ONE FAMILY, TWO FAITHS
ST. ANTHONY Messenger
Thomas à Kempis, Life Coach The Hour of Our Death I Will Remember for You
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CONTENTS
ST. ANTHONY Messenger
❘ JANUARY 2017 ❘ VOLUME 124/NUMBER 8
ON THE COVE R
26 ‘Here’s the Story’: Remembering Florence Henderson
Well-known actress Florence Henderson said that her faith always was an important part of her life.
In what came to be her last interview, the multitalented matriarch of The Brady Bunch said faith was her foundation. By Rita E. Piro
Photo courtesy of Florence Henderson
F E AT U R E S
D E PA R T M E N T S
14 I Will Remember for You
2 Dear Reader
The communal memory of our faith binds us together. By Amy Ekeh
3 From Our Readers 4 Followers of St. Francis Pierre Charland, OFM
20 One Family, Two Faiths Families face blessings and challenges in raising their children in different denominations. By Susan Klemond
6 Reel Time Moana
14
The Witness
32 Life Coach Thomas à Kempis
10 Church in the News
This holy man offers five tips on how to cope with our day-to-day struggles. By Jeanette and Robert Lauer
18 Year of Mercy Higher Ground in Baton Rouge
38 The Hour of Our Death
25 Editorial
What will your last moment on earth be like? Jesus tells us we will not be alone. By Jim Van Vurst, OFM
42 Fiction: Hotel Albergue
8 Channel Surfing
10 Ways to Heal Our Nation
20
An unlikely trio discovers how music heals the soul. By Maria Morera Johnson
36 At Home on Earth Older than the Hills
46 Ask a Franciscan Can That Thief Ever Be Forgiven?
48 Book Corner Seasons in My Garden
50 A Catholic Mom Speaks Year of Mercy, Continued
52 Backstory
32
DEAR READER
ST. ANTHONY M essenger
‘Teacher of Theologians’ This year’s column will feature a Franciscan saint or blessed each month. The feast of Blessed Angela of Foligno (1248–1309) is now celebrated on January 7 on the Franciscan calendar. Angela experienced a conversion around the age of 40, moving from a life of fleeting distractions to one of deeply rooted service. Her Franciscan confessor helped her to appreciate God’s mercy toward her and to extend that mercy to people who were poor, sick, or widowed. He also encouraged her to write her book, Visions and Instructions. She was soon dubbed “Teacher of Theologians.” After her husband and children died, Angela entered the Secular Franciscan Order and, eventually, established her own community, motivated by the Incarnation, the crucified Christ, and the great needs of those whose human dignity was often unrecognized. Acquiring more objects gave way to serving more generously. Like St. Paul, Angela’s understanding of “loss and gain” switched places (Phil 3:8). The Sacrament of Reconciliation helped her to live progressively more honestly before God, among others, and in her own eyes. May she encourage that same honesty in us.
Publisher Daniel Kroger, OFM President Kelly McCracken Editor in Chief John Feister Art Director Jeanne Kortekamp Franciscan Editor Pat McCloskey, OFM Managing Editor Susan Hines-Brigger Assistant Editors Daniel Imwalle Kathleen M. Carroll Digital Editor Christopher Heffron Editorial Assistant Sharon Lape Advertising Daniel Imwalle
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(U.S.P.S. PUBLICATION #007956 CANADA PUBLICATION #PM40036350) Volume 124, Number 8, is published monthly for $39.00 a year by the Franciscan Friars of St. John the Baptist Province, 28 W. Liberty Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202-6498. Phone (513) 241-5615. Periodicals postage paid at Cincinnati, Ohio, and additional entry offices. U.S. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: St. Anthony Messenger, P.O. Box 189, Congers, NY 109200189. CANADA RETURN ADDRESS: c/o AIM, 7289 Torbram Rd., Mississauga, ON, Canada L4T 1G8. To subscribe, write to the above address or call (866) 543-6870. Yearly subscription price: $39.00 in the United States; $69.00 in Canada and other countries. Single copy price: $3.95. For change of address, four weeks’ notice is necessary. See FranciscanMedia.org/subscription-services for information on your digital edition. Writer’s guidelines can be found at Franciscan Media.org/writers-guide/. The publishers are not responsible for manuscripts or photos lost or damaged in transit. Names in fiction do not refer to living or dead persons. Member of the Catholic Press Association Published with ecclesiastical approval Copyright ©2016. All rights reserved.
2 ❘ January 2017
St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o rg
FROM OUR READERS
Armed with Compassion, Not a Gun Thank you for Donis Tracy’s interesting article, “Inspired by Sassy Saints,” in the November issue. I agree with the author that the saints are real, everyday models and inspirations for our own faith life. One correction I would like to make in her description of Sister Blandina Segale is that there is no evidence that she ever “wielded a gun.” In fact, I think carrying a gun would have been entirely out of character for this woman who approached all with compassion and mercy, including the wounded Billy the Kid. As a historian with the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, I felt that it was important to point this out. Sister Judith Metz Cincinnati, Ohio
Respect All Human Life I appreciate Maria Gallagher’s support for protecting the lives of our nation’s unborn daughters and sons in her November letter to the editor (“Law and Love Both Needed”). However, the comment about protecting life “from conception to natural death” raises questions about unnatural deaths occurring in our prisons’ execution chambers and in wars that are tolerated, if not endorsed, by many “pro-lifers.” If only everyone would support the full spectrum of respect for human life, as did the late Father Daniel Berrigan, SJ, and the late Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, who promulgated the concept of respect for all human life as a “seamless garment.” Louis H. Pumphrey Shaker Heights, Ohio
Borders beyond Countries
What’s on Your Mind? Letters that are published do not necessarily represent the views of the Franciscan friars or the editors. We do not publish slander or libel. Please include your name and postal address. Letters may be edited for clarity and space. Mail Letters, St. Anthony Messenger 28 W. Liberty St. Cincinnati, OH 45202-6498 Fax 513-241-0399
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My wife and I read St. Anthony Messenger cover to cover monthly. We agree with much of Lois Anderson’s letter, “Hearts without Borders,” in the November “From Our Readers” column. Discussions we’ve had on this subject about immigrants, documented or undocumented, usually find our large and growing population of Latin American and Middle Eastern members welcomed in our congregation and activities. This is a growth area within many parishes. We feel it is not our role (the Church) to manage legal issues; it’s more about saving souls. Many people see walls and border control as a moral issue only. We should welcome those who seek to be part of our American and church communities, as our ancestors have done over generations. Our ancestors wanted citizenship very badly, so they worked to understand the laws, learned a new language, and became part of a community. Many immigrants today want that, as well.
Their efforts have been successful for hundreds of years. They came on their own seeking freedom, often fleeing bad situations in their homelands. The immigration system aided their efforts, while simultaneously discovering any individuals who came for less-than-honorable reasons. Even then, many of them were screened and educated, and entered society at the proper time. Today, we must recognize that others with ulterior motives, are directing (even driving) people into Europe and America. If the immigration system is permitted to work, the checks and balances will make sure the “hearts” entering, and the “hearts” helping, are without borders. (Borders are not just around land; they are around hearts, souls, and minds.) Let the immigrants enter within the system, not in spite of the system. It’s not just a moral issue. Mike McLeod Middletown, Delaware
Compassion Doesn’t Mean Acceptance I’m writing in response to Father Pat McCloskey’s “Ask a Franciscan” column from the November issue, where he answered a question about tattoos and piercings. We were taught in Catholic elementary school that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. No one would invite a graffiti artist to perform his or her “craft” on the exterior of one’s home. Neither would one, unless misguided, perform this type of mutilation on the exterior of one’s body. The Church seems to be trying to become more tolerant of many social issues, instead of remaining faithful to its roots. Let’s not confuse love, compassion, and faith with tolerance and acceptance of misguided concepts and practices. Robert Bizzarro Warren, New Jersey January 2017 ❘ 3
F O L L O W E R S O F S T. F R A N C I S
On Track to Living the Gospel
F
or Brother Pierre Charland, OFM, it happened in an unexpected time and place, as many eureka moments do. “One evening, in a Chinese restaurant in downtown Ottawa, I met someone who spoke to me for a long time about God, and I felt profoundly connected to what this person was saying,” he tells St. Anthony Messenger. Some people might politely listen, with the silent resolution to make no change. Others might steer the conversation to some safer topic. Not Brother Pierre. This was the moment he had been waiting for. “It awoke in me the desire to know the Lord better and to respond to a call that had probably always been there, in the deepest part of my heart: a desire to follow Christ, to commit my life to God,” he says. But, to an outside observer, this decision might not seem to be the logical next step in his life. He describes his hometown of North Bay, Ontario, as a “railway town.” Raised in a devoutly Catholic and French-speaking home, Brother Pierre remembers how his parents “provided my sister and me with a strong model of Christian discipleship.” At 18, he left North Bay to attend the Univer-
Pierre Charland, OFM
sity of Ottawa, where he studied psychology and social sciences. The supposedly straightline trajectory of his life led him to a career in communications for Crown Corporation of the Canadian federal government by the time he was 26. “This was a very well-paid position for someone my age, and although it offered many possibilities, it left me hungering for deeper challenges,” Brother Pierre recalls. The railway of his life, as it were, had reached a crucial juncture. After the night at the Chinese restaurant, Brother Pierre was tidying up his bookshelf and came across a biography of St. Francis of Assisi, which he had never gotten around to reading. He read it cover to cover, amazed at what he discovered: “I now knew that God was calling me to follow the Franciscan path!” He contacted the vocations director for the Saint Joseph Province (also known as the Franciscans of Eastern Canada) and shortly thereafter joined as a postulant. Brother Pierre says the transition from life as secular individual to a religious member living in community was smooth. He attributes the ease of the move to the core values,
STORIES FROM OUR READERS One More Birthday Gift
Learn more about Catholic saints and their feast days by going to FranciscanMedia.org/ source/saint-of-theday.
© RUTH BLACK/FOTOSEARCH
My son gave me a surprise birthday party. Many friends and relatives attended, giving me gift cards. I took the cards and placed them in an envelope. A few days later, as I got ready to write thank-you notes, I noticed that the cards were missing. I prayed to St. Anthony as I turned the house upside down, but the cards didn’t materialize. I was very upset. My son walked in and went to a dresser drawer, opened it, and there was the envelope with the gift cards. I know that I had looked in that drawer earlier. He is truly a marvelous saint. My first thank-you is for him. Then I’ll write the other thank-you notes. —Josephine DeMaio, Middletown, Connecticut
4 ❘ January 2017
St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o rg
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
Humble Service Each year at Pentecost, the friars used to gather at St. Mary of the Angels chapel outside Assisi. Francis’ exhortations to them are now known as his “Admonitions.” He once said, “Let those placed over others boast about that position as much as they would if they were assigned the duty of washing the feet of their brothers” (IV). With such an attitude, friars in positions of authority will always act as servant leaders. –P.M.
PHOTO BY RON RACK
such as selflessness, that his parents ingrained in him. Brother Pierre is the vicar provincial and assistant vocations director for the Saint Joseph Province, as well as pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Montreal. Americans might be surprised to learn about the nature of poverty in Canada. Brother Pierre says that it’s “often not so much associated with specific geographic regions as it is with certain groups or individuals.” People living with disabilities, single mothers, and Native Americans are particularly vulnerable to poverty. Brother Pierre also volunteers his time as a social assistant with a support network for the homeless in Montreal, works at a food bank, and contributes to the efforts of the Coalition for Corporate Social Responsibility, a responsible investment organization. Where does he get the energy for all this work? One need not look any further than the inspiration of St. Francis. “Some 25 years have passed since I became a friar,” Brother Pierre says. “And I still firmly believe that St. Francis has opened up for me a path of joy, of peace, and of real freedom in Christ!” —Daniel Imwalle
To learn more about Franciscan saints, visit FranciscanMedia.org/source/saint-of-the-day.
S T. A N T H O N Y B R E A D
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Send all postal communication to: St. Anthony Bread 1615 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH 45202-6498
January 2017 ❘ 5
PHOTO BY FRANK JASPER, OFM
The National Shrine of St. Anthony is located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Consecrated in 1889, it includes a first-class relic of St. Anthony and serves as a center for daily prayer and contemplation. The Franciscan friars minister from the shrine. To help them in their work among the poor, you may send a monetary offering called St. Anthony Bread. Make checks or money orders payable to “Franciscans” and mail to the address below. Every Tuesday, a Mass is offered for benefactors and petitioners at the shrine. To seek St. Anthony’s intercession, mail your petition to the address below. Petitions are taken to the shrine each week. To post your petition online, please visit stanthony.org, where you can also request to have a candle lit or a Mass offered; or you may make a donation to the Franciscans or sign up to receive a novena booklet.
REEL TIME
W I T H S I S T E R R O S E PA C AT T E , F S P
Moana
SISTER ROSE’S
Favorite Based on Material from Other Media Romeo + Juliet (1996) A Man for All Seasons (1966) For Colored Girls (2010) You Can’t Take It with You (1938) Doubt (2008)
6 ❘
January 2017
© 2016 DISNEY
Films
In Disney’s latest animated film, Moana, the youthful Auli’i Cravalho lends her voice to the title character. Moana (Auli’i Cravalho), 16, lives on an island in the South Pacific. The sea fascinates the young woman, whose family comes from a long line of voyagers. She is especially close to Gramma Tala (Rachel House), who shares her love for the ocean and tells her about the myths and legends of their people. When the ocean no longer yields fish and the land no longer provides food, Moana wants to help. Gramma Tala tells her the story of the demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson), who caused disaster in the past, but who may be able to help. Moana’s father, Chief Tui Waialiki (Temuera Morrison), is afraid to leave the island and forbids her to sail away. But she goes anyway, with the family’s colorful rooster. Moana is one of Disney’s best musical animated features yet. Even though the story, by Zootopia’s Jared Bush, is complex because he blends myths from the different island nations of the Pacific, his Maui is a rascal and highly entertaining. Rather than fear
him, Moana befriends him. Moana herself is a mighty girl: strong, athletic, and loving. Disney is paying attention to what parents and educators are saying about young female heroines and the images they project. Moana feels, from an early age, her calling to save her people—and you can see her discerning her vocation and following it. And I loved her relationship with her wise Gramma Tala. There are themes of vocation, adoption, abandonment, care for the environment, generational healing, and courage. Delightful! A-3, PG ■ Some peril.
Manchester by the Sea Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck) is a stoic yet volatile handyman who takes care of four apartment buildings in Quincy, Massachusetts. He grew up on the North Shore and loves the sea. He gets a call that his brother, Joe (Kyle Chandler), is in the emergency room after a heart attack. By the time he St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o r g
COURTESY OF AMAZON STUDIOS AND ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS
Oscar buzz surrounds Casey Affleck (left) for his performance in Kenneth Lonergan’s brooding film Manchester by the Sea.
