professed his first vows in 1950 in Techny, Ill., and was ordained a priest May 1, 1958. Over the years he served in Louisiana, Mississippi and California, where he had lived since 1963.

Addresses Turkey, Iraq tension VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI called for a peaceful solution to mounting tensions between Turkey and northern Iraq. Recent events unfolding along the border between Turkey and Iraq “are a cause of concern for me and for everyone,” he said Nov. 4 after praying the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square. Turkey has threatened to launch a major incursion into northern Iraq if more is not done to combat Kurdish rebels who have been striking targets in Turkey

SCRIPTURE SEARCH

from northern Iraq. Some 100,000 Turkish troops — backed by tanks and military aircraft — have been deployed along the Iraqi border.

Ads back Mexico City policy WASHINGTON (CNS) — The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops ran ads in four publications on Capitol Hill Oct. 30 and 31 to urge members of Congress to continue to support the so-called Mexico City policy, which does not allow federal funds to go to agencies that perform and promote abortion as a family planning method in developing countries. The full-page ads, paid for by a grant from the Knights of Columbus, appeared in Roll Call, The Hill, CQ Daily and Congress Daily AM. They coincided with a hearing held Oct. 31 by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs to look into the policy’s “impact on family planning and reproductive health.”

KCs distribute wheelchairs NEW HAVEN, Conn. - The Knights of Columbus will distribute $1 million worth of wheelchairs to veterans in need at four VA hospital locations on Veterans Day weekend, Nov. 9 and 10, continuing a long history of K of C service to the men and women of the U.S. military. The Knights of Columbus has purchased 2000 wheelchairs and partnered with the Wheelchair Foundation to distribute them. Five hundred wheel chairs will be distributed in Bonham, Texas (near Dallas) on Nov. 9, and additional distributions of 500 wheelchairs will take place in Washington, D.C., Chicago and Los Angeles on Nov. 10. Guatemala City, Guatemala - As the heavy rains associated with Tropical Storm Noel, which caused widespread flooding in the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba started to slow, the scope of the destruction became more clear. Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has committed an initial $50,000 in relief efforts and mobilized emergency supplies including water purification and collection materials, plastic sheeting, and mosquito nets for some 1,000 families in the Dominican Republic. The country was the hardest hit, with 56 people dead and about 28,000 evacuated. In Haiti, already reeling from earlier rains that led to 35 deaths, CRS is providing hygiene and kitchen kits to families in Oranger, just north of capital city Port-auPrince. In Cuba, where flooding damaged crops and homes in the eastern provinces of Las Tunas and Holguin, CRS Cuba, working with Caritas Cubana, is providing bedding, food and home repairs to 150 families.

FCC might relax rules WASHINGTON (CNS) — Federal Communications Commission chairman Kevin Martin has unveiled an intent

By Patricia Kasten

Gospel for November 11, 2007 Luke 20:27-38

QUESTION WROTE FOR US SEVEN WHOSE WORTHY ABRAHAM LIVING

A D

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — A new book by a Jesuit scholar aims to “decode” the Sistine Chapel’s famous frescoes, examining a rich but largely hidden array of theological images and symbols. “The Sistine Chapel: A New Vision,” the first of a new series of in-depth works on Vatican artistic monuments, was presented at the Vatican Oct. 30. Father Heinrich Pfeiffer, an art history professor at Rome’s Pontifical Gregorian University, said the idea for his book grew out of a visit to the Sistine Chapel nearly 50 years ago. One of his conclusions is that Sistine Chapel artists did not invent themes, designs and even many of the details in their paintings, but were guided by papal theologians.

Troubled by Vatican remarks VATICAN CITY (CNS) — After 138 Muslim scholars wrote to top Christian leaders highlighting shared religious values as a basis for working together for peace and understanding, a Vatican official raised questions about the possibilities for dialogue with Muslims. Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, the longtime Vatican diplomat who became president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue in September, has said the Vatican would respond formally to the Muslim scholars. But he raised concerns among the Muslim signers when he told a French Catholic newspaper he was not sure “theological dialogue” was possible with Muslims. The newspaper asked the cardinal if theological dialogue was possible with members of other religions. “With some religions, yes. But with Islam, no, not at this time. Muslims do not accept the possibility of discussing the Quran, because it is written, they say, as dictated by God. NEWS IN BRIEF, page 5

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to relax media ownership rules — possibly by December — if he can get two more votes on the five-member FCC. Ownership rules were previously relaxed in 1996. Those rules increased the number of radio stations one company could own in one market to eight, gave greater leeway to companies owning two TV stations in the same market, and increased the percentage of Americans one company could reach with the TV stations it owns. Martin has not released details of his plan.

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Catholic San Francisco

News in brief . . . ■ Continued from page 4

(CNS PHOTO/TOMAS BRAVO, REUTERS)

With such a strict interpretation, it is difficult to discuss the content of faith,” he said in the interview published Oct. 18. Aref Ali Nayed, one of the signers of the letter and senior adviser to the Cambridge Interfaith Program at Britain’s Cambridge University divinity faculty, told Catholic News Service, “Cardinal Tauran’s statement … was very disappointing indeed.”

Vatican: end death penalty, torture VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Christians must work for the abolition of the death penalty and all forms of torture, said Cardinal Renato Martino, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. “Christians are called to cooperate for the defense of human rights and for the abolition of the death penalty, torture, inhuman or degrading treatment” both in wartime and in times of peace, the cardinal said. “These practices are grave crimes against the human person created in the image of God and a scandal for the human family in the 21st century,” he said. In an Oct. 30 press release, the cardinal’s office said he made his statements during a meeting with Sylvie Bukhari-de Pontual, president of the International Federation of Action by Christians for the Abolition of Torture.

Annunciation grotto work set JERUSALEM (CNS) — The Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land, which coordinates Christian pilgrimage sites, will close the grotto of the Basilica of the Annunciation for four months for conservation work on the grotto’s rock. The work will begin Nov. 10 at the grotto in the basilica’s lower church in Nazareth, Israel.

One Laptop Per Child supported ROME (CNS) — A plan to equip the world’s poorest schoolchildren with a low-cost, rugged, portable, wireless laptop has found some enthusiastic support among the Jesuits and in the Vatican. Vatican officials, ambassadors to the Vatican, and representatives of the world’s religious orders were among the more than 200 people attending an Oct. 29 conference highlighting the One Laptop Per Child initiative. The conference was sponsored by the communications office of Rome’s Jesuit headquarters and two commissions of the international organization of superiors general of religious orders. Nicholas Negroponte, founder and chairman of the One Laptop Per Child nonprofit organization, originally looked to individual nations

A man carries a mattress to a makeshift shelter inside the cathedral in Villahermosa, Mexico, Nov. 3. The cathedral has been transformed into one of the principal centers for evacuees fleeing floods that have devastated southeastern Mexico.

to buy massive quantities of the XO laptop that governments would then distribute free of charge to school kids. While a number of developing nations initially jumped on board to buy the laptops, Negroponte said he soon discovered “there’s a big difference between a head of state agreeing to do a million laptops and the state sending the $200 million check.” While Uruguay has since become the first country to buy 100,000 of the first 300,000 laptops that begin production Nov. 2, Negroponte has widened the list of potential buyers to include individuals and religious orders. Some 7,000 older laptops have been used in pilot projects around the world.

West Bank TV outlet closes BEIT SAHOUR, West Bank (CNS) — When the Christian television station in Beit Sahour closed, only one Christian television station remained in the Middle East. The decision to close Al-Mahed (Nativity) TV station Nov. 1 has not been an easy one for Samir Qumsieh, a Greek Orthodox Christian from Beit Sahour who is an outspoken defender of Christian rights in the Palestinian territories. “I find myself unable to go on. It is a very sad day,” he told Catholic News Service. As the end of October approached, he said he could not sleep at night trying to figure out how he would be able to pay his staff of 16. He said he has not taken a salary for himself in 11 years, since he opened the station when he returned to Beit Sahour from Kuwait after the first Iraqi war. He has run up a personal debt of $430,000.

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Bishops to receive sex abuse study and elect officers additional funds from foundations and donors to ensure the study is completed. The study is expected to conclude in 2009. The bishops’ meeting will take place at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel. During the meeting the bishops will also elect their president, vice president, treasurerelect and 10 committee chairmen and chairmen-elect. The new president will succeed Bishop William S. Skylstad of Spokane, Wash., who completes his three-year term at the end of the meeting. Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago completes his term as vice president. In addition to leading a committee, each chairman also is a member of the USCCB Administrative Committee, which carries on the work of the conference between its ple-

nary assemblies. Terms are for three years but under a current reorganization terms of office for committee chairs are for either two or three years to prevent a complete change every three years. Plans call for one-third of the committee chairmen to change annually. The candidates for president are Cardinal George and Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia; Archbishops Timothy M. Dolan of Milwaukee and Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky.; and Bishops Gregory M. Aymond of Austin, Texas; Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson, Ariz.; William E. Lori of Bridgeport, Conn.; Dennis M. Schnurr of Duluth, Minn.; Donald W. Trautman of Erie, Pa.; and Allen H. Vigneron of Oakland, Calif. After a president is chosen from among the 10 candidates, the remaining nine become the slate of candidates for vice president.

WASHINGTON — Researchers from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Fordham University will present the United.States’ Catholic. bishops with preliminary results of their research on the causes and context of the clergy sexual abuse crisis at the bishops’ annual fall meeting Nov. 12-15. Initial findings of the 1960-1990 time period “have set the incidence of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic priests within an overall sociological framework of social change,” stated a press release from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. “Detailed surveys and data collection that currently are ongoing in several locales are expected to explain the patterns of abuse incidents and abuse reports,” the release added. Sites for this data-gathering include semi-

naries, dioceses and treatment centers. Researchers are giving particular attention to the years from the late 1980s through 2002 a period of lower incidence of abuse incidents, increased awareness and increased number of reports. “The research results will be significant not just for the Church but for all of society because understanding child sexual abuse precedes its detection and prevention,” said Bishop Gregory Aymond of Austin, Texas, chair of the bishops’ Committee for the Protection of Children and Young People. “The experience of the Catholic Church could inform the practices of many social institutions.” To date, the bishops have contributed more than $1 million toward the $2 million dollar study. Efforts are being made to raise

Umbilical . . .

