December 2013

ST. NICHOLAS: FACT OR FICTION?

ST. ANTHONY DECEMBER 2013 • $3.95 • FRANCISCANMEDIA.ORG

Messenger

Rejoice

A Choice for Advent

Making Sense of Santa ■ A Walk through Matthew’s Gospel A Jesuit Pope with a Franciscan Heart ■ Discover Your Church

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CONTENTS

ST. ANTHONY Messenger

❘ DECEMBER 2013 ❘ VOLUME 121/NUMBER 7

ON THE COVER

COVER STORY

It is faith that enables us to see Jesus now in our midst, being born in us anew in this Advent-Christmas season.

28 The Choice to Rejoice Even our smallest actions can be a source of hope for a world desperately in need of joy.

By Carolyn Ancell

F E AT U R E S

16 St. Nicholas: Fact or Fiction?

Illustration by Shelly Hehenberger/das grüp

16

2 Dear Reader

This expert went on a journey to find the man behind the legend.

By Carol Ann Morrow

3 From Our Readers 6 Followers of St. Francis Sister Evelyn Brokish, OSF

22 Making Sense of Santa

8 Reel Time

How do we celebrate Christmas with Santa while keeping the focus on Jesus?

By Judy Schueneman

32 A Jesuit Pope with a Franciscan Heart

D E PA R T M E N T S

The Christmas Candle

10 Channel Surfing The Michael J. Fox Show

32

If you want to understand St. Ignatius and Jesuits, turn to Francis of Assisi.

By Christopher M. Bellitto

12 Church in the News 26 Living Simply 31 Editorial Pope Francis Is Calling Us Home

38 An Invitation to Faith In the coming year we’ll hear stories of majesty, mercy, betrayal, and resurrection in Matthew’s Gospel. Let’s take a closer look.

By Ronald D. Witherup, SS

49 Short Take Music for Mary

50 Ask a Franciscan Why Does Evil Exist?

44 Discover Your Church Next time you’re at church, stop and look around. You might be surprised by what you find.

By Theresa Doyle-Nelson

44

52 Book Corner In Quest of the Jewish Mary

54 A Catholic Mom Speaks The Saint in My Front Yard

56 Backstory

ST. ANTHONY M

DEAR READER

essenger

Accepting God’s Word

Publisher/CEO Daniel Kroger, OFM

In December, we celebrate Jesus’ birth, but that was possible only because Mary of Nazareth agreed to cooperate with God’s plan for the human family. Mary’s “May it be done to me according to [God’s] word” (Lk 1:38b) became her life’s connecting thread.

Inspired by Mary’s example, Blessed Mary Frances Schervier (18191876) was an outstanding example of bold, faithful service.

Born in northern France, Mary Frances became a Secular Franciscan in 1844; the following year she and four other women began a religious congregation dedicated to working with the poor. In 1851 the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor were approved by the local bishop.

Seven years later they made their first US foundation. Her sisters nursed soldiers wounded during the Civil War. Their congregation now works primarily in health care and homes for the aged.

The poor, the sick, and the aged have been easily marginalized long before Jesus and into our present time. Blessed Mary Frances Schervier insisted on acknowledging the God-given dignity of each person.

Living our Christian faith 24/7 will always emphasize this.

Mary Frances was beatified in 1974. Her feast is December 15 on the Franciscan calendar.

Chief Operating Officer Thomas A. Shumate, CPA

Director of Content Creation and Services Jennifer Scroggins

Editor in Chief John Feister

Art Director Jeanne Kortekamp

Franciscan Editor Pat McCloskey, OFM

Editor Emeritus Jack Wintz, OFM

Managing Editor Susan Hines-Brigger

Associate Editor Christopher Heffron

Editorial Assistant Sharon Lape

Director of Marketing, Sales, and Internet Barbara K. Baker

Advertising Fred Limke

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ST. ANTHONY MESSENGER (ISSN #0036276X) (U.S.P.S. PUBLICATION #007956 CANADA PUBLICATION #PM40036350) Volume 121, Number 7, 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.

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St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o rg

FROM OUR READERS

Disgruntled Masses I’m just catching up with the September and October issues of St. Anthony Messenger. I was also chuckling loudly at the mail that you have received lately from disgruntled readers about some of your recent cover stories.

I can only hope that Pope Francis will be able to encourage the narrowminded among us to listen to everyone’s message, whether we agree or disagree. In the meantime, I think that St. Anthony Messenger must keep trying to wade through the throngs of the negative readers. I cheer you onward!

Linda M. Colenso Great Falls, Montana

Hope for the Pope I enjoy St. Anthony Messenger and read every issue cover to cover. The

October issue was especially inspirational. Pat McCloskey, OFM’s article “Pope Francis: Why the Name Fits” was very interesting and tells us about the true nature and spirituality of our humble and down-to-earth pontiff. Pope Francis sees the goodness and beauty of each person. This is a special gift from God alone.

With Francis as our pope, the emphasis will be on a life of service to all, calling us to be one with Jesus Christ. His priorities are the people of God and he lives this in every way. Now we are on the right track!

I pray for him every day.

As a Secular Franciscan, I thank you for your splendid articles on St. Francis. They are deeply felt and joyful.

Norma M. Downer Mamaroneck, New York

Four Female Doctors, Not Three Women Deserve Better

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.

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cially appreciated the special section devoted to St. Francis, including Pat McCloskey, OFM’s article on Pope Francis.

My main comment, though, is on Father Pat’s editorial, “Women Leaders in the Church.” Thank you very much, Pat, for the support of women’s God-given gifts that you emphasized.

Many of us are also asking the question you posed in your editorial: “Why are women’s gifts appreciated everywhere except the Church?” Yes, we too “look forward to the day when the Catholic Church is as open to the gifts of women disciples as Jesus was.”

Sister Madonna Hoying, SFP Cincinnati, Ohio

The October issue of St. Anthony Messenger was outstanding. I espe-

Thank you for your informative and inspirational magazine! However, in the October issue, I feel that there is

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December 2013 ❘ 3

a factual issue which needs clarification.

In the article “St. Thérèse, My Spiritual Companion” it reads: “In 1997, she [St. Thérèse] was named a Doctor of the Church (one of only three women upon whom the honor has been bestowed).” As you know, on October 7, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI declared St. Hildegard of Bingen one of them, thereby making St. Thérèse one of only four women Doctors of the Church. As an Oblate of the Order of St. Benedict, I would truly appreciate your clarifying this matter.

Also, I thank you for the wonderful article in your July 2013 issue, “Beer, Pizza, and St. Benedict” by Ron Beathard. It describes well the role of Oblates with our varied but spiritually centered lives.

Thank you very much for your fine work!

Honora B. Brehm, OblSB Ellsworth, Maine

Sister Wendy: A Work of Art

O Alexian Brothers, Where Art Thou?

In October’s “Ask a Franciscan,” Pat McCloskey, OFM, included a response to the question regarding monks, friars, and brothers. He stated, “Mendicant (begging) friars began with the Trinitarians in 1198 and were soon followed by the Fran-

ciscans (1209), Dominicans (1216), Carmelites (1245), and Augustinians (1256).”

However, he failed to mention the Alexian Brothers.

Although we are a very small congregation of brothers, we have been in existence for about 800 years. We have no particular founder, but grew out of the Beghard and Beguine movement in the late 1100s in the Rhineland area.

While others fled when the bubonic plague hit that part of Europe, the Alexian Brothers stayed in the cities to take care of the plague victims and bury the dead who succumbed to it. Many of our brothers died from the disease.

After the plague had run its course, the Alexian Brothers were made head of the burial guilds in that part of Europe.

Brother Warren Longo, CFA St. Louis, Missouri

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Equal Rights Needed in the Church I loved Pat McCloskey’s October editorial in St. Anthony Messenger, “Women Leaders in the Church.” I am amazed that, in this day and age, with women holding major positions in all areas of society, the Catholic Church is one of the last areas where they are denied access to most of the major roles.

4 ❘ Dec ember 2013

to

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Just wanted to let you know how great the October issue of St. Anthony Messenger was, especially Alicia von Stamwitz’s interview with Sister Wendy Beckett. It was an astonishing interview—not just revealing her depths, but providing deep spiritual reflection. Sister Wendy’s voice came through so brilliantly. She is a treasure, and this interview really went below the surface.

Sister Wendy and I have been corresponding for years, but I deeply regret never having the chance to meet her personally.

Robert Ellsberg Maryknoll, New York

If one reads the New Testament, one will see that Christ included women as equal partners in his life, which was completely contrary to the norms of the time. If women had more authority in the Church, I doubt we would have seen the extent of the sexual abuse crisis concerning our priests.

Let’s get over it: women even run countries now. Let’s let them have full access to using their gifts in our Church.

William Hickey Chicago, Illinois

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F O L L O W E R S O F S T. F R A N C I S

A Sweet Connection with Faith

N

othing says Christmas quite like candy. And Sister Evelyn Brokish, a Sister of St. Francis of Assisi, knows a little something about that. This Franciscan sister is the owner of Poverello Delights, a candy store in Highland, Indiana.

The name of the store, says Sister Evelyn, comes from St. Francis of Assisi, known as the Poverello (“little poor person”) of Assisi.

She says her store is very much a prayer hermitage. She says it gives her time to reflect and pray.

Sister Evelyn entered religious life in 1956.

She made her first profession in 1959. She had an older sister and an aunt who were members of the congregation, but says while she felt like this was the path she would eventually take, it just wasn’t time yet for her to enter. The time came after one year of studying music at Milwaukee’s Cardinal Stritch University, located on the motherhouse campus of the School Sisters of St. Francis.

“I felt such an attraction or connection. I felt bonded. And so then I knew after one year of college that this was the time to enter.”

Sister Evelyn Brokish, OSF

So how did she end up in the candymaking business? The store began out of Sister Evelyn’s creativity. A professional liturgical minister for most of her religious life, Sister Evelyn says the parish communities at which she served often had little to no budget for the music ministry. So, she says, she often found herself trying to find innovative ways to raise money.

“As a fund-raiser I developed a candy called ChocoNutty Trio,” she recalls. “It was so good that I had the staff members and choir members taste it. They thought it was terrific.”

After years of serving in music ministry, though, Sister Evelyn says she started to realize that “it was a time in my life when I should start using my other talents and pull back a little bit from the heavy church work that I was doing as a musician.”

Cooking was a natural transition for her.

“I have always been comfortable in the kitchen because that’s part of my growing up,” she says. “When I was 6 years old I baked my first cake from scratch.”

She enrolled in an entrepreneurship program at Purdue University Calumet, where

STORIES FROM OUR READERS Better Late Than Never

© NIKOLAI SOROKIN/FOTOLIA

Learn more about St. Anthony and share your story of how he helped you at AmericanCatholic.org/ Features/Anthony.

6 ❘ Dec ember 2013

Three years ago I lost one of my keys to my car. My wife and I looked everywhere but could not locate it. We both prayed for St. Anthony’s intervention, but to no avail.

Two years later we were asked to donate to a family whose house had burned down. They lost everything. We were in the process of moving and had to get rid of some furniture, so we donated what we could. A couple of months later, my key showed up in the linen we had donated. I finally got my key back.

I share this because I have never had a prayer for missing items answered in this way; but for some reason the Lord had me wait two years before my lost key was returned. I am convinced that St. Anthony intervened on my behalf, but it is the Lord’s timing that matters.

—Jason McMahon, OFS, Cincinnati, OH

St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o rg

Click here for more information on Sister Evelyn and Poverello Delights.

ST. ANTHONY

Seeking Martyrdom In 1220, Fernando Bulhom, an Augustinian canon living in Coimbra, Portugal, met friars bringing back the bodies of five confreres martyred in Morocco. He joined the Franciscans, changed his name to Anthony (patron of their local friary), and served shortly in northern Africa.

Sickness cut short that ministry.

Anthony was ready to sacrifice his life as a martyr, but through his Franciscan brothers discovered that God was asking him to sacrifice his preference for type of ministry and where he would live. –P.M.

PHOTO BY JACK WINTZ, OFM

she entered a plan for her candy-making business in a contest at the college for startup businesses. “I came out as a semifinalist.”

And while she didn’t win, she says she “got a lot of education. I got a lot of information.

A lot of know-how.”

Of her candy, she says, “All of this is my own creativity, my own recipes so to speak. I do every piece by hand. This is certainly different from Fannie May.” Because of that care and personal touch, Sister Evelyn says she is “expanding my distributors. I do hope for a wider distribution.

I like to do the production.” All of the funds raised from the sales go to the ministries of the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi.

Ask Sister Evelyn to talk about what she sells at Poverello Delights, and you will be delighted with a long list, each with its own story.

Sister Evelyn proudly reports that, on the morning of our interview, her newest recipe, Pistachio Nougat, had just received rave reviews in a taste test. And so it will join her wide variety of other candies—and those yet to come—at Poverello Delights.

—Susan Hines-Brigger

tal Digi as Extr

To learn more about Franciscan saints, visit AmericanCatholic.org/Features/Saintofday.

S T. A N T H O N Y B R E A D

Fr ancisca n Media .org

Send all postal communication to: St. Anthony Bread 1615 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH 45202-6498

December 2013 ❘ 7

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

The Christmas Candle

© 2013 CHRISTMAS CANDLE PRODUCTIONS

SISTER ROSE’S

Favorite Films about

Hope A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (1945) The Polar Express (2004) The Shawshank Redemption (1994) Rise of the Guardians (2012) The Secret Life of Bees (2008)

8 ❘ December 2013

The Christmas Candle is about the people of an English town in need of Christmas magic.

At the end of the 19th century, just as Advent begins, Lady Camdon (Barbara Flynn) invites the Rev. David Richmond (Hans Matheson) to be the vicar in Gladbury, England.

Something sad has happened to him and he is now a skeptic, though he is an excellent preacher.

Meanwhile, the proprietors of the candle shop, Bea and Edward Haddington (Lesley Manville and Sylvester McCoy), await the visit of an angel who comes every 25 years to bless a special Christmas candle. Whoever gets this candle and lights it while praying receives a miracle.

