The Newsletter of the Mission Office of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati
Transmissions
SPRING 2022
? www.catholicaoc.org/offices/mission-and-pontificial-mission-societies > Dr. Mike Gable at mgable@catholicaoc.org The Pontificial Mission Societies: The Society for the Propagation of the Faith The Missionary Childhood Associations • The Society of St. Peter the Apostle • The Pontifical Missionary Union
Pauline Jericot Beatification May 22, 2022 By Dr. Mike Gable, Mission Office Director The archdiocese of Cincinnati celebrated its 200th anniversary last year, during which time we thanked God for those in the past who brought us to this point today. One key person who should also be noted is Pauline Jericot who, in 1822, was inspired by letters from her brother to support mission efforts in Asia.
(MCA) which now supports more than 2 million children who are enrolled in catechesis and Christian formation programs, nursery through secondary school, health care, and advocate for street children, child soldiers, human trafficking, and so on.
While working at local at a local silk factory in Lyons, France, Pauline began to invite her fellow employees to give small weekly donations to support those missions. Within a year, she had 500 workers in groups praying daily and offering financial sacrifices each week. It wasn’t long before the pope himself took Pauline’s efforts under his own wing, and thus the Society for the Propagation of the Faith was born as the first of the Pontifical Mission Societies.
Later in 1889, the Society of St. Peter Apostle was founded to support mission vocations, both priestly and Religious. Today, some 28,000 major seminarians, mostly in Asia and Africa, receive an average annual subsidy of $700 per student; assistance is also provided for men and women religious novices.
In the first 100 years of its existence, The Society for the Propagation of the Faith sent $7 million to help what was then the young church in the United States. In late 1823 to early 1824 our first bishop, Edward Fenwick, traveled to Europe seeking support and was given funds from the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. These and other donations would allow Bishop Fenwick to build churches, to dedicate the first cathedral in Cincinnati in 1826, to establish the first diocesan seminary in 1829, to set up Catholic Telegraph in 1831, and more.
These four societies each received the official title of "Pontifical" in 1922, and their central administration was transferred to Rome to assist the Pope in his outreach to the Missions.
It was in 1843, that Pauline met French Bishop Forbin-Janson to organize another pontifical mission society to invite the children of France to aid children around the world. Today it is known as the Missionary Childhood Association
Missionary Union of Priests and Religious was begun in 1916 to support those engaged in catechesis and religious education to help Catholics better understand their baptismal responsibility for the Church’s missionary work.
Today, the Propagation of the Faith continues to seek prayer and sacrifices for 1,100 mission dioceses in Asia, Africa, the Pacific Islands, and remote regions of Latin America. Your donations support pastoral and evangelizing programs, catechists, and catechetical work, building new churches, health care, education, communication, and transportation needs. On 26 May 2020, Pope Francis authorized the Congregation for the Causes of Saints to promulgate a decree recognizing a miracle attributed to Jaricot's intercession. Her beatification is set for May 22, 2022 in Lyon, France with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle presiding on the Pope's behalf.
During this Lenten/Easter season help us celebrate the inspirational work of Pauline Jericot by supporting the Societies of the Propagation of the Faith at: www.givecentral.org/pontificalmissionsocieties or use our new QR code. Or write a check to “Mission Office” c/o Mission Office, 100 E. 8th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202. Add us to your will!
Partnerships: Mutual Growth in Faith
By Pat Plas and Sherri Mathis In the late 90’s, a statement by the U.S. Bishops – “Called to Global Solidarity: International Challenges for U.S. Parishes” – challenged my parish of St. Anthony of Madisonville in Cincinnati to look beyond our borders. Twinning seemed to spell out a way to engage with a people of another Catholic parish in another part of the world. Our Twinning Committee began to investigate countries that might also look toward building a bridge of solidarity. A parish priest from the Caribbean Island of Dominica expressed interest saying he was not sure what twinning is all about but “it sounds like something that would benefit my people”. Dominicans call their island “The Nature Island of the Caribbean” due to the lushness of the land with its many rivers, waterfalls, and hot springs. I have always been overwhelmed by its beauty. But there is much poverty as one looks at dwellings with dirt floors and no running water or electricity. Life is difficult with high unemployment and little chance of moving out of the mire of poverty. Despite their hard lives our twinning partners opened their homes and hearts to us. Parishioners were eager to learn about us and to teach us about their lives and culture. Most impressive was the expressions of their deep faith within their parish church and within their community. I saw their culture of caring for their neighbor. Because of poor medical care and perhaps insufficient food, people involved themselves so very much in caring for those who lived close to them. I was moved by their constant works of mercy which did not end at the end of the day. Prayer was ever a part of our visits and I found myself joining with them in praying the rosary. These were humbling experiences because, in my own country, I had never learned to practice my faith so openly with others in their homes.