PHOTO BY WILLIAM GRAY/© 2016 TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX
gets there, Joe has died. In a surprise turn, Lee learns that he has been named guardian of his 16-year-old nephew, Patrick (Lucas Hedges). Lee is overwhelmed. He and Randi (Michelle Williams) divorced after a tragic accident took their children. Some townspeople are kind to Lee, while others blame him. He cannot get work, and Patrick does not want to leave his home and the boat that he inherited from his father. Writer/director Kenneth Lonergan’s atmospheric film picks at a working-class family’s wounds of guilt that cannot heal. Most of the story takes place in winter, when the landscape is barren. However, by the end, we know that spring is coming. Casey Affleck’s performance is brilliant. The most surprising line of dialogue in a film where the main character barely speaks is when Lee explains to Patrick, who has just learned his estranged mother has become Christian, that “Catholics are Christians, you know.” This film should garner some award attention, especially for Affleck. Not yet rated, R ■ Pervasive crass language, alcohol, bar fights, brief sexuality.
straight about her husband and what happened in Dallas. Their oddly matched conversation—she is prickly while he is uneasy—frames the film’s narrative. We get a glimpse of Jackie’s inner turmoil through her conversations with a priest (John Hurt), who is matter-of-fact and wise, and the support of Robert Kennedy (Peter Sarsgaard). We experience how incredibly difficult it was for Jackie, from the swearing in of Lyndon B. Johnson (John Carroll Lynch) to departing the White House. She is strong, decisive, caring, and in deep pain that she hides from most people. We learn that Jackie and Jack rarely spent the night together and that she accepted him as he was. Portman assumes Jackie’s breathy voice, elite accent, posture, and movements perfectly. The makeup and costuming for all the characters are incredibly accurate. Jackie loved the musical Camelot, and though Camelot never really existed, it would never come again. Not yet rated, R ■ Mature themes, brief violence.
Oscar winner Natalie Portman brings depth to her role as the recently widowed Jackie Kennedy in the film Jackie.
Catholic Cl assifications
Jackie For those of us who remember the assassination and funeral of President John F. Kennedy, the biographical drama Jackie will evoke memories as poignant as they are mythical. Jackie Kennedy (Natalie Portman) meets with presidential historian and journalist Theodore H. White (Billy Crudup) at her home in Hyannis Port a week or so after JFK’s funeral. She wants to set the record
Fr anciscanMedia.org
A-1 A-2 A-3 L O
General patronage Adults and adolescents Adults Limited adult audience Morally offensive
■
The Catholic News Service Media Review Office gives these ratings. See usccb.org/movies.
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For additional film reviews, go to FranciscanMedia.org/movie-review.
January 2017 ❘
7
CHANNEL SURFING
WITH CHRISTOPHER HEFFRON
UP CLOSE
January 23, 10 p.m., PBS In the early morning hours of March 13, 1964, Kitty Genovese was stabbed to death outside her Queens, New York, apartment building—a case that rattled the country. Her screams for help woke the neighbors, yet simultaneously fell on deaf ears: the wounded Kitty went largely ignored. The case is over 50 years old, but the emotional scars on her family’s psyche linger still. Her younger brother’s tireless, even obsessive, attempt to piece together the events of that night—and find a measure of closure—is the heartbeat of director James Solomon’s haunting documentary, The Witness. The end result is a startling work of undeniable power. The narrator, protagonist, and soulful conscience of the film is Bill Genovese, Vietnam veteran, amateur sleuth, and Kitty’s kid brother. He painstakingly pores over the events of the case, cold clues, and eyewitness accounts, and debunks some of the myths that have encircled the case for decades. He’s hunting for answers, yes, but the emotional punch of the documentary is his quest to heal his wounded family. The Witness is as much about mercy as it is about a murder—and viewers gain insight into Kitty herself. “My sister was so much more than the final 30 minutes of her life,” Bill says. Those words speak to the beauty and promise of a life tragically cut short.
People Magazine Investigates
© PBS
Mondays, 10 p.m., Investigation Discovery Strip away the obligatory celebrity profiles and weight-loss transformation stories, and People magazine can actually be a meaty read. The editors’ consistent and balanced coverage of some of the nation’s most puzzling and celebrated crimes is often what brings readers back each week for more. Now this popular weekly is teaming up with Investigation Discovery (ID) for a true-crime series that is as absorbing as the stories in their pages. People Magazine Investigates follows a simple formula each week: well-known, and in some cases little-known, crimes are explored from various angles, with eyewitnesses, investigators, and pathologists weighing in. This is fairly textbook. But what gives this series a slight edge is that the reporters for People who covered the cases lend their insight to the presentation. That’s a unique perspective lacking in other series of this ilk. True-crime documentary series are ubiquitous on television—especially on ID, which built its entire programming structure on the foundation of this genre. But channel surfers looking for a tempered, honest look at some of the most salacious crimes of this century and the last wouldn’t be wasting their time tuning in. The show takes a hard look at the crimes that permeate our culture and consciousness, and how the ripple effect can last for decades.
The murder of Kitty Genovese is the focus of Independent Lens’ The Witness, in which Kitty’s brother searches for answers to the tragedy. 8 ❘
January 2017
St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o r g
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CHURCH IN THE NEWS
❘ BY SUSAN HINES-BRIGGER
Year of Mercy Comes to an End
CNS PHOTO/TIZIANA FABI, POOL VIA REUTERS
that the Catholic Church’s focus on God’s mercy must continue through individual acts of kindness, assistance to the poor, and, particularly, by encouraging Catholics to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and making it easier for them to do so. In that spirit, he formally gave all priests permanent permission to grant absolution to those who confess to having procured an abortion. While many bishops around the world, and almost all bishops in the United States, routinely grant that faculty to all their priests, Pope Francis had made it universal during the Holy Year.
Pope Francis closes the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica to mark the closing of the extraordinary jubilee celebration of the Year of Mercy at the Vatican November 20.
10 ❘ January 2017
ery), which a papal aide announced was written to affirm that the commitment to sharing the merciful love of God continues because it is “the heart of the Gospel.” In the document, the pope stated
The day before the end of the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis created 17 new cardinals from 14 nations, three from the United States, reported CNS. The new US cardinals are Blase
CNS PHOTO/ L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO, HANDOUT
Closing the Holy Door of Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica on November 20, Pope Francis brought to an end the yearlong extraordinary jubilee celebration of the Year of Mercy. The door will remain sealed until the next Holy Year, which will likely be in 2025, reported Catholic News Service (CNS). An estimated 70,000 people gathered for the Mass, which was concelebrated by the new cardinals Pope Francis had created the previous day. During his homily, the pope said that even if the Holy Door is closed, “the true door of mercy, which is the heart of Christ, always remains open wide for us.” The Year of Mercy, he said, was a call to “rediscover the youthful, beautiful face of the Church, the face that is radiant when it is welcoming, free, faithful, poor in means but rich in love, on mission.” At the end of Mass, Pope Francis signed his new apostolic letter, “Misericordia et Misera” (Mercy and Mis-
Pope Names New Cardinals
Pope Francis, right, and the 17 newly appointed cardinals visit with Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at the retired pope’s residence following a consistory at the Vatican November 19. St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o rg
N E W S B R I E F S N AT I O N A L A N D I N T E R N AT I O N A L To mark the end of the Year of Mercy, the Catholic bishops of Rwanda issued a letter asking for forgiveness for Catholics’ role in the 1994 genocide in their country. More than 800,000 people—mostly ethnic Tutsis—were killed. The three-page letter, which was signed by all the bishops in the country, was read in every church November 20.
CNS/LUKE MICHAEL DAVIES, COURTESY BUCKFAST ABBEY MEDIA STUDIOS
The hair shirt worn by St. Thomas More is now on display for public veneration in Buckfast Abbey, a Benedictine monastery in southwest England. St. Thomas, a former lord chancellor of England, wore the shirt when he was incarcerated in the bell tower of the Tower of London while awaiting execution for opposing the Protestant reforms of King Henry VIII. He was beheaded July 6, 1535.
J. Cupich of Chicago; Kevin J. Farrell, prefect of the new Vatican office for laity, family and life; and Joseph W. Tobin, whom the pope asked to move from being archbishop of Indianapolis to archbishop of Newark, New Jersey. Addressing the cardinals, the pope noted that “we live at a time in which polarization and exclusion are burgeoning. We see, for example, how quickly those among us with the status of a stranger, an immiFr ancisca n Media .org
More than 500 ministers and religious leaders joined together on November 4 at Standing Rock Indian Reservation near Cannon Ball, North Dakota, for a day of prayer and conversation. Protesters have been fighting the development of the Dakota Access Pipeline, claiming it endangers the reservation’s water supply and infringes on sacred tribal grounds.
CNS PHOTO/STEPHANIE KEITH, REUTERS
Four cardinals have formally asked Pope Francis to clarify his teaching on Communion for the divorced and civilly remarried as laid out in the apostolic exhortation “Amoris Laetitia.” The cardinals said that after receiving no response from the pope regarding the matter, they released a letter and accompanying explanations on the subject to the press on November 14. The four who signed the letter are Cardinals Walter Brandmuller, a German and former president of the Pontifical Commission for Historical Sciences; Raymond L. Burke, a US cardinal and patron of the Knights of Malta; Carlo Caffarra, retired archbishop of Bologna, Italy; and Joachim Meisner, retired archbishop of Cologne, Germany.
A report by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University shows that the Catholic Church is one of the most culturally diverse institutions in the United States and that Catholic institutions and ministries need to adapt and prepare for growing diversity. The report, released November 15, was commissioned by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church in 2013. Its goal was to help identify the size and distribution of ethnic communities in the country.
At their annual meeting in Baltimore, the US bishops elected Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of GalvestonHouston as president and Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez as vice president. Cardinal DiNardo, who has served as vice president for the past three years, succeeds Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky. For more Catholic news, visit FranciscanMedia.org/ catholic-news.
grant, or a refugee” are seen as threats, he said. They are presumed to be an enemy because they come from a different country, “because of the color of their skin, their language, or their social class. An enemy because they think differently or even have a different faith.” The “growing animosity between peoples” is found even “among us, within our communities, our priests, our meetings,” the pope said. Following the ceremony, Pope
Francis and the newly created cardinals visited Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who thanked each of them for stopping by and assured them of his prayers.
Archbishop Sheen’s Remains to Be Relocated The Supreme Court of New York ruled on November 17 that the remains of Archbishop Fulton Sheen may be moved from their current January 2017 ❘ 11
this process happen as soon as possible.”
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Pro-life Priest Stirs Controversy
Promoters of Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s cause for canonization hope relocating his remains to Illinois will help with his sainthood cause.
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CNS PHOTO/BOB ROLLER
location in New York’s St. Patrick Cathedral—where he was entombed following his death on December 9, 1979—to Peoria, Illinois, reported CNS. Archbishop Sheen’s family had requested the transfer. On November 1, Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Arlene Bluth heard arguments from lawyers for Archbishop Sheen’s niece, Joan Sheen Cunningham, as well as those from the Archdiocese of New York. In her ruling, Justice Bluth said the court deferred to the wishes of the family “because petitioner has set forth a justifiable, good, and substantial reason for moving the remains.” Among reasons for disinterment, she said, were that the move will aid in the canonization process, that Archbishop Sheen’s parents are buried nearby in Peoria, and that St. Mary’s Cathedral is where Archbishop Sheen was ordained a priest and a place he visited often during his lifetime. The Diocese of Peoria has been a promoter of Archbishop Sheen’s canonization cause for more than 14 years. In 2012, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI recognized the archbishop’s heroic virtue and life of sanctity, granting him the title “venerable.” The diocese released a statement following the ruling saying, “It is our intention to begin working with the Archdiocese of New York to make
Pro-life activist Father Frank Pavone, founder of the organization Priests for Life, has come under fire for placing the body of an aborted fetus on the altar and streaming it on Facebook Live two days before the presidential election, reported CNS. It is not the first time Father Pavone has caused controversy. Father Pavone said he was trying to drive home, in a visual and impactful way, what it meant to choose one presidential candidate over the other on Election Day. Father Pavone said he was given the fetus by a pathologist who had received it from an abortion clinic. “I’m showing the reality,” he said in an interview with CNS. As for why he chose to broadcast the event on Facebook Live, Father Pavone said, “You can’t do it with words.” He said he doesn’t see what he did as a desecration or improper in any way. In a November 8 statement, Bishop Patrick Zurek of Amarillo, Texas, said, “We believe that no one who is pro-life can exploit a human
body for any reason, especially the body of a fetus.” He said the diocese “deeply regrets the offense and outrage caused by the video for the faithful and the community at large. The action and presentation of Father Pavone in this video is not consistent with the beliefs of the Catholic Church.” The Catholic blog Patheos denounced the priest’s actions, saying it was a desecration of the altar and is a violation of the Code of Canon Law. The altar, they wrote, “is consecrated for the holy sacrifice of the Mass. It is not consecrated so that a dead child can be placed there as part of a political stunt to lobby for a favored presidential candidate.” Father Pavone was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of New York in 1988 but was incardinated into the Amarillo Diocese in 2005 by Bishop John W. Yanta, then head of the diocese. Bishop Yanta served on the board of advisers of Priests for Life. In 2012, the Vatican Congregation of the Clergy issued a decree allowing Father Pavone to minister outside the Diocese of Amarillo, but he still must obtain specific permission to do so from Bishop Zurek—the current bishop of Amarillo. A
Father Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life, speaks in front of the US Supreme Court at the 2009 March for Life in Washington. Pro-life supporters have denounced Father Pavone over a controversial Facebook Live video he streamed before Election Day. St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o rg
LET US BEGIN AGAIN
B Y J O Y C E R U P P, O S M
E
ACH NEW YEAR extends an invitation to re-enter the process of transformation, for self and for our world. We stand at the threshold, looking back and looking ahead. This valuable process involves a
deliberate letting go of the past and an intentional welcoming of future possibilities. We will make choices and decisions in the coming year that will create our reality. We live on a wounded planet and share life in a world of suffering humanity. But we do not despair. The Holy One continues to awaken us. We have what we need to bring peace within ourselves and our
PHOTO FROM PIXABAY
world. This is my prayer for each and all of us.
To let go of the idea that I am separate from the rest of creation. To welcome the countless ways that unite me with all that exists.
To let go of being imprisoned by stingy self-centeredness. To welcome the ways that life draws my gifts and love outward.
To let go of whatever keeps me indifferent to the suffering of others. To welcome and act on the compassion and kindness stored within me.
To let go of what stalls or impedes my spiritual growth. To welcome quiet, reflective times to be with the Beloved.
To let go of inattentiveness to the beauty dwelling in existence. To welcome little joys and surprising wonders that each day contains.
To let go of worry about things over which I have no control. To welcome a stronger trust in the Holy One that all shall be well.
To let go of past woundedness and hurts that I carry. To welcome and act on my ability to forgive and to be healed.
To let go of the desire to have a perfect, undisturbed life. To welcome the taken-for-granted peacefulness that I do have.