But times are changing and electric lights are being installed throughout the town, including the church. Then something goes wrong with the Christmas candle chosen by the angel and, while Bea and Edward fret and scheme, the new vicar, even amidst his own doubts, vows to give everyone a little light at Christmas.

The Christmas Candle is based on bestselling Christian author Max Lucado’s 2006 novel of the same name. This is the first hol-

iday film to be distributed by family- and faith-focused EchoLight Studios in Dallas with CEO Rick Santorum at the helm.

The Christmas Candle is beautifully filmed and is populated by characters in need of light and miracles, including an unmarried young woman who is with child and was abandoned by her selfish lover. The film is unique because it is framed by the four Sundays of Advent.

Singer Susan Boyle, in her film debut, plays the wife of the church caregiver. She sings a little, but I could have listened to more. The Christmas Candle is a gentle story that will appeal to families.

Not yet rated, PG ■ Some peril.

Black Nativity Naima (Jennifer Hudson) is a single working mother in Baltimore who has to tell her street-smart but loving teen son, Langston (Jacob Latimore), that they are being evicted from their home even though it is almost Christmas. She sends him to his grandSt A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o r g

© FOX SEARCHLIGHT/PHIL BRAY

The Christmas-themed Black Nativity stars Jacob Latimore, Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson, and Forest Whitaker.

CNS PHOTO/WARNER BROS.

parents, Aretha (Angela Bassett) and the very strict Cornell (Forest Whitaker), who is the reverend of the Baptist church there.

Langston decides to find a way to get the money his mother needs to save their home. He makes some bad choices, but strangers who know more about him than he realizes guide him when he’s gone too far. He becomes angry when no one will explain why his mother and grandparents haven’t spoken in 15 years. They also refuse to tell him who his father is.

Black Nativity is based on the musical play written by the African American poet Langston Hughes. It was first performed offBroadway in 1961 by an all-black cast. The film is a modern adaptation of Hughes’ play and framed effectively with his poetry and with Scriptures. The characters sing familiar Gospel songs to new arrangements and new songs of hope using rap.

Black Nativity is an artistic production with excellent performances—especially during the Christmas Eve service—merging the present day with Jesus’ birth. This is a movie about the meaning of Christmas and about the Gospel story, family, and reconciliation. It very well might move you to tears.

It did me.

Not yet rated, PG ■ Mature themes.

she starts to drift, but Kowalski uses his thruster pack to retrieve her and they make their way to the International Space Station that is a distance away but has escape modules. But oxygen is low.

Stone must go it alone when she and Kowalski are separated, and she is lost in space. She grieves for her young daughter who died years before, and Stone goes through the stages of grief as her own death looms. She makes her way to the Russian space station, but doesn’t seem to see the icon of St. Christopher, the patron saint of travelers. Then it’s on to the Chinese station where she’s looking for a way home, for salvation, and for rebirth.

Gravity is filled with meaningful religious and spiritual themes and offers so much to talk about. Bullock gives a stellar performance. Direction by Alfonso Cuarón is finely nuanced, even if the science is somewhat off. This is one science-fiction drama that must be seen in 3-D. A-3, PG-13 ■ Peril.

Sandra Bullock and George Clooney are winning critical praise for their performances in the blockbuster Gravity.

Catholic Cl assifications A-1 A-2 A-3 L O

Gravity When Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) and astronaut Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) are servicing the Hubble telescope from the space shuttle Explorer, a sudden debris storm damages the shuttle and they lose communication with mission control. The remaining crew is dead. Stone’s tether is cut and Fr anciscanMedia.org

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.

■

Find reviews by Sister Rose and others at CatholicMovieReviews.org.

December 2013 ❘ 9

CHANNEL SURFING

WITH CHRISTOPHER HEFFRON

UP CLOSE

Thursdays, 9:30 p.m., NBC Whether he’s playing the uptight Alex P. Keaton or the time-traveling teen Marty McFly, Michael J. Fox is an actor whose wit and warmth have charmed audiences for decades. When Fox announced in 1998 that he had Parkinson’s disease, the actor suddenly became the activist. His efforts have raised millions for Parkinson’s research, but the television landscape has been hurting in his absence. Channel surfers rejoice: The Michael J. Fox Show isn’t just the return of an old friend, but a smart, engaging look into how one man balances a life-altering disease with a career and family.

Fox plays Mike Henry, a former New York City news anchor who’s rejoining the workforce after a five-year hiatus to focus on his health. How he balances it all is the comedic heartbeat of this series, and Fox rises to every challenge. Like any chronic illness, Parkinson’s is indifferent to the body it inhabits, but Mike endures his hardships with heart and humor.

Though some story lines can flirt with the formulaic, the cast is strong. Betsy Brandt, as Mike’s wife, and Katie Finneran, as his self-absorbed sister, shine in supporting roles. The loudest applause, though, should be saved for Fox who, both in front of and behind the camera, lives by the saying “There but for the grace of God, go I.”

Trophy Wife Tuesdays, 9:30 p.m., ABC An unpleasant title mars this otherwise appealing show about a reformed party girl, played by the fresh-faced Malin Åkerman, who marries an older man with two ex-wives and children from both marriages. Sensitive channel surfers might be offended by the basis of the series, but it’s merely reflecting the times: divorce, second marriages, and blended families have become a reality.

Thankfully, the producers handle it with nuance and with humor. Åkerman, as the “trophy wife,” has the comedic chops to carry the series, and Oscar-winner Marcia Gay Harden, as one of the ex-wives Åkerman must contend with, is a force of nature.

MasterChef Junior

© NBC/ERIC LIEBOWITZ

Fridays, 8 p.m., FOX Are there too many cooking competition shows on television? Yes. Anymore, I can’t tell the difference between the Food Network and the Game Show Network. But Fox’s MasterChef Junior is a fresh take on a somewhat tired recipe: the competitors on the show are children. The kids, between the ages of 8 and 13, are separated into groups and compete for the top prize of $100,000.

Viewers who scoff at the notion of children competing in such a high-stress environment should take a closer look: these youngsters certainly do know their way around a kitchen. Judge Gordon Ramsay can be a distraction at times, but the focus and passion of these budding chefs are a joy to watch.

Michael J. Fox stars in a new NBC series about a newscaster with Parkinson’s disease.

10 ❘ December 2013

St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o r g

© ABC/PETER “HOPPER” STONE

The Michael J. Fox Show

Sister Wendy on the Art of Christmas Sister Wendy Beckett Join renowned art historian and spiritual guide Sister Wendy Beckett on a tour of Christmas as seen through fourteen works of art in each book that reflect the highlights of Christmas, the life of Mary, mother of Jesus, and popular saints. Bold and passionate, Sister Wendy inspires us with her insights into works both well and lesser known, as she seamlessly draws out the intricacies of artistic technique and meaning. Her gifts of interpretation, profound religiosity, and love of painting make this a timeless treasure for all who appreciate the experiential wisdom and depth of good art.

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Bambinelli Sunday Written by Amy Welborn Illustrated by Ann Kissane Engelhart Each year, on the Third Sunday of Advent, children gather with their families in St. Peter’s Square for “Bambinelli Sunday.” The children bring with them figures of the Christ Child— the “Bambinelli”—from their family’s Nativity scene, or presepe. During the noontime Angelus prayer, the pope blesses the children and the figurines they have brought.

Bambinelli Sunday tells the story of one little boy, Alessandro, and what he learns about family, faith, and love one special day.

Item #B36649 | ISBN 978-1-61636-649-0 | $15.99

Joseph The Man Who Raised Jesus Fr. Gary Caster

On a Mission Lessons from St. Francis de Sales Patrick Madrid St. Francis de Sales is an ideal model of the zeal, spiritual principles, and attitude of one who sets out to live and share the faith. Just as Christ sent his apostles into the world to make disciples of all nations, we too are called to this same mission. St. Francis de Sales’ kindness and unassuming virtue will help you to explain your faith more intelligently, defend it more charitably, and share it more effectively.

Item #T36436 | ISBN 978-1-61636-436-6 | $15.99

Focusing on the virtues of Joseph—his patience, his faith, his purity, his courage—Fr. Gary Caster explores what the Bible tells us about this great saint. By including wisdom from the history of the Church and the communion of saints, Joseph paints a vivid portrait that will help you understand, appreciate, and grow closer to St. Joseph.

Item #T36553 | ISBN 978-1-61636-553-0 | $14.99

Order online at Catalog.FranciscanMedia.org Formerly St. Anthony Messenger Press

28 W. Liberty Sreet, Cincinnati, OH 45202 1-800-488-0488 Fax: 513-241-1197

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CHURCH IN THE NEWS

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Pope Francis Visits Assisi

Pope Francis prays in front of the tomb of St. Clare inside the Basilica of St. Clare in Assisi, Italy. The pontiff was making his first pilgrimage as pope to the birthplace of his papal namesake.

On October 4, Pope Francis traveled to Assisi, the birthplace of Sts. Francis and Clare. During the trip, the pope visited dozens of sites and chal-

lenged the Church to follow the example of Francis, reported Catholic News Service (CNS).

Pope Francis visited numerous

CNS PHOTO/LUCY NICHOLSON, REUTERS

68th Alfred E. Smith Dinner Held in New York Comedian Stephen Colbert headlined the 68th annual dinner of the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation on October 17. Colbert, a Catholic and host of Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report, poked fun at New York’s Cardinal Timothy Dolan, saying, “I have great respect for Cardinal Dolan, though I do have to say, sir, it’s not easy when you’re wearing that outfit. In that cape and red sash, you look like a matador who’s really let himself go.”

The event honors the memory of the former governor of New York, who was raised in poverty and was the first Catholic nominated by a major political party to run for president of the United States.

Proceeds from the event help needy children in Greater New York.

1 2 ❘ D ecember 2013

sites associated with St. Francis, such as his tomb in the Basilica of St. Francis; the Church of San Damiano, where the saint had a vision of Jesus; the hermitage where he went to pray in isolation; the small “Porziuncola” church, now contained inside the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, where St. Francis founded the Franciscan order; the tomb of his friend St. Clare; and the cathedral that contains the font where St. Francis and St. Clare were baptized.

During a visit to the room where St. Francis renounced his lifestyle and stripped himself of his clothing, the pope pointed out, “This is a good occasion for inviting the Church to strip itself.” He said that message applied not only to the hierarchy, but also to all members of the Church. “It is so sad to find a worldly Christian, who thinks he enjoys the security of the faith and of the world. One can’t have it both ways,” he said.

The pope also spent time visiting a Church-run rehabilitation center, where he spent time with the children, young people, and their caregivers. As he often does, the pope strayed from his prepared text and spoke off the cuff.

“We are among the wounds of Jesus,” the pope said. “Jesus is hidden in these kids, in these children, in these people. On the altar we adore the flesh of Jesus; in them we find the wounds of Jesus.”

Pope Francis celebrated Mass in the square outside the Basilica of St. Francis. During his homily, he said that the true message of St. Francis is often misunderstood.

“Many people, when they think of St. Francis, think of peace,” he said.

“Very few people, however, go deeper. Franciscan peace is not something 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 the third extraordinary synod since Pope Paul VI reinstituted synods in 1965, to hold periodic meetings to advise him on specific subjects.

CNS PHOTOS

Blessed Angela of Folignio (d. 1309) was declared a saint by Pope Francis on October 9. In doing so, the pope bypassed the usual process of canonization without formally recognizing a second miracle. The pope also advanced the sainthood causes of seven other men and women.

According to Forbes magazine, Pope Francis is the fourth most powerful person in the world, behind Russian president Vladimir Putin, US president Barack Obama, and Chinese president Xi Jinping.

Each year the magazine makes the list, drawing from government, business, religion, and other fields.

“Pastoral challenges of the family in the context of evangelization” will be the topic of discussion at an extraordinary session of the Synod of Bishops October 5–19, 2014. The Vatican announced the synod on October 8.

About 150 synod fathers are expected to take in the session, which will run for two weeks. This will be only

Fr ancisca n Media .org

Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas said he hopes to use a pen given to him by Pope Francis to sign a peace agreement with Israel. In response, the pope said he hopes the agreement would be reached “soon, soon.” Abbas received the pen as a gift following a meeting with the pope on October 17.

For more news, visit AmericanCatholic.org.

New US Ambassador to Vatican Begins Work Ken Hackett, the new US ambassador to the Holy See, presented his credentials to Pope Francis on October 21, thus filling the job that has been vacant for over a year, reported CNS. The job was previously occupied by Miguel Díaz, who resigned in 2012.

Hackett is a former president of Catholic Relief Services, the US bish-

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

saccharine. Hardly. That is not the real St. Francis. Nor is it a kind of pantheistic harmony with the forces of the cosmos. That is not Franciscan either; it is a notion some people have invented.”

Following Mass, the pope gave an address to diocesan clergy, religious, and laity. During his talk, he told the crowd, “Enough with these interminable, boring homilies of which nothing can be understood.”

CNS PHOTO/MARIA GRAZIA PICCIARELLA, POOL

The council of eight cardinals, informally dubbed the “Group of Eight” or “G-8,” met October 1-3 with Pope Francis at the Vatican to discuss plans to completely overhaul the Roman Curia. Vatican spokesman Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi said themes of discussion were the role and responsibilities of the Vatican secretary of state, the revamping of the world Synod of Bishops, and the Vatican's attention to the role and responsibility of laity.

Following the meeting, the council accompanied the pope to Assisi. They will meet again December 1–3 and February 17–18.

Pope Francis’ Twitter accounts in nine different languages surpassed 10 million followers on October 26. To mark the occasion, Pope Francis sent the following Tweet: “Dear Followers. I understand that there are now over 10 million of you! I thank you with all my heart and ask you to continue praying for me.”