Over time, our twinning parishes have shared a commitment to each other, wishing to grow together in Jesus Christ. Visiting each other’s parishes we shared our faith, cultures, and resources. However, after 18 years, we sadly ended our formal twinning relationship because most parishioners left St. Anthony Church, including the active members of our Twinning Committee. However, we of the “diaspora” remain in solidarity with our Dominican friends. WhatsApp is the favored mode of communication as friends reach out to each other across the miles, still sharing our lives and our help when possible. Sherri Mathis adds, “After beginning our relationship with a Covenant in 2003, parishioners from Dominica and St. Anthony made many trips back and forth. We developed lasting loving relationships over the years. Johnson Drago (pictured with me) became a government official and now another one of our close friends is in the government. The people of Our Lady of Health taught us at St Anthony how to live in a situation with several churches and one pastor. How relevant that is to us now. Our Catholic Church feels so relevant to me in the solidarity of Catholics around the world. Our church is truly a worldwide church living the same lives in Christ and sharing the same Eucharist every Sunday. I feel very blessed to continue the friendships I made with the wonderful people of Dominica who I am honored to know.” -2-
“It All Started with an Ad in the Newspaper…” I am Fr Tom Charters from Dayton Ohio (pictured in back row, far right.) My home parish was St Joseph’s in Dayton and I’m a graduate of Chaminade High School. I have been a Glenmary Missioner for 49 years; having served in Kentucky, Texas, Arkansas, Georgia, Virginia, West Virginia, as well as in the Vocation Office, and having been the Novice Director. The Parish of St Michael the Archangel was established in 2011 by the Glenmary Home Missioners at the request of Bishop Richard Stika of the Diocese of Knoxville. I began the Parish with an ad in the paper inviting people to attend a meeting about establishing a parish. 43 people showed up. One was a Baptist who said he came to support what we wanted to do. Our first Mass had 37 people. Now, we have over 400 parishioners at the Parish. Since 86% of the Parish speaks Spanish, every Mass is bi-lingual. It is how the Hispanic community has wanted it since we started. We are one community. Two languages. One Body of Christ. As the Pastor, I invited Kathy O’Brien, a Glenmary Lay Missioner, to come to the newly formed mission. She came to minister in religious education, Hispanic Ministry and Youth Ministry. For eight years our Teens were a model for youth ministry: doing volunteer work at the Glenmary Outreach Service Center on Toppa Joppa, Tennessee, marching in the Prolife Rally in Washington DC, leading SEARCH retreat weekends in the Diocese of Knoxville, and being Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors at Sunday Mass, as well as other ministries.
To deepen and strengthen the faith of our youth, Kathy contacted the Catholic National Evangelization Team (NET) which is made up of men and women between the ages of 19 and 26. I really wondered how they would be able to speak to Middle School, High School and College age students at the same time, using the same material. Not only did the NET do that, but the Team and their presentations were a tremendous success. Our Middle School students were enthusiastic with the day. Our High School students asked if the Team would come back. One of the College students wants to apply to NET after she graduates next year. So powerful were the presentations on Prayer, Sacraments, Church, Personal Growth and Service that the adults who worked the kitchen were also deeply touched. If a parish is looking for a group who can energize middle school through college age people, I would encourage the parish to contact the National Evangelization Team. They were a really blessing to our Mission here in Unicoi County Tennessee.
Recipients of 2021 “Spirit of Sr. Stang Award” Dayton native Sr. Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, gave her life in 2005 while serving and advocating for her peasant friends and Brazilian rainforest. Every year since 2010 her religious community and several Cincinnati archdiocesan offices have been presenting the “Spirit of Sr. Stang Award” to those who live out her gospel values. This past year those who were awarded in our Archdiocese of Cincinnati were: From high schools: Megan Halverson, Badin H.S. (teacher); Jill Malik, St. Xavier H.S. (teacher); Bella Dawson, McNicholas H.S. (student); Liesl Carter, Alter H.S. (student).