Bishops’ meeting to be aired by EWTN

■ Continued from page 3

Eternal Word Television Network has Nearly 20 percent of children born in California are delivered in Northern scheduled live coverage of the fall general California. The ethnic diversity of the assembly of the United States Conference region means a Northern California of Catholic Bishops that begins Nov. 12 in Umbilical Cord Blood Bank would have a Baltimore. EWTN newsman Raymond Arroyo will broad genetic mix. host the telecasts which are scheduled as “There’s an inadequate supply of cord follows (Pacific Time): Nov. 12, 6 - 9 a.m. blood bank stem cells today so we clearly need a more diverse array of stem cells for and 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Nov. 13, 6 - 9 a.m. and therapy and transplantation,” Hildula said. 11 a.m. - noon; Nov. 14, 6 - 9 a.m. Updates “The benefit is whenever somebody and schedule changes are to be posted on donates stem cells it can go into a bank for the EWTN website: www.ewtn.com. people in need, and unlike bone marrow, it’s much easier to match.” In most births today, cord blood is disposed after a baby is born. Once the pubTHE TRUTH IS: lic cord blood bank is estabYour child won’t tell you that lished, parents will have the option of donating cord he or she is having trouble. Since 1977 parents have blood. been using Huntington to “There are a growing help their children reach number of public cord blood their full potential. banks throughout the United Huntington will pinpoint States, but none in the Bay your child’s academic strengths and Private Area,” said Dr. Morton J. weaknesses and tailor a program to improve Tutoring for Cowan, professor of pedi- grades and increase confidence and motivation. SAT/ACT/ atrics and chief of the Blood Reading • Writing • Math PSAT Phonics • Study Skills • SAT • ACT and Marrow Transplant Division at UC San 1-800 CAN LEARN Francisco Children’s Hospital. “It’s a shame that 3380 Geary Blvd., San Francisco 415-386-8800 in Northern California 3380 Geary Blvd., San Francisco today, even if parents want415-386-8800 ed to donate their baby’s umbilical cord blood they couldn’t because there is no $50 off Diagnostic Test facility available.”

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EWTN also will cover live the dedication Mass of the Incarnation Dome at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., Nov. 17 at 2:15 p.m. The new dome is a gift from the Knights of Columbus. Another program will focus on Father Miguel Pro, the Jesuit priest whose martyrdom in 1927 became a role model for

the Mexican martyrs that followed him: Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. and Nov. 22 at 7:30 a.m. EWTN is carried 24 hours a day on Comcast Digital Channel 229; Astound Channel 80; DISH Satellite Channel 261; and Direct TV Channel 422. Comcast airs EWTN on Channel 70 in Half Moon Bay and on Channel 74 in southern San Mateo County.

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Educating Minds and Hearts to Change The World

Catholic San Francisco

November 9, 2007

Grass roots action key to human development campaign By Rick DelVecchio Some San Francisco parishes in neighborhoods beset by social problems have seen that change can begin by placing power and responsibility in the hands of the many. At St. Peter in the Mission District and St. Patrick in the South of Market neighborhood, for example, the work of hundreds of parishioners sharing stories and joining forces has brought about tangible change for people in need. The work at St. Peter resulted in a park being converted to a soccer field. At St. Patrick, in an ongoing action, parishioners are making progress toward improving substandard conditions at an apartment building that houses many parish families. The results are the product of a system of community action initiated and coordinated by the non-profit San Francisco Organizing Project, now in place at 35 congregations and schools in the city, a third of them part of the Archdiocese of San Francisco. The organizing project is funded in part by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, the Church’s domestic antipoverty program. The Archdiocese’s Office of Public Policy and Social Concerns, which evaluates potential beneficiaries for the national program in San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin counties, points to SFOP as an example of how contributions from parishioners can make a difference in people’s lives, Catholic and non-Catholic alike. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops program has been in existence for 37 years and this month is raising funds for 2008. The local annual CCHD parish collection will be held on Nov. 17 and 18. The national campaign is awarding nearly $9.6 million in grants to support local projects that work to eliminate root causes of poverty. The grants will be distributed to 314 projects in 46 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

From left, Lorene Feehan, Betty Angevine and Msgr. Floro Arcamo, pastor of Star of the Sea Parish, attend last April’s event marking the demolition and construction phase of a senior housing campus at the site of the Coronet Theater on Geary Blvd., San Francisco. San Francisco Organizing Project — supported by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development and the Archdiocese’s Office of Public Policy and Social Concerns — generated community support and awareness for the Institute on Aging project through an affordable housing campaign launched in 2000.

“Overcoming widespread poverty in the richest nation on earth is a moral imperative,” said John Carr, CCHD’s interim executive director, noting that according to the U.S. Census Bureau report released in August, 36.5 million Americans live at or below the poverty line. A family of four is defined as living at the poverty line when their annual income is $19,971. Two adults earning minimum wage barely earn that amount, and their squeeze tightens if a parent has to take time off to care for a sick child, an employer cuts back hours or the landlord raises the rent. In the San Francisco Bay Area, where the cost of living is relatively high, the margin is even tighter. “They’re just hanging on, living on the poverty line here in the Bay Area,” said Via Vigil, the Archdiocese’s coordinator for the CCHD program.

Members of the archdiocesan CCHD committee will visit parishes on Nov. 17 and 18 to give reflections and distribute material. Vigil is hoping for a second straight year of higher contributions. “We would like to see an additional growth of 20 percent due to the enormous growth and need in the Bay Area and the cost of living,” she said. Archdiocesan funds collected will be sent to the national office in mid-2008. A national committee will review local recommendations for applicants. This year, the committee chose SFOP and four other applicants in the Archdiocese: the Chinese Progressive Association, Nuestra Casa, San Francisco ACORN and the San Mateo County Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now. The Chinese Progressive Association has been fighting for worker rights, such as enforce-

ment of San Francisco’s minimum wage law. Nuestra Casa works in East Palo Alto to help families build English language skills. ACORN is helping to bring services to the Visitacion Valley neighborhood and is working with families to collect the federal Earned Income Credit. The San Mateo group is helping to make the streets safer for elderly pedestrians. The funding for the five programs totals $155,000, which includes $60,000 from the national committee above what was raised in the Archdiocese. SFOP’s funding helps pay for the organization’s staff of five professional organizers. These organizers, working with volunteers at congregations and schools, train hundreds of community members to do their own research and political action. At St. Peter, parishioners combined to rebuild Garfield Park and hosted Mayor Gavin Newsom in a conference on city policies on undocumented residents. “They brought Newsom as part of a 400person action to ask him to commit to making the definition of sanctuary city specific so undocumented folks could have access to services,” said Erica Katske, SFOP’s associate director. She said the task in each community is to bring members together to share personal stories, which in turn forges solidarity to go after specific improvements. “What we heard at St. Peter were really specific experiences about not being able to access jobs because of lack of documents, kids in public schools not being able to get textbooks in Spanish, young people dropping out of high school and not being able to access any job training and so getting involved in gangs,” Katske said. “And so,” she said, “those specific stories open the doors for folks in the congregation about why these problems exist and what are the possible solutions.” “What the prophet does is just buy a plot of land,” Katske said. “The idea is you just do what you can do.”

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November 9, 2007

Purple Heart . . . ■ Continued from cover phone call a “very long morning” as they awaited news on Ramsey’s condition. They would find out that his wounds were serious and included shrapnel that pierced his body and entered his lungs, liver, stomach and intestines. Christine and Tom joined their son at Madigan Army Hospital in Ft. Lewis, Wash. two weeks later. “Truly our faith was the only thing that helped us through this,” Christine said. “I invoked the intercession of all my powerful ancestors through prayer,” Tom said. “I prayed that his grandfather – my dad – a WWII veteran would watch over him. I prayed to my saintly mother who taught me the power of prayer especially through the Blessed Mother. I went to daily Mass as I could.” “Prayer came from all directions,” Christine said. “Parishioners from St. Monica and St. Agnes prayed for Ramsey all the time. My Aunt Elvira in Illinois told her Methodist friend, her Jehovah Witness neighbor and a cousin who is a member of the Guadalupana Society.” Ramsey lost 30 pounds and successive surgeries appeared to be ineffective, Christine said. A deadline doctors had set for signs of recovery passed and passed again.

“Ramsey was living on ice water and intravenous liquids,” Christine said. “He was in constant pain.” Tom was often “near tears” thinking that he and his wife were watching their son die. It was then that what Christine called a “small miracle” happened. “Ramsey stood up and said ‘I need to go to the bathroom.’” Christine said. “His internal organs were working. What we had prayed for came. You pray for all sorts of things in life. I never thought I’d be praying for these natural occurrences, but I did.” “He is doing fine, although he has suffered from some post-surgery discomfort, that would include stomach aches,” Christine said. “He has a web of scar tissue in his body where the shrapnel went in — something he’ll deal with for the rest of his life.” The family expects him home for Christmas. “It will be good to have him home for the holidays, the first time since 2004 as we did not see him in 2005. He was still at boot camp and in 2006 he was in Iraq.” Ramsey’s three-year enlistment ends in 2008. A 1994 graduate of Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory, Ramsey spoke with Catholic San Francisco from his “home base” Fort Richardson, Alaska, where he is with a Wounded Warrior unit and continues to recuperate from his injuries. He has also taken classes at the University of San Francisco and San Francisco City College.

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“I am proud that I could serve my country,” Ramsey said. “I knew when I enlisted that I would most likely be sent to one of the war zones and was prepared for that situation. Once you are deployed you become good friends with your combat buddies. I encountered several good men and women who were also proud to serve in the Army and complete their mission. Unfortunately two of my friends, my roommate Bradley Marshall and one of my combat buddies, Daniel Reyes, paid the ultimate price for their service. I plan to live the rest of my life in their honor.” Knowing he was remembered in a context of faith was important to Ramsey. “Having family and friends praying throughout my ordeal was very significant. To them I owe my life. The presentation of my Purple Heart at St. Monica in San Francisco was a fitting end to a very traumatic event, and it was wonderful to see so many people in attendance.” Captain Gerold’s having a part in the Purple Heart rite was most appropriate, Ramsey said. “He himself was a wounded warrior in Afghanistan and understood what it meant to the soldier and to the family about being injured. I hope to serve out my final year assisting other soldiers who may be sent to Iraq. The Army uses all wounded warriors in the ‘lessons learned’ classrooms and I know my experience in Iraq will assist other soldiers. My life has been changed from this experience. I will make every attempt to live the rest of it in great respect. My faith was strengthened and I thank God for all my blessings.”