Ken Hackett, former president of CRS, is now the US ambassador to the Holy See. December 2013 ❘ 13

Pope Addresses German ‘Luxury Bishop’

Athletes Race to St. Peter’s Square On the morning of October 20, a few hundred people gathered to take part in the “Race of Faith” near St. Peter’s Square, reported CNS. The race, organized by the Pontifical Council for Culture, was part of a three-hour program featuring relay races and

CNS PHOTO/KAI PFAFFENBACH, REUTERS

Bishop Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst of Limburg, Germany, has been suspended by Pope Francis following reports of extravagant and costly spending for renovations of the bishop’s home and offices, reported CNS. Reports have stated that the renovations were estimated to have cost about $40 million.

Bishop Tebartz-van Elst, often referred to, by German media, as the “luxury bishop,” has been accused of living extravagantly while at the same time cutting diocesan programs. Critics have suggested that the renovation and construction project may have been funded in an improper way.

In an October 23 statement, the Vatican press office said, “A situation has been created in which Bishop Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst currently cannot exercise his episcopal ministry.” It said the bishop will spend “a period of leave outside the diocese,” effective immediately.

The pope met with Archbishop Robert Zollitsch, president of the German bishops’ conference, on October 17 to discuss the situation.

Four days later, Pope Francis met with Bishop Tebartz-van Elst himself.

A car drives past the residence of Bishop Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst and the Catholic cathedral in Limburg, Germany, where he allegedly spent close to $40 million on renovations and new construction.

1 4 ❘ Dec ember 2013

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

ops’ overseas relief and development agency. He retired from that position in 2011.

In the first post on his official ambassador’s blog, Hackett wrote, “The United States and the Holy See have converging interests that span a broad range of issues.”

Some of those issues, he says, are “trafficking in persons, interreligious dialogue, conflict resolution, food access and security, HIV/AIDS, and care for the environment.”

In an interview with CNS, Hackett acknowledged areas of differing views between the Obama administration and the Vatican. “We may not always agree, but I think religious freedom in the bigger sense is of paramount priority to this administration,” said Hackett.

A nun runs in a 100-meter relay race on the main road leading to St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican October 20. testimonies of faith. It was part of the council’s promotion of the Year of Faith.

Among those who ran were seminarians, Vatican guards, Olympic champs, children, and people with disabilities. The race took place on a 100-meter, three-lane tartan track temporarily laid down along the main boulevard leading to the edge of St. Peter’s Square.

Msgr. Melchor Sanchez de Toca Alameda, head of the council’s “Culture and Sport” section, said the relay race referred to St. Paul’s frequent analogies of faith being like a race, but also showed that passing a baton to others is “just like passing on the faith from person to person.”

The following day, the council held a daylong conference for sports educators and representatives from Catholic sports associations and bishops’ conferences to discuss how the Church can encourage the sports world to put priority on the human person and better protect human dignity. A St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o rg

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St. Nicholas Fact or Fiction?

This expert went on a journey to find the man behind the legend.

BY CAROL ANN MORROW

A

Not-So-Secret Santa ILLUSTRATION BY VINCENT ZAWADA

What do people believe about jolly old St. Nick? Those adjectives—jolly and old—may say it all, at least here in the United States, where red-suited Santa reigns over the month of December. Clement C. Moore’s playful poem, first called “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” has been given the weight of biography for many children—and not a few adults.

According to that rhyming narrative, St. Nicholas drives a toy-filled sleigh powered by reindeer through the air to the home of each and every December 2013 ❘ 17

CNS PHOTO

DAM ENGLISH AND CHARISSA, his wife, want their daughter, Cassidy, now 10, to know the truth behind Santa. Did he bear any resemblance to the rosy-cheeked grandpa invented by CocaCola in the 1920s? Could there be fact behind that fiction?

As a theology professor at Campbell University in North Carolina, Dr. English was well positioned to find out. Academically, he has long been “interested in the early Christian faith and the way that the early Church lived,” he says. He has also co-led monthlong study-abroad programs to Italy, where the bones of Nicholas (at least, most of them) now rest in Bari, Italy, on the Adriatic Sea. That’s how it started. “Everything I had read in preparation for visiting Bari, in preparation for seeing the documents there [at the Centro Studi Nicolaiani] led me to believe that St. Nicholas probably did not exist, at least as we thought of him,” says English. “Then I looked at the documents themselves and saw all the evidence. I’m convinced he did exist and did many of the things we have traditionally associated with him.

“For too long, we’ve felt that you can either have a Christian celebration or you can have Santa Claus,” says English, author of The Saint Who Would Be Santa Claus: The True Life and Trials of Nicholas of Myra.

“I’m not against Santa or gift-giving at all, but the tradition can be expanded, not only in the sense of being charitable, but also in the spirit of St. Nicholas, reclaiming him as the inspiration behind gift-giving beyond the family at this time of year.”

BISHOP NICHOLAS

Bare-Bones Biography Each event has historical probability, though the sequence is more certain than the year. c. 260 Born in Patara, Turkey, to prosperous parents c. 278 His parents die. c. 280 Gives dowries for three poor girls CNS PHOTO/PATRICIA COLL FREEMAN, THE ANCHOR

c. 290 Ordained bishop of Myra 303 Emperor Diocletian’s persecution of Christians reaches Myra.

324 Emperor Constantine reaches Asian Empire, embraces Christians.

325 Attends first Ecumenical Council of Nicaea 327 Dismantles pagan shrines, builds churches 330 Saves three prisoners from unjust execution 335 Passes to heaven on December 6

child on Christmas Eve. The whitebearded elf is rather large in elfin terms, dresses in fur, enters and exits through chimneys, and smokes a pipe. While he’s welcomed by one and all, only this fictional fellow’s basic good nature would qualify him for the calendar of saints.

Moore, a Protestant seminary professor, wrote the fanciful verse for his children—and was actually embarrassed by its wide popularity. He might be even more embarrassed by the way his verse overshadowed the story of a historical saint. The truth, while ancient and elusive, offers more inspiration than the poet’s fiction.

What Could Be New about a Third-Century Saint?

Professor English set out to discover whether Nicholas had ever existed. If he was real, how had he morphed into a magical elf? He offers three major conclusions about a saint that he found even more impressive than the redsuited star of Christmas.

St. Nicholas was real, asserts English. His book contrasts with the conclusions of three notable scholars: Gustav Anrich, translator of all the early Greek texts related to Nicholas; Charles W. Jones, Berkeley professor of antiquity; and Peter Brown,

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18 ❘ December 2013

an authority on early Christian saints.

These scholars had led Dr. English to fear that St. Nicholas (a.k.a. Santa) was a piece of pious fiction. Still, “as a lover of all things Christmas,” he wanted to draw his own conclusions.

The extensive library in Bari, Italy, managed by Dominican friar Gerardo Cioffari, provided compelling evidence of the saint’s historicity. Bari, where most of the saint’s bones are now interred, is a center of devotion to the saint of Christmas. For English, the Bari library documents were a “eureka discovery.”

At least two holy men named Nicholas lived in ancient times, and their stories have often been confused and combined.

St. Nicholas of Myra, who died in 335, and St. Nicholas of Sion, who died in 564, are not the same fellow, says English. “Typically, that distinction is not maintained,” he says. English considers his efforts to untangle them a personal victory of scholarship. In the 10th century, the stories of these two saints were merged, perhaps inadvertently, by Symeon Metaphrastes, Dr. English speculates. “I restore them as distinct individuals.”

He grants that “anyone could look at the [Bari] documents, but they’re fairly muddled at first glance, so it does take

2

some investigation.” Symeon’s purpose was to inspire his readers, and he may well have combined the two Saints Nicholas just to double the dose of mayhem and miracles that both lives offer.

The latter Nicholas (of Sion) was also a bishop, probably named after the earlier saint to whom there was already widespread veneration. Born in the same part of the world, both died in the month of December and both stories feature tales of miracles at sea, but the two saints lived nearly 200 years apart.

English believes that we can probably dismiss stories of boy bishops, rescue from homicidal butchers, or raising young boys from the dead, all of which have been told about St. Nicholas of Myra. In his book, English writes that plays featuring Nicholas were the first nonliturgical, nonbiblical plays of the Middle Ages. Their popularity demonstrates that of the saint himself, but such dramas often emphasized sensational, fantastic stories attached to the saint—exaggerated for entertainment value.

St. Nicholas of Myra has more to offer than his example of giftgiving. While St. Nicholas’ connection to Christmas offers ample cause for imitation and celebration, a

3

St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o r g

fuller picture offers reasons to honor his example throughout the year, says English. Nicholas traveled to Constantinople to plead for tax relief on behalf of the citizens of Myra. The professor finds this interesting because early saints are often reported to be disdainful of money, even unaware of economics. He describes the bishop as “someone very much involved in the public good, very much involved in society.”

English points out that the earliest credible story connected to St. Nicholas, remembered in stained glass and frescoes as well as historical documents, is not of generosity but of justice. Michael the Archimandrite, the first biographer of Nicholas, records the tale. The elderly bishop of Myra intervened at the last moment to halt the execution of three individuals condemned by an unjust judge.

“It’s a fascinating story,” says English, “because in it we see Nicholas acting not simply as a Christian pastor or a religious leader, but as a social activist.

This is someone of high standing in the city, high enough to be able to intervene.” This story includes a “number of specific places, proper names rooted in history, and other clues that verify this as a legitimate historical account,” English says, contending that this story alone verifies the saint’s historicity, as well as his courage and his influence.

calendar of the saints. St. Nicholas is popular far beyond that. But why?

Adam English has thought a lot about this. He says, “This is someone to whom literally everybody can relate to some degree. Many saints are remembered for something miraculous, for some strange and bizarre behavior.

But, with Nicholas, it’s an ordinary man. He was living his life, working for justice, giving gifts, looking out for people. These are the kinds of things you and I can do. So I think he has that immediate appeal to people who are looking for examples in life, looking for models of Christian behavior.”

Patron of Mary The website stnicholascenter. org reports Nicholas to be the patron of 113 causes, troubles, and people in need.

They range from the obvious such as children, newlyweds, and those falsely accused to the ranks of shoemakers, bankers, and all manner of seafarers, sailors, pirates, and shipbuilders.

Celebrating the Sixth we recite on Sundays) with evangelistic zeal to end the cults of pagan gods and goddesses within his pastoral purview. His earliest biographer, Michael, describes him actually physically tearing down the temple in Myra.

Since he was over 70 at the time, who knows?

Yet, it is this powerful and effective opposition to the pagan celebrations and the implied trust in powers other than the One True God that probably positions his feast on December 6.

Today, it is Nicholas, not Artemis, who is celebrated on this day, for, as English writes, it was his pastoral zeal that led the people of Myra from paganism to Christianity.

Debunking Myths Adam English has tried to remove what he calls “barnacles and add-ons” to get to the essence of St. Nicholas. He would contend that the pious excesses of early biographers aren’t needed to legitimize the sanctity of a saint whose name adorns more churches around the world than anyone else other than Mary, mother of Jesus Christ.

The feast of St. Nicholas is celebrated on December 6. While exact dates are hard to come by, it’s interesting that this date was a festival in honor of the goddess Artemis (mythically born on the sixth day). English reports that an important shrine to Artemis was located in Myra. Bishop Nicholas had returned from the Council of Nicaea (which crafted the basis of the Creed Fr anciscanMedia.org

Why So Popular?

While we celebrate Nicholas on December 6, it isn’t his victory over Artemis that gains him his ascendancy in the

In this month of December, then, how might Christians best celebrate this saint, dressed as a bishop or disguised as Santa? Adam English and his family have widened their view of this season.

He says, “When we give in the spirit of St. Nicholas, it requires that we not only give to people whom we know and love, but to people whom we do not know and do not love. This was the real discovery for me in terms of my own Christmas celebrations.”

He recalls the most well-known story about St. Nicholas, part of the first biography by Michael. The story describes a father whose desperate straits tempt him to sell his unmarried daughters into prostitution for lack of a dowry. In the original story, English says, a very young Nicholas goes by the window at night to toss in a bag of gold. He repeats this three times.

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December 2013 ❘ 19

Saint

Why I Should be Canonized Right Away

Lino Rulli You might not be as big a sinner as you think. And, with God’s grace, you might just become a saint.

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CNS PHOTO/NANCY PHELAN WIECHEC

Many parishes have a Jesse Tree, from which parishioners take wish cards and return with Christmas gifts for needy families, which are distributed in a dignified way.

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“In later retellings of the story,” English recalls, “Nicholas finds the windows locked, so he has to drop the bag of gold down the chimney, where it lands in a stocking that’s hanging by the fireplace. So the chimney and the stocking are really from this story.”

And Clement Moore seized on that tale to pen his line, “The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.”

English says that people can honor the Nicholas tradition literally by having their children put out their shoes (or stockings) on the eve before December 6. Traditional treats that appear by morning usually include some gold coins and a candy cane to represent the bishop’s staff. (We might have to settle for quarters these days!)

But the larger view requires selfless giving throughout the days before Christmas, not merely token remembrances. Adam English, author, teacher, and parent, says, “I can give anonymously to people I don’t know. I can stand up for justice. I can do acts of public service, beyond the family. The whole family can wrap gifts to contribute to Toys for Tots or similar com-

munity charities. In some way, giftgiving has to go beyond our immediate family.”

Adam English began his multiyear quest wondering if there was indeed a real St. Nicholas. He wondered about his reality, just as little Virginia O’Hanlon had wondered about our modernday Santa’s existence. And the answer

Click here for stories and more information on St. Nicholas.

tal Digi as t Ex r

given in the famous New York Sun editorial might well be said of Santa’s saintly counterpart, St. Nicholas of Myra: “He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist. . . .

Thank God! He lives, and he lives forever.” A Carol Ann Morrow manages “Book Corner” for St. Anthony Messenger and is a guest commentator about the saints of the month on Archangel Radio (WNGL 1410-AM) in Fairhope, Alabama. This December, she has much to say about St. Nicholas.

St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o r g

Making Sense of

SANTA How do we celebrate Christmas with Santa while keeping the focus on Jesus?