To let go of aversion and avoidance of what is unwanted. To welcome people and events that disturb my comfort zone.
To let go of cherished ones who have departed this sphere of life. To welcome the steadfast love and good memories they left behind.
To let go of the pull of consumerism on my desires and values. To welcome simple living and the plentitude I already have.
To let go of the old yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s troubles and unresolved burdens. To welcome the new year with hope and a sense of adventure.
Joyce Rupp, OSM, is a well-known author and speaker. She is a member of the Servites (Servants of Mary) community and was a volunteer for Hospice for 15 years.
Fr anciscanMedia.org
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I Will Remember for You The communal memory of our faith binds us together. BY AMY EKEH
I
N MY WORK in parishes and programs among everyday Catholics—or “folks in the pew”—I encounter a lot of heartache. People share their struggles and pains, their stress and anxiety, the times in their lives when their hearts have been broken. Among many of these folks, I find a nagging feeling, a deepseated concern rooted in a generations-long faith. They want to know what is going to happen in their Church and in their families in the coming years. They want to know if their faith will be passed on, if the meaning it has given their lives will be shared by their children and grandchildren. Looking around at their world, their dioceses, their parishes, they feel disheartened. Are younger generations hearing the authentic good news? Have they had any sacred encounters? Where will they look for meaning? Will the young adults who have left our faith communities return? Fully aware of this palpable concern, and in the thick of it myself as a parent of four, I have spent a lot of time thinking about it. I empathize with this gazing at the Church’s horizon—and indeed our own family horizons—with uncertainty. And yet I know we must not settle for pessimism and discouragement. The nature of our faith itself, one which boldly breathes death and Resurrection in the same sentence and preaches them as one event, does not condone a scenario in which uncertainty and disillusionment rule the day. Hope will have the last word. But what about the natural sadness we may feel over those within our families or communities who no longer embrace the faith, those who have turned away for a variety of reasons? What is the source of our hope in the midst of this concern? Is there a way we can understand those we love as still vigorously
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attached to the body of Christ, still a viable part of the Church’s fabric? Is there a way our faith can envelop them so they do not slip entirely outside of its life-giving communion?
Faith Is a Living Memory In his apostolic exhortation “The Joy of the Gospel” (“Evangelii Gaudium”), Pope Francis describes our faith in a way that may offer encouragement and perspective. It is a simple approach, but one which potentially adds depth, breadth, and texture to our understanding of the Church’s communion. St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o r g
CNS PHOTO/GREGORY A. SHEMITZ
Pope Francis describes our faith as a kind of living memory, a profound and dynamic remembrance. “Memory,” he writes, “is a dimension of our faith which we might call ‘deuteronomic,’ not unlike the memory of Israel itself” (EG 13). What does Pope Francis mean by “deuteronomic”? He is recalling the long history of Israel, spanning centuries of covenant, rebellion, and reconciliation. This history, though ancient, remains fresh and relevant as it is kept alive by the memories of God’s people. Indeed, the Book of Deuteronomy itself is a Fr anciscanMedia.org
spirited repetition of the law, a memory or recollection of God’s promises and expectations as the Israelites stand on the threshold of the Promised Land. In the same way, our Christian faith is a vibrant remembering, a looking back that sends us forth. We, too, remember the great and often tumultuous stories of Israel. We remember the stories of Jesus—divine origins, parables and teachings, miracles and mighty deeds, suffering, death, and resurrection. We remember the outpouring of the Spirit, the proclamation of the Gospel, the lives of the
At Baptism, babies have no understanding of the rich history and stories of faith. Parents, family, and the congregation remember and have faith for them.
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‘Remembering’ in Scripture
(Right) Even when individuals let go of faith, intentionally or due to aging or illness, family members can actively remember and believe on their behalf, weaving them into the community of faith.
In the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses repeatedly admonishes the people to remember. He reminds them of their slavery and liberation, their rebellions in the desert, the lives of their ancestors in faith, and the steadfast care of God. Moses knew that remembering their communal history and God’s active role in it both made them a people and preserved them as a people. This was much more than an intellectual exercise. The survival of a community depended on these shared memories. Of course, this practice of remembering that is so well attested in the Hebrew Scriptures continues among Christians. Jesus’ own instruction to “Do this in memory of me” is a constant reminder to those who keep this command that by remembering, the power
MOSES VIEWS THE PROMISED LAND, ENGRAVING BY GERARD JOLLAIN/ WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
(Below) In the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses stresses to the Israelites the need to remember their history and God’s promises before entering the Promised Land.
Much has been written about the Hebrew understanding of remembering, a rich tradition most closely associated with the celebration of Passover. This great festival was to be observed as a memorial, the ongoing preservation of a powerful memory. Indeed, Israel believed that it could recall its liberation from slavery in Egypt in such an effective way that God’s liberating power could be experienced and bear fruit in the present. The yearly Passover celebration continues as a living memory, bringing God’s mighty deeds of the past into the here and now.
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of the past is brought to bear on the present. By remembering, we are made a people and preserved as a people. It is through these living memories that the strands of Church continue to be woven, generation after generation. Interestingly, God does a great deal of remembering in the Scriptures, too. This is not because God forgets things. But when he remembers—his people, his covenant, his kindness, his mercy—these things flourish and thrive. It is as though they are placed before him in a state of intimacy and immediacy. There is dynamism and growth. God’s remembering, like ours, is active, not passive. It is creative and productive.
Shared Memories As a community of faith, we share memories. We share a profound past, which has woven a centuries-long relationship with our God and with one another. This past—and our active remembrance of it—is what binds us together. Indeed, this remembering is what makes our Church a family. As we know, our most genuine experiences of family are ultimately based not on shared blood but on shared experiences and memories, which weave together to create a common and meaningful past. We also know that within families, members can remember on behalf of one another. If a member of the family leaves for some time, the first thing that begins to happen when the family member is restored is a collective remembering, a retrieval of the past that recalls and recreates the family’s common ground. The relationship is built and rebuilt on memories. If a family member begins to forget due to age or failing health, the others naturally con-
St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o r g
PHOTOS L-R: © DIEGO CERVO/ FOTOSEARCH; CNS/KAREN CALLAWAY, CATHOLIC NEW WORLD
saints, the Christian witnesses we have known, the promises, the gifts, life eternal. We remember. And this, Pope Francis writes, is what makes us Christians: “The believer is essentially one who remembers” (EG 13). In other words, memory sustains faith.
tinue to remember for him or her. One member’s inability to remember does not threaten his or her place in the family’s communion because the family actively remembers on his or her behalf. The failing memory of a loved one is supplemented and sustained by the rest of the family. Memory is a powerful phenomenon. It binds us together like the tightly woven threads of a tapestry. But is it strong enough to weave together the members of our faith communities, even those who are not active participants—our adult children who have left the faith, or those who have relinquished their faith due to some great and inexplicable suffering, even those who have forgotten as a result of age, Alzheimer’s, or other condition? Can we weave these loved ones into our tapestries of faith? Can we remember for them?
Remembering for Others When my grandmother was dying, she slipped into unconsciousness in her final days. The time for conversation and interaction had passed. When the priest came to anoint her, we all gathered around her bed; it was clear to everyone what was happening. This was a time for collective memory. This was a time for Christians to join one who was passing, to remember for her. My grandmother could not remember the Scriptures or her God. She knew nothing of the commands or promises of Christ in those moments. But we, praying together, remembered for her. And this was as it should have been. We wanted to do something for her, and this was what we could do. We could remember. We could believe. We had faith for her. When my four babies were baptized, they did not know a single Bible story. They knew
nothing of sin or salvation. They could not even focus on a crucifix, much less understand what had happened on the cross. No matter. My husband and I remembered for them. We remembered the dying and rising. We recalled the words of Jesus and the teachings of Paul. By remembering, we made present the story of salvation, the people of God, the cleansing of the waters, and the wonder of new life. We believed. We had faith for them. Many years ago, a friend of mine almost lost her newborn daughter. Her baby was in the hospital close to death. My friend went to Mass but could not speak the creed. She could not remember; she did not believe. But all was well. Those present remembered for her. They prayed the creed with gusto. They made present the deeds of God. They believed for her. At some point in each of our lives, we will remember for someone else. Perhaps we will remember for someone who taught us the living memories. Perhaps one who shared with us the stories of our faith and led us by the hand to the cross of Jesus will succumb to illness or age. Perhaps he or she will forget. But we will remember for that person. Perhaps our own children will drift outside of the Church’s collective memory and look elsewhere for meaning. But we will keep the memories alive for them. Perhaps it is the final work of the mother and the father to remember for their children. We will remember the covenant love of the Father, the stubborn covenant love. We will remember the death of the Son, who laid it all down of his own accord. We will remember and make present the power of the Spirit, who leads all to freedom, who utters what cannot be put into words, who is and who knows the depths of God. Our faith is a living memory. Can we remember for each other? Yes, we can. Undoubtedly, at some point in life or in death, there will come a time when all of God’s children must choose whether or not they believe, whether or not the memories will be their own. But until then, let us hold one another up in every way, in every place, that we can. Let us place our hope in the communion we have by the memories we share. This is the determined hope to which we are called. It is the hope of one who remembers. A Amy Ekeh is a freelance writer from Milford, Connecticut, where she writes her blog, amyekeh.com. She is a retreat director and instructor in the Archdiocese of Hartford’s Biblical School.
Fr anciscanMedia.org
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YEAR OF MERCY
❘ BY RICHARD MEEK
Higher Ground in Baton Rouge The Corporal Works of Mercy ■ Feed the hungry ■ Give drink to the thirsty ■ Clothe the naked ■ Shelter the homeless ■ Visit the sick ■ Visit the imprisoned ■ Bury the dead
CNS PHOTO/JONATHAN BACHMAN, REUTERS
The Spiritual Works of Mercy ■ Admonish the sinner ■ Instruct the ignorant ■ Counsel the doubtful ■ Comfort the sorrowful ■ Bear wrongs patiently ■ Forgive all injuries ■ Pray for the living and the dead Richard Rossi and his 4-year-old great-grandson, Justice, wade through water August 15 after their home flooded in St. Amant, Louisiana.
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donations in the form of clothes, cash, and other necessities were sent from all over the world. Groups such as the Knights of Columbus gave more than $200,000, and people from other states sent truckloads of clothing and supplies. Father David’s parish was one small part of channeling that relief. A
tal Digi as t Ex r
Click here for a longer version of this article.
Richard Meek is editor and general manager of The Catholic Commentator, newspaper of the Diocese of Baton Rouge.
POPE FRANCIS ON MERCY “In a world unfortunately hit by the virus of indifference, the works of mercy are the best antidote.” —General audience, October 12, 2016
St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o rg
CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING
hen historic flooding hit Baton Rouge in the summer of 2016, some motorists were trapped in their cars for more than 30 hours. Father Jamin David, pastor at St. Margaret of Scotland Church in suburban Albany, knew motorists were without food, water, or even bathrooms, so he opened his parish facilities. His parish was fine, but as many as 100,000 homes were damaged in the Baton Rouge Diocese, and thousands of people fled to evacuation shelters. More than a dozen people died; others had to be rescued from rooftops. “We were in straight-up survival mode,” says Tim Hasenkampf, a Baton Rouge firefighter who lost his house from flooding, but spent hours rescuing people by boat. In the aftermath, many residential streets were surrounded by mountains of debris, with a stench that eventually subsided, but never quite left. Even as the waters continued to rise,
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One Family, Two Faiths Families face blessings and challenges in raising their children in different denominations. BY SUSAN KLEMOND
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JORN AND LEAH Amundson’s 3year-old daughter, Selah, knows which of the two churches her family attends is Catholic and which is Protestant. But she doesn’t yet understand that one is her mom’s church and the other is her dad’s. Even as Selah and her younger brother begin asking questions about differences between the churches, her parents, who live in St. Paul, Minnesota, hope they will consider both places of worship part of their family life. “These are things that we do as a family,” says Leah, who is Catholic, while Bjorn describes himself as a “doubting nondenominational Christian” who is committed to raising their children Christian. “We’re experiencing two different ways of worshiping God and two different focuses, one [with] a little more tradition and the liturgy, and [the other with] more Scripture and really learning about what’s in the Bible,” she says. “I don’t pretend to say that it’s easier or people should seek to do it, but I don’t fear that it’s going to destroy the children. I hope that we will use it for good.”
More Couples from Different Traditions The Amundsons are among a growing number of interchurch couples deciding if and how they will raise their children in faith. Interchurch means that each spouse belongs to a different Christian denomination or church. Another increasing number of couples are 20 ❘
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interfaith, which means that each spouse affiliates with a different religion. These couples all face such issues as establishing family worship and unity, navigating religious practices, and honoring their families’ faith origins. In the first decade of this century, 45 percent of couples were interchurch/interfaith, compared with 20 percent before 1960. According to a 2010 survey, 43 percent of those interviewed say they taught their children one faith while 22 percent taught both faiths. The survey was commissioned by New York Post columnist Naomi Schaefer Riley, author of ’Til Faith Do Us Part: How Interfaith Marriage Is Transforming America.
Avoiding the Issue More than half the respondents in Riley’s survey didn’t discuss faith differences before marrying. Father Robert Hater, a Cincinnati diocesan priest, retired professor, and author of When a Catholic Marries a Non-Catholic, says fewer interchurch couples understand Catholic marriage and some don’t marry. “I think there is a tendency sometimes, especially if they’re not very strong in their faith, to overlook it and think, We’ll deal with the problem when we come to it,” he says. “Then after they’re married some time, they’re faced with it.” Riley’s survey shows evidence that once interchurch/interfaith couples have children, some still do not confront the issue of faith, with 35 percent of couples not raising their children in any faith. St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o r g
PHOTO BY DAVID HRBACEK
Interchurch couples who leave the Church concern the US bishops, says Bonnie Mack, the Cincinnati Archdiocese’s marriage preparation and enrichment coordinator. Faith should hold couples together, Bonnie says. “I think sometimes when you ignore it and don’t do anything, it becomes a divider unknowingly.” Bonnie understands this because she was Methodist when she married her husband, Tom, a Catholic. Before their 1969 wedding, they discussed converting but decided to remain in their respective churches, she says. Fr anciscanMedia.org
The couple, who live in Cincinnati, didn’t discuss raising children in faith until several years later. The Amundsons talked about faith while dating but discovered they didn’t agree on how to live it in marriage, Bjorn says. At one point, Leah asked him when he would convert to Catholicism. “She had this underlying assumption that I was going to become Catholic because the person who’s more serious about [his or her] faith or the woman generally wins,” he says. “I said, ‘I’m going to be open-minded, but
Bjorn and Leah Amundson say that raising their children in two different faiths has its challenges. But they believe their situation also offers a broad view of worshiping God.
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you have to marry me assuming I’m not going to convert.’. . . She got a little perspective but didn’t run away.”