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Catholic San Francisco

November 9, 2007

Heroes. . . ■ Continued from cover Ross, who compiled the book from audio recordings, said the three would often tell stories about the war to friends and family. Their loved ones’ interest in hearing more and seeing the men actually put what they had on paper prompted them to tell their story. It was Ross who pushed his friends to finally get the task done by giving them tape recorders and asking them to tell their stories. Black now lives just down the road from Ross in Windsor, Calif., where both attend Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. He said it was at his friend’s prompting that he finally recorded memories of the war. “My motivation was nagging,” Black said. “Ken was quite insistent on it.” Black said ultimately putting the story in a book gave him the chance to share his experiences with family, friends and Carl Swendsen aboard Normand Black mans PFC Kenneth S. Ross, even strangers. He said the story even left others hoping vetBayou St. John anti-aircraft gun. 101st Airborne erans in their own families would follow their lead and record their experiences for future generations before it is too late. “What we’ve found is every time we speak to someone, hopeful moments in the midst of war. He recounts a tale of When he transcribed the tapes, he would frequently retype they mention their father or their uncle or grandfather,” meeting a young woman in England shortly before he para- material to correct errors, not knowing he could go directBlack said. “They wish they’d asked them questions, but chuted into France. Yet he also writes of the haunting day he ly to a misspelled word and correct it without losing the witnessed a fellow soldier cut the finger off the frozen corpse rest of the page. they’re gone.” Swendsen’s son, Paul, who helped the three get the In the preface, Ross makes it clear the book is not meant of an American serviceman to take the man’s ring. “The war never really got to me,” Ross told Catholic book published and spearheaded the layout and photo secto be an historically complete account or a discussion of military strategy. The stories are personal and tempered by San Francisco. “It was nasty and horrible and horrendous, tion, also found out after receiving the manuscript that Ross HEROES, page 14 the 60 years that separate the young men in the account but I did it and forgot about it. But that was one incident that stayed with me.” from the retired veterans who wrote it. Swendsen, who still lives in San Francisco where he is “We don’t want to deceive you readers into thinking that we are historians or apologists for our nation and civilian or a parishioner at St. Monica, writes of his experience on military leadership,” Ross writes. “We are just three aver- supply ships in the Pacific. The ships carried limited armaage guys (of course, we think we’re a cut above average).” ment and traveled without escort in waters crawling with A Veterans Day Memorial Service will be held at In those stories, the three recount their journey from high Japanese submarines. His work as a signalman brought him Holy Cross Cemetery, 1500 Mission Rd., Colma, school students to soldiers, starting Dec. 7, 1941. Swendsen to exotic and, at the time, dangerous places like Hawaii, Monday, Nov. 12, at 11 a.m. in front of flags marking Fanning Island and Manila. recalled that he was out running an errand that fateful day. the Star of the Sea Military Section. “From southern Oregon to Honolulu, it took us 21 “I saw the headlines in the paper, ‘Pearl Harbor Bombed’,” Leading prayer will be Armed Forces chaplains from days,” Swendsen told Catholic San Francisco. “We were Swendsen recalled. “I said, ‘Where’s Pearl Harbor?’” the presbyterate of the Archdiocese of San Francisco When he learned Japan had attacked America’s Pacific just loaded to the gills. We had two feet, seven inches of including Capt. Albert Vucinovich, USN Ret., pastor, St. fleet, he, his two friends and his fellow classmates imme- free board – from the deck to the water line.” Catherine of Siena Church in Burlingame; Lt. Col. C. The book took three years from concept to reality, partdiately wanted to join the military. Michael Padazinski, USAF, chancellor and director of A timely intervention from their teacher, who had been ly due to procrastination and partly due to Ross’s unfamilCanon Law for the Archdiocese; and Cdr. Alex Legaspi, wounded in the Boer War I and showed his young charges iarity with modern technology. USN, pastor, St. Andrew Church in Daly City. Also partic“I grew up in an era when a fountain pen and a calculathe metal plate on his head, gave the would-be soldiers ipating is the Travis Air Force Base Military Honor Guard. pause. The three reflected more calmly on the nature of tor were great instruments,” said Ross. “My son had given Guides will be stationed at the cemetery gates with me a computer for Christmas and I didn’t even know how war, but ultimately joined up in various capacities. directions to the prayer site. For more information, call Swendsen entered the Navy and ran supplies in the treach- to turn it on.” (650) 756-2060. Ross did know how to erous Pacific. Black also served in the Pacific in the Army. He saw combat at Makin Atoll in the Gilbert Islands, as well as type but was not aware of at Saipan and Okinawa, and later served for two months in the conveniences of the $ Japan after the Japanese surrender. Ross served in the 101st modern office program. Airborne Division as a demoeveral months ago, I had a very serious health problem. lition specialist, and saw I desperately needed help but didn’t know where to turn. Then, combat in the European theI remembered my Lady of the Miraculous Medal Novena. After ater at the Battle of the Bulge. In the book, the men searching through one drawer after another, I finally found my old, 25 RUSSIA AVENUE recount both lighthearted ragged copy of the Novena. SAN FRANCISCO moments and the darkness of You’ll never know what a comfort it was to read the words “never was Since 1937 war. Black tells of the time he it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your and his fellow enlisted men Lunch & Dinner assistance or sought your intercession was left unaided.” stole a pie from the officers’ Wednesday, Thursday & Friday dining area after months of While making this Novena, I used epoxy to glue the Miraculous Medal eating nothing but bland food. to the underside of my watch so I would always have it with me. Variety of pasta specials: $9.95 He also spends considerable As I knew she would, our Blessed Mother really answered my prayers. FRIDAYS ONLY: Reduced drink prices – time in his portion of the book The doctors have now declared my illness completely cured. What a recounting letters to and from lunch or dinner. relief! It was like receiving a new lease on life. his future wife, Jackie. *May not be used with other offers. No duplicates, please. The men dedicate the Then and there, I promised our Blessed Mother that I would spend book to their wives – 415-585-8059 $10,000 to help convince others of the tremendous power and Black’s Jackie, Ross’ Lyn effectiveness of the Lady of Miraculous Medal Novena. Parking lot across from club and Swendsen’s Pat. I believe in its power and with my whole heart and soul. Manager: Rich Guaraldi, a YMI member Ross also writes of the

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Catholic San Francisco

November 9, 2007

Catholic San Francisco

Very little clean water, scarce and minimal medical care,lack of hygiene and near hopelessness were among Angela Testani’s observations in South Sudan. In places water is available only by purchase from a steel barrel in a donkey-drawn cart.

Angela Testani wanted to see the truths of Sudan for herself – and did By Rick DelVecchio

Angela Testani (left) visits with Canossian Sister Severina Motta at a respite dwelling for children in Javanova, a village in the desert of North Sudan populated by displaced Sudanese.

Jackie, the daughter of a worker in the priests’ compound in Nimule in South Sudan, became close to Angela Testani during her time there.

Emeritus Bishop Taribe Taban

udan left Angela Testani in tears. Testani, 55, is a registered nurse and a parishioner at Holy Name of Jesus in San Francisco. In July, through circumstances partly of her making and partly accidental, she had an experience few people would take on alone. For two weeks she traveled, as a sole witness, from the north to the south of Sudan. In the south she visited places considered too dangerous for humanitarian groups to operate in. Her heart broke and her anger spilled over at what she saw. She met women and children refugees who were among the four million displaced people from the civil war that raged in Sudan from 1983 to 2005. Caught in the political and economic paralysis that has followed the war, they were enduring horrendous conditions and receiving little help from inside or outside the country. “Nothing, nothing,” Testani told Catholic San Francisco, emotionally recounting her sojourn. “No clean water.”

“No hygiene.” In one desert outpost she visited in the north, a vendor with a donkey pulling a steel drum on a cart supplied the only water—for a price. Cut off from their villages and far

from the cattle that are their key source of wealth, the refugees had no money. Testani asked them how they paid for the water and no one would answer. She suspected some women fermented their donated corn meal into an alcoholic

Bishop’s dream: ‘Holy Trinity Peace Village’ (PHOTO BY DAN MORRIS-YOUNG/CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO)

By Rick DelVecchio Emeritus Bishop Taribe Taban grew up in a peaceful community in the south of his native Sudan. Three years ago, at the age of 68, he retired early from his religious duties in the Diocese of Torit to work full-time trying to build such a village from scratch in a nation ruined by war over much of his adult lifetime. He calls his dream the Holy Trinity Peace Village. “The peace village is like a light for the people to see we are all one family of God,” Bishop Taban said during a recent visit to San Francisco, where he was the guest of honor at a fund-raiser hosted La Madre de los Pobres, a charity established in 1982 by the late Franciscan Father Alfred Boeddeker. “We need to find a village where people can meet as brothers and sisters,

a community of love and reconciliation,” the bishop said. Sudan has suffered from internal fighting over religious, political and economic differences for 28 of the last 43 years. The nation is now at uneasy peace militarily but damaged and bitter in the aftermath of the last civil war, which ended in 2005 after 22 years. Bishop Taban says his village, located in Khuron about 500 kilometers from the southern center of Juba, can play a part in the rebuilding. One of its major roles will be recreation and job training for young men at risk of being recruited by their elders to raid cattle. “Today cattle rustling is genocide because there are a lot of guns around,” he said, adding that his group is organizing soccer games as an alternative. “Now the youth are very happy playing football (soccer) with people they call their enemies.”

The village has been picked by the government to train police for peacekeeping in local villages. Bishop Taban hopes to add schooling for children, training in agriculture and home economics and literacy for adults. He also wants the center to host conferences on conflict resolution. The bishop grew up in a logging town where people from all backgrounds lived together peacefully. “We want to start a village where people can live together in different ethnic groups, at least 300 families living together as a model,” Bishop Taban said. His far-off dream is that such villages can be built throughout the country. Bishop Taban moves around the country sleeping in a tent and works under a tree’ He said he does not have wealthy sponsors nor does he need

large amounts of money. Just $5,000, he said, can feed 500 to 1,000 people for a month. He said his needs for developing the peace village are modest. He is hoping to raise about $500,000. That amount “can make a very good conference center – a place for guests and visitors,” he said. Bishop Taban is asking U.S. and European Catholic bishops to work with the Church in Sudan to help rebuild the nation. “We are caught up in war,” he said. “We do not have human tools.” Bishop Taban added: “I’m inviting not only the church people but the people of America.” It was Bishop Taban who provided a car, bodyguard and entrée for San Francisco parishioner Angela Testani who made a personal fact-finding trip to Sudan in July.