BY JUDY SCHUENEMAN OW DO WE KEEP CHRIST in Christmas while splashed in television ads and seasonal specials—as well as on street corners and elaborate sets in malls—is the big fellow in a red suit with a hearty ”Ho, ho, ho”? After all, this is the guy who has elves who make toys, reindeer that fly, and a sleigh full of toys that he delivers on Christmas Eve. In truth, who among us doesn’t rue the day when the magic of Christmas that comes with belief in Santa Claus ends for our kids? To be honest, it simply isn’t as much fun for them or for us. There’s a certain kind of magic in the age of innocence when anything is possible, even if we adults know it isn’t. Yet it can still be a time of believing, if we as parents help our children see that what is involved with the season is God’s love, and that it lives through each of us.

For this to happen, we will have to brush up on our theology. Let’s begin with Christmas itself, the time when God so loved the world he sent his Son to save it. In other words, God took on human flesh, became incarnate. This is important because God became visible. God became someone who could deal with us in a tangible way—a way we can see, feel, and understand.

We know this. We’ve heard the stories of

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22 ❘ December 2013

how Jesus walked the dusty roads of Palestine, how he ate with people not looked upon favorably; how he healed the sick, cured the lame, and gave sight to the blind. We’ve read how he fed the multitudes, turned water into wine, and told those who came to listen to him to share what they have with the less fortunate.

When they do, they are, in actuality, seeing and helping him (Mt 25:31-46).

In fact, the last thing Jesus asked his followers to do before he ascended into heaven was to go out to all people and preach his presence (Mt 28:19-20). Or, as St. Francis is said to have St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o r g

CNS PHOTO/MIKE CRUPI, CATHOLIC COURIER

put it, “Preach the Gospel and, if necessary, use words.”

How do we do this? In his book The Holy Longing: The Search for Christian Spirituality, Ronald Rolheiser, OMI, suggests it is by radiating compassion and love—made manifest in Jesus—in our faces, our words, our actions.

Another way of saying it is that we become the hands and feet of Christ in the world today.

Father Rolheiser writes, “In the Incarnation, God has chosen, marvelously, to let his power flow through us, to let our flesh give reality to his power.”

Fr anciscanMedia.org

Pretty amazing that the very life of God flows through us!

My Husband, Santa Taking this concept, let’s see if we can make some sense out of Santa. Let’s see if we can make him more than an interloper onto the Christmas scene, grabbing the attention from where it rightfully belongs: on Christ.

It happens that my husband, Joe, is a deacon in the Catholic Church. At 79 and retired, he no longer wears an alb and serves on the altar. Instead, for five weeks every year—from

Too often, children look at Christmas as a season of supply and demand, with Santa Claus as the courier of goods. But parents should encourage a balance. Santa may make Christmas fun, but Jesus is still the reason for the season.

December 2013 ❘ 23

PHOTO COURTESY OF JUDY SCHUENEMAN

the Saturday before Thanksgiving through December 24—he dons a red suit with a hat to match and welcomes children of all ages as they line up to see him.

While they sit on his knee, Joe asks their names and how old they are. When one says that he’s 7 years old, my husband will say,

The author’s husband, Joe, plays Santa Claus to the couple’s four energetic grandsons. During his annual five-week stint, “Santa Joe” doesn’t just make time for children.

He also listens to the woes and wishes of adults.

24 ❘ December 2013

“Seven? You must be in second grade,” leaving the child to wonder, How does he know that? Joe often asks how school is going and, occasionally, he will hear, “Not too good this week.” His usual response, “Now remember, it’s important to do your homework,” invariably garners a thumbs-up from the parent. Coming from Santa, this will mean more than anything they can say!

One thing my husband never asks is, “Have you been good?” He learned his lesson years ago at a party on Christmas Eve when, without thinking, he posed this question to a 6year-old. The young child suddenly blanched.

With panic in his eyes, the child asked, “You weren’t in Chicago this week, were you?”

Nor does Joe threaten. Like Jesus, Santa welcomes the little children. Of course, he asks them what they’d like for Christmas and, like any of us who ask God to answer our prayers, they tell him. Many ask for items that are expensive. In a tough economy it’s a tall order.

His standard reply is, “Well, I’ll see what I can do, but I’ve had a lot of requests for that. You won’t be upset with me if I run out before I get to your house, will you?”

Invariably they shake their heads, and their parents breathe a sigh of relief and say a quiet, “Thank you, Santa!” It’s a gently learned les-

son that not all wishes—like prayers—are granted—at least not in the way we’d expected.

Like an Old Friend Santa also has the opportunity to play a healing role just by listening. Listening to the little boy who said he didn’t care what he got, but he’d like his grandmother to be happy; listening to the little boy who said he would like his daddy to come home from his tour in the military; and listening to the child who said, “My mom and dad fight a lot, Santa. I’d like for them not to.”

It’s a secular setting—and his contract states that he shouldn’t mention religion—yet to kids who are bearing loads far too heavy for their small shoulders, Joe will often say before they leave his lap, “Let’s pray that this changes, OK?” But Santa doesn’t listen just to children. A woman in her mid-30s came in one afternoon and asked, “Is it all right if I sit down?”

“By all means,” he answered. Again, he asked her name, what she did, and where she worked. It happened she was a lab tech at a medical center in the city. “That’s important work,” he said. She seemed a bit wistful, which led him to ask, “How is it going?”

“Not too good today, Santa,” she replied sadly. “I had to send reports to two doctors that the lab results on two of their patients indicated cancer.”

“That’s got to be tough.”

“It is,” she sighed.

Santa Joe returned her sigh. Then, after a pause, he said, “It is important for the doctors and their patients to know what they are dealing with. In a very real way, you are the first step in what we hope will be the healing process.”

Her face brightened. She got up to leave, smiled, and said, “Thanks, Santa.”

A Santa can even work a minor miracle.

Such was the case when a young mother came in with a baby boy about 10 months old—an age one can never be certain of the reaction a white beard will elicit. She put the little guy on Santa Joe’s lap and he didn’t flinch. After a couple of pictures, she unfolded two pieces of poster board that had been taped together and asked, “I don’t know if this will work. What do you think, Santa?” In her hands she held a cutout photo taken of her husband in his fatigues.

“Oh, I’m sure we can figure something out,” he answered. In no time the woman’s husband was looking over Santa’s shoulder as he St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o r g

held the baby. Come what may, they were together for their baby’s first Christmas.

Every day of the 34 he was Santa, lives were touched. And this was just one Santa, in one mall, in one city, in one state.

Not all Santas are retired deacons, yet the majority have a genuine love for kids—a quality that cannot be disguised. Jacqueline Harkin, president of Promotional Network, a company that books Santas, says, “I want somebody who thinks on their feet.”

What this means is that the response to a request, especially the tough ones, must come from the heart; to have the ability to see Jesus in the child and, even more, to be as Jesus to the child.

No Competition Given this, if we stop to think about it, there is not a competition between Jesus and Santa at all; rather, there is a very real connection. In our finiteness, we tend to put God in a box when God is much too big for a box and has far too many faces. We all are the many faces of God. And so it is with Santa. In Clement Moore’s poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” Santa is put in a box for far too many children. What

about the child whose home has no chimney? What about the child who will be in a hospital or homeless shelter at Christmas?

These are questions posed by B. J. Wrights in her insightful poem, “Can Santa Be Black?”

Her answer was that kids don’t need to be concerned Click here for more on the about such questions, or even Christmas season. if Santa is a he or a she. Santa can be in a wheelchair or blind.

Thanks to the Incarnation, Santa is all of this and more.

So how do we keep Christ in Christmas? The truth is he can’t be kept out!

Not when each of us, even in the smallest way, lets the divine spark of God that is within us shine forth. Not when, as Father Rolheiser contends, “[We] let his power flow through us, let our flesh give reality to his power.”

And the beautiful part of believing in Santa—a word derived from saint—is that it need not be restricted to a season of the year.

Believing in and being a Santa keeps Christ in every day of the year. A

tal Digi as Extr

Judy Schueneman is a retired teacher and pastoral director.

She has been married for 53 years and is the mother of six and the grandmother of 12.

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SAM122013 December 2013 ❘ 25

LIVING SIMPLY

❘ BY PAT M C CLOSKEY, OFM

CNS PHOTO/GREGORY A. SHEMITZ, LONG ISLAND CATHOLIC

Advice from the Saints

Four popular female saints are represented in stained glass.

Depicted, from left, are Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, Thérèse of Lisieux, and Catherine of Siena.

W

e often think that holy women and men have complicated lives because of their busyness about many things. In fact, saints have always been very simple at a very deep level. These five bits of advice can help us this holiday season and throughout 2014.

1

3

Not all of life’s baggage is physical.

4

Be willing to be stretched

by God’s self-revelation.

5

Be able to laugh at yourself and at life’s craziness.

Live by Jesus’ command.

“Seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides” (Mt 6:33). Jesus said this immediately after acknowledging that people often worry about what clothes they have to wear or what they will eat. St. John of the Cross (December 14) wrote, “In the end, we will all be judged by love.”

2 2 6 ❘ Dec ember 2013

Remember the difference between wants and needs.

Jesus urged his apostles to travel lightly, not worrying excessively about gold, silver, copper, traveling bags, a second tunic, sandals, or a walking stick (Mt 10:9-10). Did anyone know this better than the generous St. Nicholas (December 6)?

Many people are weighed down with resentments and refusals to forgive.

They are punishing only themselves.

Saintly people such as St. Lucy (December 13) have always reclaimed the freedom we often mistakenly think can be achieved only through sin.

Saints have a wide view of God, often acquired through their familiarity with Scripture. St. Jerome can help us connect Scripture with all of life.

“Deliver us from somber saints,” prayed St. Teresa of Avila. Both Sts. John XXIII and John Paul II lived their faith generously and with a sense of humor.

Saints have a wide and deep sense of God. They already understand J. B. Phillips’ book Your God Is Too Small.

St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o rg

This concludes “Living Simply.” Next month we welcome Jim Brennan and his daughter, Colleen Montgomery, who will be writing on living a healthier, more fulfilled life.

Fruitcake Cookies chopped pecans golden raisins candied red cherries (or mixed colors) sherry, fruit juice, or bourbon baking soda dissolved in 1½ T of milk butter brown sugar eggs sifted flour each of cloves, allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon

Cut fruits and nuts fine and place in large bowl.

Mix with half of the flour. Cream butter well and gradually add sugar. Add one egg at a time and beat well. Add dissolved baking soda to creamed mixture. Mix spices with remaining flour and add to creamed mixture along with sherry, fruit juice, or bourbon. Pour batter over

PHOTO BY RON RIEGLER

1 lb.

1 lb.

1 lb.

1/3 cup 1 tsp.

1/4 cup 1 cup 2 1½ cups 1½ tsp.

floured fruit and mix well. Place by teaspoon on a greased or nonstick cookie sheet. If you wish, place 1/4 of a green candied cherry in the center of each cookie. Bake at 350 degrees for eight minutes.

This recipe, which my sister gave me, makes at least eight dozen cookies.

or in the marvelous confession of your Saints, You make your Church fruitful with strength ever new And offer us sure signs of your love.

F

© SASCHA BURKARD/FOTOLIA

—Preface II of Saints, Roman Missal

Fr ancisca n Media .org

December 2013 ❘ 27

The

Choice to Rejoice Even our smallest actions can be a source of hope for a world desperately in need of joy.

B Y C A R O LY N A N C E L L

I

COULD NOT MAKE SENSE of the commentator’s words.

“Good morning! Welcome to our celebration of the Third Sunday of Advent, Rejoice Sunday. We will light a pink candle on our wreath today to symbolize this moment of expectant joy.”

It was December 16, 2012, and only 48 hours earlier, 26 innocent children and adults had been massacred at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut. The nation was

28 ❘ December 2013

numb. We were in shock. How could we rejoice?

I listened half-attentively to Zephaniah’s cry, “Be glad and exult with all your heart” (3:14), and to Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!” (4:4). I heard the crowds and the tax collectors ask John the Baptist, “What then should we do” to prepare the way for the Lord? (Lk 3:10). And I asked myself, what should we do? What can any of us do in an St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o r g

HARP PHOTO © GEORG LEHNERER/FOTOLIA; RED BACKGROUND © LINNEA ERIKSSON/FOTOLIA

environment of such heart-chilling tragedy?

The morning paper had quoted someone as saying that Christmas would be canceled in several places this year. There was no room for joy.

The Joy of Music After church, I drove to a mall where I had been hired to play Christmas music on my harp to cheer holiday shoppers. The sky was gray and the air damp from the previous night’s rain. I Fr anciscanMedia.org

arrived at the mall to discover that the outdoor public-address system was on and that my music would be competing with strident recorded sound. I set up my harp and bench and began to play: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”; “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”; “Still, Still, Still”; and “Lovely Is the Dark Blue Sky.” And then it happened. I looked up to find standing in front of me a father holding two youngsters bundled in mittens and scarves.

December 2013 ❘ 29

“Could you play ‘Silent Night’ for us?” he asked. I did. He said, “Thank you so much,” and drew his little ones closer. Two lively teenaged girls with body piercings and spiky hair stopped and stayed for a while. “That is so beautiful,” one said. A young man walked by, then turned around and came back to listen.

“That’s heavy,” he whispered.

ter of James reminds us that we must be patient and vigilant in awaiting this joy, like the farmer awaiting the rain. Finally, in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus commands, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them” (11:4-5).

CNS PHOTO/LISA A. JOHNSTON

Hope in Action

It is faith that enables us to see Jesus now in our midst, being born in us anew in this Advent-Christmas season.

tal Digi as Extr

The unbelievable, impossible magic continued. More parents. More mittened children held close. I lost count of how many times I was asked to play “Silent Night.” Time stopped.

I did not want to. My assigned hour passed, but I never noticed.

What to Do?

Driving home, I thought back to the Scriptures I’d heard that morning. When the crowds and tax collectors asked John the Baptist what they should do to prepare the way for Jesus, he did not ask them to perform miracles or to stop all the violence on the earth. He told them simply to do what they already did but with generosity and integrity; to do what they already did but in a way that created comfort, healing, justice, and even joy.