Raising Children in One Church
Two Churches Parents who decide to raise children in two faith traditions face issues as well. According to interchurch couples in Williams’ research, parents were concerned that children may be confused with two faith upbringings. However, other couples mentioned that teaching two faith traditions encouraged examination of different beliefs and deeper faith, he says. 22 ❘
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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MACKS
(Right) Tom and Bonnie Mack addressed their separate faith traditions by attending both Catholic and Presbyterian churches together, as well as always showing respect for the other’s religion.
Sometimes one interchurch spouse does convert, or couples agree to raise their children in one faith. Father T.J. McKenzie, a priest in the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis, learned about the Catholic faith from his mother, who converted to Catholicism from the Lutheran faith when he was 8. “If we would have had two different faith traditions within the household, I think it would have been easier for us to say, ‘Well, why do I have to take the faith seriously? Why can’t I just believe in something else or just believe in nothing at all?’” he says. “In a way, a unified front from the parents, I think, helps with their parental authority.” Daniel and Ashley Teater of Lexington, South Carolina, decided before their daughter’s birth last spring that they would raise her in the Catholic Church, though Ashley is Presbyterian. “When we started talking about the idea of having kids, we discussed faith,” Daniel says. “I expressed to my wife that my Catholic faith was really important to me and I really wanted, if we had kids, to raise them in the Catholic Church. She was pretty amenable to it. We found a good place in the Catholic community here. I would say it wasn’t a difficult decision.” While some families find an easy transition, others are faced with more challenging situations, according to interchurch couples interviewed in a late-’90s study directed by Lee Williams, a University of San Diego professor and licensed marital and family therapist. In some cases, couples agree to raise their children in one faith, but the parents decide to practice their separate faith traditions. Consequently, one parent may feel more responsibility, especially if he or she is taking several children to church alone, while the other parent can feel separated from the children’s religious upbringing, Williams says.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TEATERS
(Right) Ashley and Daniel Teater say the decision to raise their daughter in the Catholic faith was not a difficult one, despite the fact that Ashley is Presbyterian.
Bonnie and Tom Mack made the decision to attend both Catholic and Presbyterian churches together, keeping the focus of the family on their common faith in Christ. “At this point, I believe that God had us remain in our faith traditions, honoring each other and being very much one in Christ together as a couple for a reason,” she says. “I think there’s a witness there. We say to couples that probably the best thing for them is to find a church they can both worship in together for family unity because it’s not easy.” Belonging to both churches seemed natural for the Mack children, but not necessarily for their parents. “We both respected our different faith traditions and [did] not exclude the other,” Tom says. “I think the kids picked up on that and didn’t feel like they were tied to one [church] or the other.” The Macks’ eldest son, Chris, says he started recognizing differences between the Catholic and Presbyterian faiths as a third-grader. While learning about the traditions, he says he never felt pulled toward one or the other. St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o r g
Common Ground with Different Practices
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE AMUNDSONS
“I just felt like I was being raised as a Christian,” says Chris, who, along with his wife and three children, is Catholic and lives in Crestview Hills, Kentucky. “Whatever details our parents had to sort out didn’t confuse us as kids. We were just raised as Christian kids and that’s what we did—Mass on Saturday and church service or Bible study on Sunday.” Leah and Bjorn Amundson also attend two different churches with their children. But even when couples make a plan for family faith, Leah says, “I think it’s a totally different thing when the children are there. We talked about it and we had it all set and it was going to be fine.” Together they chose both the Catholic parish and the nondenominational church they attend, Bjorn says. “We’ll provide a unified face to it and at the same time be honest about the differences and let the chips fall where they may.” The Amundsons acknowledge that attending two churches with small children is challenging, and they don’t always attend both together weekly. At home, Leah adds, “We want to develop a faith life as family and focus on things that we share in common. Our family prayer is our focus.” Family prayers include grace at mealtime, the Our Father, and the Liturgy of the Hours.
family goes up for Communion except for Bjorn, who sits in the pew. “That’s the part where every week there’s something very visible. There is a disunity,” he says. Religious differences on teaching, such as the Eucharist, show that there can’t be unanimity in everything, Father Hater says. In fact, the discussion of the Eucharist for interchurch couples has reached all the way to Rome. Last fall, Pope Francis engaged in dialogue over whether Lutherans in interchurch marriages should be permitted to receive Communion in the Catholic Church.
The Amundsons say they work hard to be unified in their faith decisions, but admit there are challenges and disagreements. The issue of Baptism was one such sticking point for the couple, seen here at the Baptism of their child.
Keeping Family Peace
After making the decision to attend one or Interchurch decisions about raising children two churches, interchurch couples may differ in faith can cause disagreements with spouses’ on how to approach various beliefs and prac- families, though not as often as in previous tices, including Baptism and the Eucharist. generations. It’s difficult to extract faith from The Amundsons disagreed about Baptism. family, including sacrament-related traditions, “Infant Baptism was one area [where] I tried Williams says. to put my foot down,” Bjorn says. “I thought When one of Bonnie Mack’s relatives marit was a symbol of everything that is wrong ried a Catholic, family members refused to and misunderstood about Christianity. It’s the speak to the person. Before marrying Tom, one issue where there is no compromise—either you do it or you don’t.” Save 15 00 After more study of the practice, he Enjoy handmade fudge and allowed his children to be baptized as fruitcake from the Trappist monks infants but noted, “Our grown children at the Abbey of Gethsemani. will still have another shot if they want 20 oz. fruitcake and 16 oz. adult Baptism.” Chocolate Bourbon Fudge Bjorn faced another challenge when 0 N.o 127 – $33.95 now $28.86 0 he, as a non-Catholic, couldn’t receive 20 oz. fruitcake and 16 oz. the Eucharist with his family at Mass. Traditional Chocolate Bourbon “There is a disconnect where the Fudge (without Bourbon) first thing you would imagine and N.o 128 – $33.95 now $28.86 hope to do with your spouse is to take 800-549-09 Use coupon code SA601. Communion together, and that didn’t gethsemanifarms.org Offer expires Feb. 1, 2017 happen,” he says. Every Sunday the
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© ADAM KAZMIERSKI/ ISTOCKPHOTO
Tips for Interchurch Families These ideas for creating a Christian climate in the home especially benefit interchurch families bringing together two faith traditions. Some were developed by Cincinnati professor and author Father Robert Hater, and others came from interchurch families. ■ While you are engaged, learn about your faiths together and discuss your future family’s faith life. ■ Make prayer a priority with prayers common to both faith traditions or ones you agree on. ■ Make your common belief in Christ the core of marriage and family life. ■ Read Scripture often. ■ Incorporate beliefs, teachings, and practices of both faiths without compromising the Catholic faith. ■ Remember that you are your children’s primary teachers of the faith. ■ Respond honestly when children ask about differences between traditions. ■ Speak positively to your children about your spouse’s tradition. ■ Do service projects as a family. ■ Develop traditions around religious celebrations common to both churches.
she feared such a rift, but her great-aunt told her, “You may keep house differently, but you’re still both keeping the house, and in many ways it’s the same house you’re keeping.” When their first child, Chris, was born in the early ’70s, the Macks hadn’t decided how to baptize or raise him in faith. “We were young and probably kind of naïve in a lot of this,” Bonnie says. “I look back and think we just sort of drifted into things; we weren’t intentional.” A week after the birth, Tom’s family came to visit. “They had arranged a Baptism and I just went along with it, but I really hadn’t been part of the planning or anything. . . . I certainly wasn’t incensed, but I remember being a little surprised,” Bonnie says. The couple established firmer boundaries with their families and made their own arrangements to baptize their two younger children in the Catholic Church. They decided not to invite Bonnie’s Protestant parents in order to spare them from having to attend the Catholic services, she says. “In trying to spare their feelings and in taking away the option of letting them choose, I hurt them,” Bonnie admits. “It’s better to err on the side of hospitality and welcoming.”
Church Unity Interchurch married couples live out Christian ecumenism and contribute to the broader ecumenical dialogue, Williams says. “For some couples, that actually helps them deal with their differences, recognizing that the conflict within their relationship actually reflected a larger division in Christianity.” Living with two traditions has given Bonnie Mack a sense of the Christian Church’s universality. She described a role for interchurch couples during a 2007 symposium that contributed to the US Bishops’ National Pastoral Initiative on Marriage: “Interchurch couples would like the [Catholic] Church to hear that they, too, are ‘the Christian faithful’ and can and want to help the Church achieve the mission of this initiative by offering their many gifts to their faith communities and the universal Church. Not only do those gifts include the hope and help in building a culture of marriage, but the goal of unity that Christ was so passionate about.” A Susan Klemond is a freelance writer from St. Paul, Minnesota. She enjoys writing about the Church—both the institution and its members.
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St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o r g
EDITORIAL
Ten Ways to Heal Our Nation Mr. President-elect, tear down these walls. We, the people—red, blue, or other—have had at least two years of accusations, namecalling, hate statements, distrust, and suspicion before November’s election. With your inauguration January 20, Donald John Trump, we need to move forward together— without the walls. We’re not all going to agree with your policies—about half of us will go each way, it seems, all the more so with the strong, controversial appointments you’ve made to your Cabinet and staff. But great democracies, such as ours, move forward with unified purpose. We all must find a way to move ahead. Here are 10 areas that demand your leadership. Appeal to our best instincts. We are not a hateful people, but we saw plenty of people stepping out of bounds, especially as the political race became heated. Where on earth did people get the notion that it is all right to be disrespectful of people of a different ethnicity, race, country, religion, or sexual orientation? We have a way to go, but tolerance of people not like us is one of the hallmarks of our already-great America. Promote the sanctity of human life. Use your Supreme Court appointments, when they come up, to appoint justices who will not be afraid to revisit abortion, but who also will honor human life in all its other stages. Use your influence with a sympathetic Congress to promote laws that protect us from physician-assisted suicide. We Catholics, among other people of good will, honor life from conception to natural death. Lead us in ways that affirm that. Emphasize equal rights for women. Let’s put the excesses of campaign revelations behind us. Show respect for women. Our society, our government, needs to ensure that every woman is valued as a full citizen, a full human being, with a right to lead in any forum that a man can. All our institutions, Church and State, have some work to do here. We want our leadership to tune in to the good sense of the people. Fr ancisca n Media .org
Heal racial divisions. Many Americans nurtured the fantasy that racism was behind us. Not so. Honorable police feel betrayed by public horror at the misdeeds of their cohorts. African American citizens fear for their lives when being stopped for traffic violations. Any number of ethnic groups are feeling singled out. Racism breeds in a climate of anger and distrust. We Americans need strong, clear, correct signals from the highest levels of government that racism is a plague we must eradicate. Address the growing gun violence in our country while protecting our Second Amendment rights. Yes, in some rural areas, there are dangerous animals to contend with. Gun enthusiasts love the sportsmanship of hunting or practicing marksmanship. But the presence of semiautomatic weapons, or guns available to children, or guns flooding our streets, must stop. That means restrictions, whether the National Rifle Association likes it or not. Make environmental care a top priority. Listen to Pope Francis’ lead here. His teachings, especially “Laudato Si’,” show us how clearly the state of the environment, which has a profound effect on people worldwide, cries to be taken seriously. Alleviate college debt. A businessman such as you gets this: our young people deserve to aspire to greatness without being saddled with excessive debt. Make progress for everyone. A massive employment program could rebuild our nation’s infrastructure. This will need to be more than trickle-down. We need to find a way to share the wealth of this land beyond the billionaires. Reform the Affordable Care Act. Most of us know this act needs to be fixed, not abandoned. Affordable health care is a basic human right, welcomed now by millions. Cultivate a culture of civility and respect for all people. If one characteristic were to mark your presidency, Mr. Trump, oh, that it would be this one. The others will follow. January 2017 ❘ 25
‘Here’s the Story’ Remembering Florence Henderson
In what came to be her final interview, the multitalented matriarch of The Brady Bunch said faith was her foundation. B Y R I TA E . P I R O
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(Left) Florence (being held by her mother) is surrounded by her parents and eight of her nine siblings. The family lived in Dale, Indiana, until Florence was 4.
wonderful experience. Sister Gemma was my first teacher, and how I loved her. We remained friends until her death in the 1990s. Every morning she would put my hair in curls while I sat by the classroom stove reading. She let me sing in class and encouraged my love of music. I chose Gemma as my Confirmation name for her.” It was Sister Gemma who arranged for Florence to join the parish choir, where she sang two Latin Masses every Sunday morning, as well as all the Holy Week services, funerals, and other liturgical events. “I couldn’t even see over the choir loft, but I was singing fourpart Latin Masses,” she said fondly. “The sisters taught me how to sight-read Gregorian chants, and it was the best vocal training I could have ever asked for.”
PHOTOS COURTESY OF FLORENCE HENDERSON
HAT FLORENCE HENDERSON was born on February 14, the feast of St. Valentine, patron of love, should come as no surprise. The longadmired television, music, film, and stage icon lived her whole life out of love—for her family, her friends, her work, and her faith. She was 82 when she died unexpectedly of heart failure on Thanksgiving Day. Her final interview, as it turns out, was with St. Anthony Messenger. The youngest of 10 children, Florence was born in Dale, Indiana, a small town in the southernmost part of the state, just across the Ohio River from her family’s native Kentucky. “My mother said I came out singing,” the honey-voiced soprano laughed. “By the time I was 2 years old, I knew 50 songs note-perfect.” Growing up in extreme poverty during the Great Depression, Florence had little to sing about, but that didn’t keep her from developing a deep love for her faith, one that provided the hope and strength that sustained her through life’s triumphs and trials. Faithful Catholics of mostly Irish ancestry, Joseph and Elizabeth (Elder) Henderson were tobacco tenant farmers who moved from farm to farm. The Hendersons settled in Rockport, Indiana, in 1938, when Florence was 4. The home had no electricity or running water, and the children—five boys and five girls—often lacked shoes and warm clothing. Rarely did they enjoy such extras as toys and treats. Recalled Florence, “I didn’t have a birthday cake until I was 16.” Although farmwork consumed most of their hours, the Hendersons made ample time for their spiritual life. Each Sunday, the 10 children and their parents filed into nearby St. Bernard Church for Mass. Florence said, “I don’t ever remember not praying. Bedtime prayers, the rosary, praying for friends, relatives, for the sick, and for those who had died. It was a natural part of our lives.” At age 5, Florence began first grade at St. Bernard Catholic School. She recalled with love and admiration the Benedictine Sisters of Ferdinand, Indiana, who sponsored the school. “My years in Catholic school were a
(Above) For her Confirmation name, Florence chose Gemma in honor of her first-grade teacher, Sister Gemma at St. Bernard Catholic School.