drink to earn currency, and that they also give it to their children to deaden the pain from malaria. But perhaps the most horrifying part for Testani was to see what she felt was a lack of political energy to deal with the suffering. Nothing and nobody seemed to be moving. “I was angry,” she said. “I was really angry. How could this wealthy, oildrilling country allow this to happen to their own? People were left to die.” In Sudan, people in the western border region of Darfur and the south have borne the brunt of the nation’s internal strife. But the suffering of the victims in the south, who are mainly Christian, is relatively little known. Testani wants to change that. She returned to San Francisco determined to be a witness for the voiceless southern Sudanese. Testani is collecting donated medical and surgical equipment for clinics in South Sudan and Tanzania. In addition, dubious about the effectiveness of mosquito nets to halt the spread of malaria, she is working with health professionals at the University of California to develop to a broader public-health strategy to eradicate the disease in South Sudan. On Oct. 27 she spoke at the Archdiocese of San Francisco’s Point7Now! Action Conference on global poverty. “I found the truth,” Testani said. “I experienced the desert. I experienced the dirt. I experienced the disease. I experi-

enced the death. I experienced Sudan. I now have a responsibility to share that knowledge with everyone.” For Testani, going to Sudan was an act of faith. She said her faith prompted her to make the trip, carried her safely and now guides her as a witness. “There’s no way I could have made that trip and survived, and there’s no way these people can survive every day living with this, without the love of God,” she said. “I had to trust my being in God. People ask, ‘How did you do this?’ and I say, ‘God.”’ Testani was moved to go to Sudan after hearing a BBC radio broadcast while vacationing in Italy in 2004. The report said two million children under the age of seven were dying of malaria in Africa. “I thought I misunderstood,” said Testani, who is assistant patient care manager at UC San Francisco Medical Center at Mt. Zion. “As a nurse knowing this disease, we know the treatment. We can cure it. We know we can prevent it. So if we know all this, what’s the problem?” Testani is a lay Sister of the Canossian order. The Canossians have a convent in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum. She emailed the mother superior and said she wanted to come to fight malaria. The mother superior denied the request, saying travel was too dangerous even for the Sisters. An appeal to the local bishop was refused as too risky. The next step in her sojourn was the first Point7Now! global poverty conference at St. Mary’s Cathedral last year. There she learned that halting the spread of malaria is one of the UN Millennium Goals adopted by world leaders in 2000. She also met a Tanzanian priest and decided to go with him to his clinic in Tanzania. In her preparations for the trip she learned of a Sudanese expatriate in San Francisco, Silvestro Akara Bakhiet. As it happened Bakhiet was planning a trip to Sudan to attend a Catholic bishops’ conference in Khartoum. He invited Testani to join him as a medical expert. Bakhiet had to drop out at the last minute. Testani was on her own. At the bishops’ conference in Khartoum, Sudan’s capital, she met

Emeritus Bishop Taribe Taban of the Diocese of Torit. He loaned her his car and bodyguard. She had no set itinerary. Her goal was to knock as many as doors as she could and ask the authorities what was being done about malaria. She spent a week in the north and a week in the south. Staying with priests in the equatorial village of Nimule on the Uganda border and the southern commercial center of Juba, Testani struck out on her own to meet with four top government and NGO officials. She arrived at the office of the director general of preventive medicine for the government of southern Sudan, Dr. John Rumunu, for an impromptu appointment and stayed for two hours as the two debated the crisis. Dr. Rumunu talked about plans to distribute mosquito nets to the refugees. Testani challenged him, saying that although nets are of some use they are not the solution for all parts of Africa. For individual homes or villages, she said, people do not find them to be effective or useful because they do not want to stay inside in hot weather. “He asked me what I would recommend, and I said, ‘Spray and eradicate the mosquito. Your mantra in Sudan should not be kill each other, it should be kill the mosquito.’” Bakhiet, who recently returned from a trip to Sudan, said Testani impressed Dr. Rumunu. “Within this time frame, I don’t think there’s much change, but the ideas Angela shared with him and he shared with Angela gave her understanding,” he said. “The real thing is for people to know.” “She made a big difference,” he said. “We are all proud of her.” Bishop Taban told Catholic San Francisco: “Seeing is believing. She saw deeper than we could see.” On Oct. 29, Testani received an e-mail from a priest in the Diocese of Torit. The priest, Father Martin Vuni, confirmed her observations that help was not reaching the desperate in South Sudan. “Most of the money is spent on administration overheads and paying staff,” he wrote. “Very little or almost nothing trickles down to the people.” Bakhiet and Bishop Taban also supTESTANI, page 14

Catholic San Francisco

November 9, 2007

Archbishop Niederauer ‘The faithful departed are our sisters and brothers in Christ’ Following is the All Souls’ Day homily delivered by Archbishop George H. Niederauer Nov. 2 at St. Dominic Parish, San Francisco. Our faith in Jesus Christ is a matter of life and death, quite literally. In this evening’s Gospel reading for All Souls’ Day we hear Jesus teaching us: “Whoever hears my word and believes in the one who sent me has eternal life . . . has passed from death to life.” Further, Jesus says, “The hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good deeds to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked deeds to the resurrection of condemnation.” Are we the ones who hear Christ’s word and believe? After all, many did not believe. Many do not believe now. Their minds were made up, and certainly they weren’t going to let Jesus change them. The author of the Book of Wisdom in the Old Testament had taught that “the souls of the just are in the hands of God,” but that author himself admitted that many people didn’t believe this teaching, because appearances were against it. In their eyes the just seemed to be “the deadest of the dead.” They seemed to be the deadest of the dead. It was another instance of the conflict between “seems” and “is.” The invisible reality must yield to appearances, to “seems.” Consider another example of this conflict between “seems” and “is”: for more than 300 years educated people have known what Galileo discovered, that the earth moves around the sun, and not vice versa. Hence, there is no such thing as sunrise or sunset. But how do we still think and speak?Do you ever say to anyone, “Wasn’t that a beautiful earth-turn last night?” No, we still talk about sunrise and sunset, because the sun seems to rise and set, and “seems” will always trump “is.” We can’t even get it right about the sun in the sky, so we are definitely challenged about how

seriously we take resurrection and eternal life. So, as St. Paul teaches in our second reading, we walk by faith and not by sight. Faith in resurrection is faith in God, and faith especially in his Son, Jesus Christ, faith in who he claims to be and what he claims to do. St. Paul is writing to the Corinthians and says that we know our earthly dwelling or “tent”—our body—will be destroyed in death, but we know also that we have a “building from God,” “a dwelling not made of hands, eternal in heaven.” As St. Paul tells us, we draw courage from this faith in our sharing in the life of Jesus Christ forever. Paul continues his teaching: In this life we are at home in the body and away from the Lord, but we try to please and follow Jesus whether we are at home or away. Even on this earthly journey Jesus Christ is with us, and we are with him, especially here in this Eucharist this evening, where he feeds us with food for our journey, his own Body and Blood. It’s true we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, but if we stay close to him in this life, our Judge will also be the One who is our Brother and our Friend. The Christian’s life of faith is not just a mere natural life for a number of years, punctuated by a big miracle at the end. Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life for us from birth onward. We die and rise in baptism, and this pattern repeats itself again and again throughout our lives of faith. One Christian writer has said that the disciple of Christ, at the end of his or her life, will have left behind an entire trail of empty tombs, only the last one of which is the grave. We die to old ways of thinking or behaving, and we rise to new ones; we die to old ways of relating to people, and we rise to new ones. Throughout a lifetime, when we leave home, go off to school, get married and start to raise a family, let

Catholic san Francisco Northern California’s Weekly Catholic Newspaper

Community thanked On behalf of St. Vincent’s, the boys it serves and the interests of senior citizens and affordable housing needs in our community, please accept heartfelt thanks for the wonderful demonstration of support at the Marin Board of Supervisors meetings regarding the Countywide General Plan. On Oct. 16 the Supervisors unanimously stated their intent to formally adopt at their Nov. 6 meeting General Plan land use policies that were agreed to by St. Vincent’s. This will provide St. Vincent’s with the opportunity to bring forward a master plan and precise development plan for its proposed Community of Care that will provide market rate and affordable senior housing as well as housing for senior health care workers and others. This outcome simply would not have

Letters welcome Catholic San Francisco welcomes letters from its readers. Please:

➣ Include your name, address and daytime phone number. ➣ Sign your letter. ➣ Limit submissions to 250 words. ➣ Note that the newspaper reserves the right to edit for clarity and length. Send your letters to: Catholic San Francisco One Peter Yorke Way San Francisco, CA 94109 Fax: (415) 614-5641 E-mail: morrisyoungd@sfarchdiocese.org

been possible without the tremendous outpouring of support that called for fair and equitable land use policies for the St. Vincent’s property. However, St. Vincent’s need for your advocacy is far from over. There are those who will continue to be in opposition or are uneasy about reasonable development of a modest amount of St. Vincent’s land endowment and will attempt to limit the School’s development opportunity for a senior citizen housing community. St. Vincent’s will need your continued support. In this regard, if you have not already filled out a support form, please call Jacqui Devine at St. Vincent’s at (415) 507-4204 and provide her with your contact information so that St. Vincent’s can keep you updated. It is said that the receiving is in the giving. Please know that the gift of time you generously gave by attending the public meetings, sending letters or e-mails and making calls, significantly contributed to the welfare of the St. Vincent’s boys and the interests of our community’s senior citizens. Thank you so much for standing up for them in the public forum and being their representatives and advocates. Father Tom Daly St. Vincent chaplain Father Jim Tarantino Dean of Deanery 6 Pastor, St. Hilary Parish Tiburon

PointOneImperative! Disappointment expressed regarding the absence of the Bay Area congressional delegation at the conference on aid and trade held at St Mary’s Oct. 27? Why should our politicians spend their time catering to the chorus of familiars? Your vote is in their pocket, presenting the archaic ideas of economic improvement

children go once they are grown, in each of these instances there is a dying and a rising, and the grace of the risen Christ is involved. All along the way the food that nourishes and strengthens us for this journey of faith is the Body and Blood of the risen Jesus Christ. Yesterday’s feast was All Saints’ Day, a celebration of all the faithful for 20 centuries who have been raised up by the Lord of life. We have been blessed to know many of them, who were close to God. They were loving, joyful, peaceful, life-giving and creative people, and they graced our lives. Yet the Church knows we need this day, too: All Souls’ Day. We are sinners, and we need each other’s prayers, just as we need repentance and forgiveness from the Lord. In a most special way today, and throughout the month of November, we pray for our deceased family members and friends, for all who have gone before us, marked with the sign of faith. As we are now, they once were, wayfaring disciples and believers. As they are now we will be. We pray for the forgiveness of their sins and for their eternal happiness, and we ask them to pray for us. Purgatory has never been hard for me to believe in. I have always known that I am not good enough for heaven, and I have always hoped that I am not bad enough for hell. Our prayer is for those who have died and gone before us, and for ourselves. This is part of the meaning of the doctrine of the Communion of Saints. The faithful departed are our sisters and brothers in Christ, and we pray for life and light and peace for them. We are still on our way, on our pilgrimage of faith in this life, but we are praying to a loving God who wants to give us risen life in Christ. He will give this life to his children who want to receive it, who ask for it, and who pursue it in their lives day by day.

by expanding foreign aid. Ever growing monetary aid is the stock in trade of these politicians, and Point7Now! is nothing more than another appeal for funds. Spreading dollars among needy countries results only in a speedy transfer of funds to the ruling class with no longterm benefit to the people. Economic aid is for persons who have suffered from a disaster, such as the families burned out of homes in the wildfires. Then it is to provide the means to temporarily house, move on, rebuild. Point ONE Imperative! is that until these countries adopt a society that encourages innovation under a rule of law and free elections, the dropping of money bombs will not benefit, but will be a detriment. Ron Gillis St.Sebastian Parish Greenbrae, CA

HR1302? No!