What could I do in the face of the violence of the previous days? Perhaps not much, but I could play my harp and play it in a way that was generous, offered healing, and perhaps—just perhaps— Click here for more shared a bit of comfort and joy on Advent. with those who needed it most.

Here we are again: Rejoice Sunday. Once more we await the Lord’s coming. Isaiah tells us that God is coming to save, that there will be a blossoming forth in what was once a desert wasteland, and that sorrow and lament will end, replaced by everlasting joy. The Let-

30 ❘ December 2013

It is faith that enables us to see Jesus now in our midst, being born in us anew in this Advent-Christmas season. It is a patient faith that trusts that the Lord will bring healing to sorrowing souls, a parched earth, and nations and hearts still divided and at war. And it is a courageous faith that understands that each one of us can, and must, contribute to preparing the way for the Lord on earth.

Whether it is in sharing our material resources, or being financially just and honest as John exhorts the crowds and the tax collectors, or whether it is in playing a harp, helping a child, visiting someone who is lonely, serving in a soup kitchen, taking time to write letters to elected representatives, or simply greeting a weary cashier at the mall with a smile, there is something each one of us can do to prepare the way of the Lord. We each can create and share joy where joy is sorely needed.

With faith, there is hope, and hope can be either passive or active. If my hope this Rejoice Sunday is passive—the inclinations of my heart merely wishful—I can complain that it is not yet possible to be joyful. What I hope for is not happening. This year, the world is no better than it was last year.

But if my hope is active, if I work in even the smallest of ways to bring about what I hope for, my prayer becomes more than wishful thinking. It becomes a paving stone on the highway for our God. And that is cause for joy.

This year, December 14 is both the first anniversary of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School and the Vigil of the Third Sunday of Advent, Rejoice Sunday. In this new Advent-Christmas season of giving, let us as people of patient and courageous faith and active hope not simply wait for joy to happen but make it happen and give it freely. We await our Lord who is already here. In us. Let us create joy, bring joy, and be joy for others now and throughout the coming year. A Carolyn Ancell is a freelance musician and writer in Tucson, Arizona.

St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o r g

EDITORIAL

Pope Francis Is Calling Us Home Pope Francis is on a mission to bring Catholics back to the true message of Christ.

tal Digi as Extr

“He gets it.” That seems to be the overwhelming sentiment I’ve heard from Catholics since Pope Francis’ election in March. Time and time again he has called Catholics back to the true mission of the Church. And a whole lot of Catholics are answering the call.

For many Catholics, the message of this humble, down-to-earth leader offers a refreshing change from the scandals and minutiae that the Church seems to have been mired in for the past couple of decades.

Much energy has been spent focusing on less important issues—such as liturgical wording or who should receive Communion and who shouldn’t—when we should have had our sights set only on the true message of the Church. Pope Francis seems to be leading that charge, challenging us to focus our energy more on the true message of Jesus Christ.

In an interview with several Jesuit publications, including America magazine, the pope reiterated this.

“The Church sometimes has locked itself up in small things, in small-minded rules,” said the pope.

He said the Click here for more answer to that resources on Pope Francis. problem is that “the church’s ministers must be merciful, take responsibility for the people and accompany them like the good Samaritan, who washes, cleans and raises up his neighbor. This is pure Gospel. . . . The people of God want pastors, not clergy acting like bureaucrats or government officials.”

Living the Message The pope certainly has walked the talk of his message. It is a spirit much in keeping with Fr ancisca n Media .org

his actions when he was archbishop of Buenos Aires and would walk among the people, something he says he misses at the Vatican. For instance, during his papacy he has engaged countless people regardless of their life circumstances. He has reached out to women, divorced Catholics, homosexuals, inmates, and those addicted to drugs.

In March, Pope Francis washed the feet of 12 young incarcerated people of different nationalities and faiths, including at least two Muslims and two Can Pope Francis bring women. He has repeated similar dramatic expresCatholics back home? sions of charity in action His down-to-earth style since then. and message could be The actions of Pope Francis and his attention to the answer for how to reiterating the spirit of Jesus reinvigorate a Church must not, however, be desperately in need of misunderstood as a lax approach to faith or the a spiritual lift. traditions of the Catholic Church. While he is a strong proponent of living Christ’s message, he is also, as he says, “a son of the Church.”

Come Home In his parting remarks at World Youth Day in July, the pope issued this challenge: “The life of Jesus is a life for others. It is a life of service. . . . Be creative. Be audacious. Do not be afraid.” The challenge has been given.

Now it’s up to each of us to do something about it.

He told the young people, “Jesus is calling you to be a disciple with a mission! Today, in the light of the word of God that we have heard, what is the Lord saying to us? Three simple ideas: go, do not be afraid, and serve.”

In recent years, the Church has seen declining numbers in the pews. Formal religion has given way to a less structured spirituality for many people. Pope Francis may be the best one to lead the charge and call them home.

—Susan Hines-Brigger December 2013 ❘ 31

A Jesuit Pope If you want to understand St. Ignatius and Jesuits, turn to Francis of Assisi.

BY CHRISTOPHER M. BELLITTO

(Opposite) While visiting St. Francis of Assisi Hospital in Rio de Janiero, the pope embraces a gift from patients and their families, a statue of il poverello embracing the leper.

W

HEN THE JESUIT Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, of Buenos Aires, was elected pope and took the name Francis, the world was enthralled—and intrigued, too. Did we now have as pope a Franciscan Jesuit? Or maybe he’s a Jesuit Franciscan?

Having the first Jesuit pope choose the name of the most famous medieval saint draws us back to Church history. What was the importance of St. Francis of Assisi, who died in 1226, and his Franciscan friars for St. Ignatius of

Loyola—who founded the Society of Jesus 300 years later? And how have both shaped Pope Francis?

Ignatius’ Inspiration In May 1521, Ignatius (still known as Iñigo) was badly wounded in both legs from a horrific cannonball injury at the battle of Pamplona. After a pair of brutal surgeries afterward, he was recovering back home in Loyola that summer.

To pass the time, he asked to read the kinds of tales of chivalry that had always inspired him, but none were around.

St. Ignatius Loyola, here in the posture of a teacher, a hallmark of the Jesuit order he founded, sought early inspiration from another failed warrior, Francis of Assisi.

CNS PHOTO/NANCY WIECHEC

32 ❘ December 2013

St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o r g

Franciscan Heart

with a

When someone handed Iñigo a collection of saints’ lives called The Golden Legend, gathered by Jacopo da Voragine, he encountered Francis and Dominic, the innovative founders of the medieval mendicant orders. He remembered the moment years later in a memoir dictated to his secretary in Rome.

“What would happen if I should do the things that St. Francis and St. Dominic did?” the convalescing Iñigo found himself asking. “St. Francis did this? Then I must do it. St. Dominic did that? Then I must do it.”

The other book that came to Iñigo, now wrestling with the crisis of how he should spend the rest of his life since his career as a dashing courtier and soldier seemed over, was Ludolph of Saxony’s Life of Christ. This meditation influenced Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises quite a bit, especially in its invitation to envision a scene from the Gospel and then to place yourself in it.

That Life of Christ had, in fact, been inspired substantially by a Franciscan text called the Meditationes Vitae Christi, which, for a long time, was attributed to the influential Franciscan St. Bonaventure, but had really been written by another friar named Giovanni de Caulibus.

When Ignatius later taught that we should try to “find God in all things,” he was surely drawing on the Franciscan devotion that God could be discovered in every element of the Fr anciscanMedia.org

CNS PHOTO/ PAUL HARIN G

A JESUIT POPE WITH A FRANCISCAN HEART

PAYLESSIMAGES/FOTOLIA

When Ignatius later taught that we should try to find God in all things, he was surely drawing on the Franciscan devotion that God could be discovered in every element of the universe that God had created.

universe that God had created. This is the kind of incarnational theology that flows so poetically through Francis of Assisi’s “Canticle of the Creatures.”

Ignatius also was inspired by Francis’ practice of poverty, although the Jesuits rarely got into the kinds of heated debates that the Franciscans did about just how extreme that poverty had to be. For Ignatius, it was enough that his companions didn’t own anything themselves, but at the same time had the resources they needed to practice their ministries.

Jesuits, as did Franciscans, regularly spent years as wandering preachers begging for their food and shelter. Ignatius believed that this experience was essential in the formation of his novices: they needed to taste the life of Jesus, Paul, and the first apostles in addition to Ignatius and Francis.

But a Rocky Relationship, Too That is not to say that Ignatius and the Franciscans got along all the time. Soon after his recovery at Loyola, he developed a great desire to go on pilgrimage to Jerusalem. While 34 ❘ December 2013

Ignatius curiously has little to say about his feelings at the holy sites in his later memoir, he dwells on the fact that the Franciscans there gave him a rather stiff heave-ho after he announced, in 1523, he’d like to stay.

The Franciscans, who oversaw the holy sites and escorted pilgrims, explained that many others with that same desire had ended up captured and had to be ransomed. Some had even been killed, so it was not a good idea to stay.

Ignatius stubbornly said that this wouldn’t happen to him. He even stole away one night to revisit the Mount of Olives without the customary Franciscan escort. He bribed the guards there with a penknife and scissors so he could get in past closing time.

When the friars discovered he was missing, they sent someone after Ignatius. This servant roughly grabbed Ignatius by the arm and dragged him back. The Franciscan provincial who had told him he couldn’t stay was so angry at Ignatius that he said he’d be glad to pull out the papal bulls that gave him permission to excommunicate a recalcitrant pilgrim like Ignatius. He finally relented and took St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o r g

the long journey home.

Maybe some of that bad blood was still there about 30 years later when a rich man from Ignatius’ home, the Basque region of Spain, got papal approval to set up a Confraternity of the Holy Sepulchre in Rome, with colleges in Cyprus, Constantinople, and Jerusalem. When word got to the Franciscans in the Holy Land that the Society of Jesus, which had been approved just a little more than a decade before, had set sights on Jerusalem, they voiced their objection loudly. For this and other reasons, the plan was dropped.

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Franciscan Friendship Between the incident at Jerusalem in 1523 and the conflict about a Jesuit college there in 1553, however, there were many positive interactions between the established Franciscans and the men who would be the first Jesuits.

Ignatius and his friends studied under Franciscans and Dominicans when they took up advanced studies at the University of Paris. Earlier, Ignatius had benefited from the spiritual direction of a Franciscan confessor in Barcelona while working on preliminary studies there around 1524, before leaving for Paris. The most important encounter between Ignatius and a Franciscan confessor ended up making Ignatius the first superior general of the Jesuits.

As the story goes, Ignatius was twice unanimously elected by the first companions, excluding himself, who declined to name anyone, and said in his ballot that he agreed with whomever his friends chose.

Twice he declined, but Ignatius agreed to yield to God’s will through the voice of his confessor, a Franciscan in Rome named Fra Teodosio da Lodi.

This insightful man told Ignatius on Easter Sunday in 1541 that he was God’s choice to lead the new Society of Jesus. And so he did. For years afterward, Ignatius celebrated Mass in a Franciscan chapel in Rome, perhaps the very same room where God had spoken to the new Jesuit with a Franciscan voice.

Now, 500 years later, it seems to be happening again.

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A JESUIT POPE WITH A FRANCISCAN HEART

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CNS PHOTO/L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO

Why the Name Francis?

On October 4, the pope spent the feast day of St. Francis in Assisi. Here he prays in the Portiuncula, inside the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, where St. Francis heard Jesus tell him, “rebuild my Church.”

36 ❘ December 2013

HEN THE NEW POPE’S birth and papal names were announced from St. Peter’s balcony in March 2013, many assumed that the first Jesuit pope was selecting the great Jesuit missionary St. Francis Xavier as his patron. But it soon became clear that it was Francis of Assisi who inspired Cardinal Bergoglio.

“For me,” the new pope explained a few days after his election, “he is the man of poverty, the man of peace, the man who loves and protects creation.”

Pope Francis picked up these themes of peace, creation, and poverty in the long day he spent in Assisi, two months ago, on October 4, 2013, the feast day of St. Francis.

Preaching at a morning Mass, the pope explained that “Franciscan peace is not something saccharine. The peace of St. Francis is the peace of Christ, and it is found by those who take up their yoke, namely Christ’s commandment: ‘Love one another as I have loved you.’

This yoke cannot be borne with arrogance, presumption or pride, but only with meekness and humbleness of heart.”

He also described the world as God’s great creation and gift.

“From this city of peace,” he said in the same homily, “I repeat with all the strength and the meekness of love: let us respect creation, let us not be instruments of destruction! Let us respect each human being.”

The pope focused on poverty throughout his visit, but particularly in the hall where St. Francis had dramatically stripped himself of his family’s rich clothing, laid it at his father’s feet, and embraced poverty. There, the pope declared, “We need to strip the Church. We are in very grave danger. We are in danger of worldliness.” He also starkly described a worldly spirit as “the leprosy, the cancer of society! It is the cancer of God’s revelation! The spirit of the world is the enemy of Jesus.”

Strong words, indeed, but the pope also carried a message of hope: “I ask the Lord that he gives us all this grace to strip ourselves.” A Christopher M. Bellitto, PhD, is associate professor of history at Kean University in Union, New Jersey. His books include 101 Questions and Answers on Popes and the Papacy and Renewing Christianity.

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While in Assisi, at the Serafico Institute, Pope Francis warmly blesses an unnamed man with a disability, as his attendants smile.

CNS PHOTO/GIAN MATTEO CROCCHIONI, POOL VIA REUTERS

Click here for more information on Sts. Francis and Ignatius.

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CNS PHOTO/L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO

Overflowing crowds attend the Mass led by Pope Francis on October 4, the feast of his namesake, outside the Basilica of St. Francis.

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December 2013 ❘ 37

An Invitation to

Faith In the coming year we’ll hear stories of majesty, mercy, betrayal, and resurrection in Matthew’s Gospel. Let’s take a closer look.