Hardships at Home While Florence enjoyed her life at school, her life at home was quite different. “My father was a good man who suffered with the terrible disease of alcoholism. It had a devastating impact on him and on our family,” she recalled. “When he was sober, he was the kindJanuary 2017 ❘
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est, sweetest man, but when he went on a tear, all hell would break loose.” Though not an alcoholic, her mother was a difficult and complicated person, devoid of almost all maternal affection. One day, without warning or explanation, Mrs. Henderson left her family and moved to Ohio. Florence was nearing 13 years old and, by this time, almost all her siblings had left home except her sister Emily, three years her senior. Together the two young girls took care of their home and their aging father, who continued to struggle with alcohol. Florence said to St. Anthony Messenger, “Despite the abandonment, neglect, and poverty I experienced as a child, I felt the undeniable presence of a guiding and protective hand from above. I always had an abiding faith that everything was going to be OK in the end.” After elementary school, Florence attended St. Francis Academy (now Owensboro Catholic High School), located a short bus ride away across the Ohio River in Owensboro, Kentucky. A popular cheerleader with a sunny disposition, chatty nature, and beautiful voice, Florence found a refuge there. She recalled the kindness and understanding of the faculty, including Mother Superior Sister Mary Auxilium, spiritual director Father Saffer, and math teacher Father O’Bryan, who became one of her greatest fans. “Every now and then Father O’Bryan would make me leave the classroom because I was talkative and laughed a lot in class. ‘Henderson, take a walk!’ he would bark at me. After a while he would come get me and say I could come back to the class if I sang an Irish song.”
(Right) Florence’s career began at 17, when she entered New York’s prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Soon she was landing roles such as Maria von Trapp in the touring company of The Sound of Music.
Years later, when Florence returned to Owensboro for an appearance, many of her former teachers and classmates turned out to see her. “There was Father O’Bryan, tears running down his face, as he watched me perform,” she remembered. “When I graduated, Father O’Bryan gave me a beautiful crucifix he had made himself. It still hangs in my house today.”
A Star Is Born It was a classmate at St. Francis who changed the course of destiny for Florence. Ruth Helen O’Brien was the daughter of wealthy parents who happened to know the world-renowned opera singer Christine Johnson, who was from Owensboro. After hearing the 17-year-old Florence sing, Johnson provided her with a few lessons and direction, ultimately recommending that Ruth Helen’s family sponsor her enrollment in the famed Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. More than 65 years later, Ruth Helen and Florence remained the closest of friends. In 1952, just one year after beginning her studies in New York, Florence made her debut as the star of the long-running Broadway musical Fanny. But her talent, grace, and charm were not restricted to live theatre. Through the decades, she also captivated audiences through numerous appearances on television, in film, and in live music shows. Among her almost countless credits are stints as the first female guest host of The Tonight Show and as a “TODAY Girl” on the TODAY morning show. Success demanded hard work, long hours, and a very hard shell. Florence found support in the values, optimism, hope, and faith that had been with her all her life: “I have always had an extra resource to help me. I put my faith into action—that tremendous faith that
(Far right) In 1959, Florence moved to television and was hired as a “TODAY girl,” where she did weather and lighter news segments for TODAY.
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I retained since childhood—and it did not disappoint. I had seen how God would help you, but it wasn’t for the lazy. You had to pitch in and do the work, too. I went to church almost every morning. I said my prayers every night. I asked for guidance. It was not a hollow, naïve, or egotistical mental concept or fantasy, but a mystical presence that I felt deep in my core. I never felt alone.”
Music, as well as in some commercials. The children even made brief appearances on a few episodes of The Brady Bunch. Florence joyfully described her children to us as “the nicest people you could ever meet” and “very spiritual people.” She added proudly, “Being a mom makes you far more compassionate. You have more empathy for people, more love. I was always taught to say thank you and I’m very grateful. And my kids have that quality, too.”
‘Here’s the Story . . .’
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Faith and Works From time to time, Florence found herself questioning her faith, mainly in instances unrelated to her career. As a new mother, she experienced repeated bouts of postpartum depression. During the mid-1960s she was diagnosed with a hereditary bone deformity of the middle ear and needed surgery to prevent deafness. Stage fright and insomnia were also present in her life. The loss of family and friends, especially her siblings, weighed heavily upon her, as well as a natural fear of her own mortality. “Sometimes it was very hard to keep the
Though she had a long and wide-ranging career, Florence was best known for her role as Carol Brady in the popular 1970s sitcom The Brady Bunch.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF FLORENCE HENDERSON
Though her career spanned over six decades, Florence was best known for her role as Carol Brady in the 1970s sitcom The Brady Bunch. Originally broadcast from 1969 to 1974, the program has never been off the air and has been syndicated in over 122 countries. It remains one of the most beloved and most watched family shows of all time. As matriarch of the famous blended brood of TV brothers and sisters, Florence dispensed weekly doses of understanding, compassion, love, and guidance, all mixed with a healthy helping of humor. She remained proud of it until the end of her life. “I frequently am contacted by people who want to thank me for The Brady Bunch,” she said. “Whether they grew up during the show’s original television run or are brand-new fans of the present generation, they tell me how important The Brady Bunch has been in their lives. I wanted to portray Carol as a loving, fun, affectionate mother, and it seemed to resonate with a lot of people who maybe had the same situation I did growing up. To think that something I was involved in had such a positive effect on the lives of so many people is satisfying beyond words.” Of all the parts Florence played, however, it was her role as mom to her own four children—Barbara, Joseph, Robert, and Elizabeth— that was her most cherished and satisfying. Despite the demands of her career, Florence put family first: “My children and their happiness have always been my greatest concern.” She never missed a holiday, graduation, birthday, or sacrament, even if it meant flying in for the event in the morning, then flying out that same evening to fulfill a work obligation. During the filming of The Brady Bunch in Los Angeles, Florence returned to the family’s New York home each weekend. During summers the family rented a home in California so they could be together. Whenever possible, Florence included her children in her work as extras or in children’s parts in the touring productions in which she was starring, including South Pacific, Oklahoma!, and The Sound of
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PHOTOS © HELGA ESTEB/SHUTTERSTOCK
In 2010, the then 76-yearold Florence hit the dance floor for ABC’s Dancing with the Stars—just two years after having heart surgery. Her Brady Bunch daughter Maureen McCormick, who played Marcia, appeared on the show this past year, with Florence making an appearance to show her support. 30 ❘
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faith,” she says. “I would wonder where was God, and I continued to pray, asking for understanding. I always prayed for under- standing; the Holy Spirit is everything to me. I recently found an old notebook from my childhood in which I had written, ‘Dear God, please give me the gift of understanding.’ I was 7 years old.” In addition to regular appearances on the stage and TV, Florence was heavily involved in charities, especially for City of Hope Cancer Centers and the House Ear Institute, as well as television, music, and theatre organizations. She supported many programs for young people and served for 20 years as a national cohost of the United Cerebral Palsy Telethon. “I think what happens when you grow up poor, as you get older you want to amass everything and keep everything for yourself, or . . . ,” she said, “you know how that feels [having been poor], so you want to give back. Thank God the latter is what happened to me.”
In 2008, Florence underwent heart surgery for mitral valve repair. The event prompted her to help the American Heart Association spread the word about heart disease. She remained dedicated in particular to improving the lives of older adults. Florence founded the FloH Club to assist senior citizens with technology, and was recently honored by the Alzheimer’s Foundation for her support. “Humanitarian efforts are very important to me. If I can help one person, I’m thrilled,” she declared. That same year, she was named the first “Legendary Leading Lady of American Entertainment” by the Smithsonian Institute. The Wall Street Journal named her one of the top 10 most-trusted personalities for endorsements and commercials. Also honored as one of the “100 Greatest TV Icons,” Florence received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was presented with a special award at the 2016 Tony Awards. Despite those recognitions, though, Florence hadn’t forgotten the Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand, Indiana, her earliest teachers. She participated in several fund-raising events for the community and joined with the sisters’ choir in Ordinary Miracles, a music video filmed in the chapel of the motherhouse. “I have such a connection to the sisters because of all they did for me as a child,” she recalled. “I want to educate people about these incredible women. The sisters serve in the areas of education, parish work, health care, counseling, retreat and spirituality work, social services, and mission work in other countries. What they do is empowering—for everyone.”
Moments of Grace Florence had no plans for slowing down. “I still consider myself a work in progress,” she said in November. Her goal was to keep working “at least until I’m 90 years old,” she said. She was appearing regularly on television and on stage, including on Broadway. She recently starred in a series for Hallmark and had done voice-overs for Disney. She had hosted two shows, The Florence Henderson Show and Who’s Cooking with Florence Henderson, as well as the annual Mrs. America Pageant in Las Vegas. Every year since 1991, Florence performed at the opening ceremonies of the Indy 500, singing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “God Bless America,” and “America the Beautiful.” In 2016, she served as grand marshal of the race. Understanding, compassion, kindness, and love continued to be central to Florence’s life. St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o r g
She enjoyed close ties with her children, grandchildren, and her remaining siblings. She helped care for her father until his death and was able to reconnect as an adult with her mother. “I’ve come to learn that my parents were coping the best they could with the hand they were dealt,” she said. “My siblings and I have a real appreciation for the fact that our parents, despite their flaws, instilled in all of us the values we needed to get through life. They left us with the skills to take care of ourselves, to do the right thing, and to maintain our character and integrity. “Much of what my upbringing taught me I deeply cherish,” said Florence. The value of daily prayer was especially important. “I start every day with spiritual reading from several sources, such as The Daily Word and Daily Strength for Daily Needs. My favorite Scripture passage is St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter 13. I then offer my favorite prayers, including the Memorare, Act of Faith, Act of Hope, Act of Love, Act of Contrition, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, the 23rd Psalm, and the Prayer of St. Francis. I end with an Angel of God for my family. I have a special devotion to the Infant of Prague. Years ago I went to a church in Oklahoma and came upon a statue of the infant. I thought it was so beautiful. I learned the history and the prayer.” Florence believed that “if you keep your eyes and your heart open, you will encounter many moments of grace when you can touch others. . . . I think that God does give us all different gifts. I love to make people smile. I love to make them feel something, as an entertainer, a friend, sister, aunt, mother, and grandmother. It’s then that I can see the Holy Spirit on someone’s face. Those are the moments of grace I cherish most.” A Florence’s autobiography, Life Is Not a Stage, presents her faith-filled life journey in depth. Rita E. Piro is the author of many books and articles, including “The Legacy of St. Maria Goretti,” in our July 2016 issue. Fr anciscanMedia.org
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Legal travel to Cuba for all Americans. All meals, soft drinks, shore excursions & gratuities Included! Experience 21st century Cuba and an exciting full-time People-to-People program of educational exchange activities. Depart for Jamaica and enjoy one night before and after your cruise at an all-inclusive resort. Embark on Celestyal Cruises’ Crystal for your 7-night cruise to Santiago de Cuba, Havana, the Isle of Youth and Cienfuegos. Shore excursions including sightseeing and interaction with the Cuban people are included. While cruising, enjoy presentations on Cuban history and art, a mouthwatering cooking lesson and festive dance instructions. Departs May - December 2017.
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Life Coach Thomas à Kempis
This holy man offers five tips on how to cope with our day-to-day struggles. BY JEANETTE AND ROBERT LAUER
T’S A CLASSIC.” This means that far more people have heard of it than have read it. And that’s unfortunate because Thomas à Kempis’ The Imitation of Christ should be read carefully by everyone who wants a rich spiritual life. In it, à Kempis discusses how the Mass and the Scriptures contribute to spiritual richness. When you read The Imitation of Christ, you might be surprised by the numerous insights into self-understanding and healthy relationships. In today’s terms, this 15thcentury German monk is a first-rate life coach! Here is just a sampling of his insights—it would take a book to discuss all of them. Hopefully, these pointers will encourage you to get the book and ponder what he wrote. You will find him to be a most helpful guide as you strive to live the abundant life that Jesus said he came to give us (Jn 10:10).
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ART BY ZEITGENÖSSISCHER MALER; BACKGROUND © KASPR/FOTOSEARCH; COMPASS © JOHANH/ FOTOSEARCH
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A Work in Progress
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Fight over Flight
The whole point of life, à Kempis asserts, is to become ever more like Christ. We must “imitate his life and habits if we wish to be truly enlightened and free from all blindness of heart.” We are engaged in a lifelong process of change. If we don’t recognize that we are a work in progress—that our need for growth is unending—we risk stagnation, and life seems pointless. “What good is it to live a long life when we amend that life so little?” à Kempis asks. In any field of human endeavor, those who achieve the highest levels know that they must continue to grow. When the great cellist Pablo Casals was 91, a student asked him why he continued to practice. His response was, “Because I am making progress.” So continue to amend your life in a Christ-like direction, for such growth is God’s purpose for you, and you will find that it brings joyous fulfillment to your life.
Psychologists point out that when facing a tough situation, we tend to resort to either fight or flight. À Kempis knew Fr anciscanMedia.org
that spiritual growth is tough— a struggle more than a dance, a challenge more than a piece of cake. So he reminds us to choose the fight mode rather than the flight mode. One thing that keeps many from striving to become more Christ-like, according to à Kempis, is the fear that it’s too difficult and demanding. It’s a tough battle, but well worth the effort. He says: “Certainly, they who try bravely to overcome the most difficult and unpleasant obstacles far outstrip others in the pursuit of virtue. A man makes the most progress and merits the most grace precisely in those matters wherein he gains the greatest victories over self and most mortifies his will.” The alternative response, flight, often seems an easier option. Yet the various ways that people try to flee from their problems and challenges are usually counterproductive. For example, a man finds it difficult to build the kind of rich marriage he had hoped for, so he gives up trying and immerses himself in his work. Or a woman finds it too vexing to be the kind of wife and mother she wanted to be, so she stops trying and finds solace in alcohol. Or a person feels overwhelmed by the time, energy, and discipline it takes to grow more like Christ, and so takes the approach of the man who asked his priest, “What’s the least I need to believe and do in order to still be a good Catholic?” In contrast, as à Kempis points out, a fight response leads to progress and victory. We worked with a woman who took flight into chronic anger after her husband divorced her. She felt that her anger was justified, the natural response to being betrayed. But her anger was only shredding her emotionally. One day, a friend asked her why she didn’t pray for her ex and pray for herself to be able to forgive him. I’ll pray for him, all right, was her initial thought. I’ll pray that a truck will run over him. But she finally realized that her anger was only prolonging the problem rather than enabling her to face up to it and fight for res-
You will find him to be a most helpful guide as you strive to live the abundant life that Jesus said he came to give us (Jn 10:10).
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olution. She began to pray for him. “It took a while,” she told us, “but I finally was able to forgive him. The anger went away. I am free again.”
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“First keep peace with yourself; then you will be able to bring peace to others...”