From parishes: Bobbi Honnert of St. Dominic, Cincinnati; Judy O’Brian of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Cincinnati; Linda & Kevin Murnane of Queen of Apostles, Beaver Creek; Ron & Marilyn Vidourek of St. Julie Billiart, Hamilton; Esperanza Gallon of St. Clare, Cincinnati (pictured right)
Nominate someone for 2022!
Nomination forms for the high school awards given to a graduating senior or faculty/staff member in each Catholic high school are being accepted until April 15, 2022. Parish award nominations are accepted till September 2022. For a form or more information, email Dr. Mike Gable, Mission Office Director at: mgable@catholicaoc.org -3-
Polarization and the Church’s Mission By Very Rev. R. Aaron Wessman, GHM, PhD As a Catholic priest, and in my role as Vicar General of the Glenmary Home Missioners, I am acutely aware of how polarization and division are affecting Catholics throughout the United States. I empathize with pastors and bishops, for instance, who seek to hold together in unity the fractious factions in their parishes and dioceses. Moved with concern, I hear parishioners speak to me of divisions in their families. I am disheartened witnessing Catholics uncharitably attacking members within the Body of Christ. One of the greatest challenges facing the Church in the United States is dealing with the reality of division and polarization. Oftentimes, I think Catholics truly lament these circumstances, even as we, sadly, contribute to the problem. Yet I remain realistically hopeful. There are ways that the US-Church can respond to overcome the divisions that are threatening to rip our country and families apart. Two important factors can help us move forward: understanding the contours of polarization and looking to Jesus’ example in the incarnation as inspiration to make small changes in our own lives.
So what is polarization? Polarization as Sorting: One of the basic contours of polarization is that, over the last number of decades, people in the United States have consistently clustered themselves around different ‘poles,’ ranging from ideologies, religious positions, geographical locations, communities online, or political parties. The effects of this ‘sorting’ mean that people have little in common with those who are not clustered around their pole. There is also minimal incentive for one to ‘break out’ of one’s group and learn other perspectives. This can lead to growing suspicion towards, or inaccurate assumptions about, people belonging to other groups. Negative Polarization: Of course, there is something natural about being part of a group that shares one’s interests. The problem in the contemporary context is not so much that large demographics rarely interact or share little in common.
It is that the various groups are beginning to hate each other. This is a phenomenon called negative polarization. Mega-Identities: Political parties, along with the politicians who seek Americans’ votes, have an incentive to increase negative polarization. Hatred is a strong motivator to get people to act, especially to cast a vote. Catholics might suggest, then, that as long as they do not allow the vitriol of politics to invade the rest of their lives, they will avoid contributing to division and polarization. The problem with this view lies in the emergence of megaidentities. The idea behind mega-identities is that political identities are becoming our entire reality. In other words, if politics is polarized and divisive, the rest of life, including our parishes, families, and even our entertainment (think of professional sports) will be as well. How might Catholics respond to the present predicament? Jesus’ Incarnational Movement: First, I think we need to deepen our appreciation of Jesus’ incarnational movement. In the incarnation, the Son of God empties himself, ‘leaves’ the familiarity of his ‘home’ with the Father, and crosses over into our reality. His love for, and embrace of, creation show forth in his ministry as he stands in solidarity with sinners, outcasts, and angry religious leaders, and as he moves among the sick, dying, and demonic. Jesus’ willingness to cross over to save us ends with him on the cross, which mysteriously becomes the world’s salvation. Our Motivation: This is where I suggest we can find the motivation to overcome division and polarization. We must see what Jesus was willing to do to save us. He did not have to associate with people who rejected and spurned him. He did not have to embrace suffering, the cross, death, or hell, but he chose to cross over, to stand in solidarity with us, for our salvation. For us, then, our gratitude towards, and love of, Jesus, for his willingness to empty himself, enter into our somewhat decrepit situation, and save us, must become our motivation to act similarly towards others. Imitating Jesus: With our newfound motivation, we can imitate Jesus’ own incarnational movement, and cross over to stand in solidarity with people or groups that are different -4-
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than us, and even do so with those we find repugnant. As Christ’s disciples, we can choose to ‘cross over’ to be around people of different political parties, even if we struggle to find commonalities; we can determine to get news from outlets we normally ignore; we can have coffee with family members with whom we disagree; we can sit at a social gathering with someone we normally wish to avoid; we can invite to dinner members of our parish or diocese with differing visions of the Church or parish life; we can engage in ministry with the so-called outcasts of the world; we can listen to the stories of the poor; or we can join groups on social media we normally would not visit. Jesus’ Varied Missionary Approach: Once we ‘cross over’ what do we do? In the gospels, after Jesus encounters the other, he responds in many creative, and charitable, ways. He eats with them. He listens. He learns about them. He challenges them. He tells them stories about important matters. He heals them. He offers them the fullness of life. He even remains silent.