B Y R O N A L D D . W I T H E R U P, S S

HICH GOSPEL TELLS the story of the Magi who come to worship the newborn King of the Jews, and contains the Sermon on the Mount and four other long teaching discourses of Jesus? Which Gospel records the unique parable of the sheep and goats and tells the story of Judas, the betrayer, who hangs himself in despair? Which Gospel recounts the dramatic resurrection of the dead at the moment of Jesus’ crucifixion and death?

These, of course, all are elements of the Gospel of Matthew. This first Sunday of Advent, December 1, begins the liturgical year in which we will be hearing Matthew proclaimed. But what, really, will we be hearing?

W

Diversity in the Gospels

PHOTO BY EUGENE PLAISTED, OSC

A recent sociological survey pointed out that many Catholics have only the vaguest notions about the content of the Bible. We are not particularly good on details. When it comes to the four Gospels, in fact, the vast majority of Catholics still tend to blend them all together into one comprehensive story of Jesus. This was already a tendency in the early Church.

One famous Church father came up with a harmonization of the four Gospels, thus placFr anciscanMedia.org

ing events in a supposed chronological order to make sense of the four different pictures that the Gospels otherwise present.

But herein lies a problem. Let me use the example of a blender. If I want to make a power drink, I may well put in fruit juice, a banana, an orange, some pineapple, some powdered vitamins, and so on, pressing the button on the blender and mixing the ingredients until they are thick, smooth, and wellblended. The resulting drink is certainly refreshing. It is also uniform and nourishing.

Although traces of the taste of the ingredients remain, nevertheless it is difficult to taste distinctly each of the ingredients. They are overshadowed by the mix.

A similar phenomenon happens with the four Gospels. Blending them all together may make the story of Jesus easier to digest. It puts more order to the narrative, and it supplies information for gaps. But in the end, one loses the flavor of each Gospel!

There is a reason the Church has preserved four different versions of the story of Jesus of Nazareth. Each tells the story from a slightly different angle. Like a complex portrait that, when viewed from different angles, takes on different emphases, so it is with the four Gospels.

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Matthew was written to invite readers to faith in Jesus Christ and to bring others to this faith. Matthew’s view of Jesus is actually quite distinct from the other three Gospels, although there are many common stories and similarities among Matthew and Mark and Luke. These three are so similar in outline, in fact, that they are called synoptic (from Greek, “seen together”) because they can be viewed in parallel fashion.

There is wisdom, however, in the Church’s structure of the three liturgical years, each of which is devoted to one of these three Synoptics. So this year is a chance to focus on Matthew again and to learn from his distinctive approach.

We’ll use our opening questions as a starting point.

Magi as Symbols

© ZUCHERO/FOTOLIA

Why does Matthew emphasize the Magi and tell us the beautiful story, so precious for us at Christmas, of their following the star to find the newborn King of the Jews? For Matthew, they symbolize exotic figures from the “ends

We are invited to join the Magi worshiping the Messiah.

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of the earth,” gentiles (that is, non-Jews), who paradoxically worship Jesus Christ and will pave the way for all people to come into God’s kingdom.

They are the fruit of the son of Abraham (“father of many nations”), one of the titles Matthew bestows upon Jesus (1:1; compare 8:10-12). Notice that the Magi’s attitude contrasts sharply with King Herod and the Jewish leaders. They should rejoice at the birth of the Messiah, but instead fear him and desire to kill him (2:3-12)!

We can scarcely imagine the surprise among some of Matthew’s community—a mixed group of Jews and gentiles—when hearing this story, which we portray well in our crèche scenes. The Jews thought they were the only chosen people. How startling to realize that Jesus’ message was universal, meant also for the gentiles, who now, of course, represent all humanity. We are invited to join the Magi worshiping the Messiah.

Lessons from Sermons What do we learn from Matthew’s incorporation of the Sermon on the Mount and four other lengthy discourses of Jesus? First, the fact that Jesus teaches in a sitting position on the side of a mountain (as compared to Luke’s sermon on the level ground in Luke 6:17), shows us that he is an authoritative teacher.

(Jewish rabbis taught while sitting.)

Also, for Matthew the mountain is a place close to God, a place of revelation. It is a setting that evokes Moses receiving the Ten Commandments (Ex 19:20), and it is a place of revelation, such as the Transfiguration (Mt 17:1). Jesus is like Moses, not giving a new law, but giving the true interpretation of the Law (Torah) of God (see Mt 5:17).

Matthew views Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, then, not as a replacement for the Jewish law, but as the proper way to understand it. It begins with beatitudes (blessings) about ideals that should take priority if one is to live according to God’s kingdom, and not simply from human values. It continues with lengthy advice about prayer, pious practices, forgiveness, and love.

This three-chapter Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5–7) is without doubt the model sermon for the Gospel. But Jesus is shown presenting four other sermons, which flesh out in greater detail his ethical teaching.

They concern parables that speak of the marvelous nature of God’s kingdom (ch. 13), warnings of the suffering that will come to those who truly follow Jesus (ch. 10), the duties that pertain to Jesus’ disciples gathered as church (ch. 18), and warnings about judgment day, when disciples will be held accountable for what they did or did not do in Jesus’ name (ch. 24–25). These five great sermons constitute a great heritage of moral teaching, St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o r g

© OLGA LYUBKIN/FOTOLIA

which is why they also find their way today in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Judgment Day and Accountability What do we learn from Matthew’s emphasis on coming judgment? This theme culminates in the fantastic parable of the sheep and goats (25:31-46). Any perceptive reader recognizes it is better to be a sheep than a goat!

The criterion for this judgment, however, is what we have done or not done for those around us. Ignoring anyone in need (hungry, homeless, sick, in prison, naked, etc.) is done at our own peril. Jesus insists there will be a day of reckoning.

This familiar parable, however, is hardly the only element of this theme of judgment in Matthew. Already early in the Gospel, John the Baptist, who is the forerunner of Jesus as the Messiah, calls his audience to repent and to “produce good fruit” in their lives (3:8). Good fruit is a well-known Jewish image for living a righteous life.

Bearing bad fruit risks being thrown into the eternal fires of damnation (3:12). John’s message prepares us for the similar one of Jesus. He also calls people to bear good fruit in their lives and to repent of their sins and their failings (7:17-20; 13:23).

We need to tread carefully with this theme, however. Some people mistake it for what might be called “Santa Claus religion.” Such people wag the finger at us and say, “You’d better watch out!” They might also add the biblical line: “You’re going to reap what you sow!”

Yet there is more to Matthew’s message than simply threatening judgment. Matthew’s Jesus Fr anciscanMedia.org

is a bit more matter-of-fact. The call to a righteous life is an acknowledgment of accountability. But there is always room for mercy if we fail in our tasks (Mt 12:7; 18:21-35). Jesus allows us freedom of choice, but also expects us to be accountable for our choices.

The Question of Judas What lessons come from the last two questions we started with, the example of Judas the betrayer and the story of the resurrection of the dead, even as Jesus dies on the cross?

The story of Judas is certainly tragic. Betrayal is always hurtful. Here was one of Jesus’ closest companions, a member of the inner circle, who chose to betray his master for a paltry sum (27:3-10).

Only Matthew tells us the details of this story, though Acts records another version of Judas’ fate (1:16-19). What to make of it?

A quick reading of the story of Judas might simply indicate the danger of greed. In our world today, do we not also hear tale after tale of people doing despicable things just to get some money? We all have heard examples: defrauding victims of tragedy from funds collected for their relief, falsely enticing elderly or vulnerable people to invest in fraudulent schemes, and worse.

But there is a more important lesson here.

Judas’ story in Matthew is interwoven into the story of Jesus’ passion and death. Judas’ nasty betrayal, and his consequent hopelessness leading to his suicide, are tied to the repeated notion of his betraying “innocent blood” (27:4, 24-25).

Paradoxically, our eyes are not to be drawn to Judas and his fate, but to Jesus and his fate.

Jesus calls people to bear good fruit in their lives and to repent of their sins and their failings.

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It is a self-sacrifice, a voluntary acceptance of his Father’s will (26:39, 54). Innocent though he was, Jesus accepted death on the cross precisely to give his innocent blood for the life of the world (26:28). In fact, in the moment of accepting his tragic fate, Jesus fulfills the destiny hidden in his name, which means “YahClick here for more on the tal Digi as weh [God] saves” (1:21).

Gospel of Matthew.

Extr Another aspect is also present and touches the unique story of the resurrection of the dead at the moment Jesus dies on the cross (27:52). Judas’ decision to kill himself is not the proper response to one’s sinfulness, no matter how serious the sin. He forgot Jesus’ teaching about mercy and forgiveness.

Throughout Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus consistently teaches the message of forgiveness and reconciliation (for example, 18:21-22). It is a message embedded even in his special prayer that he gave the disciples, the Our Father, which we recite daily: “forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors” (6:12).

ANSWERS TO PETE AND REPEAT The larger message, then, is the paradox found in the story 1. There is another light on the tree. of Jesus told by Matthew. From 2. Sis is no longer wearing her headband. his very conception by the 3. Pete has one fewer cowlick in his hair.

Holy Spirit, his divine destiny 4. The garland on the tree is lower. was to suffer in obedience to 5. The hook on Sis’ ornament is no longer his Father’s will, but for the showing. sake of saving the entire world.

6. Pete’s sideburn is shorter.

Ironically, at his very death, 7. Sis’ shirt has a cuff. even the dead saints of old 8. Pete’s turtleneck is now a collared shirt. come back to life, and Roman soldiers—symbols of the gentile 42 ❘ December 2013

© RUI VALE DE SOUSA/FOTOLIA

Jesus represents hope in the midst of suffering, life in the midst of death, salvation in the midst of seemingly total loss.

world again—give witness to faith in Jesus by their acclamation: “Truly, this was the Son of God” (27:54).

Jesus represents hope in the midst of suffering, life in the midst of death, salvation in the midst of seemingly total loss.

Coming Full Circle In a sense, with the Crucifixion and Resurrection story, Matthew’s account of Jesus’ conception, birth, public ministry, passion, death, and resurrection comes full circle. The worldwide invitation to come into the kingdom, hinted at in the title “son of Abraham” and the image of the Magi, comes to fruition.

The risen Jesus thus encounters the remaining 11 apostles (on a mountain!) to commission them: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Spirit. . .” (28:19).

What was foretold by the prophets of the Old Testament has now come to pass. Jesus is the fulfillment of the deepest of human desires.

He is none other than Emmanuel, God-withus (1:23), who has shown us how to put God’s law into practice, living out the greater righteousness.

We have only scratched the surface of this Gospel’s depth. We will encounter much more throughout the coming liturgical year. The question for us remains: Are we open to hearing this Gospel once more, perhaps with fresh ears, and putting it into practice? A Father Ronald D. Witherup, SS, is superior general of the Society of the Priests of Saint Sulpice and author of Saint Paul and the New Evangelization (Liturgical Press, 2013).

St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o r g

POETRY

At Midnight Mass My left palm hidden, My right palm open cradle the Christ Child.

Lovingly I lift Him to my lips and receive the perfect Christmas gift!

—Jean Gier

Snow Snow falls In nervous beauty Burying the world In a new blanket, Hugging children’s hearts With a magic poem.

—Marion Schoeberlein

Life’s Journey happiness From here to there—where?

To the other side of prayer: Death into Life!

—Jeanette Martino Land

The Gift of a Lifetime “I’m still your father.

Give her these.”

I gave her 12 roses, American Beauties.

She drank them in, in joyous gulps.

She carried roses down the aisle, when she married.

American Beauties arranged by my pop.

happiness—say it and it sounds like skipping, makes you skip along, arms swinging—you’re alive

—Judy Rae Cavagnero

Morning Offering After the first snow sifts down winter hangs from the sky like cobwebs.

I drink dawn coffee, loath to leave my August room, filibuster morning prayers into wandering litanies.

The inevitable season has returned, the months I’d gladly shred to harmless flakes and give back to the Giver.

But the day tilts forward and I have slopes to conquer.

God bless my winter sports till night and spare my brittle bones!

—Patricia Schnapp, RSM

—b.g. kelley

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December 2013 ❘ 43

Discover Your Churc Next time you’re at church, stop and look around.

You might be surprised by what you find.

BY THERESA DOYLE-NELSON

I

love those first few moments of entering into beautifully decorated Catholic churches—often found in older neighborhoods. These impressive works of architecture and breathtaking art feel almost European, and I feel instantly warm and embraced by the many colorful windows, designs, statues—even the creaky wooden pews have a certain appeal.

Simultaneously, I love stark churches, lacking much design and ornamentation, but rich in stillness and simplicity. Both types feel inviting to prayer and contemplation in their own ways.

Whether rich with art or full of simplicity,

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all churches have much to offer our eyes and soul to contemplate, to nudge our hearts closer to the Lord.

So much of our faith acquisition is through auditory means: homilies, Bible studies, CCD classes, and the like tend to rely heavily on the ability to listen. If you tend to be more of a visual learner, however, having a smattering of artifacts, symbols, and designs for your eyes to absorb can up your spiritual intake. Adding another sense into the learning process, by viewing the motifs and representations presented in your church, can greatly help to enrich your beliefs.

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h

What Do You See?

Chi Rho Even the plainest churches often have a Chi Rho (kee row) insignia somewhere—perhaps on the altar, on the priest’s vestments, or imprinted on the tabernacle. The “X” over the “P” is a monogram for the first two Greek letters of the word “Christ” (XPICTOC): a decFr anciscanMedia.org

© AD MESKENS/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

It would be impossible to list every piece of artwork found in Catholic churches throughout the world, but we can explore a sampling of some of the more popular visuals you may have seen.

(Above) Edith Torres observes her surroundings at St. Aloysius Church in Washington, DC. Taking a look around your church might help you discover something new.

(Left) The Chi Rho symbol found in churches represents the first two Greek letters of the word “Christ.”