American citizens have had their fill of poverty programs that put taxpayers’ money into the hands of despots who aggrandize their own lifestyle and terrorize their own poor and Christians. The Global Poverty Act of 2007, H. R. 1302, which purports to be another beall/end-all solution to world poverty, falls far short of the Church’s primary mission. Weren’t Call to Action, Campaign for Human Development and Catholic Relief Services similarly supposed to be the solution? There’s so much work to be done at home. Didn’t Christ say, “Seek first the kingdom of God, and all else will be added unto you”? Peter and Dolores De Kroon San Francisco

L E T T E R S

Support the Global Poverty Act of 2007, H. R. 1302? We cannot. The mission of the Church is to teach, govern and sanctify, and all Catholics participate in her mission, for example evangelization by authentic catechesis, especially to the spiritually impoverished; restoring Christ, Lord of life and love, into our culture of death, an important step to ordered ecclesial government; feeding families with the Word and sacraments and with Church funds where called for. It has been suggested the bishops respond with loud and clear voice to the urgent issues afflicting the Church, such as the terrorism targeted at Christians (eradication of them in Iraq and Darfur), not to mention following our Holy Father’s example in regard to abortion-promoting politicians’sacrilegious reception of the Eucharist, or removing the other scandal of gay adoptions or helping to protect the right to private ownership. Political action is necessary, and we look to our bishops to lead the way and cooperate with lay leadership who labor at the forefront of such battles.

Torture word games

Two priests are sentenced to jail for trying to deliver a letter to the commander of a military base denouncing the teaching of torture at that base. When they are asked to leave, Father Vitale and Father Kelly kneel down to pray. At that point, they are arrested. This doesn’t happen abroad. It happens here. The Church hierarchy looks on as this country plays word games about what constitutes torture and what doesn’t. The Catholic Attorney General Alberto Gonzales in secret writes “the torture memo,” which allows torture. Fewer and fewer ordinary people debate the stance of this country vis-a-vis torture and extraordinary rendition. So, it is left to two lone priests (and some nuns) to keep the conscience of the Church and this nation alive. As long as we have the Vitales and Kellys of this world, then there is still hope for this once great nation. Richard Morasci San Francisco

Facing AIDS openly Your reminder in the Nov. 2 Catholic San Francisco that Point7Now! Action Conference speaker Bridget LETTERS, page 16

November 9, 2007

Catholic San Francisco

The Catholic Difference

Ontology and political identity crises A philosophically-minded young friend recently sent me a fine rant, after having watched a presidential candidates’ cattle call on CNN. The discussion had focused on religion. Several candidates, who identified themselves as Catholics, had indicated their Christianity was rather easily bracketed when they put on their hats as public servants. “Does ontology mean nothing to these people?” my friend asked. “Do they even know what it is?” Well, no. They don’t. And that’s a problem. By “ontology,” my correspondent was using the technical vocabulary of philosophy to re-capture an image once familiar to generations of Catholics from the Baltimore Catechism, the image of an “indelible mark” imprinted on the soul by certain sacraments. This image of the “indelible mark” was intended to convey a basic truth of Catholic faith: that the reception of certain sacraments changed the recipient forever, by conferring on him or her a new identity – not in the psychological sense of that overused term, but substantively. Or, if you’ll pardon the term, ontologically. Baptism is a sacrament with what we might call ontological heft. To become a Christian through baptism is qualitatively different from becoming a citizen, a member of the Supreme Court, a Detroit Tigers fan, a collector of vintage Volvos, a bourbon drinker, a member of the Democratic or Republican parties, a lifelong student of Dante, or a trout fisherman. When one becomes a Christian through baptism

and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, one is changed in a fundamental way. As St. Paul taught those rowdy Corinthians, one becomes a “new creation” (2 Cor 5.17). That ontological change in baptism incorporates a Catholic into the Church. The Church is not incidental to our identity as new creations in Christ. We don’t “join” the Church the way we join the Rotary, the Kiwanis, the American Association of University Women, the A.M.A., the American Legion, or my beloved Society for the Restoration of Lost Positives (“ept,” “ert,” etc.). Being a Catholic Christian engages who-I-am in a substantively different way than any other aspect of my “identity” – not because I think that’s the case, or because I feel that’s the case, but because that is the case: objectively, not subjectively. Baptism has real effects; it changes us forever. So when a candidate for public office avers, on the one hand, that his or her “membership in the faith community” is deeply personal, or a matter of “my relationship with Jesus,” and then suggests that being a Catholic Christian is a compartment of life that can be hermetically sealed off from first principles of justice (i.e., the principles involved in abortion, euthanasia and embryo-destructive stem-cell research), we’re dealing with a confused camper – one might even say, a camper with a severe identity-crisis. That most Catholic politicians don’t understand this is obvious. That’s why, were the entire Catholic contingent in Congress to be replaced by Mormons, Capitol Hill would certainly lose some good people, but the social doctrine of the

Church and the Church’s teaching on the life issues (both of which involve publicly accessible moral truths, not sectarian “positions”) would have a better chance of implementation. The politicos aren’t George Weigel alone, however. How many Catholics in the United States understand that their baptism made them a “new creation”? Decades of faux-catechesis, in which the only “indelible marks” to be found in religious education classrooms were made by magic markers on felt banners, have left us severely weakened in our self-understanding, such that too many Catholics imagine their Christianity to be the religious variant of their membership in other voluntary organizations. Thus the challenge posed to the official teachers of the Church – especially bishops and pastors – is a massive one. Given the campaign calendar, we’ll soon be embroiled in another round of the religion-and-politics wars. Reminding all Catholics about what baptism really does to us would be a good place to begin calling the office-seekers to account. George Weigel is a senior fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C.

Guest Commentary

Seeking a forum for race relations candor I received a letter from a reader of a recent column on the Jena Six, a group of black teenagers arrested for beating a white classmate who taunted them with racial slurs. The reader said: “There is a cry for justice when minorities are the victims of crimes. There is a cry of injustice when minorities are the perpetrators of crime. If anyone objects to either of these models, they must be the white moderates more devoted to ‘order’ than to justice.” When the reader went on to accuse me of “perpetrating and encouraging another ‘no win’ racism scenario with the self-endowed rights” of those who see themselves as victims no matter what, he inadvertently brought to my mind a larger issue that goes beyond the Jena Six case and the like. It is this: Diverse societies have no trusted mechanism for allowing their members to reveal, let alone work through, erroneous or valid beliefs about one another without oftentimes severe penalties, derailed careers and relationships. Whites in particular are hesitant to say anything critical of people of color for fear of accusations of being racist. While my reader is an exception to this rule, bless him, countless others are not. Rather than express their frustration, resentment or desire for understanding, they keep it inside where it weighs on their spirit.

The late Bishop Kenneth Untener of Saginaw, Mich., in a 1991 address to priests on their prophetic role of speaking God’s hard truth, articulated this frustration: “In an age of laity, I am a priest. In an age of feminism, I am a man. Blacks call for justice, and I am white. Hispanics assert their rights, and I am Anglo. ... Whenever a minority or an oppressed group steps forward, I am identified with the oppressor. It doesn’t matter how I feel about the issues. ... “But I can’t change the color of my skin, and I don’t want to stop being a priest. So I take it, and you take it. ... But it’s hard never, ever to be identified with the right side.” Bishop Untener also reminded his fellow priests, “You have to preach the hard message, but you also have to be the pastor of the whole parish community. You are not a specialist. You are the servant-leader of everyone.” This remarkable bishop, who sold his residence to live as a guest in various rectories for more than two decades, gave his life in service to others. Yet he was constantly aware that he ministered in a society where discussions of racial perceptions are too often hushed or screamed. I believe, however, there should be a middle ground, a place where people who are serious about understanding those different from themselves can speak openly about race-related issues.

What’s a person to do who has negative images of others or of himself fixed in his mind? Can he never talk about them? What do we do with people who are so weary of cries of discrimination that they Carole Greene fail to hear any truth in many of these cries? I am not suggesting we let disturbing comments flow unabated. What I am calling for is a more realistic approach to attitudes that took a long time to form and may take more time to reform. Do we want understanding or is it more satisfying to tear our shrouds and point fingers? For starters, I think we might listen to one another in parish forums or other gatherings — thicken our skin if need be, but hear one another out. It is what servant-leaders in their communities do. Carole Greene is a feature editor for Catholic News Service.

Spirituality for Life

A ‘view from the ridge’ of 60 years Well, I’ve beaten the odds When I was 27 years old, I attended a symposium on death and dying. One of the things we did was fill out a questionnaire which was then run through a computer and the result told you when, statistically, you should expect to die. A computer told me I would die at 59. That was based upon a number of things: My dad died at 62, my mum died in her mid-50s, I’m a priest and celibate (a shorter life-projection than for married men), and I’m in a high-stress occupation. The statistical projection was that I would die before the age of 60. But, I had my 60th birthday yesterday and arrived there with enough energy to raise a toast to the future. I’ve beaten the odds! What to say on your 60th birthday? A couple of years before he died, novelist, Morris West wrote a remarkable autobiographical piece he called, “A View From the Ridge.” I like what he says in the preface. Once you reach a certain age, he suggests, there should be only one phrase left in your vocabulary: Thank-you! With every birthday, gratitude should deepen until it colors every aspect life. I’m not sure that I’m there, but at least I know where I should be going. Reading Morris West’s autobiography reminded me of a conversation I had with the Irish theologian, Pat Collins, on a train in New Jersey a couple of summers ago. Heading for

the same conference, we found ourselves sharing a seat on a train and Pat, robust in health, made this observation: “I love living and I hope still to live for a long time, but if I died today it would be okay. I’d be okay - because I’m loved. I know people who love me, and that’s enough.” That’s a wonderful realization. Like Pat Collins, I’d still like to live for a long time, but if I died tomorrow, I’d be okay, because I too know people who love me. I didn’t always feel that way, about dying, or about being loved, when I was younger. And what have I learned over 60 years?Luck has been with me and, among other things, I have been given the opportunity to study under some first-rate scholars and mentors who occasionally were also saints. Literature, both secular and sacred, as well has been a rich well from which I have been able to drink and 35 years of priesthood and ministry have taught me some of life’s real lessons. What have I learned? First, there is a God, though not everything we do in his name honors that. Bertrand Russell, in a famous debate with Frederick Copleston, once stated: “If the universe makes sense, then there is a God!” The universe does make sense, though not always on the surface of things. But deep down things make sense, especially morally. We know that when we don’t lie to ourselves. There’s a law of karma, operative at every level of things that lets us know that the air

we breathe out is the air that we will re-inhale. There is an ultimate justice in everything. Second, the mystery of God, the universe, and human life are far, far bigger than we have ever or can ever imagine. The Father older we get, the more we Ron Rolheiser know how little we understand, how far beyond us is the great mystery, and how we need, as John of the Cross says, “to begin to understand more by not understanding than by understanding.” When we are children and we ask our mothers where the sun goes at night, perhaps the best answer they can give is that it goes down behind the trees to take a rest. Later we learn about stars and planets and the big-bang theory and we graph it all on PowerPoint. We need that sophistication. But there comes a time again, beyond Einstein, Stephen Hawkings, PowerPoint, and 60 years of age, when perhaps the best language of all is, again, the language of children, ROLHEISER, page 16