Yet, he never loses his identity as the Son of the Father, even as he is changed by the encounters. Ultimately, as we know, he chooses to lay down his life. But the key is that, even in the face of suffering and death, he does not avoid crossing over. For us, then, we can trust the guidance of the Spirit, and the wisdom we have gained from spending time with Jesus in his Word, to inform our own actions after we encounter the ‘other.’ Conclusion: Polarization in our society or Church will not simply go away. The problem is likely to get worse, with dire consequences, unless we make an intentional effort to remedy it. As we reflect on the reality of polarization, I invite us to look to Jesus’ example in his incarnation to find the motivation to respond. Then, in small, yet salvific ways, embrace God’s courage inside of us to cross over, encounter, love, and ultimately, bring salvation to all.
Sr. Sarah Mulligan, SC “It’s about Empowering Others” It was in 1993 that Sister of Charity, Sarah Mulligan, a trained nurse, learned about a fellow Ohioan, Comboni Fr. Bill Jansen, who was fundraising for his church and a clinic just outside Guatemala City. Fr. Jansen invited her to bring her skills to the town of Mixco and by 1998 the clinic was opened to serve low-income families. While food, medicine and medical care were offered at reduced rates, Sr. Sarah encouraged local Guatemalans to become responsible for all patient care and services. By 2018, the clinic had attracted that local support: three doctors, two nurses and 27 employees. Through surveys and visits, clinic personnel learned that social and educational programs were also badly needed. As a result, Sr. Sarah found donors to enable students to attend near-by schools while other supporters organized to empower local mothers and their families. Psychological services were provided to deal with the root problems of misogyny and violence that women and their children suffered. Outreach to senior citizens revolved around physical health awareness and social activities to build friendships and community. After 26 years in Guatemala, and now retired back in Cincinnati, Sr. Sarah reflects, “What a wonderful experience that was and a great way to end my professional career. I was blessed to serve with such good, hard workers, mothers,
fathers, and families who truly practice their faith. God is truly at the center of their lives.” She adds, “I’m truly grateful to our donors and my Sisters of Charity who supported our efforts. All that has enabled our Guatemalan friends to realize what they can do for themselves, how they can educate their own community, and how they are able improve their mental and health care." When asked, “Is mission work still valid today? Has it changed in recent years?” Sr. Sarah noted, “Yes! There are so many underserved people around the world who need support, but not to become dependent on outside aid. Mission today is more about enabling people to have opportunities to sustain themselves. As followers of Jesus, we are then to share and empower. At same time, we missioners are so blessed to receive so much love from our sisters and brothers in Christ.” -5-
As a Dad, St. Joseph Shows Me the Way By Lay Missioner Brian DeRouen Brian and Kathleen (from Cincinnati) and their sons Micah and Vitale serve as lay missioners at Alderson Hospitality House in Alderson, WV providing hospitality to relatives and friends of women inmates at the local federal prison. Reflecting on the recent “Year of St. Joseph” by Pope Francis, Brian offers these insights. Driving from West Virginia to Ohio to spend the holidays with Kathleen’s family, we were talking with our boys about the nativity scenes that we passed along the way. We chatted about our favorite characters, what role they played in the story and let the conversation invite us into the season of celebration. As usual on long drives, everyone else eventually fell asleep and I found myself thinking about St. Joseph and what he had to offer me about my place in my family, mission work, and world. In my favorite nativity scene, Joseph is positioned behind Mary as they look down upon their newborn son. In Luke’s gospel, the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, not Mary and Joseph together to announce that she was the favored one. Joseph was not threatened or intimidated by his wife or his son as he accepted with strength and dignity the role he was meant to play. Our history books teach us that it is the
explorers and generals that are to be emulated but Luke’s gospel flips that script with the example of the courage and power which Joseph displays in the background. Joseph was not worried about being the “head” of the household or a possessive protector of his wife and child in order to prove his worth. He had the courage to support them as they went out and changed the world. My jobs at the Hospitality House are to do laundry, clean bathrooms and listen to our guests. As my boys get older and find their own voices, I can take a step back, keeping a steadying hand on their shoulders and as husband I can recognize the ways that my wife brings divinity into our home. St. Joseph has shown me the way to be the man that my family, non-profit and world might need in 2022. To support their ministry, contact them at: www.aldersonhospitalityhouse.org or PO Box 579, Alderson, WV 24910
Proclaiming, Receiving, and Living GLAD TIDINGS… A Benedictine meditation by Sr. Ann Hoffman, OSB, Executive Director, Alliance for International Monasticism (AIM) USA director@aim-usa.org
"IMAGE THAT" Imagine, There’s no one hungry, no one homeless. A world of plenty for all. Imagine, A world without conflict. A world united all as one. Imagine, There’s no division. All are seen, welcomed, and have a voice. Imagine, All creation abounding with life. Imagine, All the people caring for each other. Say it’s impossible? It’s already begun.