December 2013 ❘ 45

A mural depicting the Resurrection provides a backdrop for a crucifix in the sanctuary of St. Timothy Parish in Mesa, Arizona.

CNS PHOTO/J.D. LONG-GARCIA, CATHOLIC SUN

“So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “As a being at once orative yet subtle reminder that Jesus is Christ, “the anointed one.”

‘Do not write “The King of the Jews,” but that he body and spirit, said, “I am the King of the Jews.”’ Pilate answered, ‘What I have written, I have written’” (Jn 19:21man expresses and INRI Also found in most (hopefully all) Catholic 22). perceives spiritual churches is at least one crucifix with the inirealities through tials INRI inscribed at the top. These four let- Gospel symbols physical signs and ters represent the first letter of four different Occasionally you might find carvings, paintLatin words: Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum, ings, or windows of four winged creatures clussymbols.” which means “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the tered together. These beings became symbols Jews.” These words were posted on the top of Jesus’ cross by Pontius Pilate. He actually had these words posted in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. The label upset the chief priests present, but Pilate ignored their annoyance.

These stained-glass windows in the Church of the Immaculate Conception and St. Senan, Kilkee, Ireland, represent (from left) Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

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PHOTO BY EUGENE PLAISETD, OSC

—Catechism of the Catholic Church 1146

of the Church’s four Gospel writers. The winged man represents Matthew, the lion stands for Mark’s Gospel, the ox is for Luke, and the eagle symbolizes John’s Gospel. These four unique creatures are drawn from the Old Testament Book of Ezekiel (1:10 and 10:14) and the New Testament Book of Revelation (4:7-8).

“Their faces were like this: each of the four had the face of a man, but on the right side was the face of a lion, and on the left side the face of an ox, and finally each had the face of an eagle” (Ez 1:10).

Altar All Catholic churches have altars, usually found toward the front of the church. Older altars have a relic of a saint—often the patron saint of the church—embedded within the St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o r g

top slab of the altar. The altar is where the Last Supper is repeated; where the consecration and transubstantiation of the bread and wine occur.

“When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. . . . While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, ‘Take and eat; this is my body’” (Mt 26:20, 26).

Ways to Learn about and Promote the

Art in Your Church scavenger hunt-styled flier to help visitors or parishioners explore the visual lessons offered in the church.

The tabernacle is a medium-sized, often ornate container, usually near the altar or in a side chapel. The tabernacle holds consecrated hosts, and so is kept locked when not in use. A burning light is kept near the tabernacle to symbolize its divine contents. The word tabernacle is derived from Latin for “tent”; its use parallels the Dwelling constructed during the Exodus (chapters 25−27, 30−31, 35−40).

“They shall make a sanctuary for me, that I may dwell in their midst” (Ex 25:8).

PHOTO BY SUSAN HINES-BRIGGER

Tabernacle

1

Get to Mass early from time to time to study and meditate on some of the designs and representations within your church.

2

Take your children or grandchildren on short “field trips” to churches. Explain the meaning behind one or two statues, windows, or designs.

3

With approval from your pastor, put together a pamphlet or booklet explaining the art, designs, and symbols in your church. Or create a

Statues Lots of churches have statues of saints to help Catholics recall the lives of people who exemplified living for the glory of God. One popular statue found in many churches is of St. Anthony, an early Franciscan known for his profound preaching abilities. Although he is called St. Anthony of Padua (Italy), he actually grew up in Portugal. St. Anthony is typically depicted in the brown Franciscan robe with his hair cut in the tonsure style. He is also usually shown holding the child Jesus, due to a report by a friend who happened upon St. Anthony during the miraculous occurrence.

St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus is another common statue found in Catholic churches.

This young saint from France died when she was only 24, yet still became widely known and eventually recognized as a doctor of the Church (as is St. Anthony). She is typically displayed wearing her brown Carmelite habit and holding a bouquet of roses with a crucifix nestled within.

The crucifix symbolizes Thérèse’s devotion to the Lord and how she frequently held a crucifix in her hands toward the end of her life.

The roses symbolize a statement she once made to her oldest sister (both blood and religious), Sister Marie of the Sacred Heart; that her (Thérèse’s) death would not be a time of sorrow, but rather “like a shower of roses.”

Statues of the Blessed Mother, St. Joseph, St. Agnes holding a lamb, St. Dominic holding a rosary, St. Barbara near a tower and holding a Fr anciscanMedia.org

4

Offer to be a church docent, especially if your church is one of those laden with rich artwork.

5

Offer to teach religiouseducation classes or the youth groups of your parish about the different parts of the church. If possible, have some teenagers give tours during Lenten fish fries, parish festivals, and other events. (For a great example of this, see “St. Cecilia’s Fish Fry” by Jeannette Cooperman in the February 2012 issue of St. Anthony Messenger.) Teenagers can be terrific catechists to visitors of a church.

6

Find out if there are any artists within the parish and ask for a donation for the church, parish hall, or chapel.

palm, St. Francis of Assisi with a bird or wolf nearby, or a statue of the patron of the church are other common statues to be discovered.

Click here for more on “Moses said to the Israelites, Catholic symbols.

‘See, the LORD has . . . filled him with a divine spirit of skill and understanding and knowledge in every craft: in the production of embroidery, in making things of gold, silver, or bronze, in cutting and mounting precious stones, in carving wood, and in every other craft’” (Ex 35:30-33).

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Windows Catholic church windows come in a wide array of decor—from plain clear glass, to one-colored December 2013 ❘ 47

CNS PHOTO/J.D. LONG-GARCIA, CNS PHOTO/NANCY PHELAN WIECHEC

Intriguing elements such as these stained-glass windows and life-size Stations of the Cross in St. Anthony’s Chapel on Troy Hill in Pittsburgh can add to the experience of going to church. The valuable stations are 19thcentury wooden pieces carved by ecclesiastical artists in Munich, Germany.

glass, to simple designs, to richly detailed religious depictions. Within a decorated stainedglass window, you might find a fish for the Greek word symbolizing “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior,” a butterfly representing Christ’s resurrection, a portrayal of St. Patrick banishing snakes from Ireland or holding a shamrock, St. Joan of Arc in her armor, and so on.

Whether composed of simple symbols or elab-

Literature

on Church Art and Symbols If you have ever wondered what the statue or stained-glass window of the adolescent holding the harp represents, or what the uniquely shaped cross in front of the altar is all about, if you would like to get to know your church better, consider doing some research. See what you can ascertain about the art in your church, and let the knowledge blended with the art lead you into a deeper understanding of your faith. Just a few helpful books and online resources include: • How to Read a Church: A Guide to Symbols and Images in Churches and Cathedrals by Richard Taylor • Our Catholic Symbols: A Rich Spiritual Heritage by Michael Daley • Saints, Signs, and Symbols: The Symbolic Language of Christian Art

by Hilarie and James Cornwell • A Tour of a Catholic Church by Thomas Richstatter, OFM Search AmericanCatholic.org for more resources.

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orate illustrations, intriguing chunks of Church history can be gleaned through many church windows.

Stations of the Cross The Stations of the Cross, sets of 14 bas-reliefs or images spread throughout the church, offer a thought-provoking pilgrimage. They cleverly connect 14 key events from Jesus’ passion, beginning with his condemnation by Pilate until his entombment. These sets of images are most frequently used during Lent, but truly can be contemplated during any time of the year. Whether you pick one station to ponder and pray about, or go through all 14, these renderings can help viewers to better grasp the sacrifice of Christ.

So Much More Let these religious motifs and many others teach you, encourage your spiritual life, and draw you closer to the Lord. Let them enhance your knowledge of Church history, lives of the saints, Bible stories, and Catholic doctrine.

Whether plain or elaborate, sacred art can be a beautiful (pun intended) opportunity to learn about and assist in teaching the word of God. A Theresa Doyle-Nelson is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University (education) and California State UniversityFullerton. She and her husband have been married since 1985 and have three sons and one daughter-in-law. You can find Theresa online at TheresaDoyle-Nelson.com.

St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o r g

SHORT TAKE

❘ AUTHOR

Music for Mary After years in the country music business, Randy Albright is now focusing his musical talents in honor of Mary.

Country music composer Randy Albright has turned his talents over to the honor of Mary—not “Proud Mary,” but rather the humble Mary of the Gospels.

Dubbed the Johnny Cash of Catholic music for his decision to dress in black, Randy Albright has been a troubadour for Mary since 2008. Prior to that, his country lyrics were sung by others. Now he stands before audiences himself, telling his story and singing about Mary.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RANDY ALBRIGHT

What Is His Story?

Randy Albright is a soft-spoken composer of country music whose credits include lyrics recorded by such notables as Tammy Wynette and Vince Gill. His musical career, however, began in Michigan, where his adoptive mother, a woman steeped in faith, music, and Polish culture, encouraged him to write and perform polkas. She also steeped Albright in the love of Mary, whom her own parents prayed to daily in Polish.

His love of country composer and performer Hank Williams lured Albright to Nashville, Tennessee, where he hoped to gain a foothold in that genre. He achieved professional success, but he often felt homesick for his mother. This led him to revive his devotion to Mary and to the rosary.

As the siren call of country music waned, Albright’s muse became Marian. By 2008, he had composed a collection he calls A Musical Celebration of Mary.

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With his wife, Laurie, singing harmony, he took his show on the road.

Ways to Praise To spend an evening with Randy Albright is to move through the authentic scriptural tradition: her joys and her sorrows. She is both the humble handmaid and the woman clothed with the sun. Hers is the ultimate yes to life—and an invitation to listeners to repeat that yes.

Randy Albright’s faith shines through in songs like “Mary Said Yes,” which lends lyric beauty to the Annunciation narrative. Asked why he honors Mary, he says, “God went through Mary, so it seems honorable and fitting for us! Jesus worked his first miracle at her request. Mary was with Jesus from the cradle to the cross.”

And so he sings “Who Better than Mary?” and other Marian tributes. He has recorded several albums and is working on an album of pro-life songs. Mary’s choice to become the mother of Jesus—and his own adoptive mother’s choice to nurture him— has moved him in this direction.

He tours the country with his musical message: a man in black singing about a lady in blue.

By Carol Ann Morrow Carol Ann Morrow, author of many articles for St. Anthony Messenger, not only interviewed Randy Albright and his wife, Laurie, but also attended their concert in Gulf Shores, Alabama. tal Digi as Extr

Click here for more on Randy Albright.

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ASK A FRANCISCAN

❘ BY FATHER PAT McCLOSKEY, OFM

Why Does Evil Exist?

If God is all-powerful and all-good, why does evil exist? I have heard the theories of human free will, responsibility, and weakness after Adam and Eve’s fall. We simply don’t know why God allows what God allows.

Some people say that suffering gets people to return to God. Others say that because Jesus suffered, we must also. Why is there so much unbearable injustice in the world? Is God incapable of preventing evil? Is God as good and powerful as we originally thought?

The evidence of human suffering is undeniable. If someone uses that fact as a reason not to believe in God, the suffering doesn’t disappear. In fact, it may be even harder to handle.

As a group, are atheists more compassionate than people who believe in God? I don’t see any evidence to support such a generalization.

Although some atheists work in soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and similar services, they rarely, if ever, sponsor them officially.

People are killed by hurricanes,

Clean-Shaven Franciscans Wanted

© SERGEJS NESCERECKIS/FOTOLIA

I would like to see Franciscan priests and brothers clean-shaven. In St. Francis’ day, I don’t believe there was any shaving equipment.

I thank you for clearly identifying this as your preference. The Roman Catholic Church once generally forbade priests from wearing beards, mustaches, or goatees. It now sees that as a matter of personal choice.

The Western Church made an exception for Capuchin Franciscans, clerics in Eastern Catholic Churches, and some others. In the 19th century at least, all adult men under Turkish rule were required to grow beards. Our friars in modern-day Serbia, Croatia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina wore beards for centuries. There have been bearded popes, cardinals, bishops, and priests over the centuries.

Clergy in the Orthodox Churches usually have beards.

In fact, shaving equipment existed at least 2,000 years ago. This is not the place to give a full history of shaving.

I am writing this response two days after attending the funeral of a wonderful man who wore a beard for many of his 47 years as a Franciscan and 41 years as a priest. No doubt, a few people did not approve of his decision, but that beard hardly prevented him from effectively witnessing to the good news of Jesus Christ and to his Franciscan vocation. I hope the same can be said for my mustache.

5 0 ❘ Dec ember 2013

earthquakes, floods, catastrophic fires, and other causes. But most people never cite these as reasons not to believe in God or not to believe in God’s overall providence.

No, what they do cite are obviously human evils: murder, theft, abuse of children or vulnerable adults, and genocide that fill our daily news.

God did not have to create stars, rocks, flowers, birds, or people. God did all of that out of love, acting in perfect freedom. We never act with the same freedom, but every time we act in more genuine freedom, we are acting as people made in God’s image and likeness.

Most human suffering is caused by an abuse of human freedom. God could, of course, have created a world in which human freedom could not be abused. That would be the ultimate demonstration of micromanaging. In such a world, however, we could make no sense of authentic love or God-given freedom.

The evil that we encounter all too often does not indicate a lack of due diligence on God’s part, but rather a failure on humans’ part to use their freedom in a way that acknowledges God as the ultimate source of our freedom.

Later this month, we celebrate the anniversary of Christ’s birth, the most powerful reminder of God’s infinite and continuing love.

Can Married Couples Engage in Oral Sex? My wife and I have been happily married for three years. We took the pre-Cana course before we married.

At the end of the Mass, the priest smiled and said, “Enjoy each other.”

St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o rg

A friend of my wife told her that oral sex is forbidden for married couples (and everyone else, I guess).

When I asked a few priests about this, they seemed uncomfortable and gave vague answers. So what’s the story about this?

If a husband and wife choose this freely, oral sex is permitted for them as foreplay prior to sexual intercourse. It would be considered morally permissible in other contexts if it stopped short of ejaculation.