Catholic San Francisco

November 9, 2007

(CNS PHOTO/CHRIS HERLINGER, CHURCH WORLD SERVICE)

U.N. official fears Sudan violence will resume if talks fail By Chris Herlinger ZALINGEI, Sudan (CNS) — The already perilous situation in Darfur will continue to worsen if stalled peace talks fully collapse, said a top U.N. official for the western region of Sudan. U.N. envoy Jan Eliasson, in a radio interview with the British Broadcasting Corp., expressed optimism Nov. 5 that peace talks might eventually succeed. However, he warned that a successful political process is needed to help check a shifting and increasingly deteriorating situation in Darfur, the site of a grave humanitarian crisis for more than four years. “I have seen myself the desperation, the anger, the frustration in the camps. I have seen also the beginning of tribal battles, fighting over land,” Eliasson told the BBC. “And all these factors lead me to the conclusion that we have to now really take advantage of the beginning of a political process.” Talks between the Sudanese government and several rebel groups stalled almost immediately when they began Oct. 27 in Sirte, Libya. Several prominent rebel groups, including the Sudan Liberation Army, boycotted the talks. Abdel Wahid Nur, the SLA leader, is something of a hero within the numerous camps for the displaced in Darfur and has declared he will not be attending peace

Priest offers help with mosquito nets Parishes that want to raise funds for mosquito nets to combat malaria in Africa may contact Father Paulinus Mangesho, parochial vicar at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Redwood City, for help in completing the project. Father Mangesho said he can connect parish groups with a supplier in Tanzania. He said the groups should work with villages and arrange to have the nets delivered directly from the supplier. He cautioned that they should budget funds for distribution. For more information, Father Mangesho can be reached by e-mail at Sehap1@juno.com or zassociatepastor@mtcarmelchurch.org.

Saudi king . . . ■ Continued from cover their commitment on behalf of intercultural and interreligious dialogue aimed at the peaceful and fruitful coexistence of peoples, and of the value of collaboration among Christians, Muslims and Jews for the promotion of peace, justice and spiritual and moral values, especially in support of the family.” Even before becoming Saudi Arabia’s ruler, King Abdullah began working on a process to convince Arab leaders to recognize Israel’s right to exist in exchange for an Israeli promise to withdraw from the Palestinian territories seized in the 1967 war. The Vatican said that in the king’s meetings with the pope and Cardinal Bertone there was “an exchange of ideas about the Middle East and the need to find a just solution to the conflicts that trouble the region, particularly the IsraeliPalestinian conflict.” In a front-page article the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, placed the king’s visit in the context of new efforts to promote interreligious dialogue

Heroes . . . ■ Continued from page 9 had not saved the file. The entire manuscript had to be painstakingly retyped and copy edited. In the end, they have an account they can share with family and friends, who eagerly snapped up copies, and with interested strangers. The men continue to be surprised by how many people fit the latter category. “It was quite a boost that people would care what we wrote,” said Black. Ross and Black first met at the Star of the Sea Elementary School in first grade,

A woman and her children are seen at a camp for the displaced near Zalingei in the Darfur region of Sudan. The U.N. estimates that roughly a third of Darfur’s 6.4 million people has been displaced since 2003.

negotiations until a joint 26,000-member U.N. and African Union peacekeeping force has been deployed in Darfur. The status of the talks remained in question Nov. 5, with conflicting reports over whether they would contin-

Testani . . . ■ Continued from page 11 ported Testani’s account of the facts on the ground. They said the refugees are caught in a stalemate between the Khartoum government and armed bands in the south. Part of the stalemate is simply a nation’s exhaustion from a long war. Many refugees cannot go home because schools, health services, roads and utilities have been damaged in their villages. Part of it concerns oil revenues, which are to be split by north and south under a 2005 treaty that has yet to be put in force. The former southern rebels and the government are testing each other’s wills, and on Oct. 17 The New York Times reported new bloodshed in the south.

in general and Christian-Muslim dialogue in particular. Calling the visit one of “great importance” in its Nov. 5-6 edition, the newspaper noted that it came less than a month after 138 Muslim scholars, including several Saudis, wrote a letter to Pope Benedict and other Christian leaders “reaffirming the importance of dialogue between Christians and Muslims.” The newspaper said, “In a world where borders are becoming more open each day, dialogue seems to be more of a necessity than a choice.” It also said that in Saudi Arabia the number of Catholics, mainly workers coming from the Philippines, has grown beyond 1.5 million. However, the Vatican newspaper did not mention the fact that there are no churches in Saudi Arabia and that nonMuslims in the country are not allowed to publicly practice their faith. Quoting Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, the newspaper said the key to Christian-Muslim dialogue is “to know each other, know each other, know each other. Each of us always has something to learn from the other.” more than 75 years ago. Ross did not have a pencil that day, so Black loaned him one. In return, he got a lifelong friend. Swendsen was in the same class, but did not become friends with the other two men until sixth grade. Each veteran ends his section of the book with moving statements on “How I Feel about War.” Each embraces the importance of defending nation and family when under attack. Each underscores, as did Ken Burns’ series, that war “is nasty business” in the words of Swendsen. “We Didn’t Know We Were Heroes” is available at local bookstores, including Green Apple Books on Clement Street, and online at Amazon.com

ue or be postponed until December. However, the U.N. and African Union announced that the joint peacekeeping force — which will strengthen and complement a besieged 7,000-member African Union force currently on the ground in Darfur — will be deployed early in 2008. In recent interviews, humanitarian officials warned that the situation in Darfur is becoming increasingly chaotic, with increased levels of violence and banditry that, they believe, are being perpetrated by out-of-control and competing rebel factions, rather than by Sudanese government forces and allied Janjaweed militias. The officials said a political settlement was an imperative to curb violence that was causing new levels of displacement within Darfur. The rebels have said the violence in Darfur is due to actions of the Sudanese government and that their insurgency is based on a need to fight a government they said has long ignored and neglected the Darfur region. The Sudanese government, which declared a unilateral cease fire at the start of the peace talks in Libya, has said it is within its right to fight an insurgency that has threatened Sudan’s national security. The U.N. estimates that roughly a third of Darfur’s 6.4 million people has been displaced since 2003, and that some 200,000 have died in direct violence or because of poor humanitarian conditions caused by the violence. Asked how people can help, Bakhiet said funds are needed to buy mosquito nets. He also encouraged people to pressure political leaders for a humanitarian solution to the stalemate. Finally, he encouraged people to travel to Sudan. He said parts of the country are safer than San Francisco. Since returning from her trip Testani has been reflecting on what the Old Testament Book of Tobit says about relationships: “Give to the hungry some of your bread, and to the naked some of your clothing.” “How does one relate to someone who has to walk 10 kilometers for water?” Testani writes in a reflection on her experience. “How does one relate to someone who has to walk 10 to 20 kilometers to the nearest medical clinic with a child who has a fever of 104? How does one relate to someone who will not be listened to because she was born a woman? One goes to Sudan.”

Sunday, November 18th 12 Noon Meet at St. Paul's Church 1123 Court Street, San Rafael for 2.5 Mile Walk to San Quentin

“INTERFAITH SERVICE AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY” 2:00 PM at the San Quentin Prison East Gate Walk to Stop Executions - 800 Miles – 83 Days – 15 Counties For more info: (415) 308-8256 or visit: www.walktostopexecutions.blogspot.com

November 9, 2007

THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14; Psalm 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15; 2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5; Revelation 1:5a, 6b A READING FROM 2 MACCABEES It happened that seven brothers with their mother were arrested and tortured with whips and scourges by the king, to force them to eat pork in violation of God’s law. One of the brothers, speaking for the others, said: “What do you expect to achieve by questioning us? We are ready to die rather than transgress the laws of our ancestors.” At the point of death he said: “You accursed fiend, you are depriving us of this present life, but the King of the world will raise us up to live again forever. It is for his laws that we are dying.” After him the third suffered their cruel sport. He put out his tongue at once when told to do so, and bravely held out his hands, as he spoke these noble words: “It was from Heaven that I received these; for the sake of his laws I disdain them; from him I hope to receive them again.” Even the king and his attendants marveled at the young man’s courage, because he regarded his sufferings as nothing. After he had died, they tortured and maltreated the fourth brother in the same way. When he was near death, he said, “It is my choice to die at the hands of men with the hope God gives of being raised up by him; but for you, there will be no resurrection to life.” RESPONSORIAL PSALM R. Lord, when your glory appears, my joy

will be full. Hear, O Lord, a just suit; attend to my outcry; hearken to my prayer from lips without deceit. R. Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full. My steps have been steadfast in your paths, my feet have not faltered. I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my word. R. Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full. Keep me as the apple of your eye, hide me in the shadow of your wings. But I in justice shall behold your face; on waking I shall be content in your presence. R. Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full. A READING FROM THE SECOND LETTER OF PAUL TO THE THESSALONIANS Brothers and sisters: May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement and good hope through his grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word. Finally, brothREADINGS, page 16

Catholic San Francisco

Scripture reflection FATHER FRANK DOYLE

Jesus provides clues to heaven’s nature The Sadducees only accepted the first five books of the Bible. Thus, they excluded faith in the bodily resurrection of the just and in the existence of spirits and angels. A group of them challenged Jesus. Like the Pharisees last week, they wanted to trap Jesus. They hoped to show belief in a future life was not only wrong, but selfcontradictory. They come forward with a case which they think is unanswerable. According to a law cited in Deuteronomy, a brother was supposed to bring up an heir for a brother who died childless — to guarantee property would stay within the family and the father’s name would carry on. They propose that a man married but died childless. His brother then married the widow but he, too, died without an heir. And so all seven brothers married the same woman in succession and all died childless. The question: To which of the brothers was the woman the wife? The question posed no problem to the Sadducees. They did not believe in a future life so those who had died no longer existed. But, if Jesus believes in a future life, how will he answer? Either he has to admit she is the wife of all of them; in which case he is making God approve of polygamy (in this case, polyandry) or else the only rational conclu-

sion is that there is no future resurrection. In fact, for Jesus there is no problem. In the future life he sees people in a completely new relationship with God and with each other. Already in this life, Jesus has taught that to be in the Kingdom is to have entered a new relationship with others. In the Kingdom people have entered a new family where all – irrespective of origins – are our brothers and sisters. Jesus’ reply, as reported by Luke, implies that such irrelevance has already begun. “The children of this world take wives and husbands, but those who are judged worthy of a place in the other world and in the resurrection from the dead do not marry because they can no longer die, for they are the same as the angels, and being children of the resurrection they are children of God.” This seems to point to a phenomenon already appearing in the early Church where people were foregoing marriage – becoming celibates –to free themselves for total dedication to the work of the Kingdom. These people are, as it were, a kind of sacrament of the relationships that will exist in the future and eternal Kingdom. Jesuit Frank Doyle is chaplain in Gonzaga College in Dublin, Ireland.