© ANDREUS/ FOTOSEARCH
—Thomas à Kempis
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Resolve Interpersonal Difficulties
Because we all struggle, à Kempis notes, “We must support one another, console one another, mutually help, counsel, and advise.” Unfortunately, we often don’t live up to this ideal, being more adversarial than supportive of others. We let ourselves off the hook and blame the person’s problem on his or her flaws. He cautions that this is the wrong approach: “First keep peace with yourself; then you will be able to bring peace to others. . . . The man who is at perfect ease is never suspicious, but the disturbed and discontented spirit is upset by many a suspicion. He neither rests himself nor permits others to do so. He often says what ought not to be said and leaves undone what ought to be done. He is concerned with the duties of others but neglects his own. Direct your zeal, therefore, first upon yourself; then you may with justice exercise it upon those about you.” Thomas à Kempis reminds us that the way we characterize and relate to others gives us some crucial information about the kind of people we are. Angry people see anger all around them. Those without compassion live in a world they perceive as filled with uncaring people. Contentious people are surrounded by others who they believe are difficult and oppositional. Now, if you find yourself sur-
rounded by angry, uncaring, and contentious people, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you are also characterized by these qualities. But à Kempis is saying that you should at least do some self-examination and ask whether the problems you have with others are fueled by your own qualities or disposition, and not just the situation or the other people’s characteristics. Such self-examination can be done at any time. A university professor told us about a time when some of his students followed him after class as he strode to his office. They were trying to get him to change one of the requirements he had set for the course. Vexed by their persistence, he snapped sharply at them that he was tired of the discussion and that there would be no change. His first thought as he saw the look of dismay on their faces was, Students can be too pushy. His second thought was, I’ve always tried to be flexible and open. I’m not in the habit of talking to students like that. He then realized the reason for his rebuke. It was not them; it was him. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I have a bad headache today and I just can’t discuss this with you now.” The students expressed their understanding and agreed to talk with him another time. What could have been a troubling encounter turned into a healing experience.
4
Use, but Don’t Be Used by, the Criticism of Others
People will criticize you, à Kempis warns, but then he goes on to say, “Do not let your peace depend on the words of men. Their thinking well or badly of you does not make you different from what you are. . . . He who neither cares to please men nor fears to displease them will enjoy great peace.” In other words, when people criticize you, their opinions may be fair or unfair, accurate or off the mark. In any case, à Kempis says that we must neither summarily dismiss all criticism nor let it be the guide to how we need to change. “Praise adds nothing to your holiness, nor does blame take anything from it,” he explains. “You are what you are, and you cannot be said to be better than you are in God’s sight. . . . They look to appearances but God looks to the heart. They consider the deed but God weighs the motive.” St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o r g
You can use criticism, then, to examine yourself, but keep in mind that the criticism of others is based on limited knowledge of who you are. People may observe what you do, as à Kempis notes, but only God knows who you truly are. So use the criticism to reflect on whether you are making progress in the imitation of Christ. But do not let the criticism influence you to become what someone else thinks you should be, nor should you debase yourself because you don’t measure up to what someone else thinks you ought to be or do.
The fact that human life includes relentless temptations was very clear to à Kempis. “So long as we live in this world we cannot escape suffering and temptation,” he says. He was also aware of the fact that temptation, while never a pleasant experience, can actually become our ally in spiritual growth, relating, “Fire tempers iron and temptation steels the just.” We should not, therefore, despair because we frequently feel tempted. Rather, we will rejoice as we discover that every time we successfully resist temptation, we have strengthened our faith. We have grown more like Jesus, who was tempted in every way but never succumbed to any temptation. “In temptations and trials, the progress of a man is measured; in them opportunity for merit and virtue is made more manifest,” à Kempis points out. An author friend of ours told us of a time of temptation when he was doing research in a state historical society library. He was writing a book about a 19th-century utopian community. The librarian brought him a dusty box full of materials from the community. Obviously, it was the first time anyone had used the materials in decades. As he went through them, he came across an envelope with a letter in it. The stamp on the envelope caught his eye. It was very old. It was also barely still attached. It could have been removed with little effort and no damage. He had been a stamp collector and knew the stamp might be of considerable value. As he stared at the stamp, various thoughts ran through his mind: how valuable it might be, how easy it would be to detach it and take it home, how it was of no use to anyone while sitting in a covered box in a state historical Fr anciscanMedia.org
© ANDREUS/ FOTOSEARCH
5
Make Temptation an Ally
library. He also thought that if he didn’t take it, someone else would. In short, he found a variety of rationales for doing something that his conscience told him was an act of theft. In the end, he left the stamp where it was. Afterward, he told us, he felt “quite good” about his behavior. “Earlier in my life,” he said, “I would have taken it without hesitation. But I’m trying to live as God’s child. And leaving the stamp there made me realize that I can resist temptation. It’s a struggle. But it can be done.” You make temptation your ally when you use it to marshal your spiritual resources, resist the temptation, and thereby grow in your faith and your ability to resist future temptations. As à Kempis puts it, “Temptations, though troublesome and severe, are often useful to a man, for in them he is humbled, purified, and instructed.” This is just a sampling of insights from à Kempis. Hopefully, this sampling will prod your interest in going to, or returning to, à Kempis’ The Imitation of Christ. Spend some time with him as your life coach. As a masterful teacher in the art of living, he will help you enhance not only your spiritual but also your emotional and social well-being. A
“So long as we live in this world we cannot escape suffering and temptation.” —Thomas à Kempis
Robert H. Lauer, PhD, and Jeanette C. Lauer, PhD, are a married couple of 61 years who both taught at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Each deans in their respective programs (Robert in sociology and Jeanette in social history), and the two have authored numerous books and articles for academic journals. January 2017 ❘
35
AT HOME ON EARTH
❘ BY KYLE KRAMER
Older than the Hills
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perspective and humility. Seeing how the Earth teemed with life hundreds of millions of years before our species even stood on two legs, I was reminded that we humans arose very late on the geological timescale of A New evolution. Our landscapes Perspective aren’t ours: they’ve been here long before we came, and Walk outside and pick up they don’t exist simply for any rock you see. Chances our human purposes. are that it’s at least 2,500 Even so, we humans are times older than the entire pretty special creatures. It evolutionary history of took our evolving universe human beings! If it hapalmost 14 billion years to pens to be a meteorite, it’s bring forth our species, who even older than the Earth can comprehend and marvel itself! at the sweep of cosmic history and discern within it an Imagine the 13.8-billioninfinitely patient creator who year history of the universe upholds it all. compressed into one year. We are part of that history, Human beings evolved a and those fossil beds few minutes before midreminded me that there will, night on December 31! likewise, be a permanent Now read Romans 8:19-23. record of how we tended this great garden of a planet. Inscribed in the very stones will be the story of how well or poorly we cared for our home. Finally, visiting the Falls helped me see once again that our near-at-hand landscapes can be exciting places of adventure and discovery. We did our exploring not in some distant, pristine wilderness, but within sight of the Louisville, Kentucky, skyline. Amid and beneath our sidewalks, our streets, our farm fields, there’s an entire world, just waiting to be (re)discovered. Lewis and Clark headed west for their adventure; we can have just as thrilling a time right here at home. A
Natural wonders, such as this long-hidden fossil bed, surround us, just waiting to be discovered.
Kyle Kramer is the executive director of the Passionist Earth and Spirit Center in Louisville, Kentucky.
36 ❘ January 2017
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St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o rg
© BASSLINEGFX/DREAMSTIME
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y family and I recently took a field trip to the Falls of the Ohio State Park, near our home in southeast Indiana. With a dozen other pilgrims, we spent a sunny Saturday with a patient naturalist, who helped us explore one of the largest naturally exposed fossil beds in the world, which dates from 390 million years ago. The thousands of fossils we saw embedded in the limestone outcroppings—corals, sea sponges, mollusks, and many others—all gave evidence that today’s temperate, landlocked Indiana once was a vast tropical sea. Much later, these shallows of the Ohio River served as a natural crossing for huge herds of migrating bison and, therefore, a prime hunting ground for Native Americans. Lewis and Clark began their grand adventure from the same spot. I left the Falls with a strong sense of how important it is to preserve sites like this and share their treasures with the public. For one, all those fossils gave me a large dose of
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The Hour of
Our Death
What will your last moment on earth be like? Jesus tells us we will not be alone. B Y J I M V A N V U R S T, O F M
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recently received a touching e-mail from a woman who described the moment her dear husband died. “As he took his last breath, he reached his hand out as if trying to touch someone,” she wrote. “And in my heart, I believe he was being met by our daughter and his mom and dad.” I thanked her for sharing that sacred moment with me—a moment she will never forget. As a Franciscan priest for 55 years, I have been blessed with the opportunity to preside at close to 700 funerals. Early on in my priesthood, I realized that the funeral homily is the most important one that I preach. It is more important than homilies for major feast days such as Christmas. I’ve never seen anyone in the congregation drift off to sleep during a funeral homily for one simple reason: those gathered are reliving in their minds and hearts the deaths of their own loved ones and “filling in the blanks.” They come with many questions and even fears. Death is far more than a theological topic for discussion. It is perhaps the deepest human experience we will have, whether the death of a loved one or our own inevitable passing.
The Moment of Death
CANDYBOXIMAGES/FOTOSEARCH
The reality of death may make us uncomfortable, even in our society where images of death are put before us so bluntly on TV newscasts. In fact, some people struggle to write their last will and testament for the simple reason that they have to imagine they are dead. That’s too much for them to handle. Yet the penalty for not facing up to that task gives the civil state and the court the right to determine our rightful survivors and what they should receive. For most of us, death is a mystery. But I have found mystery is not “that about which we know nothing.” Rather, mystery is best defined as “that about which we just don’t know everything.” Death, mysterious though Fr anciscanMedia.org
it may be, is such an important event in our lives and those of our loved ones that it is essential to understand as much as we can about what happens at the moment of death. A lack of understanding can only cause fear and unnecessary worry. One common misperception is that death is something dreadful that takes life away. Death is neither something nor someone that acts upon us. It is, rather, the moment when we transition from our life in earth time into timeless eternity. When we die, we gather all of our life’s moments as we give ourselves to our Creator. It may sound poetic, but in reality it is we who embrace the transitional moment of death—rather than it taking us. Jesus shows us that death is not something that just happens to us, but the last choice we make in our life’s journey. We remember Jesus’ final words as he breathed his last on the cross: “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” (Lk 23:46). God’s revealed word in Scripture helps us so much in understanding this last moment of our lives. Our understanding goes deeper than scientific or academic knowledge, for we see through the lens of faith. You may recall the advice the fox gave to the little prince in Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s marvelous fairy tale. The fox tells the prince, “And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” People with faith can see and grasp some of life’s deepest mysteries; we see and understand with our hearts. Scientifically speaking, death can be defined as “the cessation of one’s heartbeat together with the end of any brain activity.” Of course, that doesn’t touch the most important fact— we are body and spirit. Death touches only the physical body. The soul, being spiritual, cannot die. In other words, once God gives life, it never ends. January 2017 ❘
39
“Today you will be with me in Paradise.”
CHRIST AND THE GOOD THIEF BY TITIAN, PHOTO FROM WEB GALLERY OF ART
—Lk 23:43
Even as people of faith, it is natural to have questions about what our last moments will be like. For 11 years, I had the privilege of serving as pastoral care director for a large midwestern retirement center that included a nursing-care facility for 150 residents. I had the opportunity to pray with many elderly who were in the process of dying. I would often tell family members with tear-filled eyes that they were privileged to be there at the moment their loved one saw the face of God. We know that God is with us, his children, at that moment. And Jesus assures us that death is also a time of God’s great grace. He reminded us of that with his words to Dismas, the thief on the cross, who murmured those beautiful words, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And Jesus’ beautiful response: “Today you will be with me in Paradise” (Lk 23:42-43). These scenes and words of Scripture are God’s way of revealing to us humans the deepest mysteries of our
existence. They convey God’s revelation not only to help us live our lives but also to help us understand those last moments of earthly life.
What If We Can’t Be There? Many people are not able to be with their loved ones at the time of death. Some feel a deep sense of guilt for not being there. I wasn’t with my dad when, at the end of a round of 40 ❘
January 2017
golf on a beautiful Saturday in May, he suffered a massive heart attack and fell dead. Neither was I with my mom when, at around 2 a.m. in February 1985, sitting on her couch, she died from heart failure. But I know that neither my dad nor mom died alone. No one dies alone. That’s not just my opinion. In one of the most dramatic moments at the Last Supper, Jesus told the disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. . . . You know the way” (Jn 14:1-4). Thomas said, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” And Jesus replied, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (Jn 14:5-6). Did you catch the words Jesus spoke? “I will take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.” What a marvelous image! One of the most common human expressions of closeness is a simple hug—our arms are wrapped around another and that person’s arms around us. A hug expresses a closeness whether we are sharing a moment of happiness or sadness, saying, “I’m with you in a special way this moment.” Jesus uses this image to assure his fearful disciples and all of us. At the moment of death, Jesus comes, puts his arms around us, and says, “Time to come home.” This is not based on wishful thinking. These are Jesus’ own words. On one occasion, I witnessed a perfect example of that. As chaplain at the nursing home where I served, I was with an elderly lady named Florence who was in the last stages of dying from congestive heart failure. Members of her family were also present. I stood next to her bed praying the Church’s beautiful prayers for those nearing death. As I prayed, the director of nursing, Carolyn, came into the room and sat on the edge of the bed. With a face filled with compassion, she bent down and softly slipped her arms around Florence, lifting her a bit off the bed. As she did that, she said quietly, “Florence, I’m here for you.” It was the gentlest of hugs. And as I witnessed this, I thought to myself, That’s exactly what Jesus was talking about. In the person of Carolyn, Jesus was putting his arms around Florence, just as he said he would do, and St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o r g
“I will . . . take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.” MELPOMENE/FOTOSEARCH
—Jn 14:3
telling this frail lady, “Florence, time for you to come and join all your loved ones who are eagerly waiting to receive you.” In the next moment, Florence spoke her last words: “My Jesus, mercy.” It was not a plea for God’s mercy on Florence’s part; rather it was her profound act of faith. And then a second image came to mind: that of the dying Jesus, in the person of Florence, being embraced by Carolyn. I will never forget those two images. No one dies alone, whether a soldier on the battlefield or a poor, abandoned person in an alleyway. God would never abandon one of his children at this last moment in his or her life. Would any father forget his child?