You are correct that the Catholic Church does not see this as morally permissible for a man and woman not married to each other. It is certainly not permitted for two people of the same gender, even if they live in a state that recognizes them as married.

Dedication of Months Some years ago (probably 80), each month of the year was dedicated to a person or intention. For example, May was Mary’s month, October was the month of the rosary, and November was dedicated to the Poor Souls. But that is all that I can remember! My friends here at the retirement village know what I’m talking about (we are all in our 80s or 90s), but no one can remember the list. Can you help us?

The fourth edition of The Catholic Source Book (Harcourt Religion Publishers) gives this list: January (Holy Childhood), February (Holy Family), March (St. Joseph), April (Holy Spirit/Holy Eucharist), May (Mary), June (Sacred Heart), July (Precious Blood), August (Blessed Sacrament), September (Mary’s Seven Sorrows), October (Holy Rosary), November (Souls in Purgatory), December (Immaculate Conception).

The feast of the Holy Family is celebrated in December, and Holy Thursday can fall in March or April; otherwise, each liturgical feast indicated above occurs in that month.

The same book gives this list: Sunday (Holy Trinity), Monday (Souls in Fr ancisca n Media .org

Purgatory/Holy Spirit), Tuesday (Guardian Angels), Wednesday (St. Joseph), Thursday (Blessed Sacrament), Friday (Precious Blood), and Saturday (Mary).

Other books may have other lists—there is no official, worldwide linking of feasts and months. In any case, this custom reminds us that all time belongs to God, is a gift from God, and should be used for God’s honor and glory.

Are Anglican Baptisms Valid?

Does the Catholic Church accept Baptisms in the Anglican/Episcopal Church as valid? If a person so baptized later becomes a Roman Catholic, is another Baptism needed?

I have gotten different answers from different Catholics.

would not need to be rebaptized if becoming a Roman Catholic.

This is true for most mainline Protestant denominations. Last February in Austin, Texas, representatives of the US bishops and the Presbyterian Church, United Church of Christ, Reformed Church in America, and Reformed Church in North America signed an agreement to this effect. It would not be true if some group did not recognize the divinity of God the Son or of God the Holy Spirit.

Through Baptism, a person becomes part of God’s Church in a completely new way. 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. This column’s answers can be searched back to April 1996 at StAnthonyMessenger.org.

Yes, these Baptisms are valid if the person is baptized with water and in the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. No, the person

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D e c e m b e r 2 0 13 ❘ 5 1

BOOK CORNER

❘ BY CAROL ANN MORROW

In Quest of the Jewish Mary The Mother of Jesus in History, Theology, and Spirituality

By Mary Christine Athans, BVM Orbis Books 160 pages • $19 Softcover/e-book

CHRISTMAS Reading Recommendations from Our

Facebook Fans A Christmas Carol Charles Dickens A Woman Wrapped in Silence Narrative poem

by John W. Lynch The Christmas Box Richard Paul Evans The Great American Christmas Almanac Irena Chalmers The Reader’s Digest Book of Christmas

5 2 ❘ Dec ember 2013

Reviewed by PATTI NORMILE, a former retreat director and hospital chaplain. She is the author of John Dear on Peace, as well as other books and articles on prayer, faith, and Franciscan spirituality.

A TREASURE TROVE of added information about a beloved relative whom you thought you knew well: that’s the reward for reading In Quest of the Jewish Mary: The Mother of Jesus in History, Theology, and Spirituality.

Author Mary Christine Athans applies her scholarly background as a seminary and university professor—and participant in JewishChristian endeavors—to recovering the Jewishness of Mary. Her research peels back cultural layers of false identity accrued about Mary through the centuries. In doing so, she reveals the mystery of the young woman who said yes to God. Many baby girls have been graced with the name Mary to honor the mother of Jesus. Parents choosing that name may or may not realize their child is baptized in the name of a Jewish girl. Athans’ pursuit of the Jewish Mary began in 1970 when she was invited to preach at a Sabbath gathering.

Praying with the Jewish congregation, as Jesus and his mother might have prayed, changed her spirituality forever.

As Athans peels away tiers of cultural transformation and myth, she does so with respect and reverence for the intent that fostered such changes. Political revolution, religious reformation, and the CounterReformation created an atmosphere in which Christ was viewed as king and Mary as queen, garbed in finery. As ecclesial influence spread into northern Europe, Mary appeared in art as a beautiful blue- or greeneyed, blond maiden. Gone was the image of the dark-haired, brown-eyed Jewish girl.

As that image dimmed, so did thoughts of Hebrew prayers and traditions she would have taught her son. Athans’ goal is to redeem Mary, not as a “queen, empress,” or “Nordic virgin,” but as a “Jewish woman who is ‘truly our sister.’” She asks, “Will the real Mary please stand up?”

The author’s tackling aspects of Marian devotion may trouble some, but she does so in a spirit of truth-seeking, integrating history, theology, and spirit. She points out negative aspects of Mary’s portrayal as the perfect woman. Women might have felt guilt and gloom believing they could never match such perfection. The image of a strong Jewish woman can inspire. This image may also provide a link among Christian, Jewish, and Muslim women.

Athans’ scholarly offering is sprinkled with humor. She describes a cartoon that depicts a very pregnant Mary riding on a donkey led by Joseph. Mary calmly reads a book entitled How to Be a Jewish Mother. The author also quotes an irate woman who was reminded by her pastor that Jesus was a Jew. The misguided response? “He was not! He was a Roman Catholic!”

In Quest of the Jewish Mary concludes with prayerful reflections in the manner of Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. “Timely for Advent” is one in which Athans imagines the mind and spirit of Mary at the time of the birth of Jesus. One feels present in the mystery of that first Christmas event.

When Mary Christine Athans once prayed the Sabbath prayer with a Jewish congregation, she became aware that by praying together, we will better understand one another. We can pray for the same.

St . A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r

BOOK BRIEFS

Gifts for Children—and Parents Mary’s Song Text by Lee Bennett Hopkins Eerdmans Books for Young Readers 32 pages • $17 Hardcover

A Hero for the People Stories of the Brazilian Backlands

By Arthur Powers Press 53 190 pages • $17.95 Paperback

A lovely approach to the Christmas story—with muted pastel illustrations by Stephen Alcorn— this large-format book describes the many delighted, noisy visitors to Bethlehem’s manger.

They include some that may never have been noted before, such as a cricket, a spider, and some doves.

Jonah’s Whale Reviewed by BARBARA LEONHARD, OSF, spiritual director, retreat leader, and teacher in spiritual direction in Beech Grove, Indiana.

When I read fiction, I am inclined to lean back and read for a good stretch of time.

Powers’ book of short stories made this absolutely impossible. Each of these narratives (three of which have appeared in St. Anthony Messenger) draws the reader into the experience and emotions of the characters.

Upon finishing one of these stories, one is impelled to ponder its message and its challenge before moving on to another.

One thing is apparent: the author has a deep appreciation of Brazil’s people, its history, and its problems. Powers spent much of his adult life in Brazil where, together with his wife, he worked for the Catholic Church, organizing subsistence farmers and workers’ unions. His stories reveal the hard work, fear, creativity, and anguish of rural people vulnerable to the threats of those in power. While their lives are marked by tragedy and sorrow, Powers also captures the hope, the faith, and the inner strength which undergird their resilience.

This is not a feel-good book. The characters confront the reader with stark issues of justice, situations of violence, and the difficulty of excruciating decisions. But they also introduce us to people who discover unsuspected pockets of courage within, the necessity of community, and the power of beauty in a world of pain.

These characters may be fictional, but their pain and challenges are all too real.

Fr ancisca n Media .org

By Eileen Spinelli Eerdmans Books for Young Readers 32 pages • $16 Hardcover This lovely book, with its rich and vivid illustrations by Giuliano Ferri, presents the giant whale as a rescuer who kept Jonah safe until both parties in the tale knew what God wanted of them.

This whale suffered a queasy stomach for his troubles, but could sing nonetheless.

I Wish I Had . . .

By Giovanna Zoboli Eerdmans Books for Young Readers 26 pages • $16 Hardcover This book praises the God-given qualities of blackbird, tiger, mouse, goose, lemur, dog, deer, whale, panther, owl, hare, bear, elephant, and giraffe. This menagerie is beautifully depicted in great imaginative detail by Simona Mulazzani. The picture of the whale seems to contain images of many other creatures— something to investigate with young readers.

You will be grateful that this book, first published in Italian, is now translated into English.

Books featured in this column 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 December 2013 ❘ 53

A CATHOLIC MOM SPEAKS

❘ BY SUSAN HINES-BRIGGER

The Saint in My Front Yard

C

urrently there is a mound of dirt in our front yard. Under that mound is a statue.

A statue of St. Joseph— upside down—facing the street.

Or is he facing the house? I don’t remember which way we placed him.

Anyway, next to the dirt is a For Sale sign. Confused?

Well, in case you didn’t already know, this is a fairly common custom among those trying to sell their homes. St. Joseph is considered the patron saint of real estate. In fact, when we put our house on the market, one of the first questions people asked us was not about the price or 5 4 ❘ Dec ember 2013

the reason for selling, but rather whether we had buried a St. Joseph statue yet.

A Tradition Begins But how did St. Joseph get this sales job? Well, there are a lot of stories about its beginnings. But the most prominent one involves St. Teresa of Avila, founder of the Discalced Carmelites, somewhere in the mid1500s. When the order flourished, St. Teresa began searching for land for a second convent.

Having no luck in her search, she asked all the Discalced Carmelites to pray with her to St. Joseph. She also

asked them to bury small, blessed medals of the saint around the property. Shortly after, St. Teresa found a piece of land. A tradition was started.

Yet another story about the tradition says it was German homebuilders who gave St. Joseph his gig in real estate. Apparently the builders would place a statue of St. Joseph in the walls or foundations of homes they were building. They would then say prayers for those who would eventually inhabit the house.

The builders found that the houses that contained the statues sold more quickly than those without. Over time, St. Joseph made his way out St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o rg

PRAYER TO SELL A HOUSE

ILLUSTRATIONS BY MARY KURNICK MAASS

The origins of this prayer are unknown, and there are many variations, but this version, found at prayers-forspecial-help.com, seems to be the most widespread.

from the walls, but was transferred to the front yard, where the tradition has him these days.

tal Digi as t Ex r

Click here for more information on this custom.

Skeptics Abound Of course, for as many people who put full faith in this tradition, there

O

ST. JOSEPH, you who taught Our Lord the carpenter’s trade, and saw to it that he was always properly housed, hear my earnest plea. I want you to help me now as you helped your foster child Jesus, and as you have helped many others in the matter of housing. I wish to sell this [house/property] quickly, easily, and profitably; and I implore you to grant my wish by bringing me a good buyer, one who is eager, compliant, and honest, and by letting nothing impede the rapid conclusion of the sale.

Dear St. Joseph, I know you would do this for me out of the goodness of your heart and in your own good time, but my need is very great now and so I must make you hurry on my behalf.

St. Joseph, I am going to place you in a difficult position with your head in darkness, and you will suffer as Our Lord suffered, until this [house/property] is sold.

Then, St. Joseph, I swear before the cross and God Almighty that I will redeem you and you will receive my gratitude and a place of honor in my home.

Amen.

are just as many who put little stock in the saint’s real-estate prowess.

They claim that nothing more than good marketing, pricing, and presentation is necessary for selling your home.

Either way, though, St. Joseph certainly has earned himself a reputation in the real-estate industry. In fact, a quick search of the Internet will yield lots of stories and do-ityourself kits.

So while my family is putting our trust in the hands of our real-estate agent, we’re also asking for a little

help from good old St. Joe. Our hope is that we’ll be digging him up soon, so that we can take him to our new home and give him a place of honor—right-side up, and out of the dirt. 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@FranciscanMedia.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 42)

Fr ancisca n Media .org

December 2013 ❘ 55

BACKSTORY

W

here do these articles come from? Not surprising, we spend a lot of time getting the right stuff for you. I tell potential authors that they have long odds of ever getting into your

magazine. We receive up to 1,000 manuscripts, proposals, or other ideas in a given year. Our writer’s guidelines (on our website) tell authors that it can take up to a month to evaluate their manuscript. We take submissions seriously, and it’s smart to get several opinions before making a decision

PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER HEFFRON

whether to publish an article. We read a lot and buy a few, but it’s worth it: sometimes treasures come from this stream.

At the outset, manuscripts come to me, and I send the ones that show at least a little promise to longtime freelancer and former staff member Sandy Howison, a “gatekeeper” of sorts. If they make it past Sandy and me, they go to other editors for written comments— Christopher, then Susan, and, if there’s hope, on to Jeanne and Father Pat—and, ultimately, weighing all opinions and our needs, including feedback from you, I decide whether to buy.

Some articles I assign from scratch, usually at the request of our editorial team. These generally come from a series of meetings where the editors look at upcoming events, evaluate a pile of written ideas that accumulate over a few months’ time, and decide which ideas are the strongest.

Then I set out to find the right writers for the story we want. We have a trusted group (“stable”) of freelancers in various parts of the United States and beyond. We intend to publish articles from many regions, and this stable of talented writers and photographers helps us to do that.

Last, but by no means least, come the staff-written articles. When I started here I realized that writing articles was the reward for work well done. Or, to put it another way, if all of the proofreading, copyediting, and other daily tasks were complete, then there was time to go after great article ideas. These days, we try to gather material for articles—including recordings, video, and anything else digital—whenever we attend conferences or other events afar. And once in a great while, we set out on a journey just to do an article. That is one of my favorite duties.

5 6 ❘ Dec ember 2013

St A n t h o n y M e s s e n g e r . o rg

© ARCHMEN/FOTOLIA

Editor in Chief

REFLECTION

All my own perception of beauty both in

majesty and simplicity is founded upon Our Lady.

© DAN BRANDENBURG/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM; BACKGROUND © ROB PITMAN/FOTOLIA

—J. R. R. Tolkien

ST. ANTHONY M 28 W. Liberty Street Cincinnati, OH 45202-6498

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