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Catered reception immediately following the Service Our Lady of Mercy Church Hall We invite each family to bring a favorite photo of your loved one to be placed on the Altar of Remembrance before the service. Doors open at 3:00 ~ Service will begin at 3:30

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In keeping with the Holiday spirit, we ask each family to bring an unwrapped toy or canned food for the needy of our community. As this is a catered reception we would appreciate a response in order that we will have sufficient refreshments for all those attending. Questions please call: 650/756-4500 Parking available

Catholic San Francisco

November 9, 2007

Letters . . . ■ Continued from page 12 Chisenga works in HIV/AIDS treatment for Catholic Relief Services in Zambia reminded me of something which happened during my four years as Vatican director of the documentation, information and press office of Caritas Internationalis, something which I had kept to myself to this day. One of my tasks was to write a monthly Caritas information flier and send it, in English, French and Spanish, to some 150 national Caritas organizations the world over. I was repeatedly cautioned by the Secretary General Gerhard Meier and others to carefully avoid mentioning AIDS in any news item dealing with Africa, so sensitive were folks in and from Africa about that subject.

Rolheiser . . . ■ Continued from page 13 where the sun takes a sleep behind the trees. This is especially true about God and the great dogmas of our faith. God is ineffable and all of our language about God is more inadequate than adequate and the great dogmas of our faith are more items of the heart and gut than objects of the intellect. And one last bit: We need more and more to trust love and surrender, to let go

Readings . . . ■ Continued from page 15 ers and sisters, pray for us, so that the word of the Lord may speed forward and be glorified, as it did among you, and that we may be delivered from perverse and wicked people, for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. We are confident of you in the Lord that what we instruct you, you are doing and will continue to do. May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the endurance of Christ. A READING FROM THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE Some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection, came forward and put this question to Jesus, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us, If someone’s brother

I should also mention that I was working at that time with Father Robert J. Vitillo, probably the world’s finest expert on AIDS and former eight-years director of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. He was recently asked to take a new post as special adviser on HIV/AIDS to Caritas Internationalis in Geneva, the Vatican-based global confederation of national Caritas social services and development agencies that operate in some 200 countries. My hands were suddenly freed in the late 1980s when Kenneth David Kaunda, first president of Zambia from 1964 to 1991, publicly announced his own son had died of AIDS. Today Kaunda, 83, devotes his time doing charity work for the anti-AIDS campaign. Father Larry N. Lorenzoni, SDB San Francisco

of ourselves, especially of our pride, our wounds, our hurts, our mistakes, our past, and our weaknesses, to give ourselves over to forgiveness. Morris West said that, at a certain age, it should come down to one word: “Thanks!” He’s right, but to say that one word and mean it we need three other words: “Forgiveness, forgiveness, forgiveness!” Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser is a theologian, teacher, and award-winning author. dies leaving a wife but no child, his brother must take the wife and raise up descendants for his brother. Now there were seven brothers; the first married a woman but died childless. Then the second and the third married her, and likewise all the seven died childless. Finally the woman also died. Now at the resurrection whose wife will that woman be? For all seven had been married to her.” Jesus said to them, “The children of this age marry and remarry; but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. They can no longer die, for they are like angels; and they are the children of God because they are the ones who will rise. That the dead will rise even Moses made known in the passage about the bush, when he called out ‘Lord,’ the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.”

The Catholic Professional and Business Club Breakfast Meeting WEDNESDAY, NOV. 14, 2007 SETON MEDICAL CENTER – DALY CITY 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. 1900 Sullivan Ave., Daly City, CA 94015 VALERIE MEEHAN SCHMALZ

Pro-Life Feminism

Valerie Meehan Schmalz is a fourth generation San Franciscan who now serves as Feminists for Life chief operating officer. Valerie’s background includes more than 10 years in journalism. She worked for The Associated Press, in print, radio and television before marrying husband Patrick in Baltimore. They returned to San Francisco in 1998, where their fourth son was born. Valerie and Patrick’s children attend St. Gabriel School and Archbishop Riordan High School. Valerie’s husband is a mortgage broker and vice president at Smith-Craine Finance. She is one of eight Meehan siblings, and has modeled her view of women, work and family, on her own mother, Valerie C. Meehan who taught at City College of San Francisco for 40 years while raising a family with love. Valerie will discuss Feminists for Life’s mission and outreach to college campuses, as well as her own experiences as a feminist who is pro-life. Feminists for Life of America is a national organization founded in 1972 by two women who were thrown out of a NOW meeting for their pro-life beliefs. Based in the Washington, D.C. area, Feminists for Life believes women can refuse to choose between their unborn child and their career or their education. FFL brings that message to college campuses across the country. Feminists for Life introduced five new speakers in August, including women who continued through college despite unplanned pregnancies, a woman who chose to abort and regrets it, and even a woman who was aborted—and survived.

Mass at 6:30 am in the Chapel

About the Catholic and Professional Business Club (CP&BC) You are invited to become a member of the CP&BC of the Archdiocese of San Francisco. The Club meets for breakfast on the second Wednesday of the month. Catholic people come together to share our common faith, to network, to hear speakers on pertinent topics, and to discuss ways to incorporate our Catholic spirituality and ethics into the workplace. To become a member, or to make a reservation for the upcoming meeting, please visit our website at www.cpbc.-sf.org. Questions? Call (415) 614-5579

November 9, 2007

Advent – and sooner Opportunities Life in the Spirit Seminar presented by the Catholic Charismatic Renewal on Saturdays, Nov. 3, 10 and 17 at St. Paul of the Shipwreck Church, Jamestown and 3rd St. in San Francisco from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with lunch. Presenters are Father Jim Tarantino and Deacon Bill Brennan. There will be a Spanish Life in the Spirit Seminar simultaneously. Free parking. Call (415) 350-8677 or (650) 906-3451. Nov. 10, 9:30 a.m.: Paulist Father Terry Ryan on Pope Benedict XVI’s encyclical “God Is Love” at Old St. Mary’s Cathedral, Grant and California St. in San Francisco. “The heart of the Christian faith is an encounter with Jesus Christ,” Father Ryan said. Call (415) 288-3800. Nov. 11, 12:15 p.m.: A book signing of “I Am The Bread of Life” about the life and ministry of Mercy Sister Suzanne Toolan, teacher, composer and founder of Mercy Center, will be held at the Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse, 2300 Adeline Dr., Burlingame. For information e-mail edossa@mercybur l.org, call (650) 340-7480 or Mercy Sister visit www.mercy-cenSuzanne Toolan ter.org/osc. Nov. 16, 17, 18, 8 p.m.: The Winifred Baker Chorale and Orchestra of Dominican University of California will perform Handel’s Messiah and the Hallelujah Chorus Nov. 16 at St. Raphael Church, 1104 5th Ave. in San Rafael; Nov. 17 at St. Paul Church, 29th and Church St. in San Francisco; and Nov. 18 at Dominican University’s Angelica Hall. Tickets are $10/ $5 students and seniors/12 and under free. Call (415) 482-3579. Dec. 16-24 at 6 a.m., Simbang Gabi at St. Stephen: Now on its 11th year and with eight parishes participating: St. Anne of the Sunset, St. Brendan, St. Cecilia, St. Emydius, St. Finn Barr, St. Gabriel, St. Stephen, and Star of the Sea. Liturgies will include scenes from the Gospel reading of the day. A parish community hosts each day. Archbishop Niederauer will celebrate Mass on Dec. 24 followed by a “Pasko sa Baryo” potluck Christmas party with cultural dances, music and festival. Contact Nellie Hizon at (415) 699-7927. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays: Noontime concerts – 12:30 p.m. - at Old St. Mary’s Cathedral, 660 California St. at Grant, San Francisco; $5 donation requested. Nov. 20: Classical works for piano, violin and cello. Call (415) 288-3800. Sundays at 3:30 p.m.: Concerts at St. Mary’s Cathedral followed by Vespers. Nov. 11: Langlais Symposiette. Call (415) 567-2020.

St. Mary’s Medical Center, San Francisco Celebrating 150 years of service in 2007. Visit www.stmarysmedicalcenter.org. Nov. 13, 14, 15: Annual Holiday Boutique in main lobby of St. Mary’s Medical Center, 450 Stanyan St. in San Francisco, with preview Tuesday from 4 – 7 p.m. Tickets $10 each include refreshments and parking. Wednesday hours are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Thursday hours are 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. with free admission both days. Sponsored by medical center’s auxiliary. Proceeds benefit cancer services. Call Mary Perata at (415) 6681000. Nov. 26, Dec. 3: “Coping With the Holidays”— Grief group sessions 6 - 7:30 p.m., 450 Stanyan St., Level C, Mercy Conference Room. Registration and information: (415) 750-5718 .

Pauline Books and Media Daughters of St. Paul, 2640 Broadway, Redwood City (650) 369-4230 Nov. 20, 7 p.m.: An evening of reflection on the

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signing at St. Stephen Church, Eucalyptus Drive at 23rd Ave., San Francisco. Join author S. T. Georgiou for a walk along “Mystic Street” as he shares spiritual and contemplative experiences that reveal the power of grace in everyday lives. Visit www.saintstephenSF.org or call (415) 6612444. Parking available in Stonestown Mall Lot “J”. Light refreshments follow.

Prayer/Lectures/Trainings Nov. 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 18: Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” at Archbishop Riordan High School, Lindland Theater, 175 Phelan Ave. across from San Francisco City College. Call (415) 587-5866 for ticket prices and curtain times. Paul Stevens, left, Nick Mazza and Nina Peculic are members of the ensemble.

recently released “Spiritual Journal of Mother Teresa: Come be my Light.” Father Kevin Kennedy, local priest, hospital chaplain and spiritual director will share insights drawn from Mother Teresa’s life and writings, as well as from the masters of the spiritual life and his own familiarity with the various stages of the interior life. Book available for purchase at $22.95. Reception follows.