name, a face. Now we must work to find ways so there will be no hungry or homeless. We need to work for systemic changes that allow all people – no matter the race, ethnicity, or country to have the basic human rights. We need to listen to the climate experts and climate activists, such as Greta Thunberg, and change our ways of living if we are to save Mother Earth, to save the creatures of the earth and sea, to save human life.
Imagine joining us today, as we imagine, dream, and share glad tidings. These are the Glad Tidings for year-round. AND, they are already being lived out in our midst. Our sister and brother monastics are living the Glad Tidings, how they imagine the world can be different.
Be peacemakers, building individual and global relationships. Be peacemakers, working and listening to one another. Be peacemakers, bringing an end to violent conflicts by listening to one another. Be peacemakers, seeing each person as a “child of God”. It IS possible.
It begins with one person and one community who sees; one person and one community who recognizes a need; one person and one community who listens to the voice of God and acts.
Each of us MAKES a difference. Each of us PROCLAIMS the Glad Tidings. Each of us RECEIVES the Glad Tidings.
And so, the hungry are fed, and seen as people. They have a
Let there be peace on earth! -6-
The Gift of the Mission By Joseph L. Thaler, MM, Maryknoll Missioner “Namaste”, is a word that I would hear many times each day since my initial arrival in Nepal in 1977. It was given with folded hands and a slight bow. I was told that it was a greeting given that “recognized the Divinity” in the other person. I have come to appreciate this sacred and respectful greeting that acknowledges that God is present in each one of us. As you can well imagine this was another world away from the one I grew up in during my earlier years in Cold Springs and Kenton Hills, Kentucky before heading off to the Maryknoll Seminary in 1967. When I was in the 6th grade and heard for the first time a Maryknoll Priest speak of his life as a Missioner in Africa it ignited a small missionary spark in me that grew and still burns to this day. I feel that being involved in mission means being very interested and respectful of the other and being constantly open to discovering God in any and all people and situations. In my Missionary experience of over 40 years in Asia (Philippines and Nepal) I was constantly dealing with others who were of different faiths, cultures, and customs. But all, like my family and friends in the States were asking many of the same questions concerning the meaning of life, what is good, what is the cause of evil and suffering and what happens after this life. I can imagine that any question or concerns you have been similarly raised by others. In the world today it is important for each one of us to live out our Missionary vocation and to go out and meet “the other”. The one that we would not normally encounter or associate with, and respectfully listen to their cares and concerns, not sitting in judgment but in appreciation of God’s presence in each other to discover that our diversity will actually bring us more together.
Pictured here is Govinda (in the wheel chair, I am sitting to his left), and the students and teachers in his sewing and cutting program. I met Govinda in 1984 as he crawled down the drive of the only University in Nepal calling out my name. One of the professors had invited me to meet with Govinda to help him as he was a brilliant student but had no money even to buy basics, such as food. Since then, we found financial support for him and we have been close friends ever since organizing self-help projects. I have learned from all of the Hindu and Buddhist and Muslim folks who are “differently abled,” the true meaning of seeing the Divine in one another. Being in Nepal has been a major blessing for me. I will always be most grateful for this opportunity given to serve the beautiful and amazing people of Nepal in a variety of mission ministries over the years. I highly recommend for all to consider a short/long term mission ministry in respond to God’s call. I am most grateful for all who have prayed for me and continue to support the missionary work of the Church. It is because of you that the work of Mission continues to take place around the world. Your love and your care and your kindness will always be remembered and appreciated by so many. We may come together as strangers but leave as close friends.
Namaste…Greeting God in us all…. -7-
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Many Faces of Jesus How Jesus is pictured and loved in various cultures worldwide Images collected by Abby Bezold, Xavier University student, entitled “I am who you need”
God Bless Your Lent and Easter!