God Holds Us Tightly in His Arms We can rest assured that we are never truly alone in the final moments of life. As I stood by Florence’s bed, the entire Church and I were praying for her and all those dying. These prayers are continuous around the globe, just as the Mass is offered without interruption. No one dies without being prayed for by the Church. The Prayer of Commendation sounds like a send-off to a whole new wonderful life experience with God: “Go forth, faithful Christian, from this world to the next in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. May your home be with God in heaven, and may you live in peace with Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, with Joseph and all the saints. I commend you, dear sister [brother], to almighty God.” Fr anciscanMedia.org
At any one time, faithful around the world are joining in this prayer. Imagine the Church is, in effect, writing a letter of recommendation for each dying person. In a way, it is like the Church telling God to be kind and merciful to their brother or sister—as if God needs to be reminded. Our Church gives us these special words of prayer for the dying, “We entrust you, dear brother and sister, to almighty God who formed you from the dust of the earth.” The word entrust carries with it the image of a loving family handing their loved one over to God. It is as if the Church is saying, “Lord, here is our loved one. Are you sure you have him held tightly in your arms?” As if God could ever drop anyone! And so, even when we cannot be with our dying loved ones, the entire Church around the world is praying for them as only God’s Church can pray. Jesus assures us, “I’m there.” As a people of faith, we are wonderfully blessed to know that Jesus experienced death. We can never complain, “If only you, Lord, could understand what life and death are like.” We would hear the Lord’s reply: “Oh, my loved one, I know exactly what it is like. That’s why in both life and death I never leave your side.” A Jim Van Vurst, OFM, has been a Franciscan friar for 62 years and a priest for 55 years. He is the assistant pastor at St. Clement Parish in Cincinnati and is a contributor to Franciscan Media’s free e-newsletter A Friar’s E-spirations. January 2017 ❘
41
Hotel Albergue An unlikely trio discovers how music heals the soul. FICTION BY MARIA MORERA JOHNSON
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HE SOOTHING strings of Vivaldi’s “Autumn” enveloped Alberto Gonzalez as he got off the elevator on the second floor. He thought the only tenant who used the elevator in the two-story converted hotel was an elderly man named Ira, so Alberto used it every once in a while to make sure it was working well. Alberto squinted over, then under his bifocals as he tried to read the date on the elevator inspection certificate. He was sure it said 1975, but it could be 1976. Either way, they were in violation of the municipal code, requiring him to once again write to the owners to let them know they were in noncompliance two years in a row. He sighed and wiped his brow with a linen handkerchief that had known better days. The job of building superintendent wasn’t easy, but the hard work kept Alberto’s body strong and his mind sharp. Although he was already a grandfather, Alberto still had a great deal of strength and stamina left, despite the hardships he had endured in the past. In his youth in Cuba, Alberto dreamt of becoming an architect, but his dreams were dashed in the post-revolution discontent that gripped so many Cubans when Castro’s Communist regime embedded itself permanently. Later, Alberto suffered the physical and emotional throes of incarceration as a political prisoner. The years he spent in jail crushed his dreams but somehow spared his life. Upon his release, he made his way north to New Jersey and the promise of work. There, he learned how to care for a building the hard
42 ❘ January 2017
way, with on-the-job training as a super in Union City, New Jersey.
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en years later, he moved with Rosa, his wife of 40 years, to Miami Beach. They lived comfortably in semiretirement, with no worries about rent payments or overdue bills as long as he handled the upkeep of the once-charming hotel in the seedy lower end of South Beach. Alberto didn’t mind the retired tenants or the aggressive investors who occasionally came to see the property. After all, the ocean was across the street, a grocery store was on the corner, and his daughter and grandchildren were across the causeway in Miami. His life was complete. Every once in a while, though, Alberto would feel a surge of melancholy that he St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o rg
ILLUSTRATION BY DREW BARDANA
couldn’t explain. The last 20 years of freedom, with its sacrifice, joy, and disappointment, had not erased the horrors of being a political prisoner, although the memories had been dulled and compartmentalized. Alberto could ignore them most of the time. It was becoming increasingly difficult, however, since Mali Chey had moved into apartment 2A. She was a young woman, maybe in her 20s, but Alberto conceded that she might be older. Mali was Cambodian, but all that Alberto saw were her Asian features, and like so many Cubans of his age, he referred to her as “la chinita,” although she was not Chinese. He meant no offense, even though he himself often bristled at being called Puerto Rican. As far as he was concerned, all he needed to know Fr ancisca n Media .org
was that she kept to herself, seemed to work an early shift, and played the violin beautifully from late afternoon to early evening every day. Alberto appreciated her consideration most of all. She never played past 6:30 p.m., although the building rules would have permitted her to play until 9:00 p.m. He laughed at the memory of midnight jam sessions in his old building back in New Jersey. Sí, he thought, this little girl is much better.
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e sent the elevator back to the first floor, and then stood in the hall, listening to Mali’s music while waiting for the elevator’s return. It was slow; he could have taken the stairs down and back up again before it would return. Nevertheless, he was January 2017 ❘ 43
diligent in its upkeep. The neighborhood was filled with aging people, and Alberto knew too well that he was fast approaching the day when the wait would be not just inconvenient, but essential, for him, too. By then Mali had started the lonely strains of “Winter,” and Alberto felt that unwelcome return of heaviness in his soul. Ira stepped out of his apartment just as the elevator doors opened, jolting Alberto back to the present. He met Ira’s eye with that tilt of the head men use to communicate, and stepped into the elevator, holding the doors open for his tenant. Ira was neither tall nor short. His clothes were just a little too big, as though he had lost a few pounds, but not enough to make him invest in a new wardrobe. His face was kind and gentle, but his eyes were deep and far away. He carried himself with dignity and style, but his expression spoke of something unspeakable. The men were not friends, barely spoke, in fact, but somehow shared the kinship of a harsh
past. That unspoken understanding cemented them—if not as friends, then certainly as confederates in a world full of grief. Surprisingly, both men had as their most distinguishable feature a joy for life that duped the casual friend and confounded their intimates. They were both a study in survival.
“
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o who is this charming young lady that entertains me every day?” Ira asked, hitching up his pants as he entered the car. Alberto shrugged. He knew a great deal about his tenants’ habits, but very little about their personal lives. “I dunno. Maybe she’s a music teacher or something.” He waved his arms, dismissing his own lack of information. “Maybe. Maybe,” replied Ira, “but I don’t think so. She plays beautifully. Hauntingly. She plays from her soul. Can’t you hear it?” Alberto heard it. But he didn’t want to hear it.
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“I guess. Sure.” “She plays from her soul,” Ira repeated softly, not so much for Alberto as for himself. He didn’t really need the convincing. The doors opened and both men nodded and parted ways, off to complete their errands. A little while later, Ira returned with his dinner. He recognized Vivaldi’s “Summer.” Apparently, the young woman was practicing “The Four Seasons,” and had begun again while he was gone. Ira left the door to his apartment open while he ate his take-out dinner from the corner deli. She finished “Winter” as he was drying and putting away the dishes, so he went to his door and stood there for a moment, hoping she might be leaving for the evening so he could catch a glimpse of her. A small, pensive smile came to his lips before he shook his head and reentered his apartment. Ira started a routine after that. He made sure he got his dinner early, so he wouldn’t have to go out in the late afternoon. Instead, he stayed in his apartment, enjoying Mali’s concerts. Each day brought a pleasant surprise. Mali’s repertoire was expansive. She played Mozart and Paganini, of course, as both had world-renowned violin concertos, but Ira also recognized Bach and the beautiful music of Camille Saint-Saëns.
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nce, Ira recognized a violin concerto by Arnold Schoenberg—a difficult piece. It delighted him so much that when he saw Alberto, he told him about it, confessing that every evening he listened to Mali from his open doorway. Alberto was amused beyond description. Later, at dinner, he recounted the conversation with Ira to his wife. “Berto, tell the girl about Ira. He’s a nice man,” Rosa said. “No. No. I can’t tell her an old man is spying on her. She’ll get scared and stop. And then Ira will be mad at me.” “Oh, stop that, Berto. He’s not spying on her. He’s enjoying her music. She might like to hear that.” Alberto grumbled a little, sorry he St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o rg
had shared the information with Rosa because she wouldn’t let this go until he had spoken to Mali. So, as a compromise, he began doing some work on the second floor when Mali was sure to be playing, and Ira was sure to be listening. He was careful never to work on anything noisy; it was mostly changing lightbulbs or fixing blinds— things that could be done quietly. Ira never caught on, but Alberto found himself drawn to the music, too. He remembered Ira’s words. Truly, there was something magical in Mali’s playing that captured his very soul. One day in the lobby, Alberto spied Mali returning with her violin case. He boldly went up to her and started a conversation, then walked her up to her apartment. He shared his admiration for her music, and then, in a moment of abandon, confessed his and Ira’s secret.
T
hat night, Mali played with her door open. Ira was in his apartment and didn’t notice, but Alberto appreciated the gesture. This routine went on for weeks: Mali playing with her door open, Ira eating his dinner by his door, and Alberto listening, unable to do anything else. Finally, one night Alberto came to her door when she finished, and stood shyly at the threshold. He didn’t mean to be looking inside, but when Mali saw him, she beckoned to him. “Tomorrow is Saturday. I invite you to tea. Please bring your friend.” Her radiant smile put Alberto at ease, and he went across the hall to share the news with Ira. The next morning, the two men prepared themselves for their special treat. Alberto had quite a bit of work to finish on Saturday morning, but Ira dedicated his day to grooming himself. He was so deeply honored by the invitation that his heart swelled with joy. The appointed hour came, and both men went to Mali’s door. Ira stood tall, clutching a small bouquet of yellow daisies, and Alberto laughed. “We are grown men. I am married. You are a widower. I am giggling, and you are bringing flowers to your great-granddaughter. What are we doing?” Fr ancisca n Media .org
Ira looked wisely at Alberto as the lock was turning in the door. “We are living.” Mali invited them onto her balcony. She placed the daisies in a small vase and used it as the centerpiece for the little table that held an assortment of finger sandwiches, cookies, and, of course, tea. The afternoon breeze from the ocean carried the scent of salt mixed with sweet almond from the garden below. They spoke of music, living in a new country, and moving to colorful South Florida. Finally, Mali asked if she could play a short piece for them. As she stood, she knocked over the vase of daisies. Ira stood to help, rolling up his sleeves to help clean. Mali’s expression changed, causing Ira to instinctively cover his arm. But it was too late—she had seen the series of numbers tattooed on his arm. Although Ira had never felt ashamed, he knew that sometimes people felt awkward around him. She reached across the table and pushed back his sleeve, holding his gaze while her fingers touched the mark. Suddenly, she sat back down, explaining, “I understand now why you like my music.” Mali leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “I play to forget. I play to remember. I play so that I can feel alive.” She began to speak about her past. Alberto remained paralyzed during the exchange. He couldn’t believe this young woman’s experiences and her escape from the atrocities that defined her youth. He cried unashamedly when she described looking for her parents and younger brothers among the dead in an open pit near their home. Mali had been visiting family and was spared from the violence of a massacre in her village. She never found them. Somewhere in the recesses of his mind, Alberto remembered the killing fields on the evening news reports. The horror of their youth flashed before him, compartmentalized like chapters in a dusty history book. Except this wasn’t a book. This was real. This was their lives. Mali rose to get her violin. She
played a piece by Max Bruch called “In Memoriam,” but when she caught Ira’s eye and realized that he recognized it, she stopped abruptly. Instead, she picked up a livelier piece by Berlioz, “Reverie et Caprice.” Ira understood.
S
everal months later Ira succumbed to pneumonia. He had had a cold that never seemed to improve and ultimately progressed to walking pneumonia. By the time it was diagnosed and he was hospitalized, his tired body was unable to recover. His family buried him in New York. Alberto and Mali grieved alone. Alberto busied himself preparing Ira’s old apartment for a new tenant. Mali took a new job and no longer had time to play the violin in the early evening. Life continued its uninterrupted journey. One afternoon, after one of those crazy rainstorms that come and go on the beach, Alberto showed the apartment to a young man named Pierre de la Croix. “Where are you from?” he asked, making small talk in the hopes that the apartment would be rented. “Haiti.” Just then, Mali interrupted their conversation with the opening to Vivaldi’s “Spring.” Pierre smiled, lost in his thoughts. “I’ll take it.” A
Maria Morera Johnson is a freelance writer from Conyers, Georgia. She is the author of My Badass Book of Saints (Ave Maria Press) and was featured in the November issue of this magazine for that.
ANSWERS TO PETE AND REPEAT 1. There is a footprint in the snow. 2. The windowpanes have flipped. 3. A piece of Pete’s hair is facing forward. 4. The shovel handle is longer. 5. There is more snow on the shovel. 6. Pete’s jacket collar has stitching. 7. Green is showing through on one of the bushes. 8. There is a knocker on the front door.
January 2017 ❘ 45
ASK A FRANCISCAN
❘ BY FATHER PAT McCLOSKEY, OFM
Can That Thief Ever Be Forgiven? Please don’t allow this thief to continue stealing your peace of mind. You deserve better.
Authentic Saying? Did St. Francis of Assisi say, “I am who I am before God, and no one else”?
© RICARDO REITMEYER/DREAMSTIME
Yes, but in the third person. Admonition XIX to the friars says: “What a person is before God, that he is and no more.” We can rightfully add, “and no less.” This saying may be Francis’ most profound description of the human condition.
I had a great theft from my house— gold coins, diamond and gem jewelry, antiques and heirlooms, designer clothes and shoes, a brass bed frame, and more; my house was thoroughly raked. Lacking a bank safety deposit box for the coins and jewelry, I was too embarrassed to report the theft. When I read, “There is nothing any person can do that cannot be forgiven,” I am upset. For a long time, I have cursed this unknown person. I believe that God’s justice will prevail with an appropriate punishment. Can this person be easily forgiven by God through a priest and walk away clean—and rich? Any sin can be forgiven in the Sacrament of Reconciliation if the person is truly sorry. In the case of theft, the individual must be willing to make restitution. If this thief came to me in confession, I would have to tell him or her that readiness to make restitution is required for absolution. Otherwise, I would become, in a sense, an accomplice in this theft. In 46 ❘ January 2017
God’s eyes, the guilty party cannot simply walk away, as you say, “clean and rich,” without returning the stolen goods or their value. On a lesser scale, I appreciate your loss because I have been robbed several times, mostly things from an unlocked car but also broken car windows twice. Although God’s justice will ultimately prevail, you may never recover any of your lost goods. Your decision not to report the theft makes that more likely. Unfortunately, whoever broke into your house and stole these things will continue to steal your peace of mind until you turn this loss over to God’s justice and mercy. The kind of anger you now feel feeds upon itself, never lacking fuel. If there were a sin that God could not forgive, wouldn’t that sin be more powerful than God? No sin is beyond God’s power to forgive, but there can be no divine forgiveness unless there is genuine repentance. God allows spiritual U-turns for those willing to make them.