Food and Fun Nov. 10, 11: “Ring in the Holidays” at the All Souls Christmas Craft Faire, 315 Walnut Ave. at Miller in South San Francisco; have lunch on Saturday or “breakfast with Santa” on Sunday. Contact Dolores Herrle at (650) 588-0810 or visit www.ssfallsoulsschool.org Nov. 16, 17, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Sisters of Mercy at Marian Convent 2007 Annual Holiday Boutique. Items include themed gift baskets, handcrafted blankets, all-occasion handmade cards, homemade jams and jellies, baked goods, candies and fudge. Marian Convent, 2300 Adeline Dr., Bldg. D, Burlingame. Follow Lower Road on Mercy Campus to Marian Convent. For information call Debbie Halleran (650) 340-7426. Nov. 16, 17, 7 – 10 p.m.: “Rock the Parish Hall,” two evenings of dancing to classic rock and blues by Marin band, “Girls Nite Out” at St. Hilary Parish Hall, 761 Hilary Dr., Tiburon. Tickets are $20 and available at the door and include appetizers. Wine and beer available for purchase. Call (415) 435-1122 or e-mail richardsmckinley@comcast.net. Nov. 17, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Boutique de Noel, a holiday fundraiser benefiting the work of The Little Sisters of the Poor at St. Anne’s Home, 300 Lake St. in San Francisco. Afternoon features silent auction, raffle and a chance to purchase from holiday gifts including gourmet baskets and homemade foods. Lunch is available at $45 per person. Reservations required. Sponsored by the Auxiliary of the Little Sisters of the Poor. Call Denise Monfredini at (415) 6815948 or Jean Terheyden at (415) 922-3797. Free admission and valet parking. Nov. 17: “Cougars On Broadway,” a Fall Fashion Show, benefiting St. Stephen School. Day begins at 11 a.m. at the Olympic Club Lakeside with no-host cocktails and a silent auction, and luncheon at noon. Tickets are $70. Raffle tickets are $5 per ticket or six tickets for $25. Raffle prizes include $500 Stonestown Galleria shopping spree and $150 gift certificate to Zuni’s Restaurant. For more information, contact Kimberley Collins at (415) 990-1620 or kimberleycollins@sbcglobal.net. Nov. 17, 18, 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Holiday Boutique sponsored by St. Peter Parish Women’s Guild, 700 Oddstad Blvd. in Pacifica. More than 25 vendors showcase a wide variety of hand-crafted items and holiday gifts. Call Darlene Doyle at (650) 359-4535. Nov. 17, 18, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Holiday

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Boutique benefiting Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose at the congregation’s motherhouse, 43326 Mission Blvd. in Fremont. Items available include famous olive oil from trees on Sisters’ estate, homemade fruitcakes and oil paintings and hand-made afghans. Call (510) 657-2468. Nov. 18, 1 – 4 p.m.: “Home for the Holidays,” an afternoon benefiting the restoration of Ralston Hall Mansion at Notre Dame de Namur University, 1500 Ralston Ave. in Belmont. Includes light lunch, desserts, spirits of the season, boutique marketplace, fashions, holiday decorations, lively entertainment. Tickets are $30 before Nov. 9 and $40 after. Young adult tickets, 11 – 17, are $20. Call (650) 598-3645. Nov. 28, 5 – 9 p.m.: More than 55 vendors will display holiday treasures, jewelry, clothing and decorations at the Mercy High School Alumnae Association’s annual Holiday Boutique at the Kohl Mansion on the campus of Mercy High School, 2750 Adeline Dr., Burlingame. There will also be two docent tours of historic Kohl Mansion, at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. A $7 donation is appreciated. For information, call Carol Fraher or the Alumnae Relations Department at 7621190. Dec. 1: Crab Bash Family Dinner at Holy Name of Jesus Ryan Hall, 1560 40th Ave. at Lawton in San Francisco. Doors open 6 p.m. Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $35; tables of eight for $260. Children’s tickets, ages 6 – 12, are $10. Evening includes marinated Dungeness crab, salad, pasta, cheesecake, wine, beer or punch. Call (415) 664-8590.

Arts & Entertainment Nov. 9, 10 15, 16, 17: Sacred Heart Preparatory Theatre Company presents an adaptation of the Ken Kesey classic, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” in the DePaul Auditorium, Ellis and Gough St. in San Francisco. Ticket prices and curtain times available by calling (415) 775.6626, ext. 840 or visit www.shcp.edu. Nov. 9 – Dec. 2: Bay Area Fringe Festival, three weekends (except Nov. 23 – 25) of one-act and solo performance plays at Dominican University of California, Meadowlands Hall, in San Rafael. Call (415) 673-3131 or visit www.dominican.edu/events for titles, curtain times and prices. Nov. 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 18: Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” at Archbishop Riordan High School, Lindland Theater, 175 Phelan Ave. across from San Francisco City College. Call (415) 587-5866 for ticket prices and curtain times. Nov. 15, 16, 17 at 8 p.m., and Nov. 18 at 2 p.m.: “The Foreigner” by Larry Shue takes the stage at Marin Catholic High School.The popular comedy is always a hit. For ticket information call (415) 464-3855. All shows at Marin Catholic’s Poetz Theater. Nov. 18, 7 p.m.: A slide presentation and book

“Do you hear a calling?” Attention: Young Adult Men (21-40) are invitation to a Priesthood Discernment Retreat Weekend where they can reflect on a call in life and the diocesan priesthood; Feb. 1-3 at St. Patrick’s Seminary and University in Menlo Park. Contact the Vocations Office at (415) 614-5683 for registration. Early registration urged for room availability. Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m.: Father Stephen Imbarrato, founder of the organization Project Defending Life in Albuquerque, will speak at Our Lady of Peace Parish, 2800 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara. Proceeds from the $10 admission fee will benefit the St. Juan Diego Women’s Center which serves mothers in a crisis pregnancy. Clergy, religious and students free. Nov. 13, 5:45 p.m.: The USF Center for the Pacific Rim presents “Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice: An Assessment,” a conversation with Joel Brinkley, Pulitzer Prize winner and the Lorry I. Lokey Visiting Professor at Stanford University in Fromm Hall, 2467 Golden Gate Ave. (corner of Golden Gate and Parker Ave.). Free and open to the public; however reservations are encouraged. To reserve a seat, call (415) 422.6828. For more information visit www.pacificrim.usfca.edu. Nov. 14, 7-8:30 a.m.: Valerie Meehan Schmalz of Feminists for Life of America will address the Catholic Professional and Business Club breakfast meeting to be held at Seton Medical Center, Daly City; 6:30 a.m. Mass in chapel before meeting. Cost is $20 members/$27 non-members. For information, call (415) 614-5579 or visit www.cpbc-sf.org. Nov. 15, 5:45 p.m.: The USF Center for the Pacific Rim presents “Russia Resurgent,” a conversation with Vladimir N. Vinokurov, consul general of the Russian Federation in Fromm Hall at 2467 Golden Gate Ave. Free and open to the public; however, reservations are encouraged. To reserve a seat, call (415) 422.6828. For more information visit www.pacificrim.usfca.edu. Dec. 15: 190th anniversary celebration, Mission San Rafael Arcangel. Features Native American exhibits, 4-5 p.m.; Mass at 5 p.m. with retired Sacramento Bishop Francis A. Quinn presiding; reception from 6:30-8 p.m. hosted by Mission San Rafael Arcangel Preservation Foundation. For information, contact Theresa Brunner McDonald at (415) 454-8141, ext. 12, or tbrunner@saintraphael.com.

St. Thomas More Legal Society Visit http://www.stthomasmore-sf.org for more information about these and other St. Thomas More events or contact Hugh A. Donohoe at (415) 972-6320 or hdonohoe@ropers.com. Nov. 15: Annual Pastors Luncheon, noon at Bankers Club, 555 California St., 52nd Floor. Tickets are $45/$20 law students. Contact Stacy Stecher at (415) 772-9642 or sstecher@tobinlaw.com.

Datebook is a free listing for parishes, schools and non-profit groups. Please include event name, time, date, place, address and an information phone number. Listing must reach Catholic San Francisco at least two weeks before the Friday publication date desired. Mail your notice to: Datebook, Catholic San Francisco, One Peter Yorke Way, S.F. 94109, or fax it to (415) 614-5633.

Friendship, Family & Faith Alma Via of San Francisco 415.337.1339 w w w. a l m a v i a . o r g

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Catholic San Francisco

November 9, 2007

Cathedral choirs return from Italy The St. Mary Cathedral choirs (both the adult choir and the Choir of Boys and Girls) returned Oct. 29 from a pilgrimage to Italy. The 31 choir members and 28 other pilgrims started their journey on Oct. 20 in Lugano, Switzerland, singing for a Mass in Gentilino and then in concert in Melide. After a short stop in Milan, the choirs proceeded to Bologna, where they sang a Mass at the tomb of St. Dominic. Assisi was the next destination, with a Mass at the tomb of St. Francis and a visit to the tomb of St. Clare. Next was a Mass in the catacombs of St. Domitilla outside the walls of Rome. In Rome, the choirs sang a concert to a full house at St. Ignatius Church and a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Other spiritual visits included the four major basilicas and the Church of the Holy Cross. On Oct. 28, after seeing the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel, the choir was honored by an audience with the Archbishop Emeritus of San Francisco, Cardinal William Levada, in the courtyard of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith which the cardinal heads. The choirs comprised 11 members of the Choir of Boys and Girls and 20 members of the adult Cathedral Choir. Soloists were Mimi Ruiz, Alison Mankin, Stephen Walsh, Laura Sanders, Emilia Calderon, Helena Tietze, Bill O’Neill, Bill Pierson, Kathy Schiebold and Wallace Moore, and recorders were played by Helena Tietze and Director Christoph Tietze.

The St. Mary Cathedral choirs met with Cardinal William Levada at Vatican City during their recent tour of Italy. Pictured next to the Archbishop Emeritus of San Francisco is choir director Christoph Tietze.

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November 9, 2007

Catholic San Francisco

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Each day the St. Vincent de Paul Society renews the lives of men, women, and children throughout the Bay Area. We place homeless families into housing. We prevent utilities from being shut-off. We help people break free from addicition or rebuild their lives after prison. We shelter abused women and children escaping life-threatening violence. We offer a fresh change of clothes for a crucial job interview. Sometimes we just provide a clean bed or a hot meal that allows a person to get through the day. Your gift helps more than you know.

Please remember those who live without the simple things that many of us take for granted. In this season of gratitude, we are thankful for your help.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY

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Most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel Blessed Mother of the Son of God, assist me in my need. Help me and show me you are my mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and earth. I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to help me in this need. Oh Mary, conceived without sin. Pray for us (3X). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3X). Say prayers 3 days. S.C.

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Catholic San Francisco

November 9, 2007