More Participation Needed Although I am a Protestant/nondenominational Christian who is trying to figure out the Catholic Church, I love reading about the saints on your website. The Eucharist has pretty much made me a Catholic. I lost my husband suddenly six years ago and love going to an adoration chapel. At Mass, Jesus doesn’t seem to be front and center; people mumble through the words and never sing. There are things about Vatican II that are very concerning to me; for example, what it says about Muslims and Protestants seems heretical. If the Catholic Church has the message from Christ, it should speak that truth. Vatican II seems to be a complete departure from what the Council of Trent and Vatican I boldly stated. I’m so offended at the Mass now that if I go, I tolerate what I can and visit the tabernacle with much apology to the Lord and much agony over the grief of losing a spouse. Jesus always sends me away with St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o rg
encouragement, and I pray I will see a true reform where Christ is king and people all over the world will be drawn like magnets to the tabernacle just as I have been. Thanks for your letter and your candor. Some of your concerns are shared by Catholics, as well. Reverence and participation at Mass are indeed important. For example, when I am distributing Communion, a fair number of people fail to respond, “Amen” when I say, “the body of Christ.” I am afraid, however, that you have been generally misinformed about Vatican II. In addition to reading its four constitutions (dogmatic teaching about the Church, liturgy, Scripture, and the Church in the modern world), you would profit from reading its decree on ecumenism and its declarations on religious freedom and the relationship of the Catholic Church to nonChristian religions. You might want to begin with Edward Hahnenberg’s A Concise Guide to the Documents of Vatican II (Franciscan Media). The bishops at Vatican II defended the Catholic faith while recognizing positive elements in other Christian denominations and also within nonChristian religions. Jesus Christ remains the only savior for the human family. Vatican II reminded Catholics that God’s covenant with the Jewish people has never been revoked, which St. Paul affirmed in Romans 11:29. Unfortunately, too many Catholics before Vatican II skipped over that teaching. Jesus is present in the reserved Blessed Sacrament, but also in the Eucharist received there, in the Scriptures proclaimed at Mass, and in the faith community gathered (however imperfectly) to celebrate Christ’s presence. The Catholic Church lives within history, not above it. Some saintly women and men had trouble accepting some parts of the Council of Trent and Vatican I. In the end, it’s not a matter of what I prefer but Fr ancisca n Media .org
rather what the whole Church believes. I hope your prayer before the Blessed Sacrament and your devotion to the saints will encourage you to become a Catholic and to share in its pilgrim journey to heaven.
What about Pius XII? I have come to admire and love Pope Pius XII, who fought modernism, which has nothing to do with the everyday person knowing his or her faith and living it. As an Evangelical Christian, I see liberalism as poison to theology. During his 19-year papacy (1939-58), Venerable Pius XII did many good things for the Church, for example: encouraging a renewed study of Scripture, promoting liturgical renewal, advancing Catholic social teaching, and greatly assisting displaced peoples during and after World War II. During the last eight years of his
pontificate, however, the Catholic Church placed under a cloud several eminent theologians who were later instrumental in drafting key Vatican II documents (Jean Daniélou, Henri de Lubac, Yves Congar, and John Courtney Murray, for example). Theology aims to help people understand their faith better and become more generous disciples of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, terms such as “liberalism” and “modernism” have sometimes been used very loosely by people who seek a faith that is above history instead of operating within it. There is always more to be learned humbly, as St. Thomas Aquinas and the greatest theologians have always taught. A
Father Pat welcomes your questions! Send them to: Ask a Franciscan, 28 W. Liberty Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202-6498, or Ask@FranciscanMedia.org. All questions sent by mail need to include a selfaddressed stamped envelope.
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January 2017 ❘ 47
BOOK CORNER
❘ BY CAROL ANN MORROW
Seasons in My Garden
What Our Friends and Followers on
Social Media
Recommend The Boy Who Met Jesus Immaculée Ilibagiza Thomas Becket: Warrior, Priest, Rebel John Guy Pope Francis: Pastor of Mercy Michael J. Ruszala The Vatican Diaries: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Power, Personalities, and Politics at the Heart of the Catholic Church John Thavis Tried by Fire: The Story of Christianity’s First Thousand Years William J. Bennett
48 ❘ January 2017
Meditations from a Hermitage By Elizabeth Wagner Ave Maria Press 237 pages • $16.95 Paperback/E-book Reviewed by PATTI NORMILE, a retired teacher, chaplain, author, and retreat director who relishes the free time to dig into the gardens of her town and her yard. In her digging into herself, she hopes to discover who she wants to be when she grows up. Early life hurts inspired Sister Elizabeth Wagner’s sincere search for healing. After exploring various communities, Sister Elizabeth founded Transfiguration Hermitage in Maine, where she has joined with others in contemplative life. She tends the monastery’s gardens as she delves into the mystery of her own heart. Her story begins in her childhood years, where her refuge from abandonment and sense of not fitting in was a sheltering hemlock tree. When a storm ripped the tree from its roots, Sister Elizabeth turned to books for solace. Her journey to faith led through agnosticism to a Protestant seminary, then to the Benedictine tradition of the Catholic Church. Winter is where Seasons in My Garden: Meditations from a Hermitage commences. The bitter cold and biting winds of Maine, which Sister Elizabeth likens to Siberia, kept her from the garden of plants and led her deep into the garden of herself. As she orders seed and plants from catalogs, she
hears the call to “go deeper.” She does that with honesty and humility as she grows closer to herself and to God. Spring is the season that blossoms for Sister Elizabeth as she digs into the humus of the garden, while seeking the humility to deal with the complications of her own life. In preparing the garden soil to receive seeds and new plants, she also grows in knowledge of herself. Her account is deeply personal, especially as she shares her fears. Her integrity encourages readers to be honest with themselves. While summer brings some spectacular surprises, like roses and lilies bursting in bloom, Sister Elizabeth finds that the season becomes normal, ordinary, even boring. One hopes that she will explore why this lively growing season of color and vitality fails to sustain her appreciation for the flowers and fruits that flourish. Interestingly, Sister Elizabeth’s journey through the healing power of her ventures in the garden ends with the chilly closing days of autumn. Since her purpose in writing her meditations from the hermitage garden seems to be to share the healing power of her work, ending in a season where life appears to leave the garden raises the important question of where her spiritual quest has led. Autumn also brings the difficult work of baking fruitcakes to sell to support the monastery. This arduous work does not seem to be among Sister Elizabeth’s favorites. Finally, as the year draws to the end, there is still work to be done in the garden of the self. Seasons in My Garden: Meditations from a Hermitage is Sister Elizabeth’s gift to the reader who seeks growth in the personal and garden realms. To read a chapter or two, then go to the garden to plant or root out weeds, think, and pray, would create a meaningful spiritual discipline. While speaking to all seekers, older readers, in particular, may find Sister Elizabeth’s words inviting them to dig deeper. The parallel between the garden and one’s spiritual life emphasizes that there is always work to be done, growth to be nurtured. St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o rg
BOOK BRIEFS
Finding Common Spiritual Ground Jesus and Buddha Friends in Conversation By Paul Knitter and Roger Haight Orbis Books 272 pages • $26 Paperback/Kindle
DOCAT The Social Teaching of the Catholic Church US Edition: Ignatius Press 320 pages • $19.95 Paperback/E-book
Christian theologian Roger Haight and Buddhist-Christian theologian Paul Knitter are friends, as well as academic contemporaries. They shed light on how to achieve a deeper spiritual life and a more robust approach to social engagement.
Confucius for Christians Reviewed by MARK WILKINS, who continues his long career of teaching religion at St. Xavier High School, Cincinnati, Ohio. The DOCAT/YOUCAT series (“Do Catechism” and “Youth Catechism,” respectively) is both a simple idea and an ambitious project. It is a popular adaptation of the social doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church, specifically aimed at young people. Why? The bishops (this book was first published by the Australian bishops) want young people to read excerpts of key texts, then be guided by the maxims of truth, justice, and charity that they find in them. Pope Francis has written in the introduction that the Church needs young people to embrace the Gospel so that they can live a message of justice and solidarity. It is a follow-up to a youth catechism, YOUCAT. Pope Francis also notes that the book is a collaborative effort of cardinals, scholars, and young people who were actively engaged in the process of bringing DOCAT to fruition. The themes start with the theological principles that undergird the Church’s mission, then integrate the Church’s social teaching with the basic social values of the family and work. Each succeeding chapter broadens the scope and the vision. The first decision the reader will face is whether to use this book as a reference tool or as a textbook. All the elements will fit social justice courses. Its uses would depend on the time available. Adults would find it helpful in faith formation programs, for which it provides a very solid and streamlined resource. Fr ancisca n Media .org
What an Ancient Chinese Worldview Can Teach Us about Life in Christ By Gregg A. Ten Elshof Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. 110 pages • $15 Paperback/E-book Though they are separated by centuries and thousands of miles, there are surprising and insightful places where the teachings of Jesus and ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius overlap. Confucius’ teachings can strengthen our understanding of Jesus’ divine message.
The Jesus Dialogues Jesus Speaks with Religious Founders and Leaders By Brennan R. Hill Resource Publications 228 pages • $28 Paperback/E-book Brennan R. Hill brings with him 60 years of study and teaching in the areas of Christianity and world religions. Hill’s expertise shines through as he imaginatively places Jesus in conversations with religious leaders, including Moses, Buddha, and Lao Tzu. —D.I. Books featured in Book Corner and Book Briefs can be ordered from
St. Mary’s Bookstore & Church Supply 1909 West End Avenue • Nashville, TN 37203 • 800-233-3604 www.stmarysbookstore.com • stmarysbookstore@gmail.com Prices shown in Book Corner do not include shipping. January 2017 ❘ 49
A CATHOLIC MOM SPEAKS
❘ BY SUSAN HINES-BRIGGER
Year of Mercy, Continued
ILLUSTRATION BY MARY KURNICK MAASS
T
his month, the United States will inaugurate its 45th president. It will officially mark the end of a very long—and nasty—election season. A season that, let’s be honest, did not showcase our kindest and most caring behavior. Nor was it exactly the model of mercy, which seems even more odd, seeing as it all took place during the extraordinary jubilee Year of Mercy in our Church. When Pope Francis called for the jubilee celebration in April 2015, the election cycle was just getting ramped up. The theme of the jubilee was “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Lk 6:36). The reason for the jubilee, said the pope, was “because this is the time for mercy. It is
50 ❘ January 2017
the favorable time to heal wounds, a time not to be weary of meeting all those who are waiting to see and to touch with their hands the signs of the closeness of God, a time to offer everyone, everyone, the way of forgiveness and reconciliation.” How providential those words seem in hindsight.
No One’s Immune Unfortunately, throughout this past election, even our Church has not been immune to being unmerciful at times. Don’t believe me? Read the comments following articles on any number of Catholic publication websites. Mercy is not often the first word that springs to mind. We become passionate about our beliefs St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o rg
LIVING MERCY for something as important as demonstrating mercy toward others. Seek out opportunities for you and your family and friends to bring the works of mercy to life. And remember that no act of mercy is too small. You can find some suggestions for ways to bring the works of mercy to life at the US bishops’ website (usccb.org). Or, better yet, gather your friends and brainstorm some ideas for ways to be merciful toward others.
and sometimes forget to be merciful to those who do not share those beliefs. That’s not OK. Stating and defending our beliefs is honorable. Doing so at the expense of someone else or belittling a person for his or her beliefs is not.
A Friendly Reminder By the time you read this, the Year of Mercy may have already become a distant memory for you. That’s OK. In our world of fast-paced social media and the 24-hour news cycle, things tend to fall off our radar quickly. But if you take a quick look around, you’ll see that the need for mercy certainly has not gone any-
Pope Francis talks with residents during a May 13 visit at the Chicco Community in Ciampino, Italy, for his monthly Mercy Friday in the jubilee Year of Mercy. The community houses 18 people with intellectual challenges.
where. You will also see that it extends well beyond the issues of this past election season. Mercy seems to be lacking in society in general. I think Pope Francis was definitely onto something when he tried to spark a mercy revolution. He’s gotten the ball rolling. Now let’s see if we can keep it going. So even though the Year of Mercy has come to an end, I personally think the need for mercy is at an alltime high. And I’m not just talking about the kind of mercy that has you volunteering at the local soup kitchen. Why not extend mercy in smaller ways, such as speaking up when you see or hear someone belittling someone else? Mercy can come
CNS PHOTO/L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO VIA REUTERS
One Friday every month during the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis would visit someplace as a visible sign of the works of mercy. His visits ranged from a residential community for people recovering from drug addiction to the neonatal unit of a Rome hospital and a hospice center. The example that Pope Francis provided during the Year of Mercy is one that we can continue to emulate. I know we’re all busy, but one day a month isn’t too much of a commitment—especially
in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes I think we forget that. That is why I’m suggesting that we might want to consider extending the Year of Mercy for a while—even if not officially. Perhaps we should continue it indefinitely. After all, we all could use a little more mercy in our lives. A
Do you have comments or suggestions for topics you’d like to see addressed in this column? Send them to me at “A Catholic Mom Speaks,” 28 W. Liberty St., Cincinnati, OH 45202-6498, or e-mail them to CatholicMom@Franciscan Media.org.
PETE AND REPEAT These scenes may seem alike to you, But there are changes in the two. So look and see if you can name ILLUSTRATION BY TOM GREENE
Eight ways in which they’re not the same. (Answers on page 45)
Fr ancisca n Media .org
January 2017 ❘ 51
BACKSTORY
Rest in Peace, Florence
I
t’s a journalist’s habit: the first thing I do when I awake each day is to take a look at the headlines on my news app. My wife heard my groan, “Oh, no!” early the morning after Thanksgiving, and, with some
alarm, called from the next room, “What’s wrong?” “Florence Henderson died!”
PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER HEFFRON
“Oh,” she said. Then, after a few seconds, “Wait a minute, didn’t you have her interviewed for a story in the magazine?” “For the January cover!” I said, wondering if it could be fixed. Late November means things are on their way toward press and mailing so that the January issue shows up in your mailbox in late December. The magazine staff had been rushing to get this issue ready before Thanksgiving. Was it gone? No, it wasn’t, I realized, after reviewing the schedule. We were going to press the following Tuesday. As Florence Henderson’s death rose to the top of trending stories on Facebook, I scooted by the office—between truly harrowing Black Friday drop-offs at the mall—and picked up the proofs for her story. By the time her obituaries and TV remembrances were appearing across the country, I had had an early morning e-mail exchange with New York author Rita E. Piro and confirmed that hers had been the last interview with Florence. Rita was a bit concerned that nearly the same thing had happened after her interview with Patty Duke (Patty had died the next year, actually). I replied to Rita, “On the other hand, isn’t it a blessing that you were able to allow these women to share their faith as a kind of final testament?” I really believe that to be true. Especially
Florence Henderson warmed many hearts over her long career, saying her faith was her foundation.
when you read Rita’s interviews with each of these women, you read a story that you won’t see elsewhere in the media, a story of the faith that grounded these women, as it grounds many of us, through life’s twists and turns. As you can see, we worked it all out. I went through Rita’s story and made sure that we explained the circumstances of Florence’s sudden death, and that all of her quotes were introduced properly. Art Director Jeanne Kortekamp patiently endured yet another round of corrections. And we had enough time to get it all proofread before we went to press. As we put it all to bed, as we say, I thanked God—and remembered telling Rita that I hope she never interviews me!
Editor in Chief @jfeister
52 ❘ January 2017
St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o rg
CNS PHOTO/ALEXANDROS AVRAMIDIS
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